Author: Tracy

Avid reader (and reviewer) of historical romance.

Once a Laird by Mary Jo Putney

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Once a Laird (Rogues Redeemed, #6)Once a Laird by Mary Jo Putney

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Rogues Redeemed, #6

Release Date: October 26, 2021

After years of wandering and avoiding his home, Kai Douglas Ramsey is called home from Constantinople to Scotland to assume his responsibilities as Laird of Thorsay, as his grandfather is dying. Ramsey left Thorsay over a decade ago after the death of his one and only love, Gisela Matheson, and has led a life full of adventure, which included being held prisoner and barely escaping death with four other men in Portugal and helping one of those men rescue abducted women from a harem! But now he must put his wandering behind him and return home to fulfill his promises and face his memories. When he arrives he is greeted by Signy Matheson, Gisela’s younger sister, and is happy to learn his grandfather still lives but is surprised by the cold reception from Signy.

Signy has been harboring anger towards Ramsey for years, as she blames him for the death of her sister. But once Ramsey confronts her about her hostile demeanor, she realizes he had no idea how Gisela died and that his grief upon learning the truth is real. They end up comforting each other and true friendship blooms. Sadly, Ramsey’s grandfather dies not long after he arrives, but manages to tell Ramsey to trust Signy and goes a step further and tells him to marry her. An idea that seems ridiculous, until they spend more time together. And soon Ramsey knows that his grandfather was right, Signy is the perfect woman for him, now he just has to convince her!

This was a well-written, nicely-paced, gentle read. The book has a lot going on, secrets, surprising discoveries, treasure, very mild love scenes, cameos from the other “Rogues” and their loves, and a HEA featuring an “It’s a Wonderful Life” type ending. Overall, I liked this book, but I felt the whole Gisela plotline was wrapped up too neatly, and maybe it’s just me, but I felt like there was no way it would have been that easy for anyone to move on that fast. Other than that, I enjoyed the story and the relatively angst-free read. This is the final book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problem, but if like me you have been following the series, you will be delighted to catch up with the previous characters. And it is worth noting, this author always has the best author notes and this book is no exception!

*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.*

One Night with an Earl by Tina Gabrielle

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

One Night With an Earl (Daring Ladies, #1)One Night With an Earl by Tina Gabrielle

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Daring Ladies, #1

Release Date: October 19, 2021

After her mother died, Anahit Woodbridge’s father, Baron Woodbridge went into a decline and not only lost the family home but killed himself, leaving Ana to care for her young brother amidst the scandal. Determined to do right by her brother, she reinvents herself as Ana Gardner and takes a job as a chaperone/companion to Lady Penelope, the daughter of the Marquess of Malvern. She knows that she will never marry and have children, but with her thirtieth birthday looming, she decides to lose her virginity and enjoy a single night of passion, so she makes a deal with the madame of London’s most elite brother, The Silver Chalice. When the night arrives, she enters the brothel masked and dressed to seduce, she is immediately drawn to a man, who comes to her rescue when another patron accosts her.

Oliver Bedford, the new Earl of Drake had not planned to be at the Silver Chalice and certainly didn’t intend to spend the night with the masked lady in red, nor did he expect the lady to be a virgin! They spent a glorious night together and part ways, but Oliver knows that one night with his mystery lady will never be enough. The next day he returns and tries to learn her identity without success, much to his disappointment. Later he makes a call on Lady Penelope at his grandmother’s request and doesn’t immediately notice Ana, but she certainly notices him and is appalled to learn that Oliver is the son of the man who ruined her life!

Later when Oliver makes the connection between Ana and the Scarlet Lady, he can’t understand why she is so cold to him and vows to find a way to thaw her. For her part, Ana does begin to thaw when she realizes Oliver is not the same man his father and brother were. They begin a secret affair, but Ana keeps her secrets, knowing the truth will change nothing, and vows to not let herself fall in love. But things get complicated and when the truth is exposed, Ana may lose much more than just her heart.

This was a well-written, fast-paced book with an interesting and engaging story. The book has a bit of everything, steamy love scenes, secrets, lies, intriguing secondary characters, a mixed-race heroine who had endured some racial prejudice in the past, a hero who is just about perfect, a bit of heartache, and finally a very lovely HEA. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the 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.*