Review for Suzanne Enoch's BETTER THAN A DUKE

 

BETTER THAN A DUKE
Historical Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Suzanne Enoch

RELEASE DATE:
March 03, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Tor Publishing Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250331205

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://suzanneenoch.com/

 

 

Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, needs a wife – one proper enough to prepare his daughter for her future in the ton. He believes he found the perfect candidate. However, his new neighbor comes bursting into his life like a tempest. The woman does not fit the criteria Becket desires for his daughter’s tutelage. But he finds that he enjoys spending time with her and her son. Which woman will Beckett choose? The prim and proper lady? Or the improper one who loves both him and his daughter?

Iris Silbern is a down-on-her-luck widow. She has no intention or desire to remarry. Iris and her ten-year-old son are forced to rely on and stay with her aunt and uncle. They forcefully encourage her to agree to a match with a wealthy yet elderly duke. Iris finds a fellow kindred spirit in her next-door neighbor. She knows that she is the wrong sort for Beckett’s daughter. Will Iris sacrifice herself to ensure her son’s future? Or will a better offer present itself to her?

Beckett and Iris have so many things in common. Both are widows from disastrous marriages, they are dedicated to their children, and their old friends deserted them. Beckett and Iris also understand where the other is coming from, why they do what they do for their children, and etc. Kindred spirits. I also like how they met once at Iris’ coming out… it makes me think “right people, wrong time.” It was too soon for them to connect and come together at that time.

Beckett is a sweetheart. He instantly took to Edmund, even encouraged a friendship with his daughter. That makes him an upstanding, teddy bear in my book (the world needs more men like that). And Iris! I love that she refuses to be bullied by men and their chauvinistic views. Iris is not afraid to bloody noses or speak her mind. She does not conform to what the ton believes a woman must behave.

BETTER THAN A DUKE is a cute, stand-alone historical romance novel by Suzanne Enoch. I have been a long-time reader and fan of this author. Of course, I could not pass up reading this book. And it does not disappoint. The store does indeed have a PARENT TRAP vibe to it, which made it entertaining to read. Rebecca and Edmund really helped the story come to life for me. I found myself either grinning or giggling at her banter and antics.

And oh boy did the author make me really despise both Beckett and Iris’s family members (well the ones involved in the story). I could have cheerfully throttled them plus Pauline and the dirtbag duke. The only nitpick I have - I wanted Iris’ aunt and uncle and Beckett’s mother to get some form of retribution done to them. I guess I am a little vindictive like that.

Review of Sofie Darling's "A LADY'S ROGUE TO RUIN"

 

A LADY’S ROGUE TO RUIN
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
October 28, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FHBSNHT5

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

 

Blaze Jagger is the illegitimate son of an impoverished and lascivious marquess. He now owns the majority stakes in an exclusive gaming establishment in London. Blaze seeks shelter from the rain in a circulating library owned by his partners’ siblings. He happens to meet the youngest Calthrop – a stunning yet brilliant entrepreneur. Blaze knows that he is wrong for Viveca, but he cannot seem to deny the woman her request. Can Blaze comply with her request without damaging her reputation? Or will Viveca ruin his work relationship with her elder brother and sister?

Lady Viveca Calthrop is the youngest sister of a duke. She and her sister opened a circulating library in London. One rainy afternoon she happens on Blaze in her establishment and discovers his secret. Viveca offers to teach him how to read in exchange for a taste of his world. During their first interlude, she learns there is far more to Blaze than what everyone knows. And Viveca wants to know more about the fascinating man, even court ruin to do so. Can Viveca convince Blaze to ignore the difference in their stations? Or will she be forced to lose him?

I am so happy that Blaze gets his happily ever after… and with a Siren (aka Calthorp)! I had a feeling that the two would pair up from DEVIL TO PAY, book four. Blaze is my favorite hero of all time from Sofie Darling. I love his devilish and infectious personality. He made the story so much fun to read! What I adore the most about Blaze is his innate nobility. He looks after (and gifts) the few people he lets into his heart. Blaze also gives back to the less fortunate. He is the total opposite of his father.

Viveca is a woman who knows her own mind. She does not let the differences in statuses dictate who to let into her life. If something interests her, she pursues it. I love how Viveca is not impressed or infatuated with the ton’s amusements. She finds them tiresome and a complete waste of her time. She rather do something more meaningful or purposeful.

A LADY’S ROGUE TO RUIN is the sixth book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. It is best to read this series in proper order. Characters from the prior books make appearances and/or mentioned throughout the story. Two years have passed since the great horse race that the previous six novels covered. It is nice to see how the couples from the previous book continue with their lives, having children, etc. I have a suspicion that Saskia Calthorp and Liam Cassidy – the brother of Gemma from book one, ODDS ON HE RAKE – will be the next pairing. And I fear their book will end the series.

I do have one nitpick. And the reason why I did not give this book a five-star rating, even though I devoured it in two days. I kind of expected some form of confrontation between Blaze and his lech of a father. I really wanted to see Blaze put his father through the wringer for his past deeds (to him, his mom, and Bea). But nada. I felt disappointed and let down.

 

Review: H.L. Dawson's "Emika and the Sekai no Kami no Kokoro

 

EMIKA AND THE SEKAI NO KAMI NO KOKORO
Fantasy / Fantasy Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
H.L. Dawson

RELEASE DATE:
July 21, 2025

PUBLISHER:
---------

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798264221293

RATING:
2 (DNF)

 

 

Emika is a Reitsumeyoke – dispeller of twisted warped gods called sugami. When the voice of the mountain god falls silent, and the sugami threat rises, she must search for his secret shrine. Emika’s only companion is Mu, a minor god burdened by a curse.

The story takes place in a fantasy, Japanese-style world. A big thing that perked my interest. However, I struggled to get into the story and connect with the characters. I think if the author toned down on the prose and terminology geared to that world, the story would have flowed better for me. Yeah, she offered a glossary – which helped – at the beginning. It just felt like every other paragraph had such words. That got too repetitive and off-putting for my tastes.

Sadly, I “DNF” this book. This is rare for me. It usually takes me two to four days to finish a book. In two weeks, I managed to read 23%. I am pragmatic enough to know when to call it quits on something that holds no interest.

As a fellow anime lover, I can see the Inuasha and Noragami influence. I am a huge fan of the former anime (I have the Sesshomaru plushies to prove it!). Emika reminded me somewhat of Kikyo – the being bound to spiritual duty to the people of their village.

What I did like is the illustrations on each new chapter page.

 

Review of Takiba and Fuuko Minami's LIGHT OF MY LIFE

 LIGHT OF MY LIFE

BL Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Takiba

RELEASE DATE:
October 28, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888775035

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Minagi has always had an inquisitive mind. He decides to become a host instead of pursuing a career in the medical field. An accident in his third year of high school forces Aki to give up on becoming a pro soccer player. He now runs the hair salon he inherited from his late grandfather. Aki always wonders why Minagi never followed through on becoming a doctor. When Minagi needs a place to stay, Aki reluctantly agrees to let him live with him. Will the truth force Minagi and Aki apart?

Poor Minagi!  I understand his main reason for giving up on his dream. Yeah, it is a little misguided. Guilt causes many people not to think straight… But his heart is in the right place.

This is a one-shot manga. I really like the art-style. It made following the storyline and characters enjoyable. The sex scenes got steamy…

Review for Guri Nojiro's IN LOVE'S KEY, REPRISED

 IN LOVE’S KEY, REPRISED

BL Manga.

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Guri Nojiro

RELEASE DATE:
September 16, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781647294823

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Kiri Azumi is an in-demand orchestra conductor with an abrasive personality. Due to his health, he is forced to return to his pastoral hometown to recuperate. Osamu is a delivery boy. He gets ecstatic to learn his favorite conductor is coming to town to stay. Kiri does not know how to deal with Osamu’s enthusiasm. Can Kiri overcome his emotional issues with Osamu’s help? And will Osamu have the courage to follow Kiri back to Tokyo?

Osamu is so easy to like! I adore how steadfast he had been towards Kiri. He never allowed the man’s antisocial demeanor to dissuade him. Osamu was always quick to show his affection. Yeah, he got a little overzealous at times.

My heart hurt for Kiri. He had really been simply existing since his mother’s passing, with no one really in his corner... Until Osamu. Osamu helped Kiri come to terms with things.

Grumpy/Sunshine trope – which is a favorite of mine (Kiri is the grump/Osamu is the Sunshine). This manga was a cute and quick story! I even enjoyed the art style.  I plan to buy a physical copy to add to my personal collection!

 

Review for R.A. Salvatore's THE FINEST EDGE OF TWILIGHT

 

THE FINEST EDGE OF TWILIGHT
Fantasy / Dungeons & Dragons

 

 

AUTHOR:
R.A. Salvatore

RELEASE DATE:
October 07, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593875261

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://rasalvatore.com/

 

 

Briennelle Zaharina Do’Urden, Breezy to her friends and family, is no ordinary half-elf. She is the daughter of Drizzt, a drow hero and renown warrior, and his human wife Catti-brie, the goddess Mielikki’s avatar. Breezy has grown up with a lot of important people and legendary heroes and warriors. It is her turn to make her own mark in Faerûn, away from her family’s reputation and notoriety. Can Breezy prove to her family that she no longer needs their coddling and protection? What path is she destined to walk?

I am still undecisive about Breezy. There were some instances when her attitude and demeanor annoyed me. She sometimes took things and situations for granted due to who her parents and grandparents are. Breezy also struck me as flighty. I often wondered if she has ADHD. Or if that is possible for a half elf. Her behavior reminds me of how my son used to act before he was diagnosed. I understand Breezy’s need to find her niche in the world. She wants to forge her own path with her own skills and abilities than hang onto her family’s greatness.

R.A. Salvatore started my obsession with dark elves/drows twenty plus years ago. Two online, role-playing friends highly recommended that I read the ICEWIND DALE trilogy. Fortunately, I found an omnibus with all three books into one at Waldenbooks (wow, that shows how long ago it has been. Lol).

I remember the author’s writing style enrapturing me. He opened this amazing world to me. Yeah, Drizzt became an instant favorite. However, I became more interested (more like fascinated) with his race. When I mentioned this to my friends, they suggested HOMELAND, EXILE, and SOJOURN.

Unfortunately, I have not read EVERY Drizzt book out there. Just what I could afford at the time or when life allowed me to indulge. I knew enough about the world (Faerûn), the lore, and the characters involved to follow the book’s plot without problems. There were a few characters and situations mentioned that I was unfamiliar with.

I love reacquainting myself with Drizzt and Jarlaxe. I also enjoy seeing the fruition of their paths. It is awesome to see that Jarlaxe has not really changed much. His demeanor still amuses me. He, like Drizzt, are timeless characters. I cannot wait to see what Jarlaxe has planned for Breezy.

I have missed this kind of fantasy story! I wonder what plans Jarlaxe has for Breezy. Will he help her outshine her infamous father, her heroic mother, and great grandfathers… I cannot wait for the next installment.

REVIEW for Suji Kim's UNDER THE OAK TREE, Volume two - novel

 

UNDER THE OAK TREE: VOLUME 2
Fantasy

  

AUTHOR:
Suji Kim

RELEASE DATE:
November 18, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593871225

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2300262/suji-kim/

 

 

Lady Maximilian “Maxi” Calypse – nee Croyso – has been flourishing in her new surroundings. She strives to be a good and competent Lady of the Castle for Riftan. Maxi works diligently to speak without a stutter and to practice her healing magic. However, an unexpected visit from Princess Agnes may undermine all her progress. Maxi even worries that the army of monsters plaguing the realm will take her husband on another campaign. Can Maxi’s magical ability be beneficial to Riftan? Or will his overprotectiveness strain their relationship?

Maxi has shown incredible growth in this installment. She is still timid. And her confidence in her abilities and herself wavers. But she is slowly learning to overcome those fears and her self-doubts. I admire her determination in standing up to Riftan. Maxi no longer wants to remain in the gilded cage he erected for her. She instead wants to be an equal, a helpmate to lessen the day-to-day burdens Riftan carries.

Sadly, I have not yet read the first volume of the novel. I have, however, read the first book of the comic. I remember loving the storyline and the characters involved. Wounded or tortured hero and heroines are my favorites. I like seeing such characters overcome their shortcomings and difficulties. And Maxi is doing just that. She is pushing past her limits.

The novel does delve more into Maxi’s point of view. Her insecurities. Her fears. Her determinations. I just wish the author switched to Riftan’s point of view.

I am now fully invested in this story, both the novel AND the web comic. I cannot wait for the next installments of both.