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.

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.