PROTECTING WHAT’S MINE by Lucy Score

January 23, 2026

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Benevolence, Book 3

From the publisher:

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over comes a second-chance romance with a heartwarming emotional journal and a vibrant small-town cast.

Healing isn’t easy―unless you find someone who refuses to let you go. Welcome to Benevolence: where scars fade, hope grows, and every love story is hard-won.

When burned-out trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil escapes to a small town for a fresh start, romance is the last thing on her mind. But her neighbor, the town’s fiercely loyal and impossibly attractive fire chief, refuses to let her hide behind her walls. Can Linc be her hero when she needs him the most or will their scars ruin everything?

Their slow-burn attraction is electric, but the true heat is in how they mend each other’s hearts. Together, they’ll face community meddling, playful banter, a disaster of a rescue dog who steals the spotlight, and the kind of danger that tests more than their courage.

One thing is certain: Someone is going to get burned.

Author’s Warning: This small-town happily ever after is smokin’ hot, sweetly hilarious, deliciously suspenseful, and a one-two punch to the feels. One-click for a disaster dog, precocious kids, a good ol’ fistfight, nosy neighbors, high-adrenaline first responder heroics, firefighter bromance, and kitchen sexytimes.

https://amzn.to/4bsNYuj

Fire Chief Lincoln Reed—known around town as “Chief Sexy Pants”—is a hometown hero and an all-around good guy. Charming, loyal, and quick-witted, Linc is great with kids, loves dogs, and isn’t afraid to jump headfirst into chaos when lives are on the line. During a horrific traffic accident, he does exactly that—and it’s there he catches his first glimpse of flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil. One look at her, and the town’s most confident flirt is completely undone. For the first time in his life, Linc is left speechless as she flies off, taking his composure with her.

A lifelong ladies’ man who’s never considered settling down, Linc can’t stop thinking about the woman who literally dropped into his world. When Mack turns out to be the new doctor in town, fate seems determined to keep putting her in his path.

Fresh out of the military, flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie “Dr. Dreamy” O’Neil comes to Benevolence, Maryland, for a much-needed reset. Burned out and struggling with PTSD, she plans to spend six months working at a small family practice and embracing a slower pace of life. But slowing down proves difficult when she keeps running into the town’s charming fire chief—especially after they discover they’re next-door neighbors. Throw in Linc’s feisty yellow lab, Sunshine, and sparks are inevitable.

Guarded and carrying deep secrets, Mack excels in high-pressure emergencies but struggles with everyday connections. Watching her grow—both personally and emotionally—is deeply satisfying. Her chemistry with Linc is electric, fueled by sharp banter, shared purpose, and a mutual drive to save others. Though they seem like opposites, they understand each other in ways no one else does.

Mack may be determined to change her life, and Linc may not fit her carefully laid plans, but his warmth, persistence, and surprising vulnerability slowly break through her defenses. When they finally give in to their undeniable connection, the heat is off the charts—this dirty-talking firefighter absolutely delivers.

By the epilogue, it’s impossible not to feel joyful for the family Linc and Mack build together. Their story is one of healing, trust, respect, and passion—a love that’s hard-won and completely worth it. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it’s better as the final book in a terrific series. I recommend reading them all in order:

Benevolence
1. Pretend You’re Mine
2. Finally Mine
3. Protecting What’s Mine

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

PROTECTING WHAT’S MINE by Lucy Score. Bloom Books. (September 30, 2022). ISBN: 978-1728282589. 464p.

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Spotlight Review: REMEMBER THAT DAY by Mary Balogh 

January 13, 2026


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Ravenswood, Book 5

From the publisher:

A soldier and a pacifist make the unlikeliest of pairs, but when passion sparks, there’s nothing that can prevent their love from igniting.

Winifred Cunningham, the adopted daughter of a portrait painter, hopes that her new close friend, Owen Ware, will soon ask for her hand in marriage. But when Owen introduces Winifred to his elder brother Nicholas, the late Earl of Stratton’s second son, the slow burn between them begins.

Nicholas is a cavalry colonel—a hardened soldier whom Winifred at first despises. She finds him intimidating and cruel-looking, while he finds her strange and startlingly forthright. During a summer at Ravenswood, however, Nicholas and Winifred are unwillingly thrown together on several occasions, until they realize the passion that drives their disagreements is not due to dislike—it is because of attraction.

Winifred still awaits Owen’s proposal, and Nicholas has made his intention to marry his commanding officer’s daughter quite clear. With allegiances to other marriage prospects and brotherly bonds at risk, not to mention the age difference between them, Nicholas and Winifred know it would be wholly improper to pursue a romance…

And yet, romance is irresistible. Perhaps even inevitable. 

While some readers might find the low stakes and off-page sex make for an undemanding comfort read, others might be turned off by the leisurely pacing and scenes of rural socializing.—Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/49koe0s

Nicholas from the Ravenswood series and Winifred from the Westcott series cross paths in a story that blends both families’ worlds. Their first glimpse of each other comes at the Trooping the Colour parade, where Colonel Nicholas Ware cuts a striking figure in full dress uniform, leading the cavalry. Winifred attends with Owen Ware—Nicholas’s younger brother and her close friend—who she quietly hopes might one day propose.

They meet properly at Winifred’s come‑out ball. Nicholas enjoys dancing and talking with her and immediately understands why Owen is so fond of her. At thirty‑four, Nicholas has decided it’s time to marry and believes Grace Haviland, the beautiful and impeccably mannered daughter of his commanding officer, would make a suitable wife. Yet Grace is still grieving the loss of two former suitors, and Nicholas is unsure of her true feelings.

Winifred “Winnie” Cunningham, adopted by Camille and Joel Cunningham after being left at the orphanage as a baby, has grown up in a lively, loving household. Joel, a celebrated portrait artist, is invited along with his family by the Earl of Stratton to Ravenswood to paint his mother’s portrait. Grace and her parents are also invited—per Nicholas’s request. Over the two weeks leading up to the Ravenswood summer fête, Nicholas and Winifred spend increasing time together. As he gets to know her, Nicholas begins to see her quiet beauty, warmth, and honesty, and he finds himself unexpectedly envious of Owen.

Winnie, meanwhile, is startled by her immediate attraction to Nicholas. Their first conversation goes poorly—she impulsively equates soldiering with murder, leaving her mortified. She tries to make amends by promising him a dance at her ball, but the evening only reinforces the impossibility of anything between them. Nicholas is courting Grace, and Winnie reminds herself she wants Owen. Yet when her family is invited to Ravenswood for the fête, she realizes her feelings for Nicholas run deeper than she imagined.

Nicholas, convinced he should propose to Grace, arranges for her family to attend the fête so he can make his intentions known. But the more time he spends with Winnie, the more he questions his plans. She is too young for him and not conventionally beautiful—and she seems to dislike him. None of it explains why he can’t shake the sense that choosing Grace would be a mistake.

Winnie, twenty‑one and content with her place in her adoptive family, has never believed marriage essential to happiness. Her friendship with Owen has made her wonder if it could be, but she isn’t certain she loves him. Nicholas, with his noble background and military career, seems entirely out of reach. Still, the spark between them is undeniable, and every encounter at Ravenswood deepens their connection despite their best efforts to ignore it.

The romance unfolds slowly, shaped by two intertwined love triangles and the expectations pressing on both characters. Nicholas feels honor‑bound to Grace; Winnie believes she should marry Owen. Yet fate keeps pushing them together.

The story includes a few kisses and a single mention of the wedding night, which takes place behind closed doors. As with other books in both series, the large cast of secondary characters can feel overwhelming, and the extended descriptions of the summer fête—children’s races, music, maypole dancing, and the grand ball—are far more detailed than necessary. I would have preferred fewer festival activities and significantly fewer characters in order to focus more on the central romance.

Ultimately, this was probably my least favorite book in the series. It felt as though very little happened until nearly three-quarters of the way through, and I found myself repeatedly setting it aside in search of something more engaging. Honestly, if this had been written by almost any other author, I likely wouldn’t have finished it. I did appreciate the happy ending, but given how much I loved the earlier books in both series, this may be where I stop.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

REMEMBER THAT DAY by Mary Balogh. Berkley. (January 6, 2026). ISBN: 978-0593818084. 368p.

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PRETEND YOU’RE MINE by Lucy Score

January 9, 2026

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Benevolence, Book 1

From the publisher:

What if the love you’re faking becomes the home you’ve always needed?

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lucy Score comes an emotional small-town romance overflowing with healing, hope, and irresistible slow-burn chemistry.

Harper’s on the run from heartbreak, desperate to find a place where she finally feels safe. Luke Garrison is a soldier, a local legend―guarding his secrets, his family, and his battered heart. When Harper agrees to play the part of his girlfriend to protect him from town gossip, it seems like the perfect arrangement: No feelings. No risk. Just pretend.

But sometimes pretending leads to the most real love of all.

As their fake relationship becomes dangerously real, both must decide if they’re brave enough to claim a second chance at happiness―or risk losing it all.

Start the Benevolence series now and fall for the book readers can’t stop recommending.

https://amzn.to/4sntHwg

Harper’s life implodes when she catches her cheating boyfriend—who also happens to be her boss—in the act. She bolts with nothing but her car keys, leaving her phone, money, and dignity behind. Stranded and running on empty, she pulls into a small-town bar only to witness a man assaulting a woman. Without a second thought, Harper launches herself into the fray, ending up bruised but hailed as a hero.

The man who comes to her rescue is Luke Garrison, a brooding hometown hero shattered by the loss of his pregnant wife years ago. When Luke’s sister realizes Harper is broke and homeless, she brokers a deal: Harper will play Luke’s fake girlfriend for one month to get his meddling parents off his back before his next deployment. In exchange, Harper gets a paycheck and a place to stay.

What starts as a convenient arrangement quickly turns electric. Despite Luke’s vow to never love again, Harper’s fierce resilience cracks his armor. Their connection spans continents through a deployment, but the peace is shattered when the man Harper fought in the parking lot returns for revenge. A terrifying home invasion leaves Harper scarred and Luke consumed by a guilt he can’t escape.

As Luke’s tragic past collides with his present, he lashes out, pushing Harper away to protect himself from more grief. Harper, a former foster child who has spent her life rescuing others, finally stops fighting for a man who won’t fight for himself and disappears. It’s only when Luke realizes Harper is being hunted by the criminal she helped put away that he finally wakes up. He lost his first love to tragedy; he won’t lose Harper to his own fear.

Lucy Score delivers a masterclass in small-town romance, balancing gut-wrenching emotional depth with sharp, witty banter. Harper is a powerhouse of a protagonist—intelligent, sharp-tongued, and deeply compassionate. Luke’s journey from a man “dead inside” to a protective partner is raw and earned. With a vibrant cast of secondary characters and high-stakes tension, this story is a beautiful, sizzling reminder that even the most broken hearts are worthy of a happy ending.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

PRETEND YOU’RE MINE by Lucy Score. Bloom Books. (September 30, 2022). ISBN: 978-1728282565. 480p.

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IN YOUR DREAMS by Sarah Adams

January 2, 2026

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Rome, Kentucky, Book 4

From the publisher:

A homecoming to Rome, Kentucky, sparks a new romance—and lots of drama—between two old family friends, from the New York Times bestselling author of When in Rome, Practice Makes Perfect, and Beg, Borrow, or Steal.

Madison Walker left Rome, Kentucky, determined to make it in the culinary world. But after years of chasing success in New York, all she has to show for it is her shattered confidence and a desperate need for a fresh start. Coming home isn’t part of the plan—until an unexpected job offer lands in her lap: the head chef position at a new farm-to-table restaurant in her hometown. The only catch? It comes from James Huxley, owner of Huxley Farm, her brother’s best friend.

James has always played it safe, keeping his head down and running the family business. But when Madison’s happiness is on the line, he’s willing to take up his estranged brother’s offer to launch a restaurant. James has loved her quietly for years, knowing she’s never seen him as more than an annoyance, but now that she’s back, he’s determined to change that.

Madison and James are tasked with launching the dreamy restaurant in record time, but keeping things strictly professional soon becomes impossible, and the town can’t help but meddle in their relationship. As opening night looms closer, Madison’s fears threaten to hold her back.

When an unexpected disaster collides with a long-simmering sibling feud, both Madison and James will have to face their biggest insecurities—and decide if love is worth the risk or if some dreams are safer left untouched.

“Adams concludes her “Rome, Kentucky” series with…this heartfelt, slow-burn romance [that] will leave readers reminiscing and wanting to start the whole series over again.”—Library Journal

https://amzn.to/4sntHwg

I’d forgotten how much I adore visiting Rome, Kentucky—the kind of small town that makes you want to stay forever. This final installment in the series centers on the last Walker sister, Madison, and it’s a deeply satisfying conclusion.

Madison is warm, spirited, and sensitive, but she’s also plagued by self-doubt. While her sisters are thriving, Madison feels like the odd one out. She dreams of becoming a chef, so she leaves her teaching job and moves to New York to attend culinary school. She scrapes by, convinced she would not have graduated without the extra credit earned by cleaning labs. Too embarrassed to celebrate what feels like a near-failure, she skips her graduation entirely and doesn’t tell her family.

She’s also been quietly crushing on her brother’s best friend, James, for as long as she can remember. After one too many drinks, she calls him—expecting awkwardness, not comfort. Instead, James listens. Then he throws her a lifeline: come home to Rome and be the chef for the restaurant he’s opening as part of revitalizing his family farm. For Madison, it’s the fresh start she needs—and a way to return home without admitting defeat.

What Madison doesn’t know is that James never planned to open a restaurant until that phone call. She also doesn’t know he’s been harboring feelings for her just as long. Determined to give her a reason to stay, James enlists his brother Tommy, a successful restaurateur in Los Angeles, to help get the restaurant off the ground. Things quickly become complicated when Tommy starts flirting with Madison, making James’s unspoken jealousy impossible to ignore.

Madison loves her new job, but her insecurities linger, and working so closely with James brings her long-buried feelings to the surface. He’s her brother’s best friend—and now her boss—which makes everything even more complicated.

James, meanwhile, is juggling big dreams for the farm, his father’s declining health, and the financial risk of the restaurant. If Madison fails, they could both lose everything. Still, James’s stubborn faith in her—and his own blind spot when it comes to Madison—keeps him believing she’ll succeed, even when doubts creep in.

As they work side by side, it becomes impossible to hide what they feel, and their love story unfolds into a well-earned happily ever after. This was the perfect conclusion to a terrific series, and I can’t wait to see what Adams does next. While longtime readers will appreciate the journey, the book also stands beautifully on its own—so new readers can easily start here. It was a wonderful way to kick off a new year of reading.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IN YOUR DREAMS by Sarah Adams. Dell. (December 30, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593723715. 368p.

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THE CHRISTMAS CURE by Kristine Winters

December 26, 2025

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From the publisher:

A cozy holiday rom-com in which ER physician Dr. Libby Munro travels back in time to the previous Christmas during her hometown’s rumored-to-be-magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony, where she must confront her past choices—while navigating an unexpected romance that could rewrite her future.

He wasn’t on her Christmas wish list, but he’s just what Santa ordered.

When Libby Munro returns to her hometown of Harmony Hills—a holiday-obsessed village that feels like stepping into a Christmas card—she’s longing for an escape. A respite from her hectic job as a big-city emergency room doctor, and a change of scenery after a painful break-up. Maybe Harmony Hills’s festive charm will help her rediscover the holiday spirit.

What she doesn’t expect is Liam Young: the dreamy, green-eyed owner of the local bakery, whose smile rivals the glow of the town’s legendary Christmas tree. Or a run-in with Liam’s excitable pot-bellied pig, Mary Piggins, at the rumoured-to-be-magical tree-lighting ceremony. Libby’s knocked unconscious in the chaos and wakes up to find herself thrust into the past: specifically, to Christmastime, one year ago.

As she relives last Christmas, Libby begins to wonder if this is a second chance to change her life. With every snowflake-filled moment, the undeniable spark between her and Liam grows brighter. But if she’s going to rewrite her future, she’ll need to figure out what changes the past is asking her to make—and whether she’s ready to embrace the pull of home, and the promise of true love.

Perfect for fans of In a Holidaze and One Day in December, The Christmas Cure is the holiday rom-com that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas.

https://amzn.to/4pTN8eJ

This warm, twinkly holiday romance comes from Canadian author Karma Brown, writing under the pseudonym Kristine Winters. Set in a fictional small town straight out of a Hallmark movie, it’s filled with festive charm, nosy-but-lovable locals, and a sweet pig, Mary Piggins.

Libby Munro, a Toronto ER doctor, returns to her hometown of Harmony Hills for the holidays, only to find herself tripping over the adorable pig. She blacks out, and when she awakesn, she has been transported back to the previous year and forced to repeat the town’s beloved Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. And there she stays, stuck in the past. Libby must confront what she truly wants: the high-pressure city life she’s built, or the slower, sweeter rhythm of home… and maybe even Liam, the dimpled tree farmer–baker who is basically the human embodiment of a cinnamon roll.

I love magical realism and alternate-reality stories, and I thought the premise here was clever and charming. Overall, this is a cozy, pun-filled, delightful small-town holiday romance. Liam was an instant favorite—soft, steady, and swoon-worthy in all the right ways. The story is comforting and predictable in the best holiday-romance way, with plenty of Hallmark vibes and a light touch of magic. A sweet, festive read that’s perfect for the season.

12/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE CHRISTMAS CURE by Kristine Winters. Simon & Schuster. (October 7, 2025). ISBN: 978-1668069592. 304p.

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CLAIMING THE PRINCESS by Charis Michaels

December 19, 2025

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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.

https://amzn.to/4pwPCPJ

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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THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL by Christy Carlyle

July 4, 2025

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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

https://amzn.to/4jMbkf7

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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HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART by Sabrina Jeffries

May 30, 2025

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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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Spotlight Review: HARDLY A GENTLEMAN by Eloisa James

April 29, 2025

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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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Spotlight Review: MY INCONVENIENT DUKE by Loretta Chase

January 21, 2025

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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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