The Popstar's Ruby by Ava Sparrow

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This small town romance with a big popstar and a old friend go for a second chance at love. I liked that they dealt with the paparazzi because that is a big thing dating a celebrity. This story takes a chance a big-time Romeo can become a monogamist, but Ruby is where his heart is. Good story and wonderful characters that make you want to laugh and cry. The manager is a great villain thinking he knows better than his popstar's wants and need. I haven't read a good celebrity romance in awhile. I'm glad I read this one.
 

The Broken Viscount’s Virgin: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel (Sinfully Ruined Book 3) by Maybel Bardot

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I liked the plot and the main characters, but the story did not live up to the description. The story became tedious at points and could have been about 10,000 words shorter. Why are the parents who supposedly care about their daughter gonna throw her out of the house into a man's arm that she clearly dislikes, a viscount who thinks he's broken and a fake courtship to get everyone off their backs. Of course, they fall in love, but the only real connection between the two is the banter. I would have enjoyed this story if the parents weren't so selfish and stereotypical, and the Viscount who woe is me, I can't love goes on and on and on.

 

Lord Ashley's Beautiful Alibi (Scarlett Affairs Book 1) Kindle Edition

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is one of the most intense and dramatic romantic suspense novels I have read in a long time. From the French courts to the out lying countryside, it is rich in intrigue and French culture. The two main characters have a chemistry that inspires poems and odysseys be written about them. Their bravery and courage in the French courts of Napoleon take them far along with a love that will last a life time. 

A Baron's Disguised Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Abigail Agar

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I like love stories where the main characters turn to each other to help solve a riddle. Lavinia may have had common upbringing, but in the end she shows she can be a lady. The Baron at first is so inside himself that he is rude and not understanding or forgiving. Lavinia helps him to come out of himself, by helping him investigate his fears about his sister's death. Love is found in the compassion we show others in helping them to face their fears and grief. It is a very good whodunit with some very strong and unexpected twists, and an excellent love story that shows that sometimes first impressions aren't that impressive.
 

Eye of the Beholder (Nebraska Historical Romances Book 4) by Ruth Ann Nordin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dave Larsen is a man with his heart wide open. He witness Mary being rejected by the man who bought her ticket to Omaha to be his bride. He decides he needs a wife and Mary might just do. This starts as a marriage of convivence but as the two grow closer in relationship. Dave begins to think Mary is beautiful. It's the way she smiles, and her eyes light up when she is happy. Her goodness spreads to everyone she meets, even to the man who rejected her. She is no longer the Mary at the train stations, but his beautiful wife. This story is romantic and different from most mail-order bride stories, because it focuses on the inner relationship of love.
 

The Perfect Mail-Order Bride: A Sweet, Clean Western Romance (Frontier Matches Book 1) by Regina Scott

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love the scene setting in this story. I love Thomas's character, and I even liked Ada, liar that she is. She saw in Thomas all of her dreams come true. He liked her for her and not because she was Melinda's sister. Her ego has taken a beating due to her sister's precariousness and has made her self-conscience of everything her sister was and she was not. Her sister cared not a fig for anyone else but just herself. This made it easy for me to forgive the lie that Ada was living. I love the stories of the building of Seattle in the the late 1800's. Does anyone remember "Here Comes the Brides". This kind of reminds me of that TV series. Like all good stories, someone has something they are hiding. 
 

The Duke's Forbidden Rendezvous: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Daphne Pierce

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a very romantic and steamy story. It seems everyone is against Eliza and Nathan getting together. I hate when Lords get away with attempted murder, while their cohorts get hanged by the neck. Nobility at least shouldn't get away with attempting to kill one of their own. It's down right sad, and killing above your rank is treason, I believe. So the Lord should have hung. As for Eliza and Ethan, they go on to love one another and that's a good thing. The story had a variety of character that are well developed, but I think more character development should have been spent on our trio of villains. Otherwise, this a good story to read in the dim light right before bed.
 

The Persuasion of Miss Jane Brody by Isabella Hargreaves (Author)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is story that is well-written and lots of character depth. The Marquis is obviously not suited for feather-brained or simpering women. He finds Miss Jane Brody stimulating and attractive, even if she doesn't agree with his politics. The banter and dialog between these two is riveting and tension filled. He starts to purposely seek her out and antagonize her, because he is fascinated with the way she thinks and loves that she has her own mind. This story is not romantic but the chemistry is heavy between these two. It's fun to watch how these two come together and even negotiate their marriage contract. Jane is shrewd, but doesn't realize that Jonathan will give her everything. It's a good story but I find Jane falters on some of her ideals, although maybe sometimes compromise can be a good thing.

Married to her Kilted Enemy: Scottish Enemies to Lovers Romance (Temptation in Tartan Book 5) by Shona Thompson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed this story and the relationship between these two is tense whether she hates Odhrán or she loves him. Odhrán loved Maddison from the moment he saw her. He never told her who he was or why he killed his father to save her life. He has to beg the King for her hand in marriage so that he can keep Maddison safe from his cousin. There are several plots that go on throughout the story, but it all comes together in the end. The characters are all well-developed and take on their own personalities. This story is absolutely great from beginning to end.
 

Gabriella (Hiatt Regency Classics Book 1) by Brenda Hiatt (Author)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is slow paced as events comes together to bring the Duke of Ravenham and Gabriella together. The story actually starts to unfold as the relationship between the Duke and Gabriella starts to be more than just him escorting her to balls. Her sister is a temperamental virago and the Duke tries as much to avoid her sister and still honor his lost wager. The problem with the story is that although they get along and the author hints of some romance. There is really nothing there until scandal hits and the Duke wants to protect her and realizes he is in love. This is when the story actually gets romantic. The story is well written and just sweet.
 

A Duchess for the Beast: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (The Spinsters Club Book 4) by Tiffany Baton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is just a fun story, even if the plot of the Miranda's cousin is totally horrid. It's a marriage of convenience because the Duke needs a wife to traverse society, while Miranda is being sold down the river for her cousin's debts. Miranda the founder of the Spinster Club only agrees to wed the Duke to save her father's home. The dialog between these two is very witty, and Miranda gets tired of his retreating back, even if it is a very nice back. All the characters are engaging and well developed. There are surprising developments and a monster mother-in-law to join in the fun. Besides, the Duke doesn't stand a chance of keeping this a marriage of convenience with a woman like Miranda.
 

A Most Unsuitable Earl (Marriage by Scandal Book 2) by Ruth Ann Nordin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is amiable, and funny. Everything that happens to Lord Edon he deserves for trying to lie to society and avoid marriage. It's a shame he couldn't figure out how to avoid his own mother. His mother is shameless and does everything to get hem married to a respectable lady. Unfortunately, Catherine is marked due to Ethan's lie to avoid dancing with a matchmaking momma's daughter.  This is where all the mayhem begins and soon Ethan has his hands full with a new bride. I enjoyed this romp and that's exactly what it is! It's filled with fun with a on the shelf wallflower, a Duke-in-law, a shameless mother and more surprises and twists and turns that has Lord Edon's head spinning at the end of it all.
 

A Silent Bond Between Them: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Elaine Shields

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this story about a girl made mute by fear. The love our hero feels for Diana is inspired by his admiration for a woman who invented her own sign language and knows what she wants. Diana starts to love the first man who shows an interest in learning her language and respecting her as a woman with a bright mind. Jackson has secrets and they are going to interfere with the new life that he is building for himself. You'll love this story because it has action and adventure and true love. Part of the climax is a little stilted, but unburies itself by the ending. 
 

Welcome to Serenity Springs: A Small Town, Age Gap, Vacation Romance Bertie Stein

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really like this sweet story about meeting someone and wanting to help them. Love sneaks up on these two, even though Jack is having a hard time dealing with the death of his wife and son. These two heal each other and Jack learns that life can move on. Emma is a good teacher and just engages him to do more than keep to himself. The age gap thing is only addressed by Emma's parents and we never really know how many years are between them. It doesn't matter, because these two know what they want and are willing to sacrifice for it. The Emma's parents are a little over top in their protection of Emma, but the parents wanting to drop everything and move to Serenity was just unbelievable. Still the story is thoroughly enjoyable and a great read.
 

Midnight Marriage: A Georgian Historical Romance (Roxton Family Saga Book 1) by Lucinda Brant

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is excellent and romantic. It is full of action-packed deviltry, duels, passion and romance. The characters fall in love and the wife doesn't realized she is already married to the man. They drugged her with laudanum so she would not protest. She was 12 years old at the time. The Marquis falls in love with the woman after he is ambushed and she helps get him medical aid after bandaging him up. There is so much going on and so much deception that it gets hard to keep track, but the story kept me turning the pages. This story made the passion hot without the graphics. I remember reading these kinds of stories when I was young and enjoyed them tremendously. I still do.
 

My Unreasonable Boss by Evangeline Kelly

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This starts out a a rom-com when nothing Alayna does goes right. It goes to show that 1st day impressions are usually the wrong ones. The hard working ones are the ones that dig in and try to make a difference. Everyone else schmoozes the boss, because they lack the character and confidence to pull off the work. Jasper plays right into this scenario, and takes all of his not feeling up to the job on Alayna, who wore casual clothes because she was supposed to work from home that day. Of course, this all goes to HR, because nothing ever stays quiet in the workplace. When sent to a seminar to learn how to get along with each other, they find they have more in common, not only in work ethics, but in faith-based values. Every step of the way, these two decide to take the high road. It was hard not to like these two, even though both made some stupid and judgmental moves. I'm glad that once Jasper was reminded of his values, he stepped up and took responsibility. This is a great Christian read and lets us get a grip on how we should really be acting in the workplace.
 

A Stolen Heart in Dallas: An Inspirational Romance Novel by Lilah Rivers

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a faith-based story and an inspiration to seeking vengeance. The way to peace is through faith, not taking our own form of revenge. Love grows between these two and Jesse easily sees the folly of the path he has taken. My problem with the story is Martha's faith-based values. Would she think of aligning herself with someone whose values were not he same? It doesn't take away from this well-written story, but it reflects a fault in Martha's faith-based values. Maybe, it just makes her more human. Or perhaps? God uses this fault in Martha to bring Jesse back into the fold.
 

Unmasking a Wicked Marquess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Kindle Edition by Henrietta Harding

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a sad attempt at Romeo and Juliet. Fortunately the characters are well developed and these two wear their hearts on their sleeves. Two families broken over an accusation of cheating by killing their racing horse, deny their children a marriage the two desire. There was an evil performed that day nineteen years ago, Edward and Juliet search for the truth so they can be together, but Juliet gives into the gossip. This story is tragic that it took nineteen years to find the truth and heal the bridge between the two families. Life is too short to live it in hate and fear.

 

A Widow's Heart Unveiled: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Aurora Hanson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an excellent description of what it was like to traverse the Oregon trail. The unusualness of the story is that the trail boss is a woman. She is the widow of a trail boss whom both had traverse the trail several times. The story starts off with a preview of our heroine and hero before they meet. As Luke tries to escape the person who is hunting him, he joins the caravan to California by sneaking in and helping the kids that are traveling alone and in the back of the caravan. Luke becomes an asset to Abigail and the caravan as they cross deep rivers and climb rocky mountains. He's traveled this trail before during the gold rush. The story becomes intense while climbing the Rockies and Abigail soon finds herself falling in love with Luke and feels like she is betraying her late husband. This story is to be enjoyed and has many action packed adventures. Story contains fights, robberies, gunfights, bounty hunters, courage, community and love. Take a ride along the Oregon Trail, adventure awaits.
 

Unbending Lords: A Historical Regency Romance Collection by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Three stories about unbending Lords and the women that melted their hearts.

A Game of Chess with the Marquess

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This house arrangement was very strange and Lenora was treated terribly even for a maid. The way the Duchess and her daughter treat her and make the other servants treat her is bad enough. When the Marquess visits and find himself more enamored of the maid than Katherine, suddenly Lenora is declared dead. At this point, I knew the truth of Lenora before it even came out. The story is terrible and horrifying that a family would treat a person this way. It doesn't matter that she was disfigured with a blind eye, it would have been better if they locked her away in a tower than to suffer the abuse that this woman suffered. I was truly horrified by this story and Lenora's 

Desperately Inn Love with the Duchess

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story is outrageous from the Duke falling in love with an Innkeeper to someone kidnapping him for the exact amount of the woman's dowry he rejected. His steward is his best friend and confidante and of course his mother is pushy and overbearing. It's a Cinderella story except the woman is not a high society lady down on her luck. She's an independent widow woman who runs an Inn, because there isn't any family and she needs the Inn for income. The story is full of wit, hijinks, and some decent action scenes. No matter how well written, the story is totally unbelievable.

The Silent Curse of the Red Countess

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is about poisoning and some mysterious scroll. A countess is silenced and one day the countess wakes up and tells Persephone a bizarre story and tells her to take the scroll to someone in Scotland. She gets caught in a blizzard and is saved by our hero, Silas Galashields, the Earl of Dornham. The story races on from there, and Persephone take a position in the Earl's home to hide. The villain of the story surprised me, because I kept wondering why, instead of who. The story is a little outrageous at times, but with the number of surprises. It actually can set your heart pounding.

The Silent Curse of the Red Countess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is about poisoning and some mysterious scroll. A countess is silenced and one day the countess wakes up and tells Persephone a bizarre story and tells her to take the scroll to someone in Scotland. She gets caught in a blizzard and is saved by our hero, Silas Galashields, the Earl of Dornham. The story races on from there, and Persephone take a position in the Earl's home to hide. The villain of the story surprised me, because I kept wondering why, instead of who. The story is a little outrageous at times, but with the number of surprises. It actually can set your heart pounding.
 

Desperately Inn Love with the Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story is outrageous from the Duke falling in love with an Innkeeper to someone kidnapping him for the exact amount of the woman's dowry he rejected. His steward is his best friend and confidante and of course his mother is pushy and overbearing. It's a Cinderella story except the woman is not a high society lady down on her luck. She's an independent widow woman who runs an Inn, because there isn't any family and she needs the Inn for income. The story is full of wit, hijinks, and some decent action scenes. No matter how well written, the story is totally unbelievable.
 

A Game of Chess with the Marquess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Kindle Edition by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This house arrangement was very strange and Lenora was treated terribly even for a maid. The way the Duchess and her daughter treat her and make the other servants treat her is bad enough. When the Marquess visits and find himself more enamored of the maid than Katherine, suddenly Lenora is declared dead. At this point, I knew the truth of Lenora before it even came out. The story is terrible and horrifying that a family would treat a person this way. It doesn't matter that she was disfigured with a blind eye, it would have been better if they locked her away in a tower than to suffer the abuse that this woman suffered. I was truly horrified by this story and Lenora's 
 

Oh No, I Crashed A Spaceship And Kissed An Assassin: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance Short Story (At The Alien Hotel Book 1) by Kate Sinner

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Normally, I rate these kind of books 3 or 4 stars depending on the writing, but this story is just plain fun. Like life, nothing ever goes right for Elana. She is mouthy, owns who she is and what she feels. When the worst happens, Elana picks herself up and goes in guns blazing. Our assassin on the other hand, is protective and dazzled by this soft human that he calls her bravi, in his language is brave one The hijinks never stop and keep rolling right through battle scenes. The cover of the story fits in with the writing. I loved this one.
 

In a Precious Vow: A False Identity Steamy Regency Romance (Diamond Dynasty Book 5) by Sara Adrien

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story starts out well but convoluted along the way. Then there is the moral dilemma of lying in the face of danger. Aurelia learns that lying can be good during wartime, but wartime is evil in itself. Peter it seems is a good liar, because he has been covering for the Klonimus brother for years. The build up to the climax is exciting, but ending of the climax was a complete letdown. I haven't read the whole series and all the complex relationships from previous books that are in this book are not helpful to making this story a stand-a-alone. 
 

Mending the Baron's Sins: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Meghan Sloan

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a healthy man with a mysterious illness. His newest healer comes and changes the doctor's orders, because she doesn't believe the medicine he is taking is good for him. She's seen too many addicts on the laudanum. All of a sudden the Baron is getting better. Of course, the Baron finds Orla desirable. This story has a strange and terrifying twist and holds my attention page after page.
 

Hearts of the Hall #2 Engaging Miss Shaw by Rachel Knowles

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a sweet and heartfelt story about a woman who helps a gentleman with his nephew and gets through the grief of losing his brother. Miss Shaw is gentle and kind and impresses her employer with the advantages of engaging with his nephew. As John and Miss Shaw navigate the intricacies of grief and love. There is a plot going on to take advantage of the estate. Make no mistake, grief blinds us and gives us tunnel vision. This story really addresses this issue with a wonderful love story.
 

Broken Hearts' Redemption #3 The Scarred Viscount’s Redemption Martha Barwood

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

There is a lot right with this story, but also a lot wrong. The characters are inside their head so much the story becomes tedious. The growing romance as they start to court was interesting to watch, but the story had too many idioms that are used in modern times, especially the American ones. All the characters are well-developed and their personalities kept me interested in the story. Why are all mothers either pushy, know-it-alls or just plain selfish or evil. They don't want what's best for their daughters, but what makes them look better to society in whole. Oh, I'm a good mother because my daughter married an Earl instead of a Viscount, even if the Earl beats his wife and smells like a sewer. And the father just hems and haws and lets his wife does as he pleases. The plot idea was excellent but the storyline was not executed nearly as well as the plot. Unfortunately, the epilogue's didn't even make sense after the final climax. Oh, there go the tedious and repeating thoughts again!
 

The Duke's Convenient Bride: Historical Regency Romance Roselyn Francis

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The immaturity of some men, lying to your mother about a woman you are courting. Now he has to come up with that woman. By doing so, he involves himself in a whole lot of dangerous intrigue just to fool his mother. Guess what! Another rake bites the dust when he fake engages himself to a woman who doesn't know where her family is, because someone abducted her when she was a small child. This is a good story despite the plot. The characters are well-written and just enough action and intrigue to keep the pages turning.
 

Amanda #1 Finding Amanda by Robin Patchen

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is emotional and suspenseful. The subject matter is sensitive and won't be for everyone, especially those who have been abused as a child. It brings certain truths home, but as long as Amanda is blind to the truth of Mark and continues in her hateful practices, she slowly becomes the villain in this story. The story climaxes with great suspense and explodes to its conclusion. The epilogue is a little weak, but doesn't matter because of emotional intensity of this story.
 

Tales of Tender Western Hearts: A Historical Western Romance Collection by Madeline Thornton

This is a collection of 6 Western romance novels. They are rated as follows:
A Path to Love's Redemption by Madeline Thornton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
This story is heart-breaking in the fact that Isaac could easily replace Lucy's sister for Lucy. Isaac is abusive to Lucy emotionally, and is even occasionally abusive to his family members and the men he hired on his ranch. Isaac is not out of the grief stage of anger, yet. His family forces him to apply for a mail-order bride, because his sister-in-law is due soon and won't be able to take care of his daughter. He should have just hired a nurse, he would have been better off than abusing Lucy and his ranch. This story tended to run on and became tedious at points.

The Rose of the Frontier by Aurora Hansen

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is sort of a fairy tale Western romance. Outlaw is the good guy and the mayor is the villain. The only positive thing about the town was the sheriff was not part of the corruption of the town's politics. After reading this story, I'm sure the author likes to run on about unimportant things to the story or plot. Otherwise, the story is good, but with a bit more editing, it could have been great.

Her Rocky Trail to Happiness by Carol Colyer

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Martha's relatives arrange a marriage for her in California after her grandmother dies. They hire Ronnie a gentleman going to California to pay off his brother's debt to escort Martha and her sister to a town near where his brother lives. It is a journey filled with adventure, dangers and intrigue. Martha falls in love with Ronnie along the way and decides not to marry her supposed fiance. My surprise in all of this is that such a dumb plot turned out to be such a good story. 

Love's Lost and Found by Madeline Thornton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an unusual take on amnesia romance, but it works. Ericka gets to know who Sam is without all the baggage that comes from all the bad choices we make in our lives. Sometimes fate creates a situation to make it possible for love to bloom. This story leaves you wondering if things would have been different if Sam hadn't had that accident.

Healing the Nurse's Heart by Aurora Hanson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maddie escapes a bordello after being conned into becoming a mail order bride. This is human trafficking 19th century style. She runs to the next town over and finds work as a caretaker for the town's apothecary's mother. Ben & Maddie affections grow for each other as she takes care of his mother. The only problem is that Ben is engaged to the mayor's daughter. This story is full of political intrigue and spoiled brat. The climax is exciting and keeps the pages turning til the very end.

A Heart as Untamed as Thunder by Carol Colyer

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maddie falls for Carter through a mail order service. When these two meet, they have an immediate connection. As Maddie helps Carter protect the stallion in the wild mustang herd, they learn to overcome their differences. This story has an excellent story to tell and is filled with horses, cowboys and those who protect and exploit the land.

A Heart as Untamed as Thunder by Carol Colyer

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maddie falls for Carter through a mail order service. When these two meet, they have an immediate connection. As Maddie helps Carter protect the stallion in the wild mustang herd, they learn to overcome their differences. This story has an excellent story to tell and is filled with horses, cowboys and those who protect and exploit the land.
 

Healing the Nurse's Heart: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Aurora Hanson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maddie escapes a bordello after being conned into becoming a mail order bride. This is human trafficking 19th century style. She runs to the next town over and finds work as a caretaker for the town's apothecary's mother. Ben & Maddie affections grow for each other as she takes care of his mother. The only problem is that Ben is engaged to the mayor's daughter. This story is full of political intrigue and spoiled brat. The climax is exciting and keeps the pages turning til the very end.

Love's Lost and Found: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Madeline Thornton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an unusual take on amnesia romance, but it works. Ericka gets to know who Sam is without all the baggage that comes from all the bad choices we make in our lives. Sometimes fate creates a situation to make it possible for love to bloom. This story leaves you wondering if things would have been different if Sam hadn't had that accident.
 

Her Rocky Trail to Happiness: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Carol Colyer

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Martha's relatives arrange a marriage for her in California after her grandmother dies. They hire Ronnie a gentleman going to California to pay off his brother's debt to escort Martha and her sister to a town near where his brother lives. It is a journey filled with adventure, dangers and intrigue. Martha falls in love with Ronnie along the way and decides not to marry her supposed fiance. My surprise in all of this is that such a dumb plot turned out to be such a good story.

The Rose of the Frontier: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Aurora Hanson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is sort of a fairy tale Western romance. Outlaw is the good guy and the mayor is the villain. The only positive thing about the town was the sheriff was not part of the corruption of the town's politics. After reading this story, I'm sure the author likes to run on about unimportant things to the story or plot. Otherwise, the story is good, but with a bit more editing, it could have been great.
 

A Path to Love's Redemption: A Historical Western Romance Novel Madeline Thornton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story is heart-breaking in the fact that Isaac could easily replace Lucy's sister for Lucy. Isaac is abusive to Lucy emotionally, and is even occasionally abusive to his family members and the men he hired on his ranch. Isaac is not out of the grief stage of anger, yet. His family forces him to apply for a mail-order bride, because his sister-in-law is due soon and won't be able to take care of his daughter. He should have just hired a nurse, he would have been better off than abusing Lucy and his ranch. This story tended to run on and became tedious at points.

 

A Promise to the Outlaw's Heart: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Aurora Hanson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a unique story where the woman advertises for a husband. They spark when they meet and fall in love, but Tom is not Ben. He is an outlaw running from his gang. I liked how the author brought these two together. The story is gripping at points, and is a great story about love and redemption.
 

Loving Arnold by Sara Adrien

Rating: ⭐⭐

I liked the premise, but the story is very short and leaves you with a cliffhanger. Everyone who reads my blog knows this. There is no character development for them to fall as quickly as they do. I think this story would be better as one large novel.
 

The Coffee Loft: By Any Beans Necessary by Jenna Brandt

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a fun read and Jeff and Michelle give their relationship a second try. Jeff gave his career as a bartender up to become a K-9 handler. Winston, his furry partner gets the party started by upsetting things in the Coffee Loft. While trying to get control of his partner, Jeff makes his move to a better life, and renews his relationship with Michelle. I know every story is supposed to have its angst, but this one is just really weak. The story otherwise is very good and worth the afternoon read.
 

A Deal with the Highlander: A Scottish Medieval Historical Romance (Married to the O'Neills Book 1) Kindle Edition by Maddie MacKenna

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There is nothing like being blackmailed into getting married. This is great story with a great plot and excellent villain. Allister finds that McNeill's sister is nothing like him and prone to getting into trouble. That trouble is because Allister tries to ignore her and everyone knows what happens when you ignore a woman who wants your attention. Allister is a new laird and somewhat naïve about his clan and how to deal with snakes. What he finds is a woman who will stay honorable and true to her vows and ferrets out the snakes.
 

Undone: A Second Chance Small Town Romance (The Henry Brothers Book 3) Kindle Edition by Amy Knupp

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love second chance romances and this story has it all. These two still hurt from the breakup, and still are attracted to each other. The fact that he has to help her fix the fixer upper is too delicious and funny. This is a great rom-com with just the right mix of spice. Join as Ava and Cash find their way back to each other.
 

The Loveless Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Kindle Edition by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

We all know this simple plot. Be friends and keep your heart to yourself, this would be okay if you didn't need an heir. The man gets married to shut his mother up and chooses Alice to save her and her family. The man claims he has no heart. Just helping Alice proves he does. Every romance author knows that intimacy develops affection, it is just the way we as humans are made. If these two had properly courted, they would have grown to know that they suited. Instead Lord Galvin has to inflict his stubborn head and his rules on his new wife making this an okay read, because of the ending. For awhile there, he was kind of abusive.
 

The Lords of Passion: A Steamy Regency Romance Collection by Violet Hamers

This is a three story series. The books are rated as follows.

The Temptation and Damnation with the Earl

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I liked this story although it is outrageous and totally unbelievable. Cleopatra decides to destroy the the Earl's reputation because she believes he killed her brother. The Earl kidnaps her, then marries her. Her brother destroys his gambling hell and the other gambling owner on the street kidnaps Cleopatra from the Earl. Everyone's secrets come to light and the story is becomes even more outrageous. Decided not to read the extended dialogue, because these two made me very tired by the end of the story.

P.S, I'll Make You Mine, My Duke

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story has a tragic beginning and with the prologue, I had hope this would be a great story. Reginald is likeable, but he is still a boy. Amelia's father recognizes this and allows the Duke to court Amelia, but won't approve a marriage. This Duke has served 4 year in the military and has done nothing with his father's tobacco business and let his uncle run the business. The story gets crazy from here with mediocre action scenes and a lot of jumping around during those action scenes. A great plot is reduced an okay story.

Caught in the Web of a Rakish Marquess

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is somewhat a heartbreaking story, but things do work themselves out. Adam and Charlotte have had a connection from childhood, but when Adam joined the military, he told Charlotte he wouldn't wait for her. Years later, meeting her in the ballroom, he wishes he never said those words, because she is everything he desires. Courtship will not be easy, because there is an unknown plot afoot to destroy this couple. The plot is excellent and the writing in places does fall short, but it is a very good story.

Caught in the Web of a Rakish Marquess by Violet Hamers

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is somewhat a heartbreaking story, but things do work themselves out. Adam and Charlotte have had a connection from childhood, but when Adam joined the military, he told Charlotte he wouldn't wait for her. Years later, meeting her in the ballroom, he wishes he never said those words, because she is everything he desires. Courtship will not be easy, because there is an unknown plot afoot to destroy this couple. The plot is excellent and the writing in places does fall short, but it is a very good story.
 

P.S. I'll Make You Mine, My Duke by Violet Hamers

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story has a tragic beginning and with the prologue, I had hope this would be a great story. Reginald is likeable, but he is still a boy. Amelia's father recognizes this and allows the Duke to court Amelia, but won't approve a marriage. This Duke has served 4 year in the military and has done nothing with his father's tobacco business and let his uncle run the business. The story gets crazy from here with mediocre action scenes and a lot of jumping around during those action scenes. A great plot is reduced an okay story.
 

In Temptation and Damnation with the Earl by Violet Hamers

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I liked this story although it is outrageous and totally unbelievable. Cleopatra decides to destroy the the Earl's reputation because she believes he killed her brother. The Earl kidnaps her, then marries her. Her brother destroys his gambling hell and the other gambling owner on the street kidnaps Cleopatra from the Earl. Everyone's secrets come to light and the story is becomes even more outrageous. Decided not to read the extended dialogue, because these two made me very tired by the end of the story.
 

The Unbending Duke’s Betrothed: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Kindle Edition) by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I call these "the fake it until you make it" tropes. Anytime two people who are attracted to each other pretend to be courting, engaged or married, invariably they end up falling in love. Although this time, it is a dangerous game when hunting for a killer, because if he killed what is to stop him from doing the same thing again? Falling in love while hunting for killer sets this to be an emotional story. The funny part of this story is that Griffin starts out courting the wrong girl.
 

Her Heart's Precious Legacy: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Carol Colyer

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the beginning of this story, Marcus Blackwood is just one mean and despicable man. How her father can promise her to Marcus is beyond the belief of Isabelle and this reader. She runs to a man, Ethan Cooper, who agrees to help her. Together, they learn to love each other. The climax is a little over the top and Marcus's reason for wanting Isabelle is revealed. Don't get excited! It's ridiculous. Otherwise, the story has a magic of it's own as it weaves itself to the conclusion of a beautiful love story.
 

Tempting the Sheriff Sherwood Forest Shifters, Book 1 By: Anna Lowe Narrated by: Kelsey Osborne, Chris Merlin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I wasn't particularly impressed with this series, and the whole thing needs to be read to the end of the series. The story in itself is creative but I feel Robin Hood has been over done, even introducing a woman as Robin Hood. Enjoy the journey if Robin Hood is your thing, I'll be moving on to more creative work.