Review: Suzanne Enoch's "A DUKE NEVER TELLS"

 

A DUKE NEVER TELLS
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Suzanne Enoch

RELEASE DATE:
April 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Bramble

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250331090

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://suzanneenoch.com/

 

 

Lady Margaret “Meg” Pinwell learns about the advantageous match her parents made for her. She knows nothing about her ducal betrothed except for what she has read in the papers. With her aunt’s help, Meg masquerades as a lady’s companion and visits his country estate. However, an accident forces both women to continue their disguises. Meg finds she prefers the duke’s rapscallion butler than him. Which man will Meg ultimately choose? The aristocrat? Or the butler?

James Clay, the Duke of Earnhurst, has no interest in restoring his ancestral home. He enjoys annoying his man of business - that he inherited from his late father. When two women show up, unannounced, James introduces his employee as the duke. However, an unfortunate accident forces James and Elliott to continue the ruse. He never expected to fall in love with a lady’s companion. She becomes James’ reason in fixing up his home. Will his guests learn of his and Elliott’s true identities? But at what price?

I could not connect with either Meg or Clara. There were moments when both women annoyed me. I understand Meg’s concern about the validity behind the rumors surrounding James. Any sheltered young woman would be. What I disliked the most about Meg is the opinion she formed about Elliott. She had already made up her mind about him. Meg did not want to see his good points, just the bad.

I did not care much for James’ attitude. However, he slowly endeared himself to me. I understand some of James’ anger towards his late father and jealousy of Elliott. It is just a shame that he and his father could not have made amends.

A DUKE NEVER TELLS is a standalone historical romance by Suzanne Enoch. This book contains two romances. It did feel like it centered more on Clara and Elliott’s romance than Meg and James. For some reason, this book did not grab me like the author’s past works.

REVIEW: Jill Shalvis' THE LOVE FIX

 

THE LOVE FIX
Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction

 

AUTHOR:

Jill Shalvis

RELEASE DATE:
June 24, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063353442

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lexi Clark’s life is a mess. Jobless, she returns home at her stepsister’s behest. Sunrise Cove holds too many painful memories for Lexi. She grudgingly agrees to honor her mother’s final wish – to make amends to the people she had wronged. The endeavor allows Lexi to see her mother in a different way. She also forges bonds with her stepsister and her childhood nemesis-turned-crush. Can Lexi finally let go of her past resentment? Will Sunrise Cove offer what she truly needs?

Heath Bowman spends his time, and energy, taking care of his grandfather and others. Lexi’s return to Sunrise Cove sends him into a quandary. He manages to convince Lexi to complete her mother’s last wish. Heath finds himself volunteering to accompany her along the journey. He cannot ignore the chemistry brewing between them, but he is hesitant to start something. Will Heath and Lexi’s trust issues stand in their way? Can he let Lexi go once she finishes her task?

Heath and Lexi’s background broke my heart. Both were hurt by a parental figure but in different ways. I understand why Heath and Lexi both keep people at arm’s length. They have been hurt too many times by the few individuals they let in. Since they have so much in common, they understand each other.

What I adore the most about Lexi is how she does not need Heath to fix her problems. She rather meets her challenges and problems on her own terms. I like how Heath never once tried to push Lexi to forgive her mother. Yeah, it often puts him in a difficult position.

THE LOVE FIX is the eighth book in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance, women’s fiction series, SUNRISE COVE. Each book in this series can stand alone because each story has a new cast of characters. There is no on-going or carried-over plot.

Jill Shalvis never disappoints me. I know to anticipate humor to lighten up the tough subject matters she touches on in each book. She also includes a quirky pet that warms my heart whenever I read her stories.

Gus, Heath’s cankerous grandfather, is my favorite character. His antics made me giggle. He made the book so dang enjoyable!

REVIEW: Larissa Ione's "LEGACY OF CHAOS"

 

LEGACY OF CHAOS
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
December 03, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781963135084

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Stryke is the super-genius son of Shade and Runa, a Seminus demon and a warg. A tragedy causes him to alienate himself from his family and to start an anti-demon tech company. He reluctantly allows a DART agent to work with him to create a specialized weapon for their agency. The woman is not afraid to show her open dislike of him. Can Stryke forgive himself for his part in his brother’s death? Or is there more at play than he is aware of?

Cyan is the senior technomancer for DART. She blames Stryke and his company for the deaths of her best friend and her parents. When a chance to work with him arises, Cyan agrees only to make trouble for the incubus. However, she begins to see the guilt-ridden man hidden beneath his aloof and arrogant exterior. Can Cyan help Stryke overcome his trauma? And will helping him help her come to terms with her own grief?

It is no secret that I have a softness for the wounded/tortured hero types. So Stryke checked all my boxes and then some. My heart hurt over all the pain and guilt he carried over the years, alone (by his own design). I wish his family had understood Stryker’s reasons for alienating himself from them sooner. But, I also understand why they did not. They too were dealing with their own grief in their own ways.

Cyan is no stranger to grief. I believe that is how she was able to see the guilt-wracked person beneath the veneer. I like how Cyan wanted to help Stryker move past his trauma and guilt, once she understood him. And in doing so, she remembered fond memories of family and friend.

LEGACY OF CHAOS is the second book in Larissa Ione’s paranormal romance series, DEMONICA BIRTHRIGHT. It is a continuation, of sorts, of the author’s DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books…  but with the next generation. I suggest new readers begin there before jumping into this series (for many reasons). A lot of the world - its current situation, Seminus demon, etc - are explained in those books. Plus, they rock!

I have been a long-time fan of Larissa Ione’s books. So, when I got the email that I was chosen to review this book, I squeed in happiness. I practically devoured it, forgoing sleep and other things (Larissa’s books do that to me). It is also great to see old favorites return but playing supporting roles. I love seeing what kind of parents they became! Now I must wait until late next year (2025) for the next installment. THAT is going to be rough!

REVIEW: Sofie Darling's DEVIL TO PAY

 

DEVIL TO PAY
Historical Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
December 17, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CZ2GS4CB

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Lady Beatrix St. Vincent wants to find a good, solid husband to escape the drudgery of her current life. However, her father’s spendthrift ways dashes all of Beatrix’s dreams. That is until Blake Deverill almost runs her over with his horse. The handsome devil proposes a deal that rekindles Beatrix’s hopes for the future. All she needs to do is to fool the ton into believing she and Deverill are engaged. Can Beatrix play the besotted fiancé? Or will Deverill open her eyes to a new dream?

Blake “Dev” Deverill is the only son of a baron’s estate manager and housekeeper. The haut ton dubs him ‘Lord Devil’ for his handsomeness and his ruthlessness in business. There is only one more thing left for Dev to achieve. And to gain it, he needs Lady Beatrix’s help. However, she makes Dev reevaluate his well-crafted plans… and the woman in it. Will Deverill realize that what he wants is not what he truly needs? Or will he recognize it too late?

I had secretly hoped Beatrix would be paired up with Deverill in WAGER WITH A SIREN. So glad that it came to fruition. I empathized with Beatrix’s plight in WWAS. If anyone deserved a happily ever after, she did. And Deverill… I knew he would be the perfect fit for someone like Beatrix. They complimented each other perfectly! I also like how Dev realized his feelings for Beatrix first.

DEVIL TO PAY is the fourth installment in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. I have not read the first two books in the series (yet) but that did not affect my ability to enjoy and follow the story. The couples from them are only mentioned; they do not make an appearance. I plan on diving into ODDS ON THE RAKE once I finish my review books. Since I loved WAGER WITH A SIREN and DEVIL TO PAY, I hope it and future books live up to their standards.

I have an inkling that the next book will be about Artemis and a certain war hero. For a time, I wanted her to be paired up with Jagger (he DEFINITELY needs a book). I am a huge sucker for the wounded/tortured types. So, that whetted my appetite for the next installment. I cannot wait!

Review of Donna Grant's "DARK HEART"

 

DARK HEART
Fantasy Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
November 24, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CWX5Q9RP

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Arya is a dark elf working as an undercover agent for the Counter Corruption Division. She finds herself kidnapped and brought upon a slave ship, where she comes face-to-face with someone from her past. Arya never forgot Jai or her feelings for him.  However, the handsome dark elf despises her for unknown reasons. Can Arya escape her current predicament? Will she learn what truly happened to Jai four years ago?

Jai is a slave for The Masters. He transports kidnapped elves and humans to a secret compound in Belowground. Jai dreams of exacting revenge on Ayra for her part in his enslavement. He finally achieves his goal, only to learn she had no hand in his capture four years ago. Can Jai help Ayra escape The Masters? Will he discover the culprit behind his enslavement? And will helping Ayra and her comrades be Jai’s atonement?

Sadly, Ayra and Jai did not leave much of an impression on me. I do understand some of Jai’s attitude. He did what he did to keep Priya from getting hurt in his stead. Second chance romances are not my thing. That aside, I think the story would have benefited with some flashbacks. Mainly to show readers the start of Jai and Ayra’s budding romance. Maybe show their personalities before their separation, so readers could see the change that overcame them.

DARK HEART is the second book in Donna Grant’s fantasy romance series, ELVEN KINGDOM. This is another spinoff from her DARK KINGS and DRAGON KINGS (especially the latter). This series focuses more on the elven kingdom on Zora.

 

I gave the book four stars because of the dark elf angle. Dark elves (or drows) have always been my kryptonite. I could never pass up reading a book/story where they are the main stars. Donna Grant’s dark elves are not like DnD’s. I like it when authors tweak races to make it their own. I did notice the author’s Belowground had one similarity to Dungeons n’ Dragons’s Underdark: the bioluminescence.

My nitpick centers around Priya. She became totally predictable. It got repetitious, and a little tiresome, of her continuous appearing only to disappear, unscathed. By the end of the story, Priya started to annoy me to the point of aggravation.

Review: Vivienne Lorret's THIS MUCH IS TRUE

 

THIS MUCH IS TRUE    
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Vivienne Lorret

RELEASE DATE:
July 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063352506

RATING:
4.75

AUTHOR LINK:
https://vivlorret.net/

 

 

Althea Hartley is the youngest child of a thespian-entric family. She dreams of becoming a playwright, but the callous words of another destroy her confidence. When her third season proves lackluster, Althea invents a tale about a highwayman. She never expected her story to be true. And the actual highwayman does not want her repeating the story. Will this mysterious fellow help Althea overcome her writer’s block?

Jasper Trueblood, Viscount St. James, plays the clumsy, dimwitted buffoon amongst his peers. At night, he relieves men like his diabolical uncle of their money and belongings. However, there is one individual who looks beyond his façade. Althea’s concocted story about a highwayman hit too close to the truth. Will Althea’s story blow his cover? Or will she help Jasper expose his uncle’s crimes to the public?

I empathize with Althea. She is an unfortunate victim to the insensitivity of a person envious of her ability. Althea got discouraged a lot; however, that did not stop her from attempting to re-spark her creativity. What I adore the most about Althea is how she never once ridiculed or looked down on Jasper. She even defended him regardless of repercussions. Althea also saw the man hiding behind the charade.

Jasper is such a sweetheart! My heart wept for all the atrocities and injustices that he endured! I like how that never once jaded him. Instead, it prompted Jasper to steal from people of his uncle’s ilk and give it to their victims.

THIS MUCH IS TRUE is the third book in Vivienne Lorret’s historical romance series, THE LIAR’S CLUB. The story can easily standalone. I suggest starting with the first book to better understand the Hartley family, their dynamic and eccentricities. The couples (Verity and Magnus and Honoria and Oscar) from the first two stories appear near the end.

I cannot wait for Truman’s story. Plus, I kind of hope the author plans to write a story for Jasper’s cousins, Tempest and Iris. Hint, hint, I kind of want Tempest to be paired with a certain captain (Summerhayes).

There is only one nitpick that kept the book from receiving a 5 stars. The situation between Althea and Kellum. It did not feel resolved to me. I expected more. I also wanted Jasper to be involved.

Review: Christy Carlyle's "THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL"

 

THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Christy Carlyle

RELEASE DATE:
April 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063347342

RATING:
4.75

AUTHOR LINK:
https://christycarlyle.com/

 

 

Alexandra “Allie” Prince manages her family-owned antique shop. She yearns to follow in her illustrious family’s footsteps by going on adventures. Allie overhears a plot to steal the Crown Jewels and rushes to tell the authorities. She is delighted when the handsome and gruff detective takes her seriously. Allie decides to assist him with the case. Can she help Benedict catch the culprit? Or will Allie’s impulsiveness hinder the case?

Benedict “Duke” Drake aims to advance high in Scotland Yard. He exhausts himself in trying to catch the illusive criminal “M” without success. When a woman comes to his office about a possible scheme to steal the royal jewels, Benedict must take her seriously. Alexandra Prince is a distraction he does not need in his life. However, Benedict cannot seem to stay away from her. Will Allie derail his plans for advancement?

Alexandra is a young woman living beneath her famous family’s shadow. I understand her frustration of not measuring up to her parents and siblings’ accomplishments. It would weigh on anyone’s mind. I especially like how Allie did not allow that to turn her cynical or jaded. Instead, she thought of ways to stand out on her own merits and achievements.

Benedict is a career-oriented young man. He tends to be obsessed and single-minded when a case falls into his hands. I understand Benedict’s drive to advance. His childhood, plus what happened to his brother, prompted him to his path. What I adore the most about Benedict is how he accepts Allie’s impulsive, straightforward nature. He even admires it since she differs from his seriousness. Benedict listens to everything she says unlike her older siblings.

THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL is the first book in Christy Carylyle’s historical romance series, PRINCES OF LONDON. I am new to this author’s works. The premise of the story is what caught my interest. And it did NOT disappoint. I found myself instantly swept up in the characters and the plot. I finished this book in two sittings, even forgoing sleep and watching my C-dramas.

There is one detail that kept me from giving this book a five-star rating. Small little nitpick really. In the story, the author brought up Benedict’s mysterious, titled father. Then nothing. The angle was never explored. Unless, of course, the author plans to save this angle for upcoming books. Then I am cool with it. I already plan on continuing this story! I wonder which sibling Dom and Eve or Helen.

Review: Michelle McLean's The Duchess Takes it All

 

THE DUCHESS TAKES IT ALL
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Michelle McLean

RELEASE DATE:
November 26, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Entangled Publishing, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781649376473

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://michellemcleanbooks.com/

 

 

Tamsin Palmer, the widowed Duchess of Clevesly, craves to be accepted by the ton. She is accustomed to being snubbed because of her common blood. Tamsin learns that her late husband has assigned a co-guardian for their young son. The handsome German count is overbearing and vexing; however, Tamsin cannot ignore the chemistry between them. Is a relationship possible for them? Will Tamsin give up her newfound freedom for Christian?

Christian August, Count of Rauchberg, travels to London to fulfill an obligation to his late cousin. He promises his royal uncle to find a suitable wife while there. Christian never expected to encounter a woman quite like Tamsin. She is all wrong for him. However, Christian cannot stop the growing attraction between them. Will family responsibility force him to give Tamsin up? What will Christian give up so he can have her in his life?

I admire Tamsin’s ethics. She yearns to be accepted by the ton. However, there are some aspects of their lifestyle that Tamsin will not follow. What I adore the most about Tamsin is how she goes head-to-head with Christian.  he is done allowing men dictate her life. Tamsin willingly stands up to Christian when his overbearing views clashes with her, especially about the raising of her son.

It took me a while to warm up to Christian (but I eventually did!). He thought his way was the best, and only, way. That annoyed me. I know Christian meant well. What I love the most about Christian is how he disliked witnessing the English nobility ostracizing Tamsin. He understood the stress and pressure that put on a person, having witnessed it before with his mother.

THE DUCHESS TAKES IT ALL is a standalone historical romance by Michelle McLean. This book does loosely tie in with FOUR WEDDINGS AND A DUKE. The characters from that novel make frequent appearances throughout this story. It is not necessary to read FWaAD before this one. However, it is a fun and delightful read.

I like how the author chose a German aristocrat. It is not commonly used as French or Russian. I am not too familiar with German nobility. And since I have German in my ancestry, that angle made it more fun and interesting for me.

Review: Donna Grant's THE BASTARD KING

 

THE BASTARD KING
Fantasy Romance.

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
October 14, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353394

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Derek is an unknown Dragon King. He does Villette’s bidding in hopes she will free his kin from captivity. Derek encounters Kora in the forest while being chased by soldiers. He reluctantly agrees to help sneak her into Stonemore, Villette’s domain. The city, and Kora, causes Derek to question his loyalty to his benefactor. Will he learn the truth about his background? Who will Derek choose? Kora? Villette? And at what cost?

Kora is the last of her kind on Zora. She intends to finish what her family had started: finding Villette and killing her. Kora stumbles upon Derek in the forest. Something about the man draws her to him. Kora does not trust him, but he knows a way to get into Stonemore. Kora finds herself depending on Derek more than she likes. Will she finally achieve her vengeance? At what cost? And what secrets is Derek keeping from Kora?

Derek rubbed me the wrong way at the start of the story. I did not care for his personality. However, I started to warm up to him as the story progressed. He redeemed himself by his actions with Kora. I understand Derek’s reasons for keeping his secrets from Kora. He and Kora had trust issues. Then there is the fact of her traumatic issues with dragons.

I am still undecided about Kora. I neither liked her nor disliked her. She just did not click for me. Whenever I read her name, the main character of Avatar: The Legend of Korra came to mind. And no, I am not a fan of the cartoon, but my husband and sons are. Why I am somewhat familiar with it. I admire Kora’s determination to finish what her family started. Guilt can be a powerful motivator.

THE BASTARD KING is the first book in Donna Grant’s fantasy-romance duology, THE BASTARD DUOLOGY. Important note to new readers: this takes place in the same world/universe of the author’s DARK KINGS and DRAGON KINGS series. Characters from the prior books do pop up in this story, some are merely mentioned. I recommend starting from the beginning (DARK KINGS) or the first book in the DRAGON KINGS. The latter series introduces Zora, why it was created, etc.

Donna Grant introduces a new race in this book. The hellhound angle just did not work for me. I would have liked it more if Kora was a unicorn or phoenix (especially this one). It would have made more sense on why they had the ability to destroy Star People. That is just me though. I can be nitpicky on such things. However, I did like the fact that hellhounds are like the dragon kings. They can shape shift into human forms.

Again, I skimmed over or skipped the sex scenes. They just felt irrelevant to the story’s pacing.

Review: Jade Lee's "TEMPTRESS"

 

TEMPTRESS
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jade Lee

RELEASE DATE:
September 21, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DCLF8WKF

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://kathylyons.com/

 

 

Chen Ji Yue is the daughter of a poor bannerman. Her family’s survival depends on Ji Yue becoming the next Empress. On the way to the Forbidden City, she discovers a man in her palanquin. Ji Yue discovers later the stranger’s identity. Sun Bo Tao has the power to destroy her chances of drawing the emperor’s notice. Will Bo Tao be Ji Yue’s downfall? Can she prevail in her goal?

Sun Bo Tao is the emperor’s best friend. He has been chosen to be the Master of the Festival – the person in charge of all the Imperial Virgins. Bo Tao searches through all the candidates to find the perfect bride for the emperor. His success guarantees him an official position. Chen Ji Yue stands out among all the virgins. Can Bo Tao complete his task? Or will he risk the emperor’s wrath to have Ji Yue?

I admire Ji Yue for not resorting to the other virgin’s cattiness and petty machinations. She tried to help a couple of the girls and befriend them with little success. I also like how Ji Yue did not endure their cruelty and the eunuchs’ passively. She fought only when necessary.

I admire how Bo Tao wanted an official position than continuing as a hanger-on. He strived to help both his friend and his country. Sometimes I questioned the friendship between the emperor and Bo Tao. I did not like how the emperor treated Bo Tao most of the time. It did not feel friendly. However, despite that, Bo Tao remained loyal to his friend.

TEMPTRESS is the second book in Jade Lee’s historical- Chinese romance series, FORBIDDEN PLEASURES. The story can easily stand alone or be read out-of-order. I found myself flying through this book much faster than the first. The storytelling is much smoother. I like how the author does not go too deep into the corruption or the politics of the harem. It is alluded to.

Review: Sherrilyn Kenyon's HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC

 

HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC
Fantasy Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon

RELEASE DATE:
September 24, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781648396946

RATING:
4.5

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

  

Deciel Coeur de Noir (Dash) is a unicorn. He is not an ordinary unicorn but the High King of the Thirteen Kingdoms. When someone murders his sister, and takes her horn, Dash rushes to find the one responsible. He encounters Tanis along the way. Dash realizes that they share a common goal: to find the ones responsible for their siblings’ death. Will Dash find the culprit behind his sister’s death? And is Tanis someone he can trust?

Tanis Dragomir is an outcast dragon princess. When her brother is beheaded, and his skull stolen, she vows to return it. Tanis’ path crosses Dash’s. She begs him to turn her human, so she can kill the human who murdered her brother. Tanis never expected to become Dash’s ally. Or fall in love with him. Will Tanis find her brother’s killer? But at what cost? And can she be an asset to Dash? Or hindrance?

Sherrilyn Kenyon and Kerrigan Byrne are two authors who I feel excel at writing tortured/wounded characters. They never fail at creating heroes and heroines that I cannot help but love. Tanis and Dash are both tortured. They both have endured such agonizing and horrendous situations. I like how they recognized a kindred soul in the other. This helped them build a tentative bond of trust.

HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC is the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s new fantasy-romance series, MYTHS & OUTLAWS. The story has all the elements that the author is known, and loved, for: tortured characters and snarky humor. It reminded me of the early days of her DARK HUNTER books.

Kenyon does a great job introducing this new world of hers without bogging down the story’s momentum. I like the direction she took with the unicorns. They are not the stereotypical pure, white, and golden horned creatures. They come in all colors, and their horns’ colors have special meaning.

I cannot wait to see what other creatures Sherrilyn took creative license with. I always like it when an author thinks outside the normal with mystical creatures.

Review: Donna Grant's "STILL OF THE NIGHT"

 

STILL OF THE NIGHT
Paranormal Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
September 10, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353363

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Ariah is a Druid from the Isle of Skye. She owns and operates a tea shop in her community. Strange things have been dodging Ariah’s every move, even keeping her from sleep. Then the man who broke her heart nine years ago appears suddenly at her shop. Whatever targeted Ariah moved onto Killian. Can Ariah forgive Killian? And what part does she play in the upcoming battle on Skye?

Killian Flanagan is a lawyer from a wealthy and powerful family in Ireland. He returns to Skye for Ariah. Killian regrets breaking things off with her. When Ariah is injured, he offers to help at her shop. Strange incidents start to occur that places Killian’s life in jeopardy. He learns a new facet about Ariah. Can he make amends with her? Or will Killian be another casualty in the trouble brewing on Skye?

Ariah and Killian did not really grab me. Perhaps it was the whole second-chance angle. That trope always dampens my enthusiasm with a story and its characters.

I understand Ariah’s reluctance in telling Killian about being a Druid. It would open her up to ridicule. Plus, she did not want to involve Killian, a normal, in Skye’s magical trouble. I like how Killian had a rough time accepting Ariah’s world. He refuted it at first. Then slowly, once faced with proof, he started to open his mind to it. Killian also accepted that he was practically useless in the upcoming fight.

STILL OF THE NIGHT is the fifth book in Donna Grant’s paranormal romance series, SKYE DRUIDS. This series connects with the author’s other books (DARK KINGS; DRAGON KINGS; DARK WARRIORS; DARK SWORD; REAPERS) Characters from the other series do appear in this one, such as Henry, Esther, Melisse and Nikolai.

I recommend new readers to start with either the DARK KINGS or DARK WARRIORS. This allows them to assimilate the author’s world-building, the enemies that were faced and overcome, and the world’s current situation. It is not exactly necessary. Donna Grant highlights the important parts from the past books, sometimes to the point of repetition. I did skip over the sex scenes. I just felt they were not necessary to the story’s momentum.

Review: Suzanne Enoch's A KISS IN THE DARK

 

A KISS IN THE DARK
Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Thrillers

 

  

AUTHOR:
Suzanne Enoch

RELEASE DATE:
October 08, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Independent Publishers Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781641972901

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://suzanneenoch.com/

 

 

Samantha “Sam” Jellicoe, reformed cat burglar extraordinaire, faces her latest challenge as a security specialist. She needs to install security in an auction house good enough to keep out her notorious father. Failure is not an option Sam can entertain. However, the job reveals some long-kept secrets. Can Sam outwit her father? Will those secrets jeopardize her freedom and her relationship with Rick?

 

Richard “Rick” Addison, English aristocrat and billionaire, follows his fiancé to New York. He worries that this latest job will expose Sam’s hidden criminal past. Rick is determined to protect her at all costs. He and Sam never expected the unexpected twist the job tosses their way. Will this latest surprise jeopardize Rick’s future with Sam? Or will it prove beneficial in keeping her safe?

 

Sam and Rick are total opposites, but they make their relationship work. I like how Rick is Sam’s “voice of reason”. He is her sole reason for staying on the straight and narrow.  Sam refuses to do anything to jeopardize Rick’s reputation and standing in society. I also like how Rick is still battling on compromising with Sam. I also like how Rick still battles with compromise with Sam. He is used to having things go his way. Rick fights against his inner need to protect Sam while letting her do her own thing. It is not always easy for him to give up control.

 

A KISS IN THE DARK is the second installment in Suzanne Enoch’s romantic suspense series, SAM AND RICK. It is a continuation of the author’s SAMANTHA JELLICOE series. I recommend starting with the first series before jumping into the new one. It reveals how Sam and Rick first met and the many trials both faced in their relationship.

 

I have always loved this series. Heck, I still own the five original cover Harpercollins paperbacks from 2005 to 2007. When I saw there was a new book, I literally squealed (in delight and anticipation). I cannot wait for future Rick and Sam adventures!

Review: Loretta Chase's My Inconvenient Duke

 

MY INCONVENIENT DUKE
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Loretta Chase

RELEASE DATE:
January 21, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063111387

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://lorettachase.com/

 

 

Lady Alice Ancaster is the sister of one of the three Dis-Graces. She wants to safeguard her future by finding a respectable husband. Alice has a perfect candidate in mind. When trouble arises, the wrong one keeps appearing when she needs him most. Giles is all wrong for Alice, but she cannot ignore how scintillating he is to be with. Which duke will Alice choose? The upstanding one? Or the scandalous one? Will she regret her choice?

Giles Lyon, the eighth Duke of Blackwood, is known as one of the three Dis-Graces. He dislikes the many rules and regulations his social class must abide by. Blackwood offers to discreetly look after Alice during the Marriage Mart. Giles knows he is the wrong sort for her, but he cannot resist playing the hero for Alice. Can Blackwood give up his wild and reckless ways for Alice? Or will he give her up a second time?

The main reason I picked up this book is because of the heroine’s name. Alice was my late grandmother’s name. She has always been my hero and staunch supporter. It is why I like reading stories with heroines that share her namesake. This Alice did not disappoint. She annoyed me near the end by choosing her causes over Giles. It is good to have something you are passionate about, but I feel she could have devised a better balance.

Giles made the story entertaining. I understand his reasons for shucking Polite Society’s strict rules and regulations. However, Giles never really forgot them. He knew the right time and place to employ them. I only have one nitpick about Giles.  I disliked how he felt that he needed to be his friend’s caretaker in the end. It is good to worry about your friends but not at the expense of your marriage.

MY INCONVENIENT DUKE is the third and final book in Loretta Chase’s historical romance series, DIFFICULT DUKES. This is my first foray into this author’s works, so I have not had the pleasure of reading the previous two. Something I plan to remedy. Even though I started late, it did not hinder my ability to follow the characters and storyline.

Honestly, I believe this series could be read out-of-order. The first half of the book takes place way before Ripley and Ashmont encounter and fall for their partners. It is not until close to the end that the three books mesh in the same timeline.

The story’s momentum fell off during the second half of the book. Most of it was told through letter-writing between Blackwood and Alice. It got boring quick, not enough for me to quit reading.