Month: November 2020

Heartbreak and Honor, Enhanced 2nd Edition by Collette Cameron

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Heartbreak and Honor (Highland Heather Romancing a Scot, #3)Heartbreak and Honor by Collette Cameron

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Highland Heather Romancing A Scot, #3 – Enhanced 2nd Edition

Release Date: December 2, 2020

I read this book years ago when it was first released, but since then the author has added a prologue and tweaked the story. The story itself hasn’t changed, but the book now has more depth, so even if you read the first edition, I would recommend giving this updated edition a read!

When Lucan, the Duke of Harcourt helps Tasara Faas, a young gypsy woman escape the Blackhalls, he is enchanted, but he can’t let himself fall for her, as he has promised his very ill mother that he will marry by Christmas and as lovely as she is, Tasara is not a suitable candidate for his duchess.

He tries to forget her, but can’t and is shocked and delighted to see her again in London – but now the truth of her past has been discovered and he learns that she is not a gypsy as she always believed, she is in fact Alexandra “Alexa”, Baroness Atterberry and her family hid her with the gypsies to protect her. This changes everything for Lucan and he sets out to convince her that she is this perfect match.

This was a well written, nicely paced story with wonderful characters. I loved liked Lucan in the previous books – but I loved him in this book. He is kind, honorable, clever and loyal. His devotion to Alexa was so sweet. And while I didn’t agree with Alexa’s constant rejection of Lucan’s proposals – I did understand her reasons and respected her for her determination. Throw in a well-done mystery, cameos from previous characters, warmish love scenes, some twists and shocking revelations and you have a really good story! I still feel like things wrapped up a bit too neatly, but the revised edition is worth a read, even if you read the original version. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher.*

The Custom House Murders by Ashley Gardner

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

The Custom House Murders (Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries Book 15)
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Captain Lacey Mysteries #15
Publication Date: 11/17/20
Number of Pages: 292

Who knew James Denis had a rival for control of London’s underworld? Well, he does, and their rivalry has broken out into full-fledged war – with Captain Lacey caught in the middle. To add to that mayhem, Lacey encounters an old army friend who has been accused of murder. Lacey has it coming at him from every direction in this fast-paced, exciting, well-written story. And yes, I’ve done it to myself again – I was so excited to start reading the book, I read it straight through. I had planned to read it slowly and savor every word, but – well – I just couldn’t put it down. Now, I have to wait for the next one and that is a bummer.

Just at breakfast, a package was delivered to Lacey with an accompanying message. The package and message, from James Denis, instruct Lacey to deliver the package to Mr. H. Creasey at an address that is near the Custom House. Lacey opens the package to see the contents and it is a simple chess piece – a white queen. Well, that seems innocuous enough – doesn’t it? Little does Lacey know the chaos that will follow that simple delivery.

As Lacey and the ever-protective Brewster pass the front of the Custom House, Lacey is hailed by someone. That someone turns out to be Major Miles Eden who Lacey had served with during the wars. Eden was one of the few officers Lacey respected and liked.

When Lacey’s delivery ignites a long-smoldering battle between Denis and Creasey, Lacey and his family are caught in the middle. Murder attempts, kidnapping, and more mayhem than you can name ensues before the war comes to its fiery end. Who wins the war? Is it Denis? Is it Creasey? Oh! You’ll just have to read the story to see.

In the middle of the underground’s war, Lacey learns that his friend Major Eden is wanted for murder – and Bow Street Runner Pomeroy arrests Eden while he is with Lacey. Lacey is convinced Eden isn’t guilty, but he’s sure he’s hiding something. Lacey manages to keep Eden from arrest while the investigation continues, but Pomeroy will be looking for ways to convict him. The murder of yet another passenger from the ship that conveyed them all back from Antigua convinces Lacey that the reasons for the murders all go back to the cargo that was stolen off their ship. But who stole it? What was it? Why did they need to commit those murders?

The suspects are many, and the solution will surprise you. With all of the red herrings as well as the many twists-and-turns, I was guessing until the very end when the villain was revealed. I hope you will read and love this book as much as I did. I can hardly wait for the next one.