4.5 stars In a genre built on, and sustained by, a set of established tropes that the reader instantly recognizes — and even selects for — it isn’t too often that I read a new romance where my main impression is, “Well, that was different!” Tropes work, and standards appear in every genre (though they’re disparaged much more often in romance,) and the skill of the author is revealed by his/her ability to work within their architecture and still craft a memorable, distinct, and competent […]
Racing to Romance
This is a dual review, starting with the novella ‘The Sport of Baronets’, the first part of Romancing the Turf series. The series is based on horse racing, and the people who live in that world, specifically the Crosbys and the Chandlers. The two families have been feuding as long as they can remember, for reasons that have largely been forgotten over time. As this novella begins, the Crosby family fortunes have taken a downturn and hopes are pinned on the colt Golden Barb to […]
An Almost-Duke to the Rescue
This book, the first in the “Lords of Worth” trilogy, covers a lot of topics not usually found in Regency romance. This was Ms Bowen’s debut novel, and it’s a strong start to be sure. The title and cover are rather misleading – you’d think it was a fluffy holiday themed story, and it’s nothing like that. Once again, the publishers seem to be playing fast and loose with the presentation. Also, the hero isn’t a duke, just a close relation to one, so it […]
Only a Kiss Is a Swing and a Miss or Maybe a Bunt
The Survivors’ Club series has had a really good run and there is one more book to go that I will be reading when it becomes available, but Only a Kiss was a swing and a miss. I never really connected with it and, in particular, didn’t get a handle on the hero. Before I start, let’s take a moment to enjoy the gorgeous and mostly accurate (!) cover. The Survivors’ Club series follows the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars for six men and one […]
Only a wonderful adult romance full of heart
So I’m to book 5 now of the Survivor’s Club series by Mary Balogh, and there’s only one more so far published. I’m not ready to let these folks go, especially as we’ve had two big wins in a row. This is the story of Ralph, Earl of Berwick and only heir to the Duke of Worthingham, and Chloe, a woman who’s run from the ton twice due to indiscreet behavior of others. They meet at the Duke of Worthingham where Chloe is a “guest” […]
Taking Care of Scandal
Kelly Bowen is a new-to-me author, and I am thrilled to have discovered her. I can’t remember where I stumbled across the book recommendation, but I’m glad I followed up on it. She has a fresh take on the historical romance genre. This is the first book in a new series; the previous trilogy ‘Lords of Worth’ is definitely something I will be diving into next. “The silk was the color of sin. “On the bodice of a ball gown, it would have been spectacular. […]
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