Month: November 2025

Joy to the Earl by Elizabeth Cole

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), New To Me Author, Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Joy to the Earl: A Regency Holiday RomanceJoy to the Earl: A Regency Holiday Romance by Elizabeth Cole

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 11, 2025

Widow Joy Whitfield is on her way to spend Christmas with her cousin when her carriage becomes inoperable during a snowstorm, and she is forced to seek shelter at a nearby inn. Unfortunately, due to the weather, there are no rooms available, and she is wondering what she will do when she hears a gentleman offer to give up his room for her. She is grateful until she learns the identity of the man – Douglas Sterling, the man she loved ten years ago before he broke her heart by marrying another woman.

Widower Douglas Sterling, the Earl of Hollis is traveling to his estate to spend the holiday with his young son when a storm hits, and he is trapped at inn to wait out a storm. When he overhears the innkeeper talking about a woman who needs a room, he offers his, only to learn that the woman in question is Joy, a woman he courted years ago, but whom he hurt by marrying another woman without a word to her. He never stopped loving her and regretted not following his heart. Can he convince her to give him another chance?

This was a fast-paced, well-written, second-chance, holiday themed novella with interesting characters. Joy and Douglas were once in love, but Douglas decided to listen to his friends and family and marry someone closer to his social stature. A chance meeting and forced proximity ten years later give them a second chance at their happily ever after. I liked the idea of the story but would have appreciated a bit more information about the breakup and a lot more groveling. Overall, this was a quick, steamyish romance with likable characters and a heartwarming ending that I enjoyed reading and would be happy to recommend.

*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. *

The Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Contemporary, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

The Reluctant ReaperThe Reluctant Reaper by MaryJanice Davidson

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 11, 2025

As the daughter of Death, Amara Morrigan has spent years avoiding her family or rather the family business, by moving from the family compound in North Dakota and staying busy with lots of temp jobs and spending time with her best (and only) friend, Graham Gray. But when news reaches her that her father is ill, she has no choice but to return home and thankfully Gray insists on coming with her. Amara has been adamant since she was a child that she would not become a reaper, but with Death literally on death’s door, she agrees to temporarily take over his duties. But it doesn’t take long to figure out that she was set up or that things have gone off the rails, leaving the fate of her father in question. She will have to figure it out and set things right before she loses everything that she loves.

This was a fun, fast-paced story with intriguing characters and lots of witty banter. I adored the relationship between Amara and Gray, they were perfect for each other, and I was rooting hard for them. The book has a lot going on, there is lying, snarky gods, betrayal, death, found family, lots of lefse, secrets, friends to lovers, twists and turns and an unexpected ending. As much as I enjoyed the book, I will admit that at times the dialogue and the plot seemed a bit chaotic and confusing, but overall, it was a good read, and I enjoyed the mystery just as much as the romance. I would happily recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a rom-com type romantasy with a mystery twist. It is important to note that the book does touch on some sensitive issues, such as child abuse, death of a child and death from illness, I did feel like the author handled all of these with empathy and respect, but I would recommend checking the content warnings before reading the book.

*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. *