Review for Donna Grant's REIGN

 REIGN

Historical-Fantasy Romance

 

 

 AUTHOR:

Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
November 7, 2023

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353073

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Malene is the Lady of the Varroki. After battling the Coven leader, she wakes far from home without any memories of her former life. Malene adorns a new identity, a witch named Dagny who thirsts for power. However, Armir stands in her way. The man whisks Dagny to an isolated cave, and he claims to know her. Can Dagny escape her cavern prison? Dare she trust Armir? And will he be beneficial to Dagny regaining her memories as Malene?

Armir is considered The Lady of the Varroki’s instructor, protector, and right-hand man. He has always loved Malene, but he knows a romance between them is taboo. After her disappearance, Armir refuses to believe she is dead. When Malene returns but as Dagny, he is determined to keep her from doing despicable things. Will Armir finally act on his attraction to Malene/Dagny? Can he convince Dagny to give up her quest for power?

I could not connect with Malene. She just fell flat with me. I really tried to like her but could not.

I love Armir’s dedication to Malene. When everyone else, including the Varroki, believed she died, he never gave up hope on finding her alive. Armir instead searched the world for her. He also refused to allow her, as Dagny, to do something that Malene would regret.

REIGN is the third and final book in Donna Grant’s Historical-Fantasy romance series, KINDRED: THE FATED. I suggest reading the five books in THE KINDRED before delving into KINDRED: THE FATED. The former books set up the world, the situation it is in, and the Varroki people. Malene and Armir play important roles there, leading up to this story.

Review for Anna Bennett's IT TAKES A RAKE

 

IT TAKES A RAKE
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Anna Bennett

RELEASE DATE:
January 23, 2024

PUBLISHER:
St. Martin’s Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250793959

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://annabennettauthor.com/

 

 

Miss Kitty Becket plans on pursuing her dreams of becoming an architect. Bellehaven Bay’s first architectural design contest may be her chance to accomplish it. Kitty knows she needs her childhood rival’s expertise with numbers to win. In exchange for his help, she agrees to turn him into a rake. Kitty never expected Leo to take to his lessons so well… Or the way her heart behaves around him. Can Kitty entrust Leo with all her hopes and dreams? Or will he ultimately betray her trust?

Leo Lockland is a strait-laced architect with a knack for numbers and calculations. He leaves behind a promising architectural practice in London to help his widowed mother. Leo has never forgotten his childhood nemesis nor his feelings for her. He intends to pursue her at any cost, even become a rake. Leo’s deeply guarded secrets may destroy any possibility he has of winning her. Can Leo convince Kitty to take a chance with him? Or will he lose his chance with her?

Leo and Kitty are great examples of opposites attract. Not only in their personalities but in their architectural interests. Kitty likes decorative and whimsical designs, whereas Leo prefers clean lines and aesthetics. It is nice to see Kitty’s growth in the background of the first two books. I admire her determination in following her dreams, despite public’s restrictions on women. Kitty even knows her strengths and weaknesses in that regard. Leo is a love. I like how he believes in and recognizes Kitty’s talent.

IT TAKES A RAKE is the third book in Anna Bennett’s historical romance series, ROGUES TO LOVERS. This story can stand alone, but it is better to read the prior ones before this. The first book, GIRLS BEFORE EARLS, introduces the setting – a charming yet picturesque seaside town called Bellehaven Bay. We also meet Kitty and learn about her circumstances.

I love how the couples from the previous books make appearances throughout the story. It is great to see how Poppy and Kean and Blade and Hazel’s lives are progressing. I do hope this is not the end of this entertaining series. I can see the author continuing with Clara and Lucy – Blade and Hazel’s adoptive daughters. They deserve their own happily-ever-after.

Review for STAR-CROSSED by Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin

 

STAR-CROSSED
Contemporary Romance

  

 AUTHOR:
Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin

RELEASE DATE:
October 24, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0C8C1S1M7

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.kerriganbyrne.com/  and https://www.cynthiastaubin.com/

 

 

Lyra McKendrick is a former hotshot, New England defense attorney. She moves back to her small, touristry hometown after a terrible breakup. Lyra finds herself working at the local new-age shop that neighbors her twin’s store. When a historic tree damages the shop’s plumbing, she reluctantly calls the one person who can help. Lyra and Cypress have history, one she wants to remain firmly in the past. However, fate has other plans.

Cypress “Cy” Forrester comes from a family of arborists. Around town, the locals refer to him as “Cy the Tree Guy”. When Lyra calls him about a tree problem, Cypress comes to her aid. Seeing her again reminds Cy of their past encounter, one he never forgotten. He likes Lyra’s prickly, no-nonsense nature, but she is not interested in a relationship. However, fate keeps tempting them by crossing their paths.

I like how Lyra is not as perfect as people believed. She has her own set of problems to confront and deal with. At first, especially in BAZAAR GIRLS, I did not like her that much. Lyra came off too cold and vitriolic for my tastes. However, my opinion of her changed near the end of book three.

I LOVE that Cy is a closet gamer and fantasy nerd. I freely admit to geeking out on the many Dungeons and Dragons references. It made me fall head over heels in love with him. Now if only he was into anime… LOL. I am not that familiar with LEAGUE OF LEGENDS, just the name because it is my oldest son’s favorite game.

STAR-CROSSED is the fourth installment in Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin’s romantic-comedy series, TOWNSEND HARBOR. This series needs to be read in proper order. The story picks up after the events in BAZZAAR GIRLS, book three. The couples from the previous three books crop up continuously throughout the story. FYI – Gabe still makes me swoon!

I like how this series centers around characters who suffer from real life problems. They are less-than-perfect, and that makes them so identifiable. This book touches on autism and prosthesis.

I hope this is not the end of Townsend Harbor. Kiki, Cy’s sister, needs a book!

Review for Donna Grant's SHADOW MAGIC

 

SHADOW MAGIC
Historical-Paranormal Romance

 

 AUTHOR:

Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
October 10, 2023

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780985371388

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Serena is a bana-bhuidseach, a cursed witch destined to live a solitary life. She knows the danger her kind faces when they fall in love with another. Serena knows that Drogan is dangerous to her heart. When she foresees her friend and his family’s demise, she intends to change their fate. But Serena needs Drogan’s help to achieve it. Can Serena break her curse? Will she be able to protect her friends and Drogan against the evil hunting them?

Drogan is a titled lord and knight of the king. He is haunted by the sins of his past. Drogan pays his brother-in-arms a visit, and he meets a bewitching woman who banishes the darkness that surrounds him. When he learns of the threat against his friend and his family, he offers to help Serena protect them. Can Drogan exorcise the darkness consuming him? Or will he lose Serena to her curse?

Serena came off too lukewarm and bland for my tastes. I just could not connect or empathize with her character. However, I did admire the sacrifices Serena was prepared to pay to keep her friends safe. It shows just how much she cares and appreciates Gerard, Maris, and little Jocelyn.

I am a sucker for a good wounded/tortured hero. Drogan fit the bill. He is a man haunted by his past deeds. I like how Dragon refused to let Gerard face evil alone. He gave him and his family aid in their time of need. It also allowed him to finally face his past sins and overcome it.

SHADOW MAGIC is the first book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-historical romance series, SISTERS OF MAGIC. This is an older story that the author revamped and fixed editing issues. It took me a while to get into the storyline and characters. Some areas dragged. However, Grant’s take on witches intrigued me. I like how they had peculiar weaknesses, gifts, and limitations. My only nitpick – the second half of the story felt boggled down by unnecessary sex scenes.

 

Review for Kate Bateman's SECOND DUKE'S THE CHARM

 

SECOND DUKE’S THE CHARM
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kate Bateman

RELEASE DATE:
December 26, 2023

PUBLISHER:
St. Martin’s Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250907363

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.kcbateman.com/

 

 

Tess Townsend finds herself widowed after her much older husband dies on their wedding night. And still a virgin. She starts an investigation firm with her two friends to help less fortunate women. After much deliberation, Tess agrees to a marriage of convenience with the new duke. However, her latest case – a request from the Queen – may cause trouble for Tess and Justin’s budding relationship. Will Justin interfere in Tess’s latest investigation? Can she catch the culprit without destroying her marriage?

Justin Thornton owns a successful trading company. Much to his disgruntlement, he learns that he inherited a dukedom. Justin is shocked to discover the Dowager Duchess is not some crone but a beautiful young lady. And she happens to be the mystery woman he encountered at his friend’s party. Justin proposes a solution that could benefit them both, a marriage of convenience. However, he knows his new wife is keeping secrets. Will Justin learn Tess’s secrets? And will they cost them their marriage?

I love the deep bond that Tess shares with Ellie and Daisy. The three women are willing to go to the extremes to help and protect the other. Ellie and Daisy also help Tess become are of the pros of her new windfall. What I admire the most about Tess is her decision to use her independence to help other women in need. She and her friends know what little rights or help women received in that era. They wanted to help others escape bad fates or situations.

I understand Justin’s cynicism towards love. He had witnessed his father’s deterioration after his mother’s passing. For a young child that would form a lasting impression. What I love the most about Justin is how he admired and approved of Tess’s business sense. He knew there was more to her than just looks. Justin even encouraged her to continue than holding her back.

SECOND DUKE’S THE CHARM is the first book in Kate Bateman’s brand-new historical romance series, HER MAJESTY’S REBELS. I decided to try out the author’s latest series since I adored her RUTHLESS RIVALS books. It did not disappoint me! I found myself quickly immersed in the storyline and characters. I cannot wait to see who Bateman will pair Ellie and Daisy, Tess’s two best friends, up with. I am kind of hoping Daisy will be paired up with Ellie’s cousin, who happens to be Justin’s friend, Edward Hussey. It feels like it would be a recipe for disaster or fun.