Category: Novella

His Wicked Whispers by Jen Bradlee

On By TracyIn Ancient Britain, Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Novella, Part of a Series, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

His Wicked WhispersHis Wicked Whispers by Jen Bradlee

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Prince of Whispers, #1

Release Date: May 10, 2022

When Prince Crispin of Meradin is called by his father the King to his presence chamber, he was expecting the usual lecture on his hedonistic lifestyle and how he should be more like his late brother, Frances, but is shocked to learn that his father is casting him out! His father tells him that if he doesn’t shape up, he will be disowned and his cousin will inherit the throne, that said, his father tells him to leave with nothing but the clothes on his back until he has learned some humility and how to serve his people. Angry beyond belief, Crispin leaves and sets out to prove his father wrong, but instead is set upon by thieves, and if not for the quick-thinking action of a woman, he would be dead!

Crispin has been forbidden to tell anyone who he is, so he tells the woman he is a guard at the palace named Tristan and asks for her help. Ruby aka the Lady of the Forest, is a bit of Robin Hood and really wants nothing to do with him and after tending him, leaves him. But they reconnect and he helps her retrieve some items stolen from her friends. This leads to a steamy night of passion but in the morning, everything changes when soldiers from the palace come to find him and he learns that his father is dead. Upon learning who her lover really is and feeling betrayed, Ruby takes off and Crispin is forced to let her go – for now.

Crispin returns to the palace and brands Ruby as an outlaw, and sets a plan in motion to find her. He also sends for his best friend Henry who was banished to Wales by his father, to return and act as his right hand. When Ruby is brought in, he shocks her letting her choose her fate – marry him or be tried and convicted of being a thief!

This was a very well-written, intriguing read with lots of steamy love scenes and interesting characters. Ruby is a complex character, part innocent maiden and part badass, and she is perfect for Crispin. Crispin is not your typical hero, he is a bad boy and he unrepentantly wears that title with pride, so if you don’t like anti-heroes with strong sexual appetites, you might want to pass on this book – but if like me, you like a bad boy who doesn’t magically transform into Prince Charming once he falls in love, then you are going to love this story! This book is the first book in a trilogy and after reading this story, I can’t wait to see what happens next!

*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.*

Desperately Seeking Duke: The Ultimate Epilogue by Caroline Linden

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

Desperately Seeking Duke: The Ultimate Epilogue

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Desperately Seeking Duke #3.5
Publication Date: 6/7/22
Period: Georgian
Number of Pages: 80

At the front of this short read, the author explains her reasoning for doing a separate release for the ‘Ultimate Epilogue’. She says “I wanted to revisit the characters from earlier books when they learned who would inherit the dukedom, and see how they were getting on a year or more after the end of their story. These scenes didn’t fit in the context of any one book, but they add something to the overall series.” I’ve read each book in the series, and while I was satisfied each of the couples got their HEA, I was always left with questions, and, of course, the big question was – who will become the ducal heir. I was totally frustrated with the last book because it seemed to leave everything up in the air (or heir😊) and it just didn’t feel finished. I didn’t realize the author planned this separate epilogue, but I’m glad she did because it answered most of my questions. Are there some things I feel I’m still missing – yes – but nothing I can’t live without knowing since they all revolve around supporting characters. She plainly says she isn’t planning to do a future book with Jack, and he was the main supporting character I wanted to see. 😊 Ah, well.

Since it was a short read, I can’t tell you a lot without giving everything away. So, I will tell you:

• She nicely adds to Max and Bianca’s HEA. Their book didn’t end with any big questions hanging over them, so this epilogue just gives you a lovely, lovely view of their ongoing happiness and where their lives and business have taken them. It also gives you a nice look at Kit and Jennie’s future. You’ll love the heartwarming scenes with Bianca’s father.
• Since Drew and Ilsa’s book left several things in the air, it was nice to see some answers. We learn the fate of Ilsa’s father and the thieves who had been breaking into stores in Edinburgh. I will say, I’d have liked a little more information on the father’s fate though. I know where he is – but – what is he doing? Is he making a new fortune? Will he find love? I know, I know, this wasn’t his book. I also wonder about the futures of Drew’s sisters – will their London debut be successful? Will they find their own HEA? Again – not their book, but it is sad that I’ll never know. 😊
• Will and Phillipa’s portion provided us with the ultimate answer to what will happen with the dukedom. I absolutely adored the update on the current duke – it was just perfect. Then, there is the resolution of what will happen with Will’s parents, sister, and brother. Jack is the supporting character who most intrigued me, but he isn’t getting his own book, so I guess I’ll never know his fate. Given Jack’s reactions when the Frenchmen were mentioned, I just have to wonder if there isn’t a story there. 😊 AND – FINALLY — I can say I actually like the Duchess.

I am happy to have read this Ultimate Epilogue and I’m so happy to have seen the happy futures for all of our series participants.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews