Title: All’s Fair in Love and War
(Miss Prentice’s Protegees #1)
Author: Virginia Heath
Published: May 2024
Rate: 5 of 5
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Romance-Comedy, Opposite-attracts, Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers

Blurb:

A new Regency romp of a series, about governess who believes in cultivating joy in her charges, clashes with the children’s uncle who hired her, only to find herself falling in love.

When the flighty older sister of former naval captain, Harry Kincaid, decides on a whim to accompany her explorer husband on an expedition to Egypt, he finds himself unwittingly left in the lurch with her three unruly children and her giant, mad dog. With no clue how to manage the little rascals, a busy career at the Admiralty that requires all of his attention, and no idea when his sister is coming back, Harry has to hire and emergency governess to ensure that everything in his ordered house continues to run shipshape. In desperation, he goes to Miss Prentice’s School for Girls prepared to pay whatever it takes to get a governess quick sharp to bring order to the chaos.

Thanks to her miserable, strict upbringing, fledging governess Georgina Rowe does not subscribe to the ethos that children should be seen and not heard. She believes childhood should be everything that hers wasn’t, filled with laughter, adventure, and discovery. Thankfully, the three Pendleton children she has been tasked with looking after are already delightfully bohemian and instantly embrace her unconventional educational ethos. Their staid, stickler-for-rules uncle however, is another matter entirely...

My Review:

Who doesn’t love a swoon-worthy naval captain with endless compassion for his nieces and nephew?

This first book in the series starts off by introducing the main characters for this series and the slow pace is designed to keep up with the plot. Harry’s ordered world is suddenly turned upside down when his sister leaves her three children to be looked after while she is away for around three months. His life is dedicated to building a career in the Admiralty after his past failures thus he must find a governess to educate her three unruly children, Felix, Marianne, and Grace.

Georgie is still unemployed at Miss Prentice’s school, when all her friends have managed to get jobs. After living with her stepfather, she loathes all the strict things about the navy but when a desperate naval captain requires a governess, she has to keep her mouth shut to get the job.

I loved this book so much because of the children within. Felix, Marriane, Grace, and their dog Norbert are all the stars of this book. Their lawless behaviour brings so much fun and joy throughout the story. I loved how educated Georgie is and how thoughtful and compassionate Harry is. Their quote-misquote pattern was so amusing. The story is undeniably entertaining, full of adventure and heart-warming turn of events. Their attraction might be slow but it burns all the way to the satisfying end.

About the author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl, it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated – sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. One day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep. Follow her at https://www.virginiaheathromance.com/ or her facebook page Virginia Heath.

Picture and blurb source: goodreads.com

 

Title: The Warrior’s Forbidden Maiden
(The Warrior of Wales #2)
Author: Lissa Morgan
Published: May 2024
Rate: 5 of 5
Genre: Medieval Wales, Historical Romance, Childhood Lovers, Mills and Boon Historical, Harlequin Historical

Blurb:

Will forbidden love become forever love in this medieval romance?

The warrior’s fiercest battle?

His duty versus his desire...

Seven years ago, Llywelyn was ready to renounce everything to become a monk. But on the eve of his departure, he shared a forbidden night with his childhood sweetheart, Cristin. Then his world was turned upside down by the death of his brother...which left Llywelyn as his family’s sole heir, duty bound to fight on the battlefield. Now a hardened warrior, he’s reunited with Cristin. But will he return to his vocation...or remain with his love?

My Review:

Looking for a medieval romance set in the beautiful Wales and featuring childhood lovers? Then this is the book for you!

Set in the stunning Wales, I was thoroughly taken into the characters and the story from the beginning. Llywelyn, a monk-to-be, must become a warrior and lord after the death of his brother, although he despises the thought. When he takes over the castle after the Norman invasion, he meets his childhood sweetheart, Cristin. After seven years of separation, his desire for her never vanishes. Well, our hero might be fierce and stubborn, but his affection for Cristin is utterly endearing despite her status. Our read-haired heroine, Cristin, is loyal to the core. Even when she needs help herself in times of danger, she continues to protect and serve her lords. I loved how passionate, strong and brave Cristin is. Moreover she is determined to enjoy her time with Llywelyn even though the future may not bring them together.

I couldn’t tell you how much I enjoyed the anguish and emotional rollercoaster of the story and how ugly a war is. Despite this, Lissa Morgan managed to balance it with the cutest cat which isn’t afraid of Llywelyn, the beauty of Wales, its mound and wildflowers. The festivities were written so vividly that I could imagine myself being there. The obstacles that Cristin and Llywelyn face with their status quo, made me wonder what choice they would make and whether they would be happy but, hey it’s romance! In fact, the ending was absolutely beautiful, uplifting and heart-warming.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the second book of The Warrior of Wales. Lissa Morgan has always brought something quite refreshing to the table. A picture of Wales and characters you feel engaged with. Thank you, Lissa Morgan, for the digital copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

About the author

Lissa Morgan hails from Wales but has travelled far and wide over the years, usually in pursuit of the next new job, but always pursuing her passion for the past along the way too. She once worked as tour guide at Hampton Court Palace where she donned her sumptuous Tudor gowns – replicas of course – in Catherine of Aragon’s chambers! Now a part-time web designer, Lissa lives in rugged north-west Wales surrounded by medieval castles that provide the perfect inspiration for her writing. Follow Lissa on her website: https://lissamorgan.com/, facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lissamorganhistoricalromance or Twitter: https://twitter.com/LissaMorganAuth

Picture and blurb source: goodreads.com

Title: A Pregnancy Bombshell to Bind Them
Author: Annie West
Published: April 2024
Rate: 5 of 5
Genre: Unexpected Pregnancy, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern

Blurb:

Their fling has a consequence that will make the front page! Read all about it in this surprise-baby romance from USA TODAY bestselling author Annie West.

Breaking

She’s having the billionaire’s baby!

Model Laura is filming on location when she’s swept off her feet by wildly attractive Vassili. After a lifetime of lies, Laura’s drawn to his honesty – he doesn’t do commitment. Until she learns he’s engaged, and that she’s pregnant...

Greek tycoon Vassili is furious his family fabricated his engagement, especially as Laura now won’t return his calls. When a newspaper reports she’s expecting, Vassili tracks her down and discovers it’s true! A convenient marriage would secure his heir, but it will take more than a ring to rebuild their trust...

My Review:

Who could resist a book with a surprise baby and being whisked away to a stunning private island in Greece?

A hot sizzling scene was a very tempting way to start this book. That’s right, Laura and Vassili begin their affair in Australia where they enjoy their no-string relationship. I loved how Annie West wrote how hungry Vassily is for Laura, even though he has spent his desire with her from the beginning. Unfortunately, Vassili has an urgent matter to attend to in Greece and must return immediately. Laura is unaware of the reason for Vassili’s hurried return, but when she knows it, she is furious and determined not to be contacted by him. Until her pregnancy is on the news and they have to hide from the paparazzi.

I have always been a huge fan of Annie West’s books, especially her surprise baby books and this one includes. Laura is a strong, brave and independent. She is determined to dislike Vassili after his engagement and keep him at arm’s length while Vassili is so caring, protective and possessive. I found Vassili very attractive, not only because he is a Greek but also because he is a thrill seeker.

I loved the way Annie revealed the surprises and the past at a steady pace until the peak at the end blew me away. I also loved the way Annie depicts the vivid and beautiful island with the ruined temple. It is so mesmerizing. It’s a story where surprise after surprise, all-consuming passion, a hideout on a private island and a powerful drama become a wonderful romance. Thank you, Annie West, for the ARC, which I voluntarily reviewed.

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Annie West loves writing passionate, intense love stories. She has devoted her life to and in depth study of tall, dark charismatic heroes who cause the best kind of trouble in the lives of their heroines who are a perfect match for those strong stubborn men is one of her all time favorite things. As a sideline she’s also researched dreamy locations for romance, from vibrant cities to desert encampments and fairytale castles.

Annie won the Romantic Rimes Reviewers’ Choice Award for ‘Protected by the Prince’ and the Australian Romance Writers’ Romantic Book of the Year Award for ‘Damaso Claims His Hair’. Romantic Times said in its review of The Sheikh’s Ransomed Bride ‘This is what a love story could be’.

As well as writing for Harlequin/Mills and Boon, Annie also publishes shorter contemporary romances like her Hot Italian Nights e-novella series.

She lives with her family at beautiful Lake Macquarie on the east coast of Australia, situated neatly between spectacular sandy beaches and gorgeous wine country. She loves reading, good company, good food, long walks and travel.

You can catch Annie’s news at her website https://www.annie-west.com/  or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/anniewest.author She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her at annie(at)annie-west(dot)com. To sign up for her email newsletter with behind the scenes information and updates, go to https://madmimi.com/signups/109660/join

Picture and blurb source: https://www.goodreads.com/
 

 

Title: The Knight’s Rebellious Maiden
(The Knight’s Mission #1)
Author: Ella Matthews
Published: April 2024
Rate: 5 of 5
Genre: Historical Romance, Medieval Romance, Forced Proximity, Harlequin Historical, Mills & Boon Historical

Blurb:

Enjoy the start of Ella Matthews’s new medieval trilogy and enter the world of the king’s trusted knights! He’s her protector. She’s his forbidden temptation! Sir Leopold’s first mission is supposed to be a chance to prove his valor. But tasked with safety escorting Lady Arianwen to her husband-to-be, Leo finds he is little but a glorified bodyguard. Only, the seemingly simple mission goes awry when Ari proved that she’s willing to do anything to get away from her impending nuptials. As attraction sparks between them, can Leo choose knightly duty over love and deliver Ari to her wedding?

My Review:

Interested in a lady heroine who wants to be a warrior? Then you might be interested to know that the lovely and clever Ari has our hero, Leo struggling in his mission!

Leo assumes that his mission to become the king’s trusted knight will be easy, to prove to his parents that he is as worthy as his brother, but when he first steps into the castle of his mission, he can’t stop gazing at Ari, as if she has captivated him with her beauty, and likewise. I absolutely loved their first encountered as their spark was undeniable and made my heart beat as fast as Ari’s.

I found Leo impulsive, charming and a little dramatic but his ability and fame in combat is unquestionable. He doesn’t realize that he has fallen in love with Ari at first sight. Ah I loved Ari so much, she might appear to be a demure lady especially in her demeanour and her character, but underneath, she is powerful, too clever and talented, albeit too innocent.

I thoroughly enjoyed their sparring and banter during their journey. Ari is determined to escape the unwanted wedding and achieve her dream, as is Leo. Their chase is a cat-and-mouse game that kept me on the edge of my seat. The plot is a bit suspenseful, especially in the last chapters. I kept on pondering how the ending would be if one had to sacrifice one’s dream. Still, it kept me turning the pages.

It’s engrossingly entertaining and heart-pounding. I was thoroughly entertained by Leo and Ari and the ending is what I was hoping for. I also look forward to reading Leo’s two knight friends on their own missions! Thank you, Ella Matthews, for the digital copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

About the author

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes, she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes, but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else). Follow her at https://www.ellamatthews.co.uk/ or her Twitter at https://twitter.com/ellamattauthor

Picture and blurb source: https://www.goodreads.com/

 

Title: Peers and Parasols
(Lords and Ladies St. James #6)
Author: Rachel Ann Smith, Anna St. Claire, Aubrey Wynne,
Lauren Smith, Catherine Stein, Lara Temple
Published: March 2024
Rate: 5 of 5
Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery, Adventure,
Regency Romance, Suspense, Forced-Proximity

Blurb:

A collection of five exclusive novellas by your favourite historical romance authors all featuring Peers and Parasols.

They say...

Parasols are to protect one from the sun

But for five Peers...

Grab your copy of Peers and Parasols today and fall into the fantastic titles below:

Book 6 – Peers and Parasols

Kissed by a Scoundrel by USA Today Bestselling Author, Anna St. Claire

Poisons, Potions, and Parasols by USA Today Bestselling Author, Aubry Wynne

Her Fair Lady by Catherine Stein

Swindled by a Spinster by Rachel Ann Smith

The Seduction of Miss Standish by Lara Temple

My Review:

Who could turn down five novellas by five wonderful authors? A mystery, an adventure, a parasol in a romance? Very interesting! And who would believe that I read all these novellas in one sitting?

I’m a huge fan of Lara Temple’s books but after reading all the stories, four other amazing authors have been added to the list! From the very first story, you will be hooked with the story of Belle and Max by Lara Temple. This enemies turns lovers is so wonderful that I thought it was too short and needed more. Belle’s sharp wit kept me amused. Max may be annoyed by Belle’s interference in his plan, but their banter and strong attraction made the reading more enjoyable and engaging. Especially when it comes to the parasol, who would have thought it could deceive you?

The second story is about Torrance and Phoebe by Rachel Ann Smith. Torrance is an agent of the Home Office and Phoebe is his informant. This intriguing mystery and love intertwine in a steamy and sweet story!

The third story is Sebastian and Kathie by Anna St. Claire. The story begins with a tragic incident that brings Sebastian and Kathie. The plot is full of mystery and suspense that is mixed with the romantic journey of Sebastian and Kathie with a charming and wonderful ending.

The fourth story is about Helena and Amabel by Catherine Stein. They meet through a mystery, a game of lies and flirtation and it was wonderful.

And the final story is by Aubry Wynne where several mysteries come together. I thoroughly enjoyed Genie and Clayton as the fate and a parasol bring them together.

I really couldn’t put the book down. I need a longer story from each of them! All the stories are wonderful with the author’s special writing and engrossing plot. The adventure, the parasol, the mystery, the suspense, the smitten heroes and their romantic and steamy affair make it a wonderful collection. I hope I can get more stories for the side characters as they are so compelling. Thank you very much, Lara Temple, for the digital copy which I was happy to review.

About the author

Lara Temple is an award-winning author of sensual and emotional historical romance. She lives with her husband, two children, and one very fluffy dog, and they are all very understanding about her taking over the kitchen table so she can look out over the garden as she dreams up her Happy Ever Afters.

Discover more about Lara and her books –

Website: https://www.laratemple.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaraTempleAuthor

Rachel Ann Smith writes steamy historical romance with a twist. Her debut series, Agents of the Home Office, features female protagonists that defy convention. When Rachel isn’t writing she loves to read and spend time with the family. You will often find her with her eReader, by the pool during the summer, or on the side-lines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months. She currently lives in Texas with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children. Rachel Ann also writes contemporary romance under Rachel A. Smith. You can sign-up for her newsletter here: https://www.rachelannsmith.com/

Catherine Stein

Award-winning author Catherine Stein (she/her) believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance full of action, adventure, history, magic, and fantastic technologies.

Catherine lives in Michigan with her friends-to-lovers romance hero and their three nerdlings. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea. You can find more information about Catherine and all her books at her website: https://www.catsteinbooks.com/

Aubrey Wynne

USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series has received multiple awards and was twice nominated as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine. Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow and the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels. In 2024, Aubrey will launch Paddy’s Peeler, a Regency detective series.

Stay in touch with Aubrey:

Website: https://aubreywynne.com/

Image: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680621500i/124950107.jpg

 

Title: The Viking and the Runaway Empress
Author: Sarah Rodi
Published: February 2024
Rate: 5 of 5
Genre: Viking age, Historical Romance, Harlequin Historical, Mills & Boon Historical, Forced-Proximity

Blurb:

Journey to Constantinople with this Viking Romance!

Bound by duty

Tempted by desire

Guard to the Byzantine emperor, Viking warrior Destin is tasked with delivering his sovereign’s runaway bride-to-be to Constantinople. Abandoned at birth, Destin has spent years making something of himself, and with this final task comes the promise of land and riches. Only, the fiercely beautiful Livia refuses to be wed! Destin must return her unharmed – and untouched – but the closer they grow on their journey, the harder it becomes for him to hand her over...

My Review:

Forbidden love between a Viking warrior and an empress? I’m in!

The adventures begin when Destin is ordered to escort Livia, a Roman empress, to Constantinople to marry prince Alexios. Yet at the hideout where Livia is staying, she is attacked by her own uncle. Destin has no alternative but to escort Livia himself.

Oh my, Destin is really admirable, he may be quite intimidating but he is really protective and caring. I loved how different Destin is from other characters I have read, Destin has proven that despite his disability, he is worth loving!

Meanwhile Livia isn’t a meek and weak empress. She is strong, fierce and courageous. Livia never hides her attraction towards Destin but Destin keeps on pushing her but don’t worry, Livia’s determination is breaking down the wall around Destin.

I was over the moon when Sarah Rodi sent me a digital copy of her latest book because I have always loved her writing, so captivating and engaging. In this book, she has written a wonderful one-armed Viking warrior, Destin, and I couldn’t help but love him. The Italian setting and action is well-drawn and well-researched especially when Destin and Livia set off on their journey. I loved everything about this book, the adventure, the action, the history, the characters and the ending! Thank you, Sarah Rodi, for the digital copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

About the Author

Sarah Rodi has always been a hopeless romantic. She grew up watching old, romantic movies recommended by her granddad, or devouring love stories from local library. Sarah lives in the village of Cookham in Barkshire, where she enjoys walking along the River Thames with her husband, two daughters and their dog. She has been a magazine journalist for over twenty years, but it has been her lifelong dream to write romance for Harlequin Historical. Sarah believes everyone deserves to find their happy-ever-after. You can contact her via https://twitter.com/sarahrodiedits or visit her website at https://www.sarahrodi.com/ .

Image: Source : Sarah Rodi

 

Title: Never Fall for a Highlander
(The Mackays of Dun Ugadale Book 1)
Author: Callie Hutton
Published: March 2024
Rate: 4.5 of 5
Genre: Historical Romance, Highland Romance

Blurb:

Laird Robin Mackay has been pushed for some time by the Clan Council to choose a wife from one of the clans with daughters and widowed sisters. He doesn’t feel ready, but when Helena Ross arrives from the Sutherland clan to help her sister, Jena who is about to give birth to her first bairn, she catches Robin’s attention. Then he is injured in battle and Helena must spend hours with him, helping him heal.

He must marry for coin and alliances; she must return to Dornoch to take her aunt’s place as the clan healer so the woman who raised her can ease back from her duties.

With those responsibilities, there can be nothing between them. But the attraction is so strong, can they deny their duties to have each other?

My Review:

Need a quick read? I think you should add this into your TBR!

When I read the last instalment of The Sutherlands of Dornoch Castle, I thought the series was ending but Callie Hutton had another story, Helena, a healer from The Sutherlands. Helena is a talented, compassionate and kind healer. She comes to the Mackay clan to help her sister give birth. From the first time Robin sees Helena, he feels a strong attraction towards her, however the Mackay council is against the match yet he continues to pursue and seduce her until the time comes when he must choose between Helena and the future of his clan.

I enjoyed the book as it is an easy read with a good storyline. The character development may not be as engaging as the other series but the plot kept me entertained. I hope the story of Robin’s brother will be as entertaining as this one. Thank you, Callie Hutton for the digital copy which I volunteered to review.

About the author

My historical romances are full of heat, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.

I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A study in Murder released this year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been very good. The second book in that series, The Sign of Death, will release in April of 2021.

Although those books are not strictly romance, the main characters, William, Lord Wethington, and Lady Amy Lovell have formed a friendship while solving a murder mystery. Who knows where that will take them?

Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers.

Please consider signing up for my newsletter to keep up to date on new releases, sales, and special offers. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week! (This text refers to the Amazon edition). Follow her on http://calliehutton.com/newsletter/

Image: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1706719226i/206342901.jpg

 

Title: The King She Shouldn’t Crave
Author: Lela May Wight
Published: February 2024
Rate: 5 of 5
Genre: Marriage of Convenience, Modern-Monarch, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern

Blurb:

Will the king finally surrender to their tantalizing chemistry? Find out in the latest royalty romance by Lela May Wight!

Their royal marriage:

Separate beds but shared temptation...

Two months have passed since the world watched Natalia La Morte marry King Angelo Dizieno. But Natalia hasn’t seen or heard from him since their startlingly scorching kiss at the altar...

Promoted from spare to heir after tragedy struck, Angelo can’t be distracted from his duty. Being within touching distance of the woman he has always craved – his brother’s intended queen – has him on the precipice of self-destruction. The last thing he needs is for Natalia to recognize their dangerous attraction. If she does, there’s nothing to stop it from becoming all-consuming...

My Review:

Are you a sucker for marriage of convenience? How about a royal marriage? Then this book should be on your TBR!

Diving into the journey of Angelo and Natalia’s royal marriage, I was shaken with a quivering emotion throughout it. Angelo and Natalia are bound by royal marriage to unite two kingdoms. However, despite their strong desire, Angelo can’t indulge in his desire. His fear of loss is too strong, stronger than his desire for Natalia.

Natalia attempts to make their marriage work. She begins reaching for Angelo, but it’s to no avail. But don’t worry, Natalia is determined, brave and stubborn, that is what I loved about her. Natalia has been nothing but honest with Angelo from the beginning but every time Angelo pushes her away, I just wanted to scream that she didn’t deserve it. Surely this book brought my emotions to the surface, but I still loved it. You might find Angelo a bit frustrating with his guilt throughout the story but Natalia is always prepared to counter-argue him until his barriers crumble.

This is the first book of this year that managed to bring out my emotions throughout the story with its powerful inner monologue, its raw emotion and loss. One of the things that I loved about it was the feature of daffodils, which captivated me as they are one of my most favourite flowers. Anyway, for a fan of royal romance and marriage of convenience, this book is absolutely for you. Thank you, Lela May Wight, for providing me with a digital copy to review.

About the Author

Lela May Wight grew up with seven brothers and sisters. Yes, it was noisy, and she often found escape in romance books. She still does, but now she gets to write them, too! She hopes to offer readers the same escapism when the world is a little too loud. Lela May lives in the UK with her two sons and her very own hero, who never complains about her book addiction – he buys her more books! Check out what she’s up to at https://lelamaywight.com/.

Image: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1696219315i/179685364.jpg

 

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699040239i/140203383.jpg

Title: Convenient Vows with a Viking
Author: Lucy Morris, Sarah Rodi
Published: January 2024
Rate: 5 of 5
Genre: Marriage-of-Convenience, Viking age, Historical Romance, Harlequin Historical, Mills & Boon Historical

Blurb:

Two spicy Viking romances in one volume!

Two Viking short stories

Two alliances at the altar!

In Her Bought Viking Husband by Lucy Morris, Orla strikes a deal with enslaved Jarl Hakon to protect her land. She’ll buy his freedom if the handsome warrior marries her! in Chosen as the Warrior’s Wife by Sarah Rodi, at the emperor’s bride show, Viking Fiske must choose noblewoman Kassia to save from an unhappy fate. But his new bride holds a secret that threatens their newfound desire...

 

My Review:

Looking for the most anticipated books of 2024? Why not start the new year with these hot stories?

I was so grateful to have had the chance to read these short stories by two of my favourite authors! The stories aren’t related, but each has a possessive Viking hero. I’m a sucker for this type of hero.

The first story is by Lucy Morris tells of Orla, who needs a husband to save her inheritance. When she visits the trading centre, she comes across Hakon, a very big, grumpy Viking Jarl, who is being sold as a slave. Orla impulsively buys him to be her husband and Hakon swears that he will help and protect her, but in return she has to set him free because he has to go back to his land to avenge his enemy. I loved Orla, she is such a kind, cheerful and innocent lady. She understands what it is like to be a slave because she was one. She’s not afraid of the grumpy Hakon. They are a perfect match. What I loved the most was the way Lucy Morris weaves the history of Iceland and enslavement into a beautiful romance.

The second story is from Sarah Rodi tells of a Viking warrior, Fiske, a loyal warrior of an emperor from Constantinople. When Fiske gets the silver he needs to regain his right in Denmark, he is offered to choose a wife instead. Kassia needs to get away from Constantinople, away from both her parents and the emperor. On their journey to Denmark, Fiske and Kassia keep their secrets which are so surprising, full of anguish and uncertainty but Sarah Rodi doesn’t let the steamy scene go.

I couldn’t tell you how much I enjoyed both stories. The history of the Viking Age in Iceland and Denmark were well-researched and drawn despite it being short. Her Bought Viking Husband is entertaining with a compelling plot and characters meanwhile Chosen as the Warrior’s Wife is an emotionally strong yet spicy page turner. I’m just hoping that Lucy Morris will write the stories of the minor characters in them because one of the characters deserves to have one. Thank you, Lucy Morris and Sarah Rodi for the e-arc which I volunteered to review.

About the author

Lucy Morris lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two young children and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves gin, bubbly and Irn-Bru. She is a member of the UK Romantic Novelists’ Association and is delighted to begin her publishing journey with Harlequin Historical in 2021 with her first release ‘The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance’.

She adores writing strong, passionate women and the brave honourable men who fall in love with them. Weaving her fascination with the dark age of medieval Europe with her compulsion to give her characters a happily ever after. But only after they’ve had an adventure along the way. Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/LMorris_Author

Sarah Rodi has always been a hopeless romantic. She grew up watching old, romantic movies recommended by her granddad, or devouring love stories from local library. Sarah lives in the village of Cookham in Barkshire, where she enjoys walking along the River Thames with her husband, two daughters and their dog. She has been a magazine journalist for over twenty years, but it has been her lifelong dream to write romance for Harlequin Historical. Sarah believes everyone deserves to find their happy-ever-after. You can contact her via https://twitter.com/sarahrodiedits or visit her website at https://www.sarahrodi.com/

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1684777800i/123283621.jpg

Title: Crowned for the King’s Secret
(Behind the Palace Doors... Book 3)
Author: Kali Anthony
Published: November 2023
Rate: 4.5 of 5
Genre: Harlequin Presents, Mills & Boon Modern, Second Chance at Love, Surprise Baby

Blurb:

He’ll secure his throne with the heir he’s only just discovered in this royal secret-child romance by Kali Anthony.

She hid his son...

Can she hide from their desire?

One year ago, her spine-tingling night with exiled king Sandro left Victoria pregnant and alone. Lied to by the palace, she believed he wanted nothing to do with them. So Sandro turning up on her doorstep – ready to claim, his heir and his kingdom – is astounding!

Burned by her past, Victoria has no intention of complying with His Majesty’s command. But she’ll need to keep her wits about her because their insatiable craving once made her abandon all reason. And it’s about to reignite with a vengeance...

My Review:

I was over the moon when the author sent me the e-arc for the final instalment of Behind the Palace Doors. It’s a story about Victoria, Lance’s sister, but it is a standalone.

I still recall Victoria from the second book, but her characters seems to have changed here. She becomes a strong, loving and protective mother to little Nicolai. Both Sandro and Victoria agree to a one-night stand that ends in an unexpected pregnancy. The beginning begins with little Nicolai’s lines. He may have me wrapped around his little finger. I loved reading his lines. I love a story where a child is involved even if he is a minor character.

Victoria has been trying to tell Sandro about the baby in the palace, but there are a lot of misunderstandings from the start, so she is accused of being a schemer. When Sandro confronts her, he may literally kidnap her and his son to Santa Fiorina to protect them from threats.

I liked Victoria’s character. After what she has been through, she learns not to let herself be dictated again, whereas Sandro is determined and cautious. He is still haunted by his horrendous pasts. Uncertainty and wariness hover over them, which made me instantly read it in one sitting to find out their happily ever after.

The book is packed with emotion, drama and a little suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Thank you, Kali, Anthony for the e-arc which I volunteered to review. This final instalment of Behind the Palace Doors made my day.

About the Author

When Kali Anthony read her first romance novel at fourteen, she realized a few truths: there can never be too many happy endings, and one day she would write them herself. After marrying her own tall, dark and handsome hero in a perfect friends-to-lovers romance, Kali took the plunge and penned her first story. Writing has been a love affair ever since. If she isn’t battling her cat for access to the keyboard, you can find Kali playing dress-up in vintage clothes, gardening, or bushwhacking with her husband and three children in the rain forest of South East Queensland. You might contact her on https://www.kalianthony.com/ or her twitter https://twitter.com/KaliAAnthony