Secrecy by Mary Kingwood

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this story. Tess is delightful with a bit of naivety along with years of being overlooked.  All she thinks she wants in life is money and freedom. Yet to get her money, she feels she has to give up her freedom because being married means being subjugated by her husband. The only problem is to get her fortune she has to marry. Edward needs to stop her marriage to Ulric but falls in love with the woman. She is definitely no society maid. These two go back and forth until Tess has some sense literally choked into her. The secrets of the murdered chaplain are now unraveling and still we are no closer to his murderer. Love is in the air but will it be ignored for  fortune or true fortune? Let’s face it! With Tess around nothing will be easy or predictable. Enjoy an adventure of secrets, love, fortune hunting during a murder investigation that gets more puzzling by the moment.

What a Wicked Duke Demands by Emily Honeyfield

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

The Secret Life of a Sinful Lady: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Lustful Lords and Ladies) by Emily Honeyfield

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

Healing the Brooding Duke's Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Noble Gentlemen of the Ton) by Bridget Barton

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I like the story of Amelia and Simon. Simon was trustworthy and always looked out for Amelia's best interests. He was attracted to her and intrigued by her wit, intelligence, and grace. He befriends her since he always wants to be in her company. This is how true love begins. We see each other for who they truly are, and Simon and Amelia are excellent examples of this type of love. The intricate narrative and the vile Earl of Bowden are only two of the numerous twists in this love story, which also includes Simon's background and Amelia's uncle. The book is engaging and definitely worth reading, as I nearly lost track of the concerns.
 

Once Upon an Ancient Curse: A Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood by Michelle Miles

Rating: 

Red is supposed to be a skilled bowman in this version of Red Riding Hood, yet she never takes a good shot until the very end. There are werewolves, wolves, and a dire wolf who were once human. The plot to break the curse is a little bizarre, and it didn't hold up well in the dramatic finale. If the climactic finale had not been so pointless, the tale would have been much better, but there were some terrific action scenes. It's okay for an afternoon read.