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

 

THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Christy Carlyle

RELEASE DATE:
April 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063347342

RATING:
4.75

AUTHOR LINK:
https://christycarlyle.com/

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Michelle McLean's The Duchess Takes it All

 

THE DUCHESS TAKES IT ALL
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Michelle McLean

RELEASE DATE:
November 26, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Entangled Publishing, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781649376473

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://michellemcleanbooks.com/

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Donna Grant's THE BASTARD KING

 

THE BASTARD KING
Fantasy Romance.

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
October 14, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353394

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Jade Lee's "TEMPTRESS"

 

TEMPTRESS
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jade Lee

RELEASE DATE:
September 21, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DCLF8WKF

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://kathylyons.com/

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Sherrilyn Kenyon's HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC

 

HOUSE OF FIRE AND MAGIC
Fantasy Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon

RELEASE DATE:
September 24, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781648396946

RATING:
4.5

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

STILL OF THE NIGHT
Paranormal Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
September 10, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353363

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review: Suzanne Enoch's A KISS IN THE DARK

 

A KISS IN THE DARK
Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Thrillers

 

  

AUTHOR:
Suzanne Enoch

RELEASE DATE:
October 08, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Independent Publishers Group

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781641972901

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://suzanneenoch.com/

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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