Member Reviews

I just love the Book of Love series and this book did not disappoint. Auggie and Rafe fall in love while working together to solve the mystery surrounding a fire at the home of Auggie's aunt. Working together has never been so satisfying.
Thank you Meara Platt, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

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I thought this book sounded great but I was sorely disappointed. I really disliked the characters and could not get in to the story and had to just give up. It wasn't worth the time to struggle through it. I hate not finishing but I just couldn't. I had read an earlier book in the series and I didn't like that one so I am done with the series and this author would not be one I intend to follow.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This is the first book by Meara Platt I have ever read and let's just say it won't be the last. The Dance of Love. is book 14 of The Book of Love series. I was able to read it and understand it, so it can be read as a stand-alone, but you will be missing a great book series from a great writer, who keeps your interest from start to finish. Never a dull moment and a mystery to solve. I love the characters of Rafe and Augusta, so glad they found one another. Sam, Rafe's son is a sweetheart of a character who gets what he wished for from the beginning of the book. I can't wait to read the other books of this series. This is a heartwarming story, and the characters are likeable and definitely realistic. To the point you will be looking for your own Rafe. They will have your heart from the first chapter. If you are anything like me after reading this, you will be reading every book, Meara Platt has written, like you have been shipwrecked, with no reading material for years, lol.
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This book was mostly about one’s emotions, passions and ways to keep them inside or... not being able to do so. Because of that, you could quickly find yourself reading on. When you read about an emotion for 100 pages or so, you’re bound to do just that, but trust me when I say - stick around for the ending. It was perfect..

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There are 14 books in this series. I started in the middle somewhere, went back and read from beginning to this one. Fantastic series. In the center is a book, THE book. The Book of Love. By now, we all know (and so do our Heroes) that any Hero remotely near the Heroine touching this book... is going down, and he's going down hard. This is the story of Rafe and Auggie. These 2 don't seem to have much in common, but what's meant to be will be. Loved, loved, loved these 2.

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Meara Platt is back with another installment in the expansive series, Book of Love, this is book fourteen and it’s a wonderful story you don’t want to miss. Although there are many books in this series I have read only some of them and I was able to pick up this story and jump right in, I believe it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. The tropes explored in this story are insta-love, forced proximity, single father, and a slight mystery the H/h work together to solve. I found Meara Platt’s writing to be well thought out with a fluid plot that kept me entertained from the beginning to end, I didn’t think the story lagged or jumped around, and found the characters witty, charming, and utterly likable.

I am not going to retell the plot there are numerous other reviews that sum it up quite well. I am going to highlight that the relationship and romance between the H/h is one I found to be delightful and the chemistry between these two leads to a passion that is both delectable and provocative. I enjoyed every word!❤️‍🔥🔥

I recommend this story and urge you to give it a try!

P.S. What a gorgeous book cover - this series continues to out do itself!

4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚 Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing and all thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given. Thank you for the opportunity to review. 🦄

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Charming Historical Romance with Mystery

The Book of Love tales are full of wit and charm, and this story is no exception. Auggie and Rafe come from two different backgrounds, but their hearts do not care about such trivial matters. Auggie was delivering The Book of Love to Rafe, not knowing that he was coming from investigating a fire at her aunt’s house. The two would have a mystery to solve. Auggie would steal the magistrate’s heart, and his son’s too. Would she convince him that their class differences did not matter? I enjoyed this charming story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery.

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The Dance of Love is the fourteenth in the series of Book of Love Series. It's full of suspense and mysterious happenings that spins a web of arson, art forgeries and murder. Meara Platt has given readers a book that is well-written and well paced, that brims with tension building twists and turns, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride that keeps you on the the edge of your seat, passion, and with one fantastic plot. With the appearances from characters who you found a special place in your heart for from previous novels that brings this read together perfectly!

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Ms. Platt has once again delivered an enchanting and romantic tale that had me captivated from start to finish. This is the fourteenth book in the magical series Book of Love in which individuals reading the book together fall in love. Rafe is the magistrate of Exeter and a widower with a young son. He's a bit rough around the edges, unlike Augusta, who is the rich and pampered daughter of a marquess. She is sent to Rafe by his cousins to deliver the Book of Love and when they meet, she is immediately drawn to him as he is to her. While she is there, her elderly aunt's home is burned, and it appears she has become the victim of a crime. Augusta works with Rafe to get to the bottom of what happened and in the process, they grow closer. Let's also not forget about the adorable Sam, the little matchmaker, who wants his father and Augusta to marry. This was an enjoyabe and wonderfully entertaining story, full of intrigue, danger, and romance, and you will not be able to put it down. I was hooked from the beginning anxiously turning the pages to see how things progressed. With wonderful characters and captivating storyline, this story is one that is definitely not to be missed and I wholeheartedly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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The Dance of Love by Meara Platt is another of The Book of Love books, which have found matches for all of the Farthingale ladies and many of the Brayden men. Rafe Quinton is the magistrate in Exeter whom we have met before. His mother is a Brayden; he is a widower with a small son; he is not nobility but is wealthy. He uses his paycheck to pay for his employees or her would have none. He is also a hero having just run into a burning building to save an old lady. It turns out this old lady has a niece the daughter of the Marquess of Chelford, who has come to see to her aunt, only to discover the fire that has ravaged her aunt's home. She is not shy and attempts to take over, some of which he allows. She has been playing with his son for two hours who had been waiting patiently for Rafe to return to his office, as had she. Together they solve a crime much larger than the arson at her aunt's house. They also fall in love, as does Rafe's son, who gives him plenty of advice on how not to muck it up with Auggie (Augusta).

These books are all very simplistic but very up beat and positive, as well as full of interesting characters. When the two of them determine they can marry without devastating Auggie's life, they move forward. Auggie is a very determined young woman who had met no one in whom she is interested in her three seasons. Rafe's wife died, but he knew he wanted more if he were to marry again. His wife had lost herself in him until there was nothing left. He wanted a partner, not a shadow. The father agreed to the match because he liked Rafe very much and he knew there was no arguing with Auggie. This was a fun, happily-ever-after romance. I recommend it.

I was invited to read The Dance Of Love by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #mearaplatt #thedanceoflove

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This was a continuing story in an ongoing series. A special book about love is being passed around a family and it is Rafe's turn. He is a magistrate and spends most of his time working. He is also widowed and has a young son. Lady Augusta delivers the book from his cousin's and he is immediately smitten. Together they must work to find who burned down Lady Augusta's aunts house and who is running an art and jewelry thief ring.

Rafe and August quickly fall in love but both have doubts. Rafe is a commoner and doesn't want to leave his town and job. Lady Augusta is used to luxury and all that London has to offer. Together they must decide if a life together with compromise is better than a life apart.

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I love Meara Platt, her characters are endearing, witty, warm, and you can't wait to hear from them again. Rafe is a hardworking Magistrate, literally putting fires out in order to save lives. Lady Augusta is a pampered daughter of a Marquess, nothing has ever been denied her, perhaps Rafe may become the one thing ever that she cannot have? I love the story, a good mystery, Rafe and his son are precious, Lady Augusta is someone that I would like to have as a friend.
I highly recommend! Thank you. #TheDanceOfLove
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The Dance of Love by Meara Platt is the fourteenth book of the Book of Love. Lady Augusta Nesbitt only meant to deliver a book to Exeter’s magistrate Rafe Quinton. She never expected to become so drawn to him. When her elderly aunt is the victim of a horrible crime, Auggie and Rafe work together to get to the bottom of it. Widower and father Rafe finds himself drawn to Auggie as she is to him, but he cannot imagine the daughter of a marquess would want to marry him. He has been drawn to her ever since he discovered his young son Sam on her lap in his office. Sam is determined to get Auggie and his father married.

This book is lighthearted, funny, and of course so sweetly romantic. I had a great time reading it and look forward to going back and reading more from Meara Platt.

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The Book of Love never fails, and neither does Meara Platt! Another beautiful love story, full of intrigue, mystery and passion. The shining star in this story is definitely Sam. Your heart cannot help but melt at the endearingly sweet efforts of Rafe’s little boy. The young lad knew from the start that Auggie belonged with them, and it only took a moment for his dad to realize this as well. The care they took to make certain that their lives would blend was a sweet change from the usual passion-blinded unions of the ton. Not that theirs is not a relationship of passion, but having been married before gives Rafe a certain insight as to what makes a couple successful. It was a pleasant change to see them consider these factors. In the end, their marriage will be founded on a basis of trust and respect, and of course, love. The Dance of Love will melt your heart!

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Lady Augusta Nesbitt has been given the job of delivering The Book of Love to Magistrate Rafe Quinton. He happens to live in the same village as her aunt. So, this seems like as amazingly easy delivery as she planned to visit her aunt, anyway. However, the first meeting with Rafe does not go as planned. He is not available, and Lady Augusta finds herself spending the time with his son, Sam, until he returns. It turns out that her aunt’s house has just burned down and now the mystery is why? As the two of them try to solve the crime they find themselves becoming more interested in each other. Will the book work its magic, the mystery of the house fire solved, and what of their feelings? This is a wonderful read and I really enjoyed the adventure along the way.

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This series continues to delight in The Dance of Love as fae-like Lady Augusta meets the stern and quick-tempered Magistrate, Rafe Quinton when she delivers The Book of Love to his office. Little does Rafe realize that the case he is investigating brings their lives together as they both want answers to the crime that has been committed. Rafe quickly comes to the understanding the beautiful lady is not just about glitz and glamour but is highly intelligent and resourceful, but when she wants answers to the same questions that he is asking, he knows he is lost. However, nothing is as it seems and when Auggie discovers that the aunt she is trying to protect is prevaricating and being evasive, she knows that there is something foul afoot. As the matter comes to a head, Rafe knows he can no longer avoid the fact that he has fallen head over heels in love with Auggie, but winning her father's approval proves very difficult. The Book of Love finds its mark once again and the novel comes to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

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This is the fourteenth book in the Book of Love series by Meara Platt, and the first book I have ever picked up by this author. Even though this is the fourteenth book in a long series it can absolutely be read as a stand alone and I found it to be a delightfully charming read. Meara Platt's writing was compulsively readable, her tone is friendly and accessible which swiftly drew me in and kept me reading. This insta-love, single father, romance is swiftly paced with an interesting little mystery which gives our hero and heroine a perfect backdrop for "forced" proximity and a puzzle to solve together.

When Lady Augusta, Auggie, comes to Exeter to visit with her aunt and deliver a package to a friend's relation, she does not expect to find herself caught up with the local magistrate who is investigating a fire that burned down her aunt's house. Auggie and Rafe are instantly drawn to one another and are compelled to spend time in each other's company. Auggie instantly charms Rafe's son and the people who work for him as she swiftly shows her value when it comes to the investigation surrounding her aunt's house, art forgery and stolen jewelry.

The insta love between Auggie and Rafe is just so endearing that as the reader I was rooting for them from page one. Auggie is smart, kind and compassionate which shines bright and true. Rafe is intelligent and a hard worker who loves his son and will protect those he holds dear. These two both don't think they are destined for love, but the chemistry between them is so strong that they find they are always longing to be in the others company. They both learn what love means and that true love is not just about attraction, but compromise and learning to work with each other. I love that Rafe is open and willing to accept Auggie's help at every step of the investigation, he does want to protect her but he also knows that she is strong and capable. The little moments between them in which they explore their attraction are very sweet, they share amusing and passionate kisses (otherwise the steam is pretty low, but it works well with in the context and tone of this novel), and it is refreshing the understanding and trust they give to the other. This is a low angst romance about two people fully embracing their feelings for the other and learning what they are willing to compromise in order to pursue a relationship.

Overall this was just an absolute delight and left me curious to explore more works in this series and from Meara Platt. This is definitely not the last book I will read by this author and I am definitely looking forward in the continuation of this sweet and low angst series about the gifting of a book that will lead to the discovery of true love.

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Lady Augusta Nesbitt has come to deliver a gift to Rafe Quinton from his cousins, the Book of Love. When they meet, he is cover in soot. He has just come from the scene of a tragic fire. The victim is Auggie’s great-aunt. Auggie is in his office to give him the book, and has been keeping Rafe’s son Sam company while they both waited for his father. There is an almost instant attraction, not just for Rafe and Auggie, but for Sam as well. Is the book already working its magic?

This another wonderful story in the Book of Love series. Rafe has appeared in previous books. The handsome magistrate is a widower with an adorable young son. Auggie, intelligent as well as beautiful is daughter to the Marquess of Chelsford. She occasionally comes to Exeter to visit her aunt. At the same time their romance, encouraged by Sam, begins to take shape, Rafe and Auggie work together (at her insistence) to solve a number of mysteries seeming related to the fire. One, of course, who started the fire and why? There are also questions about stolen art and forgery. They would also like to find her rather unscrupulous cousin. Drama, mystery, danger, humor, fun, and romance – quite a combination that makes up an entertaining and enjoyable story. The Book? It’s on its way to Rafe’s brother and the next story.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My Review is voluntary.

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This was the first book in the series that I read, but I do not think that was a problem. It also kept the "magic" of the book a mystery to me until Rafe started reading it. I also love a little mystery in my romances and found this book perfectly combined the two. It also allowed Rafe and Auggie be attracted to one another for more than just their looks. Auggie is a great leading lady - she's strong-willed, smart, and clever. Rafe's willingness to accept Auggie's help made me like him even more than I already did. And the mystery is interesting all on its own. I would have happily read this book just for that even without a romance between Auggie and Rafe - they make a great team. I wish this could be a spinoff series!

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Read NetGalley ARC of this story - I’m not familiar with the preceding books but found that didn’t detract from the story. Auggie is a charming heroine and her relationship with Rafe is very sweet - her bond with his son Sam is very cute.

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