My Viscount's Enduring Love by Kristina Earl

Rating: ⭐⭐

This story initially captivated me with the intriguing premise of Edgar, seeking a unconventional partner, encountering the brilliant and unconventional Lucy Belgrave. Their idyllic retreat to Aunt Margaret's country estate, where they collaborate in the laboratory, fostered a genuine connection. However, the novel's potential was squandered by a repetitive narrative. Lucy, a victim of her condescending parents' attempts to marry her off, and her controlling fiancé, grapples with societal expectations. Edgar, determined to win her back, embarks on a predictable campaign to showcase her scientific brilliance. Unfortunately, this strategy dominates the latter portion of the book, becoming tedious and repetitive. Ultimately, Edgar's actions create a scandal he wanted to avoid, undermining his efforts and leaving this reader thinking he should have done all of this in the first place.

Lead Me Into Temptation (Gold Dust Brides Book 1) by Devon McKay

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Although, this mail order bride story has a unique plot twist. These two have no respect for or are willing to honor the agreement to the mail order bride contract. In fact, the author completely ignores that fact all through the story as these two wander far from home and to a wild west mining town nicknamed"Hangtown". There are no repercussions for their behavior from the wronged party. In fact, both Garrett and Violet irritated me throughout the whole story. These two deserve each other for the selfish creatures that they are. All Garrett cares about is what he can get for himself and Violet's attitude is to find her father regardless of who she swindles or hurts. In fact, Garrett should have tied her up when he found her the first time and dropped her off at his father's ranch. Instead, well, you'll have to read the book.
 

An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl (Marriage Mart Scandals Book 2) by Amanda Stones

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Despite the arranged nature of their marriage, Emmeline yearns for a genuine connection with Andrew, a marriage built on shared interests and perhaps even love. While initially aloof, Andrew displays unexpected moments of kindness and concern, leaving Emmeline both intrigued and confused. A palpable sense of unease pervades the estate, a 'darkness' that intensifies with the arrival of his unsettling cousins. As Andrew's mother falls ill and Emmeline stumbles upon clues to a hidden treasure, they are drawn into a shared investigation. The intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists, kept me captivated.The mystery deepened far beyond what I initially anticipated. The true villain and their connection to Andrew's past were a shocking revelation. This is a riveting read for anyone who enjoys a blend of historical romance and thrilling mystery.

Christmas Cold Case: A Christian Romantic Suspense Novella (A Twin Oaks Christmas) by Sarah Hamaker

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Noelle's return to Twin Oaks to investigate her parents' unsolved murder begins with a sense of quiet determination. However, her pursuit of justice quickly escalates into a dangerous game. As she delves deeper, facing vandalism and even an attempted hit-and-run, the attorney managing her parents' property becomes her unlikely protector. A budding romance with David further complicates her investigation as they work together to uncover the truth behind her parents' deaths. While the eventual revelation of the killer's motive might seem a bit outlandish, it underscores the chilling reality that even the most seemingly stable families can harbor dark secrets. Despite this, the story delivers a satisfying conclusion and proves to be an engaging read.

A Wicked Earl’s Secret Baby (Lustful Lords and Ladies) by Emily Honeyfield

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

This story with the plot alone is scandalous. Dorian is sent away by his father with his sister's manipulations. Claire is left pregnant and marries the Vicar to avoid a scandal. Six years later, Dorian returns home when his father passes away. Claire's husband is dead and Dorian wants the truth of why she married the Vicar. As far as I was concerned Dorian was too lenient on his sister and with her power plays should have sent her to Bedlam. The woman had to be insane if she thought she could run the earldom, or manipulate a brother who hates the way she treats him. After learning what she did to Claire should have sealed the deal. The characters are confused by what time has done to them, but I found Dorian to be weak in character. He continues to allow his sister to run amok when he returns home, and yell and manipulate him. Like allowing a ball two weeks after they buried their father, this is in such bad taste and scandalous. Although, the author totally ignores this fact of how society would react to this impropriety. I was left with such anger that the fact these two reunited after all of this was overshadowed by the villainous and evil sister. In fact, the way this story was written, it didn't matter if these two reunited only that the sister was stopped.

 

The Penitent Duke (The Untamed Nobles 1) by Sally Forbes

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is extremely distressing at times. A man wallowing in regret, self-pity and grief is someone very hard to live beside. There is a darkness and bitterness that takes on a life of its own inside a person. The author hits the nail on the head when she knows that only love can break the hold of bitterness and regret on one's soul. Rosalind's caution and gentleness, evened out by her self assurance makes her a woman to contend and win. Luther is very cruel at times and Rosalind responds with truth and at times righteous anger. The problem with this story is that Luther grew up in the ton and he loved and lost. He acts like a total behemoth, a man without breeding. This is not behavior a man of breeding would take on. He would be aloof and unreachable, He would give the cut direct and dismiss, but the rudeness and callousness of street urchin or a dock worker, no. Otherwise, the story is well written and all of the characters are well developed. 

 

Her Guarded Duke (Dukes of Distinction Book 1) by Julia Thorne

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An excellent story of someone who has guarded his life from people who would scorn him. He knows he needs a wife to continue the title, so he lets his aunt bring Henrietta to tea. Henrietta wears a mask in society, because her family is always in her business. She finds she can be herself around the Duke, because they both have a love of botany. It doesn't matter what one looks likes, it's the beauty and connection you find together. I loved this story about a gentle beast and a clever spinster.