RETRO REVIEW: No Turning Back by HelenKay Dimon
Sandy M’s review of No Turning Back (Hanover Brothers, Book 1) by HelenKay Dimon
Contemporary Romance published by InterMix 19 Mar 13
I love series about brothers, and HelenKay Dimon has given me the Hanover brothers. All I can say is, “Thank you!”
RETRO REVIEW: Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
Stevie‘s review of Her Royal Spyness (A Royal Spyness Mystery, Book 1) by Rhys Bowen
Cosy Mystery published by Berkley 1 Jul 08
I’m assuming this book is being (re)issued in one or more new formats, since review copies were floating about last month. Anyway, this is a new-to-me author and series in a subgenre I love (cosy mysteries set between the two world wars with down-on-their-luck female aristocratic protagonists), so here goes…
RETRO REVIEW: The Untamed Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
Sandy M’s review of The Untamed Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Book 5.5) by Jennifer Ashley
Historical Romance ebook novella published by InterMix 10 Sep 13
I’ve been intrigued by Lloyd Fellows since it was revealed he’s a half brother to these Mackenzie men. He’s not grown up in the lap of luxury and is a working-class stiff. The brothers have welcomed him into the fold and he’s audacious enough to want to Lady Louisa, sister to Lady Isabella, Mac’s wife. He fits in perfectly with the wild and wanton ways of the Mackenzies, and I’m so happy to get to know him better.
RETRO REVIEW: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
Veena’s review of Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, Book 2) by Maya Banks
Historical Romance published by Ballantine Books 19 Mar 13
Many of my fellow ducks in The Pond don’t like these historicals because they feel that these are set in a period in history when Scotland was riddled with clan feuds and wars and betrayal was common and yet the dialog between the protagonists is almost contemporary in nature and not true to the period. I, on the other hand, have enjoyed this series for probably that very reason. I think this series is a light read with sweet love stories and a strong theme of family and particularly the care and affection that these strong men have for the women in their family, be they mothers or sisters or sisters-in-law.
REVIEW: A Secret Garden Affair by Erica James
Stevie‘s review of A Secret Garden Affair by Erica James
Women’s Fiction published by HQ 30 Mar 23
I’m aware of Erica James as an author name, but this is the first time I’ve picked up one of her books. I was drawn to it both by the era of the most recent portion of the story, 1981, and by the title which hinted at links to Frances Hodgson Burnett (I was wrong about that, but my error didn’t distract me from enjoying the book). As the country prepares to celebrate the Royal Wedding, Libby faces the prospect of cancelling her own after catching her fiancé in bed with her best friend/flatmate/business partner. Distraught, Libby flees to the one place she has always felt safe – Larkspur House, the home of retired garden designer Elfrida Ambrose and her former ladies maid, now long-term friend, Libby’s Great-aunt Bess.
REVIEW: Ghostly Game by Chrisine Feehan
Paranormal Romance published by Berkley 02 May 23
A new emotionally intense entry from veteran author Ms. Feehan in her Ghost Walker series.
REVIEW: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Paranormal Romance published by Entangled Red Tower Books 2 May 23
By chapter four I knew. I just KNEW this was a five star book. Then by halfway I knew this was my new favorite book of all time. Above SJM and everything I’ve read in the last year and a half. 😳 It feels blasphemous to say that and like I’m cheating on Throne of Glass, but it’s true. This is it. This is the one.
REVIEW: Frontier by Grace Curtis
Stevie‘s review of Frontier by Grace Curtis
LGBT+ Science Fiction published by Rebellion Publishing Ltd 14 Feb 23
I’m still a great fan of Firefly and would love for there to have been more of it, current issues around its creator notwithstanding. Alternatively, I’ll accept stories that follow a similar premise in any media, particularly if the queer subplot is more main-plotlike. This story is definitely a Space Western, for all it mostly takes place on a post-apocalyptic Earth, and the main plot is very much driven by a queer love story, so very much my kind of thing. Hundreds of years in our future, a lifepod from a spacefaring vessel falls, lands in a desert wasteland, and is tracked down by a pair of scavengers and their hastily co-opted driver. The pod’s sole occupant has a search mission of her own, however, and no time to interact with those who have no intention of helping her.
REVIEW: The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
Young Adult published by Flatiron Books 13 Sep 22
Have I mentioned I love Jacks? He’s quickly becoming my favorite morally grey villain. The enemies to lovers has been a sloooooow burn, but I’m loving every second of it. The fairytale vibes of this series give me life. The whimsical world of the North is pure ✨magic✨.
REVIEW: The Bride Wore White by Amanda Quick
Romantic Suspense published by Berkley 02 May 23
A wonderful addition to the Burning Cove series. This book has spicy dialogue, witty repartee, and a nice suspense with a paranormal element to tie it all up.
