Welcome to Coffee Pot Reviews! These are short and sweet reviews done in the length of time it takes my coffee pot to brew! I have two Avon books to share with you. I’ve got iced mocha coffee so grab a cup and enjoy!
by Lori Wilde
Series: Cupid Texas #0.5
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
In Cupid, Texas, they say everyone has one true love. And if you write a letter to Cupid, you will get an answer in return . . . Now, from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde, read how the legend of Cupid began . . . All it took was one great love story! Too bad for pretty young housemaid Millie Greenwood that her one true love is John Fant, the handsomest, wealthiest man in town. But in 1924, a maid—no matter how lovely—isn't about to marry into the town's foremost family, and John is on the verge of becoming betrothed to another. Everything seems hopeless until Millie writes a desperate letter to Cupid, and the most romantic legend of all is born . .
I have read and enjoyed some of Lori Wilde’s Cupid Texas series books so I was excited to have the chance to learn how the legend of Cupid Texas began. Wilde takes us back to 1924 in One True Love and shares with us the sweet, heartwarming romance that started the legend. Millie was sweet and innocent and quickly fell for John Fant a wealthy landowner. It’s an impossible romance as she is a maid but I enjoy these types of romances. The characters were sweet and a few like the maid and John’s sister made me giggle. Wilde offered a sweet romance with some interesting moments regarding the period and I loved how the legend of Cupid Texas began. Fans of the series and those who are new to it will find this to be a delightfully sweet read.
by Loretta Chase
Series: Scoundrels #3.5
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Originally appeared in the print anthology Three Weddings and a Kiss (1995). Gwendolyn Adams is about to propose to an earl. On his deathbed. Gwendolyn Adams isn't shocked at being asked to save a handsome earl's dying line, even when she learns the prospective bridegroom is seriously ill and possibly insane. She's quite a good nurse, after all, and her family is famous for producing healthy male children. Those stories about his riding the moors half-naked on a pale white horse? Extremely intriguing—especially after she gets her first look at the gorgeous lunatic. The Earl of Rawnsley wants only to lose what's left of his mind in peace and privacy. But his busybody relatives have saddled him with a surprise bride and orders to sire an heir forthwith. (And they say he's mad?) But with Gwendolyn, his health is returning, and his resistance ... crumbling. Is it possible that love is the finest madness of all?
As you know I love marriages of convenience and The Mad Earl’s Bride has an unusual twist! The Earl of Rawnsley is presumably on his deathbed and will slowly go mad just like his mother. He suffers debilitating episodes that will only continue to worsen and his doctor believes he has only months before he goes completely mad and dies from the illness. As the last living son, his death will be the end of his bloodline, so it is suggested he wed and while in a laudanum educed buzz he agrees. Gwendolyn Adams is a nurse and is asked to wed him and continue his line. The tale that unfolds is deliciously good with some wonderful medical history regarding the period which fascinated me. Gwen likes to solve medical mysteries and quite remarkable. She is outspoken, intelligent and resourceful. Dorian is rakishly handsome with long dark hair and the most unique eyes. I laughed and even teared up as I found myself completely caught up in this predictable and sweet romance. I have not read the other books in this series but it works as a standalone. I finished this in one sitting and found it to be a delightful escape.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Adria
I’ve been wanting to read The Mad Earl’s Bride since I read the blurb on Goodreads. I’m in a real historical mood so I just might bump it up on my TBR mountain… er, list.
Michelle
Ooo The Mad Earl’s Bride sounds good! I’ll have to check out the Scoundrels series (I’m making a new library list…and I’m not loosing it this time)
fishgirl182
i haven’t read either of these but they both sound pretty interesting, esp the loretta chase. i have read a few historical romances where the male was really afraid of going mad. it is very interesting to see what people though of madness back then and how they treated it. thanks for the coffee pot reviews!
fishgirl182 @ nite lite book reviews
Christy (Love of Books)
Both sound good, but I especially like the sound of The Mad Earl’s Bride!
kindlemom1
These both sound like great reads! I think I would definitely like to try One True Love, I love books set in the early 1920’s!
Blodeuedd
They both sound delightful 🙂
thegeekyblogger
Great Mini’s! Lori Wilde’s newest was a book we read and discussed last night at bookclub. I didn’t get a chance to get to the book (we read 4) but I do have it on my shelves!
Barbara Walker
More Loretta Chase makes me so happy! I’m glad you loved this one, awesome review – I’m grabbing this one right away. My mom is in love with the Wilde series, I didn’t know about the novella so she’ll be thrilled about this (I’m her source and you’re my source for most of her cowboy-ish books). Thank you. 😉 Great reviews, hon.
Toni
I love your coffee pot reviews, Kim. You know historical romance isn’t my favorite flavor, but still awesome reviews. You could almost tempt me to read one of these based on your reviews. 😉
Jenea Whittington
Great mini reviews. I am happy that you enjoyed them. 🙂
Andrea
I’ve read the first book in the Cupid, Texas series, and I liked it. It’s nice that they went back and told the legend of the town. It sounds like a good novella. Thanks for sharing, Kim!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh I think I like the sound of the Mad Earl’s Bride. I enjoy historical romance and she sounds intelligent! WIN!
Aurian
I think I do have that anthology, I just have no idea if I have read the book yet … It sounds like a fun read.
Debbie Haupt
Thanks for the great reviews Kim, love the titles and the premise. Now on to the novels 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was enjoyable and perfect for a rainy day read:) Thanks Adria!
kimbacaffeinate
I love going to the library..hope you get this one:)
kimbacaffeinate
I think it is interesting too, I also find marriage and entailed properties and such fascinating as well. Thank you so much for stopping by today:)
kimbacaffeinate
that was such fun, and interesting too!
kimbacaffeinate
Ali that was so sweet it oozed honey..LOL
kimbacaffeinate
Squeee…i delighted you:)
kimbacaffeinate
I have her latest book to read this month!
kindlemom1
I like honey every once in a while. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Barbara..i have her newest one and will be reviewing that later this month!
kimbacaffeinate
do me a favor and next time you go to library check this out:
The Emperor’s Conspiracy by Michelle Diener
Here is my review, I think this has elements that will appeal to you based on the other genres you like: http://www.caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2012/11/the-emperors-conspiracy-by-michelle.html
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Jenea, hope you have a lovely evening
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Andrea, I read a few of them and they are sweet, so it was nice to read about the legend.
kimbacaffeinate
Nice, I enjoyed these
kimbacaffeinate
I have read both of these authors before and quite enjoyed them
kimbacaffeinate
It was very good Melissa:)
Lauren
I am always up for a couple quick, sweet romantic reads! I don’t mind predictability as long as the story is enjoyable, and it sounds like these are. I especially think I’d like The Mad Earl’s Bride. Lovely coffee pot reviews (these are so fun!). 🙂
Barbara Walker
Lori Wilde’s? I’ll have to check that one out, Mom will be thrilled. 🙂 I saw Loretta Chase’s Vixen in Velvet was put off until 2014. *sob*
Toni
Will do, Kim. Thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, Love at First Sight was released in June and All Out of Love comes out this month:)
kimbacaffeinate
me too..hahaha!
kimbacaffeinate
I am the same way and yes it was a perfect afternoon read:)
Pnrurbfantasyreviews
I’m no Historical(anything) fan but you always make me want to read this genre based on your reviews, alone. Maybe someday I’ll take the leap o.o and I’ll have you to thank 🙂
GRgenius
Enjoyed the reviews though book one has me wondering…would he really write back? Really? *ponders* ^-^ Thanks for sharing your thoughts and a cup of joe! Happy reading!
kimbacaffeinate
Ha..no not this particular cupid..you will have to read to learn 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I will make a time traveler out of you yet *evil grin*
Lindy Gomez
Great Coffee Pot Reviews Kimba! The first story sounds like such a sweet romance! The second one appeals to me a whole lot! I love the whole marriage of convenience theme in books too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
karina
You totally threw me with Loretta Chase’s book. I thought it was a new one, but then saw that it was originally published in the 90s 😉 She is one of my favorite historical authors and I automatically read everything she publishes. Glad you enjoyed the book! 🙂
Anna
The Mad Earl’s Bride so sounds like one I’d love. I have a thing for the arranged mates/fake mate storylines.
kimbacaffeinate
I like her books as well but never read the anthology book.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lindy hope you get to read it:)
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I do too 🙂
Danielle Chapman
I loved ‘One True Love’ and I am happy to see you liked it as well. Thanks for the reviews!
kimbacaffeinate
yeah I love Cupid, Texas:)
Lark
I think I’ll go look these up — they sound like fun, and I can always squeeze in a novella somewhere.
kimbacaffeinate
I like them for when I finish a book before bedtime, and want to read something that won’t keep me up with just one more chapter…hello 4 am…LOL these are perfect for that