Tag Archives: Jenny Holiday

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday-review

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Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2024

A charming and heartfelt romance about a woman who comes face to face with the fake Canadian boyfriend she made up as a teenager.

The fake Canadian boyfriend. It’s a thing. The get out of jail free card for all kinds of sticky social situations. “I can’t go to prom; I’m going to be out of town visiting my boyfriend in Canada.” It’s all over pop culture. But Aurora Evans did it first. Once upon a time she met a teenage hockey player at the Mall of America. He was from Canada. He was a boy. She may have fudged the “friend” part a little, but it wasn’t like she was ever going to see him again. It wasn’t like she hurt anyone. Until she did—years later—on both counts.

When pro hockey player and recent widower Mike Martin walks into the dance studio where Aurora Evans teaches, he’s feeling overwhelmed with the fact that his wife may not have been exactly who he thought she was and the logistics of going back to work. As one of the few people his angry, heartbroken daughter connects with, Aurora agrees to be a pseudo nanny to help him navigate the upcoming school year and hockey season. To his surprise, she turns out to be the perfect balm for him as well. Aurora gets him. The real him underneath his pro jersey. And yet, he still finds himself holding back, unable to fully trust again—especially when he finds out the secret Aurora’s been hiding from him.

••••••

REVIEW:CANADIAN BOYFRIEND by Jenny Holiday is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romance story line focusing on twenty-nine year old, dance instructor turned nanny Aurora ‘Rory’ Evans, and thirty-five year old, professional hockey player/single dad Mike Martin.

SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier, Aurora Evans briefly met Mike Martin and his friends at a coffee shop in Minnesota, and as she struggled with high school relationships and a possible future dance career, Aurora invented a Canadian boyfriend, using Mike Martin as her model for romance and love. Fast forward to present day wherein Aurora would once again come face to face with man who inspired her hopes and dreams, a man who remembers nothing about meeting our story line heroine.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Mike and Rory) covering approximately one year in the life, CANADIAN BOYFRIEND follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Mike Martin’s hockey career is slowing down but a two year extension meant finding a temporary nanny for his daughter Olivia while his regular nanny took some personal time. Mike never expected to find help with his daughter’s dance instructor Miss Rory, the woman with whom Mike would reluctantly fall in love. As Rory grew closer to both MIke and Olivia, Aurora would realize Mike’s inability to let go of the past was about to destroy the love growing between our story line couple.

The world building focuses on Aurora’s failed ballet career; the dance mom who refused to let her daughter live the life she wanted; and a daughter’s failure to just say no. Meanwhile, we are pulled into the grief and anger that is Mike Martin in the wake of his wife’s death, and the secrets she was hoping to take to the grave. Unable to trust anyone including our story line heroine, Mike’s inability to commit, and constant need to push Aurora away would lead to a decision that made no one happy.

The relationship between Mike and Aurora begins as a friendship predicated upon a professional relationship. Aurora is Olivia’s dance instructor, soon to be temporary nanny, and Mike is a man on a mission to take more than he is willing to give.The back and forth dance between Aurora and Mike is heart breaking; neither one willing to commit but Mike’s mixed messages would become too much for our story line heroine, and in the end she would have to walk away to protect her heart. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

The secondary and supporting characters are charismatic. We are introduced to Mike’s parents, as well as his former in-laws; Aurora’s resentful and embittered mother; fellow dancer Gretchen; hockey player Ivan Zadorov and his wife Lauren; and Mike’s daughter Olivia.

CANADIAN BOYFRIEND is a story of secrets and lies, heart break and grief, acceptance, forgiveness, family and love. The premise is captivating; the very slow building romance is emotional and barely ignites before the end of the story; the characters are broken yet struggling to heal but Mike Martin’s reaction to Aurora’s confession about the past was unbelievable, over the top, and completely unjustified. Mike’s behavior towards Aurora was unacceptable yet our heroine was all too quick to forgive without a heartfelt apology.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Famous by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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Famous by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

FamousAmazon / B&N / Kobo

Description:
Everyone knows her face. He knows her heart.

Emerson Quinn is famous. Girls want to be her. Boys want to date her. Each record outsells the last. All that remains is to continue transitioning her brand from its teenage fan base to a more mature, diverse audience. So she’s under strict orders to play nice with her army of assigned co-songwriters and to knock off the serial dating that keeps landing her in the tabloids. If she follows instructions, she can look forward to an indefinite run at the top of the celebrity ecosystem. There’s only one problem with this plan: Emerson is miserable.

So she runs away, impulsively fleeing her L.A. life and heading for a small Iowa college town where a guy she once knew lives. He’s the only person in the world she can think of who might be enough of a nerd to not know about Emerson Quinn the brand. Who might be willing to provide a haven where she can lay low and write her new album by herself, on her own terms.
  
Art history professor Evan Winslow knows a thing or two about leaving your past behind. He’s worked hard to establish himself far from the spotlight of his infamous father. He’s up for tenure soon, which will mean job security for life. All he has to do to lock down his hard-won, blessedly quiet existence is keep his head down.

Too bad the most famous pop star in the world—who also happens to be his long-lost muse—has just shown up on his doorstep.


Review:

When Evan and Emmy first meet, he’s running away from attention and she’s running toward it. Seven years later, their paths reconvene in the “straight lines and right angles” of Iowa, “No twists and turns. Nothing and no one lurking unexpectedly behind a bend in the road. No blind spots.” Will such luxury of independence serve Emmy’s song-producing needs? And what of Evan’s newly-invaded heart, because Emmy whirls in and intensifies all his repressed emotions. Jenny Holiday is “Famous“, *wink, wink* for introducing wonderful characters whose lives she upends only to make them more life-affirming. Gotta love an author like this!

Emmy made her dreams come true, she’s a massive star, but when the music industry begins churning her into a machine, she tries to escape the “Famous” lifestyle she ambitiously created. Evan wishes he could resume his creativity that was deprived him by the sins of his father. Although struggling within an artistic spectrum, Evan and Emmy are more in tune than not. Surprisingly, and selflessly, Evan and Emmy don’t despair over their plights; seeking only to support each other’s goals. Their talents are reenergized in each other’s stasis.

When things turn romantic, as they’re clearly headed (I know I wanted it!), uncertainty overrides emotion. In an effort to achieve her most sought after independence, Emmy’s decreed a moratorium on dating. Evan, honorable dude that he is, abides by her wishes…and battles his burgeoning desires. This may, or may not, make them irritable. But it only enhances their communication. Jenny Holiday moonlights as a part-time therapist, I’m sure. 😉

“But, amazingly, the odd stiffness between them wasn’t enough to extinguish the attraction between them.”

Internal chaos turns innocuous Iowa into a catalyst for two uneasy souls. “The sense that even though everything was orderly and tidy, this was also, paradoxically, a place where anything could happen.” Famous is a beautiful love story that launches a watershed moment to epic proportions. Emmy and Evan weren’t unhappy, but complacent and ultimately compromising their potential. Shared sensibility and compassion inspired them to ask for more. Emmy and Evan surmounted a mountain of more.

On a fun note, I had likened Emmy and Evan to Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel from Safe Haven. But when Emmy was going on about how college girls must be dying to get into Evan’s class, I immediately thought of Indiana Jones and the student with her eyelids declaring devotion. Picture whomever you’d like, maybe even Taylor Swift? ;D. Just know that you’re in for some steamy scenes. Yeah, so not complaining.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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The Gossip by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Gossip by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The GossipAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Dawn Hathaway is a realist. She’s not the smartest girl at Allenhurst College. She’s not the prettiest, either. So if she wants to be popular, she’ll need something else: power. What better way to get it than to start a gossip column in the campus newspaper? If she has to commit a few minor crimes in pursuit of the latest scoop, what’s the harm?

Arturo Perez loves being a campus cop. He knows Allenhurst’s nooks and crannies—and lately he’s been finding the campus gossip snooping into every one of them. He can’t deny that he enjoys bantering with the sassy schemer. But he also can’t shake the sense that there’s more going on with Dawn than meets the eye.

When tragedy strikes and Dawn needs help, how far will Arturo go to protect her?

 

Review:

Dawn wants to be seen, to be heard, so she starts writing a gossip column for Allenhurst’s college newspaper.  What she achieves is much more purposeful:  To be relevant.  Coming off of an awesome introduction (The Fixer review available here), I couldn’t wait to absorb all The Gossip, ;), aka book 2 of Jenny Holiday‘s wonderful New Wave Classroom series!  This is another short, but deliciously full story about time and patience making love even more profound.  Jenny Holiday knows how to capture the essence of the 80’s and continues to inspire us with her meaningful love stories.

Officer Art is not unhappy at his job as campus police, but his family, those of the “real” variety via Boston PD, can’t seem to fathom why he won’t move up into the “big league”.  Art makes a difference for college students living it up, living independent of their parents’ roofs. 

“Their lives were nothing like my own had been…It was my job to to care about them.  Which sometimes meant saving them from themselves.”

Dawn is one such student, a prime example of freedom unchecked.  Art maintains professional distance, but he is also there at pivotal times to soothe Dawn while she explores and ventures too close to the edge, securing “social power”.  Popularity has its perks, but Dawn was looking for more, the kind of more that only someone who truly cares would notice.   
 
“I’d gotten into this mindset where I needed to make sure she was okay.  She always was, of course.  But I had to check.  I always had to check.  Because something told me that she wasn’t actually okay, not really…I wasn’t sure why I was so compelled to look out for her, except it seemed like maybe no one else was.  She was at the center of everything, but she was also alone.”

Jenny Holiday gives us a bird’s eye view of college life, the joyous and perilous consequences of decision making when no one is around to hold your hand.  Art and Dawn influence each other’s choices and breathe life into a friendship that forgives and empowers bold choices.  I couldn’t get enough of this couple!  The ability to balance witty banter with sparring bouts grew the attraction, making themselves too irresistible to, well, resist!  You’re going to love Art and Dawn individually and root for them romantically.

Another lovely read to lift your spirits and remind you of a more carefree time.  Of coming into your own skin after trying on so many others.  The Pacifist is undoubtedly destined to conclude the series in fabulous fashion.  Book covers are to die for!  Well done, Ms. Holiday…you rock!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Promoter

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The Fixer by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Fixer by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The FixerAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Jenny Fields is a crusader. As the editor of her college newspaper, she’s never met a cause she couldn’t get behind. So when the administration announces it’s tearing down the historic art building, she’s on the case All she needs to do is get Matthew Townsend, the art department’s boy wonder, on board. They say he his talent is unbounded. It turns out so is his ego.

Matthew Townsend cares about art. And that’s pretty much it. If he has a reputation for being moody and aloof, that suits him just fine. He doesn’t have a family worth speaking of, and as a scholarship student, he can’t afford to goof off like the preppy rich kids at his school. He certainly doesn’t care about the art building. Or about the relentlessly perky Jenny, who looks like she was barfed up by Rainbow Brite. What will it take to the preternaturally cheerful girl with the massive savior complex to leave him alone?

 

Review:

Jenny Fields is aware that her prowess as a newspaper editor, writing impassioned articles, is going to gain her cause notoriety.  But when push comes to shove, and the art building is as necessary as every other department, Plan B goes into effect:  Seek the aid of hot, enigmatic art student, Matthew Townsend.  Surely this collaboration is a juggernaut unlike any other, right?  The potential to change worlds even.  Jenny Holiday, the fabulous Jenny Holiday, writes to make it so in The Fixer.  When Matthew and Jenny collide, virtual unknowns save for this chance meeting in their last year of college, a different kind of upheaval imbalances destinies.

While she’s no Pollyanna, Jenny’s bright clothing and zeal for righting wrongs suggests otherwise to Matthew, the in demand, artist du jour, who can’t wait to graduate and leave behind the community, and art building, that inspired so much of his outrage.  If they’re already at odds, who’s going to give?  When Jenny realizes there’s more behind Matthew’s cold exterior, the backing and support she once desperately sought pales in comparison to reaching the heart of the man.

Me, I talked a lot.  I wrote- I wrote many, many words.  But this?  This was something else entirely, something beyond language.

Yes, swooning is a direct correlation to character development.  The more honest Jenny and Matthew became, the deeper their emotional connection.  I loved the explorations of thought and body.  Jenny Fields, you simply rock!

Before long, Matthew and Jenny rearrange priorities and take more than cursory interests in each others’ passions.  Jenny’s mundane observations become extraordinary to Matthew, who couldn’t be more dismayed by this new perspective.  Without over analyzing (Jenny with the equal astonishment), the pair subconsciously gravitates, in synergy, toward something mutual, something outside their wheelhouse.  Those preconceived assumptions and judgments are suddenly quite forgiving.  Man, oh, man, Jenny Holiday writes with such energy.  Matthew and Jenny are likable, relatable characters who deserve success, and if they end up falling in love…who dares impede their journey?!  I freaking want to squeeze them!  While I can’t stake a claim, consider this review a recommendation of serious proportions!

The Fixer made my heart soar.  I enjoyed Matthew and Jenny’s unique outlooks on art and writing, and I admired how they weren’t only undeterred by their differences, they were captivated and inspired to be more.  Now insert the 80’s culture, hair and music references, and the images simply revive my own youth.  Super sweet short story that includes an epilogue if you subscribe to Ms. Holiday’s newsletter.  Soooo…what’re you wating for?  😉

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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His Heart’s Revenge by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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His Heart’s Revenge by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

His Heart's RevengeAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
Twenty years ago, I was too smart and too poor to be cool. Now I’m laughing my way to the bank-the bank I’m CEO of. Nothing can touch me. Except maybe him. We met at summer camp. We made out under the stars. Then he stabbed me in the back. They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But I’m gonna go with hot. Alexander Evangelista is a millionaire with all the trappings: houses all over the world and hot guys lined up whenever he’s in need of some no-strings-attached company. He’s on his way to world domination. A CEO in his own right, Cary Bell is competing for a major client with his boyhood crush. He’s never forgiven himself for betraying Alex. But with his professional reputation on the line, he’s going to have to find his inner cutthroat if he wants his new company to succeed. Alex isn’t about to let his nemesis steal a client out from under him. It’s time to break Cary’s company-and his heart.”

Review:

While M/M is not my customary genre…of course I’ll read His Heart’s Revenge, it’s Jenny Holiday, duh.  I loved her regency work.  It was only when I read, and re-read, the synopsis that I realized the lead was Alexander and not Alexan-dra.  Cary, our co-lead, will have his hands full with this one! 😉  While not my customary genre, the foundation is romance and I don’t draw lines.  Jenny Holiday wrote about love and revenge and its unexpected aftermath.  I enjoyed it very much!

15 year olds crushing at summer camp.  It’s either folly/experimental or possibly the one that got away.  When Alex and Cary reunite 20 years later in the same business circle (although one clearly gained more notoriety), they become adversaries when vying to land a wealthy tycoon new to their area.  One-upping the other suddenly escalates!  For Cary, four months after launching Bell Capital would catapult him into success.  Alex is no slouch, however, as proven by industry accolades and tabloids who salivate after his every date.  When Alex detects encroachment upon his livelihood, he goes “utterly unsentimental”, transforming into a great white shark sniffing blood in the water.

     But if that fuc#ing upstart thought he was going to steal clients out from under Dominion?  If he thought he was going to use that honeyed mouth of his to sweet
talk the twentieth-richest man in the world out from under Alexander?
Alexander rolled his wrists like he was warming up for a sparring sessions with his jujitsu master.
Bring it.

To quote a cheerleader from a wildly popular movie:  It’s already been broughten!  So war it is.  Alex may ruminate over his teenage infatuation with Cary, but the impact of winning the huge account drives his determination to the point of inflexibility.  Leaving little room for “strolling down that particular fuc#ed-up memory lane.” 

Adversaries become rivals become nemeses.  But a bond lingers; one forged of a brief, but profound past.  An innate connection that dismisses insecurity, status and disparity.  Is it enough to forgive insensitivity?  Is money more important?

Jenny Holiday makes you fall in love with her characters.  This is her gift.  His Heart’s Revenge is no different.  She surprised me with the detailed intimacy, but you’ve got to go into this prepared.  I was certainly enlightened — new to those “mechanics” she sought out for research.  But in the end, like I expected, she tells a timeless romantic story that deserves to be read. 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Engagement Game by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Engagement Game by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The Engagement GameAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
What’s a little blackmail between friends…

The black sheep of the old-money Rosemanns, advertising executive Marcus has made his own way in the world—and done extremely well for himself—but his family is still pressuring him to join their investment firm and settle down with a quiet, unobjectionable girl.

Which is why the sexy Rose Verma is the perfect date for his family’s charity ball. A bleeding-heart lefty from the wrong side of the tracks, Rose has never met a stray dog she didn’t love or a polka-dotted mini-dress she couldn’t rock. Marcus has enough dirt on Rose to “convince” her to play along. And if he lets it slip that they’re engaged, all the better.

But all’s fair in love and blackmail, and Rose is ready to play a few cards of her own…


Review:

Loved It!!!! I’ve never read a novel by Jenny Holiday before, but I can plainly see I’ve been missing out. The Engagement Game is book 3 of her 49th Floor series and even though I haven’t read the previous two books, this one was no problem to get into. They can all be read as stand alones. The Engagement Game was a fun and flirty read, that had me chuckling out loud a couple of times thanks to our would be couple Rose and Marcus. These two couldn’t have been more opposite to one another, but as they say, opposites attract, and boy oh boy did these two have an attraction to one another.

Rose is a larger then life kind of character that you can’t help but be charmed by from your first encounter with her in this story. She’s the type of woman who can put any colour combo or pattern combo together in her clothing and be able to pull it off. She’s like these women I see out and about and wish that I could pull off that look that they have going on. You know the one’s I mean ladies, the one’s we are envious of. Anyways, I digress, Rose’s witty, quirky, and fun personality just drew me in, and I somehow knew that our straight arrow, no nonsense millionaire was going to have his hands full with her, in more ways then one if you catch my drift. 😉 Even though they butted heads upon their first meeting, that quickly gave way to a fun, flirty, and sexy chemistry that just kept on building throughout the story. I really liked that Ms. Holiday took the slow route with Rose and Marcus’ romance; a) because we got to explore both characters at a leisurely pace and learn what makes them tick, and b) the slow pace only heightened the chemistry between our couple causing a combustible moment when they finally do the deed.

Speaking of getting to know our couple at a leisurely pace, we quickly learn that Marcus has two sides to his personality. The no nonsense millionaire businessman, and a fun flirty side that Rose manages to draw out of him, and make him realize all the fun he’s been missing out on. It’s nice to watch Marcus develop this more relaxed easygoing side with Rose. It makes him all the more charming and appealing, and allows us to see how he suppressed this side of himself thanks to his disaster of a family. Being complete opposites of one another and having grown up on opposite sides of the tracks so to speak, Rose and Marcus are perfect for each other because they bring a nice balance to each other and their lives. Both are so much more because of the other and they really do click from their first meeting. I couldn’t have asked for a better pairing between our hero and heroine in this one. Rose and Marcus are the stars in this book and do they ever shine in their roles.

The Engagement Game by Jenny Holiday is a fast paced, fun and easy read. It’s the perfect type of story for a lazy afternoon, or rainy day where you can just curl up in a cozy blanket with a glass of wine and your book. I loved every minute, and Rose and Marcus were a wonderful, well written couple that had no trouble carrying the story, bringing it to life and keeping me interested right to the very end.

Until next time, happy reading everyone

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Likelihood of Lucy by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The Likelihood of LucyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
She would never bow to any man…

London, 1815

Trevor Bailey is on the cusp of opening the greatest hotel in London. His days as a gutter snipe are behind him, as he enjoys a life of wealth, society, and clandestine assignments as a spy in the service of the Crown. Until one tumultuous night churns up the past he’d long left behind…

Turned out by her employer for her radical beliefs, Lucy Greenleaf reaches out to the man who was once her most beloved friend. She never expected that the once-mischievous Trevor would be so handsome and gentleman-like and neither can deny the instant attraction.

But Lucy’s reformer ways pose a threat to the hotel’s future and his duties as a spy. Now Trevor must choose between his new life and the woman he’s always loved…

 

Review:

Thick as thieves to veritable strangers. Familiar yet not. Although cut from the same pilfering cloth (“a pair of Robin Hoods”), individual success was earned from hard work; nothing untoward. Then why are Trevor and Lucy so edgy around each other? This was no longer “thirteen-year-old Trevor, the one who sent her away”. No, with maturity came awareness. Oh, Ms. Holiday, how you make me swoon! I adored the Miss Mirren Mission (review available here) and jumped at The Likelihood of Lucy when Barb offered it to me. Jenny Holiday is a brilliant discovery. Her writing is fresh, humorous and simply impressive.

A governess position lost, her reformer ways clashing with her regency England employer, Lucy turns to long lost, but never forgotten, Trevor. He, the irreverent, loyal friend/partner of the Earl of Blackstone from book 1, is floored by Lucy’s presence and resumes responsibility for her well being like a second skin. Despite the zinging sensations running through her body, Lucy tamps down any romantic interest, convinced that she must remain independent to have any self-respect. My dear girl will learn that while love requires sacrifice, it doesn’t strip you of your essential self. A magnificent discovery awaits Lucy. Swoons I tell you. A love that was always meant to be story!

But our couple refuses the undeniable attraction. They throw themselves into a business relationship at The Jade, Trevor’s dream hotel. Proximity only makes things terribly tempting. A kiss (and a half, but yikes was it lip-biting exciting!) proves life-altering…to the extreme. Trevor’s feelings are so tumultuous, he overdoes it in the protection department.

“…it was what had gotten Lucy out of Seven Dials, and into a better life. He had done it before, and he could do it again.”

Don’t go jumping all over my man just yet! Perhaps he should have asked if Lucy required any saving (yeah, that would have gone over fabulously!) Nothing is good enough for Lucy, not even himself apparently, so Trevor tries to maintain distance for their own good. I for one did not appreciate the arm’s length, lol. You can only imagine Lucy’s distress when Trevor pulls back. He showed her stars (I saw them myself!)…and now he’s confusing her to no end. Trevor’s in so over his head, he’s doing all the wrong things for the right reasons. Love.this.man.

I’ve expressed my utter joy for the love story, but Ms. Holiday layers her book with intriguing subplots of the murdering, spy-by-night, variety. Lucy’s proposition to Trevor…their closet scene…a proposition posed to Lucy…it’s all just so wonderful! Reformer issues are still at the heart and it’s inspiring to see Lucy embrace her intellectualism with supportive partners. Camaraderie enriches the depth of this book.

It’s no easy feat to write a second book. To be as well received is a triumph. Ms. Holiday has talent in spades – I loved The Likelihood of Lucy! Had I not had to participate in family dinners, I’d have devoured this non-stop. Good news is that there appears to be a book 3 in July! Neither title nor cover was revealed, I haven’t a clue as to who will be featured, but it’ll fit right in during my vacation. Kids won’t need me then, ha!

“A rogue female with reform on her mind. This way lies ruin, my friend.”

He should be so lucky. Read this series!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Miss Mirren Mission by Jenny Holiday – a Review

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The Miss Mirren Mission by Jenny Holiday – a Review

 

The Miss Mirren Mission

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Loving her would be his downfall…

To society, the Earl of Blackstone cuts a mysterious figure. He is eligible, withdrawn, and endlessly fascinating. Yet as an integral part of London’s underground spy ring intent on defeating Napoleon, Blackstone has no mistress but the cause.

Miss Emily Mirren is considered “unbiddable” by the ton. She wields a fierce intellect, which she channels into her own secret cause-writing an abolitionist newspaper column under a male pseudonym.

When Emily’s aims clash with Blackstone’s, they stray into a dangerous game of attraction and subterfuge, and secrets are the going currency. And in order to complete the most important mission of his career, Blackstone must thwart Emily, even if it breaks both their hearts.

Review:

What happens when rival factions, yet not, whose opposing interests, more accurately, vie for a mutual enemy? Scramble to gain the advantage by whatever means necessary…or collaborate to secure the target…and fall in love? Of course neither Eric nor Emily would admit to that strategy (especially when one of them is a spy!) Honestly, that outcome is impossible to predict, but The Miss Mirren Mission, written sensationally, by Jenny Holiday, contemplates just that. I loved this book from Page 1! Ms. Holiday imbued charm and humor into an intelligent, sexy gem of a book.

A proud bluestocking, and clandestine reformer, Emily Mirren abides the ton and its demands to maneuver under the radar. In her own circle, Emily is enacting change and seeking more women’s rights/opportunities. But Emily is looking outside her wheelhouse. Her former guardian heinously secreted away Emily’s “brother of the heart” and has been profiting from the slave trade ever since. It becomes Emily’s mission to retrieve her family and bring the brute to justice — a delicate mission indeed. There is no time for recognizing any, let alone all, of Lord Blackstone’s swoon-worthy attributes.

For Eric, said Earl of Blackstone, Emily’s former guardian is merely the means to an end. Commissioned by his former captain (and Emily’s father) to shut down Le Cafard, the “little French bastard”, Eric identifies the real threat and will manipulate Emily’s guardian, no matter the consequences, to exact his revenge. Miss Mirren would not distract him. Her beauty and intelligence is not mesmerizing. Denial…it’s contagious! ;D

Like two ships passing in the night, one of them is bound to notice how peculiar the other one behaves while in the guardian’s company. Who’s the more astute?

“I know what you’re doing here.”

Blast her, she was doing exactly what he was – looking for something to incriminate Mr. Manning. He just prayed she had not beaten him to it.

Eric feeds Manning enough rope to hang himself, but Emily’s agenda, and tenacity, run neck and neck against his own efforts (all in tantalizing form though they may be). Emily’s drive keeps Eric riveted! I don’t refer to intimate temptation, although exploration of their attraction is a thing of beauty. No, I’m referring to the passion of righting wrongs and making peace with internal, emotional matters. Ms. Holiday writes a captivating, layered story that maintains its energy throughout subplots. From Eric’s brother’s death to Emily’s notions regarding her father’s love. Background insight was intriguing and significant to the characters’ evolution as well as the story’s advancement.

You didn’t think I’d only refer to their attraction in passing, did you? It was a highlight for me and made me want to High-Five Ms. Holiday! The subtle seduction was sweet and sultry, which made for an irresistible addiction. Various elements showcased to perfection! Capturing a moment of innocence so tender (that thankfully led to many more wondrous sensations), Miss Mirren’s (and my own!) reaction was practically interactive.

It was an effort to tear her eyes from him to properly greet others. Though she knew it irrational, she feared they might be able to see that she had held Lord Blackstone’s hand last night.

I felt that giddiness clashing with nervousness should anyone be privy to their communication. Ms. Holiday nailed it! Eric and Emily do fend off true feelings by throwing up protective wall after paltry, defensive wall to ascertain their respective peace, but it was all worth the cause. You could sense something magical was happening; woe to those standing in its way. *sighs*

Ms. Holiday wrote a triumphant story of love and loss and the heart it requires to fill the void in your life.

“Do you love her?”

“Yes…

Though it was his voice forming the word, he could have sworn he heard her voice in his head, saying it in unison with him. “Yes.”

Some reviews flow better than others and I apologize if this came out too vague or disjointed. I loooooooved this book and recommend it whole-heartedly!  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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