Author: Tracy

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

The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away by Hannah Howell

On By TracyIn American Historical, Other, Victorian Era (1837-1901)2 Comments

The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away (Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen, #3)The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away by Hannah Howell

Tracy’s rating: 2.5/3 of 5 stars

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen #3

Release Date: August 27, 2019

Geordie MacEnroy yearns to see the ocean and sets out with his brother Robbie and James, a family friend who is heading home to Maine. Geordie isn’t sure Robbie is up to the trip, he was beaten badly and has yet to fully recover, but he insisted on joining Geordie, so they are taking their time traveling.

On one leg of their journey they step in when they see a woman with a young girl being harassed and learn that the widow is heading back to Boston, they befriend her and her daughter Morgan and then part ways in Boston. Where they spend a few days resting and sightseeing before heading out on the last leg of their journey.

Mehitabel “Belle” Ampleford has another run in with her neighbor Charles Bennet, but this time he seems more agitated and not only has he brought several men with him, he also has a gun. She tries to defuse the tension, but he seems bent on violence, she is not sure what she is going to do when three strangers arrive and effectively send Bennet on his way. Belle rents rooms and is happy to accommodate the men and notices Robbie in particular might need some nursing.

I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as the previous books in the series, it was for the lack of a better word – dull. Geordie and Belle are both likeable, smart, interesting characters, but there is nothing keeping them apart and there is no drama moving the story along, anytime something came up it was rectified quickly and relatively easily. I also felt that the romance seemed to come out of nowhere and they progressed quickly to lovers again without any tension or obstacles. Everything just moved slowly and worked out perfectly, even when Morgan reappears later in the book, the events leading to that were treated like it was no big deal and glossed over. It was just strange, and the story felt a bit choppy and disjointed. I kept waiting for something to happen and it never did. I was not unhappy with the book, just underwhelmed. But if you are looking for sweet, uncomplicated story that is easy to read and easy to put down and pick up later – this is the book for you. It is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone with no problem.

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

A Kiss from a Rogue by Elisa Braden

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

A Kiss from a Rogue (Rescued from Ruin #9)A Kiss from a Rogue by Elisa Braden

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Rescued from Ruin, #9

Release Date: August 2, 2019

Hannah Gray has been through hell and survived, but she bears the scars of evil, on her body and her soul. Through a lot of tenderness, healing and love, Hannah has decided that she wants a family of her own. Her sister in law Eugenia has conferred with her sisters and have decided that the house party being given by the dowager Marchioness of Wallingham it the perfect place for Hannah to meet her future husband.

Bow Street Runner, Jonas Hawthorne, has been summoned by the dowager to find a stolen trunk and she wants both the trunk and the thief brought to her. The reward for completing this mission is almost everything Jonas has ever wanted and he sets off without a backwards glance.
When he arrives, Lady Wallingham surprises him by insisting he stay at the castle and expects him to interact with her house party guests. He agrees and then sees her – the woman he cannot forget – the woman who will not look at him – the woman who haunts his dreams – the woman who is haughty and cold to him – the woman who will never be his – Hannah Gray.

Hannah is attracted to Jonas, but at the same time she is terrified of him. When she finally admits her feelings and decides that Jonas is the only man she could marry, she asks her brother for advice and when she is not satisfied with his suggestions, she gets more advice from Maureen Huxley. The scene in which she implements their advice is laugh out loud funny and Jonas’ reaction is priceless.

Can two damaged souls find a love that will heal them and make them whole? Or will they let their fears and past hurts steal their happy ever after?

This book was probably the most emotional, as well as one of the darker offerings and certainly one of the steamiest of the series. It is deep, dark, vivid read with scarred characters, tears (yours and theirs), triumphs, betrayals, pain, healing, laughter and the fabulous Lady Wallingham. I would strongly recommend read the series in order and while Ms. Braden gives a lot of background, to truly immerse yourself in this story, you will want to at the very least read the previous book in the series – A Marriage Made in Scandal. I loved this story and am so sad to know this is the final book in the series, but what a series it was! I highly recommend every single installment and cannot wait to see what Ms. Braden offers us next!!