Least Likely to Win a Duke (The Wallflower Academy Book 1) by Emily E K Murdoch

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is whimsical at best, the characters are very endearing, especially all the Wallflowers at the Academy. Not one of them are Wallflowers, just daughters cast aside because for some reason they are not marriageable. It is Miss Pike's job at the academy to find gentleman to marry these women. Percy is a Duke, but was never meant to be a Duke being 4th in line. He is constantly out of step with the aristocracy and is constantly reminded of this. Gwen is being hidden away at the academy for killing a man who tried to have his way with her. Together they defy society and fall in love. My suggestion is to engage with them on their journey. I promise you will be engaged and surprised.
 

The Toymaker's Christmas Dream: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Lorelei Brogan

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Christmas comes with dreams and Clara has one of owning a store and someday a family. Along comes Daniel Miller, son to her landlord, who brings hope to his family and Clara brings a light and love into his heart that has been missing for years. This Christmas Clara and the Millers will struggle to survive the holidays, but in their hardship and companionship Daniel and Clara find the greatest gift of all.
 

The Pirate's Purchase (Charleston Brides Book 1) by Elva Cobb Martin

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story has all the elements for an exciting adventure and meets every expectation. Privateer Ethan saves Marisol from slavery and buys her indentured contract. After setting Marisol free from her contract, Marisol stows away on Ethan ship to the West Indies to the only family she has left. It's an adventure on the high seas and an unexpected love. It's a wonderful love story and a great high sea adventure worth reading.

The Island Adventure: The Billionaires of Silicon Forest (Billionaire Matchmaker Book 1) by Melissa McClone

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story is about some egotistical billionaire playing matchmaker and survivor which makes everyone miserable. I absolutely dislike the female main character, Cynthia. A woman so self absorbed and thinking marriage with a rich man is the only way to live. Cabe is a man full of anger and regret. How this author got someone to fall in love with Cynthia is beyond belief, and what's worse is based on her change of behavior while she is on a desert island. Back to the rich scene, she'll quickly change back. Otherwise, it was fun watching Henry torture everyone with stupid games.
 

His Fear Was Real (Zachary Goldman Mysteries (Private Investigator) Book 16) by P.D. Workman

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the first book I've read in this series. This story explores his brother's history and the disappearance of a good friend from Tyrell's life. Watching Zachary process things, is like watching my daughter process her life. It's always going to be messy, because the process that someone who has been traumatized has messy thoughts, and sometimes shuts down to try and straighten themselves out. The fact that is functioning in a healthy relationship is amazing, but a blessing for Zachary. This kind of relationship brings stability into Zachary's life. I feel that Zachary has the luck of Batman (TV Series). You'll see what I mean when you read this story. 
 

The Highlander’s Twisted Deal: A Medieval Historical Romance Novel (The Sinner’s Pub Book 4) by Eloise Madigan

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The two main characters are great. There is a tragic twist in the story, but it explains everything. The chemistry is there from the start and only Callum is smart enough not to push a healer. Ava is full of surprises and knows her own mind and heart, which leads her to several misadventures. Unfortunately Callum is stuck in his idea of there being madness in his family. It’s a great read and very enjoyable. 
 

Galloping Towards Love: A Historical Western Romance Novel by Carol Colyer

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story is well written and has a good plot. Unfortunately our heroine is whiny, self-centered, naive and extremely immature. Our hero is lovable, but is naive when it comes to women. Otherwise, he is a responsible gentleman who takes pride in his work. The parents are over the top and have no consideration for their only child. Our villain has a sick side that is not addressed in this story. I usually love this author's stories, but this is not her best. I didn't even get a good lesson out of it like I have her other stories.
 

The Melody of a Baron's Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Alice Kirks

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our hero is too self absorbed. One facial scar does not make the man. How we deal with scars in our life is what makes us who we are inside. Henry was too sensitive and took everything like the world was against him. This is a good story but the author spent a lot of time focusing on Henry’s anger at his father. She even used it to help Emma fall in love with Henry.  They say love heals all wounds. I say only if you are open and allow it too.
 

Bargain with a Rakish Earl: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Martha Barwood

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a story about redemption and about falling in love. It starts with a connection and Tristan needs to change his ways if he is going to save his estates. Our broken-hearted heiress, Viola is afraid to give her heart. This story deals with the aftermath of that disastrous engagement and Tristan acting the hero.  This is a really good story, but could have been better if the author had dealt better with Tristan's brother. What kind of man is the brother? He acts all caring about the property, yet treats his brother with scorn, especially after Tristan starts courting Viola. The biggest character flaw in this story is that Tristan acts like a teenager, and his mother constantly pushes him towards acting like a man of character. I thank the Lord for mothers who unconditionally love their children.

Beyond Scandal and Desire: A Sins for All Seasons Novel by Lorraine Heath

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I usually end up hating the hero in these types of stories. The man is ultimately good, although he knows how to take advantage of someone else’s weakness. He takes a mouse that he is going to ruin and finds a kind and generous woman suffocating in the cage her guardians have created for her. The true character of the man is displayed when he learns the whole story. This is an excellent read and the whole dynamic is just a little unsettling as it discusses the horrors of baby farms. It makes you think about the whole class system and illegitimacy.

A Miraculous Bride to Rekindle his Lost Faith: A Christian Historical Romance Book by Chloe Carley

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is about faith, hope, belief and love. A man who has lost everything looks for a bride to help him restore his farm. A woman escaping an abusive father and to have faith that the Lord will lead her to a better life. Even through discouragement and life trials, these two will find a love stronger than their own when both of them finally turn over everything to the Lord.
 

Nolan: Christian Historical Western Romance by Kathleen Ball

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a good story about a woman abandoned by her family and a kind and Christian family which takes her in. Keely is independent, stubborn and extremely naïve. She has a can do attitude and stubbornly refuses to see reason, especially with the man she is falling in love with. Nolan tries to help Keely out and he is gentle and kind, even when Keely is not. When trouble comes to the door, the McKeegan's are there to help Keely, even when she is so afraid of anyone getting hurt because of her. The story is not romantic, but one of friendship which grows into love. 
 

Dimensions of Darcy #1 Fitzwilliam Darcy, Traitor by Jennifer Joy

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is a gem, and allows for a more wicked Wickham and a regal and pompous Darcy. Pride goes before the fall in this case. Elisabeth will learn more about how she judges people as she learns the intricacies of Darcy. Darcy will face all his faults as he and Elizabeth avoid Newsgate Prison. The banter and dialog is witty and heartfelt. The adventure they embark on brings them face to face with their weaknesses and their strengths. The author brings out the scheming mama of Mrs. Bennett and shows a side of her that actually is intelligent.
 

An Earl’s Scandalous Return: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Henrietta Harding

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is about young love not realized, and meeting again years later to realize that you feel the same. This was all stupidity on the Earl's part thinking Arabella abandoned him when they planned to elope. In a way, she did. She loved her family and didn't want to disappoint her father. If the Earl had come to her the next day, instead of running away to the continent; things would have been different. The story line and plot are well written, and stupidity when young is forgivable. These two have the chemistry of a love that is forever.
 

A Letter from Her Dear Marquess by Alice Kirk

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The hero in this story is a rogue and a coward. He runs to the colonies to avoid marrying his betrothed. Then when forced to return he sets out to ruin the woman. He blames her for not finding a suitor the five years he has been gone. Like women had a choice back in regency times. The author tries to redeem him but when he actually meets Abigail, he wants her, spoiled brat. Scandal happens during the engagement party and the families call the whole thing off. Now he wants to ruin Abigail by eloping, see what I mean. This is all because he hates his father. This man has no redeeming qualities and he is going to be a Duke. If you like the bad boy, this book is for you. The author writes a good story line, but trying to change his personality in the middle of the book to redeem her male main character is a huge error.

 

The Bride for the Broken Duke by Ava Macadams

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Brokenness is what you allow to break you. The Duke allowed his mistakes to harden his heart and break his family apart. He set his life up alone and would not allow for affection, thinking it would make him weak as a Duke. Even, his best friend tried to keep his walls up and keep him from having any type of affection for his wife. He has his own reasons. He is not truly gone because he marries Louisa after ruining her, he could have walked away. The story is heartbreaking. As his affections grow for Louisa, he becomes more afraid of what he is hiding, unaware that Louisa knows the true meaning of marriage, family and love.

Christmas Housekeeper Wanted by Brandy Golden

Rating: ⭐⭐

This story is an excuse to absolve physical abuse in a supposedly loving relationship. The housekeepers that were spanked had every right to have this man arrested. He blackmailed or guilted them into agreeing to be spanked. Then he spanks the housekeeper he wants to keep because she lied about her name and then guilts her into agreeing to the spanking. The story plot just made me angry as the author tried to continually try to justify the abuse in the relationship. If she wanted it to be a bdsm novel, it should have been identified as that when I signed up for the ARC. If not for the physical abuse in the story, it would have been a great story for Christmas.

 

Highlander’s Winter Rose by Fiona Faris

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fleeing for his life, he falls in the snow. A woman finds him and drags him to her cottage and begins the process of healing him. As a doctor and patient romance, this is a very good romance. It's exciting from the escape of the battle to the escape of a hanging and the retaking of the laird-ship of his clan. Our hero is a bit on the naive side, but learns quickly what it takes to be a true laird. Also, the love of a good woman can make you stronger. In this case, it caused our hero to test his ability to lead and follow and most importantly to save his Lady love.
 

Hope (Symbols of Love Book 0.5) by Leah Conolly

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a very romantic story of love being pulled apart by the convenience of an arranged marriage. These two are young and naive. The son although a vicar's son has no prospects nor does he have a living. No matter how much you love someone, you still have to get by in this cruel world. Their tenaciousness of trying to stay together is admirable and love usually finds a way. The only real grace in this story is the parents are reasonable and do not want another episode of them running away together. In the end, we find that the parents only want the best for Hope. 

 

A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess by Sally Forbes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Marquess is not as Frosty as the description would imply. This is a man so self absorbed in his own grief, he cannot function or ever be ready for his duties as a Duke when his father dies. His father arranges a marriage with the father of the woman who used to be a childhood friend of the Marquess. Both parties are distressed by this arrangement, but Lady Clara is willing to give it a go if she can just make it past the icy exterior of Julian. This story is written well, except for Julian's constant, "o my mother died" for 8 years of grief and "How can I love another?" Self pity in a man is not attractive. My question in this character flaw is what happens when someone else dies in his life. Does he spend another 8 years grieving? Where will Clara be when that happens? We do get the fairy tale ending as Clara's love for others extends to him and melts his icy heart. 

A Wallflower Ruined by the Duke (Wallflowers and Rakes #3) by Ava MacAdams

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Sally’s family is insane and Thomas’s is insane or just wrong headed. I question what type of children they’ll have. They are allowed to come together after all insanity and chaos break out at Sally’s engagement ball to the wrong man. The epilogue is disappointing with so much happening during the climax of this story. It seems that the author likes to let her villains escape justice. I prefer they rot in jail or hang until dead.
 

Wallflower for the Marquess (Wallflowers and Rakes #2) by Ava MacAdams

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story started out real well. Great dialogue and a crazy household to work as a companion? The farther I got into the story the more insane it got. The climax makes no sense and the bad guys go riding off into the future. So much for justice.
 

A Wallflower for the Duke (Wallflowers and Rakes #1) by Ava MacAdams

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story had real promise but failed in the many sex scenes and the whiplash climax. The characters don’t stay true to their character and Uncle Broderick is a 2 bit character that gets a starring role. The author failed when introducing him how important he was to the family. This story has real potential to be a five star book, but failed with the whiplash and poor carry through.

 

The Scarred Duke's Gamble: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is about a soldier returned home and his father and brother ruthlessly murdered. After staying out of society for a long period of time, which included him healing from his war wound; he is accused of damaging the carriage, so he can gain the title. He goes back into society to find the murderer and meets Grace, a diamond in society. He uses a courtship to help him regain his reputation and get close to the family he suspects has killed his father and brother. Grace agrees to the faux courtship but believes he after Caroline. I wish Grace was more mature, her tantrums and avoiding the Duke when she realizes she is in love with him is so childish for a woman in her fourth season. When I was that age, I was more clever in hiding my feelings and getting what I wanted. The worst part is that these two wear their hearts on their sleeves like badges and neither one could see the love shining out of each others eyes. Why is it that everyone in these stories hides from their feeling and become immature little children? I was pleased that the Duke acted like a man when he realized he was in love with Grace and acted like a mature man. The story is well written and follows a well developed plot with a surprising twist to the mystery interwoven in the story.

Matchmaker: A Cutter's Creek Novelette by Kari Trumbo

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a well written story of two people finally getting a chance at love. The man in this story is shy and reserved. Our heroine is also reserved, but tired of living with people who don't even like her or want her. She finds her bravery to adventure as a mail order bride back to man she already knows. The story is touching and heartwarming. Love is yours if only you are willing to grab it.

The Duke's Trapped Bride: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Dukes of Destiny Book 4) by Hanna Hamilton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I’ve heard of jealousy doing awful things but this story takes the cake. I liked the way they started to work things out and the pup was a great idea.  The problem is the story never jived time wise, so how could she believe it. The letter was never clear if it was from him or some woman, until the end of the story. The plot was well thought out but the story didn’t capture the plot fully.

 

The Heartless Highlander: A Medieval Historical Romance Novel (From Enemies to Marriage Book 4) by Lydia Kendall

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is one filled with pain and heartbreak. It’s a wonder this man can ever function in a healthy way. Margaret is his light in a dark world but even sometimes the darkness is too much. Sometimes the way he acted didn’t follow through with the survivor of a slave ship and spending days lost at sea. He survives only to live his life hidden away on an island and honestly if I was that afraid of the sea; I wouldn’t be living on an island with the only way of travel is a boat. Margaret is a bright and resourceful woman, also a little naïve. It only makes her a light among a dark cloud, lighting the way not only for Alex but his family also. I enjoyed this story, except for the way Alex treated Margaret and sent her confusing signals.  I shouldn’t be surprised, all men want the milk before purchasing the cow.

Discovering Grace: Inglewood, Book 2 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged Sally Britton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a great story about the invisible twin. Grace decides she doesn't want to traipse all over the world and trades places with her twin. Nobody notices, except her best friend and secret love. Jacob thinks he is in love with Hope, but realizes that with Hope gone the only woman he thinks about is Grace. This is a story of redemption of a woman long ignored and without her sister is now in the front lines and proving that she can be an independent woman. This story is wonderful and heartwarming. My only thought on this story is what will Hope think when she gets home?
 

The Earl’s Mute Beauty: A Historical Regency Romance Novel Bridget Barton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story hits all the highs and lows of society. A woman mute from birth and a man deaf from cannon fire comes together and overcomes their communication problems. The cruelty of society is highlighted and the manipulations of desperate women are accounted for. The main characters are well written, but the supporting characters and villains seem to be shallow caricatures of people and are not well defined. Otherwise, the story is well written with a very twisted plot. 
 

Cocky Viscount (Regency Cocky Gents Book 5) by Annabelle Anders

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a bright and excellent story. The characters are vibrant and well written. Mantis on the outside appears to be a rake of the first order, but Felicity finds him to be a good and honorable man. The plot is excellent and delectably twisted. Even though I was pretty sure who the culprit was I never expected the terrible twist in the climax of this story. This love story is very romantic in parts, yet Mantis is always true to his word and his protection of Felicity. Felicity learns that what she begins to feel for Mantis is much stronger and more passionate than she ever felt for her betrothed Westerley. Through all the difficulties this couple faces, and their rush to the altar somehow they find a deeper love and a passion that transcends their circumstances.

Falling for the Grumpy Contractor: A Sweet, Off-limits, Single Dad Romance (Moonridge Book 2 by Ashleigh Quinn

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a sweet romance comedy. Sydney is a little graceless but she is kind and has a very loving heart. Blake is grumpy and hasn’t opened his heart since his wife left him six years ago. Leah and Sydney immediately connect and develop a friendship that Blake can’t resist. His thoughts of “She loves my daughter” open his heart to love. Blake is also a little wish-washy with opening his heart. This is the crux of the plot and story-line. This story left me feeling happy and made me smile with all the little things that go wrong in life, and to remember that there are good things that go along right beside those bad things.  It also reminded me in a good way of my grumpy husband and how much love he poured into his own family.

The Last Man: A Novel of the 1927 Santa Claus Bank Robbery by Thomas Goodman

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an excellent historical fiction account of the Santa Claus Bank Robbery in 1927. It accounts for the lives of all four men who robbed the bank in Cisco, Texas. Even though the story is packed with information, it takes on a story that humanizes the characters into more than just criminals. These men had families and made bad choices. If Bobby gave his life to Christ, it may be why the Texas government allowed him to get out of jail after 15 years. Living his life righteously after he got out was why he was pardoned. I don’t see that happening today with our liberal justice system today. It’s a great read and the story is action-packed and went smoothly from and to each man as their story is told in chronological order. I enjoyed the story and the author notes on how he mixed the truth with fiction to make a believable story and a hopeful ending.

Lady by Chance (Historical Regency Romance) (House of Haverstock Book 1) by Cheryl Boleyn

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is very in depth and our hero is a cruel man. Forced to marry to get the money his friend lost, Charles’s mood varies from hot passion to cold anger. Anna never knows where she is with her husband. The girl is naive and is played by a dangerous French agent. The one thing about Anna is her loyal heart. When she realizes she is in love with her husband, she endeavors  to find out the truth whether her husband is a traitor to the crown. The characters are well written and only one is stereotyped which is the mother in law. This story carries a suspenseful climax and a man who realizes the true character of his wife. This story put me on an emotional rollercoaster as I read through Anna and Charles relationship.

A Wild Marquess for the Wallflower: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Patricia Haverton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is about friendship blossoming into love. Despite the evil tongues of the ton, Therese and her sister try to survive the gossiping tongues of the ton. She meets the Marquess and develops a friendship with him. As they help each other navigate the ton, they don't realize that an evil is following them. Therese is sweet and very naive, but does understand the underbelly of the ton. The Marquess is trying to change his image, and become the man his father wants him to portray. The story has a huge twist and will shock everyone, including the ton. I like surprising twists, and this one is rather dark.
 

Once Upon a Charming Bookshop by Heatherly Bell

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a sweet romance when friends turn lovers. It's obvious from the beginning that these two put their lives on hold to keep their friendship and drive every other relationship away. Unfortunately, it takes Noah to actually put his foot forward to get Twyla to see things his way. The whole story is just charming.
 

Murder on Location #1 Death in the English Countryside by Sara Rosett

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is fun and a little bit campy with some Jane Austen thrown in. The owner and boss goes missing in England and Kate has to go and find him. The story is a little intriguing as Kate goes looking for her boss and with the help of Alex, they find him in the river. There are plenty of suspects, and I guess who it was after they found out who slid his car into the river. The story is very strong despite the weak plot. It also has an exciting climax. 
  

The Sutherlands of Dornoch Castle #4 To Vex a Highlander Callie Hutton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Vexing is the operating word in this Highland story. High-Spirited and stubborn meet in an explosion of words and emotions. Malcolm and Christine's marriage is arranged and they don't meet before their wedding day or maybe they already have. Any way life with Christine is going to be a challenge for Malcolm, but he learns to actually start to enjoy being with his new passionate and vexing wife. This story has a mystery, lots of action and interesting relatives. The story is entertaining and kept alive, because of never knowing what Christine was going to do next.
 

Christmas Wishes and New Year's Kisses by Kathleen Ryder

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

These are some good stories about small town romances. Each story is delightful and brings Christmas cheer to your heart. Romances grow and make Christmas just a little brighter. A book worth reading.

A Dragon for Thanksgiving: An Alpha Fighter Holiday Romance Holiday Shifters by Lisa Daniels

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This is a fun and somewhat violent story. Considering his profession, it is only natural. The story's plot is somewhat up in the air, but it does get around to the love story. The climatic fight scene is a downer, because we never actually get to the fight, because the scene is focused on our heroine, and then the fight is over, disappointing. Dad has a slight change of heart, and everything is a little bit better. I guess a little better is happily ever after?

The Forbidden Duke by Audrey Ashwood

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The story and plot are well written. The hero has a lot to be desired, and Emma needs to grow up. She becomes fascinated with a man phony facade and tries to comprehend the man now before her. The Duke needs to learn to act like a real man, instead of the Duke everyone thinks he is. This story is about lies, deceit, games and no one is honest in this story. All the characters come across as liars and let's play games with everyone's emotion. Fortunately for the Duke, he decided to play it straight with Emma and her grandmother in the end.
 

Loves of an Earl's Daughter Book 7 of The Duchess's Investigative Society by Samantha Holt

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a fun and amusing farce of a romance. Here we have an unassailable rake hanging out with the daughter of a scandalous Earl. They are only friends, until Duke is beaten severely. The investigation society hits the road to find Duke's father after he is kidnapped. Duke realizes he loves Violet and decides to tell her. Violet loves him, but decides to keep it to herself. Of course this is when the climax lets loose with action-packed excitement and an intense fight scene. Love comes in the form of friendship and a little passion. I love Violet and Duke together along with the rest of the crazy Musgraves. 
  

Snatched By The Alien Dragon: A Sci-fi Alien Romance by Kate Sinner

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a fun and adventurous story. Our female character, Christine is all bluff. She feels she has trainedto be a Hunter, but has no experience. What bothered me the most is that after almost dying, she didn't try to use any of her training in her near death experiences. Only when she is given the position of Last Guard, does she shine, but only because of her need to protect the children of the drakoon. Athar, the abducting dragon is your typical let's roll everything that is serious with a joke male. Sometimes, it is not appropriate. Like all dragons, this species is very protective, but Athar learns keeping his mate safe, makes her unhappy. The weird thing going on with his mating tattoo is not explained, but was interesting. I was waiting til the end for an explanation. There is not one. The epilogue is weak and a disappointment. Fortunately, the climax is exciting and action packed. 

Baby Makes Three Spicy Office Secrets by Lydia Hall

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a story of making bad decisions. Two friends who abandon their friendship and divide their company for a woman, a woman who chooses to have sex with her boss and gets pregnant with his child. It’s like no one gets hurt from this game, but in the end all of them do. It's only when they start acting like adults, the solutions will come to light. This is an age gap romance and is quite steamy. The only real thing I can say is that Silvie is more mature than the two men who run a software company. There is a moral to this story, about communication and how to fight as a couple.

Secrets & Scandals #2 His Wicked Heart by Darcy Burke

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this story about Miranda’s brother Jasper. It explains so much why Jasper appears hard-hearted. Miss West gets off to a bad start when Jasper mistakes her for a prostitute. Miss West learns Jasper has a kind spirit for the underdog.  He does not tolerate abuse. Miss West finds out her father may be Jasper’s aunt’s husband and Louisa insists that she live with her as a companion. The plot is is well written and the story is intense. There is a fire between these two, but when Jasper bullies her, she doesn’t take it from him and I can applaud her. This is a love story that will shake the ton, but will absolutely drive the Duke of Holburn insane.
 

The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The plot is well written, and the story line follows intrigue and political ambitions to a great advantage. Isabel is compromised and lead astray from her moral beliefs by Viscount Henrique Penriel. If Isabel is such a strong woman, then why did she give into her conviction of living a moral life. She just gave herself over to Henrique with no ties or bonds. Henrique is just as bad as any immoral man that graces this earth. He presses Isabel constantly with his masculinity and presence. Taunting her consistently with vulgar language and sexual touches. So, they fell in love with each other. It didn't matter when she returned from her diplomatic mission to be totally ruined. Henrique is always diverting Isabel from her diplomatic mission that she misses the threat that Alfonse poses to Portugal. I liked the intrigue of the story and the political maneuvering. I did not like the love story, because this relationship was too one sided on the male's part and I never liked Henrique. I was disappointed in Isabel for giving into Henrique's bullying. No matter, what comparisons are made between Henrique and Hercules, Henrique is definitely no Hercules. 
 

Heart of the Mountains #7 This Healing Journey by Misty M. Beller

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The wonderful characters in this series, brings the Montana wilderness alive with all of its challenges. Hannah left her home in the Canadian Rockies to follow her father to find the children he left behind 30 years ago. Nathaniel is a hard Calvary man that wants to live a quiet life in the mountains of Montana. These two find their way to each other through an injured Indian girl. Caring for the Indian girl is not easy and the infection takes the little girl's leg. Through the healing of this girl, Hannah and Nathaniel learn the heart of each other and heal their own past wounds. They will face many trials together to reach the place that God intends for them. This story will transport you back to the days of when Montana was being settled and how they had to live. The dangers of living near the Indians and taking care of what belongs to them. Let love heal you the way that Hannah and Nathaniel were healed in this story. It's their journey and it is dangerous one.
 

Foxgloves in Summer by Penelope Daniels

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A strange meeting in the forest. Westley hiding from his father and Nora hiding from her brutalizing step-brother. Nora is made to work as a servant in her step-brother's home, even though she only has one leg and a crutch to get around.  Westley has agreed to marry if he cannot create a useful invention. Together they create what we know as a prosthesis. This story is heartwarming and the only truly evil humans in this story is her step-brother and his wife Josephine. The cruelty that this couple inflict is only compounded because they beat a girl with one leg. The fact that the baron tries to set Nora on fire at the ball shows the character of the Baron. This is a Cinderella story told with more cruelty and brutality than the Baroness and the three step-sisters ever inflicted upon the original Cinderella. My hero is Westley Haywood.

How to Fool a Dashing Duke by Henrietta Harding

Rating: ⭐

I wish I could say this story was entertaining, but it was just sad, even the ending was sad. The only positive thing in this story is the vibrancy of well written characters. It's a Cinderella story without the evil stepsisters, and without any hidden nobility of the woman, like Cinderella is the baron's daughter forces to slavery. Jenny is just a lady's maid and got caught up in a scheme where all she wanted to do was deliver a letter to her mistress at a ball. It's where nobility plays with the servants in a scheme where everyone gets hurt. The one thing that is well written in this book is the consequences of the Duke marrying a lady's maid. Such is the happily ever after of such a marriage. The extended epilogue explains all the consequences but makes them seem unimportant. Love may conquer all, but in real life all you may end up with is each other, no friends and being a social pariah.

Secrets & Scandals #1 Her Wicked Ways by Darcy Burke

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is outrageous as Lady Miranda. Foxcroft is the landed gentry of Wooten Bassett with too much land for his pocketbook. He is a regency day Robin Hood. He has tons of people to feed with no money. The sparks fly between Miranda and Fox, but would the Duke Holburn, Miranda's father ever consent to marriage between Miranda and Fox. This story is funny with very serious undertones and hot chemistry between two very bold people. It takes a lot of maneuvering to get Miranda to agree and a lot of maneuvering and finagling to get the Duke to agree. It has a great story line and an excellent plot. The sparkling relationship draws you in as you watch Lady Miranda bring Wooten Bassett men to their knees.

 

Saints and Sinners #1 The Duke and I by Heather Boyd

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

This story has many appeals, one being falling in love again in your forties. Although, our widow is in her late twenties, early thirties. Falling in love with a companion may bring the Duke complications, but the Duke will learn a lesson in keeping things to himself, before speaking out of turn with his eldest manipulating daughter. Gillian is in love with the Duke, but he even keeps his plans from her, which of course is another mistake. My problem with the whole story is how the Duke allows his oldest married daughter to manipulate, lie and take over his house, even treating his servants with disdain. I find that this makes the Duke look weak, when actually he is just a very private person, because of the loss of his wife. The story starts off strong, but it loses something during the epilogue. It wasn't the strong finish that it could have been.