Author: Tracy

Avid reader (and reviewer) of historical romance, historical mystery, fantasy, romantasy and paranormal mystery

Mistletoe, Whisky and A Rogue by Jane Charles

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment
Book cover for Mistletoe, Whisky and a Rogue (Scot to the Heart #4 ~ Grant and Copeland-Tilson Novella) by Jane Charles

Mistletoe, Whisky and a Rogue by Jane Charles

Tracy’s rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Scot to the Heart, #4 (also ties into the MacGregor-Grant series)

Release Date July 1, 2020


Fanella Grant was hoping for adventure when she arrived at Chatwell Castle for the wedding of Lady Claresta Copeland and Donovan MacGregor – but what she finds is far more exciting and could lead to the adventure of a lifetime.

Ethan Copeland is the Duke of Ellings nephew and has traveled with some of his siblings to England. His eldest brother is in line for the dukedom as their father is his heir. Darius has come to learn about the estate and several of his siblings joined him. Ethan has enjoyed his time in England, but misses his home in New Orleans, he plans to return after the wedding, but when he meets Fanella, he is suddenly not so eager to return.

When Fanella sneaks off to explore, Ethan follows and when they hide from the servants to avoid being caught alone, they end up locked in the wine cellar for hours and they spend the time talking and drinking. Finally, Ethan recalls his pet parrots Rogue and Lady are in the kitchens and sings a song sure to bring Rogue to Ethan’s side. Ethan’s plan works and he sends Rogue to fetch his sister. Everyone is sworn to secrecy and they think they are in the clear – that is until Rogue blabs!

They manage to convince everyone that nothing happened and it was completely innocent, but the problem is, they can’t seem to stay away from each other or stop kissing, but they aren’t sure what they are feeling is love and want time to find out – but thanks to Rogue’s loose beak – they might not have a choice!

I thought this was a cute novella and I enjoyed the story, but it did drag a bit, had some title errors and I really wish the author would have included Rogue and Lady in the epilogue, they played such a big part in the story and had a bit of a storyline themselves that was dropped. Overall, it was a fun, sweet read with kissing only love scenes, likeable characters, amusing moments and HEA complete with an epilogue.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.



The Rebel Heiress and the Knight by Melissa Oliver

On By TracyIn Blog Tour, Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Tracy's Reviews3 Comments

She must marry the knight…

By order of the king!Widow Eleanor of Tallany Castle knows her people are broken by the taxes demanded by King John. So when she’s ordered to marry Hugh de Villiers, a knight loyal to the king, she’s furious—even if he is handsome! As gallant Hugh begins to heal the scars of Eleanor’s abusive first marriage, she’s even more determined to keep her secret: she is the outlaw the king wants to send to the gallows!

Purchase Links:

UK ~ US

Author Bio :

Growing up in Richmond- Upon-Thames, Melissa Oliver used to walk past the old Mills and Boon offices as a teen, and wistfully sigh that one day her dream of writing for them will come true. Amazingly, after all these years, it finally has…& now she can bring all those stories out onto the pages of her books. Melissa lives in south-west London with her gorgeous husband and equally gorgeous daughters, who share her passion for castles, palaces and all things historical.

Social Media Links:

Facebook ~ Twitter

Tracy’s Review:

The Rebel Heiress And The Knight by Melissa Oliver

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


4.5 stars rounded up.

Lady Eleanor of Tallany has already suffered through a miserable marriage and has no desire to do so again, but when King John orders her to wed his faithful knight, Sir Hugh de Villiers, she has no choice but to comply. She is not happy and determined to keep her new husband at arm’s length and ignorant of her secrets. Since the king is taxing his people into poverty, Eleanor has gone outlaw to provide for them.

Sir Hugh is loyal to King John and at his command he has arrived at Tallany Castle to deliver the king’s message and capture the outlaw as Le Renard. But Eleanor refuses to see him, testing the usually tempered Hugh to his limits. He demands she receive him or he will force the issue. Knowing her time has run out, she agrees to meet with him and he is stunned by the immediate attraction he feels to her and by the hostility radiating from her. They open the king’s missive and are both shocked to learn they are being commanded to marry! How can love grow amid such discord? How can trust thrive when they harbor so many secrets??

I really enjoyed this well written, intriguing story which uses the tried and true enemies to lovers trope with a dash of deception and treason thrown in. Eleanor is a strong character and not always easy to empathize with, but the reader knows her heart is in the right place and Hugh – sigh – he is just a wonderful hero. I did feel like Eleanor’s deception dragged on a little too long and agree with another reviewer who pointed out that the lies do make it hard to believe they were able to fall deeply in love. The book has lies, secrets, treason, warmish love scenes, compromise and finally a heartwarming HEA. I have not read this author before, but I will certainly be on the lookout for her future work! I liked the book and am happy to recommend it!

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