Cover Image: The Gift of Love (The Book of Love 8)

The Gift of Love (The Book of Love 8)

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Member Reviews

I enjoyed this historical romance with all of the characters. The two main characters were Dahlia Farthingale and Ronan Brayden.

Dahilia Farthingale has been given a book that the family calls the book of love. The family thinks that when you read this book you will find your true love.

Ronan Brayden is a captain in the Royal Navy. His brother has recently married Dahilia Farthingale sister. Ronan think that Dahilia should read the book of love.

This was a cute story to read. I had fun read this historical romance. There were quite a bit of laughter through out the story.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

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The Farthingales and Braydens together are a formidable power! I admit that I have not read the previous installments of this series, but after reading this one I am going to start from Book One and work my way through this series. I really loved this book and it was book 8! That tells you something! Usually when there is a series this long it starts to get boring. Nothing boring in this book. It's got drama, emotion, suspense, an injured hero, a vulnerable heroine and a nice blend of humor. I loved this book! I look forward to reading more from this author.

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Dahlia Farthingale currently has possession of The Book of Love. Dahlia already has found her one and only, her childhood friend, Gerald. Her confidence is shattered when she finds Gerald making love to another woman at a ball! Enter Captain Ronan Brayden who becomes King to Dahlia's Queen at a Celebration. The rest of the story is pure Meara Platt magic when she pairs a Farthingale and a Brayden together. You don' want to miss this story!

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Dahlia Farthingale is in possession of THE BOOK OF LOVE. She doesn't need to read it, she already has a beau. During the Twelfth Night party she discovers what a scoundrel her beau truly is. Captain Ronan Brayden loves Dahlia and has held off his deep affection until the night her beau exposes himself. Ronan comes to her rescue. Then he convinces her that they should read THE BOOK OF LOVE together. The courtship of a Royal Navy Captain with a military objective to win the lady of his heart. Another entertaining romance involving the Farthingales and the Braydens. They always make you laugh and cry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

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I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Such a sweet story!! I liked the switch up from previous stories in this series. This time, he’s the one in love with her and she’s the one being quietly wooed. She’s expecting a betrothal that never comes, from a man who doesn’t have any decency. Personally, I thought the first beau would make more of a ruckus throughout the story, but he really didn’t. The bulk of the story is split between his work issues with his own false relationship (not his idea) and what he’s trying to foster with his Queen Pea. I really hope there is a story in the future for Lady M- I think that would interesting to read as well. This was really just good sweet fun, and a great installment in this series.

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Another day another Farthingale falling in love with the aid of The Book of Love. I’ve read all the books in the series thus far and I love seeing the different situations that come up that happened to come about when someone gets their hands on this not actually magic book. I like the idea of the book and I do think it makes sense of things. Another sweet love story between a Farthingale and a Brayden. All I wonder is will they ever run out of Farthingales? There are just so many.

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Another story about strong characters and how love can build from friendship. Enjoyed the characters and the plot.

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The Gift of Love is a low angst, sweet book in Meara Platt's Book of Love series. Though this is book number 8, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone.

I've read one other book by this author and my take away was the same as with this book - an enjoyable enough story with good characters. But nice, good characters don't always make for the most interesting read.

Dahlia Farthingale has her turn at reading the Book of Love, the tome with "magical" powers that has brought so many of her cousins and sisters true love, many with the boys from another family, the Braydens. Dahlia came across as very young. It took me a while to warm up to her because she did nothing but weep and simper at the beginning over a humiliation at the hands of a man (Gerald, I think, he was pretty boring for a "villain" so I can't even remember his name) who she thought may one day ask for her hand in marriage. She admitted she never loved this man, but thought that he would be the only one to ask for her.

Captain Ronan Brayden of the Royal Navy comes to her rescue. He's been in love with Dahlia since the first day they met. I did like that in this tale the man was completely besotted and had to plot how to get the girl in the end.

So, yada yada yada, they read the book together. They talk a lot about their feelings. A lot of talk. At least they're honest with each other. And they fall in love. There were a few kissing scenes and a very brief, non-explicit love scene at the very end. There wasn't much standing in their way, most action happened off the page. Gerald (if that's his name) was hardly villainous, and I wish there was more with him actually. There was a scene where all he did was follow Dahlia out to a terrace, look at her, then walk away when Ronan growled at him. Yep, growled. There was also a scene where a rock was thrown through a window that could have been taken as a threat, but nothing happened with that story angle.

There subplot with a Duke and his daughter that seemed very contrived and really ended up going nowhere as well. I would actually like to read the story of the Duke's daughter who falls in love with her father's crippled land steward.

I did like the character of burly Scotsman, Robbie, and his infatuation with the youngest Farthingale sister, Heather. The epilogue appears to be heading right into that book. Hopefully there are a bit more obstacles for Robbie and Heather to overcome to get their happily ever after.

There are many, many references to other couples from other books (and other series). This is a huge world with several families that just keep intermarrying.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. My review and opinions are freely given.

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I was so looking forward to reading this book. Miss Dahlia Farthingale thought the Book of Love would bring her a perfect suitor, but when Captain Ronan Brayden professes his feelings for her, she is doubtful that any man would want her especially since her last beau humiliated and debased her so publicly.

I loved the beginning of this story. It drew me in, but unfortunately, I thought the story went downhill from there. Ronan was an honorable suitor and I would have liked it if he actually called Dahlia by her given name instead of always addressing her as Queen Pea. That got old real quick. Not much happens in the book until the very end. By then I was skipping paragraphs just to see what happens. Dahlia's former suitor is cast as the villain, but he's not much of a villain. He does a lot of lurking and there is a situation at the end that points to him although it's not clearly defined.

This was not my favorite in this series. I thought it could use more "meat" to the plot instead of just having the H and h declare their love. There were no obstacles in their way and that took away from my interest in the story.

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The “Book of Love”, is now in possession of Dahlia Farthingale. Hoping it will work is magic for her, Dahlia was waiting for her classy lord to ask the marriage question any day now. However, he decided to dabble with another woman and out caught with his pants down. Poor Dahlia, she believes that no one will want her after such a display of rudeness done to her. However, Captain Ronan Brayden, was bound and determined that would not happen to her. They decided that they would read and discuss the book together. Ronan had his work cut out for him as he believed that she was the only one for him. What a delightful story line, great characters, and interesting situations they find themselves in. I genuinely enjoyed this book and the series.

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She's been humiliated.

Dahlia had her hopes dashed and her confidence shattered.
The book she was sure would bring her happiness didn't....or did it?
Maybe the book is smarter than the one reading it?
Ronan is sweet and a far superior match for Dahlia.
Recommend.

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Lighthearted, Regency Romance

It starts with a Twelfth Night game, but does it end there? Will the Book of Love work its magic again, or is it what holds the magic? Perhaps, it is two hearts that call to each other and not the Book of Love that causes the sparks to fly. Does it matter what brings two souls together? This is an entertaining romance that is sure to put a smile on your face. If you like lighthearted Regency romance, you might enjoy this story.

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Another enjoyable read about the book of love bringing two people together. Love strikes when least expected and one does not always realize it. Dahlia believed herself to be in love but was betrayed and embarrassed by a man who was only thinking of himself. Ronan is a captain in the navy and is determined to make Dahlia his after he kisses her, for she found the pea and he found the bean, and he knows after that kiss she is the one for him. Getting Dahlia to realize Ronan in the right man for her will be a challenge, but a Brayden does not give up and they are protectors. Reading the book together allows Ronan and Dahlia to see each other more deeply, but will Dahlia let go of her past heartbreak to see Ronan has been the man for her along?
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Book of Love is now in the hands of Dahlia Farthingale to see if the magic will happen for her. She’s jilted at a party with everyone to witness, but Ronan Brayden comes to her rescue. Ronan offers to read the book with her in hopes she finds love, but he decides she’s the one for him, now to convince her they are meant to be together. A enchanting story of two people so perfect for each other they just need to spend time together to see what everyone has already figured out. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.

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I'm a fan of Meara Platt's romances. They are frothy confections that are enjoyable to read with wonderful heroes and heroines and leave you with a sigh for a wonderful HEA. I highly recommend.

At the Twelfth Night gathering, Dahlia Farthingdale, our heroine, gets the pea in her slice of cake, while our hero, Ronan (her sister's brother in law), gets the bean,. and as the Queen and King they kiss. What was meant to be a kiss on the cheek becomes more and both feel the electricity and Ronan realizes his feelings for Dahlia. But Dahlia has a beau who ends up being a huge cad and humiliates her. Ronan is there to rescue and protect her.

What follows is a very sweet love story told from both POV's as Ronan tries to get Dahlia to feel confident enough about herself to realize what they have.

I received an ARC from Dragonblade publisher via NetGalley. However, the opinion expressed is entirely my own.

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the Gift of Love by Meara Platt is another in the Book of Love series, in which the central character is a book. It appears to be a harmless book describing what love is, but anyone who comes in contact with it knows it is so much more. Dahlia Farthingale is attending her sister's party and has just gotten the pea embedded in the Twelfth Night cake. True Twelfth Night is a ways in the future, but it's all good fun. Captain Ronan Brayden has come upon the bean so they are crowned King and Queen of the party. The guests clamber for a kiss and then a dance. Dahlia's young man, Gerald Wainscott, glares at her through the entire process. Later, as she is reviewing the evening, Dahlia sees Gerald enter the library. As they have had little time together, she follows, where she sees Gerald, his pants around his ankles, and Lady Alexandra Minton, her skirt around her waist. Shocked, Dahlia makes a sound. Unembarrassed to have been discovered, Gerald dresses, and informs her that he and Alexandra are betrothed, the contracts having just been signed. He is insulting and rude. Dahlia is heartbroken. Ronan is there to pick up the pieces. They begin by reading the Book of Love together.

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The Gift of Love is book #8 in The Book of Love series by Meara Platt. This story was a gorgeous swoon-worthy read with wonderful characters, well paced, and great chemistry.

Dahlia Farthingale is next to have The Book of Love. But instead, the lord she thought would propose to her wound up rejecting her for an heiress. That's when Royal Navy captain Ronan Brayden steps in and insists they read the Book of Love together.

It all started when she got the pea in the Twelfth Night cake and he got the matching bean...

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Swoon worthy...one of my favorites from this collection. Ronan is true hero material and he proves it in many ways but the most important is with Dahlia Farthingale. His Queen Pea has inched her way into his heart and now the field is clear for them to read the Book of Love together. This book is so good. This family comes alive on the page. You are there with them through it all, ups and downs, highs and lows they band together.

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Please let me borrower The Book of Love Meara! It has been fascinating to see how each Farthingale has made their match as that amazing book has been passed around! Plus they will only marry for love, they just have to let the magic happen...

Now it is Dahlia's turn, and although she gets crushed by the man she thinks she loves, it is her "guardian angel" Ronan (yes love that name!) Brayden (yes again, marvelous!) who makes her head spin! "Being a typical Brayden also meant he was big and muscled. Built like a Roman gladiator. Handsome as sin in a rugged, manly way." Oh my!

Prepare to be brought under the spell as the story, with Ronan a true Knight in shining armor, who won my heart from the start and Dahlia, a sweetheart that just needs more confidence and true love make their journey to happy ever after! Perfect!!

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The Gift of Love by Meara Platt is another in the Book of Love series, in which the central character is a book. It appears to be a harmless book describing what love is, but anyone who comes in contact with it knows it is so much more. Dahlia Farthingale is attending her sister's party and has just gotten the pea embedded in the Twelfth Night cake. True Twelfth Night is a ways in the future, but it's all good fun. Captain Ronan Brayden has come upon the bean so they are crowned King and Queen of the party. The guests clamber for a kiss and then a dance. Dahlia's young man, Gerald Wainscott, glares at her through the entire process. Later, as she is reviewing the evening, Dahlia sees Gerald enter the library. As they have had little time together, she follows, where she sees Gerald, his pants around his ankles, and Lady Alexandra Minton, her skirt around her waist. Shocked, Dahlia makes a sound. Unembarrassed to have been discovered, Gerald dresses, and informs her that he and Alexandra are betrothed, the contracts having just been signed. He is insulting and rude. Dahlia is heartbroken. Ronan is there to pick up the pieces. They begin by reading the Book of Love together.

A terrific series, The Gift of Love is a perfect addition. The book, not as magic this time, serves to distance Dahlia from her heartbreak. She is the perfect heroine, growing each day as a person. Captain Brayden is a strong and wonderful character, willing to protect and comfort. The family is all there; the family we have grown to love through the previous books. Love is everywhere. Dahlia doesn't see it; Ronan does. The mood, the setting, the characters are all perfect. This is an enchanting book. Platt's fans will love it. The Book of Love is still working its magic.

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Gift of Love by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thegiftoflove

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