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Hidden Royals, Book 3

From the publisher:

A Hidden Royals Historical Rom-Com of Love, Arranged Marriage, Royalty, and Spice

USA Today bestselling author Charis Michaels concludes her delicious Hidden Royals series in this enchanting romance between a young woman, unaware of her royal birth, and the rugged sea captain who comes to claim her as his future wife.

Princess Danielle Allard d’Orleans grew up believing that she was a simple village girl raised in Kent by surrogate parents. That simple life vanishes when she discovers she’s actually a princess in hiding— especially as the first order of royal business is to marry a war hero she’s never met.

Captain Luke Bannock wasn’t trying to become a hero—and even less so, a husband. But he shows selfless courage in a fierce Naval battle and the Crown offers him a reward for valor. His chosen prize? The hand in marriage of an obscure princess, living in exile. The reason? Revenge against his sworn enemy. 

What begins as an arranged marriage between a village girl and a cynical captain evolves into dance of passion and self-discovery. As Luke helps Dani reckon with her secret royal blood, his thirst for revenge is replaced by desire for his new wife. The shock and hurt burn away, and an all-consuming love sails this fated couple into their happily ever after.

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Luke, a career naval officer, ends his latest battle by saving the royal prince’s cousin. As a reward, the crown offers him anything he desires—and without hesitation, Luke asks to marry Dani, a French princess who has been living in exile in England. Though he has never met or even seen her, his time as a prisoner in France left him intrigued: the man who captured Luke and his crew was obsessed with Dani and wanted to marry her to increase his estate. Luke’s true motive, however, is more complicated—his beloved mentor, a father figure, remains captive, and Luke believes that presenting the princess may be the key to securing the old man’s freedom.

The crown grants Luke not only Dani’s hand but also an estate in the quiet Kent village where she was raised. Upon arrival, Luke discovers that Dani has been brought up by an older couple who concealed her royal lineage and station. Handsome and charismatic, Luke quickly wins Dani’s agreement to marry him—especially once she learns that their union will give her access to property that could help save her struggling village.

From the start, Dani and Luke share undeniable, fiery chemistry. While it may seem difficult to root for a man who intends to use a woman as leverage, the author skillfully makes their romance compelling. Dani, who has been deceived her entire life, now faces the painful truth that her new husband has also hidden secrets from her. The story brims with intrigue and deception, yet the satisfying happy ending redeems the twists and betrayals.

Romantic, witty, and unexpectedly heartfelt, this novel delivers everything fans of historical romance crave: depth, humor, passion, and a feisty heroine. Michaels once again proves her mastery of the genre with a captivating tale.

12/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

CLAIMING THE PRINCESS by Charis Michaels. Avon. (October 28, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063280175. 400p.

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Princes of London, Book 1

From the publisher:

Action-Packed Historical Fiction with a Grumpy Hero, Uncover the Plot to Steal the Crown Jewels!

In the swoon-worthy opener of her Princes of London series, Christy Carlyle takes readers on a breathless chase through Victorian London as a wild bluestocking from a family of treasure hunters and a handsome, serious gentleman from the Scotland Yard butt heads while attempting to thwart a plot to steal the Crown Jewels, inspired by National Treasure.

Alexandra Prince is clever, outspoken, and, yes, perhaps a bit impulsive. Yet she’s always been overshadowed by her siblings. While they are off on adventurous expeditions, she’s the one left to keep the family’s antique shop going while she works on a book about lady pirates—and longs for an adventure of her own. When she overhears a group of suspicious customers whispering about a plan to steal the Crown Jewels, she knows it’s her opportunity to shine. But she needs a little help.

Detective Inspector Benedict Drake takes his duties at Scotland Yard seriously. In fact, he takes almost everything seriously. Except for the breathless beauty who crashes into his office to tell him about a ludicrous scheme to steal the Crown Jewels. Despite his turning her away, she keeps popping up wherever he goes, and he’s not sure whether she’s determined to cause a scandal or is trying to drive him to distraction. Just when he thinks he’s rid of her, an event compels him to believe her account, and he begrudgingly enlists her aid to thwart the theft of the century.

But while thieves seek the Crown Jewels, the troublesome bluestocking he can’t seem to keep away from might just steal his heart…

“For the launch of her new Victorian Princes of London series, Carlyle serves up a cleverly conceived romance that seamlessly blends a danger-infused plot with an engaging cast of characters that includes a charming heroine with a penchant for historical female pirates, a smolderingly sexy, career-driven hero, and a villain who could double for Moriarty.” — Booklist

“Carlyle starts a new Victorian-set romance-adventure series about Detective Inspector Benedict Drake, an ambitious, determined police officer, and Alexandra Prince, the smart, equally determined aspiring adventurer and proprietor of her family’s antique shop . . . Carlyle’s fans will be delighted, and those who enjoy historicals but also want adventure romances will be happy to find this series launch.”—Library Journal

“A plot to steal the Crown Jewels animates this rip-roaring Princes of London series launch from Carlyle . . . Carlyle makes her progressive leads perfectly matched: dogged detective Ben values Allie as his intellectual equal, and plucky bluestocking Allie loosens him up a bit. This is a promising start.”—Publishers Weekly

“A fast-paced Victorian romance packed with as much criminality as chemistry.” —Kirkus Reviews

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Alexandra “Allie” Pierce grew up in a family of adventurous antique dealers, but her childhood illness kept her home while her siblings traveled the world in search of treasures. Now an adult, she manages the family shop while her older brother and sister continue their globe-trotting antiquities hunts. Years of being left behind have left Allie restless and hungry for her own adventure, though her experiences have also forged her into a strong, independent woman.

Everything changes when Allie overhears a conversation at the neighboring coffee shop—strangers discussing plans to steal the crown jewels. Despite her brother’s warnings about jumping to conclusions, her instincts tell her this threat is real. She marches into Scotland Yard demanding to speak with someone in charge.

That someone is Detective Ben “Duke” Drake, a by-the-book investigator who dismisses Allie’s story as fantasy. Ben has worked hard to rise above his impoverished background and dreams of becoming Chief Inspector. He’s not sure whether this case connects to his ongoing blackmail investigation—or whether he’s simply drawn to the spirited woman before him.

When one of the men from Allie’s overheard conversation visits her antique shop asking about gem cutting, and someone later breaks in, Ben finally takes her seriously. As he investigates the jewel theft and its potential connection to his other case, he and Allie grow closer.

Ben’s difficult past drives his commitment to justice and making a difference in the world. Allie, who never planned on marriage and values her independence, finds herself powerfully attracted to the detective. In a bold move that reflects her direct nature, she confesses her feelings and proposes they have an affair.

The story shines in Ben’s character development—watching him evolve from a single-minded, career-focused detective to a man whose priorities shift after meeting Allie. With strong characters, a slightly steamy romance, action, and intrigue, this story delivers on multiple fronts. Carlyle consistently delivers engaging reads that satisfy on every level.

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL by Christy Carlyle. Avon (April 1, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063347342. 368p.

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Lords of Hazard, Book 1

From the publisher:

Intriguing twists and sparkling wit entwine in this stunning new historical romance from the New York Times bestselling Sabrina Jeffries, as a once-captive patriot returns home to a changed world in the wake of the Napoleonic War…

Napoleon’s war has ended, and English captives detained for years in a French fortress are finally released. Returning to a London he no longer recognizes, and facing astonishing changes in his own family, Lord Jonathan Leighton learns he has inherited a dukedom. But the new nobleman carries the guilt of having wronged his late mentor. Now, he vows to fulfill his promise to find a suitable match for the man’s daughter, Victoria—even if it takes offering a nonexistent dowry to spark her interest in matrimony.

Sharp-witted Victoria would just as soon sculpt the Greek god who has come to take charge of her future. In fact, she has her sights set on founding a school for women artists. As Jonathan matches wits with the talented beauty, revelations from his past—and their connection to her father’s demise—threaten to unveil both of their closely held secrets and thrust them into a danger they can only escape together.

“Jeffries (Accidentally His) presents the first installment in the new “Lords of Hazard” series, a character-driven historical romance full of humor and heart . . . will appeal to readers seeking a steamy Regency romance with a spirited leading lady and lively banter.”—Library Journal

“The sparkling Lords of Hazard series starter from Jeffries (the Designing Debutantes series) draws inspiration from the true stories of Englishmen detained in France during the Napoleonic War . . . The result is a page-turning romance complete with a wounded hero it’s easy to crush on and an intelligent, fiercely independent heroine it’s easy to root for. This is a delight.” —Publishers Weekly

“This new series kickoff hits all the notes of an old-school romance, with historical richness, delicious pining, and a lack of communication and trust keeping the pair apart. Secondary characters function as plot devices, but the leads are appealing. There are short references to atrocities Jon and others faced while in France, but the story never goes too deep, maintaining a light tone instead . . . The unique historical specificity adds interest to this serviceable romance.”—Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/4iZCoqS

Lord Jonathan Leighton, the third son of the Duke of Falconridge, was on his grand tour when he, along with thousands of other British civilians, was detained and sent to a French internment camp, and then a prison. I had never encountered this piece of history before, so I found it particularly fascinating. After spending several years imprisoned with no hope of release, Jon, two friends, and his appointed guardian, Isaac Morris, attempt a daring escape. The attempt fails, and Morris suffers a severe leg injury that ultimately proves fatal. Before dying, Morris extracts a promise from Jon to look after his daughter, Victoria (Tory), and ensure she marries well.

After eleven long years, Jon and his companions are finally freed and return to England. Jon is shocked to discover that both of his elder brothers have died, leaving him to inherit the dukedom. He also learns that Tory is now employed as his sister’s governess. However, with his sister in the marriage mart herself, Tory’s services as governess are no longer required, and she is considered more a companion. Wanting to fulfill his promise, Jon tells Tory that her father left her a generous dowry, though in reality, Jon plans to provide the funds himself to help her secure a good marriage.

To Jon’s surprise, Tory reveals she has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dreams of using the money to open an art school for women. An artist herself, Tory is passionate about sharing her craft. After some negotiation, they strike a deal: Jon will sponsor Tory for the social season, ensuring she has all the necessary attire and opportunities to meet eligible suitors, while Tory, in turn, will teach Jon sculpting, an art form he has little interest in but agrees to as part of their bargain. If Tory remains unmarried by the end of the season, Jon promises to fund her art school.

Jon is haunted by guilt over Morris’s death, feeling responsible for the tragedy. As their art lessons progress, Jon finds himself increasingly drawn to Tory, though he believes she could never forgive him for her father’s fate. Meanwhile, Tory develops feelings for Jon but is acutely aware of the social divide that makes a match with a duke seem impossible. She also harbors a secret that could upend all of Jon’s plans for her.

As their mutual attraction grows, they find themselves teetering on the edge of scandal. Yet before they can find happiness together, they must confront their personal demons and unresolved issues. The novel touches on the harrowing experiences Jon endured during his imprisonment, which can be unsettling at times, but the witty banter and evolving relationship between Jon and Tory bring warmth and levity to the story. This unique historical backdrop and premise make for a compelling and engaging romance. If you enjoy historical romance with a fresh twist, this book is well worth a read.

5/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART by Sabrina Jeffries. Kensington (April 29, 2025). ISBN: 978-1496751027. 288p.

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 Accidental Brides, Book 2

From the publisher:

New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James returns to the Accidental Brides series with a romance about a forced marriage between a feisty heroine and a Scottish laird… neither of whom have plans to marry, let alone fall in love.

Desperate after her Season comes to a spectacularly disastrous end, the Honorable Miss Clara Vetry jumps into a carriage hired to take a housekeeper to Scotland.

The laird of Castle CaerLaven has no interest in a wife, especially a love match—but when Caelan sees his new housekeeper, he changes his mind. Marriage to a delectable bookworm strikes him as a perfect arrangement.

To his surprise, Clara refuses his proposal once…and again…yet again.

When her true identity is revealed, and they’re forced to marry, Caelan realizes he has a far more crucial challenge. 

He finally has Clara’s hand—but how will he ever win her heart? 

“With a fast-paced plot, dynamic leads, and plenty of heat, this proves unputdownable.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The second in James’s “Accidental Bride” series will be an instant favorite of friends-to-lovers romance fans, and readers of the first book, Viscount in Love, will delight in this sequel.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“James cleverly constructs another whimsically witty addition to her superbly entertaining Accidental Brides series that is graced with a delightfully book-obsessed heroine with a flair for designing animal-inspired drawstring bags and a smolderingly sexy Scottish hero with a penchant for clothes-free fly-fishing.” — Booklist

“James has long been one of the masters of zany, witty Regencies, and for much of the story she’s in top form. The second novel in her Accidental Brides series starts strong, with a setting that fans of Scottish romances will fall for… James’ many fans will be happy to add this laird to their shelves.” — Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/3GdNrPr

James remains my favorite author of historical romances, and usually they are set in England. This time, the English lady, Clara, has a problem. She is not built like most aristocrats; she is not thin and willowy, but rather curvy instead. Unfortunately, she catches the eye of the very married crown Prince, and his lewd behavior towards her is unsettling, to say the least. He makes it well known that he is waiting for her to marry so that he may make her his mistress, and no one wants to marry her under those circumstances. Things come to a head when the very drunk Prince paws at her, shredding her gown, and she hits him, which is simply not done. Now in disgrace, Clara’s mother is beside herself and decides to send Clara to live with an aged aunt she’s never met in Scotland. Instead, Clara decides to take herself on an adventure. Instead of boarding the coach to her aunt’s home along with her maid, she convinces a hired coach that she is the housekeeper he has been sent to fetch back to Scotland.

Clara has never lifted a finger to do any kind of manual labor, but she is bright and friendly and doesn’t mind the idea of hard work. Clara is a dreamer and a lover of books, but she gets lost in her stories and tends to romanticize life because of that. When she arrives at the castle in the Scottish Highlands, it is exactly what she always dreamed of living in. What she hadn’t dreamed of is the Scottish laird who is buck naked and fishing in the loch behind the castle.

Caelan lost his wife a few years earlier and they never had children. His sister lives nearby with her family, and she is growing concerned about how he is living. Most of the staff has taken off, leaving the housekeeper who is a terrible cook and robbing him blind. She is fired, and his sister sends to England for a new housekeeper. There isn’t anyone in Scotland who would consent to work in the castle – it is in deplorable shape, filthy and overrun with vermin. And that is what Clara is entering into.

Caelan is bright, well-read, and wealthy, but that isn’t apparent to Clara. She thinks he’s poor because his clothes are dingy and not maintained, and of course, there is the condition of the house. Eventually, they both realize the truth about one another and a great friendship is formed. Except Caelan wants more – he wants to marry Clara but she is not having him. The romantic in her wants a man who will fall madly in love with her, and Caelan readily admits that while he feels lusty towards her, love is not on the table.

When one of their neighbors, a British couple, sees them in church, the jig is up. It turns out the lady is Clara’s sister’s best friend, and she is appalled that Clara has been living unchaperoned with Caelan. The next thing you know, they are married, and Clara is in big trouble – she has fallen head over heels in love with her husband.

Caelan has this reputation as a tragic figure, but it’s really not true. He and Clara delight in one another’s company, whether they are reading, fishing, eating, or kissing. Lots and lots of kissing. There is so much joy here, some serious heat, and a very happy ending. This terrific sequel may be read on its own, and I loved it.

Note: I hated this cover for the same reason I hated the cover of the first book in the series, Viscount in Love. This is a historical romance, and you really can’t tell from the cover. The male model has trimmed chest hair, like that was a thing in the early 1800s, and where the hell is his kilt??

4/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HARDLY A GENTLEMAN by Eloisa James. Avon (April 29, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063347465. 384p.

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Difficult Dukes, Book 3 

From the publisher:

USA Today bestselling author Loretta Chase continues her Difficult Dukes series with this charming brother’s best friend second-chance historical romance.

Of all the dukes in all the world, why does it have to be him?

Lady Alice Ancaster needs a husband, and fast, because her reckless brother is going to get himself killed, leaving the dukedom—and her future—in their repellent cousin’s clutches.

The Duke of Blackwood has known Alice since childhood, and they’ve always had a special connection. But years ago he broke it, when he chose a riotous life with his two best friends instead of a reasonable one with her.

The trouble is, the tall, dark, sardonic rogue keeps turning up exactly when needed, and ready—though he sometimes needs a push—to play the hero, if only for as long as it takes.

Being irresistibly drawn to the Wrong Man is not convenient, but when events come to a crisis, Alice has to make a choice. The question is, can she live with it?

A Captivating Historical Romance with a Rebellious Hero, Perfect for Winter 2025, Fall in Love All Over Again

“With the latest dazzling addition to her Difficult Dukes series, readers will again revel in Chase’s buoyant yet deliciously sharp sense of wit and her ability to craft radiantly romantic love stories rendered with the meticulous attention to detail she pays to everything, from nuanced characterization to an expertly evoked historical setting.” — Booklist (starred review)

https://amzn.to/42fXg8H

I usually love Loretta Chase books, and while I enjoyed this one, I also found it a bit odd, for lack of a better word. Lady Alice’s brother, Ripley, has two best friends, Blackwood and Ashmont. They have been friends since she was a child, and they’ve been getting into trouble ever since. But Alice has decided it is time for her to marry, after spending several years traveling on the Continent. She’s back in London, and has set her sights on a Duke with a previous aversion to marriage, but he seems fairly smitten with her.

Alice had a very bad experience as a child when her father, a man who was not in his right mind, sent her to an awful school where she was severely mistreated. A few months after her arrival, her aunt and uncle rescued her, and she’s been safe with them ever since. Her aunt drew her into helping create good schools for impoverished children, and that has become her mission in life. And being a Duchess would be helpful in that regard.

One thing leads to another, and Alice finds herself in a compromising position, having spent the night out of town with Blackwood. He attempts to help her find a missing boy and, in doing so, compromises her, so he offers her marriage. She accepts, and it seems like little more than halfway through, they are married. Then some problems arise. Meanwhile, her brother marries and eventually Ashmont does as well, but both are merely mentioned in passing. Eventually, Blackwood helps Alice with the schools and some other family issues, and they live happily ever after. I’m not sure why but the story felt rushed in getting everything squared away and all loose ends tied up.

The characters were interesting, and while Blackwood didn’t have much backstory, Alice certainly did. The secondary characters were all just slotted in to make the story work, with little emphasis on their character development. Even Blackwood remained pretty much an enigma. The first book in this series, A Duke in Shining Armor, was one of my favorite reads that year. I loved the second book, Ten Things I Hate About the Duke. This one was a disappointment.

1/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

MY INCONVENIENT DUKE by Loretta Chase. Avon (January 21, 2025). ISBN:  978-0063094550. 336p.

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The Palace of Rogues, Book 8

From the publisher:

In USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long’s latest installment in the Palace of Rogues series, an estranged couple decide to fake their way through the London season to repair their good name… but neither are prepared for the genuine sparks that begin flying between them.

A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast…

He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever. 

But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is real: Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love.

“The eighth entry in Long’s wonderful “Palace of Rogues” series (following My Season of Scandal) is another lovely read . . . This latest from Long showcases her sharp skill for character detail, dialogue, pacing, and tone. A book to treasure.”—Library Journal

“A marriage of estrangement becomes real just as it’s ending . . . This “Beauty and the Beast” rewrite is evocative of some of Lisa Kleypas’ and Sherry Thomas’ historical romances, where marriages must be rebuilt by two complicated people healing the wrongs they did to each other and baring their true selves . . . A keeper, fusing the beauties of historical romance with present-day ideas of individual happiness.” —Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/48UjGNG

This is the latest addition to one of my favorite series, and it’s a good one. Heart wrenching, in fact. The “beast” is Colonel Magnus Brightwall, a soldier who has been away for five years, leaving the morning after he got married. His wife is Alexandra Bellamy, whose father basically sold her into marriage. It would have worked out, except that Alexandra had a bit of a crush on another man, and he kisses her goodbye as he is leaving town. Unfortunately, her only kiss was also her last, because it happened shortly after the wedding and was witnessed by her husband.

Magnus never thought he would marry, but something about Alexandra strongly appealed to him. But he is devastated by what he saw, and he returns to war, leaving his bride behind. She makes a life for herself, but when he returns, things have to change. He readies the house for sale, and they move into the Grand Palace on the Thames. Determined to resist the irresistible proves much more difficult than Magnus expected, and as they spend time together, feelings start to emerge. But he is stubborn, and she feels helpless to change anything.

This was such an emotional read for me. These characters and their story were incredibly engaging, and I couldn’t wait for their happy ending, but it didn’t seem like they would get one until the very end. While theoretically these books don’t need to be read in order, I think they make more sense if you have the backstory created in the previous books. Another excellent read from Julie Anne Long.

THE BEAST TAKES A BRIDE by Julie Anne Long. Avon (October 22, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063281172. 368p.

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All the Duke’s Sins, Book 3

From the publisher:

When a wounded soldier and self-proclaimed “beast” finds unlikely friendship with a headstrong and unconventional beauty, they quickly find themselves weaving a tale as old as time…

Despite a hero’s return to England from the Napoleonic Wars, Wesley Audley isolates from the ton. Deep wounds from the horrors of combat—and the despair of a broken heart—left him scarred. As he struggles to cope and resume his place in Polite Society, Wesley is quick to cut himself off from everyone…except for Ellie Balfour. 

Independent and strong-willed, Ellie has dreams of captaining her own husband-free life and a penchant for meddling in other’s business. She knows befriending Wesley is a risk but Ellie can’t bear to see his heartache. Nor can she seem to silence all the temptingly intimate thoughts his nearness provokes. 

But Ellie is yet to face a battle she can’t win—and Wesley’s heart is worth the fight. If only her campaigns ever went to plan…

“A must-read for both fans and newcomers to Caldwell’s work.”—Library Journal

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This latest entry into All the Duke’s Sins series is pretty good. The storyline definitely held my attention, I liked the characters, and the passion just leapt off the page.

Wesley Audley has returned from the Napoleonic wars just a shell of a man. He has suffered physical injuries and what today would be called post-traumatic stress disorder. He is in a great deal of pain due to an injury to his leg that the finest doctors in Regency England simply cannot help. His family tiptoes around him, and aren’t sure what to do, but they try their best because they love him.

Lady Eleanor “Ellie” Balfour has recently lost her abusive father, so she’s not mourning the loss. But she has decided to never marry. The thought of another man having control of her life is just not bearable. When Wesley returns home, she stops by to pay a visit. She is only one who will actually look him in the eye and talk to him. He’s very rude to her, but she doesn’t let that bother her; she understands where it is coming from.

The more time they spend together, the more their feelings grow, despite both of them trying to avoid marriage at all costs. I also really liked the medical side of things, it added some depth to this story. Any reader of romance will know how it ends, but it is the journey here that is so emotionally wrought and wonderful.

All the Duke’s Sins

4/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE DIAMOND AND THE DUKE by Christi Caldwell. Berkley (February 20, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593334959. 304p.

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The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction, Book 3

From the publisher:

New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath’s next novel in The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction series where the price is always high… 

American Leonora Garrison has come to England in desperate search of investors to keep her family business afloat but instead finds surprising pleasure when she visits an exclusive ladies’ club and dares to kiss a stranger, who leaves her yearning for more.

With a libertine for a father, Viscount Wyeth, more commonly known as Rook, vowed to live his life above reproach, with nary a hint of disgrace. Until one night, he takes a mysterious beauty into his arms, a lady who tempts him to cast his sterling reputation aside in favor of more wicked pursuits.

When fate reunites the couple, they are torn between desire and duty. Leonora may want the viscount, but she needs a stakeholder not a lover. When caught in a compromising situation that places everything they hold dear at risk, they must determine how best to win. However, in this scandalous game, nothing except love takes all.

“Featuring a strong, independent heroine to break down Rook’s walls, this slow-burn romance from Heath (The Notorious Lord Knightley) pays off, and the appearance of endearing series characters will please fans. Hand to readers who like Sarah MacLean and Christy Carlyle.” — Library Journal

“This final book in Heath’s Chessman series, like the others, features a brainy woman who wouldn’t make a traditional bride for a nobleman, and it’s a pleasure to watch Rook appreciate the very qualities in Leonora that many men find odd. Heath fans will enjoy spending time with the Chessmen . . . A delightful fantasy for awkward, intrepid women. —Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/4csBAJ1

I’ve really enjoyed this series that requires a leap to suspend your disbelief. These are probably best read in order, although they each stand alone. There are also references to the Trewlove series with some overlapping characters. I always enjoy Heath’s books – she writes interesting stories with unique characters and enough heat and drama to keep those pages turning.

This book centers of one of the three life long friends known as the Chessmen – this is Rook’s story. His father was a terrible womanizer, and he is determined to steer clear of any women who could harm his fragile reputation. But when his brother asks him to fill in at the women’s club and grant this American visitor a kiss, he obliges. But she is not the shrinking violet he was expecting.

Leonora has come to England from America to find investors for her father’s company. He has passed away, but she is determined to see his invention, a typewriter, come to fruition. Her mother, an obnoxious social climber, is more interested in seeing Leonora marry someone with a title, and her brother really hates the business and is happily making his way through all the clubs in London.

Leonora has little interest in getting married, though. She is not the marrying kind – she has more interest in inventions and how things work than in men. But that man who kissed her at the club has definitely intrigued her. Will she settle for an investment or does she want more? Will he put up the money she needs and forget about that kiss? A happy ending is assured, but it is so much fun getting there. This is another terrific read by an author who consistently turns out good stories. Don’t miss it!

The Chessmen: Masters of Seduction

1/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IN WANT OF A VISCOUNT by Lorraine Heath. Avon (February 20, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063114715. 384p.

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