The Earl and Countess of Banfield cordially request your attendance at the wedding for their daughter Lady Gwyn Hambly to Lord Locryn Pendarvis on the 20th day of June, 1812, at Castle Keyvnor, Bocka Morrow, Cornwall.BREATHLESS AT THE WEDDING includes:Michelle Willingham’s A Rake of Her OwnAriadne Cushing is horrified when her controlling mother arranges a betrothal to a man she barely knows. She … man she barely knows. She will do anything to avoid the engagement—even if that means causing her own ruin. But how can a shy bluestocking gain the attention of a wicked rake? * Evan Middleton, Viscount Harcourt, is hiding his poverty from the rest of the world. With nothing but the clothes on his back and a horse to call his own, he needs a wealthy bride to save his family from his father’s debts. * Ariadne strikes a bargain with him that he can’t refuse…but will her proposition result in an unexpected temptation?
Jerrica Knight-Catania’s Lady Faye’s Secret Garden
Lady Faye Bryant isn’t nearly as afraid of the supposed ghosts at Castle Keyvnor as she is of her own mother. After all, the countess is using her niece’s wedding to find her daughter a titled husband. But when Faye meets a handsome local, she might just throw a wrench in her mother’s plans. * Braneck Dowlyn has been spurned once in his life, and he’s determined it will never happen again. Of course, fate has other plans, and places Lady Faye Bryant in his path. Her skepticism intrigues him, especially since he is sensitive to the Other World, and despite his fear of suffering another broken heart, he can’t seem to stay away from her.
K.C. Bateman’s A Midsummer Night’s Kiss
Kitty Worth has given up hope that her love for James Cashell will ever be reciprocated. Since his return from the war, her brother’s best friend has refused to even see her, let alone seduce her. * When they both attend a Midsummer wedding at the magical Castle Keyvnor, Kitty decides she must choose another man to wed. James, however, has sworn to protect her, and he’s determined to stop her from making a foolish mistake. If that means showing her just what the perfect kiss should entail, then so be it.* The course of true love never did run smooth, but with the dubious help of Titania, Queen of the Fairies, there’s a chance that happiness might hinge on a single, Midsummer night’s kiss. . .
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3.5 stars, rounded up
More witches, faeries and romance at Castle Keyvnor! However, of the three anthologies, I would say this installment has the least amount of “paranormal/magical” activity.
A Rake of Her Own by Michelle Willingham – 4 stars – Ariadne Cushing is quiet and shy, she spends most of her time blending into the background, she would like to marry someday, but hopes for love. But her mother has decided that it is time for her to marry and has even selected her groom – Mr. Filmore Wilson. She escapes to the library to be alone to figure out a way out of the betrothal and there she meets Evan Middleton, Viscount Harcourt. She wonders if Evan would consider ruining her – he won’t but since he needs a rich bride to save his family – they strike a bargain. He will help her break the betrothal and she will help him find a rich bride. It is clear that they are attracted and perfect for each other – but without a fat dowry, Evan can’t afford to follow his heart. This was a very sweet story, I was surprised and delighted to find myself liking Ariadne’s fiancé Filmore Wilson and I really hope he finds a lady of his own!
Lady Faye’s Secret Garden by Jerrica Knight-Catania – 3 stars – Braneck Dowlyn is a gardener at Castle Keyvnor and has lived in Bocka Morrow his entire life. Lady Faye Bryant, sister of the Duke of Markham AND the Earl of Somerton has come to for Lady Gwyn’s wedding and learns that her mother has decided to marry her off. She meets Braneck when she is hit by a rock while reading, Braneck kicked the rock and immediately is attracted to her. But Braneck knows she is far above his reach and has been burned by love before. But the heart wants what the heart wants and with the help of a faery, some witches and her rake of a brother – these two may very well find their HEA. Honestly, it was well written and entertaining, but completely improbable and unbelievable.
A Midsummer Night’s Kiss by KC Bateman – 4 stars – Kitty Worth and James Cashell, Viscount Leighton have known each other forever and Kitty has been in love with him for almost that long. But she is convinced that James thinks of her as a younger sister and will never return her feelings so she decides that maybe it is time to move on. James wants Kitty but is wracked with guilt by the death of her brother and his best friend and feels that he has nothing to offer. Titania, Queen of the Fairies sees them and decides to intervene and help them find their HEA. When James learns that Kitty is considering marriage to another man, he knows that he can’t let that happen, if she is going to marry – it will be him! But his interference doesn’t go as planned and Titania will have to step in again to get them back on the road to HEA. This was a well written, cute story, I wish is was a bit longer, but a fun quick read nonetheless!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
BREATHLESS AT THE WEDDING Is a delightfully enchanting series about a wedding being held at Castle
Keyvnor, a lovely place filled with magic and mayhem.
Michelle Willingham’s A Rake of Her Own
Michelle Willingham is a new author to me and I am so excited to have read this delightfully written story. I can’t wait to check out other things that she’s written.
Meddlesome and domineering mothers can be such a bother as Ariadne very well knows. I just love how Ariadne seeks to control her own future at all costs.
This is a captivating, well written and lovely story I enjoyed immensely. The characters are wonderfully written. The dialogue was good and interesting and the story held you spellbound until the end.
Jerrica Knight-Catania’s Lady Faye’s Secret Garden
Jerrica Knight-Catania is another new author to me and again someone I’d love to read more from. This was such a sweet story to read. And of course there’s another domineering mother to contend with, the daughter of an Earl and the gardener. But we don’t exactly get to choose who we fall in love with, do we?
The story is delightful and well written. The characters are wonderfully written, even those you might not like. The character interaction was just wonderful.
K.C. Bateman’s A Midsummer Night’s Kiss
Kate Bateman has long been a favorite of mine and this story is no different. She brings us a well written tale of two wonderful people who’ve kept their love for one another to themselves for years, neither being able to see that they love one another. And then, Kitty decides that it’s time to move on thinking that James will never return her love. But not to fear, Titania, the Queen of the fairies decides to lend a hand.
Kate’s characters are delightfully charming and well written. The dialogue is well written and easily felt. The emotion and tension between Kitty and James was so real you could almost feel it. Her imagery is always amazing and draws you into the story.
I’ve always loved how Kate draws you into the story from the start.
Thank you so much ladies for such a wonderful opportunity to read your amazing stories and fall in love with your characters and writing. I’m so thrilled that I found two new authors to follow.
Three good stories from different perspectives at the same wedding. I like that even though two of the women have such controlling mothers, they are determined to determine their destiny. Enjoyed all the stories.
Another of the A Summer Wedding at Castle Keyvnor releases. I enjoyed all three stories.
A Rake of Her Own – Michelle Willingham – Ariadne was a sweet but put-upon young lady who wanted real love. Evan wanted a wealthy wife to cover his father’s debts. I loved his loyalty to family and willingness to protect Ariadne.
Lady Faye’s Secret Garden – Jerrica Knight-Catania – A tale of love that crossed proper lines. I enjoyed Faye’s willingness to give up her life to be with Braneck. He was dedicated to his job, and I loved his obvious attachments to animals, the paranormal, and Faye.
A Midsummer’s Night Kiss – KC Bateman – I enjoyed the journey to understanding that their love had always been there. Kitty knew since childhood that she loved James, though she was ready to move on. James was guilt ridden but he knew he cared for Kitty. Misunderstandings and tricks, with a little assist from the paranormal realm, turned to an HEA.
All three stories are worth reading. I loved the giggles, tears, and interconnections with the characters of the other stories throughout the collections.
I received a copy of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
I really enjoyed the stories in this set. Ariadne and Evan were fun to watch as she learned more about herself and what she was capable of! Loved how she handled her mother!
The 2nd story with Faye and Braneck was more of an instant love. There were several questions I still had by the end of this book, but I did like how Faye handled her life!
The 3rd book with Kitty and James was my favorite! I really loved watching those 2 interact, both in love with the other but scared their feelings weren’t reciprocated.
Thank you for the copy, it was a great read! I always enjoy my trips to Castle Keyvnor!
Another visit to the wedding at Keyvnor Castle in the mystical town of Bocca Morrow. Ghosts and the Fae encounter overbearing mothers and unwanted betrothals; men fighting bitter pasts; and long lost loves. I received an ARC of this book.
The wedding adventures continue with some of my favorite tropes. A blushing bluestocking finds her rake, best friend to husband, a pushy mother and a little magic bring us three fanciful stories of love come true.
A Rake Of Her Own by Michelle Willingham
Willingham is a new author to me. I enjoyed it. I love an excellent wallflower story. The shy Ariadne is drawn out of her shell by the handsome rake. There are a few steamy scenes. Masterful storytelling. I can’t wait to find more books by Ms. Willingham. 4 stars
A Midsummer’s Night Kiss by K.C. Bateman
K.C. Bateman is one of my favorite authors, and she has written another great story in “A Midsummer’s Night Kiss.” I love the “Older Brother’s best friend” trope. Kitty Worth is a guest of the wedding at Castle Keyvnor when she finds her deceased brother’s best friend James Cashell attending the festivities as well. I enjoyed the tension between the two characters. Bateman just outdoes herself again. I will have to grab more books by this author. I was given a copy of this compilation.
ℝℍ ℍ ℕ
#3
ℎ ℎ, ℎ-, ..
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Release date 05/22/2020
Publisher Ava Stone Inc
Global Blurb
The Earl and Countess of Banfield cordially request your attendance at the wedding for their daughter Lady Gwyn Hambly to Lord Locryn Pendarvis on the 20th day of June, 1812, at Castle Keyvnor, Bocka Morrow, Cornwall.
Ariadne Cushing is horrified when her controlling mother arranges a betrothal to a man she barely knows. She will do anything to avoid the engagement—even if that means causing her own ruin. But how can a shy bluestocking gain the attention of a wicked rake?
Evan Middleton, Viscount Harcourt, is hiding his poverty from the rest of the world. With nothing but the clothes on his back and a horse to call his own, he needs a wealthy bride to save his family from his father’s debts. *
Ariadne strikes a bargain with him that he can’t refuse…but will her proposition result in an unexpected temptation?
Will they make the right choice …
This one story was so lovely, a tale of choosing love over security or wealth.
Ariadne is one to fade in the background, invisible for most, and while she is quite happy of her situation, she also long for something else than the spinsterhood waiting her if she escapes her mother’s clutches.
Ewan is a honorable man reduced to poverty and with very few options left if he wants to keep a roof over his family. Still, he hopes more than a true marriage of convenience, he will respect his wood and his wife, if only he could like her.
Thrown together, Ariadne discovers she is not so shy around Ewan while he rethinks his true needs if he could have her in his future.
5 stars for this sweet romance of resilience and faith.
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Lady Faye Bryant isn’t nearly as afraid of the supposed ghosts at Castle Keyvnor as she is of her own mother. After all, the countess is using her niece’s wedding to find her daughter a titled husband. But when Faye meets a handsome local, she might just throw a wrench in her mother’s plans.
Braneck Dowlyn has been spurned once in his life, and he’s determined it will never happen again. Of course, fate has other plans, and places Lady Faye Bryant in his path. Her skepticism intrigues him, especially since he is sensitive to the Other World, and despite his fear of suffering another broken heart, he can’t seem to stay away from her.
RTC
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Kitty Worth has given up hope that her love for James Cashell will ever be reciprocated. Since his return from the war, her brother’s best friend has refused to even see her, let alone seduce her.
When they both attend a Midsummer wedding at the magical Castle Keyvnor, Kitty decides she must choose another man to wed. James, however, has sworn to protect her, and he’s determined to stop her from making a foolish mistake. If that means showing her just what the perfect kiss should entail, then so be it.
The course of true love never did run smooth, but with the dubious help of Titania, Queen of the Fairies, there’s a chance that happiness might hinge on a single, Midsummer night’s kiss. . .
A cute story of letting the past go, and setting it right.
Both are rather determined persons, so stubborn they do not see they are pinning for one another.
Kitty has always had a thing for her brother’s best friend, an infatuation that moved to more but the war changed everything when it stole her brother and wounded James.
Now he is back in her life, but keeps apart from her, it is maybe time to move on.
James has hidden his feelings for Kitty for years, and now guilt keeps him from confessing them. Yet it does not mean he will watch idly Kitty been seduced by someone else than him.
Their romance is one of going past one’s fear, to embrace love and open one’s heart.
4.5 stars
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Three Enchanting Castle Keyvnor Stories 4.5*
A Rake of her Own 5* by Michelle Willingham
Unlike all the other stories connected with Castle Keyvnor there are no supernatural goings on in the romance between Ariadne and the poverty stricken Viscount Ewan Harcourt. Just a domineering mother and a need for a fortune! A delightful story.
Lady Faye’s Secret Garden 4* by Jerrica Knight-Catania
I am not usually enamoured by historical romances where there is huge inequality in status. However this story about the daughter of an Earl and a gardener was so fairytale in quality that I didn’t mind one little bit.
A Midsummer Night’s Kiss 5* by K C Bateman
In this story we have Titania, the Queen of the Fairies, taking a hand to smooth the path of true love between old friends Kitty and James. Lovely story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4,5 Stars
Michelle Willingham’s A Rake of Her Own 4 Stars
Ariadne Cushing is horrified when her controlling mother arranges a betrothal to a man she barely knows. Evan Middleton, Viscount Harcourt, is hiding his poverty from the rest of the world. With nothing but the clothes on his back and a horse to call his own, he needs a wealthy bride to save his family from his father’s debts. Ariadne strikes a bargain with him that he can’t refuse…but will her proposition result in an unexpected temptation? A heart warming story that lifted my mood
Jerrica Knight-Catania’s Lady Faye’s Secret Garden 4 Stars
Lady Faye Bryant isn’t nearly as afraid of the supposed ghosts at Castle Keyvnor as she is of her own mother. After all, the countess is using her niece’s wedding to find her daughter a titled husband. Braneck Dowlyn has been spurned once in his life, and he’s determined it will never happen again. Of course, fate has other plans, and places Lady Faye Bryant in his path. Another delightful short story, ideal for whiling away a few hours
K.C. Bateman’s A Midsummer Night’s Kiss 5 Stars
Kitty Worth & James Cashell along with her brother grew up together & Andrew & James went off to fight in Spain but only an injured James returned..Both James & Kitty are in love with each other but don’t realise how he other feels & of cause the course of true love never did run smooth, but with the dubious help of Titania, Queen of the Fairies, there’s a chance that happiness might hinge on a single, Midsummer night’s kiss. A gem of a short story which I devoured
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I just adore books that feature my favourite authors all in a bundle, and when the stories are this fun? I love it.