My review for Vivienne Lorret's THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT

 

THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT
Historical Romance

 

 AUTHOR:

Vivienne Lorret

RELEASE DATE:
September 24, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Avon

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063352476

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://vivlorret.net/

 

Oscar Flint is a proficient gambler. He secretly searches for the father who had abandoned him and his mother. Oscar joins a high-staked game only to lose to a mysterious woman marauding as a man. He remembers the story the vixen told him about a long-lost viscount, and he decides to play the part. Now Oscar must deal with three hostile aunts, an ailing grandmother, and the lovely woman who bested him at cards. Does Dunnelocke Abbey hold a clue to Oscar’s ancestry?

Miss Honoria Hartley is the second daughter of a baron. She uses her betrothal to keep determined suitors at bay. Honoria intends to live her life freely without a husband. She encounters Oscar one night in Paris after trouncing him in a card game. The blasted man comes to her hamlet and assumes the identity of her long-lost betrothed. Can Honoria outwit Oscar at his own game? Or will she unwittingly lose her heart to handsome gambler? And what about her betrothal to Vandemere?

Oscar could be labeled as an ‘honest thief’. I admire how he never went against his principals. Oscar only stole from those who deserve it (aristocrats or merchants who mistreat others, etc). His gambling and thievery were for survival, not greed. I like how his childhood did not turn him into a heartless monster. Oscar still maintained a sense of humanity.

Honoria is a fun character. I like that she is not vain or stuck on herself. Honoria knows that she is beautiful. She uses it and her other assets in a good way. I love her interactions with Oscar. He never once treated her like other men did. Honoria found that she could be herself around him.

THE TROUBLE WITH INVENTING A VISCOUNT is the second book in Vivienne Lorret’s historical romance series, THE LIAR’S CLUB. This is my second foray with this author’s works. I enjoyed the first book immensely. It made me anticipate the next installment! Boy, oh boy, did this story meet my expectations. I love the Hartley family’s eccentricity. They are not your average regency-era aristocratic family. Magnus and Verity do make an appearance in the story. I like how not all their problems were solved in the prior book.

I wonder which Hartley is next. Truman? Or Thea? And what type of person they will be paired with. I still hope (crossing my fingers here) that Ms Lorret will consider writing a book for Rowan and Anna.

My review for Donna Grant's KINDRED - THE FATED TRILOGY

 

KINDRED – THE FATED TRILOGY
Historical – Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
April 9, 2024

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CS8KHD2Y

RATING:
3.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

RAGE:

Elin is a witch running from her past. She wants to live a quiet life away from people. However, things never go as Elin wishes. She feels conflicted about helping the man who approached her for help. When a witch becomes involved, Elin agrees to confront her. Will Elin find the place she belongs? Or will she be forced to walk away from Rob and her feelings for him?

Rob MacKenzie searches desperately for someone to help his people when a mysterious illness befalls them. He happens upon the woman squatting at an abandoned cottage on his family’s land. Rob senses Elin is not telling him the complete truth, but he cannot stay away from her. Will Rob convince Elin to trust him with her secrets? Or will he be forced to give up on her?

Elin has a generous heart. However, for all her good deeds, she has been victimized by superstitious idiots. I understand Elin’s desire to find a place to belong. Thanks to mistakes and past actions, she denies herself the safety of witches’ one haven.

Rob is a sweetheart. I like how he does not have preconceived notions about witches. Rob accepts Elin for her generosity and helping nature. I also adore his patience with Elin. He knows that she has not been completely truthful with him. However, Rob is willing to wait for her to trust him enough to tell all her secrets.

RAGE is the first book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-historical romance series, KINDRED: THE FATED. It is a spinoff from her THE KINDRED series.

RUIN:

Asa is a descendant of the First Witch’s sister. She wants to reunite with her younger sister in Norway. However, Asa encounters a gravely wounded Highlander who warns her of danger. She prepares for the threat coming for her. Can Asa defeat the powerful witch targeting her? Will she get a chance to see her beloved sister again?

Rory Sutherland is the banished third son of the Laird of the Sutherlands. He returns to Scotland to search for Asa and warn her of the danger coming. Rory decides to help Asa fight the enemies who want her only for her special bloodline. Can Rory defeat the Viking chieftain who intends to possess Asa? Will he find the place he truly belongs?

There is only one nitpick I have about Rory. I wanted to know more about his connection with Yggdrasil. I felt that angle should have been explored more in the story. There must be a mystical reason why the tree appeared to him twice, unless the author plans to reveal that in future books.

RUIN is the second book in Donna Grant’s paranormal-historical romance series, KINDRED: THE FATED, a spinoff from her five-book series THE KINDRED. The story can standalone. The prior series sets up the world where witches reside, why they are hated, and the factions among them. I am behind on both series, but it did not hinder my ability to follow the story’s plot. The author does a good job summarizing the important parts of the previous books.

REIGN:

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.

My review for Julie Ann Walker's MAN IN BLACK

 

MAN IN BLACK
Romantic Suspense

 

AUTHOR:
Julie Ann Walker

RELEASE DATE:
May 28, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Limerence Publications LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781950100170

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://julieannwalker.com/

 

 

Fisher Wakefield, former Delta Force soldier, is a covert operative for Black Knights Inc. He believes their resident office manager is too good for the son of a convicted felon. Fisher tries to keep Eliza at arm’s length. However, all his good intentions go out the window after Eliza witnesses a massacre. Fisher will do anything to protect her from an unknown threat. Can Fisher convince Eliza to keep things platonic between them?

Eliza Meadows is the Chief of Staff’s only child. She is the link between the Black Knights boys and the U.S. president. When she becomes the only witness to a massacre, Eliza depends on ‘her guys’ to keep her safe. However, one is determined to keep her at an emotional distance. Eliza refuses to become another one of Fisher’s conquests. Can Eliza convince Fisher to take a chance on them? Will he break her heart?

Eliza and Fisher are indeed like ying and yang. However, those differences balances things out between them perfectly. I adore how Eliza never once held Fisher’s background against him. She respects (and loves) him for the person he is within. Eliza does not care that he is a felon’s son or that he grew up poor. I understand Fisher’s reasons for keeping a distance between them given his family history. He feared that history would repeat itself, and he refused to put Eliza through the same horror his mother experienced.

MAN IN BLACK is the third book in Julie Ann Walker’s romantic suspense series, BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED – a spinoff from her BLACK KNIGHT INC books. Yes, this series can stand alone. However, characters from the first one do make appearances throughout the story. I enjoy seeing the children from the first group! Ozzy is great as usual. I still love his music choices unlike Fisher’s (lol). I miss his snarky, wise cracks.

Again, Ms Walker sets up the next couple within this book. It is going to be Britt and Julia! I always like that about her books. Also, I have a hunch on who “Bishop” is. I may be way off the mark… or I may be correct in my suspicions. Either way, I cannot wait for the next installment!

My review for Heather Graham's DEATH BEHIND EVERY DOOR

 

DEATH BEHIND EVERY DOOR
Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Thriller

 

AUTHOR:
Heather Graham

RELEASE DATE:
May 21, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780778310235

RATING:
2.5

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

 

 

Luke Kendrick is a member of the newly formed international Krewe group called ‘Blackbird’. He is determined to apprehend the mastermind behind the H.H. Holmes society, murderers who emulate a nineteenth-century serial killer’s MO. Luke arrives in time to rescue his new partner from becoming another casualty.

Carly MacDonald is a new Krewe/Blackbird agent. She is tasked with investigating unusual disappearances near a particular Scottish castle. When her hunches prove true, Carly luckily escapes becoming another victim. Now she and her partner Luke race to locate other members of this one society before they kill again.

Can Luke and Carly destroy the H.H. Holmes society by capturing the mastermind? Or will they become their next target?

I could not connect with either Luke or Carly. They felt more one-dimensional to me. The author never really delved into their individual points of view. I think that is why I had trouble connecting with them both. There were times when Carly came off too perky and bubbly. That annoyed me. Yeah, I know that it was an act to throw off suspension.

DEATH BEHIND EVERY DOOR is the first book in Heather Graham’s romantic suspense series, THE BLACKBIRD FILES, a spinoff from her KREWE OF HUNTERS. I have only read a few of the KREWE books, so I am familiar with what they do. This series can standalone.

The story focuses more on the mystery and suspense element. The romance between Luke and Carly is nearly non-existent. It just happens. The pacing is slow. I could only read so much at a time before I got bored. I do have a small nitpick. It felt like the author tried to shove a history lesson down my throat.

I am no stranger to this author’s works. I have read many of her Shannon Drake and historical romance books. She is a hit and miss with me. This book would be a miss.

My review for Janna MacGregor's A SIMPLE SEDUCTION

 

A SIMPLE SEDUCTION
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
April 2, 2024

PUBLISHER:
---

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CRLNXCMK

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lady Honoria “Noria” Ardeerton is the eldest sister of the Duke of Pelham. She sneaks into her brother’s masquerade to experience one night of pleasure. Noria meets Marcus. However, she never expected him to be her brother’s best friend. Or for them to be caught in a compromising position. Noria fears an old family shame could harm his charity if she marries him. Can Noria find the strength to exorcise the past? Or will it have the power to destroy everything that she loves?

Marcus Kirkland, the Earl of Trafford, wants to find a wife who can help him with his charity. He never expected to find his ideal bride at his best friend’s annual masquerade. Marcus is convinced Noria is perfect for him, but she insists on a one-time, no attachment affair. After their one night together, he discovers his lover’s identity. Now he must convince Noria to marry him to save both of their reputations. Can Marcus soothe all of Honoria’s fears enough to marry him? Or will this jeopardize his friendship with Pelham?

I am still undecided on my feelings for Honoria. There were moments when she aggravated or annoyed me. I understand her reservations, especially on the marriage front. Anyone would. However, she did some things that came off as foolish. What I like the most about Honoria is her good heart. She enjoyed helping her brother look after his tenants. Honoria even treated servants with respect and kindness.

Marcus has a heart of gold! I adore the charity that he has started. Marcus intends to help children who were like him, orphaned young without relatives. Unlike his peers, he does not want to ignore their plight. I like the patience that Marcus showed Honoria. Deep down, he knew there was a reason for her reluctance. Marcus tried everything to overcome her fears. He refused to give up on her.

A SIMPLE SEDUCTION is the first book in Janna MacGregor’s brand-new historical romance series, MILLIONAIRES OF MAYFAIR. My wish came true! I had hoped the author would write a series about the Ardeerton siblings. Pelham intrigued me in HOW TO BEST A MARQUESS (the last book in THE WIDOW RULES series). I especially wanted to see how he would react to his sisters’ love interests. He did not disappoint me! I also adore the close bond the three Ardeerton siblings share.

I have a feeling I know who Pelham’s heroine will be. His book will be a second chance trope, my least favorite. Which dims my enthusiasm. I wonder if Pippa will be paired with Ravencroft. Their book I will anticipate.

My review for Kerrigan Byrne's "A VOCATION OF VIOLENCE"

 

A Vocation of Violence
Historical Romance, Historical Mystery

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kerrigan Byrne

RELEASE DATE:
April 23, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
---

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Miss Fiona Mahoney is a crime scene cleaning specialist. She decides to defy Jack the Ripper’s written ultimatum by taking a lover. However, a demimonde’s murder disrupts Fiona’s planned interlude. When her childhood friend becomes the prime suspect, she is determined to prove his innocence. The case takes Fiona into dark and dangerous territory. What secrets will she unearth? Can Fiona find the real murderer before her friend hangs? And does Jack the Ripper have a hand in this?

Sadly, Fiona did not choose who I had hoped. Yeah, I am a little disappointed, but I am also okay with her choice. I almost thought Fiona would pick my least favorite one. I never saw his appeal. When I am not enamored with a certain pairing, it dims my enjoyment of the story. However, I am glad I persevered.

The scene between Fiona and ‘her choice’ is nicely done. Kerrigan Byrne does not go into explicit, steamy detail as in her other novels. The tone and pacing did not call for it. Which I am totally fine with.

I cannot wait for the next installment.

My review for Donna Grant's ENDLESS SKYE

 

ENDLESS SKYE
Paranormal Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
March 12, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0C7N8RF23

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 Willa Ryan’s attempt to steal a particular book goes horribly awry. She has no choice but to flee to Skye to join up with her brother and his friends. Willa manages to reach the isle only to succumb to her injury. She later learns that a mysterious man saved her. Jasper may be the only person who can properly heal Willa’s wound. Will Willa be able to trust Jasper? Can she help the Skye druids fight against their dangerous adversaries?

Jasper McCabe is a grifter – a person who adopts identities to con others. He agrees to get close to Willa to infiltrate her brother’s network of druids. Everything about his latest job feels wrong, especially when he finds Willa injured. Jasper cannot help but be captivated by both Skye and Willa. The druid makes him rethink his career choice. Which side will Jasper choose? And what role does he play in the upcoming battle?

I only have one real problem with Willa. Basically, I did not like how easily she divulged certain information to Jasper. I know it was necessary for the story’s pacing. However, it just felt wrong, especially for a person you are not sure you can trust. I did get bored with Willa’s sibling squabbles with her brother. Yes, I understand she chaffed under his overprotectiveness.

Jasper is a con man with principals. He only steals from the rich, he never takes all their money, and no violence. I like that about his personality. I honestly did not know what a “grifter” was until this book. It is something I never heard used before.

ENDLESS SKYE is the fourth book in Donna Grant’s paranormal romance series, SKYE DRUIDS. This series is yet another spin-off from her others (DARK SWORD/DARK WARRIORS, DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS, and REAPERS). The SKYE DRUIDS can be read separately; however, it is better to start from the beginning to understand the world and the troubles each set overcame to this point. Characters from the other books do make an appearance, such as the MacLeod Druids. It is nice to see the Warriors again. I miss them!

My review for Angie Fox's DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN

 

DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN
Paranormal Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Angie Fox

RELEASE DATE:
March 19, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Moose Island Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781957685175

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://angiefox.com/

 

 

Sugarland, Tennessee has not always been the safe and peaceful town it is today. It too has a dark and seedy past… Or so Verity Long discovers. When her ghostly sidekick’s girlfriend gets possessed, she jumps in to help. All the clues lead to a 1956 cold case. Verity and Frankie’s investigation takes them to an abandoned drive-in and an Irish mob’s pub. Can Verity solve the case in time to save her ghostly partner and his girlfriend? And are some secrets better left buried?

Verity always struck me as the selfless type. So, it is no surprise that she willingly offered to help Frankie save Molly. She would never leave any friend, the living or the ghostly, behind. I like the support Verity gets from both her sister and Ellis. Verity knows that when it comes to information, Melody is her “to go” person.

I love Ellis’ steadfast belief in Verity’s ability. He may worry but Ellis knows that she will do what she feels is necessary.

Frankie the German is totally stepping up. In this story, he demonstrates what he is willing to do for Molly. It is nice seeing him being so selfless for a change. Yeah, Frankie still has some deep-seeded issues he needs to work on. But I believe he will eventually get there. I suspect that once he realizes he can trust Verity will Frankie move on.  

The one character that surprised me the most in this book is Virginia, Ellis’ mother, and Verity’s nemesis. I always hated the despicable things she did and said to Verity in the earlier book. Virginia deserved the comeuppance she received in book eleven, GIVE UP THE GHOST. I notice that it humbled her, especially towards Verity. I am also glad that she finally noticed the upstanding man that Ellis is. It always takes a distasteful situation to find out who cares for you.

DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN is book thirteen in Angie Fox’s paranormal-mystery romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. The story can easily stand alone, yet I suggest reading the series from start to finish. Each book shows the trials both Verity and Frankie underwent in their unlikely partnership. Poor Ellis, he hardly showed up in this story. That is the only nitpick I have. The only question I have is… When is Verity’s grandmother going to make an appearance!!

My review for Laura Lee Guhrke's "LADY SCANDAL"

 

LADY SCANDAL
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Laura Lee Guhrke

RELEASE DATE:
June 18, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538722640

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://lauraleeguhrke.com/

 

Lady Delia Stratham differs from most ladies of her station. She works as an event/party coordinator at a ritzy London hotel. Delia fears for her employment when Simon Hayden begins to oversee the hotel. At first, she thwarts the man’s every move. Delia’s attitude towards Simon begins to change. The infuriating man makes her feel alive again. Can Delia trust Simon with the hotel and her heart? Or will she put her trust in the wrong man again?

Simon Hayden, a newly titled viscount, is a successful hotelier. His friends entrust him to figure out why the always bustling Savoy Hotel is in the red. Simon begins his investigation with Lady Delia, especially her part within the hotel. The beautiful yet vexing widow is not what he expected. Simon knows he must keep an emotional distance with the woman; however, he cannot seem to resist Delia’s natural allure. What truths will Simon uncover about the Savoy Hotel? And will Delia threaten his strict business ethics?

I am delighted that Delia received her happily ever after. She deserved one. I adore the role Delia played in Max and Evie’s relationship in the previous book. She helped both to realize that they belonged together. I also like Delia’s thoughtfulness towards the working class. Unlike her peers, she never once looked down upon them. Instead, Delia got to know each one employed at the hotel. There is one nitpick I have about Delia. I dislike how she excused her fellow peers’ abdominal entitle mentality.

Simon’s humble beginnings make him the perfect balance for Delia. He does not through around his title to get special treatment. Simon prefers to work for everything he needs or wants. I admire Simon’s work ethics. He does not believe in mixing business with pleasure. Simon fights his growing attraction to Delia so it would not interfere with his investigation. I respect Simon for rather having evidence of a person’s guilt before condemning them.

LADY SCANDAL is the second book in Laura Lee Guhrke’s historical romance series, SCANDAL AT THE SAVOY. The story can stand alone. There is no ongoing back plot that spills over into this novel. The hero of the first book, BOOKSHOP CINDERELLA, does have a role in this story. I am bummed that Evie never appeared in the story. She did get mentioned here or there. However, I like how the author gives us news of their continual happily-ever-after.

I suspect the next book will be about Lady Kay, Delia’s friend, and Devlin, who happens to be Simon’s pal. I cannot wait to see if I am correct. I wondered what transpired between the two fifteen years ago.

My review for Karen Rose's "BURIED TOO DEEP"

 

BURIED TOO DEEP

Romantic Suspense

  

AUTHOR:
Karen Rose

RELEASE DATE:
August 13, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Berkley Publishing Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593638583

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Phineas “Phin” Bishop works as a handyman and nighttime security for a PI firm. He wants to become a private investigator; however, his PTSD makes him a flight risk. When a colleague is hurt during a break in, Phin steps forward to help find the one responsible. Their investigation brings them to Cora Winslow. Something about her helps Phin calm his mental demons. He will do anything, even face his inner issues, to keep Cora safe. Can Phin overcome his PTSD to protect Cora? Or will it jeopardize the entire case?

Cora Winslow is a competent librarian in the Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana. Her father’s discovered body raises a lot of questions like “Who killed him?” and “Who exactly is writing letters to her signed by him?” Cora also needs help catching the person breaking into her home. She soon finds herself entangled in something far more troubling than she bargained for. Cora cannot help but feel safe around Phin. Can she help the Broussard team in their investigation? Or will Cora end up just like her father?

It is no secret that I have a weakness for the wounded/tortured hero types. Phin piqued my interest since his part in BENEATH DARK WATERS, book two. When I learned this novel was his story, I could not hit “request” fast enough. Phineas made quite the impression on me. He is a broken man still grappling with his PTSD, especially the effect it has on his family and friends. My heart hurt for him. I only have one small nitpick. I desperately wanted a reuniting scene between Phin and Jace. He had been so good to the teen in the previous book. It disappointed me when there was not one.

Cora really impressed me. I admire how easily she empathized with Phineas. From the moment they first met, Cora never once saw him as broken or lacking. Instead, Cora saw a man struggling with his PTSD. I also like how she tried to bolster Phineas’ confidence whenever they flagged. Cora refused to allow him to buckle beneath his mental demons.

BURIED TOO DEEP is the third book in Karen Rose’s romantic suspense series, NEW ORLEANS. It is also the twenty-ninth book in her ROMANTIC SUSPENSE series. I have not read all of Karen Rose’s books, just a few here or there. The ones I did read, I enjoyed immensely. The author meshes crime stories with romance effortlessly. Yes, the romance element takes a back seat to the suspense of the plot.

I browsed through the books listed under the ROMANTIC SUSPENSE series. I suspected that many of the side characters, mostly the couples, had books. I never realized that I read Phineas’ sister’s book, even wrote a review for it. It is understandable that I forgot about it since I read ALONE IN THE DARK back in 2015. I have been searching for a book involving Stone and Delores. They did play a role in AITD because I remarked on it in the review.

My review for Nagisa Furuya's "NUMBER CALL"

 

NUMBER CALL
Boys Love

 

 

AUTHOR:
Nagisa Furuya

RELEASE DATE:
March 12, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781646519460

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Eito and Hachi both have “eight” in their names. They meet by chance when Hachi finds Eito’s test paper and remarks on his name. Their commonality helps them become fast friends. However, things turn awkward when they both realize their true feelings. Can Eito and Hachi overcome their awkwardness before graduation?

NUMBER CALL is a cute and wholesome read. There are no explicit scenes. The romance is more slow burn than raunchy. Eito reminds me of Uenoyama from Given, especially his behavior once he realizes his true feelings for Hachi.

I also enjoyed the mangaka’s art style.

My review for Jennifer Haymore's "How (Not) to Hate a Duke"

 

HOW (NOT) TO HATE A DUKE
Historical Romance

 

 AUTHOR:

Jennifer Haymore

RELEASE DATE:
February 19, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Entangled Publishing,  LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781649375957

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 Miss Georgiana Milford is one of the richest heiresses in England. She wants nothing more than to escape the many fortune-hunters sniffing at her skirts. Georgiana agrees to attend a two-week country party with her friend. She never expected to encounter her family’s mortal enemy: the dastardly St. Clair’s. No matter how hard she tries, Georgiana finds she cannot escape the scoundrel. However, she starts to see that Theo is not the blackguard her father painted him to be. Will their family’s enmity keep them apart?

  Theophilus “Theo” St. Clair, the seventh Duke of Desborough, wants to prove to everyone that he is nothing like his father. However, his neighbors thwart his every attempt. Discouraged, Theo agrees to attend a country party only to find the youngest Milford in attendance. He cannot seem to avoid the shrew. Their time together allows Theo to discover another side of Georgiana. Can Theo right the wrongs his late father committed? Or will they stand in the way of his relationship with Georgiana?

 Georgiana irked me for most of the book. I understand the animosity between her family and Theo’s. It all started with the late duke. However, Georgiana’s father did some underhanded and petty things as well. I expected her to admonish him for his spitefulness. Instead, she excused them, as if her father was in the right.

 Theo won my heart instantly. I could not help but empathize with him. He is a man unfairly branded by the sins of his father. I admire Theo for wanting to fix all the wrongs his sire had done. I also commiserate with him over all the pettiness he endured by the Milfords. It would discourage even the staunchest of hearts.

 HOW (NOT) TO HATE A DUKE is a standalone historical romance by Jennifer Haymore. However, the couple from EARLS RUSH IN do play a role in this book. Charlotte and Finneas are friends with both Georgiana and Theo. I do hope we get to see a story for Theo’s brother Sebastian with Georgiana’s sister.

 

My review of Tsuyoshi Yasuda's The Blue Wolves of Mibu, Volume 1

 

THE BLUE WOLVES OF MIBU Volume 1
Historical Fantasy

 

 

 AUTHOR:

Tsuyoshi Yasuda

RELEASE DATE:
February 27 2024

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888770832

RATING:
4

 

 

Thirteen-year-old orphan Nio wants to change the world for the better, especially for children. He grew up during a turbulent time in Kyoto. Nio encounters two mysterious yet interesting men at the shop he works at. When they rescue him from trouble, he agrees to become the third Wolf of the Roshigumi. Nio needs to discover his own sense of righteous justice, so he can move forward. What trails will Nio face?

I like to try out any new anime and mangas that involve the Shinsengumi. Hakuoki and Peacemaker – the animes -are to blame for my interest and curiosity about them. It is neat to see different artists’ and authors’ versions of Hijikata, Okita, Kondo, and the rest. Tsuyoshi Yasuda made both Hijikata and Okita “pretty boys”, I noticed; however, I still prefer Hakouki’s versions, along with their personalities.

THE BLUE WOLVES OF MIBU, like Hakuoki and Peacemaker, involve a teenager joining their ranks. Through trial and difficulties, these youngsters must discover for themselves what paths they should take. I cannot wait to see what kind of role models Hijikata and Okita will be to Nio and his future. I will definitely be picking up this manga to see what happens.

My review for Charis Michaels' THE PRINCE'S BRIDE

 

THE PRINCE’S BRIDE
Historical Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Charis Michaels

RELEASE DATE:
May 21, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063280106

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://charismichaels.com/

 

 

Lady Marianne “Ryan” Daventry desperately needs to find her missing betrothed – an exiled French Prince believed to be dead. She follows the only clue left her: an old letter postmarked near an ancient, spooky forest. Ryan finds herself rescued by a gruff and reclusive horse trainer, only to discover he is the prince she is searching for. However, Gabriel is reluctant to help Ryan escape his cousin’s evil machinations. Can Ryan convince Gabriel to leave the safety of his forest home? Or will she be forced to find another way to save her home and her sisters?

Gabriel Reign purposely abandoned his royal persona. He now lives a modest life in the middle of the forest working with horses. However, his solitary life is turned upside down when Gabriel rescues a woman from highwaymen. The lady turns out to be his childhood betrothed. Gabriel empathizes with Ryan’s plight, but he fears leaving the safety of the forest. Can Gabriel find the courage to step out of his comfort zone? Will he willingly assume his old role to protect Ryan?

Ryan surprised me in a delightfully good way. She is a woman who knows her limitations and accepts them. I admire Ryan’s inner strength. She would do anything to protect her home and sisters from a self-absorbed jerk. Ryan even dared to travel alone without protection. What I liked the most about Ryan is her acceptance of Gabriel’s fear. She understood his reluctance to leave the forest; she did not berate him but empathized with him.

I admit I have a weakness for any hero who shares my youngest son’s name (lol). Even better when that hero is a wounded or tortured type. Gabriel totally tugged on my heartstrings. He is a survival, one who has endured such heartrending ordeals. I understand Gabriel’s reasons for becoming a recluse living in the forest. The author did a good job showing the effects of his trauma. And I like that Gabriel was not instantly “cured”. Every milestone he faced was a trial for him.

I am new to this author’s works. Sadly, I did not read the first book (SAY YES TO THE PRINCESS). I remember looking at it, intrigued by the synopsis but my review queue was full at the time. My loss, one that I hope to remedy soon.

However, that aside, it did not hinder my ability to follow and enjoy the story. The book can easily stand alone. Elise and Killian, the couple from the first book, play a vital role in the second half of the story. I am anticipating the next (and final) installment!