Given Our History by Kristyn J. Miller book review

Assistant professor Clara Fernsby is determined and focused on her dream of teaching history. Since the age of fourteen, she has pursued this goal relentlessly, overcoming all obstacles, including a significant relationship from her past. Her hard work pays off when she secures a full time teaching position at a university right after graduating, and she is now up for tenure. 

However, everything changes when Theodore "Teddy" Harrison arrives as a visiting scholar for the fall semester. Teddy is a reminder of Clara's past, as they haven’t spoken since a falling out a decade ago. Their shared history at a sleepaway camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains resurfaces, where they exchanged books and music and fell in love as teenagers. At this point, they don’t really know each other anymore. 

As they collaborate on a project and share drinks at a college bar, Clara finds herself falling for Teddy once more. Aware of their complicated history, she grapples with the possibility that he may not be interested. Yet, both heart and history have their own interpretations, and Clara is determined not to repeat the past. This novel's dual timelines juxtapose Clara and Teddy's early friendship with their present-day interactions. Readers witness their growth from childhood friends to strangers, and perhaps back to something more. I wanted to jump in and help them with their communication skills! 

The characters of Clara and Teddy are compelling and relatable, making the reader root for their romance. The pacing is well-executed, and the emotional depth of their relationship adds to the overall charm of the narrative. The backdrop of academia and the transition from summer to fall amplify the cozy, romantic atmosphere. "Given Our History" is an engaging, heartwarming read that fans of second chance romances will adore. It's a perfect book for fall, and I recommend it for anyone looking for a light, enjoyable escape.

The Worst Duke in London by Amalie Howard book review

This charming enemies-to-lovers Regency romance is a captivating read, crafted by author Amalie Howard. Here's why this book stands out to me: 

Strong-Willed Protagonists: Lady Evangeline Raine, a passionate animal lover and feminist, defies societal expectations. Her character showcases resilience and independence, making her a relatable and inspiring heroine. 

Engaging Chemistry: The chemistry between Effie and Gage Croft, Duke of Vale, is electric. Their banter is witty and full of tension, creating a delightful dynamic that keeps readers entertained. 

Unique Plot: The premise of a fake courtship turns into a steamy and unexpected romance, as Effie and Gage navigate their feelings amidst societal pressures. Their arrangement adds layers of intrigue and excitement to the storyline. 

Sex-Positive Representation: This book is refreshingly sex-positive, showcasing both main characters as virgins, which is rare in adult romance. It handles their journey of exploration with sensitivity and authenticity. 

Humor and Sarcasm: The humor in the dialogue is sharp and clever, making for a fun reading experience. The characters' straightforwardness and raw honesty add to the charm. 

Character Development: Effie's sister, Viola, also experiences growth throughout the story, enriching the narrative with additional layers of familial relationships. 

Regency Era Charm: The historical setting is beautifully portrayed, blending romance with progressive themes that resonate well with modern readers. 

Stand-Alone Enjoyment: While this is the third book in a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel, making it accessible for new readers. 

Overall, this book is an enchanting read that combines humor, romance, and feminist themes, making it a must-read for fans of historical romance. Highly recommended! I really enjoy Howard’s books and this is not the first one that I have read. There is always a unique twist to the historical aspect that makes it fun and unique.

Maidens of the Cave Lloyd Devereux Richards book review

Maidens of the Cave is the thrilling sequel in the Stone Maidens series by Lloyd Devereux Richards, featuring FBI forensic anthropologist Christine Prusik. This novel is a gritty, well-crafted procedural crime thriller that showcases Christine Prusik’s unconventional approach to solving crimes. Often at odds with her supervisors, she prioritizes justice over office politics, immersing herself in the dark world of a serial killer who targets young women in the caves of Indiana and Illinois. The atmosphere is tense, maintaining a sense of real threat throughout the story. The opening scene, stark in its brutality, sets the tone for the chilling narrative to come. Richards displays impressive technical expertise in his descriptive prose. The writing flows smoothly, drawing readers into the story. The plot is centered around bizarre murder methods and features a significant twist that adds depth to the narrative. 

Notably, this book is not a cozy mystery; it includes themes of poisoning, violent murder, and child abuse, which may be triggering for some readers. However, all necessary backstory is provided, making it accessible as a standalone read. Christine Prusik emerges as a relatable protagonist, determined to pursue justice despite bureaucratic obstacles. Her investigation of the deaths of two college students leads her to uncover a sinister pattern, marked by a ring-sized bruise on the victims. The suspense builds as she confronts both the external threat of the killer and her internal struggles. 

Overall this is a compelling forensic thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It effectively combines action, suspense, and a richly developed plot, making it a must-read for fans of mystery and true crime. I love its engaging characters and unexpected twists. I had both of these books on my nightstand waiting for me to be in a thriller mood. I had to start the second book as soon as I finished the book. I also love the story of how these books came to be published and am a fan of the author on TikTok. Highly recommended!

My Inconvenient Duke by Loretta Chase book review

My Inconvenient Duke wraps up the Difficult Dukes series with a captivating story that centers on Lady Alice Ancaster and Giles, the Duke of Blackwood. Having known each other for 15 years, their relationship is filled with a mixture of deep-seated affection and tension, creating a slow-burn romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Alice, determined to protect herself from her brother Hugh's reckless behavior and his friends' notorious antics, sets out to find a suitable husband. Blackwood, who secretly harbors feelings for Alice, decides to intervene, leading to a series of adventures that redefine their relationship. Their chemistry is palpable, and the way they navigate their past regrets while forging a future together is well written. 

Chase's writing style shines through, with witty dialogue and well-rounded characters that kept me engaged from start to finish. The tension between Alice and Blackwood simmers as they confront their feelings amidst the chaos of their lives. The exploration of their relationship, not just leading up to marriage but beyond, is frustrating - but fun and engaging because the author added a lot of drama. Their journey toward understanding and supporting each other makes for a satisfying read. What sets this story apart is Chase's decision to use multiple points of view. This technique adds depth and complexity, allowing readers to connect with not just Alice and Blackwood, but also the motivations of the antagonist. The insights we gain from other characters enhance our understanding of the protagonists' struggles and desires, making their eventual union all the more meaningful. 

My Inconvenient Duke is a tale of love, adventure, and personal growth that defies societal expectations. With this book, Chase proves once again that she knows how to weave a story that is both heartwarming and thrilling. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance.  Thanks to NetGalley and Avon books for an ARC of this book.  The publication date is set for January 21, 2025.

Good Duke Gone Wild by Bethany Bennett book review

Dorian Whitaker, the Duke of Holland, finds himself in need of an heir after his disastrous marriage. When he hires Caroline Danvers, a captivating bookseller tasked with liquidating his late wife's library. She uncovers love letters that lead to a mystery entwined with their growing attraction. Caroline, who secretly writes erotic novels under the pen name Blanche Clementine, risks her reputation and her family's bookshop by getting involved with Dorian. I think this is the unique twist to this book as the different classes and taboo occupation at the center of this romance unfold. As they delve into Dorian's troubled past, the undeniable chemistry between them challenges them to rewrite their own story, merging fantasy with reality. 

Bethany Bennett's storytelling immerses readers in a world filled with relatable characters and rich emotional depth. Caroline and Dorian's experiences add complexity to their relationship, making their connection both genuine and compelling. The supporting characters, particularly Caroline's cousins, provide humor and heart, enhancing the narrative. While the plot includes a variety of subplots that are fun, the central romance remains engaging and heartfelt. This book is a delightful blend of wit, romance, and suspense, making it a must-read for fans of Historical Romance. The cover is beautiful. Highly recommended for anyone who loves vibrant characters and an engaging story!

The Mistress Experience by Scarlett Peckham book review

In "The Mistress Experience," Scarlett Peckham delivers a unique historical romance that captivates with its blend of humor, warmth, and genuine emotion. The story revolves around Thaïs Magdalene, London's most infamous courtesan, who auctions herself off for a month to raise funds for women's rights. Some of her dialogue will make you laugh out loud and blush. The unexpected twist comes when Lord Alastair Eden, a perfectionist earl and aspiring politician, becomes the highest bidder, seeking to learn the art of pleasing a future wife. Their journey through physical intimacy and emotional connection is both engaging and relatable, making it difficult to put the book down. Peckham’s writing style shines as she crafts a narrative filled with depth and character development. Thaïs and Alastair's relationship is unusual for the time period, showcasing the complexities of love, desire, and personal growth. The witty exchanges and tender moments truly highlight their chemistry. While the series concludes with "The Mistress Experience," the impact of Thaïs and Alastair's story lingers, leaving readers eager for more from Peckham. It’s a bit of a slow burn book, with few spicy scenes. This book is a joyful and fun read that stands out as a memorable addition to the conclusion of this series. I did read this series in order and it’s nice to see some of the names reappear. It makes sense for the continuity, but it could be a stand alone. I LOVE the cover. It has that great vintage look.

Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley book review

This was an unexpectedly fun and ridiculous ride (in a good way). This is a historical romance with a delightfully quirky, nerdy couple. I am not sure how I missed out on the previous books of this series, but I have to go back and read them all. I jumped into book #5 and loved all the characters! The Wynchesters are siblings, found family and are investigators in Victorian England. Sword-wielding Elizabeth is a bit rough around the edges, but an excellent fighter. She does have an issue with her joints, but throughout the story readers will see how she copes. 

Elizabeth is tasked with finding a will for a castle that was supposed to be an orphanage and school. The Earl lost the castle in a card game after his mother’s death, but the will needs to be found so that the wager will be invalid. Elizabeth arrives at the castle to find that the Earl has fled and the castle is occupied by his inventor cousin. He has the place booby-trapped because his neighbor is trying to seize the castle. Between Elizabeth's sword fighting and Stephen’s machines, they are going to try to hold off the invasion (for which tickets were sold!). As they get to know each other, they find they are perfect for each other. The writing is funny and the situations are crazy at times, but this makes for a very entertaining read. I love how Stephen tries to accommodate Elizabeth, without knowing the whole story. Swoon. Lots of action and comedy in this book. A definite series to add to your TBR pile.