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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...

Friends with Benefits by Laura Carter #BritinManhattanBook3 #Review

 

Travel to New York for a feelgood romcom by Laura Carter. Friends with Benefits was published by Boldwood Books on October 16th.


A high-flying investor

New Yorker Jake Harrington loves a lot of things about living in London: his lucrative hedge fund job, the way British women melt at the sound of an American accent, being thousands of miles away from the girl who betrayed him. And, oh yes, his just-sex arrangement with his gorgeous roommate, Jess.

His sexy British flatmate

Jess's deal with Jake suits her fine. No commitments, no risk of being hurt again, just fun and friendship. And friends do each other favors, like agreeing to go on a trip to New York where Jake will have to face his past.

And a vacation that will change everything...

What friends shouldn't do? Suddenly find themselves feeling something much more complicated than simple lust. When "no strings" is no longer enough, will Jake be willing to take the ultimate gamble?


 My Thoughts

I enjoyed the writing style of this feelgood romcom which made it such an enjoyable read. You can't miss the chemistry between these two best friends and their friends certainly can't either. However, this is more than a 'will they, won't they?' or friends to lovers story. As you get to know them both, you realise that there are issues in the past which have affected their attitudes to relationships. Jess, in particular, has many deep seated fears about letting anyone get close. 

    As characters, Jake and Jess are like opposite sides of a coin. Jake is a risk taker, with huge attachments to his close family and friends. Jess is the sort to run away from getting too close and protects herself by building a framework of rules around herself and how she will act. Yet you also glimpse her quirky, individualism and her enjoyment of friendships when it is on her terms.  

    The story is well paced and with plenty of laugh out loud moments provided by the gang of friends who welcome Jake and Jess to New York. You are always rooting for them, that they will sort through their relationship and the tomantic parts when they come are reminiscent of many a good film. 

In short: a romcom which fizzes with love and romance

About the Author


Laura Carter writes romance and women's fiction with a romantic slant. Exploring everyday relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is her passion. She takes inspiration from everything she overhears in cafƩs, so be wary of that strange woman 'listening' to music next time you're chatting over coffee. Laura lives with her family in Jersey, Channel Islands.

You can follow Laura here: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram

Purchase Links 

Thanks to Laura Carter, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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