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.