Month: January 2022

His Lessons on Love by Cathy Maxwell

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

His Lessons on Love (A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women, #3)His Lessons on Love by Cathy Maxwell

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: A Logical Man’s Guide to Dangerous Women, #3

Release Date: January 25, 2022

Lawrence “Mars” Eddington, the Earl of Marsden is the last bachelor of the Three Bucks and the only remaining member of the Logical Men’s Society, which is just fine by him. In his experience, women can’t be trusted, and loving them only leads to pain. A fact that still haunts him when he recalls this father’s love for this wife and the duel that ended his life when he was shot by one of her lovers. Mars still hungers for revenge against Lord Dervil, the man who killed his father, and swears that one day he will get justice. But when a former mistress invades his home and leaves him with a baby – his baby – his plans for vengeance will have to be shelved for the time being.

But his plans are not the only ones that met with an unexpected twist, Miss Clarissa Taylor is also back in Maidenshop after she was terminated from the companion’s job the matrons found for her. She has no idea what she is going to do, but as luck would have it – Mars needs a nursemaid and the matrons decide that Clarissa is the perfect person for the job. This would be the perfect solution if Clarissa and Mars didn’t dislike each other – but with no other options, Clarissa accepts. But what begins as a job, turns into a lifetime commitment when his mother appears and Mars claims they are married and the baby is theirs. And once his mother explains her reason for visiting, Mars sees a way to care for his child and get his revenge – he just needs to convince Clarissa to actually marry him.

This was a great addition to the series and after the sacrifices Clarissa made in the previous book, I was thrilled that she was getting a chance at HEA. This book is well-written, nicely-paced, and surprised me more than once. It is filled with witty banter, leads that have both suffered and have much more in common than either wants to admit, an adorable baby, surprise revelations, steamyish love scenes, cameos from previous characters, duels, more surprises, and finally a HEA that was just perfect for this story. This is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title, but all three books are great, so for the best experience, do yourself a favor and read the books in order. I really enjoyed this book and am happy to recommend not only this title but the entire series!

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

Highland Wolf by Lynsay Sands

On By TracyIn Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Highland WolfHighland Wolf by Lynsay Sands

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Highland Brides, #10

Release Date: January 25, 2022

The book opens with Claray MacFarlane being dragged to the chapel to marry. She was visiting her cousin when her uncle proceeded to force her to marry her father’s neighbor Laird MacNaughton, in a plan to obtain her father’s estate. But thankfully she is saved from that fate when she is rescued by the warrior known as the Wolf – Conall MacDonald. He tells her he has been sent by her father to bring her home. And they set out immediately to avoid a confrontation with the MacNaughton. What Claray doesn’t know is Conall is actually Bryson MacDonald – her betrothed, whom she has been led to believe died 22 years ago. Something that is a bit a tender subject, since her father has refused to consider any other suitors for her.

When his entire family and most of his clan were murdered, he escaped and made his way to his uncle Ross MacKay who changed his name and sent him to be raised by the Sinclairs. For years he has been working as a mercenary, intending to return to his family home Deagh Fhortan. Only a handful of people know he didn’t die with his family, Claray’s father among them. For years he has been asking Conall to marry Claray, and for years Conall has put him off. But now that she is in danger, he knows the time has come. During their travels back to her father’s house, he has come to know her and is very attracted to her, which is evidenced by the heated kisses they share. But he also admires her and is amused by her and her proclivity to find wounded/abandoned animals.

They reach her father’s home and they are met by the MacKay and two of her Buchanan cousins. They marry and set off to reclaim Deagh Fhortan. They arrive and have their work cut out for them, but things are going well between them and it seems like they will have their HEA. But it is soon clear that someone is still trying to kill them – but is it the MacNaughton or the person who killed Conall’s family?

This was a fun addition to the series and the book was classic Lynsay Sands. The book is chock full of humor, steamy love scenes, wonderful characters, more than one deranged lunatic, a great supporting cast, several rescued animals, a couple of surprising twists, and finally a well-deserved HEA. I will admit that book did have a bit of a “Disney Princess” feel to it, but with steamy love scenes instead of bursts of spontaneous song. But it was fun and I enjoyed it. It is the tenth book in the series, but this book is very loosely connected and 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. All opinions in this review are my own.*