Review for Cathy Maxwell's "CURVES FOR THE RAKISH DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE RAKISH DUKE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Cathy Maxwell

RELEASE DATE:
April 14, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Catherine Maxwell Inc

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798993094106

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://cathymaxwell.com/

 

 

Lady Celeste Harrington is the second eldest among eight sisters. She wants to fulfill her late father’s wish to create a charity that is dear to her. After her proposal is rejected by an influential matron, Celeste seeks assistance from a person unafraid of the woman’s power. She first needs to persuade The Dragon of London to support her cause. Will Oliver’s patronage make Celeste’s charity a success? Or will it hinder it?

Oliver Granier, the Duke of Salcomb, also known as The Dragon of London, seeks to show he is more than his reputation. When he responds to an anonymous summons, Oliver expects a romantic rendezvous. Instead, he is approached by a reserved wallflower requesting his support in her charity venture. Lady Celeste intrigues him. By helping Celeste with her charity, will new possibilities open for Oliver?

Celeste impressed me. She moved outside her comfort zone to fulfill her father’s last wish. I like how Celeste stood up to Oliver.  She spoke her mind when she felt he took over her charity. Celeste did not stand by meekly and allowed him to get away with it. What I love the most about her is how she did not allow one rejection to dissuade her. Instead, Celeste found another way around the obstacle blocking her.

Oliver was a hit and miss with me. He did have some good qualities and some bad. What annoyed me is how Oliver took over Celeste’s charity once he got onboard. He should have included her in some of the decisions. What I adore the most about Oliver is how he never once took credit for the charity’s creation. He made certain the public knew the true mastermind behind the endeavor.

CURVES FOR THE RAKISH DUKE is the second book in the BUSTY BODICE CLUB series. Each of the eight stories are written by a different author featuring full-figured heroines (sisters). This installment is written by Cathy Maxwell. Novella in length, it did not take me long to finish. I am not new to this author. I have read a few of her books, so I am familiar with her writing style.

Georginia is the next Harrington to be featured. The author who will be writing her story is Tracy Sumner. I like how the stories go from the oldest to youngest.

Review for Larissa Ione's "LEGACY OF DESIRE"

 

LEGACY OF DESIRE
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
May 12, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781963135497

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Scotland, Scotty for short, is the youngest daughter of Ares – one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She and her two friends, Mace and Blade, make up DART’s top-performing team. When Scotty decides it is time to lose her virginity, she asks the two to help her find the perfect candidate. Their latest mission goes disastrously wrong and upsets the trio’s dynamics. Which one will Scotty ultimately choose? Or will she allow Fate to take the decision off her hands?

Blade is one of three siblings born to Shade and Runa – a seminus demon and a werewolf Mace is the only child of Lore and Idess, a seminus/human hybrid and earthbound angel. Scotty, Blade, and Mace have pledged not to pursue romantic relationships among themselves. However, both men have harbored feelings for Scotty for years. An incident during their latest mission disrupts their tight bond, and it sparks conflict between Mace and Blade. Can Blade and Mace find a way to resolve their differences?

I am on the fence when it comes to Scotty. There are things that I both liked and disliked about her. I like that Scotty took more after her father when it comes to combative skills. She can handle herself without needing a male to come to her aid or rescue her. Scotty’s attitude did grate on my nerves now and then.

Out of the three, Mace is the one who annoyed me the most. He was too much a jerk. I do not remember ever feeling this way towards Wraith, whom Mace takes after in attitude. However, I do like that he has a relationship with both Wraith and Lore. I empathized more with Blade. His family has endured a lot of traumas over the years. I love that Blade and Stryker finally resolved their differences at the end.

LEGACY OF DESIRE is the third installment in Larissa Ione’s dark paranormal romance series, DEMONICA BIRTHRIGHT. It is a sequel to the author’s popular DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books. This series follows the next generation – the children of the couples from the prior two series. I encourage new readers to start there before delving into this one. Reoccurring characters make frequent appearances throughout the book. Plus, it allows them to understand the state of the world, and how it got to that point.

I admit that I had reservations going into this book. Mostly, I feared that it would be a love triangle. And I cannot stand those. The ones I root for RARELY get chosen. I suspected halfway through it would end up being a three-way relationship (MFM). That type of pairing is not a favorite of mine, but one I could accept.

The pairings I am most looking forward to are Amber and Talon and Sabre and Aleka. I do hope Rade gets a book. For some reason, he caught my attention (and empathy). I want to know more about him, and I want him to have a happily-ever-after. Also, I want a book with Dare, Hades and Cat’s son. So many of the next generation I want to have their happily-ever-afters!

Review for Jeka BC's "INTO THE WITCH'S GARDEN"

 

INTO THE WITCH’S GARDEN
Slice of Life, Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jeka BC

RELEASE DATE:
April 24, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Self published

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798251903904

RATING:
3.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://writtenbyjekabc.weebly.com/

 

 

Rhiannon is a green witch. She decides to relocate to a metropolis in hopes of finding other witches and warlocks. A handsome businessman comes into her flower shop, afflicted with a death curse. This marks the first indication in three years that another witch or warlock resides in the city. Rhiannon takes on the task of helping Leon find the individual responsible for cursing him. Can she prevail?

Leonard “Leon” Montgomery owns a prestigious hotel and casino chain. He visits Rhiannon’s flower shop seeking a special out-of-season flower for his late wife’s grave. Leon doubts the woman’s claim that he is cursed, but after a near-fatal car accident, he reconsiders. He brings Rhiannon into his workplace to help uncover the culprit responsible for the curse. Will they find the witch/warlock in time?

I could not connect (or like) Rhiannon. In short, her personality irked me. Rhiannon did and said some things that just annoyed me. I feel that she could have approached things in a different way with better results. She is self-taught. So, she hopes by connecting with other witches/warlocks, she will come to understand her abilities and limitations better.

I think the story could have benefited with more chapters and scenes in Leon’s point-of-view. As is, it felt one-sided. It would have helped me connect with Leon better and understand him. Even towards the end, he felt like a virtual stranger.

INTO THE WITCH’S GARDEN is a one-shot novel by Jeka BC. It took me a while to adjust to the first-person narrative.  I read more third-person narratives than the former, so that is understandable. The story’s tone came across too Young Adult for my tastes. I steer clear of that genre because it does not appeal to me. I believe that is what happened here. And the ending just felt slapped-together and rushed.

Review for Kotaro's "VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM"

 

VOICES IN THE SEA FOAM.
Boys Love

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kotaro

RELEASE DATE:
May 05, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781647295806

RATING:
4

 

 

Aito is a reincarnated mermaid princess, one who died tragically from unrequited love. He believes the curse followed him into his new life as a human. Aito has sworn off love because of it. However, a chance encounter with Toru causes him to change his mind. Can Aito find a way to break his curse? Or will history repeat itself?

Toru is a junior in the sound and engineering department of college. After watching a video of Aito singing, he realizes he wants him to do vocals on a track. Whenever Toru is around Aito, the other man cannot speak. When he finds a way around their communication barrier, Toru finds himself falling in love with Aito. Can he convince Aito to go out with him?

Poor Aito. I can understand his reasons for being so jaded about happy endings and love. Being bombarded with such heart-wrenching memories at a young age would have anyone swearing off love.

I only have one small nitpick. I would have liked more of Toru’s point of view. Aito’s friend Mizuki has more scenes than Toru – which seems odd and off putting for me. It did not allow me to connect with him.

Mizuki may be a side character but he/she is a GREAT friend. I admire how far he/she went to help Aito overcome his curse. There was no derision, just acceptance.

This is basically a Boys Love twist to The Little Mermaid telling – the Grimm version not Disney. There are no heated sex scenes nor any heated kissing. Overall, it gives off a wholesome vibe.

A one-shot manga. So the pacing between Aito and Toru is rushed in some places. I would not be adverse to another volume being released, side stories showing the progression of Toru and Aito’s relationship.

Review for Jil Hashikura's "HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM" Volume 1.

 

HONEY BEE & LEMON BALM Vol 1
Boys Love, Slice of Life, Yakuza

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jil Hashikura

RELEASE DATE:
April 7, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888777589

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Kaoru Mitsuya is a down on his luck, former yakuza. Yuichiro Shirouzu is a florist in the entertainment district. Kaoru discovers Yuichiro unconscious in an alley and helps him return to his shop. Yuichiro offers him both a job and a place to stay. Kaoru finds himself falling in love with his beautiful employer. Will he confess to Yuichiro? And how does Yu feel towards Kaoru?

Kaoru and Yuichiro’s personalities complement each others. Kaoru is rough-around-the-edges and abrasive. Yuichiro is calm and often clueless. I like how Yu tries to help Kaoru turn his life around. My heart melted when he held an impromptu birthday party for him. I adore how protective Kaoru is towards Yu, especially once he finds out about his frailty.

This manga is such a wholesome yet fun read! Some parts had me laughing (especially Ryo’s interaction with Kaoru. I can see those two becoming friends). There are no sex scenes – which I am totally fine with. The story and its progress does not call for it. I am glad it was not mired down with it.

I will be buying a copy for my collection when it is released. This is totally a keeper. I cannot wait for the next installment!

Review for Eliana Piers' "CRUVES FOR THE GRUMPY DUKE"

 

CURVES FOR THE GRUMPY DUKE.
Eliana Piers

 

AUTHOR:
Eliana Piers

RELEASE DATE:
April 7, 2026

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781834204703

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.elianapiers.com/pages/home

 

 

Honoria Harrington wants to honor her father’s dying wish: to paint a duke’s portrait and display it in a gallery. She first needs to gain a certain duke’s consent. An unforeseen ally helps Honoria in securing Dermont’s agreement to pose for her. During a session, she and the duke find themselves unable to resist their mutual attraction. Will Honoria fulfill her father’s final wish?

Dermont, the Duke of Kolbridge, does not have time for Honoria’s antics. He is worried about his sister’s acceptance amongst their peers. An incident forces Dermont to agree to pose for Honoria. When a suitor attempts to abduct his sister, Dermont realizes what Honoria truly means to him. Can he help her achieve her goal? Will Dermont persuade Honoria to marry him?

The shortness of the book made it difficult for me to connect with Honoria and Dermont. I feel that the characters would have benefitted with a longer story. I love Honoria’s insistence on completing her father’s last wish. And she would do whatever it took to achieve it. I do adore Dermont’s desire to look after and protect his sister.

CURVES FOR THE GRUMPY DUKE is the first book in the Busty Bodice Club. Each story is written by a different author featuring full-figured heroines. Eliana Piers is a new-to-me-author. Novella in length, it did not take long for me to read. Some areas felt a little rushed, which made it tough to get into the storyline and characters.

I am curious about the next installment. Celeste is the next Harrington to fulfill their father’s dying wish. I wonder what he has in store for her.

Review of Sofie Darling's "LADY DELILAH DARES A DUKE"

 LADY DELILAH DARES A DUKE

Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
March 17, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0G155LRZ4

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Lady Delilah Windermere is the youngest daughter of an earl. She views the Duke of Ravensworth as her nemesis. After her cousin weds Delilah secretly joins a traveling theater company for the summer. During a production Sebastian almost sabotages her opportunity to perform, again. Now Delilah must deal with the man for the remainder of the summer. Will she ever achieve her dreams of acting? Or will something stand in Delilah’s way?

Sebastian Crewe, the Duke of Ravensworth, is widely regarded as the “Patron of the Arts”. He has always been captivated by Delilah. Sebastian finds her performing with a traveling troupe of actors. When she refuses to return home, he decides to accompany her in disguise. During their summer together, away from their peers, Sebastian and Delilah begin to see each other in new light. Will he reveal the truth behind the Eton incident? Can Sebastian persuade Delilah that they belong together?

There were moments, in this book and the other four, that Delilah annoyed me. I understand that acting and performing on a stage is her passion and dream. And that her noble status hindered Delilah following it openly. However, I always felt that she treated Sebastian rudely and unfairly. She never truly given him the chance to explain his reasons for what he did at Eton.

There are so many nummy things about Sebastian. He may appear arrogant and cold, but he does have a heart of gold. I admire Sebastian’s dedication to supporting the arts and not just one aspect of it. He even uses his ducal influence to pressure his peers into doing the same. What I love the most about Sebastian is how he never wanted to curb Delilah’s personality. It is the part of her that first drew his attention. Sebastian loved watching her chase after her dreams.

LADY DELILAH DARES A DUKE is the fifth and final book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, WINDERMERES IN LOVE. LDDaD was first published in January 2023 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc. The author and Oliver Heber Books re-released it, along with the others, with new covers. To better understand everything about the Windermere family, it is important to start at the beginning. Each story, including the prequel, is novella length.

Amelia and Tristan, Archer and Valentina, and Juliet and Rory make an appearance at the end. I am so happy that they did! And, we finally got to meet the Windermere siblings’ parents. They have been mentioned in the prior books except the prequel. Yes, even the ever-annoying Oliver Quincy has a part to play.