Unexpectedly Wed to the Officer - Jenni Fletcher (HH #1551 - Jan 2021)

Series: Regency Belles of Bath (Book 2)

From shopkeeper…

To officer's wife

With a scandal in her past, shopkeeper Henrietta Gardiner has become wary of men, including her friend's brother, dashing officer Sebastian Fortini. When Henrietta is called upon to take in her three young nephews, Sebastian is on hand to help her, even offering a convenient marriage as a solution! Henrietta starts to realize her new husband's carefree exterior hides a more intriguing interior…but where will that leave their hasty marriage?

Good book. We met Henrietta in the first book of the series, An Unconventional Countess, as the heroine's assistant. Henrietta is a beautiful young woman who is also somewhat naïve when it comes to men, which gets her into trouble. At the beginning of this book, she has taken over running the biscuit shop now that Anna is married. After too many encounters with men who see her pretty face and shop girl status as a license to seduce, Henrietta has grown up quite a bit. Now she's wary of anyone who tries to flatter or sweet-talk her and shuts them down hard. She's become very good at protecting herself, which is a good thing when she hears a strange man in the bakery late one night.

Sebastian has been away with the navy for several years. Now that the war is over, there is no need for so many officers, and he finds himself adrift. After more than a year of no communication with his mother and sister, Sebastian decides to visit them at the bakery. Since he arrives late at night, he lets himself in with his key, planning to sleep in a chair until they awaken. Sebastian doesn't understand what happened when a beautiful stranger attacks him with a door and a pair of fireplace tongs.

I loved that first meeting between Henrietta and Sebastian. The whole confrontation was amusing, especially once they figured out what was going on. I ached a bit for Sebastian, who was blindsided by all the changes in his family's lives. I liked Henrietta's sympathy for him and her willingness to help him, though that backfired a little the next morning. However, Sebastian is intrigued by Henrietta, and since he has friends he can visit, he decides to stick around a few days and see if he can get to know her better.

I liked the development of the relationship between Henrietta and Sebastian. She has a good head on her shoulders and manages the bakery very well. However, she also has a brother who recently lost his wife and drowned his grief in alcohol. This leaves Henrietta to pick up the slack with her three young nephews, leaving her feeling somewhat overwhelmed. I loved how Sebastian stepped in and helped her take care of the boys. There are some great scenes with them and Sebastian, who connects with the boys very quickly. I loved watching all five spend time together. Sebastian finds a purpose for his days, Henrietta gets much-needed help, and both get to know each other.

I liked seeing Sebastian's kindness and honorable nature ease Henrietta's distrust. The more time they spend together, the more feelings grow between them. When Henrietta's brother disappears, Sebastian invites her and the boys to go with him to visit his family. Both of them are a little unsure of what to expect, and I liked how they supported each other. I enjoyed following the steps leading up to their marriage, as it was easy to see how they felt about each other, even though neither realized it themselves. I loved their time at Gretna Green, where Sebastian once again showed his finest qualities.

Sebastian and Henrietta just start to recognize their feelings when an unexpected arrival throws their lives into turmoil. I wanted to shake Sebastian for being such a bone-headed idiot and hoped that he would quickly get over it. Meanwhile, Henrietta finds her old fears coming back and thinks that he regrets their marriage. I loved that it was a conversation with Henrietta's oldest nephew that helped both Sebastian and young Peter get past their problems. I liked how the reunion between Sebastian and Henrietta gave them the chance to share their feelings and see their way to a future together. There was also an unexpected twist that affects that future. I hope to see more of them in the next book.

The Viscount's Yuletide Bride - Carol Arens (HH #1541 - Nov 2020)

A Christmas wedding…

A forever vow?

Faced with losing his ward if he remains unmarried, Isaiah Maxwell must find a bride! With spinsterhood beckoning, Felicia Pennyjons is the perfect candidate for a marriage in name only. Which is all it can ever be, after Isaiah renounced love the Christmas Day his mother left him. But Felicia is getting under his skin and, as Christmas approaches, Isaiah's usually painful memories give way to uncharted desire -- for his convenient wife!

Good story. Isaiah will have the worst Christmas of his life since his mother walked out on him when he was a child. For the last eight years, he's raised his orphaned half-sister, but now her paternal uncle and aunt, the Penfields, want to take her away from him. He is sure he has a better chance of keeping Abigail if he is married. When he found an old letter of his mother's to her best friend, talking about a match between him and one of her daughters, it seemed the perfect solution. A marriage of convenience is all he can offer, but hopefully, it will be enough.

Felicia is very close to being on the shelf. She is tall and red-haired as well as forthright in speech. When the viscount's letter arrives, asking for one of the three sisters' hands, Felicia volunteers. One sister is engaged, and the other is very shy, so Felicia feels she is the logical one. As an added benefit, she will have a home and husband of her own.

I liked both Isaiah and Felicia, though he was a bit of a stick to begin with. Since his mother deserted him, Isaiah has disliked everything to do with Christmas. He puts out minimal holiday effort for his sister because of it. Isaiah also tends to be overprotective because of a close call when Abigail was younger. That said, he and Abigail have a close and loving relationship. Losing her would devastate him. Felicia is a young woman with a cheerful personality. She is very close to her brother and two sisters and would do anything for them. She also loves all things Christmas and looks forward to living where there is likely to be snow.

I enjoyed the unexpected first meeting between Isaiah and Felicia. Felicia and her brother had stopped to stay the night in the village, and Felicia visited a dress shop. On the way out, she heard a young girl fussing at her cat, who was up a tree. Felicia offered to climb the tree and get the cat but ran into some difficulty. The girl's brother arrived just in time to catch Felicia, making quite an impression on them both. Of course, the brother was Isaiah, who was stunned to discover that the young woman he'd just rescued was his bride-to-be. I liked the honest conversation between Isaiah and Felicia, as he filled her in on the reasons for the hasty marriage. I loved that he gave her the option of bowing out if she wanted to. Felicia appreciated his honesty, and I liked that she felt comfortable with going through with it.

Neither one expected to be drawn to each other. There were sparks that Isaiah was determined to resist. He closed himself off to love after his mother left and made it clear that love is not on the table. Felicia is willing to settle for friendship, and she and Isaiah quickly discover a comfortable companionship. That ease runs into a big bump in the road when, not knowing his aversion to Christmas decorating, Felicia takes Abigail to cut down a tree. I ached for Isaiah when he first saw that tree and its decorations. The painful flashbacks were heartwrenching. Then came his demand that Felicia remove and destroy it and her refusal. I felt her dismay, especially for Abigail when it was gone the next morning. Her actions were priceless, and I loved the help she had. And oh, the face-off between her and Isaiah when he returned! But Felicia was no pushover, and I loved watching her help Isaiah fight past his demons. He still has a way to go, but things are better. There follow some great scenes with him, Felicia, and Abigail, but the upcoming visit of the Penfields weighs on him.

I was very prepared to dislike the Penfields when they arrived. They showed up early, at a somewhat awkward moment, and the earl was especially unlikeable. I loved that it was Felicia who smoothed things over. That first scene with Felicia and Diana was terrific and gave me hope that things would work out. It took a bit longer for Isaiah and the earl, and I had to laugh at what brought them together. As the days before Christmas progressed, I liked seeing Felicia and Isaiah grow closer and the sparks between them grow stronger. I also liked seeing his heart open, though it took a while for him to realize what he felt.

I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out how the tug-of-war over Abigail was going to turn out. The Penfields weren't the ogres I thought they were initially, so it could go either way. I ached for Abigail when she discovered the truth and felt the others' fears when she turned up missing. The subsequent search and all of its results had me glued to the pages until it was all over. I had no idea how it would end until it got there, though I had my hopes. The tension remained high until the last moment, with some unexpected twists. The conclusion was great, and I liked the epilogue.

How to Avoid the Marriage Mart - Eva Shepherd (HH #1548 - Dec 2020)

Series: Breaking the Marriage Rules (Book 4)

A notorious rake

Meets a spirited spinster…

At a weekend shooting party, where the guests are as determined to bag a marriage partner as they are a pheasant, two attendees are under siege. The Duke of Kingsford from a clutch of desperate debutantes, and Charlotte FitzRoy from her matchmaking mother! A pretend courtship between them should keep the others at bay, but an unexpected, impassioned kiss may just bring about the marriage they both sought to avoid!

Good book. Charlotte is one of the "new breed" of women who are independent, intelligent, and not interested in subjugating themselves to the selfish men they are exposed to. She has her interests, such as supporting a hospital in a poor section of London, that don't include trying to catch a husband. Unfortunately, her mother wants her married ASAP, and she doesn't care who the groom is. The shooting party they attend is rife with eager young women and far too many sketchy bachelors. While her mother searches for a target, Charlotte merely wants to ask her host to donate to the hospital.

Another attendee, Nicholas, is on the other end of the problem. Since his recent elevation to Duke, he is the target of every debutante and matchmaking mama he encounters. He has no interest in marriage. He attends the house party to play cards with the host and counts the hours until the card games begin. The only bright spot in the evening is the presence of Charlotte.

Nicholas and Charlotte have a history together. Years earlier, in her first Season, Charlotte approached Nicholas with an unusual and shocking request. He turned her down rather than ruin her prospects, but she saw it as a rejection. She never knew how he felt about her and carried a grudge ever since. Meanwhile, Nicholas left England for a wild time in Europe, hoping to erase her from his mind. It didn't work, and seeing her again brings it all back.

I enjoyed watching the development of their relationship. Nicholas and Charlotte encounter each other while trying to escape from their pursuers. Nicholas comes up with the idea of pretending to court as a way of fending off the others. Charlotte is somewhat reluctant at first but quickly realizes the benefits. Though she spent the last years still angry over his rejection, it becomes apparent that the attraction she felt toward Nicholas then is even stronger now. For his part, Nicholas discovers that he tempts fate whenever he is near her. One of the things I loved about Nicholas is that he likes Charlotte just the way she is. He appreciates her sense of justice and honor and enjoys seeing her stand up for herself. There's an amusing scene where Charlotte decides to seduce him and attempts to employ the standard female wiles. It doesn't go well, as Nicholas is completely confused by her actions. A confrontation turns into a heated encounter that gets more than a little out of hand. They narrowly escape a forced marriage, leading to an end of their pretend courtship. Though neither is sure why both are upset at the parting.

The house party also served another purpose. The host, the Marquess of Boswick, demanded a rematch of cards between himself and Nicholas. Boswick believes he is a better cardplayer than he is but consistently loses to Nicholas. This time, Nicholas promises Charlotte that he will donate his winnings to her hospital. Of course, the card game goes his way, angering Boswick again. Even worse, it happens again the next night. Nicholas believes that honor is satisfied and departs the house party early after his argument with Charlotte.

Matters become complicated when Boswick shows up to blackmail Nicholas. Given a choice, Nicholas would rather destroy his own reputation than see anything happen to Charlotte. She is devastated, but I wanted to shake her because she believed what she read in the paper. Then a conversation with Boswick made her reconsider. Once she figured out what really happened, she took steps to right the wrong. I loved what she did - it was so much a Charlotte thing to do. Nicholas's reaction wasn't much of a surprise, nor was Charlotte's response. It took a conversation with her sister-in-law for Charlotte to admit the truth. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing them finally admit to their feelings. The epilogue was terrific.

One Snowy Night with Lord Hauxton - Laura Martin (HH #1540 - Nov 2020)

Secluded and snowed in

…with the brooding earl!

Runaway debutante Henrietta Harvey will never live down the mortification of accidentally slipping into Lord Hauxton's bed. So, imagine her horror upon discovering they're snowed in together the next morning! Yet Henrietta comes to find this gruff, cold man has an intriguingly warmer side. Still, hiding a secret that would shock the ton, she's resigned to becoming a spinster. Unless she can trust him with the truth, before the snow melts…

Very good book. The story opens with two different people making their way through the snow to Hailsham Hall. Thomas, Lord Hauxton, is a friend of the Duke's, a widower who has suffered many losses over the last several years. He looks forward to the peace of the countryside, away from the society determined to draw him back in. His hosts are not home when Thomas arrives, delayed on their travels by the same storm. It's late, and he's cold, so he heads right to bed.

The second person is Henrietta. Henrietta is a woman of good birth who is also a painter. It isn't just a hobby; it is a calling. Her mother disapproves, so Henrietta has been sneaking out for years to do her painting. On this day, Henrietta's mother discovered the deception and, in a fit of rage, destroyed the painting that Henrietta spent months working on. Hurt and angry, Henrietta flees to Hailsham. The Duchess is her cousin and best friend, and her haven when she needs one.

Thanks to some confusion among the servants, Henrietta was sent to the same room occupied by Thomas. Their reactions when Henrietta discovered the bed was already occupied were pretty amusing. Henrietta made quite an impression on Thomas, as he did on her. The next morning could have been very awkward, but both Henrietta and Thomas are straightforward people and moved past the night's events easily. Fate isn't entirely done with causing awkward situations, and a rambunctious dog and an unexpected bathtub encounter created some more tension. However, the weather ensured that Henrietta and Thomas had ample time to spend together, and they soon formed a cautious friendship.

Both Henrietta and Thomas have made the decision not to marry. Thomas's many losses made him reluctant to risk caring about someone again. Henrietta is confident that marriage would mean the end of her ability to paint, so she plans to remain a spinster. Neither of them counted on the attraction that sparked between them and the enjoyment they found in each other's company. I loved Thomas's vocal support of Henrietta's painting and his genuine awe of her talent. There are a couple of great scenes with Thomas, Henrietta, and her mother, where he makes that appreciation very clear.

It is easy to see that Thomas and Henrietta's feelings for each other grow and change. Henrietta soon starts to dream of possibilities, even though she is well aware of his anti-marriage intentions. There was hope in her heart when those feelings seemed to be returned anyway. Her despair was heartwrenching when a close call brought all of Thomas's fears rushing to the surface and sent him running. I wanted to shake him until his teeth rattled and make him see what he was throwing away. I loved it when he finally saw the light and feared that he had ruined everything. His big moment at the end was an emotional baring of his heart. I loved the epilogue and Thomas's demonstration of his love and support.

A Marquis in Want of a Wife - Louise Allen (HH #1543 - Dec 2020)

Series: Liberated Ladies (Book 3)

A convenient marriage

No inconvenient emotions

Ross Vincent, Marquis of Cranford, with his scarred face and formidable disposition, knows he's hardly a catch. But he needs a wife to take care of his motherless son. Shy, scholarly Prudence Scott seems ideal: she has no expectation of love or passion. She'll care for his baby in return for the protection of his name. Yet seeing Prudence on their wedding day tests Ross's willpower to not take his new wife to bed…

Terrific marriage of convenience story. Both Ross and Prue are very practical people and enter into their marriage with open eyes. Neither one wants to muddy their arrangement with messy emotions.

I liked both Ross and Prue. Ross became Marquis of Cranford thanks to an unfortunate series of events. Society in general looks down on him, and he returns the favor. Thanks to his parents ' marriage, Ross had an unconventional childhood, then went on to become a privateer. He is often referred to disparagingly as the East End Aristocrat or the Privateer Marquis. Ross has no inclination for social graces, has a growly disposition and a scarred face, making him less than a catch. After his wife's recent death, he wants a wife that will be a mother to his infant son.

Prue is a young woman who is more interested in her books and Greek and Latin translations than in looking for a husband. She is somewhat naïve and falls under the spell of a charming and handsome young lord. After a romantic interlude goes wrong, Prue finds herself in need of protection. One of her friends may have a solution and sets up a meeting between Ross and Prue.

I liked the first meeting between them. Prue arrived at Ross's home for her "interview" knowing very little about him. Ross laid something of a trap, or test, for her by hiding the scarred side of his face from her until she was close to him. I loved her calm reaction and how it surprised him. Both of them are straightforward about their expectations of themselves and each other. I liked the inclusion of the baby, Jon, since he was the motivating factor for Ross's desire to marry. His obvious love for his son lightened Ross's harsh first impression. I also liked Prue's practical approach to Jon and the beginning of their connection.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Prue and Ross. They began their marriage as strictly a business arrangement. Ross made it clear that he doesn't expect physical intimacy, having "lost his appetite" for such things. He quickly came to regret that promise after seeing Prue in her wedding dress stirred up those latent desires. Prue's prior experience being what it was, she didn't expect stirrings of attraction to her new husband. It was fun to see them fight it at first, especially Ross. He tried avoiding her but found she invaded his thoughts. The time they spent together brought them closer, and I liked seeing them get to know each other. Ross was frequently challenged by realizing that Prue was nothing like his first wife and found himself unexpectedly liking her as a person. Prue discovered she wanted more from Ross as she got to know the man behind the gruff exterior.

It didn't take long for the attraction to boil over, and it added a new level to their relationship. Prue quickly realizes that her heart is at risk but can't do anything about it. Meanwhile, Ross fights hard against the idea of loving Prue. They move closer to that ultimate connection until the war with Napoleon intervenes. Ross makes a tactical error by breaking a promise to Prue and puts himself in unexpected danger. Prue is left to deal with a crisis involving Jon, which she handles as she sees best, then goes looking for Ross. I loved seeing her embrace her inner Marchioness as she deals with every obstacle. I loved seeing her give him a piece of her mind and his realization of his errors.

Ross isn't done with being an idiot, though. His reaction to her handling of the crisis with Jon was over-the-top harsh. I ached for Prue, who saw her hopes for a real marriage crumble. I loved her strength as she refused to be left behind and insisted on helping get Jon back. Her kindness and empathy go a long way toward solving the problem. Meanwhile, Ross overhears things that open his eyes, and he knows he must find a way to fix what he broke. I loved the ending and seeing Ross finally open up to Prue. I loved her statement that she married "all of who he was, not simply the parts that suit me."

An Unconventional Countess - Jenni Fletcher (HH #1485 - Feb 2020)

Series: Regency Belles of Bath (Book 1)

From shopkeeper…

To earl's wife!

Two things are certain: Annabelle Fortini makes the best biscuits in Bath and Samuel Delaney, the charming bachelor who's just entered her shop, is trouble! Her mother's unfair exile from society has taught Anna aristocrats can't be trusted. Samuel may be a famous naval hero and reluctant heir to an earldom, but Anna can't fall in love with him! Unless she can overcome her pride…and surrender to her heart!

Good book. I especially enjoyed that the setting and characters are outside the usual London during the Season location. This book takes place in Bath, and the two main characters are a shopkeeper and a naval officer. Both have aristocratic blood, but it is more of a hindrance than a help in their eyes. Samuel is a Royal Navy captain, a veteran of Trafalgar, who is home recuperating from an injury. Though recovered, he is stuck waiting to find out if he will inherit an earldom. He doesn't want it but may have no choice. Samuel's father was disowned and disinherited by his family because of his profligate ways, and Samuel was ignored along with him. He is somewhat bitter about being expected to give up the life he loves for a family that didn't want him. Bored with inactivity, he accompanies an old school friend to a local biscuit shop. He is to distract the owner while his friend flirts with her assistant.

Anna is the owner of the biscuit shop. Her parents started it, and after her father's death, Anna took over. She spends her days working in the shop and caring for her widowed mother. She is not happy about the men's arrival as she has a low opinion of "gentlemen." Her mother is the daughter of a duke and was disowned by her family when she married a footman. Anna is angry over the way her mother was treated. She also has a more direct reason for her attitude thanks to poor treatment by a supposed gentleman when she was younger.

I liked the first meeting between Anna and Samuel. She suspects his motives but drawn to him anyway. At the same time, she intrigues Samuel. She's sassy and smart and says what she thinks. They connect over his naval service as he answers her questions about what life is like for her brother, a lieutenant in the navy. After hearing Anna's concerns about his friend and her assistant, Samuel feels a bit guilty about his part. That guilt comes into play a little later when Anna requests his help to protect Henrietta from making a mistake. This scene is highly entertaining, as Samuel recruits his grandmother, Lady Jarrow, to deter the ill-intentioned suitor.

This begins a series of events that throw Anna and Samuel together. Anna doesn't trust easily, and Samuel makes a couple of missteps that reinforce her feelings. As they spend time together, they have a chance to get to know each other and discover that they have more in common than they knew. Anna and Samuel each recognize and understand the other's inner turmoil, which draws them even closer. There are some marvelous scenes of them together, from sharing of their pasts to teasing to unexpected flares of attraction. Anna is especially resistant to the idea of a relationship, believing that Samuel's possible elevation to earl puts him too far above her. Samuel, however, is confident that she can handle anything. There is one misunderstanding near the end caused mostly by Samuel's insecurity, but some well-timed advice from Lady Jarrow helps them get past it. I liked their big moment at the end. The epilogue was a terrific lead-in to the next book. I can't wait to see what happens there.

The secondary characters were great. Anna's assistant, Henrietta, comes across as a bit flighty initially, but she quickly wises up. I liked seeing her growth through the book and her maturing into much more than Anna's assistant. Anna's mother was sweet but also had a strong will. She survived and thrived in unusual circumstances for one of her class. I enjoyed her part of the story and the unexpected twist that Lady Jarrow brought to her life. Lady Jarrow was a force to be reckoned with. She has definite opinions and voices them whenever she wants. She also meddles when she believes she knows best. I enjoyed watching her "guide" Samuel and Anna where she wanted them to go. I also liked how she reunited Anna's mom with her family.

Mistletoe and Mayhem - Heather Boyd, Cheryl Bolen, Alina K. Field, Wendy Vella, Barbara Monajem, Donna Cummings, Samantha Grace, Sasha Cottman, Bree Wolf, Lana Williams, Bronwen Evans (Heather Boyd - Nov 2020)

This was a good anthology of Christmas stories, with a little heat, some occasional suspense, and plenty of love to go around.

Countess by Christmas (House of Haverstock #5) - Cheryl Bolen

Newly inherited Lord Paxton is forced to spend Christmas at his family's old hunting lodge with the woman to whom his father left the house.

Sweet story with a little heat. Mary is a widow with a young son who is ill. Her previous employer left her one of his homes when he died. Though happy to get her son Stevie out of the city, she is dismayed that she is depriving Lord Paxton's son of his favorite home. Devastated by the loss of his father, David is hurt and angry that Darnley was given to some unknown woman. Sure that some gold-digger got her hooks into his father, David is determined to fight the will. A letter from his father instructs David to spend Christmas at Darnley. David quickly falls under Mary and Stevie's spell. I liked seeing David's natural kindness and honor emerge as he spent time with them. There are also sparks of attraction that grow between them, as well as unexpected feelings. A misunderstanding creates a small bump in their relationship, but it is easily resolved. I liked the ending and the surprise they received.


Silver Bells (A Distinguished Rogues Novella) - Heather Boyd

On the run from a man determined to take her child, Ruby seeks refuge at her uncle's estate, only to go from one intolerable situation into another. Should she trust her own flesh and blood? Or rely on someone else, someone from her past, to keep her son safe?

Ruby is a widow with a young son. When her father-in-law plans to marry her to an awful man and take her son away from her, she takes Pip and flees to her uncle's estate in England. Lord Vynes is a bitter, manipulative man who only agrees to help if Ruby marries the man he chooses. Hector, an old acquaintance from her childhood, is there also, expecting to visit with his sister and her husband for Christmas. Hector is a confirmed bachelor with a rakish reputation but finds himself intrigued by Ruby and her son. I loved seeing how easy Hector bonded with Pip and the protectiveness he showed to both of them. I liked how Hector took charge of the threat against Pip. His confrontation with Lord Vynes was fantastic. I had to laugh at the unexpected twist it exposed. The epilogue was great.


Convincing the Countess - Alina K. Field

When a business-minded aristocrat encounters a fetching widow he met years earlier as the bride of a ne'er-do-well earl, temptation steers him along a track that may derail all his plans. Can he convince her to set a course for her future that includes him?

Sophie is a widow with two sons. She goes looking for her sons' guardian, who has not lived up to his responsibilities. While Fitz does everything he can to avoid her, his brother George is drawn to her and her plight. I liked Sophie, who is intelligent, lovely, and determined. She arrived with a plan, and nothing is going to stop her, even George. George remembers Sophie from years earlier and is even more impressed by her now. Aware of his brother's failings, he is determined to help her. I liked seeing them spend time together where their similarities drew them closer together. Some sparks flared between them, though Sophie has no intention of getting involved with another man. Things take a complicated turn when George discovers that Sophie has something he needs. I loved his honesty in revealing that need so that she doesn't doubt his feelings for her. Sophie's reaction was priceless, and I laughed at how she teased him.


Rescued By A Rake - Wendy Vella

Miss Ivy Redfern's life is thrown into turmoil when her brother disappears five days before Christmas. Desperate for help she turns to the devilishly charming Mr. Haddon. He agrees but it comes with a price – her heart!

When Ivy's brother Jackson goes missing, she tries everything to find him. Ivy is headstrong and determined, and a bit naïve about some of the dangers of the world. One night she approaches her brother's old school friend Rory and asks for his help. I enjoyed this part, as Ivy's recitation of what she has done horrifies Rory and brings out a protective side he didn't know he had. Rory is familiar with Ivy's nature thanks to hearing Jackson talk about her and is somewhat prepared to deal with her actions. As they work together to find Jackson, they grow closer, and sparks of attraction build. Danger comes calling as Jackson's rescue exposes unexpected evil. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved how Ivy's feelings for Rory brought out unsuspected fierceness. I enjoyed the ending and seeing how two very different people found their way to each other.


Unwise but not Dishonorable - Barbara Monajem

A spymaster's beautiful daughter crashes a Christmas house party to steal back a precious medallion, but finds that one of her father's men is already there on a secret mission. Can they work together to unmask a traitor despite the distraction of falling in love?

Dorothea is the daughter of a spymaster and determined to save her brother, who lost a family heirloom gambling, from their father's anger. Complicating her plan is her mother's intention to marry her, by fair means or foul, to any titled gentleman she can snare. Dorothea arranges for the family carriage to break down in front of the estate of the man who won the medallion in hopes of stealing it back. She is dismayed to find Cecil, one of her father's operatives, already there with his own plans.

I liked Dorothea. She is a young woman with definite ideas and beliefs and has no problem sharing them. She is frequently at odds with her mother, a horrible woman who doesn't care about Dorothea's happiness. I also liked Cecil, an honorable man who has carried a torch for Dorothea since he's known her. When he discovers that she is there for the same reason he is, they join forces. Dorothea is also attracted to Cecil, and I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions. However, Cecil is hiding a secret that could change the way she looks at him. I had to laugh at her response when he revealed it.

There is lots of skulking in corners and hiding in closets as Cecil and Dorothea work to find the medallion and unmask a traitor. There was a twist involving the medallion itself that complicated matters. There were several possible suspects, and I enjoyed seeing how each one reacted. The final confrontation was a bit of a nail-biter, and I loved the resolution.


Meet Me at the Mistletoe (The Matchmaking Earl #4) - Donna Cummings

Desmond Mayfield enlists the Matchmaking Earl to find his perfect match, hoping for a love like his parents' legendary romance. He meets an enchanting temptress, but she is only amenable to a brief affair, unwilling to risk another loveless union. Can mistletoe—and the kisses they inspire—convince her their passion will last through every season?

Lovely bit of reversed roles. Desmond is tired of the rakish life and is ready to find a lasting love like his parents'. He asks his friend Martin, aka the Matchmaking Earl, to help him find the perfect match. He meets Lorelei, an enchanting widow who believes that love does not last. She is happy to enter into a holiday affair, but not anything more.

I loved watching Desmond's campaign to show Lorelei the possibilities. Their attraction is undeniable, but it is her heart he wants to win. There are fantastic scenes of the two of them together, playing with her niece and nephew, decorating for the holidays, and just being together. Lorelei knows that she is falling for Desmond but fears risking her heart only to have him walk away. I loved the advice he received from his father and ached for him as he let her go, hoping she would return. It took some straight talk from her sister to make Lorelei see what she was doing. Her next step was well played, and the epilogue was great.


While You Were Roguish (An Everly Manor Happily Ever After) - Samantha Grace

When a roguish neighbor breaks into her cousin's house seeking shelter from a winter storm, Bess decides to teach him a lesson. Instead, the wild and reckless Lord Julius reignites a fiery passion in her that almost led to her ruin years ago—and threatens to consume her now.

Fun story. Julius is drunk when a thunder snowstorm causes his horse to dump him in a creek. Soaked and freezing, Julius breaks into the nearest house, attempting to get warm. The resulting scene is hilarious as Bess deals with the charming rogue and later tries to teach him a lesson. The sparks between them are immediate and strong. Julius is unexpectedly intrigued by Bess and wants to know her better. Bess has an affinity for rogues but has been burned before and is determined to resist. Julius invites Bess and her family to his family's home for the holiday, where he proceeds to crumble the walls around her heart. Lots of Christmas spirit and fun gave them ample opportunity to get to know each other, and the sparks between them to build. There was a surprise twist at the end, but it all worked out.


Wedded to the Welsh Baron (A London Lords Novella) - Sasha Cottman

With little more than a ruined castle in Wales to his name, the last thing, Welsh baron, Rhys Morgan wants is to inherit a rundown English estate. With no money and no prospects, Wister York's greatest fear is that when Lord Carno arrives at Kington House, he will throw her out.

Good story of two lonely people who find love with each other. Rhys has one rundown castle in Wales and recently inherited an equally troubled estate in England. He is suspicious of why the estate is in such bad shape, especially when he finds that a woman is the estate manager. He suspects an improper relationship between her and the previous owner and plans to give her the boot as soon as he arrives. Wister originally came to Kington as a companion to the lady of the house but was unable to leave after her death, thanks to Lord Kington's machinations. She fears losing her place when the new owner arrives.

I liked the first meeting between Rhys and Wister. Rhys is quite awkward in social situations, especially with women. He doesn't make a good first impression on Wister, and she doesn't take his words kindly. I liked watching her stand up to him, then walk away. Fortunately, Rhys comes to his senses and mends fences with Wister. It was great to see them work together on identifying problems on the estate. I liked Rhys's growing respect for her and her abilities. There were also sparks of attraction that flew between them from the start, and those developed into stronger feelings. Thanks to Rhys's difficulties putting his thoughts into words, he creates a rather significant misunderstanding between them. I enjoyed seeing him make it right in a very unusual way. I also liked that Wister stood up for herself and her needs.


Once Upon a Kiss Gone Horribly Wrong (A Once Upon a Kiss Series Prequel) - Bree Wolf

Always has Anne looked at her childhood friend Tobias Hawke with love in her heart. Only now, she no longer sees Little Toby when those chocolate-brown eyes meet hers and she cannot help but wonder, what if he kissed her?

Fun friends to lovers story. Toby and Anne have been best friends since they were children, but lately, something has changed. Each of them looks at the other differently but are too afraid of ruining their friendship to do anything about it. Fortunately for both, they have others who are more than willing to help Toby and Anne see the truth. Toby's older brother, Phineas, is full of advice on what Toby should do and has no trouble teasing and tormenting Toby to see things his way. Toby is reluctant to push the matter, but another man has his eye on Anne, and jealousy is a mighty motivator. Anne's cousins, Leonora and Louisa, also know that Anne feels more than friendship with Toby. Louisa is especially determined to see Anne get the man that will make her happy. She gets a little carried away and sets Anne and Toby up with a mistletoe kiss that turns out to be a disaster.

I ached for both Toby and Anne after that kiss because each of them misunderstood the other's reaction. Fortunately, when they meet the next morning, Toby does a much better job demonstrating his feelings. There are still some obstacles to overcome, not the least of which is that rather persistent suitor. Louisa redeems herself with some well-timed rescues, enabling Toby and Anne to finally add being in love to the love they already felt for each other.

There were also some intriguing fireworks between Louisa and Phineas, whose antagonism appears to cover up some very different feelings.


A Rogue and Some Mistletoe (The Rogue Chronicles #5) - Lana Williams

A lady fearful of risking her heart meets a handsome rogue who tempts her to find the courage to love with the help of mistletoe and the magic of Christmas.

Fun story. Lucy is invited to spend Christmas with her cousin. After losing her parents when she was sixteen, Lucy has spent the years caring for her elderly aunt. Though looking forward to the festivities, Lucy is not looking forward to helping her cousin decide which man to marry. Emma comes across as spoiled and selfish, especially when dealing with others at the house party. Lucy, on the other hand, has an innate kindness and ability to make people feel comfortable.

One of the men vying for Emma's hand is Hugh. He needs to marry a wealthy woman to carry out his plans to breed horses, and Emma is suitable. But when he arrives at Waverly, he meets Lucy and is unexpectedly drawn to her. I loved how he saw the differences between her and Emma and knew which one appealed to his heart. There were some sweet scenes of them together as they got to know each other. Sparks flew between them, aided by some judiciously placed mistletoe. But Lucy is wary of giving her heart, afraid of the pain of loss. I ached for them both when Lucy's fears caused her to push him away. Hugh received some well-placed advice that gave him a different way of looking at Lucy's actions. At the same time, Lucy's life took a surprising direction. The ending was great as Hugh decides to fight for what he wants and gets help from an unexpected source.


The Duke's Christmas List - Bronwen Evans

Ignored all season, Lady Harriet Rondell is affronted by Charles Spencer, the Duke of Bladestow's sudden Christmas visit proffering marriage. Armed with a copy of Blade's disgustingly traditional list of requirements he is looking for in his wife, Harriet sets about convincing him she is not—and never will be—his Christmas bride.

Terrific finale to the anthology. Harriet has been in love with her brother's friend for years, and at the beginning of the Season, it looks like he may return her interest. But for the rest of their time in London, Blade completely ignores her. His Christmastime arrival at her family home and his intention of proposing marriage both hurts and angers her. Her fury knows no bounds when she stumbles on a list of his requirements for his bride.

Blade wants Harriet as his wife. He would have courted her during the Season, but a favor for the Prince of Wales prevented it. He arrived at her home ready to propose, only to discover that no one told her of his interest in her. Harriet sets him straight, letting him know in no uncertain terms that she will only marry him if he loves her. Blade had been burned in the past and had closed his heart to love. I liked the effect her words had on him and his determination to make things right.

But Fate wasn't going to make things easy for them. A disgruntled suitor has plans of his own and won't be denied. I was impressed by Harriet's presence of mind and what she did to help herself. Blade's arrival left no doubt in Harriet's mind about his feelings. His expression of those feelings was intense and clearly showed how he had changed. There was a fun resolution to the story of his list.

A Mistletoe Vow to Lord Lovell - Joanna Johnson (HH #1534 - Oct 2020)

Will their vows last a lifetime…

Not just for Christmas?

Abandoned by her husband, and society because her father was a slave, Honora Blake will never rely on anyone again. Until dashing Lord Lovell breaks the news that she is a widow—and penniless—and insists she spend Christmas with him and his pregnant ward. Beneath the mistletoe, passion flares between Honora and Isaac. Then childbirth places his ward’s life in jeopardy, and these strangers suddenly face marriage to protect the baby!

Good book with an unusual twist. Honora's parents were a freed slave and a plantation owner's daughter who fell in love, married and lived in the mountains of Virginia. Honora fell in love with a visiting Englishman and married him against her parents' advice. Once in England, her husband Frank resumed his rakish ways and, after a couple of years, abandoned Honora. She hadn't seen him in three years when Isaac, Lord Lovell, arrived to tell her that Frank was dead, and she needed to attend the reading of his will.

I enjoyed the first meeting between Isaac and Honora. Isaac broke into her house, not realizing it was occupied, and she confronted him at gunpoint. The antagonism between them is fierce, as Honora believes Isaac was Frank's friend, and Isaac wants nothing to do with Frank's wife. However, when Isaac realizes that Honora doesn't have the money to get to the will reading, Isaac offers to take her with him. During the journey, it becomes evident that underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction.

I liked the development of the relationship between Isaac and Honora. Honora is feisty and independent, thanks to her upbringing. Still under the impression that Isaac was one of Frank's friends, she makes no secret of her dislike and disapproval. Though she doesn't want to admit it, Honora is also attracted to him. Isaac finds Honora intriguing and is attracted to her. His mental chastisements to himself reveal his low opinion of marriage and his determination not to become involved with her. But when the reading of the will reveals that Honora is both penniless and homeless, Isaac steps up and invites her to spend Christmas with him and his ward while exploring her options.

Things begin to change when they are under one roof. Honora meets Charlotte, Isaac's young and pregnant ward. I loved watching the two women connect. Charlotte brings out Honora's mothering instinct, while Honora's practical attitude helps Charlotte adjust to her situation. Meanwhile, the more time they spend together, the more Honora realizes that she misjudged Isaac. Her feelings for him change and grow. At the same time, Isaac can't help thinking about Honora and how well she fits in his life. But he's keeping a huge secret that could ruin anything that they might have together.

Their lives become more complicated when complications of childbirth put Charlotte's life at risk, and she begs them to marry to protect the baby. Isaac's secret weighs on him even more, as he misses several chances to come clean because he's afraid of losing her. I ached for them both when the truth comes out. Honora once again feels betrayed and used. Isaac is heartbroken at losing the woman he loves. I loved how Charlotte gave him the kick in the pants he needed to make things right. Isaac's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. I would have liked an epilogue, perhaps involving the promised trip to Virginia, to see how their future works out.

The Confessions of the Duke of Newlyn - Bronwyn Scott (HH #1532 - Oct 2020)

Series: Cornish Dukes (Book 4)

He’s seeking vengeance…

But might find something else entirely

Knowing his best friend, Marianne Treleven, awaits his presence in a Mayfair ballroom, Vennor, the Duke of Newlyn, must hide his secret—he moonlights as a vigilante in pursuit of his parents’ murderer! But when Marianne’s journalistic ambition draws her into the vigilante’s dangerous world, Vennor realizes his closest friend is no longer the innocent miss from Cornwall. She’s a brave, daring, sensual woman he’s desperate to protect at all costs…

Good friends to lovers story. Though the book is the fourth in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Marianne and Vennor have been friends all their lives and lately have grown even closer. They are each other's protection in Society, as neither wants to marry yet. Both of them have other, more important goals.

Two years earlier, Vennor lost his parents in a brutal murder. Devastated by their deaths, he pursued every usual road to finding their killers but with no success. Unwilling to give up, Vennor donned a mask and became "The Vigilante," searching the underbelly of London for answers. While he made no progress in his quest, his sense of justice made him a hero to those less fortunate. Vennor has sworn that he will not marry until he has brought the killer to justice.

Marianne has one goal in mind - to be a journalist, something that is not done by women. She has already taken the first step, landing a gossip column, but she writes using a man's name. Vennor is the only one who knows her secret. Her parents have begun pressuring her to marry, but there isn't anyone who interests her. Someone is paying very close attention to her, but Marianne doesn't return his interest.

I liked the development of the relationship between Marianne and Vennor. Their friendship is a close one that has grown over the years, and they count on the other one always being there. But when Vennor realizes that Marianne has a suitor who could succeed in marrying her, it opens his eyes to the fact that if she marries, their relationship would never be the same. He also notices that she has grown into a beautiful woman. Likewise, when her mother mentions that Vennor needs to marry, Marianne realizes that she doesn't like the idea.

For Marianne to avoid marriage, she must have a viable alternative. She knows that if she wants to make a career in journalism, she has to get out of the gossip rut and find a real story. She settles on the idea of finding and unmasking The Vigilante. Vennor, of course, is horrified when she tells him her plan. He's never told her about that part of his life and knows she'll be angry when she finds out. He also knows that she has no fear and could put herself into extreme danger if she follows her plan. Forbidding her makes her more determined.

I was glued to the pages when Marianne made her move. She had no idea how much danger she was in until it was too late. I loved how her note to Vennor made him suspicious enough to follow up. I felt his fear when he realized what she did and that he wouldn't be in time to save her. That confrontation was intense, both Vennor's battle with her attackers to Marianne's realization of his identity and her reaction. The strength of their responses exploded into unexpected passion. This is the beginning of a new stage in their relationship. I loved watching them work together, as Vennor introduced Marianne to the real people of that world. Supporting each other strengthened their feelings for each other, but there were still obstacles to a life together.

Marianne's life is complicated by Lord Hayes, who has decided that only she will do for his wife. While on the surface, Hayes appears to be the perfect nobleman, the words "too good to be true" are accurate. The reader learns that Hayes has a hidden agenda for his courtship, and it isn't a pretty one. I admit that he gave me the creeps from the beginning, and I was quickly proved correct. Vennor still focuses on solving his parents' murders before he marries, and that tunnel vision could lose him the woman he loves. He gets a break when a woman he helps as The Vigilante, describes someone he is very familiar with. I liked how Vennor's friends from the previous books in the series stepped in to help set a trap. The situation becomes very intense when Marianne ends up in danger. I was glued to the pages as Vennor raced to the rescue hoping to be in time. The man involved was genuinely twisted, and I was happy to see him get what was coming to him.

I loved the ending and seeing the change in Vennor as he finally allows himself to be happy. I enjoyed his wedding gift to Marianne and the tangible evidence of his support for her dreams. I liked hearing about their plans for the future and would love to see them pop up in some future book.

Once Dishonored - Mary Jo Putney (Zebra - Oct 2020)

Series: Rogues Redeemed (Book 5)

A man who has lost his honor has nothing . . .

London, 1816. As a Royal Navy officer, Lucas Mandeville, Lord Foxton, has fought his share of battles on the high seas, followed by long years of imprisonment. But on this night, he'd rather be on the burning deck of a ship than in a ballroom, where it is just a matter of time before someone challenges him because of what happened on the Continent.

A woman who has lost her reputation is nothing . . .

When dark-haired beauty Kendra Douglas arrives, a whisper of scandal ripples through the ton. The disgraced divorcee's entrance is an act of daring. Which is exactly why Lucas asks her to dance . . .

A couple who stands together has everything . . .

Unexpectedly, Lucas offers Kendra his aid in finding the evidence to regain her good name -- and her beloved young son. Together they investigate the wicked conspiracy that destroyed her life, and in the midst of danger, find a deep love that will redeem them both -- if only they can live long enough to build a future together.

Fantastic book. I have looked forward to Lucas's story since his appearance in Once a Spy. Lucas is Simon's cousin and foster brother, and it was because of Lucas that Simon and Suzanne were on the Continent when Napoleon broke loose. I couldn't wait to see what would happen once Lucas returned to England.

It hasn't been easy for him. First, he had to regain his health, which he did under the watchful eyes of Simon and Suzanne. Then he had to resume his place in Society. This was difficult to do with many people disapproving of his actions during the war. Lucas himself feels guilty over his breaking parole to escape, even though his captors had already broken those rules. As the book opens, Lucas is drifting, unsure of his place in the world of his birth, and missing the healing work he did with Friar Emmanuel. But all of that changes when a woman in black enters the ballroom.

Kendra attended the ball in a desperate attempt to repair her reputation. Her husband accused her of infidelity, divorced her, and took her son away from her. Her bravado quickly fades as whispers circle the ballroom, and no one will look at or speak to her. Just as she's ready to retreat, one man comes forward and asks her to dance.

I loved this scene between Kendra and Lucas and its immediate insight into both characters. Kendra is brave, independent, and determined. Lucas is kind, compassionate, and gentlemanly. I loved how they bonded over both having "dishonorable" reputations, ready to support each other. Then they realized that they knew each other years before and connected over their shared memories of that carefree Season. I liked how they made their escape and continued their conversation. When Lucas heard Kendra's story of what happened to her, he immediately offered to help.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lucas and Kendra as they worked to discover and reveal the truth. Both are fully conscious of the rules of society and are careful in their actions. Kendra needs to restore her reputation to gain custody of her son, so she and Lucas are careful to maintain the proprieties. I liked that they first expanded on the friendship of their youth, comfortable with being honest with each other. The more time they spent with each other, though, the sparks of attraction began to complicate matters. I liked the way that they supported each other. Lucas introduced Kendra to people who could help her, people who quickly became friends. Kendra helped Lucas see that he needed to continue his work to feel whole. I ached for them as their feelings for each other grew stronger because they could see no possibility of being together.

I loved following the progress of Kendra's quest. The abuse that she suffered and the humiliation of her husband's actions could have broken her, but she was stronger than she knew. It was satisfying to see the support and help she received from Lucas's friends and family. It was grand to see so many characters from earlier books as they joined the search for justice. I especially liked the ladies' fencing group and the eyebrows they raised. These women played a pivotal role later in the book. There was an unexpected twist regarding Kendra's son that added extra complications to her quest. There were also several appearances by Kendra's ex-husband, a nasty piece of work whose threats were frightening. I liked how the search for answers began to get results, instilling hope that Kendra would succeed. The plan that she and the others devised was beautiful in its simplicity and theatricality. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried it out and cheered at its success. I especially loved what it meant for Lucas and Kendra.

In addition to Kendra's problem, Lucas also had his cross to bear. The guilt he felt over his escape made him particularly sensitive to the way other people viewed it. I ached for him every time someone made a comment or accusation. There was one man who was especially vitriolic every time he saw Lucas, but would never come out with any details about why he felt that way. I had to laugh when Kendra intervened, accusing them both of acting like children and forcing them, at swordpoint, to settle the matter. It's amazing what a little communication can do. I loved that not only did Lucas not hold a grudge, but he also used his healing talents to help the man. It was also a turning point for Lucas, who finally let go of his guilt.

I also LOVE this cover.

Second Chance with His Army Doc - Charlotte Hawkes (HMED #1129 - Oct 2020)

Series: Reunited on the Front Lines (Book 1)

From first love…

To forever?

Fourteen years ago, teenage Kane Wheeler disappeared from Mattie Brigham’s life without a word of explanation. While nothing has filled the void left by Kane, Mattie has forged a successful life as an army doc. When they’re unexpectedly reunited in the line of duty, their attraction is still as fierce as ever. And Kane’s determined to convince Mattie they can still have a happy-ever-after above all!

Good book. As teenagers Kane and Mattie were an unlikely couple. She was the daughter of a high-ranking officer, and Kane was the son and brother of the town troublemakers. Unlike most other people, Mattie saw the good in Kane. Then one day, Kane disappeared from her life, leaving her heartbroken. She pulled herself together and continued with her plans to become a doctor in the army, but never forgot him.

Fourteen years later, Kane and Mattie met unexpectedly. The attraction between them is as strong as ever, and their reunion turns into a night of passion. They don't do much talking, especially when it comes to what they've been doing since they last saw each other. This comes back to bite them the next time they see each other. Mattie is Major Brigham, soon to be LtCol Brigham, and was assigned to run the medical side of an important military exercise. She is stunned when WO2 Kane Wheeler shows up in her office as the liaison for the infantry side of the activity, as is Kane. Neither knew the other was active military. The rules against fraternization in the military are well known to both, and their night together broke them all. Their confrontation over who knew what and when they knew it was intense, but in the end, they knew that any future relationship was impossible.

However, Kane and Mattie must work together on this exercise, putting their personal issues aside. Their time together is intense, with vividly described details of the work they do. Their attraction is always there, bubbling along under the surface, tempting them. I loved their honest talk about their love for their work, their attraction to each other, and the consequences of doing anything about it. I ached for them both during the night they spent under the stars, opening up to each other and sharing one last time together.

I loved the ending. Both Mattie and Kane did some soul-searching in the time they were apart, making some difficult decisions. I loved the scene in her CO's office, a surprising twist stopping her in her tracks. Kane's stunned reaction was fantastic. The final chapter was excellent, with a couple of emotional highs that showed great promise for their future together.

I liked the realism of the story. The medical events, the preparations for the exercise, and even the unexpected changes and challenges were all realistically portrayed. I was impressed by how the author kept Kane and Mattie true to their values regarding their relationship, rather than have them sneaking around. The solution to their problem was unexpected but not unusual.

A Rogue of One's Own - Evie Dunmore (Berkley - Sept 2020)

Series: League of Extraordinary Women (Book 2)

A lady must have money and an army of her own if she is to win a revolution—but first, she must pit her wits against the wiles of an irresistible rogue bent on wrecking her plans…and her heart.

Lady Lucie is fuming. She and her band of Oxford suffragists have finally scraped together enough capital to control one of London’s major publishing houses, with one purpose: to use it in a coup against Parliament. But who could have predicted that the one person standing between her and success is her old nemesis and London’s undisputed lord of sin, Lord Ballentine? Or that he would be willing to hand over the reins for an outrageous price—a night in her bed.

Lucie tempts Tristan like no other woman, burning him up with her fierceness and determination every time they clash. But as their battle of wills and words fans the flames of long-smoldering devotion, the silver-tongued seducer runs the risk of becoming caught in his own snare.

As Lucie tries to out-maneuver Tristan in the boardroom and the bedchamber, she soon discovers there’s truth in what the poets say: all is fair in love and war…

Terrific follow-on to Bringing Down the Duke. Once again, the setting is London, late Victorian period, as the Suffragist movement gains steam. The challenges facing women, such as property ownership, voting, and marital abuse, are an excellent backdrop for the romance between Lucie and Tristan.

We met Lucie in the last book, as head of the Oxford chapter of the suffragists. She is stubborn, determined, and focused on seeing the dream come true. Disowned by her family, she lives on her own with her cat, Boudica, embracing the title of "spinster." She refuses to give up what little autonomy she has by marrying. In this book, which takes place a few months after the previous one, the ladies need a way to publish a report they have compiled. Lucie plans to purchase a publishing house and use that. As the story opens, she has just purchased one-half of a publishing house, where the other two owners are absentees, leaving her free to run it as she likes. Unfortunately for her, the man she buys from informs her that the other two men have just sold their shares also. Lucie's new partner is her childhood nemesis, Tristan Ballentine.

Tristan is an unexpectedly complex man. He has the reputation of a rake, but also a secret identity as a fantastic poet. Tristan has recently returned from the wars in India and Afghanistan. He appeared briefly in the previous book as an unmitigated rake who danced with Annabelle. He is handsome and has quite a reputation with women. His older brother died, leaving Tristan as the heir, something that displeases his father. Dear old dad has arranged a marriage for Tristan but requires a cleaned-up reputation. Tristan has no intention of cooperating until Rochester threatens to put Tristan's mother in an asylum if he doesn't. Caught in a trap, Tristan decides to play along until he can find a way to rescue his mother. He comes up with the idea of republishing his poems under his own name to raise the needed funds. Buying half of a publishing house is the quickest way to do so.

The sparks between Lucie and Tristan are off the charts from the start. The two of them have a history from when they were children, and Tristan took great delight in playing pranks on Lucie. What she never knew was that there were elements of a serious crush involved. As an adult, Lucie played a part in many of Tristan's fantasies. Thrown together as they are, Lucie continues to plague Tristan's thoughts. It isn't too long until Tristan works his way into hers, also. I loved the back and forth between them. At first, it is very antagonistic, especially on Lucie's side. Tristan just wants a chance to live out his fantasies and offers an unexpected bargain. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that they have much in common. I loved watching Lucie open Tristan's eyes to the truths of her cause, and how Tristan found himself sharing more of the real him with her.

The fire between Lucie and Tristan was intense when they finally gave in to it. Neither of them expected that deep of a connection, and both tried to resist it. It takes a long time for each of them to realize their feelings. It was fun to see Tristan demonstrate those feelings without knowing it, by merely being himself. From being there to support her during the ball to his final demonstration of his belief in her, he finally saw that he'd always loved her. There were still some obstacles standing between them, not the least of which was the secret he kept from her. I ached for Lucie when that came out. Tristan impressed me with how he handled it. Fate wasn't entirely done with them, though, and there was one more hurdle. I loved how Lucie dealt with all the parties concerned. I was a little surprised by their plan for the future, but I loved how Tristan was so supportive of what was essential to Lucie.

I liked seeing more of Annabelle and Sebastian and how their life together is going. The house party at Claremont was interesting with all of the undercurrents. Hattie and Catriona also had their parts to play, especially in helping Lucie carry out her plans. I appreciate the strength of the friendship among the four women and how they support each other. There are a few rough spots, but the friendships are solid enough to weather them. Lucie's cousin Cecily irritated me from the beginning, and I wasn't at all surprised at her part in the book. Lucie's mother was pretty bad, too, but she did redeem herself somewhat at the end. I detested Tristan's father. 

Bringing Down the Duke - Evie Dunmore (Berkley - Sept 2019)

Series: League of Extraordinary Women (Book 1)

England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women's suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain's politics at the Queen's command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can't deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for.

Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn't be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn't claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring...or could he?

Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke....

Terrific book. Rather than being a typical Regency romance set among the aristocracy, this one takes a different road. The story takes place near the end of Victorian times, at the beginning of the suffragist movement, as they try to get the Women's Property Act amended. Most men are adamantly opposed to the idea, and even the Queen opposes it.

The heroine of the story, Annabelle Archer, is the daughter of a vicar. Upon his death, she is left destitute and reduced to being an unpaid servant for her cousin. Thanks to a friend of her father's, the brilliant Annabelle earned a scholarship to the first class of women at Oxford. As part of that scholarship, she must support the suffrage movement by recruiting powerful men to their cause. For her first attempt, she confronts Sebastian, Duke of Montgomery, the most powerful duke in England.

Sebastian became the duke at the age of nineteen when his father drowned in a puddle while drunk. He was left with a dukedom near bankruptcy thanks to his father's gambling and mismanagement. Now thirty-five, Sebastian is well-known for his cold and aloof bearing, and his ability to intimidate with just a look. He's taken aback by Annabelle's actions but tries to put her out of his mind.

The development of the relationship between Annabelle and Sebastian was not an easy one. It gets off to a rough start when Sebastian misunderstands her presence at a house party given by his younger brother. Once that is straightened out, Sebastian and Annabelle have a chance to get to know each other. The spark of attraction that they felt at their first meeting is still there, and their interactions only make them stronger. I loved their banter, as Anabelle's intelligence and wit intrigue Sebastian. Both of them are well aware of the gulf between them. I was disappointed in Sebastian when he proposed an "arrangement" with Annabelle and loved her response to him. It made me happy to see that her self-respect was as important to her as Sebastian's family name was to him.

Though self-preservation made Sebastian and Annabelle try to avoid each other, fate had something else in mind. Each time they encountered each other, the battle between head and heart became more intense. The obstacles between them seem insurmountable, as they yearn for something they can't have. I ached for both of them when Sebastian finally listens to his heart only to have Annabelle deny hers to protect him. I loved how Sebastian went about fighting for her and their future. The ending was fantastic.

The secondary characters were just as wonderful. Annabelle's friends and fellow suffragists were equally intriguing. I liked the picture painted of each and how the movement treats each of them differently. I appreciated the way that they supported each other, both in the movement and in their personal lives. Another interesting character was Sebastian's younger brother, Peregrin. His reaction to the prospect of being Sebastian's heir and having to live up to his brother's expectations and reputation was not too surprising. I ached for him and his belief that Sebastian didn't care about him. I loved how Annabelle set him straight and how Peregrin repaid her. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

The Scoundrel's Bartered Bride - Virginia Heath (HH #1513 - July 2020)

Marriage…To the highest bidder 

Lady Lydia Barton cannot seem to avoid Owen Wolfe since he's returned after being wrongly transported for stealing her family's jewels! But Lydia has more pressing problems, like her impending arranged marriage. Until Owen makes her father a counteroffer for her hand. Is Owen purely after her society connections, or dare Lydia hope that the charming stable boy she once loved is still within her ruthless, wealthy new husband?

Good second chance love story that also includes enemies-to-lovers and a marriage of convenience. Ten years earlier, Owen was a stable hand at sixteen-year-old Lydia's family home. Lydia was charmed by the boy who gave her the affection she craved, and Owen by the girl who saw him as a person worth knowing. They carried on a secret romance until the day Owen was accused of stealing her mother's jewelry. Heartbroken by the evidence, Lydia stood by as Owen was convicted and sent to the penal colony in Australia.

Seven years later, Owen returned to London, pardoned of his crimes. A self-made man, he and a friend own a high-end gambling establishment. He spends the next three years making money and doing his best to irritate Lydia. The story opens at yet another society ball where they encounter each other. Lydia uses a cold and snarky attitude to disguise the fact that she is still attracted to him. Owen mockingly congratulates her on her upcoming marriage to Lord Kelvedon, which is the first she's heard of it. After confronting her father, she's horrified to learn that she's been essentially sold to the marquess to settle her father's debts.

I liked Owen. Though he works hard to convince Lydia that he's an unrepentant scoundrel, and himself that he doesn't care what happens to her, it is obvious that he cares very much. It was fun to see Owen's partner, Randolph, call him out on his self-deception. Owen convinces himself that offering for her himself is purely business, even though he can't keep his mind off of her.

I had a little harder time liking Lydia at first. Even though she claimed to love him at the time, her acceptance of his guilt indicated otherwise. It took me a while to realize that her constant reminders of his guilt were her way of protecting herself from falling for him again.

I enjoyed the rekindling of Owen and Lydia's romance. Sparks flew at their encounters, their overt antagonism a cover for the attraction both continued to feel. Though he denies his feelings, Owen makes her father an offer he can't resist. I loved how Owen protected Lydia from her father's desire for revenge. Once he and Lydia are married, they have to find a way to live together. I ached for Owen because the best Lydia can do is put her belief in his guilt to the side with a "truce" when all he wants is her to believe in him. I hurt a little for Lydia, too, because Owen dealt with his feelings by avoiding her altogether. It was fun to see the guilt over that finally get to him, and they start to spend some time together. I loved the event that sparked the admission that they both want more from their marriage.

At the same time that Owen and Lydia finally admit their feelings for each other, Owen receives unexpected information in his investigation into his past. He debates the wisdom of telling Lydia, who is dealing with her father's death. I ached for Lydia, who has an unpleasant conversation with her brother and an eye-opening one with Owen. I loved Owen's realization that his love for Lydia is more important than the results of his investigation and the effect it had on her. The ending was fantastic. I especially enjoyed seeing Lydia take control of her future.

I also can't say enough about Owen's partner, Randolph, and Randolph's wife, Gertie. I loved how well Randolph knew Owen and his ability to call Owen out on his self-deception. I liked the way that he and Gertie supported Lydia when Owen was an idiot. Gertie's marriage advice to Lydia was great, including the backstory of her marriage to Randolph. One of the best scenes in the book was when Owen and Lydia delivered Gertie's baby. She had me laughing out loud with her demands toward the end of her labor.

Who Wants to Marry a Duke - Sabrina Jeffries (Zebra - Aug 2020)

Series: Duke Dynasty (Book 3)

A past kiss with adorably bookish Miss Olivia Norley should be barely a memory for Marlowe Drake, the Duke of Thornstock. After all, there are countless debutantes for a handsome rakehell to charm beyond a young lady whose singular passion is chemistry -- of the laboratory type. But Thorn has not forgotten -- or forgiven -- the shocking blackmail scheme sparked by that single kiss, or the damage caused to both their names. Now Thorn's half-brother, Grey, has hired the brilliant Miss Norley for her scientific expertise in solving a troubling family mystery. And the once-burned Thorn, suspicious of her true motives, vows to follow her every move . . .

For Olivia, determining whether arsenic poisoning killed Grey's father is the pioneering experiment that could make her career -- and Thorn's constant presence is merely a distraction. But someone has explosive plans to derail her search. Soon the most unexpected discovery is the caring nature of the reputed scoundrel beside her -- and the electricity it ignites between them . . .

Good romance with an undercurrent of mystery. Lady Lydia has been married multiple times. Three of her husbands were dukes; their titles passed down to the oldest sons born of those marriages, forming a dynasty of dukes. Recently several of the children began to suspect that their fathers' deaths may not have been accidents. The oldest son, the Duke of Greycourt, believes his father may have been poisoned, and asks Olivia Norley to use her chemist skills to discover the truth.

Grey's younger brother, "Thorn," the Duke of Thornstock, is not happy with Olivia's involvement. Nine years earlier, they had an encounter that damaged both their reputations. Thorn still believes Olivia was guilty of setting him up and is determined to keep an eye on her.

Olivia has no interest in the society to which she belongs. Her passion is reserved for all things scientific. Grey's request will advance her plans to make a name for herself in the field. Having Thorn always underfoot is a distraction she doesn't need.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Olivia and Thorn. I loved their first meeting. Olivia is young and only interested in cleaning up the mess she caused. Thorn is a little older but still young and a bit full of himself. Sparks fly between them, and a quick kiss rapidly intensifies. When caught by Olivia's stepmother, she attempts to force Thorn to "do the right thing." This doesn't go the way anyone expects. Thorn is left with conflicting feelings of relief and anger, as well as betrayal.

Nine years later, neither has forgotten that encounter. Olivia concentrated on her desire to be a chemist and avoided society as much as possible. Thorn has lived up to his reputation as a rake, but still carries a grudge against Olivia and her mother. He deals with that grudge in an unusual way, but he is still extremely suspicious of Olivia and her motives. He even goes so far as to insist on helping set up her laboratory at Grey's estate, sure that he will discover that she is a fraud. I had to laugh at how hard she made him work until he had to admit that he was wrong. This also opened the door to them clearing the air over the events of nine years earlier, enabling them to work together in harmony.

But underneath their fledgling friendship, there bubbles an intense attraction. Thorn is well aware of his effect on Olivia and takes advantage of it whenever he can. He is determined to get her into his bed, though marriage is the last thing on his mind. The feelings Thorn stirs in her are new to Olivia, and her scientific curiosity demands that she investigate them thoroughly. She hasn't shown any interest in marriage either, to her stepmother's dismay, as she doesn't want to give up her career goals to a husband. The more time they spend together, the more their thinking begins to change. Thorn's feelings turn protective when an explosion in Olivia's lab makes it clear that someone doesn't want her to find the truth.

I loved seeing Thorn's protectiveness and the care he takes to protect her reputation, too. I had to laugh at the teasing he endured from his siblings because of it. As close as Olivia has started to feel to Thorn, she also senses that there is something that he is holding back. I ached for Thorn and the lengths he went to in order to protect his secret. As he and Olivia grow closer, he fears that revealing that secret would hurt her and drive her away from him. I hurt for both of them when she discovered the truth. Each of them had some serious self-examination to do before they realized that they belonged together. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing what happens when they talk about expectations.

The overarching mystery regarding the deaths of the various dukes makes some significant progress thanks to Olivia's talents. Though they are closer to the truth, their best lead ended up dead. I liked the epilogue as the siblings meet to discuss what they know, what they suspect, and where they should go next. I have my suspicions as to the culprit behind the deaths and can't wait to see if I am right. It will be hard to wait until next summer for the next book.