Category: Novella

Forbidden Stowaway by Arabella Sheen

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

Forbidden StowawayForbidden Stowaway by Arabella Sheen

Tracy’s rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Unknown, but presumably more installments will follow

Release Date: April 18, 2023

When word reaches her that her brother’s ship was captured and her brother, Joseph is missing, Olivia Trevillion is beside herself with worry. With no answers or rescue efforts forthcoming, she takes matters into her own hands, especially since her brother’s wife, Juliette is expecting their first child and needs him. She seeks out Joseph’s friend Captain Luke Crowe for help, but when she finds him, he doesn’t remember her and is dismissive. She returns home downhearted but isn’t ready to give up. And when Luke shows up at their house the next day to apologize, she tries to get him to agree to take her with him when his ship leaves for America – he refuses, he is leaving the next day and he isn’t willing to risk her reputation.

Luke is surprised to realize the lovely woman who tracked him down in the tavern was Joseph’s sister, she has changed since he last saw her. He feels bad about turning her down, but clearly, she is a temptation he wouldn’t be able to resist, and despite her brave words about not caring about her reputation, Luke is a gentleman and wouldn’t be able to see her ruined when there is no guarantee they would even be able to find Joseph. He tells her NO and believes that is the end of it, but when he finally makes his way to his cabin after his ship is well out to sea, he is stunned to find a sleeping Olivia in his bed. At that moment everything changes for Luke, he insists that she marry him and when she refuses, he introduces her to the crew as his wife, now he just has to convince her that marriage to him is more than just a duty.

This was a very short novella and ends without any resolution, not exactly a cliffhanger, but not a HEA either. I have to assume that there will be future installments that will ultimately end with a HEA, but I was led to believe that this story did end with their HEA. Anyway, it was a very quick, enjoyable, steamy read – but as the story takes place over just a few days and in that time there are a lot of conflicting statements made, I am not really sure how either one felt about the other, except they share a mutual attraction and passion is not a problem for them. I am sure it will all sort itself out and I will definitely read any additional installments that come out!

*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.*

Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Book Publicity, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Snowflakes and Wallflowers (Christmas Wallflowers, #2)Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Christmas Wallflowers, #2

Release Date: December 20, 2022

Just weeks before Christmas, Matilda Matthews and her aunt Florence get a letter from the new Earl of Castleton telling them they have five days to vacate Meadow Cross cottage. The cottage has been Matilda’s home for her entire life, her father was the late earl’s steward and friend, when he died, the late earl promised Matilda she could have the cottage for life, rent-free and even gave her a small annuity, which is her only income. Now the new earl wants them out or to pay an outrageous amount in rent – there is no way Matilda is going to pay the rent or move out. She sets out in the snow to give the earl an earful! But things don’t go as planned…

Arthur Brynnwood is an unrepentant rake, he didn’t expect to inherit the Castleton earldom so soon and is a bit overwhelmed. He just wants to set the estate in order and return to London and his hedonistic life. But what he gets is a snowball to the face after a disagreement with his tenant – Miss Matthews. So he does the unexpected, grabs her, and locks her in a room until he decides what to do. His solution is simple, he is lacking female companionship, so if Matilda is willing to be his mistress for the next two weeks, he will let them stay rent-free in the cottage for 5 months. But once he goes to get her aunt and sees the state of the cottage, he is shocked and a bit ashamed. Renegotiations are in order and Matilda surprises him at every turn. Soon two weeks won’t be enough and he begins to think of ways to extend their time together. But when unexpected guests arrive, will the obvious differences between them tear them apart, or will love keep them together?

This was a very well-written, nicely-paced, fun story. I thought Arthur was a bit of a jerk at first, but he grew on me and by the end, I was smitten. I loved Arthur and Matilda together, their connection started as lust but developed into a true friendship, filled with admiration, respect, and love. The book has witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, smokin’ hot love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, a bit of heartache, and finally a HEA complete with a feel-good epilogue. This is part of an author collaboration series, but it is a standalone title and quick read that I loved, and hope you will give it a try!

*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.*