
10 minute read
Historical
daughter, if Sophia dies quickly? These are all questions that are explored as these protagonists decide in which direction to go. The pace is moderate throughout the story, with a few slower sections, and the tension is mild, with a couple of exceptions. This is a thought-provoking story that grapples with what it means to live and to die, and with the quality and type of living that each person must choose for their own life. The story is part of a series, and characters from the series are featured in this story.
Carey Sullivan
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dominated profession, and much to the Lord’s consternation, she is exactly that... very good at her job. Even though they butt heads, he can’t deny her abilities. Still, he’s determined to get her to quit by insisting she accompany him to his family’s country home for his sister’s wedding. A misunderstanding leads to a marriage of convenience to save their reputations. It doesn’t take long for their even closer proximity to turn into more than a fake marriage.
The Champion (A Series of Worthy Young Ladies –Book 4)
Never a Proper Lady (Daughters of Desire –Book 5)
Collette Cameron
“Never a Proper Lady” is a funny, mysterious romp through the Regency era with two very likeable characters. Despite his gruff and stuffy exterior, Constantine turns into an entirely different person when he’s not under London’s microscope. There are times at the very beginning where Constantine is a bit too stuffy, so the character redemption when he’s among his family shows wonderful growth in his character. Faith turns out to be his match in a number of ways, not just a professional capacity. The author has created a very entertaining storyline that is clean and wholesome while still giving us a romantic adventure. Lovers of sweet Regency Romance are sure to love this book!
N.E. Kelley
Kate Archer
Lady Arabella Berestock has a fondness for animals, and has gained a reputation as someone who is astute with caring for the injured of many species. Lord Peregrine Hadleigh, Marquess of Blackwood, and heir to the Duke of Stanbury, Sinally has what he’s always wanted - his own home in the city away from his mother who’s constantly trying to marry him off. All is right with his world until he’s dressed down by a pretty young woman over the care of his horse. From that very Sirst, contentious meeting, their course is set.
By modern standards, Lord Constantine Kellinggrave would be considered a nerd. He studies butterSlies and other species that pollinate plants and Slowers. Faith Roth is not a proper lady of the ton, but she has goals. She wants to be a scrivener, and when the opportunity to work for Lord Kellinggrave lands in her lap, she’s not even concerned that it’s because he lost a bet and had to hire her. She’s determined to do the best job possible in a male-
The fourth installment of the Worthy Young Ladies can be read as a standalone, although starting at the beginning of the series would make it easier to follow along with all the recurring characters, especially those who are part of The Society of Sponsoring Ladies. “The Champion” is a clean, wholesome romance. It’s not clear if this was intended to be inspirational as well, as there are a few mentions of God, but none really have any context. The story if Silled with humor, mostly surrounding
Arabella and the animals. Unfortunately, she’s the only real bright spot to this story. Lord Hadleigh is lackluster, often weak, and made even more so by the way he cowers to his butler. While there are a few bright spots to the supporting characters, especially Lady Redford, far too much time is spent on the inconsequential and infuriating butlers, as opposed to developing the main characters’ relationship. If you are a fan of comedy in your Regency romances, you may enjoy this book.
N.E. Kelley
loss come spiraling back. As Gaston threatens to ruin the life Sophia has created, she agrees to allow him back into her life. The catch is that he only has one month, and then he needs to leave forever.
Love Unraveled (Honorable Intentions #3)
Rose Phillips
Historical romance is a highly saturated genre, which can make them slow to read and hard to become intrigued. However, “Love Unraveled” is a pleasant surprise in that the relationship between the two love interests is practically a game. Rather than the traditional coming of age story, where a young troubled woman is courted by the perfect duke, we see an incredibly fragmented love story where both characters overcome one of the greatest evils: time. Sophia is no longer the innocent young woman falling for Gaston, and it's refreshing to see how much independence she has and how determined she is to make Gaston Sight for his place. On the other hand, Gaston built up a fantasy with Sophia over the years only to Sind out she had been married, widowed, and now courted after promising herself to him so many years ago. Rose Phillips has given readers the perfect historical romance that reads as a deviant game of jealousy between these characters.
A Forgotten Fall (A Lord for All Seasons Book 3)
Nadine Millard
Countess Sophia Tessaro was only seventeen when she planned to run away with her true love, Gaston. However, on the night they were to run away together he never showed. Sixteen years later, Sophia has become the talk of the town. She has everything she could ever want, money, friends, and suitors at her beck and call. However, when Gaston makes a surprise visit to check up on Sophia, all her memories of betrayal and
Sadie Wilson
Young Miss Francesca “Cheska” Templeworth watches Adam Fairchild, the second son of the Marquess of Heywood, hoping that he will ask her to dance. Adam has a special nickname for Francesca, Sunshine. The night before Adam leaves to Sight in the war in France, he tells Francesca she will Sind a way to help. Eight years later, an amnesic Adam returns home from the war broken, with war-plagued memories that will never leave him. Francesca has turned into a beautiful woman, yet he calls her by her sister’s name. Cheska plans to assist Adam with everything, thereby becoming injured herself. Cheska has no choice but to stay at Adam’s home to recuperate. The longer Francesca stays, the more Adam realizes he can’t live without her, if only he can convince her of it.
A truly sorrowful, historical romance that deSinitely exhibits all the emotions! Luckily, the tale doesn’t start off sad, but it increasingly becomes so. Some things aren’t explained fully, and though the story isn’t a complicated one, it might help to read the previous books beforehand just to understand the familial relationships. Even though PTSD is not mentioned, it is highly evident and written about eloquently. Unfortunately, Regency mores aren’t strictly adhered to, so true historical aSicionados may quibble over the book’s accuracy. Adam, the long-suffering war veteran hero, is afSlicted with a living nightmare, and it is hard to relate to him even though it’s easy to feel sympathy towards his plight. On the other hand, Francesca, the cynical but humorous heroine, manages to be quite charming. The book is a satisfying and emotionally laden tale well worth reading!
Roslynn Ernst happily pursued multiple mistresses for years rather than marry at his mother’s request. His longstanding Thursday liaison, Catherine Tetlow, is currently his only mistress. Catherine became his mistress to earn enough to care for her siblings. She wants to be his wife, and makes an outrageous bet to force his heart. Can this determined woman win? Or will she be forced to Sind an alternative?
Rebellions Fire (Last Flame of Alba Book 1)
The Determined Mistress (The De Petras Saga Book 4)
Emily E.K. Murdoch
Micah de Petras is the only son of a wealthy family, but not the primary heir. His eldest sister, Coral, and now her daughter, hold that title. The de Petras have had the unconventional structure of an heiress in charge of the Sinancial purse strings for multiple generations. Micah left his family estate to move to separate accommodations to decide who he should or should not see. He’s
The unconventional family structure portrayed in this English high-society romance provides the perfect setting for the sibling dynamics between Micah and his sisters. The excellent character development of each family member will have readers choosing their favorites and taking sides during the reSined arguments. Micah is frustrated by a situation he cannot control and feels misunderstood. Catherine has unusual responsibilities and makes the only decisions she believes are available. Heated passion during their weekly liaisons between Micah and his mistress, Catherine, highlights a more than skin-deep connection. Ms. Murdoch serves up a spicy romance where both sides ignite with mere touches while creating a journey to their heart. Fans of historical romantic series will rip through the pages to discover the unexpected decision.
Simone Dober
Mary Lancaster
Christian, the disgraced wife of William Lanson, is the heir to the Tirebeck estate in Scotland in 1156. She is a means to an end that Lanson disrespects for her scarred face and infertility. Lanson, a Norman knight and mercenary, takes his troops to Sight for possession of lands presented by the King of Scots. Donald and Adam MacHeth, sons of Malcolm, refuse to relinquish the land. Adam has the gift of premonition, believing Christian is the key to holding the property. En route to Sight with Donald, he takes Lanson’s wife to Tirebeck to keep her safe, and as a trade with the would-be earl. Christian believes her husband cares nothing for her well-being. Returning to her childhood home, she recalls the Sire that forced her to Slee at age three. Can Adam keep the land and Christian safe for his older brother?
Ms. Lancaster portrays memorable characters that Sit Scotland’s times, norms, and tensions during this rebellious medieval period. Readers will savor the details needed to run an estate, taste the rain, hear the battles, and run the gambit of emotions using precise prose. Christian’s ability to adapt to an uncertain future is relatable as her inner strength shows the struggles, choices, and results. Adam, an attractive man with a powerful enigma, is drawn to Christian to fulSill the future he foresees. Their relationship forms aa a result of the casualties of war. Historical Romance lovers will appreciate the facts woven into book one and look forward to more in the Last Flame of Alba series.
Simone Dober children and did everything together. Both had dreams of being husband and wife - until that changed when her brother disappeared, and his death was blamed on Blaze’s mother. Rumors spread that she murdered Lillith’s brother and the whole family was witchesincluding Blaze. The rumors caused a feud between both of their families, and Lillith was not allowed to associate with Blaze anymore. Everyone fears Blaze and his family. When Lillith’s father dies, her uncle makes arrangements with Blaze to end the feud between their families by marrying one of his nieces. Blaze believes it is Lillith, not realizing she is already betrothed. He is instead betrothed to her sister. even magic. Lillith and Blaze never lose their connection and are still so in love, hoping for their miracle. There is a surprise at the end that the reader won’t see coming. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable tale!
Victoria Zumbrum
Haunted Hearts (Holiday Knights Book 6)
Elizabeth Rose
Lady Lillith and Lord Blaze have been in love since they were
“Haunted Hearts” is book 6 in the Holiday Knights series and is such a beautiful and romantic love story that leaves the reader wanting more. One can read the story as a stand- alone, but it would recommend to read the previous ones as well. Elizabeth Rose has created a nice plot with interesting characters, including a cat, Sam, and Ebony, the raven. The cat and raven are such fun and adds a nice touch and interest to the story. The story is about a family feud, star crossed lovers, deception, false allegations and
I’m Not Charlotte Lucas Kasey Stockton
forced to settle. Charlie fortunately Sigures out pretty early what her feelings are, however, she’s plagued by selfdoubt and insecurities tied to her art which hinder her from moving forward without a nudge. The love triangle is minimal with most of the relationship centered on Charlie and Liam, but the focus is Charlie’s development. While the ending is predictable and Liam is mainly a foil for Charlie, the story is sweet and realistic, engrossing romance fans from start to Sinish and making it worth reading!
Sarah E Bradley
beloved father’s footsteps and became a Slorist. He just needs to get enough money to buy back his father’s old storefront. To do that, he must win the Battle of the Blossoms, but he can’t do it without help.
Charlotte “Charlie” Lucas adores the Jane Austen books, particularly “Pride and Prejudice” however, she’s also terriSied she’ll end up with the same fate as her namesake. When an elderly neighbor and dear friend asks Charlie to attend a charity ball with her grandson, Charlie Sinds herself unable to refuse. However, one look at Liam Connell and Charlie knows he’s out of her league. Swoon-worthy, rich, and with a famous ex-girlfriend, Liam is everything Charlotte dreams of, but never expects to have. Especially with a former boyfriend asking for a second chance. Except, Liam seems ready to challenge both Charlie’s fantasies and her reality and when life and Siction begin to collide, Charlie Sinds herself deciding if she’s meant for Charlotte Lucas’s fate or not.
A modern tale that leans heavily on Austen’s characters, this book takes a side character and gives her a boost. As a result, “I’m not Charlotte Lucas” is a combination of romance, and a journey of selfdiscovery all focused on Charlie. The plot is straightforward with Charlie locked in a slump, living with her parents, working in a bank, and expecting she’ll be
He Loves Me, He Love Me Not
Aimee Brown
Any winter blues readers might have will fade away as they leaf through the pages of this blooming romance! Dax works hard to make his Slorist business a success while working even harder to keep Hollyn from knowing he cares for her. Hollyn feels like the whole world has lost its glow. She feels alienated from her family and friends and has no idea what she wants to do with her life. When Dax asks her to help him win the Battle of the Blossoms, she agrees because there’s nothing else to do. However, in the midst of arranging Slowers and creating dream weddings, Hollyn feels love budding in her own heart. Her life with Dax was over years ago. There’s no chance now, she’s sure. Humor and romance will keep one reading to the end.
Leah Neale
After an expected marriage proposal becomes an unexpected breakup for Hollyn, she heads back to her hometown heartbroken. Back to being Hollyn, River and Dax: older sister, younger brother, and best friend. Since everybody else appears to be all grown up and living successful lives, Hollyn is left feeling very lost, not to mention betrayed, scared and jobless. Dax is thrilled to have Hollyn back in town, but he’s struggling to have the girl he’s loved all his life living with him in her brother’s bedroom. He followed in his