A Bride for the Sheriff’s Broken Heart by Ellen Knightley

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a deeply emotional and intense story of Clara, a mail-order bride who journeys west to marry a grieving widower and the father of twins. It is a testament to being steadfast—a quiet, daily battle to move forward, even when the heart feels like it's sliding backward into the darkness.

This is the story of choosing to love—a brutal, daily commitment made even when the affection is not returned, and the heart feels utterly empty. Clara must survive each day, a quiet siege to carve a space for herself in a home already steeped in grief and memory. The book is excellent in its quiet management of Clara's devotion, as she faces the twins' steadfast rejection with a patience born of a strength she never knew she possessed.

Like all great Westerns, this journey of the heart culminates in an action-packed climax, where a broken family is finally forged whole.

Heart’s Hide and Seek by Ellen Knightly

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story follows an outlaw who uses his daughter as a pawn. He lies and pulls strings to keep her in his game of manipulation. Aiden loses his heart to the new girl, but she lives behind a wall of secrets. His father, the Sheriff, senses the truth: her father leads the gang terrorizing the territory.

The plot hits a few bumps and awkward turns, but the bond between the leads carries the weight. In the end, the law takes its toll and love stands firm against the gang. Justice is served, and the smoke clears for a happy ending.

Once Upon A Blooming Love

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story has a bit of unbelievably in it. The despair of Lady Fiona is written with deep depth. The Duke's regret at the end of the story is the only thing that brings believability to the story. Jean-Michael plays the gardener well even though he is  a naturalist. Our villain played upon the Duke’s insecurities and caused him to put his sister at major risk with such a violent man. The plot is not well thought out but the storyline flows not seamlessly, but well.

The Outlaw's Promise by Cat Cahill

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story is built upon a premise of light fantasy, allowing the narrative to explore the classic dynamic of romance between a good woman and an outlaw. The characters, at times, operate under a heightened sense of dramatic trust. The heroine, in a move central to the romantic fantasy genre, chooses to aid a charismatic outlaw based on his assertions of innocence, a decision that certainly drives the plot forward.

The authorities, including the sheriff and the bounty hunters, often serve primarily as plot devices to maintain tension and facilitate the romance. The behavior of the bounty hunters, specifically holding the woman hostage in her own home, escalates the danger and pushes the central couple together. While the character actions sometimes prioritize the romantic arc over strict real-world logic, the focus remains firmly on the burgeoning relationship. Ultimately, the outlaw's practical instincts emerge as a stabilizing force in the conclusion of this romantic fantasy.The story's premise is built on light fantasy and the character's are a bit weak. No woman in her right mind would help an outlaw based on his looks and claiming his innocence. Which puts our heroine in the category of naive and stupid. The sheriff is fool, but this is the author's fantasy of having a romance with an outlaw. Love may be in the air, but even the bounty hunter's bordered on stupidity, especially holding a woman hostage in her own home. In the end, only the outlaw was the one who ended up with some sense.

My Grumpy Billionaire Boss by Natalia Quinn

 

Rating: ⭐⭐

The premise of a fake dating scenario merged with a boss romance offers excellent dramatic potential, but the execution here created significant friction for the reader.

🔄 Structural Issues

The overlapping chapter structure, where the narrative point-of-view (POV) switches characters and subsequently retreads the same timeline, proved detrimental. This technique can feel like narrative backtracking, halting the forward momentum of the plot and leading to a loss of focus on the primary action. To improve reader engagement, consider adopting a strictly sequential timeline with clearly delineated POV chapters, ensuring that each chapter advances the story rather than simply restating prior events from a different perspective.

🎭 Character Development

A core issue lies in the development of the main characters. They were not sufficiently developed initially, making their subsequent actions confusing. Their change over the course of the novel felt less like organic growth and more like an abrupt character substitution. The characters, somewhere in the middle, appear to abandon their established motivations and personalities to suit the immediate needs of the plot. To rectify this, the narrative must clearly establish their core traits, flaws, and motivations at the beginning, and then show a visible, logical evolution rather than a complete transformation.

📉 The Climax & Unresolved Plotlines

The central conflict involving "Dylan" completely collapsed during the climax. What was presented as a significant plot device or emotional hurdle became a non-factor that was never properly addressed. The story concludes without the necessary, honest conversation about Dylan, leaving a major emotional and narrative thread dangling and unresolved. The resolution should explicitly require the characters to confront and discuss the Dylan situation to give the storyline proper weight and closure.

Married to the Traumatized Viscount by Dorothy Sheldon

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story introduces a compelling mystery: Danger at a house party, where James and Penelope must uncover who poisoned Lord Harrington. The plot is rich with suspense, action, and excellent development, making the central investigation engaging from start to finish.

The strength of the novel lies in its protagonists. Penelope, a published botanist, offers a grounded intelligence and sharp observation skills vital to the case. Her partner, James, a Viscount and veteran of His Majesty’s army, provides the necessary strategic insight and protective edge.

Their dynamic is particularly well-crafted. Penelope is presented as a light to James's darkness,providing stability and respect that complements his background. The author effectively establishes that James carries the psychological burden of his military service—what we recognize today as PTSD. However, this element of his character is not consistently maintained after the house party begins, nor is it thoroughly addressed with Penelope, which feels like a missed opportunity to deepen their connection.

Ultimately, the novel prioritizes the relationship above all else. Though the plot is strong, the author chooses to let the villain escape justice. While this may disappoint readers seeking a tidy resolution, it serves the clear thematic purpose: love prevails. The true triumph is the powerful partnership and deep respect found between James and Penelope.

His Hazard of a Duchess by Hazel Linwood

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Meet two of the most headstrong people you'll ever encounter: the Duke and Duchess of Desford. This marriage will be neither easy nor dull! We have a woman, Prudence, who cares nothing for society but loves her sisters deeply. And we have a man, the Duke, whose only concern is keeping his rake of a brother from destroying the family reputation.

These two strong characters are destined to butt heads until love intervenes. In a surprising twist, the Duke is portrayed as a coward because he simply cannot control himself from falling in love with Prudence. Prudence, on the other hand, accepts her love for the Duke, but is willing to sacrifice anything to make him happy, believing she cannot achieve happiness herself. They truly are fire and ice.

The central conflict is a powerful one: the Duke must learn that we can't control other people if he hopes to live peacefully with Prudence. While Prudence already knows this truth, she attempts to find happiness within what she believes is a loveless marriage. As Michael Gellert famously said, "True happiness is an acceptance of life as it is given to us."

This story is a great read, and Prudence's character effortlessly draws you into the narrative of what it truly means to sacrifice for love.

A Spinster Worth Loving by Elizabeth Everly

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Cinderella flair pervades this charming tale, though with a welcome twist in the selection process. Graham, in search of a suitable wife, surprisingly bypasses the expected choice—the stepsister—to settle his sights on the elder daughter, Emma. Emma's circumstances are dire; reduced to the role of a servant within the very walls of her own home as she diligently tends to her ailing father.

As Graham begins his determined courtship of Emma, he's quickly alerted to the blatant disparity in her treatment—a true servant in her supposed house. While Emma initially presents as somewhat weak, her absolute resolve to care for her father shines through, an undeniably strong and admirable trait. Her affection for Graham grows slowly but surely, contrasting with Graham's immediate and enduring impression of her from the very beginning. The story delivers a sudden and unexpected twist, a genuine shock that rattles the couple to their core. All in all, it’s a good Cinderella narrative, pleasantly seasoned with the pragmatic element of a marriage of convenience.

A Lady's Marriage of Prudence by Emily Barnet

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cecilia accepts an advantageous marriage, a practical sacrifice for her family's financial stability. What she finds in the Baron is not a distant husband, but an intelligent, formidable peer. The two meet instantly on an intellectual plane, a profound engagement that immediately surprises Gideon.

From this unexpected intellectual tandem, a powerful partnership emerges, one that allows them to run Gideon’s estate with a rare and satisfying equality. Cecilia approaches his history of emotional scars and war issues with a blend of unflinching compassion and keen practicality, never faltering.

This may begin as a marriage of convenience, but it evolves into a true alliance—meeting not only intellectual and societal expectations, but fulfilling emotional needs neither expected to find. This deepening connection is the final, astonishing surprise for Gideon, one that meets more than he ever dared expect.

This is an excellent read, rich in dialogue that explores the complexity of duty and intellect. (Be warned: the deep intellectual phrasing may slow the pace for those expecting light prose.)

My unwanted Duchess by Rose Collins

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story takes on a strange quality as Lord Asquith goes from proclaiming love and devotion to demanding obedience after they have a conversation with the Duke of Belton. Even after Lady Charlotte is forced to marry the Duke of Belton, the man continues to try to get Charlotte to annul her marriage when in Regency times only the man could set the wife aside or he does not do his duty in six months time, then the wife can annul the marriage through a strenuous pr and undergo examination by a doctor to prove her innocence. 

A Baby to Tame the Scarred Rancher by Lorelei Brogan

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This isn't your usual sun-drenched western romance. This story digs deep, dragging us into a world far uglier than the backdrop suggests.

It immediately grips you with two deeply wounded souls: a woman, Millie, abused and exploited by her evil stepfather, and a scarred rancher, Cole, cruelly branded "the beast" by a vicious community because of the burn marks on his face. The town itself is a cesspool of cruelty, ruled by a chief villain—the mayor—who wields his power ruthlessly.

Millie's defiant act of kindness—refusing to surrender a baby she found—gets her tossed out into the harsh wilderness. Desperate, she seeks refuge and a job as a cook at Cole's ranch, baby in tow.

What follows is an explosive adventure. The town is spiraling into chaos, fueled by unhinged greed, murderous schemes, and the wickedness of a truly dark grandfather.

Corral your cattle and ride the range into this adventure—it's one that will truly challenge and possibly mend your heart.

The Duchess Project by Hazel Linwood

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 I thoroughly enjoyed this story, which boasts witty conversation and two delightful main characters. Lavinia is intelligent and kind, yet her family is incredibly one-sided, preferring her sister Edwina. I particularly dislike when families fail to recognize the unique qualities of each of their children. The plot takes off when Lavinia saves the Duke from being trapped into a marriage. To thank her, he decides to help her find a suitable husband—only to fall in love with her himself! The story is well-written and well worth a read.

Lady Scarlett’s Mysterious Driver by Alice Kirk

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'll award this one a respectable four stars, purely on the strength of its wonderful characters and the glorious assurance that everyone manages to secure their Happily Ever After (or, for the lucky blackguard, avoid a stint in Newgate). The plot is admittedly cagey, serving primarily to support this delightful Cinderfella inversion, where the hero ascends above his station to claim his Lady.

However, we must address the rather large, poorly-tied bow in the drawing-room: Not only should that driver have been instantly dismissed upon discovery, but the entire deception is utterly reliant on the dissolute Duke being astonishingly oblivious. He is actively trying to claim his half-brother's inheritance through deceit, all while employing the very man he’s attempting to fleece! An HEA for the couple, yes, but only at the expense of common sense and the total annihilation of Regency societal norms.

The Highlander Steals a Virgin: A Scottish Medieval Historical Romance (Highland Surrender Book 1) by Maddie Mackenna

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a grand highland adventure with two characters who positively spark off each other. It takes you on a thrilling journey of love, betrayal, and, most of all, family.

The only notable flaw is the timeline jump between the O'Donnell and Murdoch castles. That specific stretch took away from some of the suspense regarding what happened with Finn and the desperate flight back to the stronghold.

The central hook is brilliant: what do you do when you capture someone for ransom and the father simply says, "I don't care. Kill her!" The author's answer is obvious in this scenario, but the potential ways that could have gone kept me guessing.

I loved Amara right away; she is no simpering lass, but strong and opinionated as they come, and Rhys is absolutely in for the time of his life.

The Duke's Loveless Bargain, Marriage & Duty by Dorothy Sheldon

Rating: ⭐⭐️⭐⭐⭐

This starts off with a rather cold and unemotional man who needs to marry and he marries a woman whose father has died and left their family destitute. To convince the woman to marry him, he offers marriage and writes off the debts owed to him and pays off the rest of her father's debts. As the story unfolds, we find that the Duke has closed off  his emotions, and wants to live a reclusive life. His choice of sister is his own because he does feel he could not abide a seventeen year old girl. He wants Margaret because she is quiet and more mature. Margaret does everything she can to protect her younger sister. As Jasper exposes his secrets; I find a story of mysterious intrigue, evil machinations and the ignorant abuse of children who aren’t the typical normal. It’s a story of how love will heal the most damaged of hearts and lets a bonded love conquer evil at its very heart.

Mr. Darcy’s Bookshop by Summer Hanford

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This variation on Pride and Prejudice is delightful. The core change—Darcy is disowned for refusing to marry Anne—is highly effective. It creates a natural path for Elisabeth to fall in love with Darcy as they find common ground, a much more convincing basis for a match.

A standout element is the characterization of Anne, who is given an actual personality and is quite likable. I've always felt sorry for the original Anne, burdened by her mother, so this was a welcome development.

Wickham is still perfectly evil, though I confess to being disappointed with his disposal. Given the realities of the time, however, one must accept that old money does have power in England.

Overall, it's a good read because, satisfyingly, love prevails in the end

A Bride for the Wicked Duke by Belle Lovatt

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Erasmus returns from war, scarred and weary, only to inherit his father's title as The Duke of Ashford. The new ducal seat, however, comes with a heavy price: the Duke must marry and produce an heir to secure the estate's finances.

Enter Ava, a woman damaged not by battle, but by a broken engagement that left her with a beautiful daughter, Hazel. Erasmus's solution is a marriage of convenience to his friend's sister-in-law, a practical arrangement he believes he's equipped for. He is utterly mistaken. Ava will not truly be his until he can open his heart to being a father to Hazel.

This journey is a profound transformation for Erasmus. Used to the rigid demands of a naval command, he must learn to shed his armor, soften his tone, and lead with his heart instead of his orders. As he grapples with the mysteries surrounding his brother's death and the task of restoring the estate with Ava's dowry, he finds a man willing to grow. The true magic, however, is the discovery that Ava, too, carries the scars of hardship. Their shared wounds become the common ground where two damaged souls finally learn to love, building a family that is as heartwarming as it is healing.

A Bride Bound by Duty: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Delightful Lords and Ladies) by Honeyfield, Emily

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The marriage was a contract, a debt settled. Eleanor accepted the terms: a ring, a title, and the estate of a man she barely knew. William—Bill to his companions—left for India the morning after the wedding, leaving Eleanor to manage a property verging on ruin. For six months, she worked with rigid competence, transforming her imposed duty into a meticulously ordered life.

William returns and shatters that peace. He arrives not alone, but with Danowua, a Cherokee man from the Americas, an unannounced guest whose presence immediately strains the household.

William finds a home restored and admires the strength of the wife who achieved it. Eleanor, however, is strangled by her adherence to propriety. Though she manages his property, she struggles to be the "proper wife," failing to offer the emotional connection her husband now seeks.

The tension heightens with the arrival of Olivia, Eleanor's friend, who brings with her difficulties of her own, the nature of which only adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Olivia’s sharp observations and personal distress increase the awkwardness between the couple, making their already difficult situation nearly unbearable. This story is somewhat awkward at times, but the plot and the conflict are well written.

The greatest threat to their marriage is not resentment, but silence. Both are honorable, yet their failure to communicate allows assumptions to fester, letting hurt and anger grow from simple lack of shared feelings.

It is only when Eleanor and William finally choose to be open about their feelings—to speak the truths they have held back—that they discover the mutual ground necessary to transform their arranged alliance into a true partnership.

The Unconventional Mail-Order Match by Lilah Rivers

 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

 No lies in this mail-order match, just a woman

 delightfully unconventional and raised like a son. Oh, she knew how to

 act the part of a woman when she had to, but the truth is she lived for the

 ranch work alongside her father, and now her new husband. It's a

 marvelous thing to watch her husband learn to take his cues from her; he

 wants her to be happy, wants her to love her new home. The only thing

 standing in the way is a persistent, aching homesickness. It’s an unusual

 take on a mail-order bride story, and a refreshing one. And truly, if

 everyone looked at life with the practicality and clear-eyed joy that

 Nellie does, we would all be a lot happier.

The Duke’s Reckoning by Emily Barnett

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This critique hits the nail squarely on the head. One comes away from this tale feeling less invested in the hearts of Sebastian and Clara than in the mechanics of Educational Reform. Frankly, I learned more about policy than I did about their passion. Their single, commendable act was the decision to prioritize personal happiness over the cold logic of financial advantage. It appears the narrative—and perhaps the characters—forgot a crucial truth: that marriage, in its purest, God-given form, is designed for a man and a woman to love each other, express that love, and protect the children born to their union. We are presented with the great Duke, a stoic man who clearly should have chosen the intelligent, caring governess—the woman who understands the true weight of duty to both family and land. Instead, he pursues the woman of financial advantage and surface-level beauty. She represents a moral and aspirational counterpoint to his very being. Opposites attract, perhaps, but a life cannot be built when the bedrock of basic social morals and shared dreams for the future are so fundamentally mismatched.

In essence: The author used a love story as a flimsy disguise for a treatise on educational policy, neglecting the very emotional and moral core that should have defined the central romance. bedrock of basic social morals and shared dreams for the future are so fundamentally mismatched.

In essence: The author used a love story as a flimsy disguise for a treatise on educational policy, neglecting the very emotional and moral core that should have defined the central romance.

A Duke for Hire: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (The Devil's Masquerade Book 1) Kindle Edition by Violet Hamers

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Seraphina needs a husband, and she needs one fast. Her solution is brilliantly desperate: hire an actor to play the Duke of Merryvale, a notorious recluse. Her goal? Look interestingly enough to finally get some attention—before her mother can publicly scandalizes her for her failure.

The plan, naturally, goes sideways when the real Duke, Hugo, shows up. Hugo is everything his reputation warns: formidable and feared. But Seraphina doesn't see the monster; she sees the man. She is entirely unafraid of him, and that fearlessness immediately impresses Hugo.

Seraphina's life is a constant escape act. Just as she navigates the Duke's dangerous presence, her parents try to sell her off to a terrible old suitor. This is a classic Beauty and the Beast dynamic, but the taming is not gentle. Seraphina heals Hugo with kindness, love, and a scorching intensity.

This is a steamy story that cuts right to the heart of trauma. It explores how the actions of others can define our ability to trust and relate. Ultimately, though, the story insists that we have the power to choose our own path—and our own love. It's an intense, passionate read.

The Duke's Widow, Marriage & Duty by Dorothy Sheldon

  

Rating: ⭐⭐

This plot felt completely not thought out. The author's lack of attention to historical detail made the entire premise awkward, even vile.

Here's why: Marriages between a brother-in-law and a widow were illegal after 1835. While they might have been annulled by a bishop before that if family objected, this story never addressed the issue, nor did the author provide any dates. I can only assume it was before 1835 since the new Duke finished out the war with Napoleon. Regardless, the entire situation between the two brothers felt vile.

The worst part is Josiah's inner turmoil. He supposedly loved Martha, yet he blames her for marrying his brother when he was the one who didn't act on his feelings or challenge his brother for her hand before the wedding! He just runs off to war instead. The whole thing genuinely upset me and made it impossible to enjoy the story. Yes, his eventual redemption in her eyes is heartwarming, but it's simply not enough to salvage the entire experience.

Seeking a Place to Call Home by Leslie Hales

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Enough was enough. Tired of being treated like a servant in her foster home, Abigail overhears the devastating truth: her real parents are looking for her, and her foster parents are actively preventing any contact. Armed with an address stolen from her foster father's study, she does the only thing she can think of—she hires a bounty hunter.

One perilous encounter after another marks their desperate journey West. As they travel, the sheer necessity of survival and constant proximity build an undeniable bond of love between the fierce Abigail and the stoic Colton. You will fall in love with Colton and Abigail as they chase hope across the rugged landscape, but beware: this is not the journey you expect. The ending will not be what you anticipate.

A Bride's Heart of Gold by Grace Clemens

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Will, a Western, and a Wild Proposal

What happens when a father decides to play matchmaker from beyond the grave? It comes in the form of a rather inconvenient will, forcing his daughter, Lily, to find a husband. With her inheritance on the line, Lily feels she has no choice but to advertise for a groom. She is meticulous in her wording.

Enter Henry. He isn't looking for a wife, but rather, his lost brother. Seeing an opportunity, he answers the ad and Lily chooses him. Their relationship doesn't blossom on paper; it's forged by them working side-by-side on the homestead and down in the copper mine. 

Lily finds herself falling for the man beside her, so imagine her distress when she discovers Henry's true motive for marrying her! It’s an excellent bit of drama, and in my eyes, Lily’s own reasoning for the marriage isn't entirely pure, which she soon realizes. It was a delightful moment of self-awareness..

Now, I'll be honest, the story is slow going at the start. The unfolding of the relationship through shared labor takes its time, but that's what makes the payoff so good. When the action of the Western finally kicks in, it makes for one bang-up climax!

The one thing that perhaps got a bit tangled up was the sheer volume of subplots surrounding the copper mine and Lily's inheritance. Unfortunately, the most annoying villain gets lost in the shuffle after Henry's brother shows up and isn't even mentioned in the conclusion. 

All in all, I think it's a good read. It's certainly a different take on the typical mail-order bride story—or perhaps, I should say, mail-order groom!

When their Love Prevails: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Hearts on Destiny's Trail) by Ellen Knightley

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a love story, Marcus and Ivy are a failure. As an action-adventure romance, however, the book is excellent.

The central problem is the lack of a conclusion. Their only confession of love is Ivy shouting it across a ravine to a dying Marcus. He never confesses his feelings, and while we know he's in love with her, the reader never hears it from him.

Beyond the principals, too many of the side characters—friends, family, and others—are written aggressively over the top with no real depth. And the plot threads are a mess: How does Abercromby scamming the entire town tie in with his slave labor operation? There is no real explanation.

Even worse, all these explosive events are happening within a five-day radius. Weston Springs must have a truly lousy news system, because at the very least, the Sheriff should have been advised about what was transpiring among that small circle of Arizona settlers.

If you like a story without a real ending and with glaring, unaddressed plot holes, this one is for you.

A Drifter’s Duty to Her Heart: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Tales of Brave Western Love) By Lorelei Brogan

 

Rating:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The concept for this story is well developed. There are several awkward scenes between the main characters that shouldn’t have been there because of them growing up together and all the letter writing as adults should have made things easier between these two. I have friends like this and even after years apart we fall into an easy camaraderie. Here is where the author failed. If one suspects the other of something wrong, friends immediately confront one another. Otherwise the story is jam-packed full of action with all the action of the Wild West in Arizona. I just wish the relationship wasn’t so easily fractured by a letter.

The Earl’s Unwilling Bride: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Love and Secrets of the Ton) by Abigail Agar

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For two people whose greatest wish is to simply live quietly, Adrian and Sophie find themselves utterly tangled—ensnared in secrets and treachery that bleed from both sides of their families.

Yet, despite the chaos, they are a marvel. They choose to find the strength to cleave to what is right. Love is never an easy path in a world built on twisted lies and populated by those who seek to turn you against your very soul.

The story pulls you headlong through the pervasive deceit and evil that infects their world of naked power and desperate gain. And as it must, the truth will come to light, for Love always lights the darkness.

The Duke’s Untamable Spinster: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (The Wild Brides Book 2) by Hazel Linwood

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Forget your typical historical romance.

Here, a fiercely determined Diamond of the ton is absolutely set on remaining a spinster. Naturally, her family is desperate, and in a fantastic twist, they put her dates up for auction—all for the sake of charity! The winning bidder? None other than a notoriously attractive Rake of a Duke, who is purely out to prove he can conquer the "unattainable."

The story itself is painfully honest and gloriously upfront, charting the course as their initial, shallow desires evolve into something true and meaningful as they genuinely get to know one another. While the well-written plot is utterly captivating throughout, the narrative falters toward the final pages, leaving that crucial happily-ever-after tragically in question.

A Runaway Bride for the Widowed Rancher by Ellen Knightley

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This novel plunges the reader into the fraught life of Maggie, a woman desperate to shed her gang past by becoming a mail-order bride. She marries Luke, a quiet widower, and steps into the role of mother to his daughter, Emily. The initial struggle to forge a family unit is palpable as Maggie and Emily chafe against each other, navigating their new, fragile reality with Luke caught in the middle.

But the past is a relentless hunter. Just as they begin to find their footing, Maggie's outlaw father tracks her down. The characters are immediately entangled in a web of lies and devastating truths, forced to grapple with what must remain hidden and what they dare to reveal. The tension builds relentlessly, leading to a heartbreaking and inspiring climax where Maggie makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect Luke and Emily. What greater love is this than to lay down one's life for another? This book is a profound exploration of grace and forgiveness in the face of impossible odds.

A Virgin for the Icy Highlander

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Grace and Hunter are a good match. Grace is Trouble and Hunter is a father who spent 4 years getting his daughter back from a enemy clan. He wants his daughter to be happy, but doesn’t know how to relate to his daughter without scaring her,

Grace knows how to engage her husband to be and Hunter let’s go of the icy wall around his heart as Grace teaches his daughter to laugh and play. There is plenty of romcom romance along with an action packed Highlander story.

The Haunting of a Duke (The Dark Regency Series Book 1) by Chasity Bowlin

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's been so long since I've read a good gothic romance. Emma Waters can talk to spirits. A mother wants to clear her son's name and holds a house party inviting the ghost whisperer to the party. No one believes she can see spirits and talk to them, but the Duke finds her wandering around in her nightgown. His curiosity and desire for Emma is stirred. What is revealed is that the murder of his sister that happened twenty years ago is the same murderer who murdered the Duke's wife. The climax is quite dramatic, but reveals a twist that is totally unexpected and a secret that makes everyone think differently. 

A Duchess in Ten Days by Tiffany Baton

Rating: ⭐️⭐️

Lavinia is a shy wallflower that is so desperate after four seasons and her family is not helping. She decides to throw herself at a man, unfortunately it was the wrong man, the Duke of Hargraves. It decides to help her but something seriously goes wrong, Andrew decides to marry her but to Lavinia everything now seems more wrong than ever. The Duke of Hargraves is seriously mentally ill, although the author plays it off as being abused. So when made to confront his emotions, he goes in exactly the opposite direction. Lavinia is not complaining about a husband that spends all his time making her happy. Personally, it would drive me insane.

Mine, All Mine by Dayna Quince

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this compelling story, Lillie is cleverly disguised as an assistant cook within the Earl of Redwick's household. The new Earl, bound by his duty to the Crown, is actively pursuing Lillie's stepfather for treason. Despite his mission, the Earl finds himself captivated by his assistant cook, particularly her refined accent, and a mutual attraction blossoms between them. This burgeoning romance is complicated by significant obstacles: the Earl's loyalty to the Crown, and Lillie's precarious position, as she must remain hidden from both the Earl and her stepfather, who is desperately searching for jewels she took from him. As their love intensifies, Dominic (the Earl) becomes determined to aid Lillie while ensuring her stepfather faces justice. The characters are expertly crafted and profoundly emotional, and the plot unfolds beautifully, showcasing their struggle to uphold their principles without causing pain to one another.

Lady of the Old Blood: A Fantasy Regency Romance by Hazel Linwood

 

Rating: ⭐⭐

I'm conflicted about this story. It started strong, with a well-written, serious tone, and I was genuinely invested. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn after the climax, crossing into other realms and adopting a less serious, almost absurd tone.

For a drama that introduced the possibility of fairies, I expected the serious mood to be maintained throughout. It felt as though the author stopped taking their own story seriously toward the end. The scene with the Fairy King, in particular, came across as needlessly evil and over-the-top. If you appreciate a story that descends into absurdity, this one might be for you.

The Duke Who Met His Match by Hazel Linwood

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Talk about poetic justice! Anastasia finds herself falling for the very Duke she's sworn revenge upon. They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but love has a way of melting even the most carefully laid plans. The Duke, for his part, has outgrown his wild youth; his father's death and new responsibilities have transformed him from an irresponsible rake into a titled nobleman. This story is fun, with characters who are delightfully whimsical. The climax truly grabs you, playing out exactly as you'd hope.

Viscounts of the Regency Era Boxset: Fake Engagement Forbidden Love Secret Baby Clean Slow Burn Regency Romances by Kristina Earl

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Here are my individual reviews on all 5 books.

The Viscount’s Madness

This captivating story explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and resilience. The heroine, grappling with her own trauma and an impending forced marriage, connects with the Viscount, who is similarly burdened by the weight of his past. Their shared struggles foster a deep understanding and a powerful alliance against the villainous Lord Evercombe. The author masterfully crafts a strategic and engaging narrative, showcasing the characters' inner strength and their ability to overcome adversity.

The Viscount’s Secret Baby

The Viscount Harcourt is the most noble man in Regency history. This story is not about a man who saves a friend from ruin. It’s about the depth of love that is possible if we truly open our hearts to love. How love is not limited to a small portion of our life, but how it consumes and pours out to those around us. Charlotte is like a lot of people who think you cannot love someone else because it’s a betrayal to her fiancé who is now dead. People forget the vows are only til death do you part. Love was created by our Creator to be poured out. It is not diminished by loving another but only expanded to include others and increase our joy and happiness. This is the love that this story conveys and reaches to the very heart of this reader’s soul.

The Viscount and the Matchmaker

Ostensibly, this is a very good story. Henry is a man stuck in his books and wants to share everything he learns. His mother wants him to court, but his discourse sends most women into hysterics or makes them sick. His favorite discussions are on ancient burial techniques. He hires Sophia to teach him social etiquette. Sophia is considered a bluestocking and her dream is to open a girls school. They agree on an appropriate employer/employee relationship. A connection grows between Sophia and Henry, as she begins to understand him, and he finds someone who finally understands him. It's important for a person to be seen and understood. This is the beginning of love. It sees who we are and understands us. Sophia sees Henry and once seen she cannot un-see. It moves Sophia to try and help Henry even more. The problem is Henry enjoys conversing with Sophia and begins to develop an attachment to her. Through Sophia's understanding, he begins to see Agnes, whom he was supposed to be courting, for who she truly is and to understand her motives. The reality in all of this is because he is a Viscount and she has scandal in her history, she is not eligible to be his wife. This is where the injustice of their situation becomes apparent. because both actually are outcasts from society. Henry because of his academic peculiarities and Sophia for her failed engagement because of her bluestocking ways. Logically, their shared outcast status and academic interests make them a perfect match. In the end, love is all that really matters.

The Viscount's Madness

This captivating story explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and resilience. The heroine, grappling with her own trauma and an impending forced marriage, connects with the Viscount, who is similarly burdened by the weight of his past. Their shared struggles foster a deep understanding and a powerful alliance against the villainous Lord Evercombe. The author masterfully crafts a strategic and engaging narrative, showcasing the characters' inner strength and their ability to overcome adversity

The Viscount's Enduring Love

This story initially captivated me with the intriguing premise of Edgar, seeking a unconventional partner, encountering the brilliant and unconventional Lucy Belgrave. Their idyllic retreat to Aunt Margaret's country estate, where they collaborate in the laboratory, fostered a genuine connection. However, the novel's potential was squandered by a repetitive narrative. Lucy, a victim of her condescending parents' attempts to marry her off, and her controlling fiancé, grapples with societal expectations. Edgar, determined to win her back, embarks on a predictable campaign to showcase her scientific brilliance. Unfortunately, this strategy dominates the latter portion of the book, becoming tedious and repetitive. Ultimately, Edgar's actions create a scandal he wanted to avoid, undermining his efforts and leaving this reader thinking he should have done all of this in the first place.

Reclaimed: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Rock Creek Romance) by Jennifer Rodewald

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story's handling of heartbreak and grief was powerful, especially the theme of Jesus's healing and restoration. However, the portrayal of malicious gossip within the church and the Pastor's inaction felt deeply wrong. While I get the hesitation to remove someone from the church, a church should stand against those who cause harm. The Pastor's failure to intervene seemed out of character for a leader who truly loves their congregation, as it allowed influential members to hurt others. The fact that the gossip only stopped when Chuck accidentally hurt his own wife while trying to harm Paul is a disturbing commentary on the church's leadership in the narrative.

Worn Sandals by Sean Lyon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Worn Sandals is a true example of how to live Grace. There are at least four moments when I had to stop reading to cry, tears of sorrow and tears of joy. The church of Thessalonians is an example of how a church should live their lives. This story comes at a time when our world as Christians is at a serious turning point and my Pastor is teaching on grace. This story walks through how simple people can live a life of Grace, and the timeline of this story walks through the beginning of the church of Thessalonica, The story is about simple people who find the truth of Jesus and try to walk in his grace, truth and mercy. This story is very powerful and moved me to try to find a way to walk my life fuller in His grace.

 

A Duchess Mistaken by Emma Linfield

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Although I am happy they got their HEA, I felt awkward throughout this story as no one knew what role to play. Christopher didn’t even try to get to know Agnes because as soon as the Duke set eyes on Agnes, the Duke wanted her and Caroline became a sideline that nobody wanted except some stable hand, poor Caroline. She was so unloved that she settled for a stable hand. True love may win the day but to settle for a man who may not be able to support her because her  talents as a lady will not support her poor husband in his chosen profession is particularly sad. Although Agnes was well suited to a duchess role because she loves to meddle and make things work to her and her friend’s advantage.

Her Wolf of a Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Dukes & Beasts Book 1) By Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The only thing wolfish about this Duke is his smile. A man who dooms his life because of a curse makes the woman whom he can’t stay away from miserable.  The characters are well written and has a very good plot. Gretchen the villainess in this story lacks real character and the father whom makes the girls miserable is pathetic. The third villain in this story lacks any real dimension and is nearly two dimensional. Otherwise it was a wonderful read.

 

Her Bear of a Duke (2025) (The second book in the Dukes & Beasts series) by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story starts out in a masquerade where they first meet. The story gets a little dark but love will light the way as soon as the new duchess gets out of her own way. The plot was well thought out and the storyline well written. Dorothea and Morgan characters feel real and well developed. You can but hope that things will work out for them.

Good Enough for a Princess by Carol Monaco

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a wonderful story overflowing with love and hope! It's a full-on love story, and guess what? It even comes with a Princess! Will an American dad find romance in the glamorous world of Monaco? And there's a royal secret, too, but only a truly inquisitive child can unearth it. The race to find a hidden treasury promises an exciting reward, ensuring life for two Americans will be completely transformed. It's a sweet, modern tale that feels just like a fairytale.

An Earl's Unexpected Coutship by Meghan Sloan

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The characters of Marie and Jacob are defined by their rudeness and arrogance. Marie, an explosive child, lacks the emotional control expected in polite society and easily takes offense at Jacob's remarks. Jacob, despite being protective, is undeniably arrogant. He seems to delight in instigating Marie, making her "fire off like a cannon." This isn't just about his status as an Earl; he possesses a clear mean streak that finds satisfaction in feeling superior to her. In the end, these two are meant for each other and will make each other endlessly unhappy as they take glee in torturing each other.

Match Me if You Can, my Marquess by Hazel Linwood

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 

The jump from rake to murderer feels jarringly fast. The ending's timeline is problematic, though the climax is exciting. The blank space after the gunshots creates confusion. The two-year leap in the epilogue is a letdown, leaving key questions unanswered about her father and his sister. Marianne is too docile for a heroine, making Logan's backbone in the end a welcome change. It's a shame Philip was unaware of the Earl's true plans. The story juggles too many plots and has significant pacing issues. While entertaining to a degree, the inheritance of a title through a daughter's son is incorrect, as titles typically follow the male line. The author never clarified if Philip's lineage was through the Duke or Duchess.

The Viscount’s Charade by Kristina Earl

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I think it was a good idea but once feelings started to engage, these two took too long to express their feelings. It almost cost them their relationship. The strength of each character written made me admire this couple. In the end, they were together emotionally and it showed as they stuck out each challenge together, never losing their trust in each other.

Mistress of Disguise: A Regency Christmas Romance (3 Titled Gentlemen Find Love Book 1) by Lebesque, Sapphire

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The story of a French emigrant who washes up on England's shores, the daughter of a Duke... She is hiding as a servant, but she can't hide the aristocracy within herself. The Duke of Berkshire, Dan, sees her even though she is acting as a lady's maid; no lady's maid ever looked like her. The story has a weak plot, and the storyline lacks information as to why Mrs. Paige did such a horrid thing while making it seem like she was helping the girl. Furthermore, if the viscount's wife knew who she was, why did she not have a servant in her employ who knew her secrets? This would have ensured that when everything went south with the viscount, Violet had someplace to fall. The story lacked imagination and was historically inaccurate as to how England took in émigrés.

Percy's Brides by Ivy Hart

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The idea had merit, but even Christian women aren't that good. The Bible verses used to give credence to both of these women's thought patterns were the typically used and popular ones. The story played out so there was no confrontation or any real drama. Personally, I would be offended by what Percy's mom and sister did. They upended two women's lives for them to come out and marry Percy, not even telling him beforehand what they had done. Fortunately, Percy is a good man and upends his life to accommodate these two women, hoping that their lives will be salvageable.