The Lady Who Came In From the Cold by Grace Callaway

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This excellent story explores love and self-realization, revealing our inherent flaws. Marcus married Penny based on assumptions, believing her a debutante, unaware of her past. Her past, as a spy, required choices far removed from that image. The story shows love's necessary sacrifices, including the ones that Penny made to marry the love of her life. After Marcus's downfall, he realizes that it's Penny's past that made her the woman he fell in love with. For Penny, she realizes she can no longer play the demure housewife, but must be the spymaster she is to win back Marcus and her marriage.

The Mysterious Beast of Northcliffe by Amanda Stones

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Poor Lord Northcliffe, a reluctant groom forced into marriage with the beautiful and kind Lady Vivian. Despite her genuine affection, Vivian's sacrifices for a loveless marriage are heartbreaking.

The story explores the societal pressures of the time, where scandal and public opinion dictated even the most intimate of relationships. While the author effectively portrays the constraints placed upon Vivian, the premise hinges on a somewhat poorly contrived scenario.

The "Beast of Northcliffe" persona adds a layer of complexity, but his initial coldness and dismissive attitude towards Vivian are understandably off-putting. However, the story does offer some poignant moments of genuine connection, ultimately culminating in Northcliffe's belated realization of his own folly.

One of the most compelling aspects of the story lies in Vivian's agency. Her decision to return to her family demonstrates her strength of character and her refusal to wait indefinitely for her husband's emotional barriers to crumble.

A Deal with Her Forbidden Duke by Ava MacAdams

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This historical romance novel grips the reader from the first page to the last. The Duke of Silverton, a man of ruthless ambition, is determined to recover a debt, leading him to encounter his best friend's sister, Madeline. Devastated by the disappearance of her husband, Madeline joins the Duke's quest for answers. When her husband is found dead, the new Earl casts her out, leaving her destitute. To protect her, the Duke proposes a marriage of convenience.

Despite their forced union, the tension between them remains palpable. The Duke harbors secrets, and grapples with the revelation that her previous marriage was never consummated. His hidden secrets complicates their already precarious relationship.

The novel masterfully blends historical intrigue with a simmering romance. The search for the missing husband unfolds with suspense, while the developing attraction between Madeline and the Duke adds a layer of forbidden desire. The characters are well-developed, and the author skillfully crafts a world that is both captivating and believable.