Review: Amelia Grey's LOVE, THE DUKE

 

LOVE, THE DUKE
Historical Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Amelia Grey

RELEASE DATE:
April 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
St. Martin’s Paperback

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250850461

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://ameliagrey.com/

 

 

Miss Ophelia Stowe is a vicar’s sister. When a religious artifact is stolen from her late brother’s vicarage, she intends to recover it. Ophelia’s search brings her to London and to the Duke of Hurstbourne’s door. The infuriating man refuses to help her search the tone for the missing relic. He instead offers a marriage of convenience to rein in Ophelia’s reckless pursuit. Can Ophelia find the chalice before the new vicar takes over?

Drake Kingsley, Duke of Hurstbourne, receives a letter from a friend, asking him to marry his sister. He declines, only to have the woman show up at his home in disguise asking for help. Hurst cannot ignore his growing attraction to the headstrong beauty. He also knows he needs to rein in her reckless search for the stolen artifact. Can Hurst convince Ophelia to follow his strategy on locating the chalice? Or will her recklessness rub off on him?

I could not really connect with Ophelia like I did with Fredericka and Edwina. There were times when she simply irritated me.  I understand Ophelia’s reasons for searching for the stolen artifact. She did not want her late brother’s good name tarnished. I respect and admire that sentiment. However, it felt like Ophelia refused to listen to reason. It was either her way or no way at all.

There were moments when Hurst’s high-handedness made me want to throttle him. He could have been more sympathetic and understanding towards Ophelia’s need to preserve her brother’s reputation. I get that his tumultuous past with his father colored his views on how things should be done. I wish that he and Ophelia could have compromised on the search for the stolen chalice. It would have made for a more enjoyable read than the two butting heads at every angle.

LOVE, THE DUKE is the third and final book in Amelia Grey’s historical romance series, SAY I DO. The story can standalone. The heroes from the previous two books (Wyatt and Rick) make occasional appearances throughout the story. I wish their ladies (Fredericka and Edwina) had a more prominent role. I feel they would have easily championed Ophelia’s endeavor and forced Hurst’s hand into helping her. It would have made the story more fun and entertaining.

Review: Angie Fox and KC Bailey's DEATH AT THE ICE HOTEL

 

DEATH AT THE ICE HOTEL
Mystery

 

 AUTHOR:

Angie Fox and KC Bailey

RELEASE DATE:
January 03, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Purple Couch Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798992181906

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://angiefox.com/  and https://www.kathleencordeliabailey.com/#/

 

 

Leia Peterson wants to honor her late friend’s memory by fulfilling some of their childhood wishes. She convinces her long-time best friend Katherine to accompany her. The two women travel to Minnesota to enjoy a festival that includes staying in a hotel made from ice. However, Leia and Kat never expected to find themselves neck-deep in a mystery. Will they be able to solve the icy mystery before the end of their vacation? Or is it a case that is best left alone?

I am used to reading books where the main characters are either in their 20’s or 30’s. Leia and Katherine are in either their late forties or early fifties. It is a nice change of pace to read a story where the characters are closer to my own age. I could relate a bit more with them. I like how both women wanted to honor their late friend’s memory by taking this journey. In the process, Leia and Katherine are re-connecting.

DEATH AT THE ICE HOTEL is the first book in Angie Fox’s brand-new series, WANDERLUST MYSTERIES, with author KC BAILEY. This book is quite different from what I usually come to expect from Angie Fox. There is no romance whatsoever. For people expecting a romance, they might be disappointed. Personally, I did not mind. It did take me a while to get into the story. Also, I am unfamiliar with KC BAILEY and her works.

Review: Suzanne Enoch's "A DUKE NEVER TELLS"

 

A DUKE NEVER TELLS
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Suzanne Enoch

RELEASE DATE:
April 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Bramble

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781250331090

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://suzanneenoch.com/

 

 

Lady Margaret “Meg” Pinwell learns about the advantageous match her parents made for her. She knows nothing about her ducal betrothed except for what she has read in the papers. With her aunt’s help, Meg masquerades as a lady’s companion and visits his country estate. However, an accident forces both women to continue their disguises. Meg finds she prefers the duke’s rapscallion butler than him. Which man will Meg ultimately choose? The aristocrat? Or the butler?

James Clay, the Duke of Earnhurst, has no interest in restoring his ancestral home. He enjoys annoying his man of business - that he inherited from his late father. When two women show up, unannounced, James introduces his employee as the duke. However, an unfortunate accident forces James and Elliott to continue the ruse. He never expected to fall in love with a lady’s companion. She becomes James’ reason in fixing up his home. Will his guests learn of his and Elliott’s true identities? But at what price?

I could not connect with either Meg or Clara. There were moments when both women annoyed me. I understand Meg’s concern about the validity behind the rumors surrounding James. Any sheltered young woman would be. What I disliked the most about Meg is the opinion she formed about Elliott. She had already made up her mind about him. Meg did not want to see his good points, just the bad.

I did not care much for James’ attitude. However, he slowly endeared himself to me. I understand some of James’ anger towards his late father and jealousy of Elliott. It is just a shame that he and his father could not have made amends.

A DUKE NEVER TELLS is a standalone historical romance by Suzanne Enoch. This book contains two romances. It did feel like it centered more on Clara and Elliott’s romance than Meg and James. For some reason, this book did not grab me like the author’s past works.

REVIEW: Jill Shalvis' THE LOVE FIX

 

THE LOVE FIX
Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction

 

AUTHOR:

Jill Shalvis

RELEASE DATE:
June 24, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063353442

RATING:
4.5

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

 

 

Lexi Clark’s life is a mess. Jobless, she returns home at her stepsister’s behest. Sunrise Cove holds too many painful memories for Lexi. She grudgingly agrees to honor her mother’s final wish – to make amends to the people she had wronged. The endeavor allows Lexi to see her mother in a different way. She also forges bonds with her stepsister and her childhood nemesis-turned-crush. Can Lexi finally let go of her past resentment? Will Sunrise Cove offer what she truly needs?

Heath Bowman spends his time, and energy, taking care of his grandfather and others. Lexi’s return to Sunrise Cove sends him into a quandary. He manages to convince Lexi to complete her mother’s last wish. Heath finds himself volunteering to accompany her along the journey. He cannot ignore the chemistry brewing between them, but he is hesitant to start something. Will Heath and Lexi’s trust issues stand in their way? Can he let Lexi go once she finishes her task?

Heath and Lexi’s background broke my heart. Both were hurt by a parental figure but in different ways. I understand why Heath and Lexi both keep people at arm’s length. They have been hurt too many times by the few individuals they let in. Since they have so much in common, they understand each other.

What I adore the most about Lexi is how she does not need Heath to fix her problems. She rather meets her challenges and problems on her own terms. I like how Heath never once tried to push Lexi to forgive her mother. Yeah, it often puts him in a difficult position.

THE LOVE FIX is the eighth book in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance, women’s fiction series, SUNRISE COVE. Each book in this series can stand alone because each story has a new cast of characters. There is no on-going or carried-over plot.

Jill Shalvis never disappoints me. I know to anticipate humor to lighten up the tough subject matters she touches on in each book. She also includes a quirky pet that warms my heart whenever I read her stories.

Gus, Heath’s cankerous grandfather, is my favorite character. His antics made me giggle. He made the book so dang enjoyable!

REVIEW: Larissa Ione's "LEGACY OF CHAOS"

 

LEGACY OF CHAOS
Paranormal Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Larissa Ione

RELEASE DATE:
December 03, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Blue Box Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781963135084

RATING:
5

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

 

 

Stryke is the super-genius son of Shade and Runa, a Seminus demon and a warg. A tragedy causes him to alienate himself from his family and to start an anti-demon tech company. He reluctantly allows a DART agent to work with him to create a specialized weapon for their agency. The woman is not afraid to show her open dislike of him. Can Stryke forgive himself for his part in his brother’s death? Or is there more at play than he is aware of?

Cyan is the senior technomancer for DART. She blames Stryke and his company for the deaths of her best friend and her parents. When a chance to work with him arises, Cyan agrees only to make trouble for the incubus. However, she begins to see the guilt-ridden man hidden beneath his aloof and arrogant exterior. Can Cyan help Stryke overcome his trauma? And will helping him help her come to terms with her own grief?

It is no secret that I have a softness for the wounded/tortured hero types. So Stryke checked all my boxes and then some. My heart hurt over all the pain and guilt he carried over the years, alone (by his own design). I wish his family had understood Stryker’s reasons for alienating himself from them sooner. But, I also understand why they did not. They too were dealing with their own grief in their own ways.

Cyan is no stranger to grief. I believe that is how she was able to see the guilt-wracked person beneath the veneer. I like how Cyan wanted to help Stryker move past his trauma and guilt, once she understood him. And in doing so, she remembered fond memories of family and friend.

LEGACY OF CHAOS is the second book in Larissa Ione’s paranormal romance series, DEMONICA BIRTHRIGHT. It is a continuation, of sorts, of the author’s DEMONICA and LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books…  but with the next generation. I suggest new readers begin there before jumping into this series (for many reasons). A lot of the world - its current situation, Seminus demon, etc - are explained in those books. Plus, they rock!

I have been a long-time fan of Larissa Ione’s books. So, when I got the email that I was chosen to review this book, I squeed in happiness. I practically devoured it, forgoing sleep and other things (Larissa’s books do that to me). It is also great to see old favorites return but playing supporting roles. I love seeing what kind of parents they became! Now I must wait until late next year (2025) for the next installment. THAT is going to be rough!

REVIEW: Sofie Darling's DEVIL TO PAY

 

DEVIL TO PAY
Historical Romance

 

  

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
December 17, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CZ2GS4CB

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Lady Beatrix St. Vincent wants to find a good, solid husband to escape the drudgery of her current life. However, her father’s spendthrift ways dashes all of Beatrix’s dreams. That is until Blake Deverill almost runs her over with his horse. The handsome devil proposes a deal that rekindles Beatrix’s hopes for the future. All she needs to do is to fool the ton into believing she and Deverill are engaged. Can Beatrix play the besotted fiancé? Or will Deverill open her eyes to a new dream?

Blake “Dev” Deverill is the only son of a baron’s estate manager and housekeeper. The haut ton dubs him ‘Lord Devil’ for his handsomeness and his ruthlessness in business. There is only one more thing left for Dev to achieve. And to gain it, he needs Lady Beatrix’s help. However, she makes Dev reevaluate his well-crafted plans… and the woman in it. Will Deverill realize that what he wants is not what he truly needs? Or will he recognize it too late?

I had secretly hoped Beatrix would be paired up with Deverill in WAGER WITH A SIREN. So glad that it came to fruition. I empathized with Beatrix’s plight in WWAS. If anyone deserved a happily ever after, she did. And Deverill… I knew he would be the perfect fit for someone like Beatrix. They complimented each other perfectly! I also like how Dev realized his feelings for Beatrix first.

DEVIL TO PAY is the fourth installment in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. I have not read the first two books in the series (yet) but that did not affect my ability to enjoy and follow the story. The couples from them are only mentioned; they do not make an appearance. I plan on diving into ODDS ON THE RAKE once I finish my review books. Since I loved WAGER WITH A SIREN and DEVIL TO PAY, I hope it and future books live up to their standards.

I have an inkling that the next book will be about Artemis and a certain war hero. For a time, I wanted her to be paired up with Jagger (he DEFINITELY needs a book). I am a huge sucker for the wounded/tortured types. So, that whetted my appetite for the next installment. I cannot wait!

Review of Donna Grant's "DARK HEART"

 

DARK HEART
Fantasy Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
November 24, 2024

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CWX5Q9RP

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Arya is a dark elf working as an undercover agent for the Counter Corruption Division. She finds herself kidnapped and brought upon a slave ship, where she comes face-to-face with someone from her past. Arya never forgot Jai or her feelings for him.  However, the handsome dark elf despises her for unknown reasons. Can Arya escape her current predicament? Will she learn what truly happened to Jai four years ago?

Jai is a slave for The Masters. He transports kidnapped elves and humans to a secret compound in Belowground. Jai dreams of exacting revenge on Ayra for her part in his enslavement. He finally achieves his goal, only to learn she had no hand in his capture four years ago. Can Jai help Ayra escape The Masters? Will he discover the culprit behind his enslavement? And will helping Ayra and her comrades be Jai’s atonement?

Sadly, Ayra and Jai did not leave much of an impression on me. I do understand some of Jai’s attitude. He did what he did to keep Priya from getting hurt in his stead. Second chance romances are not my thing. That aside, I think the story would have benefited with some flashbacks. Mainly to show readers the start of Jai and Ayra’s budding romance. Maybe show their personalities before their separation, so readers could see the change that overcame them.

DARK HEART is the second book in Donna Grant’s fantasy romance series, ELVEN KINGDOM. This is another spinoff from her DARK KINGS and DRAGON KINGS (especially the latter). This series focuses more on the elven kingdom on Zora.

 

I gave the book four stars because of the dark elf angle. Dark elves (or drows) have always been my kryptonite. I could never pass up reading a book/story where they are the main stars. Donna Grant’s dark elves are not like DnD’s. I like it when authors tweak races to make it their own. I did notice the author’s Belowground had one similarity to Dungeons n’ Dragons’s Underdark: the bioluminescence.

My nitpick centers around Priya. She became totally predictable. It got repetitious, and a little tiresome, of her continuous appearing only to disappear, unscathed. By the end of the story, Priya started to annoy me to the point of aggravation.