ARC Review: Lady Claire Is All That by Maya Rodale

Maya Rodale is such a refreshing read. I really enjoyed and continue to enjoy her books. “Lady Claire is All That” is the third book in the “Keeping up with the Cavendishes’s” series. The Cavendishes’s are an American family. They have traveled with their brother to England when he learns that he has inherited a Dukedom. Because of their very “American” ways, they are instant outcasts. The previous two books focused on the second and youngest sisters, this one is about Claire the oldest. As can be expected of Rodale’s books, they are always funny, sweet and original. This book takes place simultaneously with the other three books. So many of the events from the previous books are taking place at the same time as Claire’s story.

Claire is a definite outcast. She is American and very proud of it. She has no desire to conform to the standards set forth by English society. Besides her American mannerisms, Claire is an intellectual. Nothing interests her more than math and this makes her an instant odd ball. Claire is torn between her own intellectual desires-writing papers on math and attending lectures and helping her siblings assimilate into their new environment.

Fox is licking his wounds when his fiancée tries to elope with an actor. Fox is Claire’s exact opposite. Where she loves to analyze different mathematical formulas he enjoys physical exertion. He likes to box and enjoys society. He enjoys training his beloved dog-Stella and has never wanted for female attention. When his “friend” makes a wager with him Fox can’t help but prove that he still has what it takes and he can still win at whatever he sets his mind to do. He wagers his friend that he can turn Claire into a popular lady in society. Fox has his work cut out for him because Claire has no interest in becoming popular.

I really enjoy Rodale’s story. Although I didn’t “love” this story it was still enjoyable to me and I was curious to see how Claire and Fox would find their way together. One of my little issues with this book is that I felt Fox and Claire didn’t fit. I think the author made an effort to show that they complimented each other but aside from the physical interactions I didn’t see them as a couple that was head over heels in love. Nonetheless I speed through this book and found it enjoyable-I have very high standards for Rodale. Next book is James-the brother’s story. I keep hoping he will finally find his happily-ever-after. This is a great and fun series and I encourage anyone to read it!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Chasing Lady Amelia by Maya Rodale

I’ve been waiting for “Chasing Lady Amelia” by Maya Rodale for so long… I could not believe when I finally had a copy in my hands to read. First, I loved, loved, loved the first book in the series, “Lady Bridget’s Diary.” It was such an amazing read and I devoured it. Even though I was fascinated by Lord Dary and Lady Bridget my interest was piqued when I read about Amelia. “Chasing Lady Amelia” is a story that is parallel to “Lady Bridget’s Diary.”

First, Maya Rodale is such a gifted story-teller. She has such a magical way of bringing her characters to life that they seem real and they are fascinating. Lady Amelia was such a great character. Her energy, charisma and personality jumped off the pages. There are many funny moments, comical, just like in the previous book. Just like Lady Bridget, Amelia has a very hard time fitting in, but unlike Lady Bridget, she doesn’t care. Amelia feels stifled by all the rules that she has to follow. She loves her family very much but she wants to be her own person and feels like she doesn’t fit into London society.

If anyone knows about being an outcast it’s Alistair Finlay-Jones. Alistair has been out of London for many years and is also an outsider. When he is asked to marry and marry well Lady Amelia becomes a big salvation for him. Finally, he can make amends for his ways and win his families favor. Alistair sees Lady Amelia drunk in the street one day, he takes her in and doesn’t know who she is. When fortune smiles down on him he starts to follow her around London. The more time that Alistair and Amelia spend together the more they like each other and the more they realize that they are meant to be together.

Rodale is such a great author! I just love to read her. I have to say that the only part I had a hard time with was the span of the plot. Amelia and Alistair spend two days together and that is the entire book. It would have been more believable if it had been longer than just that. Nonetheless, this was a great story, and I’m already impatient for Lady Claire’s story!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Lady Bridget's Diary by Maya Rodale

Maya Rodale can really tell a story! I was so excited to see “Lady Bridget’s Diary” and even more excited to see that it is a kick off to a series. If the rest of the books are as good as this one, we-her fans- have some great things to look forward to.

First, if you have not read Maya Rodale before-read her! She is such a creative storyteller. Although I have not loved all her stories I have definitely enjoyed them and I loved this story. Lady Bridget is loosely based off of Elizabeth Bennett. I love Pride and Prejudice and have read it so many times I can probably recite it by heart. We have our very own Lord Dary in this story that is based on the classical Fitzwilliam Darcy. Although Bridget is based on Elizabeth she is very uniquely her own character. Bridget is an American. She and her siblings are in London because her brother is the heir to one of the oldest and prestigious titles in London. Needless to say, none of the siblings are Ton material, but they are fantastically entertaining and I cannot wait to see how Rodale unravels their stories.

When Bridget and Darcy meet they have many of the same misconceptions that the classical characters have. I do have to say that although they are based on Pride and Prejudice both characters really are uniquely original. I loved the chemistry between Bridget and Darcy. I also loved that Bridget was far from the ideal “British” beauty, not only physically but also her personality. Bridget and Darcy share many funny and heartwarming scenes. I loved watching their story unfold and how they brought out the best and worst in each other. Rodale did something that I often find frustrating in other books- she managed to make the secondary characters as interesting at the hero and heroine and I liked them so much that I cannot wait to read their own stories. I see some brewing already for her brother and the governance not to mention Amelia and Alistair. I enjoyed every little scene these characters were in.

Once I started reading this story I was instantly in love with the story and the characters. I loved the adventures and the quirky traits of the “Americans” in London. I loved how Rodale added some very modern aspects to this story and I loved how she dealt with the issues. I’m already on the lookout for the next books to come. This was a sweet and exciting story with many funny twists and turns.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: Lady Bridget's Diary by Maya Rodale

In the first novel of Maya Rodale's stunning new series, an American heiress must learn to navigate London society and an infuriatingly irresistible rake . . .

Lord Darcy is the quintessential Englishman: wealthy, titled, impossibly proper, and horrified that a pack of Americans has inherited one of England's most respected dukedoms. But his manners, his infamous self-restraint, and his better judgment fly out the window when he finds himself with the maddening American girl next door.

Lady Bridget Cavendish has grand—but thwarted—plans to become a Perfect Lady and take the haute ton by storm. In her diary, Bridget records her disastrous attempts to assimilate into London high society, her adoration of the handsome rogue next door, her disdain for the Dreadful Lord Darcy, and some truly scandalous secrets that could ruin them all.

It was loathing at first sight for Lady Bridget and Lord Darcy. But their paths keep crossing . . . and somehow involve kissing. When Lady Bridget's diary goes missing, both Darcy and Bridget must decide what matters most of all—a sterling reputation or a perfectly imperfect love.

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Sealed With a Kiss Event with Maya Rodale

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the bestselling and award winning author of numerous smart and sassy romance novels. A champion of the genre and its readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and has written for The Huffington Post, NPR, Bustle.com and more. Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own. 

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Guest Post with Katharine Ashe, Caroline Linden, Miranda Neville, Maya Rodale and Giveaway

The Lady Authors, four historical writers, have gone contemporary with At the Billionaire’s Wedding: As Caroline Linden, Maya Rodale, Katharine Ashe, and Miranda Neville discovered, writing about the modern era requires a different kind of hero.

Award-winning Katharine Ashe writes lushly intense historical romance with a touch of adventure. She is the author of How To Be a Proper Lady, one of Amazon's Ten Best Romances of 2012, and eight other acclaimed novels set in nineteenth-century Britain. Readers can visit her website and discover how parts of her time-traveling heroine's story are in fact autobiographical (though she refuses to admit precisely which).

Find Katharine at:

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Feature and Giveaway: What a Wallflower Wants by Maya Rodale

In the third novel in Maya Rodale’s charming Wallflower series, London’s Least Likely to Be Caught in a Compromising Position finds temptation in a devilishly handsome stranger . . .

Miss Prudence Merryweather Payton has a secret.

Everyone knows that she’s the only graduate from her finishing school to remain unwed on her fourth season-but no one knows why. With her romantic illusions shattered after being compromised against her will, Prudence accepts a proposal even though her betrothed is not exactly a knight in shining armor. When he cowardly pushes her out of their stagecoach to divert a highwayman, she vows never to trust another man again.

John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is nobody’s hero.

He’s a blue-eyed charmer with a mysterious past and ambitious plans for his future-that do not include a wife. When he finds himself stranded at a country inn with a captivating young woman, a delicate dance of seduction ensues. He knows he should keep his distance. And he definitely shouldn’t start falling in love with her.

When Prudence’s dark past comes back to haunt her, John must protect her-even though he risks revealing his own secrets that could destroy his future.

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ARC Review: What a Wallflower Wants by Maya Rodale

I love when one of my favorite authors does not disappoint! Maya Rodale is such a smart writer! She always pushes the limits with her hero and heroine. Although the previous (Bad Boys & Wallflowers #3) were lighter, the material covered in this book is dark and uncomfortable, but it does not in any way take away from the story. I also applaud Ms. Rodale for using her literary voice to discuss the importance of the issues she covered in this story. Her writing is always enjoyable and her characters are always lovable!

In the previous “Bad Boys and Wallflowers” books we saw how her two friends and former wallflowers, Emma and Olivia, find their true loves. Prudence is happy for her friends but realizes that her chances at true love were over many years ago. She finally takes her fate into her own hands, although she has always been happy sitting in the shadows and hiding, she does not want to be a failure. During her adventure her plans go awry and she finds herself completely alone on the roadside of a small town.

When we meet Prudence she is beaten down by life. She has given up all hope, she is jaded by men and by her fate. Enter our hero: John Roark, Viscount Castleton. I just loved John! He was so sweet and caring and fantastic. He gave Prudence insight into herself again and helped her find her own strength.

I highly recommend this fantastic novel. There are many twists and turns. Although the first half of the book is mostly about Prudence the second part is more about discovering who John is and how they become a couple. They both have heavy burdens to carry but both are worthy of a happily-ever-after. The ending does not disappoint, the villains are so vile that there is only satisfaction when they get what they deserve! Bravo Prudence, you were an admirable heroine and bravo Maya Rodale another fantastic read!

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Bad Boy Billionaire: What A Girl Wants by Maya Rodale

 The Bad Boy Billionaire: What A Girl Wants is the third installment about a modern day woman who writes historical romance novels. Maya Rodale has written not only three installments about the author Jane Sparks, but she has also written the three historical romance stories to go along with these books. I like that this series gives you both the modern and the historical, and that you have the opportunity to read Jane's books as well. I think this is a really cool series, and such a unique idea. I didn't really know what I was getting into before starting this book, and I hadn't read any of the other stories before starting this book. I didn't have a problem though, and this one was easily read as a standalone. I do think that reading these books in order would be the better way to go though, and would be a much better experience for the reader. I still really enjoyed this short and sweet story though, and after reading it I look forward to reading the others in this series.

Jane had been dumped by her high school boyfriend and fired from her job. Looking to save some face, she made a deal with Duke Austen the Bad Boy Billionaire. She would pretend to be his fiance and help clean up his reputation, and he would be her date to her high school reunion. What started out as fake, turned into something real. Now Duke really is her boyfriend, and they are actually in love. But when she is violently attacked by her ex, everything changes. The night of the attack, a storm hits and leaves Jane and Duke stranded at his apartment with no power. While Jane struggles after the attack, Duke tries his best to be there for Jane in whatever way she needs. But her reunion is fast approaching, and she fears her ex-boyfriend will be there. The reunion also happens to be the same night that Duke's company is having a part to celebrate his billion dollar IPO launching. Now, Duke and Jane must decide whether her past or his future is more important and what that choice will mean for the future of their relationship.

I really liked Duke and Jane. I thought that they were both really likable and easy to relate to. I didn't know them before this book since I hadn't read the previous stories, but I was still able to get behind their story and root for them. I thought that Duke was sweet and sexy, and he really cared about Jane. He was a bit of a tech nerd, but it was really adorable. I thought it was cute how much he was addicted to technology, and that he and Jane were able to be so playful about it. Jane was strong and fun, and I liked that even after everything that had happened to her that she was able to let Duke in. She and Duke were great together, and I loved the ease of their relationship. They worked really well as a couple, and I thought that these two really made each other better. They had a lot of chemistry together, but they also just fit together perfectly.

I liked this book, and I thought that Duke and Jane were great. I did feel like there were a few things that were a bit cheesy or over the top. But I was still able to enjoy this quick novella. I am interested to go back to the start and see the whole story of Duke and Jane, as well as read her historical books. I really do think this series is such a cool idea, and I think that romance fans will really enjoy getting such a different and unique experience with these books. I look forward to reading more from Maya Rodale, and I think that this is definitely a series worth checking out for fans of both contemporary and historical romance.

**ARC Provided by Edelweiss**

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ARC Review: Wallflower Gone Wild by Maya Rodale

I read Maya Rondale before and I think she is really a fantastic and creative writer. She writes scenes with such precision that they are easily believable. I also like that her characters are always different, unique and almost a little bit of outcasts. I really like her as an author.

Wallflower Gone Wild was a historical romance/comedy. There were so many scenes and so many conversations that are laugh-out-loud. These characters really do and say the craziest things. The hero and the heroine are not the only ones that make this story funny, the supporting characters have their own mischievous acts. Combine that with a very stuffy English society and it becomes very comical.

Lady Olivia Archer has always followed the rules. She does what is expected of her. Says what is expected of her and by all accounts is a perfect English Lady. But she has had it. She is in her fourth season and no marriage proposals in sight. One night she meets a handsome a very alluring stranger. Her dreams are completely destroyed when that same gentleman is none other than Phinneas Cole—aka The Mad Baron. Olivia becomes desperate to cause a scandal when he offers for her and her parents accept!

Lady Olivia and her other wallflower friends devise schemes to dissuade “The Mad Baron” from wanting to marry Olivia. They really try everything possible. Phinn picked Olivia because she was (or so he thought) everything his late wife was not. He believed Olivia to be sweet, gentle, kind and a proper English lady. When Olivia goes out of her way to prove otherwise he realizes that his reputation is shadowing any chance he might have with her.

I really thought this was a great and funny romance. Phinn is such an excellent guy. He is more into mathematics and building machines then into chasing woman around English society. He prefers to spend his time working in the country or his machines and is socially awkward at times. The problem is that Olivia doesn’t believe that. It is impossible not to ache for Phinn, especially when all his secrets are revealed. Although I liked Olivia she was overly silly. Granted she thought she was marrying a murder. But she was just too much. Phinn really carried this story for me and the friendship between the wallflowers was also very sweet and endearing. I recommend this story if you’re looking for a funny story about two very unpopular people in English society looking for a chance at love.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: The Bad Boy Billionaire’s Girl Gone Wild by Maya Rodale

Jane Sparks loses her job as head librarian the same day her high school sweetheart, Sam, dumps her. She meets billionaire Duke Austen at a party. As a joke, her friend Roxanna posts the couple is engaged. Duke decides it’s a great idea and Jane goes along, sporting a cubic zirconia ring. Until she starts to fall for him. The fake engagement is all to help repair his bad boy reputation. Sam reappears and asks to see her. He is attending a conference and interviewing for a job. He asks about her book. Jane has kept quiet about writing her historical romance saga. Duke appears and reclaims her time and her body. Roxanna finds her book and reads it. Who’s the hero of The Wicked Wallflower? Sam or Duke? The women decide to upload the book for sale. Jane selects Maya Rodale as her pen name. It doesn’t take long for Jane to be outed as the author. The phony engagement stories start to fly around the Internet. Duke is about to close on a major deal with his investors. He’s not pleased to read about his thinly disguised life in her book. He decides its best if they fake a break up until his deal’s done. It would benefit both of them. Sam calls to offer his shoulder to cry on. It’s no use, she chooses Duke. They take a break and rejoin their careers. Twitter and other social media buzz about them and their relationship. Jane is used to Duke’s silence, until one day he posts a message just for her.

Jane and Duke make an intriguing couple. Thrown together as a publicity stunt, they find passion and love. The hard choice between careers and relationships follows them into the public eye. It was interesting to read passages from the historical romance and see the same characters depicted in the 1820s. The change in the socially accepted behavior is fascinating.

This is a modern day novella paralleling Rodale’s actual historical romance, The Wicked Wallflower. I didn’t know it and hadn’t read any of her books before. It’s a savvy marketing tool and a good story. Heroes do fall for the quiet girls waiting along the wall. This story stands alone, but now I want to read TWW.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: Wicked Arrangement by Maya Rodale

The first installment of a sexy, whirlwind romance about a modern day heroine writing historical romance novels based on her romantic misadventures with the bad boy billionaire.

Jane Sparks has accidentally announced her engagement on Facebook—to the infamous Bad Boy Billionaire, Duke Austen. As soon as it’s discovered that Jane and Duke barely know each other (One hot kiss at a party does not a relationship make), she’ll be humiliated. And then Duke does something Jane never expected. He plays along with her charade.

With his hard partying, playboy reputation jeopardizing a 150 million dollar investment deal, Duke realizes an engagement with the hot but oh-so-proper librarian could be just the thing to repair his reputation. This good girl tempts him to be very wicked…but just with her. It’s unprecedented. Inconceivable. Totally alluring.

As the unlikely match of librarian and tech entrepreneur set out to convince the world—and the internet—that their love is real, something unexpected happens: they start falling for each other. But Jane is secretly writing a historical romance novel that could expose their carefully constructed romance… unless two perfect strangers are content to be perfectly scandalous together.

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Guest Post with Maya Rodale

Meet Maya Rodale. Maya is celebrating the upcoming release of her newest book, The Wicked Wallflower. Please give her a warm welcome.

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother's insistence. She is now the author of numerous smart and sassy historical romance novels. A champion of the romance genre and it's readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a co-founder of Lady Jane's Salon, a national reading series devoted to romantic fiction.Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.

Places to find Maya:

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Feature and Giveaway: At the Duke's Wedding Anthology

Will you be AT THE DUKE'S WEDDING? Award winning, best-selling authors Katharine Ashe,  Caroline Linden, Miranda Neville and Maya Rodale serve up delectable Regency fun and a sexy contemporary twist in this anthology of original novellas.

Four authors, four couples, four deliciously romantic surprises. When it comes to love, anything can happen...

Sealed With a Kiss: Maya Rodale and Giveaway

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the author of numerous “dazzlingly sexy and witty” historical romance novels. A champion of the romance genre and it’s readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a co-founder of Lady Jane’s Salon, a national reading series devoted to romantic fiction. Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.

Places to find Maya:

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Three Dukes and a Baby...with Maya Rodale and Giveaway

Three Dukes and a Baby on Christmas Eve - Maya Rodale

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the author of numerous “dazzlingly sexy and witty” historical romance novels. A champion of the romance genre and it’s readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a co-founder of Lady Jane’s Salon, a national reading series devoted to romantic fiction. Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.

Places to find Maya:

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Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.


Natasha
Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr

Cathy 
Nothing Denied by Jess Michaels

Lona
Three Schemes and a Scandal by Maya Rodale

Damaris
Exposed to You by Beth Kery

Beebs
An Infamous Marriage by Susana Fraser

Brandi
Tart by Lauren Dane

Yadira
The Boss's Fake Fiancee by Inara Scott

All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

Guest Post with Author Maya Rodale and Giveaway

Today I am excited to welcome back to RFTC author Maya Rodale. I can't profess my love of Maya's books enough and I'm so happy that she's able to join me for the release of her newest book, Seducing Mr. Knightly. Please give Maya a warm welcome.

Maya Rodale began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence. She is now the author of numerous “dazzlingly sexy and witty” historical romance novels. A champion of the romance genre and it’s readers, she is also the author of the non-fiction book Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation Of Romance Novels, Explained and a co-founder of Lady Jane’s Salon, a national reading series devoted to romantic fiction. Maya lives in New York City with her darling dog and a rogue of her own.

Places to find Maya:

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