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.

The Lady and the Barrister (Return to the Ladies of Sommer by the Sea Book 1)

Ruth A. Casie

motives. The plot is just convoluted enough to keep the reader engaged. However, this tale drags from the beginning to the end. There are several passages where it is dif=icult to discern who is speaking. The timeline is uncertain. At one time, Anna has not seen Fraser in =ive years, then it is expanded to ten. Still a neat story, it combines many concentrated emotions from several characters, bringing them to life. A moving tale and a great way to begin a series!

Belinda Wilson

due to her family's scandalous reputation. Unexpected danger, unforeseen tragedy, plus the threat of treason are a few of the obstacles thrown into the newlywed's path; leaving Val to wonder if having Juliet as his wife is worth the career he's spent years cultivating.

"An Unusual Courtship" is an exceptionally amazing tale of loyalty and love pitted against ambition and avarice.

Lady Marianna (Anna) Ravencroft is surprised when Captain Fraser Castleton, lately Duke of Willbury, walks into the lending library with his friend, Barrington. He is home in Sommer-by-the-Sea after returning from the Napoleonic wars. She has not seen him since before he left some ten years before. They take up as best friends, just as they were before he left. They realize they share the same problem: men swarm to Anna because of her family’s wealth, not caring a whit about her, and ladies and their mamas all seek him out just because he is a wealthy Duke. They decide to pretend to be a couple while trying to =ind the perfect match for the other. Little does Anna know Fraser has already found the perfect woman in her. Now he just needs to convince Anna to marry him.

“The Lady and the Barrister” has some laughable times thrown in with the somber moments. Anna, Fraser, and other characters are well written with much depth and fortitude while working well together for the overall good of the town. The villain who is also vying for Anna’s hand has ulterior

An Unusual Courtship - The Brazen Burrells, Book 2

Lynne Connolly

Dysfunctional family drama, societal etiquette, and political maneuvers merge to provide a unique backdrop to burgeoning passion. Although it is the continuing saga of the Brazen Burrell Sisters, this story may be read as a standalone novel about the middle sister, Juliet. Her intelligence and outspokenness provides a relatable, likable heroine perfect for Val; a cool, restrained hero. Provocative women and cunning men give secondary and crossover characters life. Society's rules and bureaucratic measures give license to corrupt villains. Ms. Connolly's storytelling provides a unique perspective on a speci=ic historical time ensuring bibliophiles will enjoy surrendering to the tumultuous plot where mere words may alter the course of careers and love.

Tonya Mathenia

Val, a diplomat serving Britain's Foreign Of=ice, is in need of a wellconnected bride to further his career. Juliet, one of the adventurous Burrell Sisters, is the total opposite of what he needs, but she’s exactly what he wants. Informally engaged to Juliet's best friend, Val is ready to put aside his desire for Juliet until he learns his betrothed is in love with another. While circumstances preclude a hasty betrothal between Val and Juliet, she refuses to allow herself to believe marriage is possible

Jesse and the Mail Order Bride (Texas Hill Country Mail Order Brides)

Caroline Clemmons until the very end. The story is a fast read that leaves one wanting more. Caroline Clemmons, writes an enjoyable story with a suspenseful plot and likable characters. There are Christian elements woven throughout the tale which make the story so much more enjoyable. The reader will love all the characters, along with the small-town setting where the locals are very close and caring to one another. If you love sweet romances, this is a must read for you!

Victoria Zumbrum

progresses, her heart falls for Seth. However, Seth doesn’t know Ruby’s secret behind the reason why she was there taking care of the duke. As Ruby continues to fall for Seth, she is =illed with guilt. Ruby doesn’t want to hurt Seth, but he has to know the real reason why she’s there. What will Ruby do? Will she tell Seth the real reason why she is helping the duke and run the risk of ruining their relationship? Or will Ruby follow through with her plan and keep her secret?

“Deceiving the Duke” is a romance full of deception.

Jesse Cameron was born and raised in Scotland by his parents. After leaving Scotland, he comes to Harrigan County, Texas and =inds he loves the place and people. Jesse stays and is made Sheriff of Harrigan County. He keeps all the troublemakers and criminals away from the town but is fair and well respected. Now that this new resident has a steady job and a home, he feels like it is time for him to have a wife and family. Along with Zan, his friend and deputy, they write to a matchmaker, both looking for wives. Rosalin grew up in an orphanage and now she is in the clutches of Develin, an evil man who has her picking pockets and participating in other illegal crimes. No one has ever escaped this evil man and lived to tell the tale. Rosalin, along with her best friend, Mary, and an 8-year-old boy who is abused and mistreated, devises a plan to escape from Develin’s clutches by becoming mail order brides.

“Jesse and the Mail Order Bride” is a heartwarming tale. The reader will be hooked from the very =irst page, staying engrossed

Deceiving the Duke (Gems of London book 1)

Elizabeth Ellen Carter

Lady Ruby McAllister sets out on a mission. She is trying to get a share of the textile mill that the duke had promised her father. When a position for the duke’s night nurse opens up, Ruby sees a chance to get close to him so she can tell him about the share her father was supposed to inherit. Ruby’s plan is falling into place –until she runs into Seth Musgrave. Ruby and Seth have a connection that brings them together. Seth is estranged by his father, the duke, but is the one behind his father’s success. As Ruby’s plan

Elizabeth Ellen Carter has a unique way of showing how two characters who come from opposite sides meet and fall for each other without even looking for love. Ruby’s heart is full of hatred toward the duke for deceiving her father from his share of the mill, but through the author’s clever imagery, she shows the readers how a person can change in an instant when they fall for someone. By the end, Ms. Carter not only shows readers how Ruby grows away from pure hatred to a place of understanding, she also shows how the duke came to be where he is as a person. With the spiciness of each turn of the page, the story draws the readers in as the relationship between Seth and Ruby intensi=ies. An addictive tale!

Stephanie Bell

How to Court a Covert Lady (Ladies Covert Academy Book

1)

Jenny Hartwell

Jack Dashwood, Earl of Hartwick, is in search of his sister. He is frantic because he does not know if she has run away or if she is captured. He asks the LCA (Ladies Covert Academy) to assist him, but does not have much help when he takes the search into his own hands when he runs into Miss Pippa Chester, who has recently entered into society. With little aid from the LCA, he threatens to expose it for what it really is if she doesn’t help him =ind his sister. However, Pippa wasn’t expecting something like falling for Jack as she assists him in his search. Even though Pippa has agreed to help, she still has to save the LCA from Jack’s threat. Will Pippa and Jack =ind his sister? And will Pippa save the LCA?

“How to Court a Covert Lady” is an adventure =illed romance. Jenny Hartwell keeps her readers on their toes with each turn of the page with her spicy innuendos. This is an adult read as steam rolls off the pages with every descriptive imagery. This is an unexpected fairy tale about two characters who happened upon each other. They have an instant connection as the author portrays their tangy relationship with her =iery phrases. However, this isn’t just a romance, but it’s also about revenge from someone who cares for their father. The author mixes revenge with romance to keep the spiciness alive between the characters, making this a great read!

Stephanie Bell ladies during the Season. Her most recent proté gé , Rachel, is proving dif=icult, spending more time with her country friends from Shrewsbury than in making a match. This puts Etta in frequent contact with Wynn Firth, the father of Rachel’s friends. His pointed statements and insightful questions force Etta to question everything she values. “A Most Unsuitable Suitor” takes place in London during 1770. Lady Charlotte Duchamps and Julian, Lord Wesley, are acquaintances until Julian discovers a wager on the books at his club regarding both of them. Using this information, he decides to make sure the wager comes true, so he can receive the funds when it does. To do this, he inserts himself into Lady Charlotte’s life in several awkward encounters. By doing so, they discover quite a bit of common ground.

A Lady’s Wager (Timeless Georgian Collection Book 2) Arlem Hawks, Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah M. Eden

ANTHOLOGY: This anthology includes three stories. “The Diamond of Bristol” is set in 1793. Corah Bradford lives in Bristol, England. Derrick Owens is a Lieutenant in the British Navy, and has some time off between commissions. He is staying in the home of a friend and biding his time until his next assignment. Corah and Derrick spend time together, knowing he will soon depart; however, when that happens, they both realize they are missing something essential. “Women of a Certain Age” is set in 1788. Colletta (Etta) Markshire is entrenched in her London life and in her role sponsoring young

These three novellas offer readers a peek at life in England during the late 1700’s. It’s refreshing when competent authors tell stories in novella form, as almost every paragraph advances the storyline. Each of these stories succeeds in that mission, leaving readers wishing for additional details about each protagonist as they live out their happily ever after ending! This collection is delightful!

Carey Sullivan

relationship so easy to connect to, as it isn’t a fairytale. “The Lyon’s Puzzle” is a compelling read, full of raw emotion and growth that will leave readers asking for more.

Sadie Wilson

The Lyon’s Puzzle

Sandra

Sookoo

Mrs. Dove-Lyon certainly has made an astounding match when she arranges a marriage between Montague Bassage and widow Mrs. Adriana Roberts. Both have been dealt a whirlwind of trauma and heartache to last several lifetimes, with broken hearts, failed relationships, and scarred reputations. While both are set on making new lives out of their situations, they never expected they would end up here: betrothed to one another in an arranged marriage. The two face their fears and insecurities together, slowly unraveling until they end up in each other’s arms.

The romance between Montague and Adriana is incredibly compelling and very heartfelt. After all of the heartbreak and emotional damage both characters go through creates a strong sense of hesitancy and distrust when entering their newly arranged. However, the walls they have built are what drives their connection, and they have to learn to tear them down and understand each other if they are ever going to live happy, compatible lives. This helps to make their characters and

The Lady Takes It All (Unexpected Heirs of Scotland Book 1)

Terri Brisbin

attraction to one another could also be deadly.

A wonderful tale of deception, betrayal, secrets and romance all rolled into one! Ms. Williams doesn’t disappoint with the convoluted plot twists, excitement and spurts of action. At times, some details aren’t explained fully, leaving some confusion about what is actually going on. At =irst it’s easy to get lost, but as the story progresses, despite the plot getting more twisted, it gets easier to follow. Many of the side characters almost take center stage. Readers may =ind it dif=icult to connect with Arabella because for most of the story she is playing a role, and some may like her as the housekeeper more than herself. Joshua, the secretive hero, is much more likable. Despite its bumps, this book still spins an enjoyable, captivating tale that is well worth reading!

Roslynn Ernst

Viscount of Dunalastair, Joshua Robertson, is heading home late. Joshua is hiring a new housekeeper and wants to meet her. When Joshua =inally gets there, he is entranced by Mrs. Clara Lewis and hires her on the spot despite the objections from his butler. Joshua is secretly attracted to Clara yet realizes that he can’t have her because she is part of his staff. Clara also holds a secret; she isn’t really Clara Lewis but Arabella MacGibbons. Arabella wants to =ind out the truth about what happened to her father, who also worked with Joshua. Arabella plans to expose Joshua and ruin him. But as Arabella gets to know Joshua, she falls for him. Love wasn’t part of the game plan for either Arabella or Joshua. What’s worse, their

An Unwitting Alliance (Matchmaking Mamas book # 2)

Anneka

R Walker

This story of two young people making “An Unwitting Alliance” is set in London in the year 1821. Cassandra Vail, a lovely yet stubborn ingé nue, attends Lady Kellen’s ball in the hopes of winning a husband before her parents are able to carry through with their obnoxious intentions of matching her to a wealthy bachelor of their choosing. She would very much prefer to select her own husband. Lord Tom Harwood is a proud member of London’s Rebels and dances with a pretty woman in order to save his friend from unwanted attention. Too late, he realizes he has danced with—and embarrassed—the wrong woman. Soon Cassandra and Tom learn they have been matched by their parents. But 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 =irmly in the reader’s heart. This is the second book in the Matchmaking Mamas series, and though it can be read as a standalone, reading book one of the series =irst will help to make things clearer for the reader. The story’s con=lict is not as organic as one might like, with misunderstandings usually at fault. Communication between Cassi and Tom is poor to nonexistent 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, Tom and Cassi form their own great unwitting alliance.

Emerson Matthews

is Tay Munro, called The Leviathan, who has a history of driving female recruits off his training =ield. But Tay is drawn to Athdara like none other since his past heartache two years ago. He may relent and agree to teach her everything he knows, but her mission will be a dangerous one. When Athdara completes her training, will Tay be able to let her go?

The Leviathan (The Blackchurch Guild: A Medieval Romance)

Kathryn Le Veque

Kathryn Le Veque introduces a Guild =illed with superlative and intriguing warriors that stirs the imagination and tempts desires. Athdara would have been more comfortable as a chatelaine, but =ights tooth and nail for her father’s legacy. Tay’s masculine physicality de=ines his purpose at Blackchurch. However, falling in love with the duke’s daughter allows Tay to realize some emotional clarity and healing. Athdara’s determination, Tay’s compassion, and both the nobility and villainy of various supporting characters all are painted with easy and brilliant brush strokes. Action, romance, and even misguided foolishness conspire to prevent the reader from putting this novel down. “The Leviathan” is the start of a new series, but its instant appeal con=irms the work of a seasoned master writer.

Joan Lai

The Blackchurch Guild, in a remote forest of thirteenth century Devon, England, is an elite training ground for the greatest warriors of the age. Its trainers are brutal and effective, with monikers such as Tempest, Protector, Avenger, and Dragon. Young Athdara de Ghent, daughter of the murdered Duke of Toxandria, comes to Blackchurch to seek the training that she believes will allow her to retake the duchy on behalf of her baby brother. The =irst of her teachers

Gamble of Hearts

Virginia Barlow with at a very slow pace but gains pace as the story continues. The story is cliché d with the trope of the Duke falling in love with his ward. “Gamble of Hearts,” however, contains several stories within stories making it a convoluted and interesting tale. Nathan is well-written with lots of depth and cunning. His cohorts are not as deep, but just as evil as he. A lot of courageous moves happen throughout this story keeping the reader engaged while rapidly turning the pages to see what will happen next!

Belinda Wilson

reminds him of his faithless =irst wife, and even though Beatrice is =ighting to get away from the cad, Augustus blames Beatrice entirely. He goes through with the wedding, then the day after, sends her away to his crumbling country estate with a meagre allowance as he goes away to Europe. So begins the new life of Countess Beatrice Hardwick.

Amora Elizabeth Hargrove is beaten by her brother, Nathan. He makes her play cards with his nefarious friends because he knows she always wins. Nathan wins too, by cheating and has stolen several family fortunes this way. This morning, Alexander Xavier Remington, Duke of Ravencroft is at the door to collect his winnings from Nathan which includes his sister! Alexander is at a loss as to what to do with Amora. She is thin, battered, and unattractive. He learns she is to be his ward until she weds.

Alexander goes away for several weeks and comes back to see Amora has changed! The cuts, bruises, and swelling on her face are gone, and she is beautiful! She is prepared for the Season and given dancing lessons, but what she really wants is a kissing tutor. The Duke can hardly resist such a request.

“Gamble of Hearts” is an adventurous tale following Amora and Alexander as they wind their way through a very intricate plot. The hero and heroine are very complicated and sophisticated individuals who carry the story quite successfully. This tale begins

Emily Royal

“Ruined by the Ton” begins as a happy tale of two injured, very intense characters very much in love. The con=licts in this story are very obvious for both the hero and heroine. Augustus fears having another faithless wife, and Beatrice guards her heart because she is afraid of having it broken by Augustus a second time. After the wedding, the account becomes all angst that is readily felt by the reader. The characters revolve around each other. The ending feels rushed. Beatrice has grown up in her solitude as has Augustus. This is a unique tale with very interesting characters and situations. Descriptions of both characters and the world bring the story to life. Enjoy a rollercoaster of emotions, while journeying along with Beatrice and Augustus!

Belinda Wilson

Beatrice Thorpe, recovering from a near scandal the previous season, must be on her best behavior lest she risk her reputation. At a ball, she locks eyes with a very handsome gentleman, Augustus Hardwick. She accepts a dance with him, and her fate is sealed. A few months later they are engaged. Two days before their wedding, they attend another ball. Juliette, a woman jealous of Beatrice, sets her up in a compromising position, then calls Augustus to see the sight. It

The Charmer without a Cause (The Prestons Book 3)

Katherine Grant

Baron Ashforth. This is a slowmoving tale that never increases its pace. Lydia is not the most likeable heroine. She does not recognize Benjamin’s worth, while she works to swindle him out of his inheritance. Lydia is one dimensional and thinks of Benjamin as collateral damage in her cause to free the Irishmen. For the most part, the secondary characters have no substance. People interested in the quandary of the Irish in history would greatly enjoy this authentic story of the 1800’s.

Belinda Wilson

Benjamin Preston just inherited ten thousand pounds. Suddenly he is very popular with the young ladies and mothers of the ton. He is interested in marrying for love, so he is disinterested in the women =linging themselves at him. He does have a history of falling in love instantly and has already been in love with three ladies. All of them enjoyed him till someone better came along. When a woman catches his eye at a musicale—though the statuesque blonde beauty stays back from him—it is love at =irst sight for Benjamin. Lydia Devereaux happens to be interested in him for his money to help her cause of freeing the Catholics in Ireland. She is very invested in this cause and will stoop to any level to further her cause, even entering into a loveless marriage.

“The Charmer Without a Cause” is a well-researched novel which encompasses the plight of the Catholics in Ireland in the 1800’s. This dilemma is aptly brought to life when the death of Lydia’s lover is described. The Preston family is delightful with their quirks imposed by their patriarch,

Sophie Barnes

Victoria Leighton has seen few people in the year she has been widowed. Left with an almost insurmountable debt, she has struggled to =ind ways to provide income and stay out of debtor’s prison. Wracked with emotional scars left from her late husband, Victoria is afraid no one will even notice if she’s gone – until the day an equally scarred man arrives at her door. Colin West does his best to avoid people. Left with a terribly scarred face – a gift a bomb and a war gave him – the horrid reactions of people are too much to bear at times. He understands his life going forward will be void of the dreams he used to hold, those of a wife and children… or happiness. That is driven home one day as he is caught in a severe rainstorm and must ask aid from a beautiful yet reclusive widow. Finding her estate in dire need of help but realizing she is completely unequipped to handle the problems, he kindly comes up with a plan to help her learn proper management. The challenge will be in keeping his heart from breaking completely. What a wonderful Regency romance! It is a perfect story for those who enjoy a more realistic look and =low to the era the characters inhabit. The relationship between Victoria and Colin progresses at a believable rate, and imbues all the horrible insecurities each must overcome. Although a bit slow in a couple of places, it is both heartbreaking and heartwarming as each must learn to live and love again. It ultimately leaves a happy sigh and smile when that happily-everafter =inally happens! A delightful read!

Ruth Lynn Ritter

Shield of Fire (Flames of Winter Book 2)

Bree Wolf these main characters; this is a story showcasing the lengths one family will go to keep the hearts of those they love safe. While the pages might not steam up while reading this, reader’s hearts will certainly be beating hard when the Whickerton’s show that nothing gets in the way of family. Get ready to fall madly in love with Sarah, Keir, and Loki!

Valerie Vicars

the loss of her husband, something about Stephen draws her in. Yet, as Stephen and Gemma become closer, others begin to intervene, leaving them caught in trouble neither of them expects.

Sarah Mortensen is ruined. Her father’s debts led her to a forced engagement, and only a plan formed by Dowager Countess of Whickerton saved her from the undesirable marriage. Sarah can cry off her engagement after spending a fortnight away when she was “kidnapped”. When secrets begin to unravel she =inds that the man she thought was hired as part of the plan is a friend of the Whickerton’s and is not a mysterious stranger after all. Keir MacKinnear, son of the Laird of Clan MacKinnear has willingly taken part in the plan to help Sarah escape her forced engagement, but like Sarah, his feelings extend far beyond the plan. When Sarah wishes to travel to her sister who she worries is keeping secrets and needs help, Keir is right there protecting her and helping her navigate the dangerous situation they may be heading towards.

At the beginning of this story, it takes a little while to catch up with events prior to where this tale starts and can be a little overwhelming at =irst. Once one has come to know the characters, it is easy to understand this is a story of more than just the love of

A Devious Secret: A Regency Romance (Gentlemen of London Book 6)

Laura Beers

A lovely Regency tale, Stephen and Gemma slide together as friends before becoming romantic partners. Their romance is not the instant ease of soulmates or the intense bickering of old friends. Rather they are skittish of love due to their pasts, but drawn together by mutual understanding. As such, the romance between the pair is sweet and provides the main focus of the story. The antagonists are believable and provide just enough con=lict to further Stephen and Gemma’s relationship. Although the plot and characters are not original, the way the main characters address their grief and the support from their families and friends is encouraging, and the story has a way of sweeping the reader along. Overall, lovers of light regency romance will =ind this a delightful read!

Sarah E Bradley

Mr. Stephen Wycomb returns home out of duty to his family and his men. After the loss of his ship, his men, and his subsequent capture by the enemy, he is full of grief and determined to personally offer his condolences to the families of the last of his men. While his newly wedded sister hopes he will marry and =ind a reason to live again, Stephen’s recently failed courtship has soured him on romance… until he meets Gemma, the Countess of Hawkinge. Gemma is relieved to receive an invitation to spend the Season with her family in London. Despite her continued grief over

The Duke I Came For (The Ashton Park Book 4) Abigail Bridges

quickly learn that there are worse things that can happen when a scandal leaves a young woman alone. This book covers a lot of the pain caused by rumors and bad choices, while still focusing on the growing feelings between Kit and Beth. The reader =inds themselves on a journey into an already created cast of characters but does not =ind themselves lost. The author does a wonderful job of ensuring you can fall in love with Kit and Beth and the other residents of Timmons’ house without feeling like you are missing part of the journey. Delightful!

Valerie Vicars

Duke has promised to keep her safe, and now he is also determined to win her love. In order to be close to Delilah, the Duke =inds himself working for the same theater as her. The pair have a tumultuous history, but despite that, Duke Sebastian Crewe will stop at nothing to have his heart’s desire.

Lady Beth Ashton has been set aside by a marquis after a family scandal. Looking for a way to spend her days and remove herself from London, she seizes an offer from her sister-in-law, Rose. She will travel to Timmons’ house which is the home of Rose’s Aunt Sophia. From the outside the house looks run down, but Beth quickly =inds that the outside is just a cover to protect the secrets inside. Kit, the eighth Duke of Kirkstone arrives at Timmon’s house after a twomonth search for his sister, Mary. Before he can do more than demand to see his sister, he collapses and loses consciousness. Beth, shocked to see a face she recognizes from her season decides to care for Kit until his health improves, giving her the chance to not only keep the secrets of the other residents of the house, but also to spend time caring for the man she now wonders if she should have chosen instead.

This book is an emotional journey that showcases the darker side of London’s Society. It shows the many ways scandal can ruin a girl's life. Our main characters

Lady Delilah Dares a Duke (Windermeres in Love #4)

So=ie Darling

“Lady Delilah Dares a Duke” is the fourth book in the series, but it could potentially be read as a standalone. However, readers may miss out on some important information by not reading the previous books. This story is a very fast-paced enemies-to-lovers romance that is =illed with some very cute moments as well as some very hot and steamy ones. The characters are developed well, and the dialogue between Lady Delilah and the Duke is very quick-witted and fun. The plotline is engaging and =lows effortlessly. Readers will love the atmosphere of the book from the masquerade ball to the theater and the sizzling romance between the characters that has the pages quite literally burning up. Historical romance readers are sure to eat this one up!

Jennifer Shepherd

In this steamy fourth installment of Windermeres in Love, readers follow Lady Delilah as she embarks on an adventure to ful=ill her dreams. Running away with a theater company for the summer and pretending to be only an actress and not a Lady is enthralling for Delilah. That is until the handsome Duke Sebastian Crewe =inds her and can’t seem to let her go. As a best friend of Delilah’s brother, the

Quinn and the Mail-Order Bride (Texas Hill Country Mail Order Brides)

Caroline Clemmons with Quinn and Priscilla. While the relationship between the two lovers is engaging, as is the family dynamic between the brothers, the plot itself was a little slow, with the central con=lict being Quinn’s inner demons keeping them apart, which drags down the pacing of the story. However, for fans of historical romance, this one will give you a love to remember.

Nicole Harlowe

looking for the clock, and their adversary is not opposed to using deadly means to =ind it. As the Count and his lady get closer, they decide to join forces to =ind the curio clock before one of them pays the ultimate price.

Quinn McRae is as rough and tumble as they come. The youngest of the McRae brothers, he has the reputation for being the wildest, and the only one who hasn’t settled down. But when times get tough after the Civil War, Quinn =inds himself heading back to Texas and the brothers he’d once left behind. But Quinn’s demons travel with him, and even back on the farm, he =inds himself trying to escape the war. His brothers, in an attempt to tame Quinn’s wild side, =ind him a mailorder bride. But when Priscilla arrives from Boston, she expects to =ind a loving husband, not a man at war with himself. Priscilla and Quinn must either =ind a way to come together as man and wife if they want to build a life together or accept things as they are and live separate lives in the same home.

“Quinn and the Mail-Order Bride” is a sweet historical romance set in Texas after the Civil War. The dialogue, narration, and setting pull the reader into the past where they can experience the wild, wild West with the McRae brothers, and struggle to =ind love

A Curio for the Count (Gems of London Book Two)

Elizabeth Ellen Carter

Told from the point of view of both Count Armand Danger and Miss Jade Bridges, this historical thriller has it all: danger, romance, and intrigue. The mystery of Jade’s anonymous benefactor draws you in and won’t let go, especially when the romance heats up between Jade and the Count. The narrative is smooth and places the reader smack in the middle of nineteenth century London, just as if they were there. The relationship between Armand and Jade is rife with con=lict and heat, and the reader gets to go on a wild ride as they fall in love while also trying to survive. For fans of exciting historical romance, you won’t be disappointed with this love story!

Nicole Harlowe

Count Armand Danger is a wealthy London bachelor, trying to reconcile his past with his present. His journey into his French past as he seeks to reconnect with his father’s memory leads him to an antique shop where he encounters the gorgeous valuer, Jade Bridges. The connection between the two is immediate and electric. But when Armand begins looking for the curio clock that once belonged to his father and Jade takes a commission from an anonymous benefactor for the same artifact, the two =ind themselves at odds. But Jade and Armand are not the only ones

Flames of Winter

Bree Wolf

Sarah Mortensen, daughter of Baron Hartmore, is afraid of everything because of an accident she suffered as a child. She doesn’t want to disappoint her parents, but they have gone too far in forcing her to marry Lord Blackmore to pay off Hartmore’s gambling debts. She fears Lord Blackmore most of all, which is what he prefers. Feigning a kidnapping, Sarah runs away the night before the wedding straight into the arms of Keir MacKinnear —all at the direction of Grandma Eddie, a Dowager Countess and grandmother of Sarah’s closest friend. Though not related, Grandma Edie is the only one with Sarah’s best interests at heart and is quite the matchmaker! Will Keir and Sarah be able to survive the faux kidnapping? Will they be able to reunite afterwards and =ind each other?

From a shivering coward to a =ierce heroine, Sarah moves through a tale with an imaginative Stockholm syndrome vibe. And who wouldn’t fall in love with Keir! Sarah’s transformation is incredible in such a short time, much like a caterpillar to a butter=ly. Grandma Eddie is the ultimate schemer and matchmaker and delights in keeping everyone on their toes while keeping all the cards to herself. The characters are well written, especially Loki the humanlike cat who even saves Sarah from Lord Blackmore. Keir has the patience of a saint while building up Sarah’s con=idence and trust in him as well as leading her back to her love of horses. Sadly, the ending comes too soon and without =inal closure given the cliff hanger, but there will be more stories to devour and see where the couple goes.

Amy Rubottom

Emily E. K. Murdoch

Lawrence, Duke of Penshaw is on a mission from the crown to catch a man who committed treason and murdered his brother. Assuming the identity of Lawrence Madgwick to go undercover as a boxer, he sheds all of society including his title and wealth, to =lush out and capture John Mortimer. Julia Dryden is tired of being told what she can’t do and convinces her brother to take her to an illegal boxing ring. Will Lawrence catch the killer or is he too distracted by the beautiful Julia? Will their social status keep them apart, or will they be able to bridge the gap and be together against the odds?

An enthralling, page-turning tale that’s hard for a reader to put down. Though the characters are enjoyable and relatable, the impetuous nature of Julia seems hard to believe for the period. It’s a bit unreal how she frequently wanders London without a chaperone. The way Julia reconciles boxing in the ring versus in real life is a nice touch. She realizes =ighting outside the ring is plain brutal while she enjoys watching the =ights in the ring. A bit more time could have been spent on hunting for Mortimer, as it would make the tale even more interesting. Rank and class have so much power in the era it is nice to see both characters get past their differences, which seem insurmountable at =irst, and get to know one another without social pretenses getting in the way. They each realize under different circumstances they might never have met, let alone fallen in love.

Amy Rubottom

The Miracle of Love (The Book of Love 15)

Meara Platt

Grace Monfort is stunningly beautiful and idealistically innocent. Just before her debut into society, her father and brother disgrace the family by stealing. Agents of the Crown tear apart the Monfort holdings, hunting for the stolen property to prevent war. Several items remain missing, including the bejeweled crown of a foreign country. Grace’s con=idence disappears when she gets shunned by society. Luckily, she is given refuge by Lady Miranda for the Christmas holidays. Declan Quinton, top agent for the Crown, gets assigned to protect Grace from multiple foreign enemies bent on kidnapping Grace to force the return of the missing crown. A self-suf=icient loner, Declan heads to his room in Aunt Miranda’s London home as a base of operations to complete his assignment. After an exhausting journey, he slips into the house late and falls into his bed, only to discover Grace asleep. Can he protect her without impacting their hearts?

Ms. Platt opens with an awkward encounter between the two protagonists, adding appearances by Declan’s aunt and mother. Declan maintains his assignment to protect this sweet virgin day and night. A book left in the room focuses on how the =ive senses of humans play vital roles in lasting love. Discussions over the book’s contents reveal Declan and Grace’s innermost feelings and opposing perspectives, yet seem unnecessarily repetitive in places. Grace views him as a leopard, and he =inds her an exquisite treasure to be cherished. When foreign agents forcefully attack the couple, Declan devises a plan to evade the threats by taking Grace on a risky one-way journey. Historical romance readers will love turning the pages to discover the surprises along their trip.

Simone Dober

A Matter of Convenience (The Mayfair Literary League Book 1)

Lana Williams

the feelings he has when kissing Phoebe and wants more. The more Anthony steals kisses, the more he realizes marriage to Phoebe isn’t something he should dread. In fact, marrying for convenience might bring both of them the love they’ve been missing.

Lady Phoebe Fitzroy is a member of The Mayfair League, with a strong love of books, but she has gone =ive London seasons without =inding a husband. Nearly desperate, she decides to act boldly and propose to the Earl of Bolton, Lord Anthony Stanhope. The proposed marriage would be a business proposition and a matter of convenience. Though Phoebe has prepared a compelling list of why they both would suit, Anthony still refuses to marry her. Anthony doesn’t want to hurt Phoebe and ends up kissing her instead. Anthony is shocked by

What a delightful historical romance that is a humorous, exhilarating read! The story reads easily and fairly quickly too. The visual settings and the characters are easy to picture, and the verbal banter of all the characters moves the book along beautifully. Unfortunately, Anthony, the marriage-shy hero, spends a lot of time kissing Phoebe and never explains himself, even when, by kissing, he falls for her and ends up having to correct his mistakes in marriage anyhow, so readers never really feel sorry for him as opposed to Phoebe, the quiet, courageous heroine who manages to propose marriage even at the risk of being rejected and humiliated. The story shimmers with miscommunications and misplaced affections, making for a light, easygoing tale that readers will absolutely relish in!

Roslynn Ernst

Shortbread Cookie Princess (Highland Falls)

Zelda Benjamin

Sophia Porter is happy to have inherited her aunt’s cookie shop. However, Aunt Mary stipulated that the shop must be pro=itable in a year or Sophia will lose it. Though Sophia and her father adore Aunt Mary, Sophia’s nasty stepmother makes it dif=icult for them to visit. Referred to by Sophia as Mother Malevolent, the unhappy woman made the younger woman’s life miserable. When she receives a surprise visitor full of questions about her family and ancestry, Sophia resents his intrusiveness. Memories of her family were meant to be kept private – there’s just too much sadness with the death of her mother and father. Her stepmother constantly tells her the MacLennan’s history is evil. Ian Campbell, a forensic scientist and genealogist is hired by Aunt Mary to do the family genealogy, but he =inds Sophia more interesting than her family.

This book is a double pleasure for fans of romance and history. The sparks between Sophia the baker and Ian the genealogist happen early and will pique readers’ interest quickly. Though there are hints of magic in their search for facts on Sophia’s lineage, the author never really comes through with what’s foreshadowed. Still, learning the history of the Scottish people and their immigration to the Adirondack Mountains does add another interesting layer to the story. Sophia has been welcomed by the locals, but when she begins looking for answers about her family, she and Ian =ind them to be less than completely honest. When unexpected trouble pops up, however, loyalties are tested to the limit. An entertaining tale from the very beginning!

Leah Neale

Once Upon A Legend (Once Upon A Legend Book 1)

Mary

Ting

Idrisa, a seventeen-year-old girl who has never known her purpose in life, is swept into a new world after her orphanage receives a birthday gala invite for Prince Merrick of Dumonia. Idrisa not only learns of her true fate and discovers her claim of a powerful eternal sword, but she also =inds herself digging up truths about Dumonia that the emperor hoped to keep hidden. Prince Merrick, on the other hand, is still dealing with his mother’s death and worries of her warnings of his future. When he meets Idrisa, the suspense only seems to worsen as the empire he grew up in slowly falls to shambles, and everything he thought he knew is revealed as a lie. Can Idrisa and Merrick trust each other enough to keep their world from destruction?

Everything about this novel screams successful fantasy, from the enchanting world-building, the subtle teenage angst, the solidity of friendship, and the destruction of betrayal, which will make the reader never want this story to end! The character development and likable qualities each of the characters in this novel is so well-done, it’s hard not