The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
Goodreads blurb: When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, she’s not only North Carolina’s richest woman, she’s also its most notorious. The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family’s estate high in the Blue Ridge mountains. In the aftermath of her death, that estate—along with a nine-figure fortune and the complicated legacy of being a McTavish—pass to her adopted son, Camden. But to everyone’s surprise, Cam wants little to do with the house or the money—and even less to do with the surviving McTavishes. Instead, he rejects his inheritance, settling into a normal life as an English teacher in Colorado and marrying Jules, a woman just as eager to escape her own messy past. Ten years later, Camden is a McTavish in name only, but a summons in the wake of his uncle’s death brings him and Jules back into the family fold at Ashby House. Its views are just as stunning as ever, its rooms just as elegant, but coming home reminds Cam why he was so quick to leave in the first place. Jules, however, has other ideas, and the more she learns about Cam’s estranged family—and the twisted secrets they keep—the more determined she is for her husband to claim everything Ruby once intended for him to have. But Ruby’s plans were always more complicated than they appeared. As Ashby House tightens its grip on Jules and Camden, questions about the infamous heiress come to light. Was there any truth to the persistent rumors following her disappearance as a girl? What really happened to those four husbands, who all died under mysterious circumstances? And why did she adopt Cam in the first place? Soon, Jules and Cam realize that an inheritance can entail far more than what’s written in a will––and that the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave.
This is an ARC review thanks to a gift from the publisher. The book comes out January 9th, 2024
My take: 4 out of 5. Rachel Hawkins is back in top form in this one. The twists in this book I did not fully see coming, and I love that. Also, all the characters are so flawed; it’s wonderfully refreshing. There is no good or bad guy, just regular people making crappy decisions throughout. Additionally, this is another great estate in the Carolinas, serving as a character in the book, and it is making me want to go on a road trip to explore these houses. Maybe I need to organize a book club outing around it.
I’m putting the next two together because funnily they are fairly similar, and its funny I read them in the same month – both romances about Latin American heiresses in France in the late 1800s and both parts of trilogies:
An Island Princess starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera
Goodreads blurb: One last summer. For Manuela del Carmen Caceres Galvan, the invitation to show her paintings at the 1889 Exposition Universelle came at the perfect time. Soon to be trapped in a loveless marriage, Manuela has given herself one last summer of freedom—in Paris, with her two best friends. One scandalous encounter. Cora Kempf Bristol, Duchess of Sundridge, is known for her ruthlessness in business. It’s not money she chases, but power. When she sees the opportunity to secure her position among her rivals, she does not hesitate. How difficult could it be to convince the mercurial Miss Caceres Galvan to part with a parcel of land she’s sworn never to sell? One life-changing bargain. Tempted by Cora’s offer, Manuela proposes a her beloved land for a summer with the duchess in her corner of Paris. A taste of the wild, carefree world that will soon be out of her reach. What follows thrills and terrifies Cora, igniting desires the duchess long thought dead. As they fill their days indulging in a shared passion for the arts and their nights with dark and delicious deeds, the happiness that seemed impossible moves within reach…though claiming it would cause the greatest scandal Paris has seen in decades.
my take 3.5 out of 5 This is the second part to the book i read last year: Caribbean Heiress in Paris. It is a recreation of the same events and timeline of the first book from another perspective which is fun, but also a bit less exciting as some of the outcomes if not all you already know. The setting of late 1800s in Paris is always fabulous, and this LGBT take on the era was different and original
Ana Maria and The Fox by Liana de la Rosa
Goodreads blurb: A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season. Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna familia. So, when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge during the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox. Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now as a member of Parliament, Gideon’s on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all–a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana María is a distraction he must ignore. But when Ana María finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection…but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?
my take 3.5 out of 5. – It reads very similar to the trilogy above, yet there are some key differences. These are not friends but sisters, and there is a political aspects to it that I really enjoyed. I might need to finish all two trilogies to say which one is better as here i have less information. Ana Maria is quite a fun character and I was invested in their story. ITs lso a fun romance and all the side characters are great. The downside in this one vs the other trilogy is that I think the characters’/stories of the other books are hinted at here, where as with Herrera’s book it is a surprise. However I’m going to have to wait for the next installment to see if its as predictable as I think its going to be
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
Goodreads blurb: Then. Twentysomething writer Chani Horowitz is stuck. While her former MFA classmates are nabbing book deals, she’s in the trenches writing puff pieces. Then she’s hired to write a profile of movie star Gabe Parker. The Gabe Parker–her forever celebrity crush, the object of her fantasies, the background photo on her phone–who’s also just been cast as the new James Bond. It’s terrifying and thrilling all at once… yet if she can keep her cool and nail the piece, it could be a huge win. Gabe will get good press, and her career will skyrocket. But what comes next proves to be life-changing in ways Chani never saw coming, as the interview turns into a whirlwind weekend that has the tabloids buzzing.
Now. Ten years later, after a brutal divorce and a heavy dose of therapy, Chani is back in Los Angeles, laser-focused on one thing: her work. But she’s still spent the better part of the last decade getting asked about her deeply personal Gabe Parker profile at every turn. No matter what new essay collection or viral editorial she’s promoting, it always comes back to Gabe. So when his PR team requests that they reunite for a second interview, she wants to say no. She wants to pretend that she’s forgotten about the time they spent together, years ago. But the truth is that those seventy-two hours are still crystal clear, etched in her memory. And so… he says yes. Chani knows that facing Gabe again also means facing feelings she’s tried so hard to push away. Alternating between their first meeting and their reunion a decade later, this deliciously irresistible novel will have you hanging on until the last word. A restless young journalist with big dreams interviews a Hollywood heartthrob–and, ten years later, it’s clear that their time together meant more than meets the eye in this sexy, engrossing adult debut novel.
I wanted to read Once More with Feeling so I felt I should do a back to back of Elissa Sussman as I had not read this one her first one. It is a lovely A list meets normal girl romance, that is quite addictive. Parker is the epitome of ‘book boyfriend goals,’ with his irresistible charm. What truly sets this novel apart is its brilliant timeline. The book’s pacing leads you through a rollercoaster of emotions, from heartwarming moments of tenderness to thrilling twists and turns that leave you breathless.
While some may find the degree of connection between the main characters after just a weekend a little far-fetched, I choose to suspend my disbelief and fully immerse myself in their world. After all, isn’t that part of the charm of reading—getting lost in a story that allows us to escape reality for a while?In conclusion, if you’re in the mood for a captivating romance with a hint of glamour this might be the book for you.
Once More with Feeling
Goodreads blurb: Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America’s number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that’s why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who’s always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee’s relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life…
Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams–a starring role in the Broadway show he’s directing and a chance to perform the way she’s always wanted. The two haven’t spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can’t deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you’ve been burned in the past?
A former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight–along with an old flame from her past–in this “friends to lovers” meets “enemies to lovers” romance from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, the sensational Tik Tok romance!
My take: 4.75 out of 5. This book might have been AI generated just for me, as it has so many things that I love. There are so many amazing musical theater references, as it is set during the production of a musical. It was like being transported to the glittering world of backstage drama. It is also a beautiful romance, there was no way I wasn’t going to love this book. It might not be your cup of tea but it definitely was mine, my ta crackers and finger sandwiches all in one. My favorite reference was of a to a newsies/grease 2 watch combo and I was hooked and need to recreate this fabulous night. This was not just a second chance romance it was also a second chance female empowerment tale and I was here for it!!
Tati's Tidbits 