To Love a Beastly Duke by Elisabeth Everly

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Beastly Duke’s Botanical Blind Spot

Cornelia is playing a high-stakes game, publishing groundbreaking research under a pen name because the world isn't ready for a woman with a brain. Enter Sebastian, the "Beastly Duke," who hides in his mansion obsessing over botanical treatises while ignoring his own social standing. He’s desperate to meet the brilliant "C.A. Thornfield," completely unaware that the woman he’s starting to fall for is the very author he’s hunting. He loves that Cornelia looks past his scars to see his heart, yet he remains remarkably dense about her identity.

When the truth finally drops, Sebastian’s reaction is a total letdown. For a supposedly brilliant man, he gets surprisingly whiny about "deception," completely ignoring the fact that Cornelia’s secret was the only thing keeping her and her family from social ruin. The characters are solid and their backstories are tight, but the ending drags. The epilogue leans a bit too hard into the "girl power" botanical career after the wedding, losing the momentum the rest of the book built. Still, it’s a well-developed story that proves some dukes are better at plants than they are at common sense.

Smoochin' My Valentine Again by Madison Love

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Forget Me Not

Gemini said

Honestly, what’s a girl supposed to do when the love of her life looks her dead in the eye and has absolutely no clue who she is? That’s the nightmare Aribella is living after her husband, Ashdyn, takes a literal tumble off a horse and wakes up with a wiped hard drive. Watching her navigate the total indignity of being a stranger to her own husband is heartbreaking, but there’s something low-key hilarious about the fact that it took a head injury for him to finally see her as the "ethereal beauty" she’s been this whole time. Talk about a wake-up call.

The story really hits its stride as they try to "re-date" with the help of a community that refuses to let them fail. While I’m still not entirely sure how the divine intervention side of things works here—other than God clearly using their neighbors to do the heavy lifting—the way they fall in love all over again is incredibly sweet. It turns out that while his brain is buffering, his heart already has the receipts. It’s a solid five-star reminder that some connections are just hardwired, even if the man in question is being a bit of a dense patient. If you’re looking for a second-chance romance that proves you can win the same guy twice, this is definitely the one to pick up.

Smoochin' Under the Mistletoe by Madison Love

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When the Heart of the Town Needs a Jump start

Lucy is the type of woman who spends her life pouring into everyone else’s cup, only to have her own diner—and livelihood—reduced to ashes just in time for the holidays. When the insurance company does what insurance companies do best (refuse to pay), Lucy is forced to face the heavy question of whether Baggersville is still home or just a memory.

It is a familiar crossroads: that moment of hardship where faith feels less like a comfort and more like a nudge toward the exit. While Lucy contemplates a new direction, the town scrambles to prove she belongs. The irony, of course, is that it takes a catastrophe for people to finally show the appreciation they should have been expressing all along.

The community’s effort to keep her is moving, and the collective grace shown by the residents is staggering. While the story hits every emotional beat you’d expect from a small-town Christmas, its strength lies in that community inspiration. It’s a warm reminder that while you can’t bank on insurance, you can—occasionally—bank on your neighbors.

Smoochin' the Reticent Rancher by Madison Love

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Better Late Than Never, Though Late is an Understatement

Ace follows the standard Special Forces playbook: get injured, retreat into a cave of self-pity, and push away everyone who actually matters. After two years of ghosting his family and his fiance, he returns to find that Elise hasn’t spent her life paused in a vacuum.

As the local cosmetologist, Elise has more backbone than the man who ran away. She tries to bridge the gap, but Ace is too busy playing the martyr over a broken promise to notice she’s still standing there. Naturally, it takes the threat of another man’s interest to finally snap him out of his brooding. It's a classic case of not knowing what you have until someone else tries to claim it.

This story hits home personally, but it lacks the impact of the previous book. While the sentiment is true and Elise’s loyalty is the heart of the story, the execution feels a bit muted. It’s a solid entry, but Ace’s return to reality took a few chapters too many for my liking.

The Duke’s Bargain Bride by Alianna Brookes

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

Thawing the Duke, But Drowning in the Sugar

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a Duke whose heart is a veritable frozen tundra, and this story delivers that icy tension with exquisite precision. The plot is sturdy, and the characters are sculpted with enough depth to make their social maneuverings feel genuinely high-stakes—a rarity in a season often crowded with paper-thin caricatures. Watching the "Ducal Frost" melt into a man of warmth and affection was a journey well worth the price of the carriage ride.

However, as the ton well knows, the only thing worse than a scandal is a bore. While the momentum built beautifully toward a clever conclusion, the climax was unfortunately smothered by an excess of dialogue and an inexcusably long epilogue.

It is a pity when a sharp narrative loses its edge to the modern trend of dragging out the "happily ever after" until it dissolves into saccharine. Had the author trusted the strength of the actual ending and closed the book a chapter earlier, this would have been an undisputed triumph. As it stands, it is a lovely dance that simply doesn't know when to leave the ballroom.

Smoochin' the Right Twin by Madison Love

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grace, Lawsuits, and the Hard Lesson of Letting Go

If only every legal entanglement in this world could be settled with the grace found in Merdy’s journey, our courthouses would be empty and our hearts would be full. Merdy finds herself in a bind that most would find paralyzing, but she is blessed with a plaintiff who shares her faith and a circle of friends who truly embody the "right kind" of community. The narrative beautifully illustrates that accepting a helping hand doesn't diminish our strength; rather, it empowers us to do even more for the Lord.

We often carry the heavy burden of thinking that if a mistake is ours, we alone must pay the penance. Merdy learns, however, that through humility and cooperation, a solution can be reached where everyone involved benefits more than a financial payout ever could have provided. Parallel to this legal drama is her personal journey with Hunter. She is forced to learn the difficult task of accepting him—and his love—without conditions, mirroring the profound way God loves us in all our imperfection.

The story does take a startling turn at the climax, and I found myself questioning the narrative direction. The medical hurdles Hunter faces seemed to vanish into thin air, leaving the doctor’s warnings feeling a bit "washed over" and unresolved. It felt as though the author was so intent on having God teach Hunter a specific lesson that the consistency of the plot suffered for it. Despite this abrupt shift, the message of communal support remains powerful. It is a thoughtful look at how our mistakes don't have to define us when we allow God—and our friends—to help rewrite the ending.

Smochin’ the Surly CEO by Madison Love

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cornhole, CEOs, and One Big Identity Crisis

Gabby has a full-blown identity crisis on her hands, and she’s handling it by hiding her true self from everyone who matters. While she’s busy playing a part, Tim—the CEO of Cornhole for a Cause—is gearing up for a Valentine Fundraiser Gala and trying for a third chance to prove he’s worth the risk.The real struggle here isn't just the romance; it’s how these two handle life when things get messy. Gabby’s decision to manipulate Tim into opening up about his father is a hard pill to swallow. You can’t build a healthy relationship on mind games and curated secrets.Ultimately, this story is a loud reminder that honest communication is the only way to build a life that actually works. Tim is at a major crossroads, facing heavy decisions about his career, his father, and his walk with Jesus. It’s a sobering, direct look at the difference between the image we project and the authenticity required to make a relationship last. If you’re looking for a story about big life choices and the messy reality of faith and family, this hits the mark—just be prepared to want to give Gabby a piece of your mind.

Smoothin' the Wrong Twin by Madison Love

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Biddies Might Gossip, but God’s Got a Better Playlist

Honey, pull up a rocking chair, because Connie Jo’s return to Baggersville is the sweet tea your soul has been craving. If you’ve ever felt like your life was a demo track over-produced by a committee of strangers, you’ll feel for our girl. Somewhere between the glitter of the pop charts and the pressure to be anything but a Christian artist, she stopped singing her own truth. It takes a ten-year cornhole tournament to pull her back to the Texas dirt—because nothing says "spiritual recalibration" like tossing beanbags for charity while the town watches from the sidelines.

The real kicker is the Miller twins. Hayden has traded his billionaire tech empire for the family ranch to help his brother after their daddy’s stroke—a move the city folk might call "crazy," but we just call "doing the right thing." In a move as bold as it is misguided, Connie Jo mistakes Hayden for his brother and recruits him to be her fake boyfriend to draw out a stalker. Watching her pine for the "wrong" twin while the "right" one is standing right there is like watching someone try to ride a mechanical bull after three margaritas—hilarious, a little messy, and you just can't look away.

This story is a sharp-witted look at how we get blinded by our own preconceived ideas, searching so hard for the life we planned that we walk right past the blessing God actually put in front of us. The author even recorded the songs mentioned in the book; while one is admittedly as corny as a Baggersville field in July, the others are powerful enough to make you pull over on a backroad just to listen. Ultimately, it’s a beautiful reminder that God is the ultimate sound engineer, always ready to correct our course when we start singing off-key. It’s a heartwarming, holy mess of a journey that proves the path back home is usually paved with old friends and the kind of love that doesn't need a spotlight to be seen.

Unexpectedly Engaged to the Duke by Emily Honeyfield

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

       Two cowards and a very flawed plan

I enjoyed the story well enough, but the character logic was exhausting. Penelope is allegedly "highly intelligent," yet she can’t see the bigger picture and cowers before the Duchess despite standing up to the Duke. She and Sebastian deserve each other—they are both cowards in their own way.

The plot also falls apart under historical scrutiny. The Duchess’s plan was nonsensical given that Regency marriage laws favored men, and the Ton kept a tight watch on inheritance. Has the author never heard of Debrett’s? Everyone would have known James’s identity. A decent read, but the inconsistencies are hard to overlook.

Taming Her Stallion by Megan Musgrove

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A businessman, a horsewoman, and a warning ignored

"Things are never as you imagine them." This is the warning Jack gives to Ian as they visit the Marquess of Shanbrook, and it’s a fitting theme for the story. While Ian is focused on a mission of vengeance, Jack finds himself completely derailed by the Marquess’s daughter, Jessica.

The characters are the strength of this book. Jessica is refreshing—titled, yes, but also one of the best horsemen in the country, which adds a great layer to her personality. Jack is a successful businessman, though his insistence that he is "unworthy" of a Lady feels a bit heavy-handed at times. It’s an engaging, well-written read with a decent amount of steam, showing that love usually shows up exactly when you’re planning for something else.

The Beanbagger of Cornhole County: The Prequel by Madison Love

 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Master of the Toss: When God Takes the Lead

If you’re looking for a story that will make you weep happy tears into your coffee, Josie’s journey is it. I finished this book feeling like I’d just stepped out of a long Sunday service—refreshed, a little convicted, and deeply moved.

Baggersville, Texas, is the kind of town that feels exactly like my home church. Everyone is perpetually stationed in your business, but in the best way possible; it’s the kind of "nosy" that means they’ve always got your back (and likely a casserole waiting on your porch).

The chemistry between Morgan and Josie as they rebuild after her three-year battle with the "C word" is beautiful to witness. The story is wonderfully quirky, too—the corn jokes are genuinely "corny" in the best sense, adding a layer of levity to a very real struggle.

What I loved most was the spiritual perspective. It’s a powerful reminder that God loves us enough to mess up our plans. He uses life’s detours to nudge us back into His will. And while the book offers a scientific explanation for Josie’s miracle to satisfy the logical mind, the heart knows the truth: it was God’s plan, perfectly timed and brilliantly executed.

My Unwanted Duchess by Rose Collins

 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Duke & The Deception

The Duke starts out with all the warmth of a frozen pond, but watching him thaw as he lets Charlotte into his life is the real treat here. Charlotte finds him to be a surprisingly kind and considerate man—which is a bit of an irony, considering she’s busy hiding her entire scheme from him. It’s funny how you can find someone is firmly on your side, even when you’re supposedly at odds in what you want from life.

The story is warm and genuinely surprising. There are several twists that manage to catch you off guard, weaving through the plot until they settle into a sigh of affection.

The characters are wonderful, and while the ton is as predictably awful as I usually find in this trope, the real treasure is the surprise I found in the Duke. I hope you find it, too—it’s exactly what makes this story special.

The Widow’s Scandalous Gentleman (Vexleys) by Emily Barnett

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Brilliant Plot, Pity About the Pulse

It is a tragedy when a brilliant plot is wasted on characters with the emotional depth of a marble bust. While the rest of society is spiraling over immoral improprieties, Jasper and his lady remain frustratingly statuesque.

I’ve seen this family do better—Sebastian showed far more life in his story than Jasper shows here to the supposed "love of his life." The prose is intellectually lofty but grows dry and repetitive, failing to realize that a meeting of the minds should ignite a fire, not a deep freeze.

The story provides a sturdy scaffolding, but I found myself longing for a hero who didn't require a pulse check.

Nephilim Island: Progeny Book 1 by Shawn Hopkins

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

A Divine Headache and a New View of the Abyss

One doesn’t just read a book like this; one undergoes it. By stitching together the Bible, the Book of Enoch, and nineteen other sources, Shawn has created something that is frankly terrifying. It’s the kind of work that forces a mid-life crisis upon you, making you question exactly what "truth" even looks like in a world this fractured.

If I have one grievance, it’s that the sheer volume of translated information is a bit of a marathon. There is almost too much to process, and at times the story gets buried under the weight of its own research. It’s hard to enjoy the scenery when you’re trying to decode the map at the same time.

The ending provides a temporary peace, but it’s the kind of satisfaction that leaves you looking over your shoulder. Seeing what we now accept as "normal" in our government and our society makes the book’s implications feel far too close for comfort. I am officially more disturbed than when I started, and significantly less rested.

So, Shawn, thanks for the sleepless nights and the existential baggage. I’ll be over here trying to reassemble my reality if anyone needs me.

Married to the Frozen Duke by Dorothy Sheldon

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Five Centuries of Tradition vs. Glorious Chaos

This story is hysterical. The ironies are sharp, the drama is humorous, and the poor Duke bears his humiliation with surprising grace. His attempt to reform his new Duchess fails spectacularly as he—and her own family—recoil from the result.

The chaos is bolstered by her spatially challenged brothers, who leave mayhem in their wake, and a Duchess determined to upend five centuries of tradition. The characters are delightful, and the comedy holds firm to the final page. It is a sharp, very British laugh—perfect for those who enjoy watching a man change his view of what is important.

Falling for a Beastly Duke by Sally Forbes

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Refreshing Bloom in a Garden of Stiff Formality

There is something utterly delightful about a lady who takes matters into her own hands—and her inkwell. Persephone is no wilting flower; faced with her family’s mounting debts, she proposes to the scarred, greenhouse-dwelling Duke via letter, and the result is a charmingly pragmatic success.

It is a rare treat to find a "ton" marriage where the characters behave like actual humans rather than caricatures of Regency expectations. The Duke, for all his scars and eccentric notions, meets his match in Persephone. She doesn't just tolerate his solitary nature; she cultivates a genuine friendship and a love worth fighting for, briskly weeding out his stranger ideas along the way.

Watching a smart man recognize a brilliant woman, talk to her, and actually marry her—without three hundred pages of unnecessary misunderstandings—was incredibly refreshing. Their emotional reactions felt authentic and grounded, proving that a marriage of convenience can indeed blossom into something far more passionate when the participants are as well-developed as these two.

The Cherry Trees of Rosings: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Morgan Blake

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Astral Coma Projection

This one belongs under Astral Coma Projection. Mr. Darcy survives a carriage accident only to find his spectral self tethered to Elizabeth. Why her? She is his "One," apparently—a theory I’m sticking to for lack of a better map.

The story is a fun jaunt through a spooky Austen landscape with solid rom-com energy. However, it loses a star for a glaring plot hole: Fitzwilliam’s refusal to tell the family where Darcy is bedridden. The silence is never explained, leaving the reader as ghosted as the protagonist.

Still, it’s a decent adventure in the ties that bind—literally.

When Love is Meant to Be by Ellen Knightley

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Secrets Buried in the Dust

It takes a rare kind of fortitude to leave the comfort of Virginia to chase a dead father’s "horrible secrets" into the Arizona heat. Amelia is a compelling heroine; while I’m not certain I’d have the stomach to go digging for such painful truths, her resilience is admirable.

The narrative is undeniably complex—at times, the author takes turns that feel more like added drama than logical progression. However, the payoff is worth the confusion. The author eventually ties every loose thread together in a dramatic climax that offers a "happily ever after," though it wisely acknowledges that some wounds, like those of her grieving step-brother, don't heal quite so neatly.

With a sister full of love and a man learning to move past his grief, the story is a poignant look at the families we lose and the ones we find. A sharp, emotional read for anyone who enjoys a mystery with a soul.

Ravishing his Duchess by Scarlett Osborne

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beyond the Ballroom

If you are seeking a lighthearted romp through the ballrooms of Mayfair, you had best look elsewhere, for this story is a far more somber affair draped in the heavy velvet of Regency London’s darker corners. It is a tale of desperate bargains and even more desperate hearts, where Andrew, a Duke with a reputation in tatters, seeks a marriage solely to salvage his family name. Diana, however, is no compliant debutante; she agrees to the match only on the condition that Andrew helps her find a murderer and initiates her into the more intimate mysteries of womanhood. Andrew attempts to keep her at a distance, fearing his own taste for the "dark side" will tarnish her, only to discover that Diana is not merely willing to enter the shadows—she is practically leading the charge.

The narrative finds its strength in the intricate web of revenge and cover-ups that plagues the Duke’s lineage. While the ton is busy whispering about the late Duke’s supposed crimes, the truth regarding Diana’s friend is far more complex than mere gossip suggests. The revelation that Andrew’s father was a man of vice but not a murderer forces the Duke to finally stop hiding behind his pedigree and face the burgeoning feelings he has tried so desperately to suppress. This gritty, "noir" version of Regency England feels both high-stakes and authentic, offering a sobering look at what we are willing to endure and sacrifice for the people who truly matter.

Ultimately, the undeniable chemistry between them is sparked by the friction of two people trying to protect their secrets while being forced into a raw, honest intimacy. This is a hauntingly beautiful reminder that even a marriage born of dark bargains and grim necessity can find its light once the masks are finally discarded. If you enjoy a bit of mystery with your romance and appreciate a story that addresses the heavy cost of love, this is a journey well worth taking.

The Pirate Lord by Sabrina Jeffries

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pirates of Penzance Meets Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

The crew of the Satyr has everything they need to retire: gold, land, and a plan for commerce. The only thing missing is wives. To solve this, they seize a prisoner ship bound for South Wales.

The clash between the Pirate Lord and the English Reformer is entertaining and packed with tension. The writing is sharp, calling to mind the wit of The Pirates of Penzance mixed with the plot of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. While the ending has a slight twist, getting the last laugh on the Pirate Lord is the perfect payoff.

Her Seven Nights with the Duke by Violet Hamers

 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Well-Written Lesson in Breaking the Cycle

The Duke’s rule is strict: mistresses get seven nights, then he moves on. Nora’s attempt to blackmail him backfires, landing her in his bed as the next in line. It is a complicated plot, but the writing is sharp and the characters are personable.

My only grievance is a common one: the hero becomes a wimp the moment he deems himself "un-marriageable" due to his past. The idea of "like father, like son" only holds if the son chooses to imitate the parent. Here, the Duke fights to be the opposite of his father, yet still falls into the trap of self-doubt. It’s a well-developed story, but perhaps the real lesson is simpler: take the best from your parents and throw out the rest.

Stolen by the Cursed Duke by Harriet Caves

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Lesson in Ambition and Abduction

This narrative ignites with a flash and ends in a blaze. It is a study of corrosive family meddling, which drove one character toward rigid control and the other into rebellion. The characters mature through a compelling dynamic: Magnus learns to temper his command, reserving his softer side for Charlotte. She, in turn, saves her fire for him alone.

It is an engaging story and a spirited lesson for any gentleman: If you don't fancy a parson’s knot, skip the abduction.

Kissing the Wrong Nanny by Bryn Beck

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Charming Comedy of Errors

This is a perfect afternoon read for those seeking lighthearted humor and clean romance. While the "mistaken nanny" premise is definitely over the top—most agencies do provide a name, after all—the story quickly moves past the logistics to find its heart.

The narrative succeeds by focusing on the value of family and the power of forgiveness. It proves that a massive mistake is easy to overlook when it leads to a connection worth so much more. If you can suspend your disbelief regarding the mix-up, you’ll find a sweet, rewarding story about what truly matters.

A Bride for the Cold-Hearted Duke by BRIDGET BARTON

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Flawless Tale of Duty, Grief, and Growth

Rumors of a cold, cruel, and violent husband follow Clara down the aisle toward her new future. Instead of a monster, she finds Edward—a man burdened by grief and rough speech, yet kind in his own way. Edward, in turn, finds a wife who is remarkably insightful and compassionate.

The heart of the story lies in their mutual effort: Clara works to help him build a future, while Edward ensures she feels every bit the Duchess she has become. The characters are wonderful and the storyline runs flawlessly. While her family remains a constant problem, the story proves that sometimes you have to cut the tumors out to survive.

A Soldier’s Treasure Map to Love by Madeline Thorton

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Frank’s parting gift to Chester wasn’t just a ranch in shambles; it was a cryptic poem and a map that turned a repair job into a high-stakes scavenger hunt. It’s a classic Western setup, but with a refreshing twist: a protagonist who is more "adjutant" than "action hero."

Chester is an ex-soldier with a suspiciously high survival instinct—mostly because he’s a bit of a wimp. While others reach for their holsters, Chester reaches for his reading glasses to decipher Frank’s riddles. He is perfectly balanced by Clementine, a woman whose shifts between steel-spined rancher and "delicate flower" give both the reader and the villains whiplash. It’s this perceived fragility that lures the villainous Alonzo into the tactical blunder of kidnapping her.

The slow-burn mystery eventually gives way to a "bullet-firing frenzy" that settles the score with satisfying noise. However, the story’s real sleight of hand is the treasure itself. While the gold is fine, the true payoff is the makeshift family Chester and Clementine forge while mending fences. It’s a heartfelt story about finding what’s worth keeping long after the gunpowder clears.

A Bride Til Christmas by Elizabeth Everly

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This romance begins sweetly until interfering relatives attempt to drive the couple apart. A central point of tension is the Earl’s behavior; he inexplicably ignores the blatant disdain and disrespect his father’s family shows him.

The character development is solid. The Countess, who initiates the drama, softens as she falls for the Earl. Despite her background in the impoverished nobility, the two find plenty of common ground. Facing a 14-day deadline to marry or lose his inheritance, the Earl finds his solution not in his own actions, but in the Countess's initiative. She is the one who proposes, and he has the sense to accept. It is a refreshing take on the trope where the heroine sees a good thing and seizes it.

Love's Light in the Frontier's Shadows by LILAH RIVERS

 

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The West is dangerous, even among family. After her mother’s death, Melinda travels West and meets Oscar on the train. Oscar becomes her protector, following her to Badger to work on her uncle’s ranch.

The characters are well-developed. While both Melinda and Oscar are cautious, circumstances eventually force their hand. Though the pace is steady and deliberate, the tension builds effectively toward a high-stakes climax.