Month: June 2018

His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith

On By BarbaraIn Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820)2 Comments

His Wicked Secret (League of Rogues #8)His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: League of Rogues #8
Publication Date: 6/11/18

Sweet, sweet Jonathan has waited so very long (and so have we) to finally get his HEA. Lady Audrey has lead the poor boy on a merry chase and finally – she catches him. Audrey, the young lady everybody views as a spoiled society miss – wants to be a spy – and Jonathan, the handsome young man who is unsure of his place in society – wants to protect her.

As always, Ms. Smith’s writing is superb, the plot is well planned and well executed and the romance is just sizzling — not to mention characters that you can’t help but love. One of the things I loved about the book was that there was basically a recap of the beginning of the Earl of Pembroke (Wicked Earls Club) except it was told from Audrey and Jonathan’s perspective rather than Gillian and James’ perspective.

We’ve known for several books now that Audrey and Jonathan would end up together because it was love at first sight. However, because of his background, Jonathan has never felt that he was good enough for her – so he keeps pushing her away. Jonathan is the younger brother of Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex (Book 1). Jonathan was raised as a servant even though he was a legitimate son of the old duke. Wonderful stories there – you should go back and read them all if you haven’t. The bottom line is that Jonathan has never felt that he fit into society and that he wasn’t worthy of Audrey – simply because of the way he was raised.

Our story begins with Jonathan rescuing Audrey from a Hellfire club while James rescues Gillian. They end up fighting their way out, but luckily, she isn’t unmasked so that nobody knows who she is. Jonathan takes Audrey back to his home after he rescues her and she asks him to teach her to fight, to defend herself.

Audrey is a matchmaker and she leaves for her sister’s house party with Gillian in tow. Audrey is encouraging the romance between Gillian and James. Then, Jonathan shows up at the house party. As they spend time together she comes to trust Jonathan more and more as he begins to instruct her in methods of defending herself. He sure doesn’t know how well those lessons will come in hand when Audrey gets her opportunity for a spy mission.

Audrey is again leading Jonathan on a merry chase – but this might be the last for both of them. They have been betrayed and both will need rescue. Luckily, the League is always there.

There is a special treat at the end of the book for those who purchase the book from the author’s website. There is an additional novella, Bewitching the Earl, and it is also an excellent read!

You could read this as a stand-alone novella, but I don’t know why you’d want to. The other books in the series are delightful so why not love them too.

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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”

Settling the Wind by Kari August

On By TracyIn America's Gilded Age (1870-1900), American Historical, Historical Fiction, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Settling the WindSettling the Wind by Kari August
Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful American Frontier Historical about the settling of Estes Park Colorado and set in 1875. The story primarily focuses on Henrietta “Etta” Schodde and Collan Wallace, but there are MANY other characters that are both fictional and actual persons that contribute to the story.

Etta is living with her sister’s family after the sudden death of her husband Charles, she loves her family, but wants some time alone. She sees an ad about Estes Park and decides to go for a visit. Once there, she falls in love with the area and makes friends, days before she is scheduled to leave, she is given the opportunity to buy an established claim share and jumps at the chance. Much to her family’s dismay. But Etta longs for independence and feels like this is her way to achieve that. Her first days alone are a reality check, but she doesn’t give up.

Collan Wallace is a life long friend of Etta’s family and has been wandering for years, when he travels to Denver, he meets Abner and learns about an opportunity in Estes Park, he decides to give it a try, he writes to Etta’s brother Herman and tells him of his plans and askes to buy some cattle. Herm writes back quickly, yes he will send cattle to him and while he is in Estes Park, will he please look in on his sister Henrietta? Etta was his childhood friend and there is no one in the world he likes to tease more than her. He realized too late that Etta was the girl for him years ago when she met her husband Charles. Back then he didn’t acknowledge what he felt for her, but seeing her now, all those feeling come rushing back. But it is clear that her feelings are still engaged with her late husband. He tries to stay away from her and establish himself.

These two will have to face many trials and tribulations before they finally get their HEA – there will be a surprise pregnancy, greedy Englishmen, fire, abductions, good friends, some laughs, some tears, feelings of guilt and a lot of baking. But in the end, these two will finally realize they are meant to be together.

I thought this was a great story, but it was really more of a historical fiction novel vs a historical romance. The romance in this book is very understated and the steam level is nil. Added to that is the fact that there are a lot of historical facts interspersed in the novel, sometimes to the detriment to the story. The facts are interesting, but in most cases, don’t really add to the story and make the book seem a bit wordy.

I did enjoy the book and would be happy to recommend it, but be warned, if you are looking for a romance novel, this isn’t it. However, if you are looking for an interesting, well written historical fiction novel with wonderful characters and an engaging story – read this book!!!