Category: New To Me Author

Joy to the Earl by Elizabeth Cole

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), New To Me Author, Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Joy to the Earl: A Regency Holiday RomanceJoy to the Earl: A Regency Holiday Romance by Elizabeth Cole

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 11, 2025

Widow Joy Whitfield is on her way to spend Christmas with her cousin when her carriage becomes inoperable during a snowstorm, and she is forced to seek shelter at a nearby inn. Unfortunately, due to the weather, there are no rooms available, and she is wondering what she will do when she hears a gentleman offer to give up his room for her. She is grateful until she learns the identity of the man – Douglas Sterling, the man she loved ten years ago before he broke her heart by marrying another woman.

Widower Douglas Sterling, the Earl of Hollis is traveling to his estate to spend the holiday with his young son when a storm hits, and he is trapped at inn to wait out a storm. When he overhears the innkeeper talking about a woman who needs a room, he offers his, only to learn that the woman in question is Joy, a woman he courted years ago, but whom he hurt by marrying another woman without a word to her. He never stopped loving her and regretted not following his heart. Can he convince her to give him another chance?

This was a fast-paced, well-written, second-chance, holiday themed novella with interesting characters. Joy and Douglas were once in love, but Douglas decided to listen to his friends and family and marry someone closer to his social stature. A chance meeting and forced proximity ten years later give them a second chance at their happily ever after. I liked the idea of the story but would have appreciated a bit more information about the breakup and a lot more groveling. Overall, this was a quick, steamyish romance with likable characters and a heartwarming ending that I enjoyed reading and would be happy to recommend.

*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. *

The Devil in Oxford by Jess Armstrong

On By TracyIn First Person Narrative, Historical Mystery, New To Me Author, Part of a Series, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Devil in Oxford (Ruby Vaughn, #3)The Devil in Oxford by Jess Armstrong

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Ruby Vaughn #3

Release Date: November 4, 2025

As a first-time reader diving into Jess Armstrong’s award-winning Ruby Vaughn series via The Devil in Oxford, I was immediately struck by the intriguing premise—a historical murder mystery set amid the scholarly halls of 1920s Oxford, with a dash of the occult. Armstrong’s ability to weave together elements of gothic suspense, romance, and academic intrigue makes for a richly textured read, and the atmospheric setting of Oxford is certainly a highlight. From twisting alleys to evocative libraries, the city feels alive with secrets and shadows, and the cast of side characters (including the ever-present feline companion) adds plenty of charm and color.

However, as much as I appreciated the layered plot and the darkly alluring world, I found myself struggling with the first-person, single POV narrative. Ruby Vaughn is undeniably compelling—resourceful, funny, and stubbornly independent—but her voice sometimes felt overwhelming, and I wished for more distance or perspective from other characters. At times, the writing style made it difficult for me to emotionally connect with Ruby or fully appreciate the complexities of her relationships, especially with the enigmatic Ruan Kivell. Some of the dialogue quirks, like Mrs. Penrose’s repeated use of “my lover,” also pulled me out of the story rather than deepening the Cornish atmosphere.

As someone who missed the first two books, I occasionally felt adrift among the references to earlier events and Ruby’s mysterious past, though the author does provide enough context for new readers to catch up by the end. The murder itself is gruesome and sensational, and while the investigation is peppered with clues and red herrings, the resolution didn’t quite satisfy me—especially since the killer’s connection to the main cast echoed patterns from previous installments. I would have liked to see more focus on Ruby’s supernatural gifts and the series’ otherworldly elements, which seem to have taken a back seat to cozier vibes in this 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. *