A lovely cover with such potential with an interesting storyline but I really struggled to become lost in the romance between Frances Bumgarten and Reynard Boulton, ‘The Fox’. Frances first encounters Reynard after she hits him with a frying pan, thinking he is a burglar. However, Reynard has brought her inebriated uncle, Red, home from a gambling den, having sworn to her brother-in-law to protect her and her siblings. This soon becomes more than just trying to keep Red from losing all his money. Reynard soon finds himself trying to prevent the Duke of Ottenberg from getting too close to Frances and from ruining him.
At times, the storyline deviated too much, such that I felt it detracted from the central romance. It also seemed that the novel was trying to be both American and English in nature, whilst not keeping true to the English background of other secondary characters. On their own, the characters were quite interesting but together, they could have been much, much more.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Available November 27: The Girl with the Sweetest Secret by Bettina Krahn
***** 4.5/5 stars: Ignore the mediocre cover, because The Girl with the Sweetest Secret is witty, and action-packed.



Recommended readers:

If you like plenty of action in your historical romances
If you like characters who disregard society
If you like anything Candace Camp
Here's my Rankings:

4/5 for characters
5/5 for plot
4.5/5 overall
3/5 steaminess
REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER:
Don't let the frilly purple dress on the mediocre cover fool you, The Girl with the Sweetest Secret is one of my favorite historical romance reads this year. Frances "Frankie" Bumgarten is a wealthy American debutante and her mother is striving to impress the English aristocrats. When Frankie runs into Viscount Tannehill, who is bringing her uncle home from drinking and gambling, the two decide to help each other. While Frankie is being pursued by a Duke, the Viscount does some sleuthing.

The Girl with the Sweetest Secret is one of the best historical romances I've recently read. A multi-faceted plot keeps you on your toes. A lovable character - Frankie - makes you want her end up happy. And the combination along with some fun, quick-witted dialogue and you won't want to stop reading. A definite must-read for any historical romance lover.

Available November 27: The Girl with the Sweetest Secret by Bettina Krahn

The Girl with the Sweetest Secret is a great example of what historical romance novels can be - the book was well written, engaging, and funny!  From start to finish I found myself reading with a smile on my face.

One of the draws for me was the language that Frankie used throughout the book. With a backstory that sees her travelling from Nevada to upper-crust England, Frankie walks the line between propriety and her ranching background. The Girl with the Sweetest Secret is littered with great examples of American lingo that hilariously slip out of Frankie. It was really great being able to read such a developed and distinct character, I found myself connecting and enjoying Frankie from the first page.

The overall plot of the novel is way more expansive and interesting than other historical romances. With backdrops that branch from Nevada, to London, to Paris. The Girl with the Sweetest Secret is simply put, interesting. The book takes you on an adventure that spans across multiple countries and brings so many interesting characters to life.

The mix of nationalities and language aside, The Girl with the Sweetest Secret is well written and incredibly entertaining. I enjoyed the book so much I am planning on reading the first book of the series. Betina Krahn has officially been added to my authors to watch list.

Best Bits:

* That cover! I absolutely adore this cover! The colour scheme combined with the floral background looks so amazing! I know that if I was working in the library and saw this on the shelf, I would definitely pick it up!

*That title! I kept waiting for a reference to the title to make an appearance and when it did, it did not disappoint <3

Favourite Quote: Graphic of 'Conniving heifer. When vexed, Frankie reverted to colourful ranching lingo...'

Recommendations: If you're after a historical romance that breaks away from the pack, then The Girl with the Sweetest Secret is for you. The book was so interesting and well written, any fan of the genre should give it a go!

Please note: I received a copy of The Girl with the Sweetest Secret from NetGalley.

After two weeks of forcing myself to keep reading this one, I'm throwing in the towel at 77%.

Look, many people may love The Girl with the Sweetest Secret by new-to-me author,Betina Krahn, but I had a really hard time with it. I seem to be in the minority, but gah, how this book dragged on.

The book didn't feel well-plotted to me. I read a ton of historical romance, and The Girl with the Sweetest Secret was all over the place. We get a head-hopping, ever-changing POV (I really dislike that), and a plot that throws way too much in the pot. There is just too much going on for there to be any real focus, and I often lost sight of the developing romance due to the side stories and confusing POV changes.

I don't know why the book came across as boring as it did, but I was bored the entire time I was reading. I didn't dislike the story, per se, but it didn't hold my attention. I had to force myself to read in chunks, and even then I was thinking about what else I could be reading. I think there was something about the style or the multiple tangents that made it hard for me to focus.

In a sea of wonderful historical romances, The Girl with the Sweetest Secret was not a winner for me.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

I loved this book. This is the first time I have read this author and it won't be the last, she has made me a fan. The story was intriguing, the characters were interesting and the romance was sweet.

I received a free copy and from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The girl with the sweetest secret is the second in the series by Betina krahn. I really enjoy the first book in this series although it is not necessary to have read it in order to enjoy this one. The story tells the story of fox and Frankie who is a American heiress in London trying to find a husband more specifically a Duke as per her mother's wishes. How are Frankie has no desire to marry and the fox has been asked by Frankie's brother-in-law to watch over her and her sisters. I really like the relationship between the fox and Frankie and it felt natural and organic and it was very sweet. This is an enjoyable read by an author that I have just started to read.

I really enjoyed Frances and Reynard's story. After meeting Reynard in book one of the series, I was excited to watch him fall in love!

When Frances's sister finds herself in love with a musician, she needs to know if the man is good enough for her. She decides to go to Reynard as he is well known for having the latest gossip and the sources to dirt up dirt. Having long ago decided never to marry, she is surprised to find herself falling for Reynard.

When Frances approaches Reynard for help, he can't refuse. He promised his best friend to look out for the Bumgarten sisters while they were in town. He had mostly kept his distance from the women and after spending time with Frances, can't seem to help but fall in love. But with his inheritance in question, he can't offer for anyone. But when an evil duke schemes to marry Frances, Reynard has to decide if his love is enough. Can Reynard save Frances from the evil duke and make her his own?

I loved watching these two come together. The bantering between them had me laughing out loud. I can't wait to read the last book in the trilogy and see what Krahn has in store for the last Bumgarten sister!

This is the first book by Ms Krahn that I have read and what a read it was. It was a long read but it kept you turning the page with no boredom in it. The characters were well written and worked well together and although it was long, there was not a lot of filler. There was romance, adventure, suspense, secrets, action and lots of romance. I loved that the fact that there was more than one romance and that you got to see the end in this book instead of having to wait for the next book. Although this is the second in the series it can be read as a standalone book. There was a sex scene and as usual this reviewer skipped it but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book. I will be reading many more from this author. I received this book as an ARC.

I wish there were more stars!! This story is great. Wondeerful character. Frankie is a young woman questioning why she'd ever want to marry. Reynaud is a man who knows and has secrets. Their interaction is fabulous. I love that Frankie isn't a drama queen, nor whining or playing games. I also love that Reynaud isn't afraid to face his demon. The evil Duke is pretty bad...and it's a delight to walk ... or sail down the road to true love with all the cast!

Filled with colorful characters and an interesting plot, I thought this was a charming book, my second by Betina Krahn. There are probably aspects of this story that I may not like as much in a different mood, but at this time, I thought it overall charming and delightful. This is the second in series, and I have not read the first one. I thought it mostly worked as a stand-alone, but there was probably some background info that would have been helpful on why the family was in London.

This story primarily takes place in 1890’s London and Paris. Frankie, the heroine, is the second oldest of four girls from Nevada. The oldest was the heroine from the first book, and she had moved back to the States so does not feature much here. Frankie and her unmarried younger sisters live with their mother and uncle, who struck rich silver mining. I believe they are in London for the girls’ marital prospects. Frankie is not keen on marriage, so she is trying to use evasion and diversion tactics. But, nevertheless, she catches the eye of a German Duke, much to the approval of her title-hungry mother.

The hero, Raynard, aka the Fox, is known as a gossip-monger and secret keeper. He is also the good friend of the first book’s hero and promised to keep an eye on the girls. When he discovers that their uncle, Red, has wasted their fortune and is in deep debt, Raynard realizes it is time to be more hands-on in the “watching over”. He is the heir to a viscount and has a strained relationship with his uncle, the viscount. When he notices the Duke paying Frankie extra attention, he investigates and warns her of the Duke’s shady ways.

There was much about this that felt relevant to current events. The dynamics between the familial characters and the secondary characters. There were some great interactions between Frankie and her mom, who thought the title meant and that Frankie could make allowances for an important man. And Frankie’s subsequent anger later felt very valid.

The romance had some truly sweet moments, and I enjoyed there interactions and support for each other. They felt like equals, and their relationship seemed to grow organically. There was a secondary romance between Frankie’s younger sister Claire and a musician that was integral to the plot and worked well. There was a third romance for their uncle Red that seemed unnecessary.

This was a good read, and I look forward to trying more by Ms.Krahn, who certainly has an unique voice in HR. This was not a wallpaper story.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It’s a nice read. I especially loved the integrity of both hero and heroine and the way the vows were spoken at the end.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Loved the book, we have sisters from America living in London with a mother who wants a title at all costs. There is actually more than one love story here, you will love the sisters, This book gave me everything I was happy, sad, mad and very satisfied by the end. .Betina Krahn always gives a good story and she has done it again!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
I loved this book with a passion , in fact I want to read it again straight away .
There are so many twists ,turns and storylines , it’s like running through a maze , not knowing where you’ll end up , but assured it’s going to be good .
Excellent characters, setting and story .
And an immense feeling of satisfaction at the end .
Wonderful!
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review

This was a new author for me but not anymore, I liked this book., apparently this was a second book so yes I plan to go back and read the first one because I truly did enjoy this one and can't wait for the next one. So in this one we meet Francis an american heiress and she stumbles upon a secret and discovers she is not crazy about them. She ends up saving Reynard who is known as the Fox and he is also known for knowing and keeping a lot of secrets and using them as needed. These horrible girls were trying to get caught having a liason so that the gentleman was forced into marriage because this one woman the one who set the trap was particularly not pretty, but it wasn't that she was not pretty she was ugly inside and out so no don't feel bad for her she was not nice. Anyhoo Francis speaks up, and things are off, duels, lies, betrayals and eventually love...I loved it and can't wait for the next sister!!!

Frankie Bumgarten takes care of her own so when someone tries to break into her home, she is prepared to fight back. To her astonishment, it's Reynard Boulton, nephew of the Viscount Tannehill, bringing her drunk Uncle, Red, home. Immediately, Frankie discovers who he really is. Frankie has no interest in the man trying to win her hand, but she does want to know more about the man her sister is falling for. That is how she finds herself enlisting the aid of Reynard.

Reynard cannot deny the attraction between him and Frankie, but he made a promise to his friend, one that he will honor. He is to keep an eye on the Bumgarten girls and keep them safe from harm. When Frankie asks for Reynard's help, he is jealous of her interest in another man. Reynard does his best to keep his distance, but protecting Frankie and keeping her at arm's length proves to be a tiring endeavor. What can he do when all his defenses are crumbling away to nothing?

We first meet the enchanting and endearing Bumgarten sisters in author Betina Krahn's first installment of the SIN AND SENSABILITY series, A GOOD DAY TO MARRY A DUKE. I loved Daisy, the oldest sister, and her duke, Ashton. The idea of Americans coming to London to make advantageous marriages is captivating enough, but the fact that these young women are anything but your average Society miss only add to the excitement. They may be ladies, but they know how to do a lot of unladylike things and aren't afraid to go after what they want. Book two, THE GIRL WITH THE SWEETEST SECRET is Frances, Frankie's, story. It is clear as glass, from the beginning, that Frankie and Reynard belong together. They more develop a friendship before they find love, but it only makes their tale all the sweeter. I will be anxiously awaiting the next Bumgarten sister's story.

I received a free ARC version of the book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was very excited for this book. It sounded great. However, the book comes accross as slow and (I'm sorry to say) boring. It's not that there isn't drama. There's a duel, a woman trying to force a man to marry her, a notorious gossip/spy and more. I have no idea why the book is boring but it is. If I had to say anything it would be the sentence structure; the sentences are often very long and give the book a slow pace as a result.

Out of the two main characters, I love the fox the most. He intense but broody. I wish he more like everyone thought of him (dark, notorious for knowing everyone's secret, selfish). He doesn't really fufill any of his promise. However, I did like how Frankie's uncle said ' he is all those things but not with you). At least that was a paraphrase of that.

This highly entertaining story is the 2nd in the Sin and Sensibility Series and will make you cry, smile and cheer for the lovers. This standalone, HEA historical romance incorporates the love lives of three different couples, the main characters being Frances Bumgarten and Reynard Boulton.
The story has great flow, fully fleshed out characters, secrets kept, secrets shared, intrigue, an evil villain, and warm romance. This author pulls you into the story and the characters lives, making you feel all of their emotions every step of the way. I can hardly wait until the next story is written and will go back to read the first in this series.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Oh. My. God. How have I never read anything by this author before?!
It’s been such a long time since I read a book that kept me engaged throughout, that told a love story but also held me captive with it’s intrigue. I think that Frankie and Reynard might be one of my favourite hero and heroine duos ever and the secondary characters are all amazing! I am so looking forward to Sarah’s book, but until then I’ll be catching up on all of Betina Krahn’s other books!
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

First time I have read anything by this author. She is a great writer. I absolutely loved this book. Frances or Frankie's family is from America, making their money from silver mining . She lives with her mother, Elizabeth and her two sisters, Claire and Sarah. The head of the house is Redmond Strait, their mother's brother. It is most important to Elizabeth that her daughters marry a titled gentleman. The family knows Reynard Boulton as he is their brother in law's best friend. He is also, known as Fox, since he is someone who knows many secrets. There is attraction between Fox and Frankie but they annoy each other as well. While at a ball, the Duke of Ottenberg from Prussia notices Frankie and decides he wants to court her. Frankie knows he is not a nice or kind man, but her mother insists that she accept his attention. Fox saved her from him a few times, but Fox has not come into his title at this time and he hasn't enough money or clout to suit Elizabeth. Meanwhile there are other romances happening and a sudden trip to Paris to save a family member. There's a kidnapping, intrigue and steamy love scenes. What an amazing book with different stories woven into Frankie's and Fox's romance. I don't want to give the ending away. Can't wait for the next book. 5+ I received this book from Net Galley and Kensington Books for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.