Review for Sabrina Jeffries' "NEARLY A BRIDE"

 

NEARLY A BRIDE
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sabrina Jeffries

RELEASE DATE:
April 28, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kensington

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781496751041

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Rupert Oakden, the Earl of Heathbrook, has spent twelve years detained in a French fortress. Now home, he wants nothing more to claim guardianship of his three younger brothers. Heath’s rakish reputation hinders his ability. He must find a suitable fiancée to appear respectably in front of the courts. A perfect candidate presents herself to Heath. Giselle needs his help, so Heath proposes a plan: if she poses as his pretend fiancé, he will help her and her mother gain proper, legitimate papers. Is their ruse doomed to fail?

Giselle Bernard has secretly adored Heath since their days in Verdun, France. She has no interest in tying herself down to a man with such a wild and reckless past. Plus, Giselle believes she is not suitable for Heath. When a stranger asks about her and her mother’s paper, Giselle turns to the only person she believes could help. Heath proposes an outlandish request, one that could possibly benefit them both. However, secrets from the past reveal themselves. Will Heath and Giselle’s charade become real?

I admire Heath’s persistence in gaining custody of his brothers. He will go to any lengths, even subterfuge, to get them back. They may be strangers, especially the youngest, but that did not matter to him. I believe Heath’s time in France gave him a better appreciation for family. Why he is so desperate to get custody. What I like the most about Heath is how he floundered a bit once he got them back. Their relationship was not instant. The Oakden brothers had to find their footings with one another.

I understand Giselle’s hesitations, especially when it concerned Heath’s rakish past. She did not want to walk in her mother’s footsteps. Giselle had learned from her mother’s mistakes. I feel that sometimes Giselle let her illegitimacy stand in her way. Heath, unlike his lofty peers, had no problem with it, and he even voiced it. Yet, Giselle persisted that she was not good enough for him.

NEARLY A BRIDE is the second book in Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romance series, LORDS OF HAZARD. Sadly, I have not read HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART. It did not hinder my ability to follow and enjoy this story. The author does a great job of touching up on Heath’s time in France. There is a small plot spillover from the prior book, a mystery that continues to go unsolved. I wonder if more clues will be revealed in the next book or if it will be solved? I have a feeling the next couple will be Scovell and Chloe.

I am curious about Sir Percy. Is he the one who outed Jon, Heath, and Scovell in France? If he is innocent, will he get a book? Will his innocence or guilt be proved in the next book? I hope the answers will be revealed in the next installment.

I do have one nitpick that affected my rating. The whole angle concerning Zach, and the way it is handled. To me, it came off unbelievable. It just did not work for me.

Review for Sofie Darling's MR. SINCLAIR BEGUILES A BLUESTOCKING

 

MR. SINCLAIR BEGUILES A BLUESTOCKING
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
November 18, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FV2SKGPN

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Violet Hotchkiss has accepted her future as a bespectacled, bluestocking spinster. She forms an infatuation with Oliver Quincy, a gentleman she believes is everything a hero should be. And then there is Will Sinclair, Violet’s neighbor, who has always been too much for her. Everything changes at the Twelfth Night ball when she kisses Will in the garden. Violet begins to see both men in different light.

Will Sinclair is the only son of a country baronet. He returns home to assume his duty as his father’s heir. Will has always had a secret crush on Violet. So, he cannot understand what the smart woman sees in his conceited, dunderheaded cousin. Things change between Will and Violet when they share a kiss at Twelfth Night Ball. Will is determined to prove to Violet that he is the better man.

The thing that irked me the most is Violet’s blindness towards Quincy’s obvious flaws. If I had been in Violet’s place, I would have been disillusioned far sooner. I hate how she felt inferior because she wore glasses and enjoyed books. It is sad that Violet felt that defined her as a woman. What I like the most about Violet is her generosity with the local youths. She encouraged them to enrich their minds by providing books weekly.

Will is a total sweetheart! It truly baffles me that Violet did not recognize sooner. I adore how Will has always admired Violet for the person that she was. He did not care whether she wore glasses or not. Will knew there was far more to her than what others perceived. And he loved her selflessness in helping the local youths to read and praised her for it.

MR. SINCLAIR BEGUILES A BLUESTOCKING is the 0.5 book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, WINDERMERES IN LOVE. It was first published in 2020 as IT WAS ONLY A KISS. I am only familiar with the author’s ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING series. I decided to venture into her other works… and it did not disappoint.

Review for Julie Ann Walker's "BLACK WIDOW"

 

BLACK WIDOW
Romantic Suspense

 

  

AUTHOR:
Julie Ann Walker

RELEASE DATE:
January 27, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Limerence Publications

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781950100217

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://julieannwalker.com/

 

 

Hewitt Birch, former Nightstalker pilot, is a secret operative for Black Knights Inc. He has been silently looking after Sabrina since the day she fainted in his arms. When she is kidnapped, Hew’s calm veneer crumbles. After a harrowing rescue mission, and learning about their enemies’ true intent, Hew does not want to jeopardize what he has with Sabrina. Will self-preservation keep Hewitt from telling Sabrina about his feelings? Or will his hesitation push her into the arms of another man?

Sabrina Greenlee works as the Black Knights Inc’s social media specialist. Thanks to the BKI gang, especially Hewitt, she has slowly overcome her traumatic ordeal. However, Sabrina is put to the test when she finds herself kidnapped and held for ransom. She refuses to jeopardize the people who have done so much for her. Once she is rescued, Sabrina is determined to tell Hew how she feels. Will Sabrina finally find the nerve to confess? Or will the threat against BKI keep her from doing so?

Hewitt and Sabrina share so much in common. They both have had terrible childhoods without proper and loving parental guidance. They both have the love of reading. And they both were too afraid to jeopardize their friendship by admitting their true feelings. I admit, there were times when I wanted to knock both in the head. Their dillydallying annoyed me. But, deep down, I understand their uncertainty and hesitation.

Hew’s background is so heartbreaking! I could not help but feel for the big guy. I love how Hewitt understood everything that Sabrina was going through. Since he too experienced trauma, he knew exactly what she needed. He selflessly became her anchor so she could heal and move forward.

Sabrina has shown amazing growth since her introduction. She managed to keep it together during her kidnapping than relapsing. That ordeal would be difficult for anyone for a second time.

BLACK WIDOW is the fifth book in Julie Ann Walker’s romantic suspense series, BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED - a sequel to the author’s popular BLACK KNIGHT INC books. Fans of the first series will love knowing that Becky, Boss, and Ozzy make frequent appearances. I never get enough of my Ozz man and his love for hairbands and 80’s music. Sure, he plays a minor part, but it is not a BKI book without him in it. And Peanut!

Once again, like the prior four books, the author sets up the next couple: Graham and Lura. I cannot wait for their adventure. Will they figure out who Bishop is? And what about Kerberos? Will we ever learn who they are?

Review for Suzanne Enoch's BETTER THAN A DUKE

 

BETTER THAN A DUKE
Historical Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Suzanne Enoch

RELEASE DATE:
March 03, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Tor Publishing Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250331205

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://suzanneenoch.com/

 

 

Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, needs a wife – one proper enough to prepare his daughter for her future in the ton. He believes he found the perfect candidate. However, his new neighbor comes bursting into his life like a tempest. The woman does not fit the criteria Becket desires for his daughter’s tutelage. But he finds that he enjoys spending time with her and her son. Which woman will Beckett choose? The prim and proper lady? Or the improper one who loves both him and his daughter?

Iris Silbern is a down-on-her-luck widow. She has no intention or desire to remarry. Iris and her ten-year-old son are forced to rely on and stay with her aunt and uncle. They forcefully encourage her to agree to a match with a wealthy yet elderly duke. Iris finds a fellow kindred spirit in her next-door neighbor. She knows that she is the wrong sort for Beckett’s daughter. Will Iris sacrifice herself to ensure her son’s future? Or will a better offer present itself to her?

Beckett and Iris have so many things in common. Both are widows from disastrous marriages, they are dedicated to their children, and their old friends deserted them. Beckett and Iris also understand where the other is coming from, why they do what they do for their children, and etc. Kindred spirits. I also like how they met once at Iris’ coming out… it makes me think “right people, wrong time.” It was too soon for them to connect and come together at that time.

Beckett is a sweetheart. He instantly took to Edmund, even encouraged a friendship with his daughter. That makes him an upstanding, teddy bear in my book (the world needs more men like that). And Iris! I love that she refuses to be bullied by men and their chauvinistic views. Iris is not afraid to bloody noses or speak her mind. She does not conform to what the ton believes a woman must behave.

BETTER THAN A DUKE is a cute, stand-alone historical romance novel by Suzanne Enoch. I have been a long-time reader and fan of this author. Of course, I could not pass up reading this book. And it does not disappoint. The store does indeed have a PARENT TRAP vibe to it, which made it entertaining to read. Rebecca and Edmund really helped the story come to life for me. I found myself either grinning or giggling at her banter and antics.

And oh boy did the author make me really despise both Beckett and Iris’s family members (well the ones involved in the story). I could have cheerfully throttled them plus Pauline and the dirtbag duke. The only nitpick I have - I wanted Iris’ aunt and uncle and Beckett’s mother to get some form of retribution done to them. I guess I am a little vindictive like that.

Review of Sofie Darling's "A LADY'S ROGUE TO RUIN"

 

A LADY’S ROGUE TO RUIN
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
October 28, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0FHBSNHT5

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

 

Blaze Jagger is the illegitimate son of an impoverished and lascivious marquess. He now owns the majority stakes in an exclusive gaming establishment in London. Blaze seeks shelter from the rain in a circulating library owned by his partners’ siblings. He happens to meet the youngest Calthrop – a stunning yet brilliant entrepreneur. Blaze knows that he is wrong for Viveca, but he cannot seem to deny the woman her request. Can Blaze comply with her request without damaging her reputation? Or will Viveca ruin his work relationship with her elder brother and sister?

Lady Viveca Calthrop is the youngest sister of a duke. She and her sister opened a circulating library in London. One rainy afternoon she happens on Blaze in her establishment and discovers his secret. Viveca offers to teach him how to read in exchange for a taste of his world. During their first interlude, she learns there is far more to Blaze than what everyone knows. And Viveca wants to know more about the fascinating man, even court ruin to do so. Can Viveca convince Blaze to ignore the difference in their stations? Or will she be forced to lose him?

I am so happy that Blaze gets his happily ever after… and with a Siren (aka Calthorp)! I had a feeling that the two would pair up from DEVIL TO PAY, book four. Blaze is my favorite hero of all time from Sofie Darling. I love his devilish and infectious personality. He made the story so much fun to read! What I adore the most about Blaze is his innate nobility. He looks after (and gifts) the few people he lets into his heart. Blaze also gives back to the less fortunate. He is the total opposite of his father.

Viveca is a woman who knows her own mind. She does not let the differences in statuses dictate who to let into her life. If something interests her, she pursues it. I love how Viveca is not impressed or infatuated with the ton’s amusements. She finds them tiresome and a complete waste of her time. She rather do something more meaningful or purposeful.

A LADY’S ROGUE TO RUIN is the sixth book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. It is best to read this series in proper order. Characters from the prior books make appearances and/or mentioned throughout the story. Two years have passed since the great horse race that the previous six novels covered. It is nice to see how the couples from the previous book continue with their lives, having children, etc. I have a suspicion that Saskia Calthorp and Liam Cassidy – the brother of Gemma from book one, ODDS ON HE RAKE – will be the next pairing. And I fear their book will end the series.

I do have one nitpick. And the reason why I did not give this book a five-star rating, even though I devoured it in two days. I kind of expected some form of confrontation between Blaze and his lech of a father. I really wanted to see Blaze put his father through the wringer for his past deeds (to him, his mom, and Bea). But nada. I felt disappointed and let down.

 

Review: H.L. Dawson's "Emika and the Sekai no Kami no Kokoro

 

EMIKA AND THE SEKAI NO KAMI NO KOKORO
Fantasy / Fantasy Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
H.L. Dawson

RELEASE DATE:
July 21, 2025

PUBLISHER:
---------

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798264221293

RATING:
2 (DNF)

 

 

Emika is a Reitsumeyoke – dispeller of twisted warped gods called sugami. When the voice of the mountain god falls silent, and the sugami threat rises, she must search for his secret shrine. Emika’s only companion is Mu, a minor god burdened by a curse.

The story takes place in a fantasy, Japanese-style world. A big thing that perked my interest. However, I struggled to get into the story and connect with the characters. I think if the author toned down on the prose and terminology geared to that world, the story would have flowed better for me. Yeah, she offered a glossary – which helped – at the beginning. It just felt like every other paragraph had such words. That got too repetitive and off-putting for my tastes.

Sadly, I “DNF” this book. This is rare for me. It usually takes me two to four days to finish a book. In two weeks, I managed to read 23%. I am pragmatic enough to know when to call it quits on something that holds no interest.

As a fellow anime lover, I can see the Inuasha and Noragami influence. I am a huge fan of the former anime (I have the Sesshomaru plushies to prove it!). Emika reminded me somewhat of Kikyo – the being bound to spiritual duty to the people of their village.

What I did like is the illustrations on each new chapter page.

 

Review of Takiba and Fuuko Minami's LIGHT OF MY LIFE

 LIGHT OF MY LIFE

BL Manga

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Takiba

RELEASE DATE:
October 28, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888775035

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Minagi has always had an inquisitive mind. He decides to become a host instead of pursuing a career in the medical field. An accident in his third year of high school forces Aki to give up on becoming a pro soccer player. He now runs the hair salon he inherited from his late grandfather. Aki always wonders why Minagi never followed through on becoming a doctor. When Minagi needs a place to stay, Aki reluctantly agrees to let him live with him. Will the truth force Minagi and Aki apart?

Poor Minagi!  I understand his main reason for giving up on his dream. Yeah, it is a little misguided. Guilt causes many people not to think straight… But his heart is in the right place.

This is a one-shot manga. I really like the art-style. It made following the storyline and characters enjoyable. The sex scenes got steamy…