Review: Julie Ann Walker's BLACK HEARTED

 

BLACK HEARTED
Romantic Suspense

 

 

AUTHOR:
Julie Ann Walker

RELEASE DATE:
September 26, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Limerence Publications LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CCT14R65

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://julieannwalker.com/

 

 

Samuel “Sam” Harwood, former Marine Raider, is an operative for Black Knights Inc. When they need a temporary hacker, he immediately thinks of his ex-girlfriend’s little sister. Hannah Blue is no longer that preteen Sam fondly remembers but a woman full grown. When she lands herself in serious trouble, he risks everything to come to her rescue. With help from his BK comrades, they try to keep a catastrophe from happening.

Hannah Blue works as a computer specialist for the Department of Defense. She has always harbored special feelings for Sam, but the man continues to see her as that same preadolescent girl from the past. When Hannah is labeled a traitor, Sam is the first person she calls for help. They need to evade the FBI long enough to keep a national disaster from crippling the nation, along with clearing her name. 

I understand Sam’s hesitancy where Hannah is concerned. She had been a preteen when they first met. He practically watched her grow up. I can see where he would be hung up on that. It is a hard hurdle to get past, along with his prior relationship with her older sister.

From the first book, I knew that Hannah would be a favorite. She may not be on Ozzie’s level (no one can top him EVER), but she is close. I adore Hannah’s personality. She has this snarky sass about her that made this book and the prior so entertaining to read. I especially love her creative cursing!

BLACK HEARTED is the second book in Julie Ann Walker’s romantic suspense series, BLACK KNIGHTS INC: RELOADED, a spinoff from her BLACK KNIGHTS INC series. I recommend reading the prior book (BACK IN BLACK) before this one. The author has a knack for setting up the next couple within the current one. And this book is no different! Walker knows how to hook her readers and make them eager for the next installment. Fisher and Eliza are next! I cannot wait!

My man Ozzie (WILD RIDE, book nine) plays an important role in this book. I squealed in happiness (I kid you not) when he made his appearance, especially with his love of hairbands and 80’s pop culture. Man, how I missed him! Ozzie always made the prior series so much fun to read. I love his wise crack commentary! Please, please Julie Ann Walker let Ozzie make frequent appearances in upcoming books! HE IS A MUST! (LOL)

Delilah and Mac (HELL FOR LEATHER, book six) also make a small appearance. It is great that we are seeing the old crew in their new lives. I hope we see the others in future books.

Review: Amalie Howard's NEVER MET A DUKE LIKE YOU

 

NEVER MET A DUKE LIKE YOU
Historical Romance

 

 AUTHOR:

Amalie Howard

RELEASE DATE:
November 14, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538737767

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://amaliehoward.com

 

 

Aspen Drake, the Duke of Greydon, returns to England to reassume his ducal responsibilities. He finds himself trapped in an attic with none other than Lady Vesper, his childhood friend and nemesis. Aspen believes that she is like his callous mother and the rest of their peerage. However, he soon discovers there is far more to the beautiful, headstrong heiress than he thought. Can Aspen and Vesper settle their differences? Or will something else stand in their way?

Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is a paradigm for other women in their social class. She is rich, beautiful, and sought after. Vesper has no interest in marriage; however, she does enjoy playing matchmaker for others. Aspen is the only person who can crack her ladylike mien. The man infuriates her, and Vesper cannot ignore the strong attraction between them. Can Aspen change Vesper’s stance on marriage? Or are there other things that will keep them apart?

Aspen is a hit and miss with me. I like that Aspen has scholarly pursuits. It is his way of connecting and honoring his late father. What I admire the most about Aspen is how he uses his ducal influence for good. He wants to keep others from sharing his father’s sad fate. Aspen knows to prevent that he first needs to take his responsibility in the House of Lords seriously. The only thing that irked me about Aspen is how he handled his mother. I will mention below my nitpicks on that subject.

I am on the fence about Vesper. There were moments when I liked her, and then there were instances when she just annoyed me. I love Vesper’s camaraderie and interaction with her friends, the Hellfire Kitties. It is evident that each of the women care and look out for each other. What I admire the most about Vesper is her desire to help the less fortunate, especially children. She does not do it to look good to her peers. Instead, Vesper does it because of the satisfaction it brings her.

NEVER MET A DUKE LIKE YOU is the second book in Amalie Howard’s historical romance series, TAMING OF THE DUKES. The story can easily stand alone. There is no on-going plot or villain spilling over into the next book. Stone and Nève, the couple from ALWAYS BE MY DUCHESS, do show up intermittently throughout the story. I have a feeling (fingers crossed) that Lushing and Briar are next. I love their chemistry, in this one and the prior one.

I do have one nitpick. Aspen’s mother (Spoiler. Read at your own peril) Throughout the book, she is painted the heartless villain. It feels like she got off WAY too easy. Perhaps I am bloodthirsty… I wanted her peers to learn about her villainy and ostracize her as she rightly deserves. Not to mention being incarcerated. That she did not really dampen my enjoyment of the book.

 

Review: Vivienne Lorret's IT HAD TO BE A DUKE

 

IT HAD TO BE A DUKE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Vivienne Lorret

RELEASE DATE:
November 28, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063143128

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://vivlorret.net/

 

Magnus Warring, the fifth Duke of Longhurst, needs to marry an heiress. He nearly succeeds, only to learn of a rumor circulating that he is already betrothed to his enemy’s daughter. Magnus wants to confront the culprit and have her recant her ludicrous lie. Verity annoys him like no other, but he finds that he cannot erase her completely from his thoughts. Can Magnus ignore the enmity between their families?

Verity Hartley is the oldest daughter of a baron. She considers herself the odd duck in her family. To get back at her spiteful nemesis, Verity claims to be betrothed to the Duke of Longhurst. She never expected her little lie would reach the man’s ear, or that he would show up at her hamlet home. Magnus’s vexing attitude brings out the worst of Verity. Yet, she cannot seem to exorcise him from her mind. Will Verity’s falsehood become truth?

Mmm, Magnus. I have a weakness for the grumpy and overly serious hero types. Magnus is a straight shooter. He detests lies and deceit. I found it fun that he became an unwilling participate in one (not of his making of course). What I like the most about Magnus is that he is unlike other dukes. Instead of gambling, borrowing, or selling things off to keep his estate from ruin, he chose to work alongside his tenants.

I could not help but like Verity. She does not really fit in with her family nor does she share their passion for the thespian arts – something she accepted long ago. I like that Verity is plagued by self-esteem issues. This makes her relatable to me. Now there was a time or two when her insecurities, especially about her age, got annoying.

IT HAD TO BE A DUKE is the first book in Vivienne Lorret’s historical romance series, THE LIAR’S CLUB. Enemies-to-lovers trope. I am new to this author’s works. The book’s synopsis is what interested me to give the story a try. I love a good enemies-to-lovers tale. I found the storyline fun and engaging.

I plan to be reading further books in this series. I have a feeling Honoria’s story will pick up where this one ended. I cannot wait! Plus, I want Rowan and Anna’s story. And Truman! He deserves a happy-ever-after. I hope his story is not a second chance; it’s my least favorite trope.

Review for Sara Bennett's DREAM OF A DUKE LIKE YOU

 

DREAMING OF A DUKE LIKE YOU
Historical Romance

AUTHOR:
Sara Bennett

RELEASE DATE:
October 10, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538723814

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sara-bennett.com/

 

 

Gabriel Cadieux owns a profitable gaming establishment in London. He receives news that he is the heir to a debt-ridden dukedom and guardian to six sisters. Gabriel grudgingly accepts his new responsibilities. However, he needs to find someone who can help his siblings integrate within Polite Society. Gabriel believes Vivienne Tremeer will be perfect for the job. She is perfect for his sisters but wrong for him. Which will Gabriel choose? His responsibilities? Or his heart?

Vivienne Tremeer is the daughter of a baronet. When her brother loses at gambling, and has no way to pay, she approaches Gabriel to forgive his debt. Instead, the infuriating man offers Vivienne a deal – if she agrees to teach his sisters how to navigate the ton, he will clear the debt owed. She never expected to fall in love with him. However, Vivienne knows her blemished reputation is wrong for Gabriel’s family. Will Vivienne do the right thing by giving Gabriel up?

It is always fun for me when I see a hero share my youngest son’s name. Other mothers may find it uncomfortable or unnerving, but not me. And no, I did not name my son after a book character (my husband forbade it. Lol). I could not help but love Cadieux. He started out with nothing, a boy from a foundling home, who managed to turn his situation around by a game of chance. I like how Gabriel never forgot his two childhood friends, also from the same foundling home. He included them in his new life, both as a gaming hell owner and then later as a duke. What I adore the most about Gabriel is his hobby. He likes to read… and not what others would expect. Gabriel likes reading romance books, a first for me.

I could not help but empathize with Vivienne. She always put her loved ones’ needs before her own while dealing with her own worries and troubles. I admire Vivienne’s willingness to take action to protect her brother’s future. She had limits on what she was willing to do. Even when things looked bleak or helpless, Vivienne never considered debasing herself. What I like the most about Vivienne is that she never treated Gabriel like an outsider. She understood him better than their peers ever would.

DREAMING OF A DUKE LIKE YOU is the first book in Sara Bennett’s historical romance series, DUKE OF GRANTHAM. I am new to this author’s works. The story’s premise is what interested me. I have a fondness for the “gaming hell owner” angle in historical romances. Some of my all-time favorite stories have that aspect in them. I cannot wait to read further books in this series.

Nitpicks, I do have a few. One, Vivienne and Will’s stepfather. I believe that could have been touched on further. Honestly, I anticipated him being Gabriel’s final roadblock to deal with. Instead, it feels like the entire situation fell between the cracks, forgotten. Unless the author plans to save that for Will’s story.

The second one is Longley’s character. I understand he is Gabriel’s nemesis. He seemed to only come out to cause some tension or problem for Gabriel, only to melt back into the background. Nothing more is done with him, no final confrontation, nothing. I wonder, like above, if the author plans to use Longley for Charles’ book, which makes sense.

Review: Sophie Jordan's The Duke Starts a Scandal

 

THE DUKE STARTS A SCANDAL
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Sophie Jordan

RELEASE DATE:
October 24, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063035751

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.sophiejordan.net/

 

 

Lucian Ross is the newest Duke of Penning, a role he intends to take seriously. He hopes his peers never learn about his sordid past, so Lucian hosts a week-long party to secure respectable, aristocratic spouses for him and his sisters. However, his young housekeeper proves to be a distraction. The termagant entices his dark desires. Will Lucian tempt exposure and scandal to have her?

Susanna Lockhart works as the housekeeper at Penning Hall, a position she excels at. There is something about her newest employer unsettles her. With her position on the line, Susanna strives to prove her worth to him. She never anticipated the attraction brewing between them. However, Lucian’s house party brings someone that could expose Susanna’s own past and destroy her. Can Susanna resist Lucian?

Lucian slowly won me over. At first, I did not like his personality. However, as I learned Lucian’s background, the many sacrifices he made for his sisters, my opinion quickly changed. I admit that it is a nice change-of-pace for the hero to have the “sordid” past. What I love the most about Lucian is his refusal to abuse the employer-and-employee relationship. It is a line he refused to cross no matter what.

Susanna is a woman who knows her place in a noble’s household. I like how she has no lofty aspirations. Susanna is quite proud of her accomplishments. She started out as a maid and slowly worked up the servant hierarchy to become Penning Hall’s housekeeper. What I admire the most about Susanna is how she refused to submit to her enemy’s threats. She rather her past be exposed than subjugate herself to him.

THE DUKE STARTS A SCANDAL is the fourth book in Sophie Jordan’s historical romance series, THE DUKE HUNT. The story can easily stand alone. I suggest reading the first book, THE DUKE GOES DOWN, to understand how the dukedom landed in Lucian’s hands. One of the nitpicks I have is that I wanted Lucian and Peregrine to meet.

I really enjoyed this book. It ties with THE RAKE GETS RAVISHED, book two in the series, of being my favorite. I stayed up late to read as much as I could (hence why I finished this book in two days). Another nitpick (small) I have is that I wished the couples from the previous books would have made an appearance in the plot. I missed them.