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.

The Leeward Islands #1 The Duke's Refuge by Lorri Dudley

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is very humorous while dealing with very serious issues. Georgia is hustled off to Nevis to visit her ailing father, after kissing Lord Claremont in the garden at a ball. In Nevis, while trying to retrieve her trunks from the ocean, she is pulled out of the water by one Harrison Wells. The sparks fly between these two, but not the romantic ones. We learn that island life is not easy and there is a lot of political unrest over slavery, teaching the poor/slaves and power of a small island. Georgia learns that God loves her and wants her to be herself. Georgia has a façade that walls her in her armor of pink. Harrison Wells ran to the island to escape his memories and the machinations of the ton. We learn that good Christians can lose their way until reminded of why Christ died. This is one of the first books in this genre that addresses the Holy Spirit and how he works in our lives. The storyline and plot are wonderfully written, and the characters endear themselves to my heart.

Romancing his Fair Duchess by Ava MacAdams

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story is a little on the outrageous side. First, she kisses a random stranger in her room at the inn. The next day she learns the man that kissed her is a Duke. The Duke fancies Emma over anything his mother the Duchess can come up with. It's a race for Emma's heart or he'll fall prey to his mama'a machinations. The story line is an old one and has been done before. The characters are great and well developed. I wish the plot was as well developed.

Scandalous Secrets #4 The Wolf of Winterthorne by Tracy Goodwin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is about a character that was introduced back in Book 2. Logan is Colin's best friend and war buddy in India. Logan takes the riches he received while in India and bought the estate Winterthorne. One night he finds a woman injured and distressed running through his woods. He recognizes her as one of the twins; he grew up with when he was young. Sophie who he considered the evil twin, and knew of her manipulations of the ton as an opera singer. Arabella, the woman who broke his heart. He knew not which, but rescued the woman regardless of who she was. The woman awakes not remembering who she is. The story gets really complicated from here and the twists that this story takes makes me love this book and our two main characters. This is the final book in the series and truly ends with the most satisfying ending of all the books in this series.
 

Scandalous Secrets #3 The Skilled Seduction by Tracy Goodwin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story resumes two years after the last book. Our hero? Tristan is being pursued by the woman who he recognized as a woman 2 years ago. To avoid Victoria, our puritan Tristan has become quite the rogue with  rumors of an illegitimate daughter by a Madame. Forced by the Duke and his brother to marry Victoria when his emotions were out of control with grief, Tristan has to navigate his marriage with the willful and independent wife that he is saddled with. Tristan faces that he has been in love with his wife for the last two years and all the mistakes he has made. Victoria realizes that Tristan is not the man she fell in love with all those years ago. The story covers the navigation of their marriage and how when you allow love to help make your decisions. Redemption and forgiveness will be the reigning result. The story does not disappoint as the twists of the story kept me turning the pages.
 

Scandalous Secrets #2 Enticing Eve Tracy Goodwin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a story of second chances and redemption. Colin returns home after his father's death to claim his inheritance. An inheritance that really doesn't belong to him, but legally is by marriage. Eve, he left behind after secretly being betrothed to her. Reclaiming Eve will break his family apart, but the passion between these two cannot be denied. This story runs through all the ramifications of taking what you want. The way to redemption is a long and painful road, and love is necessary to traverse it. The plot is smooth and it gets a little twisted, but keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens to this family and how this couple will survive the evil that lurks at their door.
 

Scandalous Secrets #1 Dance with Deception by Tracy Goodwin

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is so emotional. I went from raging mad to fear to happy and back again. The father in this story is the work of evil art. He hates his children and will do anything to destroy them. Sebastian, our hero renews his friendship with Gwen, but age and time makes Sebastian realize he wants Gwen for all time. The biggest problem in this story is Gwen who takes duty too seriously until she realizes the full extent of her father's plan.This story not only goes through their courtship, but develops their relationship as a married couple. It addresses some of the problems new couples face, plus the evil ramifications of slipping out of her father's clutches. I loved the plot and its twists. Plus, I never knew what was going to happen next.
 

Distinguished Rogues #7 Reason to Wed by Heather Boyd

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

My first warning on this story, it is totally scandalous. Second is that miracles happen for really sinful people. Third, it's possible to fall in love at 40 when life seems stale, disappointing and depraved. This author totally loves to write overly amorous scenes, and people defying all of the ton's societal rules. It's a shame that the plot and the climax is weak. Otherwise, it's just another erotic romance.

Rebellious Sons #1 The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is an excellent start to a series. The wicked Wyckerlies are enchanting and delightful. Fitz must marry wealthy to save the earldom, but falls for a country farm girl. Life is never dull with the Wyckerlies and between Abigail trying to fit in the ton to gain her inheritance and get her four siblings returned to her. Between falling in pig sty's, runaway children, and someone throwing stones at Fitz's head, Fitz proves he's steady and true. This story is a romp of fun even with all heavy issues following Fitz.

Clan Grant #1 Rescued by a Highlander by Keira Montclair

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Warning: trigger subjects of torture, rape and abuse. This book goes into a lot of detail, but the story is poignant and at points will reduce you to tears. Alex is gentle and a hero for his clan and for Maddie. Alex is born a protector and champion for his clan. Maddie is a gentle, but strong soul. The story has a strong background, but the plot stays light despite the depth of the subject. Love conquers most things, but gentleness wins the day. Something, our hero learns very quickly around Maddie.