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Wedded to the Wicked Highlander by Lydia Kendall

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A spirited story of a woman defying expectations. After her husband's death, her domineering brother arranges a marriage ...

Sunday, March 30, 2025

A Rebel Heart for the Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Whispers of the Heart) by Lucy Langton

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was a poignant story that grew into a love. The feelings of anger and resentment hit hard truths, while Jonathan played the arrogant miscreant when Henrietta returned from Scotland. Jonathan was not sorry for lying and creating a situation where she had to be sent away from her family, although for Henrietta, it was a blessing in disguise and a place where she could be her true self. Jonathan thought he was doing the right thing for propriety's sake, but in the end it cost him the trust of his best friend. In this story, Jonathan never truly apologized, typical male. Henrietta was the bigger person and forgave him because her brother was marrying Jonathan's sister and they were going to be family. It was Henrietta that made him see that antagonizing Henrietta was not the way to a peaceful resolution. The sinister menace to the wedding made these two work towards the goal of discovering who was being the destructive force trying to keep this couple from uniting. The mystery surrounding the wedding is suspenseful, but the reason for it all is definitely a bit of a letdown. Still, the climax is very exciting and for once the heroine doesn't sit and wait for her hero to show up.

Saturday, March 29, 2025

A Widow's Sheriff of Convenience: A Historical Wester Romance Novel by Dorothy Sheldon

 


Ratin: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story features a villain with violent, ambitious plans, targeting Olivia. She resists the mayor's arranged marriage, citing her courtship with the Sheriff. The mayor retaliates harshly, leading to hardships for Olivia and the Sheriff. While the plot is plausible, the mayor's actions are extreme. Their fake courtship evolves into genuine feelings. The Sheriff and Olivia evade multiple traps, creating suspense. The villain's actions are exaggerated, contrasting with the protagonists' likeability. I, thoroughly enjoyed the melodrama of this story.

A Duke's Second Chance: A Historical Regency Romance Nove (Whispers of Regency Love) by Aria Norton


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story's premise was promising, but the central conflict—their inability to marry—is flawed, given Regency-era norms. Older men marrying young women for heirs was common. His lack of an heir made a young wife, in her twenties, appropriate. The pursuing widow was a good element, but the ton's disapproval and her family's threatened disownment, considering his Duke status, felt unrealistic. Nathaniel and Eleanor are likable, but other characters are irritating. Whether it's worth reading depends on your tolerance for frustrating plot points and character behaviors.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

For Crown and Country by Cassandra Lord

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I picked this up hoping for a spy romance, but found the book emotionally flat. For example, Edmund's declaration, 'I love you,' lacked any sense of genuine feeling. Similarly, Charlotte's description of her sadness, 'I cry alone in my room,' felt detached. Her failure to confide in her parents about Edmund's hurtful behavior, coupled with her immediate acceptance of him upon his return, struck me as unrealistic. While the French Revolution provided an interesting backdrop, the writing style remained consistently dry and staid, like English scones.

Rendezvous with a Duke: A Regency Romp, Book 2 by Cerise Deland

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hugh finds an angel who writes and plays music so beautifully. He spent weeks looking for this angel, only to encounter her chaperoning her sister. Hugh does everything to court Anna, but the scandal that haunts her will be difficult to overcome, unless Hugh can find her father's murderer. Anna holds all the secrets, but fear keeps her silent, and the investigators didn't even bother to ask her. I like how Anna haunts his thoughts. The problem is that Hugh actually stalks Anna to places her sister is invited, and continually needs to know where Anna is. He has even bribed her family's staff. Love is alive as Hugh charms Anna and allows her to learn to trust him, which helps Hugh get the answers to Anna's father's death.

Sunday, March 16, 2025

A Rebel Heart for the Earl by Lucy Langton

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a good read in a friends to enemies to lovers romance. The story is set in Darnsbury, where something evil is affecting the whole county. It features madwomen, a poaching syndicate, a wedding, couples falling in love, attempted murder, kidnapping and transportation. The action is non-stop and keeps you engaged until the very end. If you enjoy love and adventure, this story is definitely worth reading.




Monday, March 10, 2025

Swept Away by Ladies' Desires: A Historical Regency Romance Collection (Lustful Lords and Ladies) Kindle Edition by Emily Honeyfield

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Six scandalous Ladies finding true love.

A Wicked Earl’s Secret Baby ⭐⭐⭐This story with the plot alone is scandalous. Dorian is sent away by his father with his sister's manipulations. Claire is left pregnant and marries the Vicar to avoid a scandal. Six years later, Dorian returns home when his father passes away. Claire's husband is dead and Dorian wants the truth of why she married the Vicar. As far as I was concerned Dorian was too lenient on his sister and with her power plays should have sent her to Bedlam. The woman had to be insane if she thought she could run the earldom, or manipulate a brother who hates the way she treats him. After learning what she did to Claire should have sealed the deal. The characters are confused by what time has done to them, but I found Dorian to be weak in character. He continues to allow his sister to run amok when he returns home, and yell and manipulate him. Like allowing a ball two weeks after they buried their father, this is in such bad taste and scandalous. Although, the author totally ignores this fact of how society would react to this impropriety. I was left with such anger that the fact these two reunited after all of this was overshadowed by the villainous and evil sister. In fact, the way this story was written, it didn't matter if these two reunited only that the sister was stopped.
The Secret Life of a Sinful Lady ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This charming story follows Victoria, a budding playwright who secretly indulges her passion for theater while betrothed to the unfamiliar Lord Bedford. Their paths unexpectedly cross when Lord Bedford, captivated by an unknown lady in the audience, discovers it's Victoria. Intrigued, he embarks on a clandestine courtship, supporting her writing while concealing his identity. Their romance blossoms, but a revelation about Victoria's betrothal shatters her trust. However, her reaction could have been more reasonable considering the expectations of arranged marriages in Regency times. Ultimately, the blame lies with her relatives who, seeking a more advantageous match, withheld the truth. Thomas, however, remains steadfast, desiring Victoria's love to grow organically. Their love story ultimately triumphs, culminating in a grand gesture that seals their fate. This tale, a captivating blend of intrigue and romance, invites readers to fall in love with Victoria and Thomas as they navigate the complexities of love and social expectations.

What a Wicked Duke Demands ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This slow-burn romance features a touch of scandal, primarily driven by Beth's sister's reckless behavior. Despite causing significant embarrassment for the family, her sister continues to sow chaos throughout London. Beth, determined to protect her sister, finds herself embroiled in the drama and ultimately becomes a victim of a mugging. Rescued by a gentleman, Beth impulsively kisses him in gratitude. This unexpected encounter ignites an interest in Gerard, a widowed gentleman known for his reserved demeanor. However, their budding romance is complicated by a shared connection to a past scandal involving Beth's sister. The identity of the man responsible for her sister's downfall is subtly hinted at early on, making the climax less surprising than intended. Nevertheless, the story remains engaging, offering a captivating exploration of how the stoic Gerard navigates the challenges of a scandalous love affair.

A Scandalous Match Against All Odds ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Susanna's story held much promise, but in the end did not deliver quite the punch to her conniving ex-husband as I hoped it would. Reginald is a quite man of propriety and holds a dark secret of his own. He finds his attraction for Susanna compelling and quietly rages against what her husband puts Susanna through in the English court system. When her ex-husband sees that the Duke is attracted to his ex-wife, he schemes to do more damage to Susanna and the Duke. This story is very emotional and brought out my anger at the outrageous Earl and the evil done so he could collect her dowry and dump her so he could go back to his sordid single life. Love seems to find a way into the darkness of Susanna's heart and life. I love Reginald, such a wonderful and quiet man, even with his own wrong doing. At least he ensured that nobody was harmed. The whole time I'm reading this, I'm thinking: open Susanna's heart to Reginald's love.

A Duke's Devilish Plan ⭐⭐⭐
This is a fun story with a lot of awkwardness. As Rose's family heads to the country to amuse themselves for the summer. Rose is worried that Leo might be there from her summer romance two years before. The explanation for Leo running off, after promising to ask Rose's father to marry her is just plain ridiculous, because it suggests that the heir to the Dukedom doesn't have a mind of his own. He deserved to lose Rose to Bertram, although the whole problem is that Rose is not in love with Bertram. She was marrying him for stability. This story is a cautionary tale about trusting your step brother's opinions and judgments instead of your own. They just might lead you astray! Characters are well written except for the minor characters and the villains. I saw through the whole villainous ending at the very beginning of this story.

Conquering a Fiery Marchioness ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This romantic comedy takes a serious turn. This debutante believes she can go anywhere without trouble, but that's simply not true. The Duke of Hanworth immediately recognizes the casino patron is a woman. He helps her locate her brother, but discovers others seek to harm him due to debts. Caroline, far from a shrinking miss, gets into deep trouble, including with Martin, in her desperation. The title is questionable, as the woman is a Marquess's daughter, not a Marchioness, implying a marital status. The story is entertaining, with moments of disbelief. The Duke and Caroline's steamy connection explains his protective actions








 

A Widow in the Sheriff's Arms: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Hearts Across the Frontier) Kindle Edition

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This captivating story features a slow-burning romance between Sheriff Luke and Clare. Luke, who succeeded his father as Sheriff, grapples with both the pressures of the job and his father's attempts to help. Meanwhile, the town faces a series of mysterious forest fires, adding to the tension.

Clare, haunted by the loss of her husband in the line of duty, initially fears committing to another sheriff. However, Luke's unwavering support and encouragement help her overcome her anxieties.

The story beautifully explores the themes of trust, family dynamics, and the importance of living in the present. Ultimately, Clare learns that love, though inherently risky, is a precious gift worth embracing.

A Scandalous Match Against All Odds (Lustful Lords and Ladies) by Emily Honeyfield

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Susanna's story held much promise, but in the end did not deliver quite the punch to her conniving ex-husband as I hoped it would. Reginald is a quite man of propriety and holds a dark secret of his own. He finds his attraction for Susanna compelling and quietly rages against what her husband puts Susanna through in the English court system. When her ex-husband sees that the Duke is attracted to his ex-wife, he schemes to do more damage to Susanna and the Duke. This story is very emotional and brought out my anger at the outrageous Earl and the evil done so he could collect her dowry and dump her so he could go back to his sordid single life. Love seems to find a way into the darkness of Susanna's heart and life. I love Reginald, such a wonderful and quiet man, even with his own wrong doing. At least he ensured that nobody was harmed. The whole time I'm reading this, I'm thinking: open Susanna's heart to Reginald's love.

Sunday, March 9, 2025

A Duke's Devilish Plan by Emily Honeyfield

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This is a fun story with a lot of awkwardness. As Rose's family heads to the country to amuse themselves for the summer. Rose is worried that Leo might be there from her summer romance two years before. The explanation for Leo running off, after promising to ask Rose's father to marry her is just plain ridiculous, because it suggests that the heir to the Dukedom doesn't have a mind of his own. He deserved to lose Rose to Bertram, although the whole problem is that Rose is not in love with Bertram. She was marrying him for stability. This story is a cautionary tale about trusting your step brother's opinions and judgments instead of your own. They just might lead you astray! Characters are well written except for the minor characters and the villains. I saw through the whole villainous ending at the very beginning of this story.