I found this to be a rather sad story, as Evelyn Sparrow is sold into marriage by her parents. Although she is highly qualified in her profession as aI found this to be a rather sad story, as Evelyn Sparrow is sold into marriage by her parents. Although she is highly qualified in her profession as a restorer of artworks, she does not earn the respect of her colleagues simply because she is a woman. The one man who does make her heart beat faster is a client, and he is off limits. What is surprising is that Evelyn fled when she came face to face with the groom who had bailed her parents out of their debts, and managed to get across London to the Harp and Thistle to reach the one man who might be able to shield her from the fallout. Ollie McNab obviously has a learning disability, which incurs the wrath of his less tolerant brother. However, he has compassion and kindness in spades, and when Evelyn arrives at the Harp and Thistle, he does whatever it takes to keep her safe. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
As much as I have always admired the selflessness of those who take holy orders, it has never sat well with me. Benedict is taking time out to think aAs much as I have always admired the selflessness of those who take holy orders, it has never sat well with me. Benedict is taking time out to think and reflect on the vows that he will take as a priest, when the carriage he is travelling in is held up by a highwayman and he is shot trying to protect his coachman. Taken to the Duke of Ravensmere's estate for help, Benedict is surprised to find himself being tended by a young woman, whom he is sure is an angel. A bond is formed between Benedict and Lady Angelica as she watches over him day and night, and conflicting feelings are aroused as he contemplates his future. Eventually, returning to London with his brother, Benedict battles with his decision to enter the priesthood. He makes a choice from which there is no return, and unfortunately, Angelica overhears his discussion with his advisor, which almost ends any chance of future happiness for them. However, Benedict manages to show Angelica how much he cares for her, bringing the novel to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
Throughout this series, Major Crispin Taverston has been one of my favorite characters, with his quirky humor, the ability to solve everyone's problemThroughout this series, Major Crispin Taverston has been one of my favorite characters, with his quirky humor, the ability to solve everyone's problems, and phantom appearances - now you see, now you don't. This novel, however, puts him in a completely different light, and there were times when I got quite angry with him at his unkindness, lack of wisdom, and selfishness, leaving Miss Camillia Harrington feeling betrayed and tainted. When duty calls, Crispin once again answers the call, but the horrors of the final battle with Napoleon leave him sickened to the core. Returning to England a different man, events make him realize that he may have been wrong about Camellia, and he sets out to find the truth, which is indeed sorrowful. He also discovers that Camellia is even stronger than he thought, and he finally comes to his senses. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review....more
I enjoyed this novel even more than the first one in the series, as Georgina Williams is exiled to Havenwood Academy, “for her own good”. Crippled witI enjoyed this novel even more than the first one in the series, as Georgina Williams is exiled to Havenwood Academy, “for her own good”. Crippled with shyness, it takes removing her from the gilt and glitter of London ballrooms for Georgina to safely explore her options. Her roommates are her perfect foil, drawing her out of her shell whilst respecting her privacy. However, due to their antics, the girls come face to face with three London rogues from the neighbouring estate. At least, according to their reputations, they are rogues, but when the Earl of Foxmoore lays his eyes on Georgina, he is immediately attracted to her quiet demeanor and gentle spirit. She is very different from every other woman he knows, but he is also aware that she cannot be his latest toy. Adrian gently entices Georgina out of her shell and gives her the affirmation she so desperately needs. When Adrian is finally sure of his heart and intentions, he makes his move, bringing the novel to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
A heartwarming romance develops between the main characters, although it would normally be frowned upon, given that Jocelyn is a wife on the run. JoceA heartwarming romance develops between the main characters, although it would normally be frowned upon, given that Jocelyn is a wife on the run. Jocelyn had been planning her escape for some time, but when she realizes that there is a baby on the way, she can no longer take a chance on surviving her husband's abuse. Arriving at the small inn in Scotland, she fears that the innkeeper sees and understands more than he is letting on. He has obviously noticed the bruises on her face and her exhaustion, but to her relief, he shows her kindness and gives her the refuge she needs. Gunn does not have the wherewithal to shower strangers with mercy, but the frail woman on his doorstep pulls at his heartstrings. He has his own problems to deal with, but he did not expect that the runaway wife would be his salvation, even as he became hers. Together with his friends, whom we have previously met in this series, they bring truth and justice for both Gunn and Jocelyn. I received a copy of this beautiful romance as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review....more
Caught in the crosshairs of a killer, Cole Kincaid finally has to admit that in spite of his military training, he does need a bodyguard. Only, “he” tCaught in the crosshairs of a killer, Cole Kincaid finally has to admit that in spite of his military training, he does need a bodyguard. Only, “he” turns out to be “she”, and much to his surprise, Regan takes him down faster than he can blink an eye. Regan has had to work hard to prove herself in the Army, the Rangers, and as a bodyguard. She is used to men underestimating her, but she does not compromise her values or her femininity in order to win their favor. Posing as a couple or as an administrative assistant, Cole and Regan do whatever it takes to uncover the killer who is stalking Cole. I enjoyed the fact that in spite of Regan's formidable training, she nevertheless has her vulnerabilities, and she is not depicted as Wonder Woman who has all the answers. It is only as the tension starts to ramp up that the identity of the killer becomes clear, and Regan and Cole have to work together to bring him down before they can begin to explore the attraction that is developing between them. The novel, a copy of which I received as a gift, is a standalone and comes to a successful conclusion, and this is my honest and voluntary review....more
A beautiful, yet gentle, romance develops between the main characters as they face their fears and learn to overcome their difficulties. Lady Dru flieA beautiful, yet gentle, romance develops between the main characters as they face their fears and learn to overcome their difficulties. Lady Dru flies in the face of convention, rides astride in breeches, and loves being outdoors grubbing in the garden. Her mother makes the rules in their home, and when her compassionate brother-in-law and sister invite her to spend the summer on their estate, she is more than happy to join them. They have also promised that they will do whatever it takes to protect her from her mother's machinations in the upcoming season. Her introduction to Perry, the Earl of Martindale, leaves her feeling confused and just a little unsteady. Perry is an introvert by nature, and his war experiences have left the sensitive man dreading his violent nightmares, leaving him feeling inadequate as a man. Perry finds a friend in Dru, and as he watches her reach out to others, bringing them peace and putting a smile on their faces, he discovers that he can trust her with his secrets. However, even the best of men need a little push at times, and when Perry realizes that he is at risk of losing the most important person in his life, he needs to go after Dru and declare his feelings for her. The novel comes to a lovely conclusion, bringing family and friends together. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
I found this novel interesting and enlightening, in that it illustrated cultural heritage and customs. It is also suspenseful from the beginning to itI found this novel interesting and enlightening, in that it illustrated cultural heritage and customs. It is also suspenseful from the beginning to its conclusion. That being said, I was unable to relate to the main characters and found the plot implausible, although the attraction between Regina and Leo blossomed and evolved into a fairytale conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
I cannot imagine why anyone would voluntarily subject themselves to being beaten up, and this novel is not short on blood and gore. That being said, II cannot imagine why anyone would voluntarily subject themselves to being beaten up, and this novel is not short on blood and gore. That being said, I am not a fan of boxing or wrestling, although I appreciate that they are century-old sports with many followers. The only way in which the Stapleton brothers can supplement their income is to run a boxing studio and participate in bouts in the boxing ring to win prize money, thus bringing about the unorthodox meeting between Alexander and Lydia Tetford, a brilliant young woman who desires only to practice medicine. However, as a woman, she is being denied certification, but providentially works together with her father in his clinic. When Lydia's past comes to visit her, she finds the champion she needs in Alexander, and he accepts her exactly as she is. The novel comes to a tender conclusion, as Alexander claims victory, both over his opponent and Lydia's heart. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
It was lovely catching up with residents of Lilac City in this heart-warming romance. Through no fault of his own, Sheriff Abe Vosburg blames himself It was lovely catching up with residents of Lilac City in this heart-warming romance. Through no fault of his own, Sheriff Abe Vosburg blames himself for a past disaster. Hannah has known her own share of heartache and pain, and yet Lilac City brings both of them some sort of peace. Where Abe is walking in misery, Hannah is finding the good in every situation, and when it comes down to brass tacks, they are meant for each other, in spite of their advanced years. As Hannah brings her brand of compassion and love to the people she interacts with, change comes to the people of the town, and Abe discovers that he is not the only one to receive her compassion and absolution. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion with promises of others finding what they most need in Lilac City. I received a copy of this sweet romance as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary...more
Oh, my word! With family like Josephine's, she didn't need any more enemies, however, her days of weathering abuse are not over. As the saying goes, "Oh, my word! With family like Josephine's, she didn't need any more enemies, however, her days of weathering abuse are not over. As the saying goes, "what doesn't kill, makes you stronger", and certainly, as a survivor, Josephine has an inner core made of steel. This romance is well written, and one cannot help but fall in love with Michael, as he overcomes Josephine's seeming betrayal and is instrumental in her healing and recovery. One would wish that Josephine's harrowing ordeal could be relegated to a bygone era, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Modern statistics on the abuse of women continue to be staggeringly high, including human trafficking and kidnapping. Fortunately, this novel comes to a beautiful conclusion, with both Michael and Josephine realizing the desires of their hearts. I received a copy of this well-written novel as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
Finn is the perfect foil for Macie's determination to chart her course. At her brother's insistence, Finn is entrusted with keeping Macie safe as her Finn is the perfect foil for Macie's determination to chart her course. At her brother's insistence, Finn is entrusted with keeping Macie safe as her bodyguard, which is no hardship as far as Finn is concerned, however, Macie does not plan on ever being dependent on him. The plot to this novel is good, and if the book were some 150 pages shorter, it would have been more enjoyable, as the verbiage detracts from the purpose to some extent, resulting in the reader losing the plot and trying to make sense of the dialogue. Nevertheless, the novel comes to an exciting conclusion, and Finn and Macie find their way together. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review....more
There are two love stories in this book. Firstly, Miss Serena Wakes Up, in which politically minded Serena finally comes to her senses when she commitThere are two love stories in this book. Firstly, Miss Serena Wakes Up, in which politically minded Serena finally comes to her senses when she commits the unforgivable act that puts her best friend's future in jeopardy. Lord Julian has loved Serena for almost as long as he has known her, but it takes her daring confession to make both of them realize that it's time to face up to the truth that everyone else seems to realize. This short story is an entrée that leads naturally into the main course, namely Miss Tiffany Has a Secret.
Left orphaned after the death of her parents, Tiffany has too much pride to allow her relatives to cover all the costs of her keep and quietly goes about investing her pin money to build her own nest egg. Short-sighted and needing to wear spectacles, Tiffany does not hold out much hope for a good marriage, and rather than trust her cousin to choose a husband for her, she determines to chart her own course. An unexpected encounter with the Marquess of Wolfarth when meeting with her stockjobber, Mr Sprat, Tiffany enters into a wager with Wolf, which results in her becoming the object of his desires. Unfortunately, Wolf is laboring under a plethora of guilt resulting from his previous fiancée's death, and it takes all of Tiffany's courage to stand up to him. As the mystery surrounding missing funds is unravelled, Wolf slowly lets go of his reservations about falling in love as the lovely wallflower captures both his creativity and his heart, bringing the novel to a lovely conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
This novel addresses various matters, namely romance, suspense, cross-cultural marriage of convenience, and dysfunctional families. Crispin is an honoThis novel addresses various matters, namely romance, suspense, cross-cultural marriage of convenience, and dysfunctional families. Crispin is an honorable man and will do whatever it takes to protect his sister, however, he is fighting blind as he cannot anticipate where the next attack will come from. Birdy, to some extent, is portrayed as Wonder Woman and has a solution to every problem. Although the concept of Crispin marrying an Ojibwe woman from Canada is intriguing, I found it difficult to relate to Birdy, and there did not seem to be a strong emotional connection between the main characters. Fortunately, the novel comes to a good conclusion, and although Bessie Dove-Lyon plays a lesser role in the plot, her presence is nevertheless felt throughout. I received a copy of this book as a gift from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
This is a gentle, sweet romance, and although the main characters face heartache and pain, the novel does come to a sweet conclusion. Regardless of thThis is a gentle, sweet romance, and although the main characters face heartache and pain, the novel does come to a sweet conclusion. Regardless of the era, there will always be powerful people who will carry out their misdeeds without care for the lives and reputations they are destroying. I felt agitated reading about the circumstances behind John Aubin's downfall, but I am glad that justice prevailed. I received a copy of this book as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
Anyone who has been the victim of bullying and manipulation, which is probably most people, will empathize with the hurdles Marina had to face. HoweveAnyone who has been the victim of bullying and manipulation, which is probably most people, will empathize with the hurdles Marina had to face. However, the concerted effort against Marina takes on a life of its own when more than one person makes it their goal to destroy any happiness she might have. Fortunately, Caleb, the Earl of St. Aiden, is made of sterner stuff, and he quickly recognizes that he needs to make plans to keep her safe. The attraction between Caleb and Marina is instant; however, with the attacks facing them, one begins to despair of them ever getting their chance at happiness. Fortunately, when it counts most, the tide turns, bringing the novel to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
I enjoyed the sweet romance that developed between Carys and James, and although it appeared that their love was to be thwarted at every turn, it onlyI enjoyed the sweet romance that developed between Carys and James, and although it appeared that their love was to be thwarted at every turn, it only made them more certain of their feelings towards one another. The plot also highlights the prevailing prejudice against cultures that are different from one's own. However, Carys's most endearing quality has to be that she did not have to give birth to a child to be a nurturer and to wrap those she loves in her motherly arms. On the other hand, James is a man burdened with grief at the losses he has experienced, and his background makes him empathetic towards Carys as she has to overcome insults. Fortunately, Carys is also a resourceful woman, and when it counted most, she discovered that strategy is every bit as powerful as bows and arrows. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion, although at times one despaired of Carys and James ever getting their moment together. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Oliver-Heber Books and Booksprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
Mayhem and chaos follow in Miss Sybil Taunton's wake as she navigates her way through society. As a member of the Spinster Society, she is bound to a Mayhem and chaos follow in Miss Sybil Taunton's wake as she navigates her way through society. As a member of the Spinster Society, she is bound to a code, one that protects the innocents and exposes the rakes and fortune hunters. Apart from her sisters-in-arms, there is one constant in her life, namely Keir Montgomery, the Marquess of Blackburn. Keir would like to avoid a scandal at any cost; however, when Sybil breaches the hallowed halls of Fortingham's Club, he has no option other than to get her out of there as quickly as possible. However, even he could not prevent her from purloining the Club's betting book, a source of valuable information to the Spinster Society. The novel is fast-paced, exciting, and at times ridiculous, but I did find myself laughing out loud at Sybil's crazy antics, and felt a great deal of compassion for Keir as he did his level best to corral her more outlandish behaviour and mitigate the damages. The novel comes to a delightful conclusion, and Sybil finally finds her place at Keir's side. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
One has to wonder who tamed whom in this romance, as Lady Amelia is used as a pawn in a game of chance. Thinking to curb her impulsive nature, Amelia'One has to wonder who tamed whom in this romance, as Lady Amelia is used as a pawn in a game of chance. Thinking to curb her impulsive nature, Amelia's father takes up the bet proposed by Chase's uncle to marry her off to a man known for his rigid rules and demeanor. As much as Chase may be a stickler for good behaviour, when faced with a bride who can charm his household staff and is a nurturer at heart, he finds himself falling under her spell. However, there are those who wish to destroy all he is working for, and Chase discovers that his wife can more than stand up to the bullies and thwart their plans. However, it is those closer to home who have done the most damage, bringing Chase to Amelia's defence, thereby forcing a confrontation where Amelia takes a stand. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a copy of which I received as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
A message in a bottle brings two unlikely people together. The initial meeting between Ben and Willa results in some confusion for both of them, but aA message in a bottle brings two unlikely people together. The initial meeting between Ben and Willa results in some confusion for both of them, but as they get to know a little more about each other and a connection is made, it brings about a friendship that develops into something more. Unfortunately, the path of true love is marred by recurring bouts of illness in Ben's family. After a while, suspicions are aroused, and an enemy of the family is revealed. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review....more