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The Dressmaker's Secret by Susanne Dunlap #Review

We are diving into the past to the nineteenth century with the Regency romance, The Dressmaker's Secret Earl by Susan Dunlap . It was published by Comfortable Prose Publishing on 25 Mar. 2025 .   A marriage of convenience to a scoundrel? Not if Augusta can help it. The impoverished daughter of a baronet, Augusta has no intention of being bartered away like a prize horse. Instead, she flees to London, determined to forge her own path as a modiste. But fate has other plans. On her very first day in the city, she crosses paths with a brooding earlā€”one burdened with a clubfoot and a reputation nearly as scandalous as the proposal she ran from. His captivating sister, Mariana, is not only Augustaā€™s employerā€™s best client but harbors a secret ambition of her own: to marry the one man society deems wholly unsuitable. Drawn into Marianaā€™s reckless schemes of masquerades, cross-dressing, and Whig intrigue, Augusta soon finds herself entangled in more than just scandalā€”sheā€™s lo...

Yellow is for Sunflowers by Kathryn Freeman #Review #TheFriendsBook1

 

Here is another great romcom by Kathryn Freeman to brighten up the season. I am delighted to be taking part in the celebrations for Yellow is for Sunflowers, which is the first in a new series, The Friends..

 
Dean Baxter was everything a sensible thirty-two-year-old teacher should avoid. Five years younger, cocky, with a playboy reputation. Oh and guardian to Tom, one of her most promising students. But Lia was a rebel at heart.

Lia Stapleton was everything that was out of reach for an uneducated garage mechanic whoā€™d made too many mistakes. Cambridge-educated, gorgeous and from a well-heeled background, she was his brotherā€™s teacher. But Dean couldnā€™t resist her.

As Dean and Liaā€™s tentative relationship begins, can it survive Tomā€™s disapproval, her parentsā€™ interference. And the dangerous return of his past.


My Thoughts

I always enjoy Kathryn Freeman's style of writing and the relationships which are portrayed in her books. In particular, her male central characters can be unexpected heroes and have several layers to their story which gain your sympathy. Dean is certainly not your usual choice of male protagonist but as you get to know him and realise how his background has affected him, he becomes much more understandable. He is also a great example of not taking someone at face value as often his actions can be misinterpreted until you recognise his vulnerabilities.

    Family relationships are also complicated. Dean and Lia have complex relationships with their siblings. Dean has had to take on the role of father as well as brother. Lia's twin, Grace, seems to be as different as you can imagine and this leads Lia to show her insecurities. Both Lia and Dean have some close friends who are supportive where their family have not been. This is  a lively romcom, full of opposite characters and some interesting episodes.  It is well up to standard for this author and such an enjoyable read.

In short: opposites attract 

About the Author

For as long as I can remember, Iā€™ve always wanted to write a book. It may have had something to do with my obsession with reading romance. Real life interfered and I headed off in a different direction ā€“ into the world of science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. I did end up writing, but it was about disease and medicines. Decades later, Iā€™m finally doing what I always wanted to do.

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), all the romance in my life is in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.


You can follow Kathryn here:  Website  |  Facebook   |  Twitter
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Book links: Amazon UK   |  Amazon US  
 
Thanks to Kathryn Freeman and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 
 
Check out the rest of the tour!
 

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