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.