Can’t Get Enough of the Duke by Lenora Bell

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Rom-Com, Movie / Story Retelling, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Can't Get Enough of the Duke (The Thunderbolt Club, #2)Can’t Get Enough of the Duke by Lenora Bell

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Thunderbolt Club #2

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Deckard “Dex” Payne, the Duke of Warburton makes a battlefield death promise to one of his men, Lt John Crewe as he lays dying in Dex’s arms, he promises to find and care for the man’s daughter, Analise, but just moments later he himself is attacked and it is months before he is healed enough to look for Analise. When he finally returns to England and begins his search, he is devasted to learn that Analise is no longer at the school her father enrolled her in and no one knows where she has gone. It takes years for him to track her down and when he does find her, he is shocked to learn she isn’t the docile, young schoolgirl he was imagining, but a beautiful young woman who is anything but docile. He finally convinces her that he was sent by her father to take care of her. But in addition to being older than he imagined, Analise isn’t biddable in the slightest and has no intention of making his task easy. Little by little, she worms her way into his heart, something he thought was long dead.

Analise Crewe doesn’t believe her father is dead, but with no other alternatives, she agrees to let the duke “launch” her into society, something she only agreed to so she can research the ton for her book. As an aspiring authoress, she left school after her father was reported missing and went to work for a well-respected authoress, who believed her work was good and sent her fantasy story to her publisher. But when the lady dies unexpectedly, Analise is once again on her own, that is until the duke shows up. She never expected to be the ward of a wealthy, grumpy duke and when they ended up compromised and forced to marry, she is determined to make the best of things. Too bad her duke is just as determined to keep her at arm’s length.

I definitely liked this story better than the last book and I think that is because I haven’t seen the movie Annie in decades, so I thankfully didn’t make that association. The book has a lot going on and at times I felt a little lost, but overall, it was a fun grumpy/sunshine book with a couple different storylines that ultimately come together in a very charming happy ending. As I mentioned before, I didn’t get the Annie reference (which honestly is a bit cringy) and I wasn’t put off by the age difference, because I have been reading historical romance for years and could easily accept that young women marrying older men was a common practice – but I can also see how it could be off-putting to a contemporary reader. Overall, it was an OK read and if you are a grumpy/sunshine fan – you will probably enjoy this book. This is the second book in the series, but they are very loosely connected, and this book can be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell Fox

On By TracyIn New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Romantasy, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Smoke and Scar (Shattered Crown, #1)Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell Fox

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Shattered Crown #1

Release Date: April 7, 2026 (Reissued)

This book introduces readers to Elyria Lightbreaker, a fae warrior whose life is shadowed by loss and grief, yet she possesses remarkable shadow magic and inner strength. Her journey intertwines with Cedric Thorne, a human knight driven by a need for vengeance and haunted by his past. The dynamic between Elyria and Cedric is compelling, as they start off as sworn enemies but are forced to cooperate in a series of deadly trials. Both characters evolve throughout the story, with Elyria revealing her fierce resilience and Cedric gradually displaying more depth despite his initial antagonism. The supporting cast, particularly the side characters and Elyria’s loved ones, add layers to the narrative, creating a well-rounded ensemble.

Set against the backdrop of Arcanis, a world where humans and magical beings have long been at odds, the plot centers on the Arcane Crucible—an unforgiving competition held every twenty-five years to broker peace. The trials themselves are dangerous and full of surprises, keeping the tension high and the stakes clear. As Elyria and Cedric navigate the Crucible, they face betrayals, hidden powers, and shifting alliances, all while their forced proximity pushes their relationship in unexpected directions. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and romance, with a slow-burn connection that gradually transforms their animosity into something more complicated and heartfelt.

I thought that this book stood out for its fresh take on familiar romantasy tropes, by flipping traditional roles and infusing the story with rich world-building and action-packed scenes. The evolution from enemies to allies, and possibly lovers, is handled with nuance, though some readers may wish for deeper development in the central romance. The vivid setting, unpredictable plot twists, and strong characterization make it a rewarding read for fans of fantasy and romance, particularly those new to the genre or seeking a unique twist on the standard formula. While I thought the pacing of the story was a bit off, I still enjoyed the book and believe that it offers enough intrigue and emotion to leave a lasting impression and keep you hungry for the next installment.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *