Tall, Duke, and Scandalous by Amy Rose Bennett is a historical romance set largely in London in 1859. Jane Delaney spends her time at her grandfatTall, Duke, and Scandalous by Amy Rose Bennett is a historical romance set largely in London in 1859. Jane Delaney spends her time at her grandfather’s bookstore, writing newspaper columns, and being at the disposal of her mother, stepsister, and brother. When the bookstore is in financial trouble and Jane is being threatened by a blackmailer, she finds herself tempted to do something out of character.
Christopher Marsden inherited the title Duke of Roxby less than a year ago. Someone wants him dead, but he doesn’t know who or why. After the first attack, he has a problem recognizing faces, making it even more difficult to know who he can trust. Jane and Christopher meet and agree to help each other.
Jane is sensible, practical, intelligent, devoted to her family, and open-minded. Christopher is known to be a scoundrel and arrogant. However, he can also be polite, gallant, and appreciate rare and expensive books. Their interpersonal dynamics added to the enjoyment of the novel. Some characters from the first two books in the series return near the end of the novel providing updates on their lives as well as becoming an integral part of the plot.
While the novel is somewhat predictable, I felt connected to the story and wanted Jane and Christopher to work through their issues. Will trust and love become a reality or not? Their dynamic was one of the most compelling aspects of the story. While some of the novel was a little over the top and the romance progressed rather quickly, I went with the flow and enjoyed it. There are several steamy scenes throughout the novel. Multiple threads woven into the story include attempted murder, blackmail, trust, pride, doubts, fears, secrets, guilt, loyalty, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel that kept me engaged throughout the book. Those who like historical romances will likely enjoy this novel. It can be read as a standalone. This is the third book in the Byronic Book Club series.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Amy Rose Bennett provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 08, 2023.
-------------------------- My 4 star review is coming soon....more
Her Dangerous Journey Home is a historical fiction novel with some romance and action adventure. It’s the third book in the No Man Is Her Master sHer Dangerous Journey Home is a historical fiction novel with some romance and action adventure. It’s the third book in the No Man Is Her Master series and is largely set in London England in 1310 and 1311. King Edward II knighted Frederick Kohl for his bravery fighting for him. However, Frederick is his sister Christina who must carry on his role as a master merchant and king’s knight. She’s also in love with Lady Cecily, a young married noblewoman joining Queen Isabella’s court at Westminister Palace. Additionally, the wife of an influential man in the city provokes Sir Frederick into joining a group fighting the pirates in the Baltic waters.
The author’s expertise in medieval history and specifically, that of merchants, brings to life the characters and the cultural lifestyles of the times. Therefore, the characterization and world-building in this novel are great. While the first half of the novel is interesting from a cultural and historical standpoint, it was quite slow in pacing. The pace picks up in the second half of the book with some plot twists that caught me by surprise as well as plenty of action. However, the ending left too many threads open for my satisfaction. Themes include revenge, love, friendship, family, piracy, and more.
Overall, this was an entertaining novel that gave me insight into the piracy threats to maritime trade in the early fourteenth century. It has great excellent characterization and world-building. At the end of the book is a list of characters and a historical note.
Merchant's Largesse Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles, Stephanie Barko, and Lee Swanson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 1, 2023. -------------------------------------- My 3.28 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Marrying Off Morgan McBride by Amy Barry is a historical romance that combines romance and humor in a historical western setting. It’s 1887 in BucMarrying Off Morgan McBride by Amy Barry is a historical romance that combines romance and humor in a historical western setting. It’s 1887 in Buck’s Creek, Montana where Junebug lives with her four older brothers: Morgan, Kit, Beau, and Jonah as well as Kit’s wife. The four brothers believe everything is fine, but Junebug is tired of cleaning, cooking, mending, and the animals. She decides she needs help and that help should be a wife for one of the brothers. In this sequel, the focus is on Morgan McBride, the oldest of the siblings. He’s been taking care of the family since their mother died and father left. He longs to roam the trail again. Epiphany Hopgood seems to be looking at spinsterhood when she answers an ad for a mail-order bride. However, when she and her grandmother show up on Buck’s Creek, she finds Morgan isn’t what she expected. In fact, he doesn’t even want to be a husband.
The characterization was terrific in this novel. The McBride family, Epiphany, and Granny Colfax come alive on the pages, as do a few of the tertiary characters. Often their natures are shown using action versus purely through explanatory descriptions. Morgan and Epiphany are dynamic characters responding to the events as they unfolded. Both experienced changes in their outlooks. However, Junebug was the highlight character of the book for me. She’s fifteen and has been raised by her brothers with little exposure to other women.
While the plot is straightforward, the book is full of laugh-out-loud humor as well as some somber and emotional moments with characters. I moved effortlessly through the story as hidden emotions and feelings are revealed. Both Morgan and Epiphany come to terms with things that have been kept quiet. The world-building was great and the author captured the cultural lifestyles and portrayed them well.
While I didn’t learn anything new from a historical point, this story had some profound themes imbedded in it that added to its depths. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and spending time with the McBride family again.
Overall, this was an entertaining, heartwarming, and funny novel. It has a great setting and extraordinary characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Amy Barry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 30, 2023. ...more
The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman is funny, dark, and highlights some of the social issues of the Regency period in The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman is funny, dark, and highlights some of the social issues of the Regency period in England. It features financially independent 42-year-old twin sisters Lady Augusta (Gus) Colebrook and Lady Julia Colebrook who decide to help women in need. This often requires some amateur sleuthing and some danger.
Gus is witty, independent, courageous, clever, and has an adventurous spirit. Julia sees a kinder world than Gus, isn’t as adventurous, and has amazing recall of her experiences. Their younger brother Duffy, Earl of Duffield is jealous of Gus and the relationship she had with their father while he was alive. He also doesn’t think women should have political opinions. Instead, they should be pleasant and pious. Lord Evan Belford is an acquaintance from their past who was charged with murder and exiled to Australia twenty years ago. He’s also helpful, intelligent, has a sense of humor, and appreciates Gus’s humor and imagination. The main characters and many of the supporting characters are well-developed. Gus and Julia change and grow as they respond to events.
The book is divided into three cases that Gus and Julia attempt to solve involving women needing different types of help from them. There are some exciting scenes, danger, and adventure in this well-written historical mystery novel. The cases kept me engaged and urging them to a successful conclusion. Besides the three cases, readers get insights into Gus’s and Julia’s everyday lives as well as another mystery that Gus attempts to solve throughout the story line. This added another layer of intrigue to the overall story.
The author has obviously done a lot of research on the Regency time-period and brilliantly captured the characters, fashions, lifestyles, and treatment of women during it. Some serious themes are woven into the story including blackmail, social classes, false imprisonment, grief, health issues, and death, as well as men’s attitudes towards, control of, and treatment of women. At the end of the book is an author’s note that explains some of the real historical figures and situations that appear in the novel. There’s also a list of discussion questions that can be helpful to book clubs reading the novel.
Overall, this book was well-plotted with emotionally rich characters. This novel should delight those readers that enjoy Regency mysteries with a bit of romance that have strong female characters. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to reading the next one as well as reading some of the author’s other novels.
Berkley Publishing Group and Alison Goodman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 30, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------- My 4.18 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Anna Harrington provides readers with a historical fiction tale that includes romance, danger, and suspense in A Problem Princess, the sixth book Anna Harrington provides readers with a historical fiction tale that includes romance, danger, and suspense in A Problem Princess, the sixth book in the series. Set mostly in London, England in the spring of 1818, this novel features General Clayton Elliott, Home Office Undersecretary and new viscount, and Her Serene Highness Princess Cordelia of Monrovia. Princess Cordelia is supposed to visit London to make a match with one of the royal dukes. When she is attacked at a party, Clayton becomes her bodyguard. But who wants her dead? Is it related to the group Scepter who want to overthrow the English government and monarchy?
Cordelia is miserable, but resigned to do her duty to her country. Marriage is the best way to save Monrovia. She’s also intelligent and keeping secrets. Clayton is intelligent, a good fighter, blunt, direct, puts his life on the line for his country repeatedly, and has secrets of his own. The backgrounds of the two main characters are slowly revealed giving insight into their thoughts and behaviors. It was also great to reconnect with characters from the previous books in the series.
This book has a solid plot, with extraordinary characters, and a fascinating mystery. The author captured the cultural lifestyles of the times and brought them to life. With some unpredictable moments in the story, it gradually builds momentum until its action-filled conclusion. Besides the instant attraction and gradual romance between the two main characters, the author weaves in some deep themes related to duty, family, honor, power, trust, social classes, political unrest, reforms, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining and memorable novel with some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. The series is best read in order.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Anna Harrington provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 11, 2023. ----------------------------------------- My 3.86 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
India Holton seamlessly blends historical fantasy, romantic comedy, and espionage in The Secret Service of Tea and Treason. Alice Dearlove, known India Holton seamlessly blends historical fantasy, romantic comedy, and espionage in The Secret Service of Tea and Treason. Alice Dearlove, known as Agent A is the top operative within the Agency of Undercover Note Takers, a secret government intelligence group. She is their best fixer. When rumors of a possible assassination attempt on Queen Victoria reaches the agency, Alice is assigned to the case. However, this time she won’t be working alone. Agent B, Daniel Bixby, the agency’s most reliable investigator, is also assigned to the case. Their undercover assignment is that of a married couple. They must attend a pirate house party and find the hidden weapon. Used to working alone and as a ladies’ maid, butler, or valet, this is new territory for the agents. The assignment doesn’t go smoothly.
Alice has no friends, is sensible, is naive, and has no hobbies other than reading whenever she can. Daniel also reads, is controlled, and is used to working alone. They rely heavily on orders, structure, and discipline. Both characters are more complex than they initially seem and go through transformations as the events unfold. Their banter is a highlight in the book.
The world building and characterization were great. While set in Victorian England, this novel also has witches and pirates with flying houses. It is filled with literary quotes and misquotes as well as humor, and it has a few steamy scenes.
Each chapter heading gives a list of major events without giving away too much. There are many characters in the book, but there is a character list at the beginning of the book. Additionally, if you’ve read the previous books in the series, some of the characters will already be familiar to you. My biggest quibble was that there were times when the story was more “telling” than “showing”. While the book is somewhat over the top, it also has more depth than one might expect with the level of romantic comedy involved. Woven throughout are threads related to loneliness, romance, grief, friendship, and found families.
Overall, this memorable and funny novel has adventure, romance, a mystery, and plenty of excitement. This is a book that I am going to remember. While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Each book features a different couple. Readers that enjoy historical romances with humor, pirates, flying houses, and witches will likely love this novel.
Berkley Publishing Group and India Holton provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 18, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------------------------------- My 3.16 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
The Book Spy by Alan Hlad is a captivating and fascinating historical thriller. President Roosevelt sends librarians and microfilm specialists to The Book Spy by Alan Hlad is a captivating and fascinating historical thriller. President Roosevelt sends librarians and microfilm specialists to neutral cities in Europe. Their task is to acquire and microfilm newspapers, books, technical manuals, and periodicals. The microfilmed information will be analyzed for troop locations, weaponry, and military plans. Maria Alves is dispatched to Lisbon and begins working with Tiago Soares, a Portuguese bookstore owner with his own mission. However, as Maria and Tiago grow closer, Maria is asked to take on an additional role that is more dangerous.
Readers get a great feeling for Maria and Tiago. Their outlooks and attitudes change over the course of the story. However, they seemed to have very few flaws.
The book takes place between December 1941 and September 1944. There’s a feeling of deep anxiety as Maria tries to make sense of her circumstances. The story is well written, with a stunning plot that was twisty and absorbing as well as heartrending at times. The author does a great job of weaving action and romance into a wonderful story.
Before reading this book, I had never heard of what some librarians and microfilm specialists did during the war. The author has done an amazing amount of research. Hlad’s note at the end of the book has a wealth of information in it about actual events and historical figures who show up in the novel. He explains that Maria’s two roles were inspired by two people rather than just one. There’s also a list of discussion questions for book clubs.
Overall, this story is intriguing, thought-provoking, suspenseful, and exciting. The author delivers a heartfelt story of love, loss, sacrifice, and duty. I’m looking forward to reading more novels by this author.
Kensington Books, A John Scognamiglio Book provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 24, 2023.
---------------------------------------- My 4.46 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Anna Harrington provides readers with a historical fiction tale that includes romance, danger, and suspense in A Remarkable Rake, the fifth book iAnna Harrington provides readers with a historical fiction tale that includes romance, danger, and suspense in A Remarkable Rake, the fifth book in the Lords of the Armory series. Set mostly in London, England in the summer of 1817, this novel features Captain Nathaniel Reed and Lady Sydney Rowland. Nate is with the King’s Horse Guards. He and his half-brother Alexander (Alec) Sinclair, Earl of St James have been tasked by Clayton Elliott, the undersecretary for the Home Office to find the men responsible for attempts on the life of the prime minister and to overthrow the government and monarchy. Their organization is called Scepter and rumors say Lady Sydney is involved with them.
Lady Sydney is obstinate, fearful, unpredictable, complicated, and independent, but at the same time, her secret has made her vulnerable. Nate is heroic, selfless, determined, dedicated, and honorable, but he also suffers from grief and guilt. Both characters transform and grow during the course of the storyline. Characters from previous books in the series have secondary roles in this one and add continuity and familiarity.
This book has a solid plot, with great character depth, extraordinary characters, and a fascinating mystery. The author captured the characters and cultural lifestyles of the times and brought them to life. This beautifully executed story had characters that felt emotionally rich. With some unpredictable moments in the story, it gradually builds momentum until its action-filled conclusion. While the main mystery is solved in this book, there are still several threads that could be used in future books in the series. Besides the instant attraction and gradual romance between the two main characters, the author weaves in some deep themes related to family, forgiveness, selflessness, social classes, trust, fear for others’ lives, political unrest, and much more.
Overall, this was a moving and memorable novel with some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. The series is best read in order.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Anna Harrington provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for July 26, 2022. ...more
Kit McBride Gets a Wife by Amy Barry is a historical romance that combines romance and humor in a historical western setting. It’s 1886 in Buck’s Kit McBride Gets a Wife by Amy Barry is a historical romance that combines romance and humor in a historical western setting. It’s 1886 in Buck’s Creek, Montana where Junebug lives with her four older brothers: Morgan, Kit, Beau, and Jonah. The four brothers believe everything is fine, but Junebug is tired of cleaning, cooking, mending, and the animals. She decides she needs help and that help should be a wife for one of the brothers. Kit is the blacksmith for the family, the trappers that stop at their trading post, and for the town of Bitterroot four hours away. Maddy Mooney emigrated from Ireland and finds employment with a widow who decides to answer an ad for a mail-order bride.
The characterization was terrific in this novel. The McBride family, Maddy, and the widow Willabelle Lascalles come alive on the pages, as do a few of the tertiary characters. Often their natures are shown using action versus purely through explanatory descriptions. Maddy and Kit are dynamic characters responding to the events as they unfolded and experienced changes in their outlooks. However, Junebug was the highlight character of the book for me. She’s fourteen and has been raised by her brothers with little exposure to other women.
While the plot is straightforward, the book is full of laugh-out-loud humor as well as some more somber moments. The world-building was great and the author captured the cultural lifestyles and portrayed them well. The internal dialogues deepened the conflict and the writing was fluid, but descriptive. While I didn’t learn anything new from a historical point and the plot was a little too uncomplicated, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and spending time with the McBride family. Overall, this was an entertaining, cute, and funny novel. It has a great setting and extraordinary characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Amy Barry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 23, 2022.
---------------------- Review to be posted 1 week prior to publication (around Aug. 16, 2022)....more
The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan is a historical fiction novel with some romance in it. However, it is much more than that. It’s tThe Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan is a historical fiction novel with some romance in it. However, it is much more than that. It’s the story of three women, the changes they go through and their impact on others during World War II. Most of the novel is set in the village of Aldhurst in England.
Cressida Westcott is a well-known fashion designer who loses both her business and her home in the bombing of London. With only the clothes she’s wearing, she has to return to the family home in the country, which she fled when she was 20. She has a passion for her work, is opinionated, and her only friends are casual ones in the fashion industry.
Her niece, Violet Westcott, is thrilled that her famous aunt is coming to Aldhurst. However, she has just received her conscription letter. Violet is spoiled and very class conscious. Her initial training is a shock to her.
Grace Carlisle is the local vicar’s daughter. She is selfless and has taken on much of her father’s visitations and other duties, in addition to working at the village shop. Her father suffers from PTSD from World War I and the loss of his wife. Grace is repairing her mother’s wedding gown at the Sewing Circle meeting and asks for help. Cressida not only helps with that, but also motivates them to do more for brides across the country. The author shows significant character growth in all three women as the story line progresses.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. The characters were likeable, and the focus was on women, the roles others wanted for them, what the women wanted for themselves, and the challenges they faced in achieving them. Other themes included friendship, family, life choices, wartime danger, shortages, and romance.
Overall, I learned a lot about these women who had a vision and pursued it relentlessly. The excellent characterization made this book special. The author also did significant research on clothing coupons, rationing, and the sharing of wedding dresses during this time in history.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Books and Jennifer Ryan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 31, 2022. ...more
Up All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett is a historical romance set largely in London in 1858. Artemis Jones is a finishing school teachUp All Night with a Good Duke by Amy Rose Bennett is a historical romance set largely in London in 1858. Artemis Jones is a finishing school teacher for young women who is also secretly penning Gothic romances. Her dream is to open her own academic college for women. When her good friend asks her to help her through her first London Season, Artemis quits her job and comes at once. The widowed Duke of Dartmoor, Dominic Winters, needs a wife to help him with his daughter and to provide him with a son. Unfortunately, rumors abound that he killed his first wife. Therefore, he is shunned by most of his peers. When Artemis and Dominic meet, sparks fly.
Dominic is confident, charismatic, charming, forward thinking, and attractive. However, due to the rumors, he is also lonely and tries to avoid dealing with anything that’s difficult or painful (unless it’s business). Artemis is opinionated, difficult, unconventional, pragmatic, beautiful, and intelligent. Celeste, Dominic’s teenage daughter, is bored and lonely. Both characters are likeable, but I had a hard time accepting that Dominic would have let the rumors continue for years without trying to combat them.
While the novel is somewhat predictable, I felt connected to their story and wanted them to work through their issues. Will respect and attraction become more or not? Their dynamic was one of the most compelling aspects of the story. While some of the novel was a little over the top and the romance progressed rather quickly, I went with the flow and enjoyed it. There are several steamy scenes throughout the novel. The author shines a light on some deeper themes including loneliness, how gossip can affect lives, women’s rights, assaults of various types, jealousy, secrets, censorship, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel. The endearing characters kept me engaged throughout. I also enjoyed the literary references. This is the first book in the Byronic Book Club series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Amy Rose Bennett provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 28, 2022. ...more
Anna Harrington provides readers with a historical fiction tale that includes romance, danger, and suspense in A Relentless Rake, the fourth book in tAnna Harrington provides readers with a historical fiction tale that includes romance, danger, and suspense in A Relentless Rake, the fourth book in the Lords of the Armory series. Set in London, England in 1817, this novel features Alexander (Alec) Sinclair, Earl of St James, and Olivia Everett, a schoolmistress. Alec and Captain Nate Reed arrive at the Armory for a pre-dawn meeting with Clayton Elliot, the undersecretary for the Home Office. They’re tasked with finding the men who attempted to assassinate the prime minister. A lone clue points to the name Everett. Olivia manages a school for girls and her brother Henry teaches mathematics there along with taking commissions to review architect’s building plans. Is Henry or Olivia working with the revolutionary opposition group?
Known for his gambling, women, and drink, Alec lives his life honestly, and in the last few years, respectably, despite what the gossips say. He’s also intelligent, witty, and somewhat quick to judge others that don’t meet his expectations. Olivia is a proper schoolmistress. She’s brilliant, beautiful, challenging, fearless, and corrects her brother’s equations when he makes errors. Her reputation must be impeccable, or the school will lose its patrons.
This book has a solid plot, with great character depth, extraordinary characters, and a fascinating mystery. The author captured the characters and cultural lifestyles of the times and brought them to life. This beautifully executed story had characters that felt emotionally rich. With some unpredictable moments in the story, it gradually builds momentum until its action-filled conclusion. While the main mystery is solved in this book, there are still several threads that could be used in future books in the series. Along with a couple of steamy scenes, the author weaves in some deep themes related to family, forgiveness, selflessness, selfishness, kindness to those in need, social classes, trust, pride, shame, romance, fear, child abuse, political unrest, and much more.
Overall, this was a moving and memorable novel with some pivotal stressful and emotional moments. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. The Author’s Note provides some interesting tidbits about the historical events occurring during this time.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Anna Harrington provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March 29, 2022....more
A Most Unusual Duke by Susanna Allen is the second book in the Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series. This one is a paranormal regency romance noA Most Unusual Duke by Susanna Allen is the second book in the Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series. This one is a paranormal regency romance novel featuring bear shifter Arthur Humphries, the Duke of Osborn and Beatrice, the human widow of the wolf shifter, the Marquess of Castleton. Prince Regent George IV, Arthur’s cousin and a bear shifter, forces Arthur and Beatrice to marry with threats to both of their families. He also sends Mr. Todd to supply any aid required to help them get Arthur’s home in shape. Arthur hasn’t been there since childhood and no so intention of reestablishing the “sleuth” and taking his place as Alpha.
Beatrice, nicknamed Lady Frost, used this mask to protect herself. Her first husband was cruel and she used it as a shield. However, she also has a warm heart, misconceptions about all shifters, and is extremely capable after managing her parents’ household from childhood. Arthur is full of guilt for not being able to prevent his father’s death when he was six years old and unable to shift. He’s also sardonic and stubborn. However, he actually loves his family and would willingly sacrifice himself for them and is respectful of boundaries and wishes of the female lead. Both main characters were well developed and showed growth over the course of the story. Their connection is handled deftly and it isn’t an instant love scenario. The secondary characters have a mix of depth that is appropriate for their roles and interactions. While there are a large number of characters, I didn’t have any trouble keeping them straight.
The prose is well-written, touching at times, and humorous at other times. However, it was a little slow for me. However, the author managed to take everyday events and bring the characters to life through their thoughts, actions, and words. There is a lot of focus on family, friendship, hard work, and communication. There are three steamy scenes, but they don’t start until about halfway through the novel so this isn’t a case of instant love.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining novel with some humor. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Susanna Allen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
About a Kiss by Caroline Linden focuses on two of the secondary characters from book one in the Desperately Seeking Duke historical romance seriesAbout a Kiss by Caroline Linden focuses on two of the secondary characters from book one in the Desperately Seeking Duke historical romance series. This short story should be read after book one. Kit Lawrence accepts a job as Maximilian St. James’ valet while Jennie Hickson is the maid to the new Mrs. St. James.
Kit and Jenny are engaging characters with chemistry, but there isn’t a lot of time for depth in the short story. However, by reading About a Rogue first, everything flows well. There are references back to events in that book and how they are viewed by Kit and Jenny.
The romance seems to develop quickly in the short story, but the time frame is actually longer than it appears. Overall, this was entertaining and provided both a different perspective of events in book one and a new romance. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was October 5, 2020. ...more
The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen brings plenty of mystery, intrigue, and atmosphere to a tale that is part historical mysteryThe Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen brings plenty of mystery, intrigue, and atmosphere to a tale that is part historical mystery, part police investigation, and part romance. It’s the first book in the Proper Romance Victorian series. Set in and around London in 1885, the main characters are Amelie Hampton, Harold Radcliffe, and Detective Michael Baker. When a dead body of a young woman is found in the Thames River, these three meet and the sparks fly in more than one way.
Amelie is an independent but somewhat lonely woman working for her aunt at The Marriage Gazette. She answers lonely heart letters, writes the occasional essay, and does some matchmaking through the personal ads. Her character comes through strongly as naïve, hard-working, intelligent, impatient, and outspoken, but she has successfully matched more couples than the rest of the staff combined. She does show some growth during the course of the book, but also makes some ill-advised choices along the way. Harold is charming and good looking, but he’s somewhat harder to get to know. Michael is hard-working and calm. A cast of secondary characters provides support, conflict, and interest.
The author did a great job of transporting me to a different time and place. Quotes from different publications that were at the beginning of each chapter provided additional insight into the times and how women were perceived and treated. While this is not a time I would want to live in, it was fun to visit and spend time with Amelie and her friends, family, and acquaintances. While the plot was clever, suspenseful, and perfectly paced, it was the characters and situations that developed that kept me reading. However, I did wish that a red herring or two were thrown in the mix so that the villain wasn’t known so early in the book. Danger, suspense, and some twists crop up before you get to the heartwarming and satisfying ending.
I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives and enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery and the development of the romance. Themes include death, relationships, poverty, treatment of orphans, corruption, assaults, romance, family, institutionalization of those with certain disabilities, and much more.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was suspenseful, engaging, and atmospheric. In both of the books I have read by this author, I had a connection with the writing style that I found relatable, vivid, and irresistible. I can’t wait to find out which of the secondary characters will show up in future books in the series. I recommend this to those that like historical mysteries with some romance.
Shadow Mountain Publishing and Nancy Campbell Allen provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be September 7, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans is a historical fantasy set in England during World War II. It is also a paranormal romance and the first book in a sBloody Good by Georgia Evans is a historical fantasy set in England during World War II. It is also a paranormal romance and the first book in a supernatural trilogy. Dr. Alice Doyle takes care of the people in her hamlet Brytewood, which is located outside of London. But when corpses start appearing with no blood left in them, she accepts help from a Conscientious Objector as well as her Grandmother who insists she’s a Pixie. German agents have infiltrated the area and evil has come with them. How can they defend their country and each other against these agents?
While this novel was set in a different time period than most paranormal romances, it certainly had less action, except towards the end. The book started well, but quickly slowed down. There was some suspense and the constant threat of bombers. Additionally, there are a couple of steamy scenes along the way and some secrets revealed, but the pace just wasn’t what I was expecting. Additionally, the romance was too fast; especially for the 1940’s.
The characters were likeable, but didn’t quite have the depth I was expecting. However, the atmosphere in the village felt well done. This was an intriguing story line that didn’t quite work for me. It ended up being okay, but didn’t inspire me to want to read book two in the trilogy.
This is my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. ...more
PRICELESS by Catherine Stein brings independent and somewhat unusual characters as well as humor to a steampunk environment and tackles some serious iPRICELESS by Catherine Stein brings independent and somewhat unusual characters as well as humor to a steampunk environment and tackles some serious issues at the same time. It is the second book in the Sass and Steam series and is largely set in Paris, France. So this is both a steampunk mystery as well as a romance. However, it is much more than what it appears to be on the surface.
Our protagonists, Evan Tagget and Violet Dayton, appear to be very different characters and totally unsuited to each other. Evan was raised in a factory in New York City, but had a knack for inventions. He is now a multi-millionaire, lives in Paris, and runs a global business empire with an emphasis on telecommunication devices, mechanical dragons and clockwork gadgets. Violet makes a living painting forgeries as well as her own paintings and saving her commissions to host a Paris art exhibition. She wants to display her works as well as those of her friends. When a corrupt police inspector coerces Violet into tracking down a master art thief in Europe, she teams up with Evan to help her.
Evan and Violet are both far from perfect, but as a reader, I definitely rooted for their success. I got to know their fears, hopes and obsessions and got a good understanding of why they both have trust issues. The secondary characters are well-rounded and enhance the story with believable relationships that are not contrived.
The author did a great job of creating a strong sense of time and place. I felt like I was living the events alongside the characters. There were a couple of twists in the book that caught me by surprise. The writing was entertaining, witty and poignant at times. I was emotionally involved with the characters as well as the story.
Overall, this an engrossing, fascinating and engaging novel that pulled me in immediately. In addition to the mystery and romance, this novel tackles some tough issues. These include trust, love, friendship, family relationships, support of charities, social standing, fighting ignorance and hatred and much more.
If you enjoy steampunk romantic suspense, then this may be the next series for you. It worked well as a standalone novel, but I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series.
Thanks to BookBuzz.net and Catherine Stein for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 20, 2020....more
THE VANISHING AT LOXBY MANOR by Abigail Wilson brings Regency romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense to life in her newest historical romantic suspenTHE VANISHING AT LOXBY MANOR by Abigail Wilson brings Regency romance, mystery, intrigue and suspense to life in her newest historical romantic suspense novel, set in 1816 in Kent England in the village of East Whitloe.
After five years, our protagonist, Charity Halliwell, returns to Loxby Manor, the home of friends and her only love, Piers Cavanagh. When her friend, Seline, disappears the night Charity arrives, Charity is determined to find her. Can she rebuild her friendship with Piers and rely on Piers, who has been branded a coward and been living as an outcast for the last five years? Every person Charity meets seems to have a secret, but they’re not the only ones. She also has a secret that has fundamentally changed how she approaches life. Questions abound in this story. Where is Seline? What are the secrets of the Cavanaghs and their neighbors? What is Charity’s secret? Why did Piers become an outcast and live in a cottage in Liverpool?
Once again, this author drew me into the book quickly. The characters were compelling, led by strong and capable Charity. Despite her secrets, she came across as intelligent and resilient, but with some trust issues. The secondary characters had a variety of attributes, qualities and flaws that were realistic. This story managed to showcase the emotional landscape of several characters, bringing them to life to this reader. The plot was suspenseful, fresh, complex and entertaining. The conflicts were both internal and external, arising from characterization and circumstance. There were plenty of plot twists and turns with a couple of them being a complete surprise. The tension, stakes and action in the last third of the book also turned this into a page-turner after a somewhat slow start. What an exciting and dramatic ending!
Once again, this author has brought mystery, romance, disappearances, family dynamics, secrets and much more come to life in a delightful novel. Her attention to detail made me feel like I was actually living in 1816 with Charity and Piers. At various times, it was poignant, heartbreaking and uplifting. The accurate and specific cultural aspects created an authenticity that one does not always find in novels.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and fabulous read. This is the second book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to the next one. I recommend it to those that enjoy historical romantic suspense and historical mystery novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson—FICTION and Abigail Wilson via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 26, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
THE LADY IS TROUBLE by Tracy Sumner is the first book in the League of Lords paranormal historical romance series and takes place during Victorian timTHE LADY IS TROUBLE by Tracy Sumner is the first book in the League of Lords paranormal historical romance series and takes place during Victorian times. Viscount Julian Alexander and Lady Piper Scott are the main characters in this romance. Piper loves Julian and is tired of waiting on him to realize it. Julian is busy protecting outcasts with paranormal abilities and feels he needs to protect Piper including from himself and his abilities as well as those that are coming for her.
This is not a historical fiction novel where you learn much about the history of the period. Piper and Julian eventually become likeable characters, but it takes time and I did not connect with them as much as I wanted to. The book starts slowly and is almost confusing initially. While we learn things about Piper and Julian, they didn’t feel extremely three-dimensional. They both have flaws and virtues, but I felt something was lacking. The secondary characters enhanced the story, but lacked depth as well. The plot twists were not totally unexpected. The scenes flowed well with effective transitions. The descriptions were vivid and gave a clear sense of time and place. There are several steamy scenes in the last part of the novel.
Overall, this was a read that did not live up to my expectations. The story line sounded great, but it fell short for me. However, there are many reviewers that thoroughly enjoyed the book. I plan to give book 2 a chance. 2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars....more
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