Author: Tracy

Avid reader (and reviewer) of historical romance.

My Secret Duke by Sara Bennett

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

My Secret Duke (Romancing the Dukes #2)My Secret Duke by Sara Bennett

Tracy’s Rating: 2/2.5 of 5 stars

Series: Romancing the Dukes, #2

Release Date: April 1, 2025

After weathering the scandal caused by learning that her father was not legally married to her mother, and that the new Duke of Grantham was a gambling hell owner, Olivia Ashton is determined to curb her wild ways and find a respectable man to man. But when she is caught with Ivo Fitzsimmons, the Duke of Northam, she once more finds herself the subject of gossip. She is attracted to Ivo, but he is not in a position to help her family restore their standing in society or replenish their coffers, so when he proposes, she refuses and returns to the country to ride out the scandal. She needs to forget out Ivo and find another man to marry – too bad her heart is set on the roguish Duke.

Ivo Fitzsimmons, the Duke of Northam is in no position to marry, his estate is in debt and his main source of income is derived from smuggling, so he should be overjoyed that Olivia turned him down. But her biting words and accusations have only made him want her more and to win her, things are going to have to change. But changing is easier said than done, especially when his past comes calling and new secrets and scandals will make winning his heart’s desire.

This is a well written story with likable characters, but sadly this book just didn’t work for me. Olivia is illegitimate thanks to her father’s bigamy – but for some reason the author acts like this is no big deal and even continues to address her as if she has an honorific and that she would be welcomed by the ton. Then she is found in a compromising situation – but isn’t ruined, in fact, she has several titled suitors – including a prince vying for her hand – a penniless, illegitimate daughter of a duke with several scandals in her past – I don’t think so. I just couldn’t get past this – it is absurd and unbelievable. I am sure there are readers who won’t care about these things, but for me they ruin the story for me. I didn’t really care for the first book but wanted to believe that it was just a fluke, as I have read and enjoyed other books by this author, but I think I am done with this series.

*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. *

My Demon Hunter by Aurora Ascher

On By TracyIn Audiobook, New To Me Author, Non-Traditional Romance, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Rom Com, Romantasy, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

My Demon Hunter (Hell Bent, #2)My Demon Hunter by Aurora Ascher

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Hell Bent, #2

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Enslaved to a demon queen, Mishetsumephtai “Mist” is bound to her and serves as her hunter – it is his job to track down rogue demons and drag them back to hell. He was sent to find Ash and his brothers, but when he did, instead of taking them back he makes a deal with them and now he is staying with them and taking a much needed break from his duties. He is in a corner store buying ice cream for Ash’s mate Eva, when he meets Lily. Instantly he is captivated and will do anything to possess her. Unfortunately, Mist’s mistress isn’t willing to let him go, and choices will have to be made. Can Mist break the brand that is tying him to hell and find true happiness with Lily or is he doomed to hunt forever?

Blood-born witches, Lily Donovan and her twin sister Iris moved to Montreal nine years ago after the death of their parents. Unlike her twin, Lily has no desire to practice magic and has turned her back on her heritage. When she meets Mist, she too is captivated, but she was completely taken aback when she learns he is a demon. Yet, the connection between them is undeniable and when hell recalls Mist, Lily is willing to embrace her witchiness and brave the depths of hell to save her demon. And doing so will reveal a past that will change her forever and will bind her to Mist for eternity – that is if they can actually escape hell.

This was a great audiobook – the narrator Kirsten Leigh did a wonderful job with the characters and paced the story perfectly. The story itself was amazing, and I will definitely be reading the previous book and looking forward to future installments. This book had everything I was hoping for; magic, witty banter, a possessive hero, an equally possessive, curvy heroine, secrets, good friends, steamy love scenes, nasty villains, laugh-out-loud moments as well as a few nail-biting moments, ending with a few twists and a happily ever after. This was a new to me author, but I am hooked and will be impatiently waiting for the next book! This was the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. If you have been searching for a sexy, paranormal rom com, you can stop looking because this it that 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. *