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

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.

Fleur de Lis (The Gents Book 3)

Sarah M. Eden

together and leaves the reader sighing in contentment. Although the dance is given a bit of drama with spies, former lovers, and spiteful relatives stirring the plot, the conclusion is evident from the beginning. And while this story can be read alone, it does bring in characters from the previous two books and is best enjoyed in order. For those who have read the previous books, the inclusion of all the Gents brings additional enjoyment and hints of delightful things to come! Truly, a charming romantic read for lovers of Regency romance!

Sarah E Bradley

meets Millie Stevens, daughter of an American diplomat, who helped modify his documents for a chance at service in the Royal Navy. The brief encounter between a well-bred Austrian gentleman and a British-American lady remained Iirmly entrenched in their memories, impacting their lives in unforeseen ways.

Thirteen years ago, an invitation to play an unknown sport, introduced Henri Fortier to a circle of friends that became family, away from his home country of France. Now his choice to remain in England is straining his familial relationships and leaving his income insufIicient. A house party with his family, and friends, the Gents, might help resolve issues except the guest list is changed last minute. One of the additional guests is none other than Nicolette Beaulieu, the woman who broke his heart. Nicolette agreed to travel to England with her family but not for the house party. After recovering from a near disastrous engagement, her place in Marquis De Lafayette’s secret network has given her room to thrive, and she’s determined to carry out her latest mission. Both Henri and Nicolette have secrets but when they reunite, feelings stir, threats loom, and opportunities might be within reach.

A slow burn romance set just between the American and French Revolutions, “Fleur De Lis” matches a pair of French aristocrats and leads them in a slow dance that pairs them neatly

Codes of Courage

A.L. Sowards

“Codes of Courage” is a realistic historical Iiction that delves into the love of family and children from the British, American, Austrian, and German perspectives. Of particular interest, the written correspondence between characters over months and years share the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. Stellar character development by Ms. Sowards suits the vivid scenes of war in and out of battles woven with the problematic choices often made in an unchangeable instant. Karl, an honorable young man, made unforgettable decisions resulting in a stunning impact on his German enemies. Options in war, relationships, and honor are neither easy nor perfect. Fans of historical Iiction will enjoy the realism depicted from the facts of war and sit alongside during these memorable times until the intertwined yet unexpected conclusion.

War in Europe and Britain brought out the best and worst in people, depending on their penchant for forgiveness versus revenge. Ms. Sowards uses the foundation of World War II to create a tapestry of interwoven events of friends, family, loss, and love. Austrian-born Karl (Ecker) Lang escaped his family’s estate, Falcon Point in Austria, as Nazis invaded and his father died getting betrayed. Before his eighteenth birthday, he and two sisters and their Nanny Iled, vowing to meet in England. He

Simone Dober

A Lady’s Promise

Raneé

S. Clark

Isabella DeVries prefers spending time on her engineering designs than looking for a husband, but after four seasons, she has no choice. When a dear friend offers a marriage of convenience, she hesitates, until she learns he is dying. Preston Baxter owes Isabella’s father and is determined to see Isabella gain independence. He is also determined to keep his inheritance out of the hands of his younger half-brother unless he sees changes in his behavior. Prince Baxter has lived a life of privilege and resents his brother’s penny-pinching ways, but he knows he must dance to his brother’s tune to see his inheritance. If it means charming the woman his brother has chosen to marry, he’ll do so. Except Isabella is compassionate, genuine, and far more interesting than any of the socialites Prince usually meets. As Isabella strives to bridge the chasm between the two brothers, Prince discovers a new purpose and understanding in life, but is it a lesson learned too late?

“A Lady’s Promise” expertly weaves an emotional drama of heartache and love that will linger on long after the story ends! Isabella delights as a heroine in

1895 New York, with her unladylike interest in engineering and her desire to make the lives of those around her more comfortable. Prince lives up to his name in that he believes he deserves the elegancies of life. His growth over the course of the story is gradual but believable. It’s this transformation, along with Preston’s illness, that dominate the story, yet it’s Isabella and her belief in love that lights the way. “A Lady’s Promise” touches readers’ hearts with a message that love transcends all!

Tricia Hill

Captivated By His Countess (Rebel Lords of London Book 7)

Kathy L. Wheeler

covert agent, Gabby’s husband, the Earl of Huntley, to investigate! But Lord Huntley, unaware of his wife’s philanthropy, wishes to shield her from the suspicious eyes of Crown and country, while Lady Huntley knows nothing about her husband’s undercover work. Will the secrets they keep from one another doom Lord and Lady Huntley’s fragile marriage?

“Captivated By His Countess” showcases both the plight and the strengths of the “gentler sex” in Regency London. Gabby and Rebecca are steadfast in their support of raped and battered women, even as they discover that many have been abused by socalled gentlemen from within their own social circle. At times, Gabby’s actions, while compassionate, are reckless and naı̈ve. She repeatedly rebuffs her husband’s concern for her wellbeing and puts herself in harm’s way. Fortunately, the handsome earl dotes on his rebellious countess, and her efforts are rewarded with success and a near scrape with disaster. This delightful and passionate love story would be even better if not for confusing plot gaps (supposedly due to overlaps in this book series) and some glaring editing issues and misused words that contribute to reader frustration. Still, a fun distraction from everyday life.

Lady Gabriella and Lady Rebecca are best friends who had their coming out together seven years ago. Now married to an earl and a duke respectively, the two of them are pursuing their passion to provide a safe haven to unfortunate women of the lower classes who have suffered at the hands of “their betters”. A number of these unfortunates have disappeared from the theatre district in Drury Lane, and none less than the Prime Minister of England himself has set his best

Joan Lai

Chiara's Choice

Chalon

Linton

A sweeping historical romance, Italian Iire meets British composure and produces sparks of attraction so powerful, neither Chiara Madero, the daughter of an Italian baron, or Mr. Abraham Jamison, a second born gentleman can resist them. At least not for long. Her enchanting appearance and Iire usually get Chiara what she wants, but Abraham is certain his lack of direction, title, or wealth preclude him from Chiara’s attention. Except their mutual wit stirs a rapport that soon turns to friendship, and promises something more. Chiara wants to choose her husband for herself. Abraham wants to be worthy of her. Together they might both get what they want. If only they can defy her families’ plans and make the choice themselves.

A heartfelt romance, “Chiara’s Choice” takes a typical regency romance plot and centers the focus on Chiara. While the story follows the steps of both Chiara and Abraham, it is Chiara to decides to pursue Abraham and who instigates their battel of wits, putting Abraham into the position of reacting to her interest. The interplay between them is delightful and realistic. The supporting characters further add to the drama of the main characters’ courtship but without taking away the focus. While the ending is predictable and the story isn’t exactly new, fans of Iiery and independent female leads and kind and witty heroes will Iind this book to be a delightful and steady read with plenty of clean and innocent interactions plus a happy conclusion to soothe a stressed reader.

Sarah E Bradley

the lives of the many soldiers in Vietnam or will she be too late to save the ones she loves?

Charlotte’s War

J. Lawrence Graham

In this historical Iiction it is difIicult to tell where history and Iiction separate. The characters leap from the pages, and reading their stories the reader feels drawn into them as if they are a documentary about the various wars rather than Iictional characters in a story. The imagery of the war scenes, the fragility of the human spirit, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her loved ones all shine through Charlotte’s life story as well as her own Iight for women’s rights. Charlotte’s interwoven history also makes a reader think hard about how conIlicts could be solved differently were women like the characters of the San people in charge. Truly a masterpiece with seamless integration of Iiction and historical events from WWII through Vietnam along with the messy relationships and politics of the time.

Amy Rubottom

Dr. Charlotte Fletcher Shipwright is at war with the powers that make war. She has experienced the horror of war several times. First with her brother, then her husband, her boyfriend, and now her Iirstborn son has been drafted. Charlotte’s life has been adventurous and placed her in the perfect position to Iight to save her son and others from the perils of war, if only she can persuade her connections to listen. Early life in China placed her with Ho Chi Minh’s daughter, her studies at Radcliffe and Harvard gave her the contacts in the state department including John F Kennedy and Henry Kissinger, but will her power be enough to save

The Archaeologist and The Spinster (Fernley Family A Regency-era Romance Book 3)

Angela Johnson historical romance and have an interest in ancient Egypt will eat this book up! If this is the Iirst book in the series for readers, there will most deIinitely be a stampede of people going back to read the Iirst two books in the series. A great read and one that should be enjoyed outside in the sun or under a blanket as the sun goes down.

Lynn-Alexandria McKendrick

Lady Adelia Winthrop wants nothing more than to return to England with her father and hope that she can Iind a husband. However, her father is determined to stay in Egypt, and unfortunately there are no prospects for her hand. However, that all changes when Phineas Fernley shows up. Despite his unkempt appearance, Adelia is intrigued. Sadly it seems there story is not meant to be when they go in separate directions. Then Adelia makes a ‘sort of’ wish to an Egyptian goddess—she doesn’t want to be a spinster for the rest of her life. It is her last hope. Phineas on the other hand is trying to concentrate on his work, but he cannot stop thinking about Adelia. What stands out is how well written this book is. The descriptions of the Egyptian landscape are beautiful and will have readers feeling the sand between their toes. Phineas and Adelia are made for one another, but it takes a while for them to realize it. Angela Johnson has done her research into Egypt and the history and mythology surrounding it. Fans who enjoy

Letters of Fire and Sword

Dorothy Wiley

In the early thirteen hundreds, Scotland is rife with war, locked in a brutal battle with England. After Robert the Bruce is crowned King of Scotland, English King Edward I takes vengeance by ravaging the Scottish countryside and capturing six members of Robert the Bruce’s court. Among the captured is Lady Erca MacNeill, who refuses to denounce her loyalty to Bruce and Scotland for eight long years, losing everything she’s ever known in the process. Her Iirst love, Sir Alexander MacMillan, one of Bruce’s loyal soldiers, will stop at nothing to rescue Erca and the other women. Together, he and Robert the Bruce Iight to save Scotland and reunite with their loved ones.

This harrowing historical novel dives deep into the brutal history of the bloody feud between England and Scotland, taking the reader on a dangerous adventure of vengeance, love, and loyalty. It’s clear the author has a deep love of history, and her passion and dedication shines as the events of the past come to life on the page. However, the timeline bounces back and forth between past and present, Erca and Alexander, which slows the pacing of the narrative and makes the plot hard to follow, and the Ilowery, repetitive language is distracting, pulling the reader from the story. Still, the events of this novel are hard to resist, and lovers of historical Iiction will Iind themselves wrapped up in Ms. Wiley’s heroic, historical tale. For lovers of Scottish history and knights in shining armor, this story will hit the spot.

Nicole Harlowe

Picking up The Gauntlet

Elizabeth Rose

Lady Raven has a twin brother, Lord Rook. They live in England at Blake Castle. It is 1374 and Lady Raven is independent and strong. She excels with a bow and arrow and with swordplay after years of training with her twin. She is also unmarried and getting older. Her father, Lord Corbett Blake, has been patient, but has decided to take action by holding a tournament. The winner will get Lady Raven as his bride for a prize. Raven is angry, and it’s compounded when she learns that she is to be guarded by the local blacksmith for the weeks preceding the tournament. Jonathan Armstrong is an armorer, swordsmith, and blacksmith. He often repairs armor and such for the nobility nearby, so he knows them, but isn’t one of them. His family has been in this business for years and is well-respected. He doesn’t want to guard Raven yet is unable to say no to Lord Corbett.

This book is an interesting take on life and attitudes of the 1300’s. This author blends contemporary attitudes about female empowerment into a time when that stance might not have been readily accepted. By the end of chapter 11, readers have been told over 40 times that Jonathan is a ‘commoner’ and that ‘commoners’ and royals do not mix! Both of these protagonists behave differently than expected at times throughout this story, which adds interest and tension to the overall story arc. The pacing is solid, and the story is somewhat believable, even with the inIlux of modern thought. Regardless, they Iind a way to a happy ending despite the many challenges they face.

Carey Sullivan

Christmas Forevermore (A Christmas Romance Collection)

Sally Britton, Sarah M. Eden, Ashtyn Newbold, Karen Thornell

These star-crossed lovers can never catch a break!

ANTHOLOGY: “A Family Christmas” - Cyril Grant and sister Elizabeth have not spent time with relatives in years. Elizabeth Iinds it easy to Iit in with female relatives Iinding many commonalities. Cyril feels like an outsider. Jane is his grandmother’s paid companion. She strikes up a friendship with Cyril. Soon it seems like even more, but will his grandparents approve?

“Christmas Forevermore” - Minna is content being “on the shelf.” Mrs. Jackman sets a goal to have Minna engaged during the week before Christmas. She has three “suitable” men chosen from whom Minna is to choose. Minna’s friend, Rupert, Iinds he has growing feelings for his longtime friend and has a problem with Mrs. Jackman’s scheme.

“Christmas at CranIield” - Hannah has been in love with Samuel forever. When her family spends Christmas with him, she discovers he is engaged and is shattered. When they next meet, Hannah is being courted by Lord Redditch.

“A Thrill of Hope” - Isabel is spending Christmas with her aunt at her father’s insistence. She’s waiting for her carriage to arrive, and to her surprise, Mr. Collingham’s handsome son is to deliver her to her destination. Robert is a childhood friend who was fun and friendly. When did he grow so aloof? He soon melts and sees how wonderful Isabel is, to his father’s matchmaking delight! Altogether, this anthology is a delightful read which will put anyone in the Christmas spirit no matter the time of the year. These enchantingly crafted stories easily engage the reader, pulling them in, making them feel the bitterness of the cold of winter. The characters are captivating and intriguing, and each story doesn’t reveal all until the end. Each story has a slow spot which drags but then picks up the pace to an exciting fervor. The settings are incredible. Readers can see the sun sparkling off the new snow. A must-read at the Christmastide!

Belinda Wilson

A Beginner’s Guide to Scandal (Tales from Honeysuckle Street)

Alivia

Fleur

Best friends and partners in crime, young Iris Abberton and Hamish Dalton get into everything together. A carriage accident changes that; crippling Hamish’s father, the Earl, and killing his brother and mother. Hamish and his father repair to the country so Hamish can be schooled in the responsibilities of an Earl. Iris is heartbroken because she loves Hamish. Twelve years later, Hamish returns to Iind a bride. Hamish is in love with Iris, but his focus is on creating a scandal to darken the family name, just to spite his father. Iris’ father is the head of Abberton and Co. Unknown to the board, his memory is failing, so Iris has been running the company in his stead. She does not have time for Hamish; she does not want to be hurt by him when he marries. But sometimes best friends make the best of brides…

“A Beginner’s Guide to Scandal” is a delightful romp through the intertwined lives of Iris and Hamish. Hard as nails on the outside, Iris has a soft inside with needs she reveals only to Hamish. Hamish is not a strong hero. He really is not sure what he wants, he just obeys his father. He does have one independent thought –to blacken the Dalton name, but it has a horrible unwanted consequence. Though the story drags at times, testing the reader’s patience, Ms. Fleur skillfully weaves a story with many townspeople and makes them all distinct and easy enough to keep track of. Several of the ancillary characters are three dimensional, and they really help to support the story. A beautiful tale where love triumphs over all!

Belinda Wilson

wish to send her far away to live with her father’s sister. Her mother in particular is resentful towards her and is willing to marry her off to any older, offputting man she can Iind. She wants Jonathan for Julia, but he has other plans that include Hannah.

Love Unseen Rachel Kelley Stones

“Love Unseen” is marvelously crafted with astounding characters thoughtfully treating a handicap as merely a condition with which Hannah must live and not as a burden on anyone. Mrs. Hadley is the villain in this tale, and she stirs up many emotions in the reader. The world building is incredible, and one feels as though they are lost with Hannah as she tries to Iind her way back to the house. There are many characters in this novel, and they all have some degree of depth, from the little children to whom Hannah tells stories to the lowlyest of servants. Ms. Stones has a gift for making each character quite memorable. A masterpiece of the highest standards, “Love Unseen” is an incredible saga readers will remember for all time.

Belinda Wilson

Jonathan Carter asks Hannah Hadley to dance. She kindly turns him down. Jonathan is incensed, and Hannah wonders if she should have revealed to him her unseen handicap. Later, Mrs. Hadley tries to steer the very handsome and newly wealthy Jonathan towards her younger daughter, Julia. Hannah rubs him the wrong way every time they meet, but for some reason, she’s the one he’s attracted to. The Carter family, especially his sister, Bella, love Hannah and wish to include her in their family plans. Her family Iinds her to be an embarrassment and a burden and

An Uncharted Devotion

Amanda Taylor romance of James and Sarah, and this is a love story fans of historical romance will read over and over again.

Nicole Harlow

certain things clearer. ConIlict is not as organic as possible, with misunderstandings usually at fault. Communication between Cassi and Tom could be poor to non-existent at times, creating further problems. Aside from those issues, Cassi is pleasant and sweet, and Tom is a fast thinker, able to wiggle out of any trouble with charm and wit. Together, they make great unwitting alliances. A fun read to spend an afternoon with!

Emerson Matthews

Lieutenant James Turner has just married the love of his life, mere weeks before he sails off to war with the Royal Navy. But Iive years at war has changed the Lieutenant in ways he can’t explain, and when he Iinally 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 Iind 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 Iind a way to be with his wife.

Set in Regency Era England after the Iirst 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

An Unwitting Alliance (Matchmaking Mamas book 2)

Anneka R. Walker

London 1821. Cassandra Vail attends Lady Kellen’s ball in the hopes of winning a husband before her parents carry through with their intention of matching her to a wealthy bachelor. She prefers to select her own husband. Lord Tom Harwood is a proud member of London’s Rebels, and he dances with a pretty woman to save his friend from unwanted attention. Too late, he realizes he danced with—and embarrassed— the wrong woman. Soon Cassandra and Tom learn they have been matched by their parents—except the only thing they can agree on is that neither one wants to get betrothed.

“An Unwitting Alliance” opens with a particularly strong beginning, quickly cementing the characters Iirmly in the reader’s hearts. This second book in the Matchmaking Mamas series can be read as a standalone, however, reading book one Iirst will make

What Dreams May Come

Dana LeCheminant

Lucy Hayes has had enough from her unwanted suitor, Jonathan Granger. With constant pursuits to make her his wife – despite her obvious disinterest, Lucy realizes the best way to avoid his incessant pursuit is to leave his estate and Iind a new position as a governess with younger children. However, when a particularly bad rainstorm moves in, all her plans change in the blink of an eye when a stranger, Mr. Calloway, offers a proposition to save her from the unwanted attention of Mr. Granger. However, when Mr. Calloway falls ill, she follows him to his home to help care for him –his family assuming she is his betrothed. Lucy must decide if she should hide the truth from his family, but when his older brother, Simon, enters the picture, a new struggle emerges.

“What Dreams May Come” is an absolutely delightful read! The romance is very much alive with so much chemistry between Simon and Lucy that it could be felt seeping from the pages. The warm welcome of Mr. Calloway’s family warms the heart and creates so much tension and uncertainty for Lucy. At times, Lucy’s constant indecision is challenging and annoying; however, that is a minor inconvenience that can’t compare to the beautiful romance, chemistry, and suspense that this story contains. The ending is full of emotion and just enough chaos to add to the heightened sense. There are many pleasant surprises throughout this tale that makes it an unputdownable read from start to Iinish!

Sadie Wilson

A Waltz with Traitors

A.L.

Sowards

Filip Sedlak is a Czech soldier who never wanted to go to war. He defected to the Russians, and has spent much of the war Iinding others to Iight so he can have an independent Czechoslovakia. Nadia Linskaya has known a life of privilege. But just as her family has decided to Ilee in the wake of the Tsar’s death, she Iinds herself alone and on the run from Bolshevik agents. In a split-second decision, Nadia and Filip Iind themselves married for her protection. As they journey together, they each begin to hope for a marriage that is true. But as the war continues and their marriage becomes truer, they face many obstacles that will either tear them apart or make their marriage stronger than they ever could have hoped.

**Trigger warning: though not graphic, this novel contains rape and abuse**

The historical details make this story come to life, and although A.L. Sowards has shown creativity in many areas, the story stays true to what may have happened during this time. Filip and Nadia, although from completely different backgrounds, have an instant spark. Nadia shows great growth as she learns to live, to work, and to survive in this rough battleIield. Filip himself develops great patience and a capacity for love as he helps Nadia to learn how to live away from the luxury she grew up in. Through epic scenes of battle this love story is woven, capturing the reader’s heart. Fans of historical novels and romance novels alike will enjoy this wartime love story.

Cara Cieslak