Historical

barony, has his eye on Isabel, vowing to wed her. Lord Lymington obsesses about horses, repeating the same story ad nauseam. Marriage is not on his mind until Harry mentions it, then Harry sabotages Lymington’s attempts at wooing Isabel. She does not love him, only the stability he represents. She loves Harry but feels a mister inheriting a barony is not Hinancially stable enough. She is conHlicted on whether she should listen to her heart – or her head.

“The Regal” is an uproarious tale with a dimwitted future Duke, a fearful maiden, and a headstrong future baron. This story is Hilled with hilarity as Ms. Archer is quite gifted at turning everyday situations into laughable events! Lord Lymington’s story about his horse throwing his shoe becomes repetitious, dragging the pace of the novel. Isabel is not the most likable heroine. She goes back and forth too much as to whom she should be with, always choosing the Duke for his money rather than listening to what Harry has to say. There is a plethora of secondary characters Ms. Archer cleverly works into the story, making each one memorable. The last novel in this series works great as a standalone. Readers will be wiping tears of laughter from this unbelievable story!

Belinda Wilson

Saving Her Highland Traitor (Time to Love a Highlander Book Five)

Maeve Grayson

There are minimal wasted words as each sentence adds to the overall feel of this dynamic story. Readers are transported to the Scottish Highlands of the early 1720s and get a believable glimpse of life at that time. There are a couple of unexpected plot twists as well. The details feel authentic for the most part; however, it’s not clear how or why that storm transports them back in time. Other than that, this story is a joy to experience and should leave readers with a happy heart.

Carey Sullivan

Mila and her adopted son, Robbie, are leading a miserable group of ‘entitled’ tourists on a Highland tour in Scotland when they stop for a lunch break. As a storm surrounds them, Mila and Robbie are swept back in time to the 1700s! Since Mila loves history and Robbie is exceptionally intelligent, they possess some essential tools that are useful in their new reality. Chieftain Teague MacDonald and a few of his clansmen Hind them shortly after they arrive, and offer them refuge at E{ irich Castle, his home. While Mila is wary and distrustful, Robbie settles in nicely and starts contributing to the clan in different little ways. Teague is intrigued by Mila and wants her for his own, but needs to proceed with caution until he knows if he can trust her. Meanwhile, people are conspiring to harm Teague, and Mila knows the sad fate of this clan and its chief from her incredible knowledge of history. The separate pieces each work well together and create a fascinating tale!

This story progresses steadily with parallel tension and pace that increase as events unfold.

King Takes Queen (Ladies of Risk Book 3)

Rachel Ann Smith

Lord Drake, Anthony MacMillian, and his best friend’s sister, Lady Minerva Marlbury, have been secretly in love with one another for as long as they can remember. However, Anthony could not give her a marriage, especially if that meant she could not have a family in the future. When the lord is threatened to be banished from English soil, though, beating the lady in a game of chess may be his only hope at not losing her forever. Minerva feels the same for Anthony, but she is a woman of her word and until she loses a game of chess, she vows to never get married. Will Anthony have what it takes to beat Minerva at her own game, or will she Hind herself losing her chance to be Anthony’s bride?

This historical love story is short but sweet, with an engaging plotline and two characters that readers crave to see together in the end. The chemistry sparks Hireworks throughout the book, and readers may need to set it down for a minute to compose themselves from this ravishing novel. The protagonists are very stubborn with one another, which can get quite predictable and frustrating to read about. However, watching Minerva Hight for her independence, even during a timeline where she doesn’t get much freedom, was strikingly empowering for readers. There are some unfulHilled gaps from other characters’ stories that are probably from the books before this one in the series, which can put off readers who just picked this up as a stand-alone; but regardless it’s a satisfying short romance that wraps up the magniHicent plotline with a perfect ending.

Austen Grace

The Reluctant Baronet

Elizabeth W. Watkins working man and not a born noble. The character of Matthew Hallett was interesting to peel back the layers and learn his story since he seems on the surface to be just a dandy. Many historical references addressed the complexity of the period, and sorting out three romantic entanglements could be difHicult at times. Such truth to the times of a budding romance facing a devastating turn due to the pressures of society instead of being able to marry solely for love.

Amy Rubottom

Sir Russell Parkinson, First Baronet of Oakhurst Park, and best known for the invention of bootblack is an unlikely Baronet, as he is the son of a Scotsman and a chemist. His childhood friend, Garrett Browning, the Fifth Earl of Kersey, prods him to accept the title to change the conditions of society. Selina Clifton never imagined anyone could see past her scars from smallpox, let alone Hind her strength admirable. Selina courts Matthew Hallett to secure her future and that of the estate, Brookside Manor, for the tenant’s sake. The Hallett brothers are at the mercy of their uncle till they come of age, but he is trying to kill them off and forces the unwanted engagement. Will Russell be able to solve the puzzle of the will and be with his true love?

Selina is a force to be reckoned with and her strong character shines throughout the pages, especially when breaking up a duel between Hallett and Russell over her character. It is lovely to see her strength grow to see past her own scars and to view herself as the strong survivor Russell sees in her. Russell’s inept behavior and struggle with the formalities of society is relatable since he is a

The Sergeant and the Girl Next Door

Laura Rupper

As a teenager, Faith Penwilliger lost both her brother and father during WWII. Faith had to grow up fast in order to learn her father’s business in order to keep herself and her mother surviving. Four years later, she is a competent boss at her father’s brick company, but the ravages of war have changed her… and the main reason for those changes is arriving home. Davis Wilson spent four years Highting for his country and has lost not only his innocence, but his best friend, Patrick, and his happiness in life. The one bright light is Patrick’s sister, Faith. But Davis soon discovers that the little tag-along he so loved has grown up and seems to hate him. No matter how hard he tries, however, he cannot deny that Hiery woman might be the only thing that will save him.

A lovely, nostalgic romance that deals with the aftermath of war in a small town! The story’s strength lies in the beautifully penned descriptions of life in the 1940s, its music, its people and its challenges. Faith, Davis, and the other delightful characters almost jump off the page! The biggest drawback to a rousing Hive stars is in Faith’s mercurial personality. Her character is described as kind and sweet but every action where Davis is concerned is the polar opposite of that description. She comes across as terribly rude, and surprisingly immature. This makes it almost impossible for the reader to connect or even like her. Davis, however, is any romance-lovers dream! His loyalty, kindness and devotion shines throughout, and keeps the reader aching for his happy ending… which is truly wonderful, indeed!

Ruth Lynn Ritter

Palm Springs King

making this tale even more enjoyable. Austin and Kenzie make a fabulous couple, and cheers for no third-act breakup! Characters from Ms. Marti’s previous books in this series, and her PaciHic Vista Ranch series make appearances which will thrill her fans, and make new readers want to go back and read each of their stories. Utterly enchanting, “Palm Springs King” is deHinitely one to add to the TBR pile!

Piper Valentine

meeting Fiona, he comes up with a plan involving a fake Hiancé e that he thinks will beneHit them both. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned when hearts are involved.

Austin Michaels, former rock star, is now the general manager of the soon to be reopened Monroe resort in Palm Springs. Learning how to run a hotel and manage all of the remodeling is very different than rocking out on a stage, but it’s the change he needs to get his life straight again. Kenzie Michaels is a well-known spa manager, recruited to get the spa at The Monroe up and running, and she couldn’t be more different from Austin, in every way. She’s organized to the point of insanity where he’s more laid back, yet sparks soon Hly between them – in all sorts of ways. Can they Hind a happy medium? Or will their differences drive them apart? This is a delightful take on the opposites attract trope, and readers will be pulled in from the get-go. Austin hides his hurt and soft heart behind a wall of cynicism, yet he still manages to make the reader want to hug him. Kenzie is a spunky and fun heroine readers will admire more after learning her back story. Watching their relationship develop is heart-warming, and one can’t help but cheer as those sparks sizzle and set the pages on Hire. Humor also plays a role,

Winter in Promise Cove (Promise Cove Book 4) Casey Dawes

Fiona Lambert is learning how to live her own life after her husband of twenty years dumped her for a younger woman. That means it is time to change the way she lives and give up the ski-trips that she loves. It also means making drastic cuts in anything that keeps her from having to give up her life in Promise Cove. Enjoying one last ski-trip before things change leads her to Kevin Dixon, a handsome rancher and father who is struggling to regain his reputation after his ex-wife and former best friend spread false rumors about his behavior. Kevin is desperate to prove he is a good man, and after

This story has many reoccurring characters from other books in the series, which makes it a bit hard to follow at times, but not impossible. The premise is one that always seems to work for romance novels, and it does well here, except that it lacks a bit of realism that most stories of this type have. Close to the end when all the secrets and tricks come out, the supporting characters are very quick to forgive and forget the lies they were told. It doesn’t wind down to forgiveness in a realistic way, rather it rushes to the end and expects the reader to forget how worried Fiona and Kevin were about the reactions of those around them. Nevertheless, it’s a sweet love story and it’s worth a read, if for nothing other than being part of the joy of unexpected love.

Valerie Vicars

Second Chances in Hollywood

Sarah Hendess little while to Higure out the mystery that Josie keeps hidden despite the distasteful agendas which are told realistically and articulately. Josie, the plucky girl from Hays, Kansas, radiates a charisma and charm that makes her wonderfully endearing. The warmhearted Robert oozes a John Wayne swagger, making him not just a marvelous guy, but the true deHinition of a hero! Ms. Hendess has written a truly captivating story of old Hollywood that bubbles with originality and charm!

Roslynn Ernst past. Caleb didn’t expect to catch feelings when he made an offer on the competition, but Fiona is unlike any woman he’s known and he wants more. But getting over what went on in his past is difHicult.

LATE 20TH CENTURY: Nurse

Josephine “Josie” Donovan is asked to check on Merrill Reynolds who is not her patient. Josie has heard many horrible things about him, yet manages to make it through unscathed. Merrill then unaccountably asks Josie to act in “Gunslingers”, his television show. Josie at Hirst doesn’t believe he could want someone with no acting experience, but he manages to convince her to at least audition. All the cast and crew treat Josie kindly. The only one that Josie can’t seem to Higure out is Robert “RJ” Coolidge, who avoids everyone and keeps to himself by reading a book. As Josie gets to know the cast, she becomes close to RJ, who ends up liking her despite his reluctance. But Josie holds a secret that will damage not only her life but everything she holds dear, including RJ. This is just a wonderful story that grabs the reader’s attention from the get-go! The small screen locations and colloquialisms ring true to the time period. Even the weighty issues are presented quite eloquently, with deft attention to detail. Yes, it takes a

A Heart Restrained (Scarred Hearts Book 3)

Jennifer Wilck

Fiona Hamilton wants a happily ever after, but she also wants her website to be a success – and this comes true thanks to the attention and hard work she puts into it. When she meets Caleb Zeno, there is sexual tension – and a lot of other tension she doesn’t need to be dealing with. She doesn’t want to sell her company to him, but when their feelings deepen, she discovers that Caleb has a hard time opening up, and no matter how hard she tries, he stays closed off due to trauma from his

There is a slight enemies to lovers feel to this story; maybe not outright enemies, but there is deHinitely some dislike which develops throughout the story. There is a lot of emotional tension as well as sexual tension which makes for an interesting mix, and readers will Hind that they’re in for an interesting ride. The dynamic between the characters is well written and the descriptions really add to the story and help it Hlow. There are some moments that slow down a little bit, but they easily pick back up. “A Heart Restrained” has a lot going for it and it’ll be good to see where the series goes from here. Those who haven’t read the previous books will be intrigued, and go back and take a look!

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Just Can’t Fall for the Enemy (A Four Seasons Park Sweet Romantic Comedy)

Sasha Hart moment they meet, and readers will enjoy Sophie’s exploits to be sure Tanner doesn’t enjoy being in Huckleberry Creek. Along with an enchanting story of blossoming love are the beautiful descriptions of trees, Hlowers and waterfalls. The two characters are driven by their views of life—she hides to avoid problems; he stays on the move to outrun his problems. For readers, it’s a fun romp.

Leah Neale together, even after their twelve magical hours?

Nature is just what Sophie loves, it’s her vocation. She is at home in the national forest that is Hilled with wildlife and botany she loves. When she Hinds out the handsome man who Hlirted with her after a failed Hirst date has a travel channel on YouTube, she’s determined to get him out of town as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, he’s so well known that fans Hlock around him, often damaging the beautiful small town featured in an episode. Sophie’s boss, however, knowing how well she knows the town and the forest puts her in charge of the visitor’s tour. Add to that the upcoming anniversary of her parent’s deaths, and she’s scrambling to keep life on an even keel.

The books in this series are sweet romantic comedies, and readers who enjoy Hallmark movies will love this one. Sophie becomes memorable in the Hirst scene, which features her Hirst date with a man her grandmother wanted her to date. Tanner is a witness to her colossal takedown and, despite her protests, pays for her dinner. There’s magic from the

Twelve Hours in Manhattan

Maan Gabriel

This complex love story gracefully dives into the world of two lonely souls awakened from a deep sleep of heavy burdens. Somehow, the entire plot also revives readers with an exhilarating read of deep thoughts. However, the book is hard to get into: the conversations are confusing to keep up with, and there are messy mixed signals which become exhausting to read about. The slow burn is engaging and intriguing, but sometimes there’s too much Hluff Hilling in the blanks of their romance. The characters are individually interesting, and Bianca is relatable, but the plot is cliché and predictable. The romantic connection is Hlourishing, though, and it’s powerfully understood and felt by readers. However, the plot is somewhat rushed, and one may struggle to keep up with the fast pace. This novel does still hit the right spot for those looking to read about a complex romantic connection.

Austen Grace

When her life starts falling apart, Bianca Maria Curtis meets a handsome man in a Manhattan bar. The man, Eric, happens to be the famous Korean drama celebrity, Park Hyun Min. He’s in the city for a short time to escape his fame, and the two somehow come together and embark on an adventure through the streets of New York – in only twelve hours. After spontaneous trips to places like the Empire State building, Bianca and Eric get to know one another, immersing themselves in the chemistry Hlowing between them. Nonetheless, the night must end eventually, and they must go back to their lives. But will Bianca and Eric keep Highting from opposite sides of the world to be

Doc Showmance

Zoe Forward

An emergency Vet clinic in San Diego with a reality TV show