Miss Wick and the Duke Dilemma by Violet Marsh book review

Eoin Aucourte, newly titled Duke of Foxglen, seeks to find the mother and sister who were taken from him in childhood after his grandfather’s death. His only lead is the Black Sheep Coffeehouse in Covent Garden, run by Hannah Wick—the sharp-witted daughter of a man exiled decades earlier by the Aucourte family and later driven to piracy. Hannah agrees to help Eoin, but not from kindness: she plans to use the search to gather evidence to ruin the family that stole her family’s land. To get close, she pretends to be Eoin’s mistress and uses the coffeehouse’s gossip network, her own daring, and a cast of loyal cousins and friends (and a loud parrot and protective gosling) to pry secrets from the duke’s scheming relatives. As clues mount, the pair face threats to their safety, betrayals within the household, and a tangled mystery surrounding Eoin’s missing kin. Hannah’s revenge plot falters as Eoin’s quiet kindness and integrity expose her growing feelings, forcing both to reckon with whether justice or vengeance is deserved. 

I've really been enjoying this series! Historical romance readers will appreciate this book for its lively fusion of period atmosphere, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a mystery that propels the plot beyond mere courtship. The setting—mid-18th-century London focused around an unconventional coffeehouse—gives access to multiple social tiers, creating rich class conflict and fun scenes in seedy taverns, drawing rooms, and shadowy backstreets. Hannah’s fiery, modern-feeling independence and Eoin’s restrained decency create a satisfying opposites-attract dynamic: her sharp scheming and his moral steadiness play well against the emotional stakes of family betrayal and redemption. Fans of regency-adjacent romcoms will enjoy the witty banter, staged “mistress” ruse, and gradual conversion of physical attraction into mutual respect. The added mystery, occasional peril, and quirky animal companions keep pacing brisk and inject variety for readers who like their historical love stories with suspense, humor, and a clear emotional payoff.

The Last Lady B by Eloisa James book review

Lady Genevieve “Evie” Hughes marries the wealthy, septuagenarian Lord Burnsby to secure a dowry for her sister. She accompanies him, her pet piglet, and an eccentric retinue to his remote, snowbound abbey in the Scottish Highlands. The household is populated by quirky relatives, a fashionable French countess, a forgetful aunt, a snarky stepdaughter, and Sir Godric Everly, an attractive, sardonic solicitor and longtime friend of the family. Strange occurrences—ghostly sightings, secret passageways, multiple wills, and a mounting murder mystery—soon unsettle the abbey. As Lord Burnsby’s hidden past collides with the present, Evie must untangle lies about identity, honor, and inheritance while navigating her uneasy marriage and growing emotional bond with Godric. When Burnsby dies under dramatic circumstances, Evie confronts questions about reputation, trust, and where her heart belongs amid revelations that threaten to ruin her. 

This was definitely a unique twist on an arranged marriage, especially when all the secrets were being discovered.  I thought it was kind of sad that Evie had to do something this drastic for her family.  But I guess it was a period reality and it was pretty interesting to explore. Romance readers will enjoy this novel for its blend of Regency wit and gothic atmosphere: Eloisa James layers cozy domestic humor and sharp, first-person narration with suspenseful mysteries and moody settings. The slow-burn attraction between Evie and Godric is emotionally charged without explicit infidelity, leaning on longing, dialogue, and moral tension rather than overt eroticism. Fans of found-family dynamics will appreciate the colorful supporting cast, gothic enthusiasts will relish the haunted-abbey tropes updated with modern sensibilities. The story also probes period realities—women’s legal vulnerability, dowry economics, and social reputation—giving the romance stakes beyond passion and ensuring a satisfying mix of charm, intrigue, and heartfelt growth.  I always look forward to Eloisa James' book releases and this one does not disappoint.

This book will be out May 12, 2026.  Thank to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an ARC.

The Wild Wynchesters #6: A Waltz on the Wild Side by Erica Ridley book review

Miss Vivian Henry, a anonymous advice columnist and playwright who escaped slavery as a child, reluctantly turns to the notorious Wild Wynchesters when her beloved cousin Quentin—who idolizes the Wynchesters and imitates their daring escapades—disappears. Vivian, fiercely protective of Quentin because he lacks the Wynchesters’ money and legal protections, swallows her pride and asks the family she despises for help. Jacob Wynchester, a gentle poet who secretly writes under a pseudonym and cares more for animals than people, is assigned lead investigator. As Jacob and Vivian clash—her sharp judgmentalism against his earnest kindness—their partnership reveals hidden strengths, family loyalty, and unexpected tenderness. Together with the eccentric Winchester clan and a menagerie of animal companions, they untangle clues, confront social inequalities that shape Vivian’s life, and race to rescue Quentin. Miscommunications and personal histories complicate the romance, but both protagonists grow: Vivian softens her mistrust, and Jacob opens his heart. The mystery resolves with a satisfying rescue and a romantic, hopeful epilogue that reunites the Wynchesters and closes Jacob’s arc. 

Romance readers will enjoy this book for its spirited enemies-to-lovers tension, period detail, and fresh diversity within a regency-flavored setting. The novel balances a puzzle-driven plot with domestic warmth: eccentric family dynamics, witty banter, and clever investigative set pieces provide lively pacing, while scenes of Jacob’s animal companions and the Wynchesters’ inventive vigilante methods add lots of fun! The book foregrounds social issues—race, class, and the limits placed on Black creatives in the era—giving emotional depth beyond the central romance. Readers who value character growth will appreciate Vivian’s gradual vulnerability and Jacob’s steady devotion, even if the romantic arc leans toward a slow burn. Overall, it's a great series read with a unique twist on their found family.