Love's Journey Beyond the Trail by Carol Colyer

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The O'Davis family journeyed out west after their efforts on the east coast didn't pan out following their immigration from Ireland. Amelia is every bit the typical redheaded Irish woman. Thomas Henry is the security detail on the wagon train, and when Amelia is kidnapped, he turns himself over to the Bush Bramble gang. The truth is Robert Henry is after Colin O'Davis' gold and uses a letter Thomas unwittingly wrote about the wagon train to kidnap a member of the O'Davis family. So, as we follow Amelia and Thomas across the West on a treasure hunt, they find that love is binding them more and more together. Even when Amelia knows she needs to abandon Thomas, she finds that she can't. Amelia is a warrior and, in the end, knows what must be done. The ending takes a surprise turn and did not end as I expected. Still, it is a really good story and an interesting turn in a wagon trail story.

The Highlander's Auctioned Bride by Lydia Kendall

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maise is taken to the Laird’s castle and is forced by her father to compete for the Laird’s hand. Instead she runs from him and he chases her. The race is on to try to contain his new wife but Maise will keep James on his toes and will keep him there until love intervenes. It’s an enjoyable read and the characters come alive on the page, and it is a bit of a rom-com. 

A Spinster's Path to Freedom by Amanda Stone

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This love story introduces us to a happy young woman, a talented potter who finds joy in her artistic endeavors. Her younger brother has embarked on a wife-hunting expedition in London, and concerned for her well-being on their estate, he invites her to join him. In London, she encounters Lord Egerton, a duke's second son, and finds herself falling for the man who truly appreciates her beauty and artistic spirit. However, as is often the case in London society, ulterior motives abound, and the path to true love is rarely smooth. It seems this author believes the ton thrives on drama and discontent, making it difficult for a couple to simply find happiness. While the characters themselves are delightful, they are perhaps too easily swayed by the opinions of others. As Shakespeare wisely said, "to thine own self be true."

The Lady Who Came In From the Cold by Grace Callaway

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This excellent story explores love and self-realization, revealing our inherent flaws. Marcus married Penny based on assumptions, believing her a debutante, unaware of her past. Her past, as a spy, required choices far removed from that image. The story shows love's necessary sacrifices, including the ones that Penny made to marry the love of her life. After Marcus's downfall, he realizes that it's Penny's past that made her the woman he fell in love with. For Penny, she realizes she can no longer play the demure housewife, but must be the spymaster she is to win back Marcus and her marriage.

The Mysterious Beast of Northcliffe by Amanda Stones

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Poor Lord Northcliffe, a reluctant groom forced into marriage with the beautiful and kind Lady Vivian. Despite her genuine affection, Vivian's sacrifices for a loveless marriage are heartbreaking.

The story explores the societal pressures of the time, where scandal and public opinion dictated even the most intimate of relationships. While the author effectively portrays the constraints placed upon Vivian, the premise hinges on a somewhat poorly contrived scenario.

The "Beast of Northcliffe" persona adds a layer of complexity, but his initial coldness and dismissive attitude towards Vivian are understandably off-putting. However, the story does offer some poignant moments of genuine connection, ultimately culminating in Northcliffe's belated realization of his own folly.

One of the most compelling aspects of the story lies in Vivian's agency. Her decision to return to her family demonstrates her strength of character and her refusal to wait indefinitely for her husband's emotional barriers to crumble.

A Deal with Her Forbidden Duke by Ava MacAdams

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This historical romance novel grips the reader from the first page to the last. The Duke of Silverton, a man of ruthless ambition, is determined to recover a debt, leading him to encounter his best friend's sister, Madeline. Devastated by the disappearance of her husband, Madeline joins the Duke's quest for answers. When her husband is found dead, the new Earl casts her out, leaving her destitute. To protect her, the Duke proposes a marriage of convenience.

Despite their forced union, the tension between them remains palpable. The Duke harbors secrets, and grapples with the revelation that her previous marriage was never consummated. His hidden secrets complicates their already precarious relationship.

The novel masterfully blends historical intrigue with a simmering romance. The search for the missing husband unfolds with suspense, while the developing attraction between Madeline and the Duke adds a layer of forbidden desire. The characters are well-developed, and the author skillfully crafts a world that is both captivating and believable.

The Beast’s Magician by Eliza Prokopovits

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It's impossible not to love Belle. She's a woman of courage and kindness. The Duke thaws as he watches her ability to adapt and take care of people. Her kindness to him, even when he deserved none, melts his selfishness. Harshness greeted by kindness and sacrifice makes the Duke think twice about how he has lived his life. No matter how this story is presented, it's still a story that's ageless as time.