Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran

Emmaline is on the way to her finance in India when her ship sinks.  She is rescued but loses her parents.  Suffering from shock she finds it hard to be part of British society in this exotic place.  Her finance is not happy that she explores the area and is less supportive of her losses. She meets Julian and is intrigued by this man who is both Indian and British. When the rebellion against the British East India Company happens they run for their lives. Julian struggling with his heritage. When  Emmaline finds herself separated from Julian and needs all she has to survive.  Four years later they are reunited in London just when Emmaline is making a life for herself. She just wants to move on with her life, but Julian wants something else.  Will they be able to work through their past and move forward to their future? A very good debut novel. 

The Simple Wild by K.A Tucker

Calla and her mother left the small Alaskan town she was born in when she was barely two leaving her pilot father behind.  Twenty-four years later Calla receives a call that her father Wren is dying and would she come to Alaska?  She just recently lost her job and figures the timing works out. This Toronto city girl has no idea what she is agreeing to and has a hard time adjusting.  One of father's young pilots is no help when he comes to pick her up.  Calla and Jonah are at odds but both try to get along for Wren. Will this beautiful country capture Calla's heart or will she leave as soon as she is able?  A fast, enjoyable read with plenty of banter, humor and emotion.

*Thanks to Atria Books/Netgalley for this review copy*

Limelight by Amy Poeppel (audio)

The opportunity to move from Texas to New York is one Allison and Michael can't pass up.  Their three kids are not as happy to be making this move. Allison is crazy busy getting unpacked, learning her way around the city, starting her new job and trying to fit in with the other moms. She hits a parked car in front of those moms.  She leaves a note on the car and feels their judgment. Shortly after losing her new job, she gets a call from the car owner. When she shows up she discovers the latest pop star and he needs a personal assistant. Carter is selfish, foul-mouthed and cruel. Allison sees him as a project and agrees to help him with his upcoming Broadway career.  What follows is fun, entertaining and transforming. Carly Robins narrated, but at times her voice was a bit young sounding for Allison's character.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy

The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens #1 (audio)

Felicia and her brother William John are frantically trying to complete/finish their father's steam powered horseless carriage design before the exhibition.  When Lord Rand shows up to check on his investment he discovers the inventor has died and his children are working on it.  Rand is not sure if he can continue with the investment and it is up to Felicia and William John to convince him otherwise.  Felicia and Rand develop a relationship built on genuine like of each other, trust and shared interests. The conflict comes when someone is bent on sabotaging the invention.  Will they get the vehicle safely to the exhibition?  Enjoyed this first book in a new series narrated by Justin Hill.

What A Difference A Duke Makes by Lenora Bell

Mari is mugged on her way to receive her governess placement.  When she arrives late she finds out the job is given away and she is fired from the agency. While there she overhears of twins that have run off every governess they've had and no one wants the job.  Mari goes, and lets the Duke assume that she is the replacement. He doesn't want to let her stay because of his attraction to her as well as thinking the governess needs to be made of "sterner" stuff. Mari needs this position not only to support herself, but to search where she comes from. They make an agreement for a week trial. This story drew me in quickly with its characters and story. 

Up Next:
Too Wilde To Wed by Eloisa James
Through The Fire by Katie Ruggle
The Fallen by David Baldacci

Last week of July is upon us.  We finally got a break from the humidity and need more rain in our area.  Celebrated two birthdays (sons) last week and the arrival of a great niece Violet and great nephew Grayson. 

Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.