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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

https://amzn.to/3TY8fPc

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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A Ravenswood Novel, Book 3

From the publisher:

Lady Jennifer Arden and Ben Ellis know that a match between them is out of the question. Yet their hearts yearn for the impossible. Discover a new heartwarming story from New York Times bestselling author and beloved “queen of Regency romance” Mary Balogh.

Left unable to walk by a childhood illness, Lady Jennifer, sister of the Duke of Wilby, has grown up to make a happy place for herself in society. Outgoing and cheerful, she has many friends and enjoys the pleasures of high society—even if she cannot dance at balls or stroll in Hyde Park. She is blessed with a large, loving, and protective family. But she secretly dreams of marriage and children, and of walking—and dancing.

When Ben Ellis comes across Lady Jennifer as she struggles to walk with the aid of primitive crutches, he instantly understands her yearning. He is a fixer. It is often said of him that he never saw a practical problem he did not have to solve. He wants to help her discover independence and motion—driving a carriage, swimming, even walking a different way. But he must be careful. He is the bastard son of the late Earl of Stratton. Though he was raised with the earl’s family, he knows he does not really belong in the world of the ton.

Jennifer is shocked—and intrigued—by Ben’s ideas, and both families are alarmed by the growing friendship and perhaps more that they sense developing between the two. A duke’s sister certainly cannot marry the bastard son of an earl. Except sometimes, love can find a way.

Book 1: Remember Love
Book 2: Remember Me

https://amzn.to/3Of4SjQ

This was such an interesting twist on the Regency romance. Our heroine, Lady Jennifer, comes from a well-to-do family high up in society. She suffered an illness in childhood that left one of her legs and one of her feet deformed. She is unable to walk unassisted and uses a wheelchair. She cannot manipulate the wheelchair herself, but luckily, she is wealthy enough to have a full time staff person to help her. She had an offer of marriage by a suitable young man, but he made it clear he was only interested in her fortune, and Jennifer refused him, content to stay unmarried and live with a family member like her aunt.

Ben Ellis is the bastard son of a member of the ton, and when his mother died, his father brought him home, and he was raised as a member of the family. But he never forgot that he truly was different than his half-siblings. His stepmother always treated him as family, as did his siblings, but there was always that undercurrent of being lesser than.

Ben observes Lady Jennifer struggling to walk a few steps with crude crutches, and he immediately starts to think of a better way for her to gain some mobility. Ben is a fixer – he likes nothing better than solving a tricky problem. He speaks with Lady Jennifer, and a friendship is formed. He is strongly attracted to her, and she to him, but his lack of title makes him ineligible for marriage to a lady.

Ben’s ideas are excellent, and once Jennifer gets past her embarrassment about being helped in this way, she is excited to try out some of his ideas. He sets up a small carriage with a place to rest her deformed foot and teaches her to drive. He speaks to the town cobbler and blacksmith about making a brace for her foot, better crutches, and even a much-improved wheelchair. Love is in the air, and everyone, including their families, can see it, but there is nothing to be done about it.

Then, circumstances change a bit when someone reaches out to Ben about his mother. He knows nothing of her as she died when he was a toddler, and all his father ever said was how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. As he and his family learn more about his background, things start changing a bit. He will always be a bastard, but eventually love wins out and they find their happy ending.

I really enjoyed this story – it was a bit different than the usual Regency, and as always, I’m sure the research was impeccable. The story moves quickly, and I couldn’t help but get caught up in this romance. I was so sorry to turn that last page!

1/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ALWAYS REMEMBER by Mary Balogh. Berkley (January 16, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593638385. 368p.

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