Category: Gothic Historical

The Widow of Rose House – Blog Tour

On By TracyIn America's Gilded Age (1870-1900), American Historical, Gothic Historical, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Yearly Favorites1 Comment

The Widow of Rose HouseThe Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
Tracy”s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: N/A

Release Date: October 8, 2019

Alva Penrose Rensselaer Webster is back in New York after 13 years and it is clear that her scandalous past has not been forgotten. She is having dinner at Delmonico’s with a publisher, desperately hoping to sell him on the idea of publishing her book on interior decorating, and the whispers are growing louder. Finally, she convinces the publisher to give her a chance and leaves just as fast as she can. But her escape is thwarted by a very large man who introduces himself as Sam Moore. She mistakenly believes he is propositioning her, which his first words to her confirm, but it is not the proposition she expected.

Professor Samuel Moore is famous, he is a genius and sought after inventor – in fact his whole family is famous, but what many people don’t know is Sam’s secret passion is ghost hunting – an Alva Webster happens to have just purchased a home with a ghost! When he sees her at the restaurant and learns that she owns the house, nothing will stop him from talking to her. Once the true nature of his “proposition” is revealed, a very embarrassed Alva refuses to grant him access. But Sam won’t give up, because now he is not just interested in the ghost, he is interested in Alva as well.

When Alfred, her former brother in law begins to blackmail her and the workers at her house refuse to return until she gets rid of the ghost, Alva decides to let Sam investigate the house – just so she can finish the project and write her book. Sam agrees, but now he wants to investigate whatever is between them as well as the ghost. Alva has no desire to remarry, but she agrees to an affair, but for Sam that won’t be enough. And while Alva knows she loves him, she knows her secrets and scandalous past, as well as the current threat Alfred presents would not ruin just her, but Sam and maybe his family and she will push him away before she lets that happen. But to do that, she must get rid of the ghost, once and for all.

I loved this story, I will admit the description of a “gothic romance” left me a bit wary, but I can honestly say this was not a dark read at all, there are some serious issues and possibly some triggers for sensitive readers, but Ms. Biller manages to keep this from being truly dark. Alva is a wonderful heroine who has been hurt and misused by those who should have loved her and Sam is awesome – I loved him so much, he is brilliant, funny and very, very protective of Alva. My understanding is this book is a debut offering and I have to say if that is true – WOW – it is well written, flows nicely, stays on point and has incredible imagery and emotion, I am very impressed and will be looking for Ms. Biller’s next book and hoping she is writing books about the other Moore siblings!!

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

The Determined Duchess by Erica Monroe

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Gothic Historical, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Novella, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Determined Duchess (Gothic Brides, #2)The Determined Duchess by Erica Monroe
Tracy’ rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Gothic Brides, #2 (previously published in the Charmed at Christmas Anthology)

Release Date: March 27, 2018

Felicity Fields has lost everyone she has ever loved to death, but she plans to change that. She is close to figuring out the formula for the Elixir of Life, an ancient alchemy recipe that promises eternal life, healing powers and possibly the power to raise the dead. Since the death of her adopted mother, Margaret, Countess of Tetbury, Felicity has been consumed with unlocking the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone and reviving Margaret. She has gone to great lengths to ensure success, but she is running out of time and now with the return of Nicholas, Duke of Wycliffe, she is not sure she can continue her experiments without alerting him.

Nicholas, had not seen Felicity in six years, but he spent many summers with his Aunt Margaret and knows Felicity very well, she is by far the smartest person he knows and the most socially inept. Now that Margaret is dead, Felicity is his ward and he feels it necessary to take her to London and find her a husband. But he is not prepared for the attraction he feels towards her or for the secrets she is hiding.

This a very well written novella, it is a tiny bit on the creepy side, but it packs a powerful punch of emotion and the power of friendship and love. My heart broke for Felicity and I loved Nicholas, these two sort of reminded me of Brennan and Booth from Bones – they are complete opposites, yet perfect for each other. The story has some heartache, some fascinating scientific theories and a very touching ending.

This novella was originally released in the Charmed at Christmas anthology and it is the second in the Gothic Brides series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title with no problem at all.

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