The Final Assignment: Mila K. Mysteries (The Mila K. Mysteries Book 1) by K.C. Brennan

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a great little cozy mystery that takes place in the Soviet Union. As soon as Mila gets her new post at the University of Chernivtsi, a rare book is stolen, and the detective points the finger at her. Of course, she is determined to prove her innocence and discovers that the book is more dangerous than interesting. This one is interesting because Mila uses her academic knowledge to investigate why the book was stolen, pointing out that she had no reason to steal it. The investigation leads her to one man, and this is where the story gets truly exciting.

Christmas Eve Surprise by Misha Quinn

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

There is nothing extraordinary about this woman being surprised by who dressed up as Santa. Just a meeting where a man lets a woman realize what he feels for her. The story is very short and can only be obtained if you subscribe to Misha Quinn's newsletter. It was okay and I wasn't impressed.
 

SEALed By Fate: A Clean/Closed-Door Second Chance Suspenseful Military Romance (SEAL Heroes Series Book 1) by Hayden Layne

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Sealed by Fate" starts with a promising premise: a thrilling rescue mission to save a kidnapped friend. However, the novel quickly veers away from the suspenseful action, instead focusing on the rekindled romance between the main characters, Kendall and Brock. While the character development and exploration of themes like love and loyalty are commendable, the novel's failure to deliver on its central plot line is a significant misstep. Overall, "Sealed by Fate" is a disappointing read that fails to live up to its potential. While it may offer some emotional depth, it ultimately falls short of an excellent climactic ending.

Espresso Your Love (The Coffee Loft Series: Fall Collection) by Bella Greene

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The story is a delightful romantic comedy that captures the essence of small-town charm and blossoming love. The story follows Cassie, a meticulous event planner, and Ryan, a ruggedly handsome new cop in town. Their paths intertwine when Ryan is assigned to provide security for the upcoming Autumn Festival, which Cassie is organizing. What sets this novel apart is the unique premise of Cassie's innocence. At 30, she's never been kissed. This unexpected twist adds a layer of sweetness and vulnerability to her character. The author deftly balances humor and heartfelt moments, creating a heartwarming and enjoyable read. The chemistry between Cassie and Ryan is palpable, and their slow-burn romance is both endearing and exciting. If you're looking for a lighthearted and heartwarming romance, It's a cozy read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside

 

Mail Order Mishap by Jenna Brandt

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is a little mischievous  and straight forward. Elizabeth is a feminist for the suffrage movement, but her relative sends her to her brother to watch over Elizabeth after some serious mistakes made in Boston Society. Elisabeth is a strong-willed and intelligent woman ahead of her time. Her passion for women's suffrage adds depth and complexity to her character. Jake is ready to settle down and is waiting for his mail-order bride to arrive. Jake is a rugged and charming man who is initially put out by Elizabeth's manner after her mishap but is gradually won over by Elizabeth's spirit. His character arc is both humorous and heartwarming. One mishap has these two meeting and their romance takes-off from there. Two things that could have been written better was the scene where the men were protesting her women's suffrage meeting. The scene itself was intense, but the sheriff just arresting the men was a little too neat. The arrival of the mail-order bride should have had more drama. The mail-order bride could arrive during some dangerous event.By exploring these ideas, the scene could have had more dramatic and engaging scenes that would have kept me more hooked. The romance is sweet and Jake falling in love on second-sight is funny after his first encounter with Miss Elizabeth. It's a nice cozy read.

 

Snowflakes and Scandals: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology by Heather Boyd, Elizabeth Cole, Bronwen Evans, Caroline Linden, Eliza Lloyd, Suzanna Medeiros, Barbara Monajem, Ella Quinn, Lana Williams

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bronwen Evans' Betrothed by Christmas is a delightful holiday romance that warms the heart. The children's matchmaking scheme is both endearing and humorous. I particularly enjoyed the scene where the daughter created a call to her father and ended up leaving them both alone after he arrived. The author's skillful portrayal of the characters' blossoming love story had my heart warming. The Duke and Eleanor's slow-burn romance is beautifully developed, with each character's inner struggles and hopes for love shining through.

While the novella could have benefited from a bit more depth in the secondary characters, the central romance is captivating. Betrothed by Christmas is a perfect read for curling up with a cup of hot cocoa and losing yourself in a heartwarming tale of love and second chances.

The Scarred Lady’s Broken Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Scandals and Second Chances Book 3) by Martha Barwood

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One woman withdrawn from society because of the death of her fiance and a man who blames himself for his own brother's death. When these two meet, they break through their walls of grief to wanting to live again. Their love rises to the challenges of machinations of society. It is a wonderful story covering the grief that each one of us carries as we try to move on with the living.
 

Examining Their Bond: Resident Doctor, Friend-to-Love, Suspenseful Christian Romance (First Responders of Faith Valley Book 12) by Jenna Brandt

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The resident doctor comes home to rumor and gossip. His friend from his childhood has secrets and problems which of course he is more than happy to help out with. The mystery of why her husband left her is solved and a chance at romance for Kathy and Dr. Marty. The story is not as suspenseful until the climatic ending. It's a good story to read for a light mystery with an excellent climax.

 

Cora: An Age Gap, Arranged Marriage, Enemies-to-Lovers Victorian Romance (Virtue & Vice Book 4) by Carrie Lomax

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Cora is ruined by a man who could not offer for her, then twelve years later he ruins her family so he can save her family by marrying Cora. This man is totally selfish and made this woman wait 12 years as a ruined woman before offering her marriage. Although, she ultimately forgives him, this man is unworthy of any woman. I detest bullies and men who seek to destroy others for their own gain. The author tries to pass this man off as decent but he is just another bully and pompous fool despite his desire for this woman. Although, Cora is a great heroine, Gideon Wentworth is not worth the ground that Cora walks on.

The Witness Rescue: A K9 Handler Romance (Disaster City Search and Rescue, Book 34) by Jenna Brandt

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story dealt with a lot of serious issues while keeping the story lighter than WITSEC stories tend to be. The climax was intense and the ending surprising. Alex and Everly's characters are well written and this was a slow burn as they renewed their old relationship. Love makes compromises.
 

I Kissed an Earl (and I Liked It) (That Wicked O'Shea Family Book 1) by Merry Farmer

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is a fun romp and the main characters are not bogged down by society's rules. The matches are all twisted up and it's up to our main characters to marry the right partner. It's a ride into fun and a little mayhem.