Category: Novella

Moonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Moonsight MagicMoonsight Magic by Deb Marlowe

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Witches Ball, #5

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Lady Ninianne Morvoren, daughter of the Earl of Penhaven, is a water witch, but she also has an affinity to the moon, something that no other witch of her acquaintance has or has even heard of, she is also a sought-after curse breaker. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to break the curse placed on her friend Boult, a giant trapped in the body of a spriggan. So when she is invited to the Witches Ball at Nightshade Manor, Boult begs her to go and bring him with her, he has learned that there are reports of a giantess on Bocka Morrow and hopes that she will be able to break his curse. She agrees and they set out, she has no plans to marry, but fate may have other plans for her.

Mr. Tristan Tawstock has come to Nightshade Manor, not to find a bride but to make connections to advance his political career. Tristan is a Promethean, a warlock whose powers center on fire, light, as well as the gift of illusion, but what no one knows is he has an affinity with daylight, making his powers the mirror image of Ninianne’s. He is attracted to her, but tells himself now is not the time for romance. But, when their powers accidentally merge while trying to contain an evil entity, they experience something that will change them forever. But before they can explore it further, they will have to work together to find and stop the evil that has descended on Nightshade Manor.

This was such a great addition to the series! I love historical paranormal/magical stories and can never resist a visit to Bocka Morrow, so this author collaboration is a complete delight and seems to get better with each new installment. I loved Ninianne and Tristian, their connection is immediate and undisputable, even if neither of them wants to acknowledge it. The story is filled with magic, curses, great secondary characters, giants, a bit of dark magic, kisses, and the promise of HEA. This is the fourth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Duke in Training by Jane Charles

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Duke in Training (Wayward Dukes)Duke in Training by Jane Charles

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Wayward Dukes’ Alliance, #8 AND Observations of a Wallflower, #4

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Miss Theresa “Tessa” Claxton, a self-proclaimed spinster, made friends with American Darius Copeland and did the unthinkable, she fell in love! But fear of losing his friendship has kept her mouth shut and when he is called to his uncle’s estate, it is almost a year before they see each other again. But when he returns, he is no longer a mere mister, he is now the Duke of Ellings and under the tutelage of his cousin the Duke of Claybrook. Claybrook is bitter and has compiled a list of rules to avoid matrimony, rules he takes quite seriously and that he is doing his utmost to make sure Darius adheres to. Rules that Tessa is fully aware of and is determined to make Claybrook break, but rather than Claybrook, it is Darius she tempts into breaking the rules. Too bad he will never think of her as anything other than a friend or does he?

Darius never imagined he would ever be the duke, but when his uncle dies in an accident and then is followed soon after by his own father, Darius finds himself with a title he never expected and thanks to his suspicious cousin, not sure who he can trust. To make matters worse, the woman he has fallen in love with has repeatedly stated her desire to remain unwed, but when he returns to town, she shows him marked attention, and now his cousin’s “rules” have him questioning her motives. Can he trust her or will his doubts cost him the love of a lifetime?

This was a fast-paced story with a lot of familiar faces and utilizes the oft-used miscommunication trope. I didn’t really mind the miscommunication, but it dragged on a bit longer than necessary, and while I don’t want to give anything away, I did feel like Tessa was a bit of a hypocrite and was completely unfair to Darius. Overall this was a good read and I am really looking forward to reading Claybrook’s story!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*