Review for Kinley MacGregor's "THE FORGOTTEN"

 

THE FORGOTTEN
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kinley MacGregor
(other alias Sherrilyn Kenyon)

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798900431987

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Sin is the illegitimate son of a Scottish laird and an English gentlewoman. He is the English king’s most feared knight and trusted advisor. Sin despises everything Scottish except his half-brothers. When the king orders him to marry a Scotswoman, he resists. The monarch has another reason for sending Sin into enemy territory: to find the raider attacking his people. Caledonia baffles him. She invokes feelings and desires he has no business having. Can Sin trust his wife with his heart? Or will Caledonia betray him as others have?

Caledonia “Callie” MacNeely is a political hostage of the English crown. She tries valiantly to escape with her younger brother only to fail. Callie realizes marriage to Sin is her only path home. However, she fears how her kinsmen will treat him once they arrive. On the trip to Scotland, Callie begins to see there is far more to her husband than his sinister reputation suggests. Can she teach Sin how to love and be loved? Will Callie convince her clan to accept him? Or will political unrest stand in the way of their happiness?

Sin’s backstory is every bit as heartrending as I remember. The abuse and neglect he suffered in childhood, followed by the rejection and hostility in adulthood. It made my heart ache! I can understand why Sin is so guarded, broody, and distrustful. It has been hammered into him continuously. I like the glimpses of who Sin might have been if he had grown up with love and support of family. Generally, those moments only appeared whenever he was around his Scottish siblings. What I admire the most about Sin is how he treats children. He refuses to let any child suffer abuse or endure the kind of cruelty he experienced.

Caledonia is no damsel in distress. She does not wait to be rescued but instead devises her own escapes. She is not deterred by failure. What I admire most about Callie is her ability to see the man beneath Sin’s feature reputation. She understands how traumatic his childhood was and how it shaped him. Callie feels empathy for him, not pity. I love how openly she defends him against those who shun and speak ill of him. Callie is not afraid to earn their censor or ire.

THE FORGOTTEN is the third book in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. Originally released in 2003 by Avon as BORN IN SIN. The author has re-published the series with different covers and new titles. I have not re-read this book since its first release in 2003. Not because it is terrible but because of the traumatic life Sin had. This read through reminded me why Sin is still my favorite wounded/tortured hero of all time.

I love how the MacAllisters (Braden, Ewan, and Lochlan) play parts in the story. Simon also plays an important role throughout the book. Maggie from THE HIGHLANDER does appear in the epilogue. And Draven and Emily have a couple scenes.

 

Review for Kinley MacGregor's "THE HIGHLANDER"

 

THE HIGHLANDER
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Kinley MacGregor
(other alias Sherrilyn Kenyon)

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798900431932

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Braden MacAllister is the youngest of his siblings. He returns home to Scotland to find the women of the clan boycotting their men. Braden discovers that the mastermind behind the revolt is Maggie, his friend’s younger sister.  He offers to seduce Maggie into ending the mutiny, but the stubborn hellion appears to be immune to his charms. Braden begins to see Maggie differently. Can Maggie persuade him to give up his womanizing ways? Or will he unintentionally break her heart?

Maggie ingen Blar is determined not to lose another brother to the ridiculous feud with the MacDouglas. She persuades the women of both clans to revolt against their men until the lairds agree to negotiate peace. The only threat to her carefully laid plan is Braden MacAllister. She has loved him since childhood, but she refuses to let that distract her. Can Maggie successfully end the feud between the two rival clans? Or will her plan have dangerous repercussions for all?

I have noticed that rereading certain books years later can completely change one’s view on a character. Braden clearly did not leave much of an impression on me the first time. On this second read, now that I am older and hopefully wiser, I find him easy to like. He is such a lovable rascal. Yeah, his womanizing made Braden a red flag. However, I understand his aversion to commitment. What happened with Sin and Braden’s mother clearly had a lasting effect on him. What I adore the most about Braden is his love for his brothers. It hurt him deeply when he lost one, and he vows not to lose another for any reason.

Maggie is awesome! She is a woman worn down by the fallout of a senseless feud. I admire Maggie’s ingenuity in uniting the women in two clans against their menfolk. In that time period, women did not have many rights, so they did not stand up to their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons. I am surprised Maggie and the others did not get into more trouble than what they did. I understand her reasons and feelings for putting an end to the animosity between the two clans. Men never really notice how the women and children suffer from such disputes.

THE HIGHLANDER is the second installment in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. Originally released in 2002 by Avon as CLAIMING THE HIGHLANDER. The author has re-published the story with a different cover and new title. I remember buying and reading this book twenty-four years ago. Unfortunately, I do not recall much of what happened in it (they say as you age, the memory goes). Sad, I know. Bits and pieces did feel familiar to me, such as the MacAllister brothers’ banter and their closeness. So, it is like reading the book for the first time all over again.

Re-reading Braden and Maggie’s story did remind me why I fell in love with Sin. Him, I did not forget! I am anticipating his book’s re-release! Until then, I will re-familiarize myself with the MacAllisters as each new book comes out.

Review for Megumu Seto's "You Might As Well Be the One" Volume 1

 

YOU MIGHT AS WELL BE THE ONE, Volume 1
Romance, College

 

 

AUTHOR:
Megumu Seto

RELEASE DATE:
August 11, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888778371

RATING:
3.4

 

 

Ichika Nakajo wants a boyfriend. Her flashy looks make it hard for Ichika to meet the kind of men she is looking for. She attends a mixer in hopes of finding one, only to end up in disappointment. Ichika does make a new friend. Kosei Sanari is perfect. The two share many of the same interests. There is just one problem: Kosei is not interested in a long-term relationship, just casual hook-ups. Will Kosei end up breaking Ichika’s heart?

What I like the most about Ichika is how she is not conceited about her appearance. She does not dress to gain other people’s attention nor is she self-absorbed. Ichika is fully aware of her self-worth. I like how she is upfront with Kosei about searching for a boyfriend. I understand her frustration. She finally finds someone she clicks with… then discovers he is not interested in permanent relationships.

I am on the fence about Kosei. I like that he tells Ichika straight out that he is not boyfriend material. He cautions her about falling for him, and he pushes and encourages her to still look for ‘the one’. However, I feel that he is giving Ichika mixed signals. He gives off this hot and cold vibe. I sense there is a reason or trauma behind Kosei’s preference for casual relationships. Perhaps it will be explored in further volumes.

I like that the story is centered around college students. It is a nice change-of-pace from high school romances. I am not sure if I will be continuing this manga series. It just did not really grab me or my interest like some others did.

Review for Molly Ni Cheileachair's "ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN, Vol 1"

 

ACCIDENTAL ASSASSIN, Vol 1
WEBTOON Graphic Novel, Contemporary, Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Molly Ni Cheileachair

RELEASE DATE:
September 01, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781834110509

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Bonnie “Bon” Baily works in a corporation’s accounts receivable department. Her co-workers have no idea about Bon’s unusual upbringing. A late night at the office turns into an attack by assassins. Bonnie manages to take one down with ease, which gets her invited to join a secret organization called the Fianna. Her new partner is not exactly thrilled to be paired with her. Now Bonnie must balance her job at Fintech with her internship to the Fianna.

Bonnie may look like a ditsy, airheaded damsel. However, looks are deceiving. She has been trained, by her father, in how to survive and protect herself. Skills that are not necessary or needed in her corporate job. It is something that Bonnie does not broadcast to others around her.

The art style reminds me of comic books than manga. How the panels are drawn, the direction they are read, and the flow of the story. It took me a while to realize not to read this like I would a manga. I am not too familiar with web comics and only read a few comics like Critical Role and comic versions of my favorite romance book series (example Kinley MacGregor/Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Avalon series).

There are two aspects that drew my particular interest in this webcomic: that the story takes place in Ireland (sucker for anything Irish) and there is a secret organization called Fianna. I have always been fascinated by Celtic lore, so I am somewhat familiar with the Fianna.

I only have one nitpick, and it has nothing to do with the content. Mostly, it deals with the format Netgalley gave me to read. I like reading on my Kindle Fire, not my computer. However, I was not given that option. Why it took me longer to read this volume.

Review for Jill Shalvis' "FALLING INTO YOU"

 

FALLING INTO YOU
Contemporary Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jill Shalvis

RELEASE DATE:
July 14, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781464261060

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Hazel Pierce owns Pierce Custom Woodworks, a business she started after returning to Star Falls. On her way to a job site, a wasp sting causes her to crash her van into a river. The man who comes to her rescue is the last person Hazel wants to see. She and Tucker have history – one she has no desire to revisit or repeat. However, things do not go as Hazel plans. Will she find a reason to remain in Star Falls? Or will her complicated feelings for Tucker send her running once more?

Tucker Colburn is a firefighter for Star Falls. Between shifts, he also helps at his brothers’ restoration company as their project estimator. Tucker is the one who finds Hazel after her accident and rescues her. He knows that things between them are complex and unresolved. But Tucker cannot help his instinctual need to protect her. Can he trust his heart to Hazel? Will Tucker convince her to stay? Or will history repeat itself?

Hazel and Tucker both endured painful childhood. Tucker grew up with an abusive father and the loss of his mother. Hazel found herself spiraling out of control when her mother passed, which caused her to do some things she later regrets. They truly are kindred spirits.

Hazel’s sarcasm and sass is her defense mechanism. What I truly like the most about her is the way she makes up for her teenage mistakes. She does it willingly. Tucker has defenses of his own. He feels this need to rescue people. I love how Tucker has always believed in Hazel, even when their relationship becomes strained. He always wanted the best for her.

FALLING INTO YOU is the third and final book in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance series, COLBURN BROTHERS. The story can standalone. However, reading the first two books will help readers understand the Colburn’s dynamics. The past that continues to haunt all four. Why they feel like they are defected and broken. I love seeing the couples from the prior two books play important roles throughout the story. It made it feel like an extension of their own stories.

Generally, I am not a fan of the second-chance trope. However, I like how Shalvis handled this one. The beginning of their second chance begun in the background of the first two books…

The only nitpick I have is I wanted Kiera to have her own book. Sadly, that does not look like it will happen. Her “romance” feels like a loose end that is pushed into the story, a side note. Honestly, I feel like Kiera got cheated.

 

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and the author (Jill Shalvis) for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Review for Jeffe Kennedy's "BLADES, BOOKS AND THE BANDIT"

 

BLADES, BOOKS, AND THE BANDIT
Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
May 14, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing, Inc

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958679890

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Bandit has been secretly pining for her fae princeling since their inevitable parting. When she learns that Azul has been abducted, she sets out to rescue him. The only hitch? The Citrine realm is unchartered territory where few humans have gone and returned. If she has any hope of succeeding, Bandit must rely on her smuggling partner, Goldilocks. However, she soon realizes that the situation is not as it seems. Will Bandit be forced to say a final goodbye to her fae love?

Bandit’s carefree and rowdy personality is subdued in this volume. Glimpses of her former self do appear, occasionally. She feels like a pale simile of the person we met and enjoyed in book one. I understand the reason Bandit is like this, the whole “once you go fae, you can never go back to mortals” ideology. I like how she is willing to risk everything, even daring the unknown, to rescue Azul.

Azul does not appear until halfway through the book, which is both understandable and a bummer. The reason for his forced engagement remains a mystery. We do, however, get a small clue near the end. I hope book three finally provides answers and a resolution. I still enjoy the snarky, innuendo-filled banter between Azul and Bandit.

BLADES, BOOKS, AND THE BANDIT is the second book in Jeffe Kennedy’s fantasy romance series, THE FAST AND THE FAE. The story picks up where book one leaves off. So, it is necessary to read LOVE, LIES, AND LEY LINES before venturing into this one. It (LLaLL) introduces the author’s world, the dynamics between humans and fae, how Bandit and Azul met, and other important details.

I did not get a movie vibe from this one like I did with the first. There is no question about the Smokey and the Bandit vibe with LLaLL. If there is one for BBatB, it went over my head. Or I either did not watch the movie or liked it (big possibility).

Side note: In the first book, I had a small nitpick about a certain term used a lot in the book. The author calmed down on its usage in this book. I still have a difficult time taking it seriously… and it still throws me off. But, that is a me problem I will just have to deal with.

Review for Fuyumi Soryo's "MARS 30th Anniversary Edition, Volume 1"

 

MARS 30^th Anniversary Edition, Volume 1
Romance. Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Fuyumi Soryo

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777848

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Rei Kashino lives a fast-paced, reckless life. He skips school, gets into fights, womanizes, and races his motorcycle. Rei happens upon Kira at a park when he asks her for directions. He later recognizes her at school the following day. Rei cannot help but be drawn to the timid girl, thus starting their unorthodox friendship.

Kira Aso is a withdrawn, unassuming girl - who spends most of her time drawing. She encounters Rei in the park. He is the epitome of everything Kira distrusts. Instead of answering him, she draws him a map on the back of an old drawing. Kira’s opinions of Rei change as they slowly get to know one another. She even dares to ask him to model for her.

Kira and Rei are complete opposites, especially in personality. Rei is popular and recalcitrant. He likes to do things his own way and on his own terms. Kira is introverted and timid. Her timidity often leads people to take advantage of her. For all their differences, Kira and Rei are both wounded souls, damaged emotionally and mentally. I like how they seem to help each other confront their demons. Kira finds confidence while Rei decides to come to terms with his past.

The art style is clearly old school – which I found refreshing. The manga was first released, in English, in 2002. And it has been out of print for decades. I never heard of it until I saw it available on Netalley. I wanted to try something a little different than what I generally read.

The story’s plot is easy to follow. Yes, there are some trigger warnings, such as bullying, suicide, sexual assault and harassment, and violence. I found Kira and Rei easy to like and connect with (but then I am a sucker for the wounded/tortured types. I would love to continue with the manga… Enough to buy the hardback version once it releases? Now that is a stretch. I would if it came into omnibus format.

Review for Kumosoku "WHAT IF I SAID, "I LOVE YOU"? Volume 1

 

WHAT IF IS SAID, “I LOVE YOU”?, Volume 1
Boys Love, Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kumosoku

RELEASE DATE:
June 30, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888778203

RATING:
3

 

 

Kazuho and Tokio have always been close friends. As they enter high school, everything shifts. Kazuho realizes his feelings for Tokio are romantic, not platonic. He worries how Tokio might react if he learns the truth, so he begins to distance himself. Will Kazuho find the courage to confess his feelings? And what will Tokio’s answer be?

I am still on the fence about this manga. The storyline just did not invoke much interest in me. I would have liked a little more on Tokio’s point-of-view. It would have allowed the story to flow a little better and to allow readers to connect with him better. It felt one sided, like everything centered around Kazuho.

Volume One reads more like a one-shot. So, I am curious yet not so curious, what the mangaka plans for the next volume.  And for readers who like the steamy, raunchy sex scenes will be disappointed. It is mostly Kazuho agonizing over his feelings and yearning for Tokio. His angst that it will be unrequited.

Review for Kinley MacGregor (Sherrilyn Kenyon)'s THE FORSAKEN

 

THE FORSAKEN
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon (under the alias Kinley MacGregor)

RELEASE DATE:
May 12, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GY5KNSLK

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Draven de Montague, the Earl of Ravenswood, is known for his reputation on and off the battlefield. When his neighbor accuses him of raiding their villages, he consents to his king’s solution. Draven assures his sovereign that he will not lay a hand on his guest-slash-hostage in anger or lust. However, she tests the boundaries of his resolve. Can Draven resist Emily’s amorous pursuit? Or will he forsake his honor to have her?

Lady Emily is the youngest daughter of a powerful earl. She yearns to leave her father’s household and to start her own family. When she becomes a political hostage for a year, Emily decides to seize her chance. Tempting Draven to the altar proves to be a difficult endeavor, but Emily refuses to relent. Can she breach the barrier surrounding Draven’s heart? Or will another obstacle stand in Emily’s way?

Kenyon is the reason why I am a sucker for the wounded/tortured hero types. She writes them incredibly well. And Draven did not disappoint me. He has survived a traumatic childhood full of emotional and physical abuse. My heart bled for everything Draven underwent from his father’s hand. I can understand why he chooses to shut himself off from others and distrust them. What I love the most about Draven is how Emily helps him overcome his demons. It is not instant progress but a slow, agonizing one.

At first, she is afraid of him because of his reputation and her father’s prejudiced. However, Emily’s opinion of Draven changes as she spends time in his presence. She starts to see the good that others either ignore or overlook. I adore Emily’s determination to show Draven the love he never got to experience as a child. She never gave up on him. What I admire the most about Emily is how she openly rebukes her father for his cold treatment of Draven.

THE FORSAKEN is the first book in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. I have been a fan of this author’s works (as both Kinley MacGregor and Sherrilyn Kenyon) for about seventeen years now. Originally released in 2001 as MASTER OF DESIRE, this is one of the author’s earlier works I have not read. I am ecstatic that she re-published it. I hope Kenyon plans to do that with the rest of her out-of-print titles.

Review for WITCH HAT ATELIER, Grimoire Edition 1

 

WITCH HAT ATELIER, Grimoire Edition 1
Fantasy

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kamome Shirahama

RELEASE DATE:
May 5, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777794

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Coco is a young girl from a remote village, who is fascinated by magic. She discovers that becoming a witch is not possible for everyone. When a witch visits her mother’s shop, Coco’s curiosity leads her to secretly watch him. She attempts to replicate what she observed, but things go terribly wrong. The witch decides to accept Coco as his latest apprentice. Her magical journey starts from there.

I really do not understand why many have problems with Coco. She is your typical child. Curious about the things that they are into and prone not to listen to adults/parents. I like that Coco is floundering in her introduction to magic, clumsy even.

What I like the most is how the magic system works in this world. Why the secrecy… And why a selective few are allowed to practice it. The mangaka does a brilliant job explaining the reasons. It is different, and it does not follow the same ol’ mold from others.

I have noticed a mixed range of opinions regarding the anime adaptation of this manga. I wanted to see what the hype is all about. When I discovered this edition available on Netgalley, I decided to take a chance to see if I would enjoy it. If I enjoy it, I plan to watch the anime and buy the manga.

Small nitpick – though I completely understand – the ARC only covers content from the first volume and some art. It is a preview edition than the full thing. So, no behind-the-scenes information on the world, interview with the mangaka, or early sketches. For the purpose I wanted, it is enough. I got a taste of the art style and the story’s premise. The art, including the few colored versions, is beautifully and tastefully done. It is not flashy or too detail orientated as some. I plan to start the anime sometime this week and buy the manga when finances allows.

Review for Casey Griffin's "A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH"

 

A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH
Paranormal Romance, Mystery

 

 

AUTHOR:
Casey Griffin

RELEASE DATE:
May 15, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781990470455

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://books.caseygriffin.com/

 

 

Violet Woods directs her efforts to investigating her fiancé’s murder. She reluctantly accepts help from her nemesis, who promises to share useful case intel. Violet attends the exclusive estate auction without Lucy when the reporter fails to show. A corpse and counterfeit jewels land her into yet another mystery to solve. Plus, she suspects her deceased fiancé is keeping secrets from her. Is this new case somehow linked to Nolan’s unsolved murder?

Violet has shown such incredible growth through the series. Her return to Charm Island forces Violet to face her inner struggles, both mentally and emotionally. She is also taking her witchy abilities more seriously. I like how Violet and Lucy finally come full circle. This latest case helps them finally discard their rivalry. What I love the most is the slow progression of Violet and Max’s relationship. It is more like a slow-burn, second-chance type deal. And I admire Violet’s determination to stop running away when things get dicey or difficult.

A FAKE WORSE THAN DEATH is the fourth installment in Casey Griffin’s paranormal-mystery series, A CHARM ISLAND MYSTER. I suggest starting this series from the beginning, as each book reveals a clue to her fiancé’s cold case. The prior novels also explain the setting, Charm Island and its quirks, along with Violet’s witchy abilities.

Review for Sherrilyn Kenyon's HELL TO PAY

 

HELL TO PAY
Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon

RELEASE DATE:
April 28, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0G631NF1Z

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Luke Teivel, Lucifer’s son and heir, finds himself exiled from Hell and stranded on Earth. He vows to find the one responsible and make him/her pay. Luke works for Infernal Affairs – a covert division of the police that deals with supernatural cases. He and his new partner are investigating one that involves art students and missing souls. Someone is framing Luke with the murders. Could this case be connected to his banishment?

Detective Sorcha O’Malley is transferred to Infernal Affairs after an incident at her previous department. She is assigned to be Luke’s latest partner. Sorcha tries to adjust to the eccentricities of her new workplace and colleagues. Her and Luke’s first case quickly pulls Sorcha into the supernatural world. When he is framed for murder, she helps him clear his name. Will Sorcha be able to settle in within her department?

Luke made the entire story so fun to read. His snarky wisecracks and antics made me giggle continuously. I never knew what to expect him to do next or what sardonic remarks would come out of his mouth. My favorite thing about Luke is that he is more of an antihero than a traditional one. He is not above bending the rules or doing underhanded things to get the necessary clues for his cases. Luke’s mannerisms and quips remind me so much of Tom Ellis’s portrayal of Lucifer. They literally have the same vibe.

Sorcha proves that she is the perfect balance for Luke. She has this steadying influence that seems to mitigate his satirical nature.  I like how Sorcha could not stand Luke’s personality at first. Then slowly, she begins to find her groove with him and interact accordingly. I cannot wait for the author to delve more into Sorcha’s lineage and background. She has alluded to two significant events in her past which continue to impact her.

HELL TO PAY is the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon’s brand-new paranormal series, INFERNAL AFFAIRS. It blends elements of SUPERNATURAL and LUCIFER, especially the cop angle. This series’ tone reminds me of the early DARK-HUNTER books. Same snarky humor, which is the author’s trademark. And quirky and entertaining characters with sarcastic wit and bold personalities. A name from one of the author’s Kinley MacGregor series is mentioned. I freely admit I had a fangirl moment because I recognized the character.

As I told my husband, there is no sex scenes. Yet. There is a lot of innuendo, flirting, and sexual awareness between the two mains. I have a feeling this series is going to be like Nalini Singh’s GUILD HUNTER series, mainly focusing on Luke and Sorcha. Which, I am totally on board with.

Review for Janna MacGregor's "CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Janna MacGregor

RELEASE DATE:
May 26, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Self-published.

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FTGG52WQ

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lady Penelope Harrington needs to marry and live humbly to secure her inheritance. She accepts a teaching position at an all-girls finishing school in Scotland. Penelope persuades her friend Edward to accompany her. She leads everyone at the school to believe he is her husband. However, the unknown stranger following them may reveal their deception. Will Penelope succeed in the task that her father left her?

Mr. Edward Thornton is the son of a tutor. He promises Penelope’s late father that he would always look out for her. When she asks him to act as her escort, Edward reluctantly agrees. He even assumes the role of her husband to protect her on the journey. Edward suspects the man trailing them works for a villainous viscount seeking to marry Pen. Who is the man really seeking? Penelope? Or could it possibly be Edward?

Penelope is an effervescent whirlwind with a love for ridiculous hats. I like her teaching style. It is a little out there, but it did capture her students’ rapt attention. What I love the most about Penelope is how she never cared about her and Edward’s stations. She treats him as her equals and knows that she can trust him.

Edward is such a sweetheart! He has always been Penelope’s staunchest ally, even with the differences in their station. He refuses to allow anyone to take advantage of her or hurt her. I love how Edward adores Pen’s full figure. He is quick to admonish her whenever she bashes on her curves.

CURVES FOR THE SECRET DUKE is the seventh book in the BUSTY BODICE CLUB series. Each of the seven stories are written by a different author featuring full-figured sisters. Novella in length, the stories do not take long to read. This installment is by Janna MacGregor, an author that I am familiar with.

Review for Annabelle Anders' "CURVES FOR THE BEASTLY DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE BEASTLY DUKE
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Annabelle Anders

RELEASE DATE:
April 28, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Penny Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FQWBMG51

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Rosamund “Rosa” Harrington needs to publish something meaningful under her own name to gain her inheritance. She decides to write an article about the Beastly Duke of Bexley. Rosa wants to banish the ugly, dark rumors circulating about Julian. She pretends to be a common miss to gain his reluctant cooperation. However, Rosa’s deception may unravel all her good intentions. Will Rosamund’s article change society’s outlook on Julian?

Julian Cavendish, Duke of Bexley, chooses to lead a life away from public scrutiny and societal speculation. He has accepted the moniker attached to him. Julian’s isolation is interrupted when a determined miss arrives at his doorstep, eager to write his story. The woman appears unfazed by his gruffness or the scar on his face. Julian distrusts Rosamund’s intentions, but he allows her to stay. Can Rosamund convince Julian that he is not beastly?

Rosamund pleasantly surprised me. I admire her determination to publish an article to prove the rumors about Julian false. She wanted the world to truly see the man beneath the scars. Yeah, Rosa went about it underhandly. But she meant no disrespect by it. Rosamund knew it was the only way she could gather the pertinent information about him.

It is no secret that I adore wounded/tortured hero types. And Julian did not disappoint me! My heart went out to him. War changed him both inside and out. I understand Julian’s need for solitude after the cruel speculations of his peers and the public. He knew that no matter how hard he protested, people would believe what they wanted. What I adore the most about Julian is how he did not allow his isolation to interfere with his ducal duties. He channeled all his focus onto his lands and tenants, doing what needed to be done for those dependent on him. Also, he had his wood carving hobby.

CURVES FOR THE BEASTLY DUKE is the fourth book in the BUSTY BODICE CLUB series. Each of the stories are written by a different author featuring full-figured sisters. This installment is written by Annabelle Anders, a new-to-me author. The Beauty and the Beast vibe made me eager to continue reading till the end.

Review of Jennifer K. Lambert's "AMONG THE THORNS"

 

AMONG THE THORNS
Fantasy Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Jennifer K Lambert (aka Jeffe Kennedy)

RELEASE DATE:
July 14, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Bramble

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250360373

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://jenniferklambert.com/

 

 

Rose is regarded as the generation’s most promising oneiromancer, potentially rivaling Oneira. She even attracted the interest of a minor prince. Rose has always felt different from her classmates, as if something in her life was missing. She soon discovers the presence of an untrained oneiromancer bearing her likeness, who is causing havoc. When Rose confronts the other sorceress, she realizes they are both victims of a lie. Will she uncover the mastermind behind their separation?  At what cost to herself?

Thorn spends her life isolated in a woodland cottage, unaware of her magical ability. She wishes for freedom and to be rescued by her dream prince. Thorn seizes her chance when her guardian leaves her unattended. She quickly realizes that she is ill-equipped to navigate the outside world safely. When a more refined version of herself arrives, Thorn learns they are involved in someone else’s plot. Is it possible for her and Rose to break free from the political agenda that confines them? Can Thorn learn to control her magical ability?

Sebastien is the seventh son of King Soren. When it becomes apparent his ability is zoopathy, he is enrolled in a school of magic. Sebastien’s father has an ulterior motive for sending him to that school: to persuade Rose to accept his contractual offer. When he is unsuccessful, he heads home and unexpectedly encounters a softer, fragile facsimile of the sorceress. Sebastien unintentionally helps the two women discover one another. Which sorceress will he choose? The sophisticated, aloof one? Or the vulnerable, guileless one?

In the beginning, I did not care too much about Rose. She came off too snobbish, too anti-social for my tastes. However, my opinion started to change once I learned more about her. Then her demeanor and attitude made sense. What I like the most about Rose is her willingness to help Thorn reclaim the life stolen from her. Yes, she was a little harsh towards Thorn sometimes. However, it was necessary to keep the other woman from doing involuntary harm.

My heart went out to Thorn. She has been mentally abused and taken advantage of by her guardian. And she has been deprived of the necessary tutelage of her abilities. It is understandable why Thorn’s personality is the total opposite of Rose’s. I admire the bravado it took for Thorn to take the initiative to learn about her magic in secret. Yes, she bumbled through it and made many mistakes along the way.

At first, Sebastien did not leave much of an impression on me. His upbringing in the royal court left him cynical about love, especially all that Sebastien had to endure. I am surprised he turned out as he did. I like Sebastien’s closeness with his two unpopular half-sisters. He wants nothing more than to improve their lives since they looked after him throughout the years. I believe they are the reason he turned out pretty decently instead of being ruthless jerks like their other siblings.

AMONG THE THORNS is the second book in Jennifer K. Lambert’s fantasy romance series, NEVER THE ROSES. The story can easily standalone. It features a completely new group of characters, basically picking up where NEVER THE ROSES leave off. Oneira appears twice in the book with Stearanos once. Mostly they are mentioned (or referenced).

I enjoyed this book way more than the first. Yes, the beginning did start off slowly. However, it was necessary to introduce the three main characters and their situations. Once things became established, the pacing picked up.