Guide to Our Reviews and Ratings:

Our rating system is the standard 5 star rating system:

5 = exceptional

4 = excellent

3 = good

2 = fair

1 = poor

CNF = If the problems in a book are such that a reviewer is unable to finish it, the book will be given to another reviewer to read. If both reviewers are unable to finish the book, it will receive the rating of “CNF” or “Could Not Finish”

We also rate the "Steam" or sex factor so readers can enjoy whatever level they are most comfortable with. The criteria is as follows:

1 Steam Kettle = Nothing but kisses

2 Steam Kettles = Passionate kissing,

3 Steam Kettles = Sex but the door is closed

4 Steam Kettles = Slightly steamy sex with some description

5 Steam Kettles = Steamy sex with somewhat graphic description teeth into. The tension between Sean and Mignonette is intense, and there is a need for them to give into their feelings and get together. They make a good team, and given the enemies they are battling, they’re going to need all the help they can get. Another great addition to the Duke’s Guard series!

Those books receiving a 4.5 or a 5 star review will also be awarded the "Crowned Heart" for excellence. This symbol will be seen beside the review in the magazine.

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

The Duke’s Protector (The Duke’s Guard Series Book Two)

C.H. Admirand

Sean O’Malley has a job to do and it’s going to be a painful one. Determined to Hind out who is after Earl Lippincott and Lady Aurelia, he ends up at the Modiste and rescues the beautiful Mignonette de Chauret when the shop she works in is broken into. The only gowns missing are Lady Aurelia’s and this intrigues Sean, but not as much as the beautiful woman he had in his arms. After a Hight lands him with a potentially life changing wound, Sean decides that it might be time to consider giving love a chance and knows exactly who he wants – the beautiful dark haired woman he found in the shop. Will they get their chance at a happily ever after? Or will whoever is after the Duke ruin any chance of happiness for both of them?

This is an intriguing story and there is a deHinite whodunit element. Sean O’Malley is a fantastic character who is Irish through and through. The dialogue is spot-on, as are the descriptions of the streets and surroundings. This book has so much going for it, fans of historical romance and suspense will Hind something to sink their

Kathryn Le Veque

spend a passionate night together before circumstances rip them apart, leaving them both heartbroken.

Filled with unrelenting emotions, "WolfeAx'' is a powerful love story between a knight and a lady of the night. Time will slip away as readers become immediately engrossed in a story of forbidden love and star-crossed lovers in the medieval generation of the De Wolfe family. The well-known love at-Hirst-sight feelings are delivered with an intoxicating intensity. Betrayal and heartbreak are laced with enough palpable anguish to cause teeth grinding and teary eyes. Secondary characters are well-deHined with their own stories to tell. Although this is a slow paced tale Hilled with honorable knights and despicable politicians, it is saved from the predictable damsel-in-distress trope with an interesting twist in the storytelling. A proven master in delivering page turning romance, Ms. Le Veque doesn't disappoint with her continued foray into her vast encompassing world of the De Wolfe Pack.

Bartered to pay her father's gambling debt, a beautiful young Delaina de Courant is trained to become a highly sought after courtesan. Known as "The Ruby", one of the King's Seven Jewels; she's often sequestered from "polite" society. Having served many masters; she is presented with a chance at freedom when her latest master unexpectedly dies. Magnus de Wolfe, Commander of the King's Guard, feels compelled to assist Delaina, Hirstly because he is a knight and a gentleman, and secondly because she strongly stirs something within him he has never felt. Realizing her lot in life was forced upon her and her future is just as bleak, he offers to marry her. Magnus and Delaina manage to

Tonya Mathenia

The Baronet’s Lady Biologist

Alissa Baxter

Georgiana LinHield is bored with ladylike activities and would do almost anything to travel the world rather than be trapped by marriage. She is in her Hirst season of London society and dreading every moment until she gets offered to catalog items for her cousin, and paint South American butterHlies. Her initial idea of the ideal man would be someone who caved to her every whim, until she falls for Sir Giles Tavistock. She is enthralled by Pierre Alphonse at Hirst and repelled by Giles, learning initial impressions are often unreliable. Will the circumstances and timing ever align for Giles and Georgiana, or will tempers prevail in keeping them apart?

Coming of age Georgiana insists she will never be caged by marriage and would rather be a spinster, falling for the Hirst man to appear to appreciate her intellect. She takes risks and isn’t afraid to speak her mind in a time when ladies are thought to be meek and un-knowledgeable. The ups and downs of each misunderstanding and ill timing make for a roller coaster page turning romance. Giles never trusts Georgiana; at every turn he believes the worst about her making the relationship hard to believe it has a chance at all. She never corrects him but lets him Hind out from others the truth, which seems a bit false given her character and the way she speaks the truth of her mind. In the burglary of Georgiana’s bedchamber, it seemed to warrant her reconciliation with the later attempted burglaries, but no connection was addressed and rather washed over. Very true to life characters complete with Hlaws, and the storyline is well written and a joy to uncover. The metaphor of Giles setting the butterHly free once it escaped the chrysalis ties in perfectly with Georgiana and her avoidance to conHinement.

Amy Rubottom

infatuated with her kidnapper, and will do anything to help him. Julian Stratford just survived an attempt on his life and kidnaps the Duchess of Linden to make her confess that her husband tried to kill him for his title. What he didn’t count on is kidnapping the wrong sister and losing his heart to her. Julian becomes overprotective and caring about Alexandria but cannot tell her the truth for fear it would put her in danger.

“A WallHlower to Love” is the Hirst in a new series, and a great start! The author takes one on an adventure Hilled with action, mystery, deception, murder, romance, and forgiveness. The characters are well developed and the reader will love Alexandria, who is so innocent and such an enjoyable character that continues to grow throughout the story. The chemistry between Alexandria and Julian is so natural and beautiful and not rushed at all. The reader will be as heartbroken as Alexandria was when she Hinds out that Julian lied to her. He is eventually forgiven, but the reader can feel how much she is hurt by him. Marie Higgins creates this wonderful plot with a lot of twists and turns that will leave the reader guessing until the end.

A Wall]lower to Love (Love’s Addiction Book 1)

Marie Higgins

Alexandria Templeton is a shy wallHlower that lives with her ailing sister and her brother-inlaw and they want to Hind her a suitable husband. She is quiet and shy, but loves to read and write stories. When Alexandria is mistaken for her sister and gets kidnapped, her life changes in an instant and she becomes

Victoria Zumbrum

A Love That Heals the Heart (Men of Valor Book 4)

Laura Landon

There is little chemistry between Mariah and Jonah. The rehashing of Mariah telling Jonah she cannot give him what he wants makes those parts tedious as well as leaving the reader wondering why. One is never sure if Russell has four or Hive existing children because it varies in the story. It is fun seeing the friends from previous novels make their appearances and interact with Jonah and Mariah. An emotional story through and through, be prepared with tissues.

Belinda Wilson

for. While neither Lena nor the duke completely trusts the other, and the hunt for the treasure stands between them, the attraction between them grows. Danger, however, lurks near, and soon Lena and Sterling must risk their lives. Can a duke learn to open his heart to the greatest treasure of all—the love of a spirited lady?

After being summoned by his brother Russell, Viscount Darbringth, Jonah Reynolds is returning home. He has not been home in ten years – since his father disowned him. Russell is married and has four young daughters, but it is dangerous for his wife to have more children so Russell proposes a deal to Jonah; he needs to wed and sire an heir so that the Darbringth line will stay viable. Unable to refuse Russell’s request, Jonah attends a dance and sees Mariah, a childhood friend. He decides she is deHinitely the one. When he proposes to her, she refuses him, only saying she cannot give him what he wants. He refuses to give up on her. When he sees her brother, Charles, he sees he has an opium addiction. Jonah’s specialty is curing those addicted. He convinces Charles and Mariah to travel with him to his hospital to cure Charles.

“A Love That Heals the Heart” rounds out the Men of Valor series. Ms. Landon once again brings her characters to life. The world building is incredible! Mariah is not the easiest character to like. She cries through most of the story – with good reason.

If Not for the Duke (The Duke’s Lost Treasures Book 3)

Lana Williams

Like a treasure map, “If Not for the Duke” takes readers on an exciting journey, sharing moments of touching emotions, unexpected intrigue, and captivating romance! Lena is a delight with her quiet assurance and strong sense of loyalty to her family. Sterling is stuffy in his title, yet clearly loves his sister. That both have issues of trust makes for a strong conHlict as does the hunt for the Oak Island treasure. As they navigate their feelings, Lena’s insistence that the duke’s smile and his need for just one kiss will warm the reader’s hearts. While this can be read as a standalone, readers will want to pick up the Hirst two books in the series. “If Not for the Duke” sparkles with a hunt for the perfect prize—love!

Tricia Hill

Lena Wright is the youngest of her sisters and the only one unmarried, but marriage isn’t in the cards for her. Her gift of premonition is not something people understand. Sterling Dunworth, the Duke of Renwick, has learned over the years to mistrust most people. The beauty who saved his sister doesn’t seem to want anything from him, but she is hiding something. For her part, Lena is curious about the letters Renwick’s sister possesses relating to the Oak Island treasure her father spent his life searching romance of James and Sarah, and this is a love story fans of historical romance will read over and over again.

Nicole Harlow

An Uncharted Devotion

Amanda

Taylor

Lieutenant James Turner has just married the love of his life, mere weeks before he sails off to war with the Royal Navy. But Hive years at war has changed the Lieutenant in ways he can’t explain, and when he Hinally returns to his bride, he’s not the man she knew—though he’s still the man she loves. Haunted by the loss as a prisoner of war of his dear friend Patrick, James must Hind a way to once again assimilate himself into English society, as both a Lord and husband, but the need to rescue Patrick keeps him from becoming the man he knows his wife deserves. Now Lieutenant Turner will stop at nothing to discover Patrick’s fate, so he can lay his friend’s ghost to rest and Hind a way to be with his wife.

The Unassuming Curator Sian

Ann Bessey

She is not so enamored with Society’s bachelors who come to call upon her. Enter Aunt Millward. Every reader will want such an aunt as her! What an amazing and intuitive woman she is. Aunt Millward champions Emily and Henry and Hirmly cements herself into the Hibers of the story. The book could have used more conHlict to spice up the plot. However, the minimal conHlict is the only drawback to this otherwise charming story.

“The Unassuming Curator” boasts very believable, fully Hleshed, multi-dimensional characters and fantastic creativity. Seriously, fans of historical Hiction will absolutely want to grab this book!

Emerson Matthews

Hidden Cargo

Robin Lloyd

Set in

Regency Era England

after the Hirst Napoleonic war with France, “An Uncharted Devotion” is a tale of love, loyalty, and devotion above all. Told from the point of view of both James and his wife, Sarah, this story takes the reader on an adventure through polite English society, as well as the uncharted waters of the heart. There’s danger, dinner parties, a palace ball, and even a prison break. Couple that with the agonizing will-they, won’t-they

Emily Norton travels from her family’s country estate to London for her debut into Society. Her family has high hopes she will charm the ‘ton.’ However, Emily would rather stay in her room and read books all day, especially books on unladylike topics such as science and nature. Partaking in Society’s Season is not on her list of things she might enjoy. Then a chance meeting with a gentleman digging Hlowers along a hedgerow gives her hope of surviving the stresses of London Society. He is enigmatic and charming, and best of all, he is curator at the Natural History Museum. Henry enjoys his curator position at the museum far more than he likes dealing with Society’s shallow ladies. Plus he worries his secret medical condition will scare away potential ladies. Then he meets Emily.

Who knew science, nature and museums could be so fun! Emily is infatuated by Henry the moment she spots him at the hedgerow.

Navy Lieutenant Everett Townsend has been reduced to captain of a schooner, USS Rebecca. The military ship is now a dispatch and supply vessel stationed in Key West. The peace and quiet makes Everett restless. Then he Hinds a damaged vessel with dead men who are trapped in a secret hatch – but one clings to life and tells Everett his name and where he escaped from. Everett ponders what to do about this secret. Yet when he is sent to Cuba to investigate the murder of an American sailor, Everett is apprehensive about the perilous trip which will also put him in close proximity to his estranged grandmother. When Everett gets there, he discovers the ugly truth about his family, who he truly is, and wrecks his second chance at romance.

A deeply emotional and poignant tale of the aftermath of the Civil War, slavery, and rebellion told exceptionally well! The vivid descriptions of life aboard a seaworthy craft, to the colorful depictions of Key West and Cuba will throw the reader into another war that will destroy many. The book does drag at times, yet it touches on tough subjects delicately. With each mystery that is thrown out, a solution doesn’t seem plausible or feasible, yet the characters manage to weather what is thrown at them. Everett, the pragmatic, reasonable hero, manages to maintain the calm reserved-ness, which he also carries with him into his relationship with Emma, so it is hard to even see the love between the two. Still, this is deHinitely an intelligently written fable that is spellbinding!

Roslynn Ernst

Duke in All But Name (The Entitled Gentlemen Book 1)

Caroline WarHield

Euphemia Selwyn is the unwanted niece of Lord Ludlow Selwyn. The townspeople of Nether Abbas delight in her poor relation status and snicker behind her back. The chin wagging Hinds a new target when Gideon Kendrick arrives at the ducal manor of Woodglen. Gideon’s younger brother, the Duke of Glenmoor, has gone missing. Rumours of the Duke’s demise have brought relatives out of the woodwork. One Felton Tavernash, in particular, squats in the ducal quarters, hoping to speed the transfer of title. But much maligned Gideon was the late Duke’s true heir, and his brother, hoping to make things right, has given Gideon legal authority over Woodglen, making him “Duke in all but name.” When her foolish social-climbing cousin, Selina, inadvertently drags Mia to Woodglen for an extended visit, Mia and Gideon conHide in one another to battle gossip and malice.

“Duke in All But Name” invokes a gothic air into the realm of Georgian romance. The Hunchback of Notre Dame meets Pride and Prejudice. Sweet compassionate Mia sees the kindness beneath the ugly falsehoods that target Gideon’s scoliotic form, while feverish Selina pursues the pretender Felton with unabashed tenacity. Mia’s forbearance of her family’s snobbery and Gideon’s resilience to the abuse he has suffered from his father and townspeople contrast with the vicious side of human nature. They are two lights shining down a dark corridor of injustice and pain. There is much to enjoy between the suspenseful intrigue within Woodglen, the swoon-worthy attentions of Gideon towards Mia, and their eventual vindication in public opinion. Caroline WarHield warms the heart with this elegantly written tribute to authenticity and compassion!

Joan Lai

The Regal (A Series of Worthy Young Ladies Book 6)

Kate Archer

Isabel Beaufort has been selected by the Duchess of Stanbury to be given a season. She is enraptured since her family is poverty stricken. The Duchess selects her by her bloodline – it goes all the way back to the Plantagenets. Lord Lymington, who will eventually become a Duke, is the selected suitor for Isabel. Mr. Harry Vance, who will inherit a