Quick Reviews

 An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3) by Julia Quinn (2006)

The illegitimate daughter of an earl, Sophie is basically a servant to her stepmother and two stepsisters.  One night she sneaks into the Bridgerton family's masquerade ball, and her connection with Benedict Bridgerton is swift and undeniable - until she disappears at midnight.  A couple years later, she once again enters Benedict's orbit - but she's a housemaid and he doesn't recognize the maskless Sophie.  Now, Benedict is torn between the woman of his dreams and the woman right in front of him, not knowing it's the same person.  I really loved this story!  The initial meeting between Sophie and Benedict is so dreamy, swoony, romantic - all the feels!  When they are brought back into each other's lives, I just wanted Sophie to be honest with Benedict, although I understood her hesitance.  They have such great chemistry, even when they're bickering.  I loved all the scenes with the extended Bridgerton clan, too - there is so much cheeky humor!  4.5 stars

Ignite by Melanie Harlow (2022)

Dex is a 30-something firefighter and single dad just getting over a divorce; Winnie is a 22-year-old event planner who isn't looking for anything serious - sparks fly when these two move in next door to each other.  This was kind of of a "meh" read for me.  I like the single dad aspect (the kids were really cute, and I don't often like kids in books), although I felt bad for his ex.  The age gap could have been more fun, but Winnie was very immature (her love for Wendy's Frostys came up way too many times).  I did appreciate that Winnie is actually pretty self-aware, knowing that she falls too hard and too fast in love, so she tries to keep this thing with Dex casual.  I didn't realize when I started the book that it was part of a series/universe, so there are a LOT of side characters to keep track of.  Like, too many - why did we need all these other people?  It's like the story wasn't long or strong enough on its own.  Also, there were parts that were so unrealistic - like, Winnie is offered a dream job that I'm not sure she was actually qualified for, and Dex is able to take on a pretty serious side gig despite his crazy firefighter's schedule.  In the end, a predictable romance with a couple steamy scenes.  2.5 stars

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