Princes are Wild by Jess Michaels

Tracy’s rating: 3/3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Regency Royals. #3

Release Date: November 16, 2021

With things at home becoming unbearable, Miss Priscilla Linfield jumps at the chance to attend the Royal wedding on Athawick with her best friend Lady Ophelia, sister of the Duke of Gilmore. After several failed seasons Priscilla knows that this trip is likely her last chance to find a husband and if she doesn’t make a match, she has a backup plan, one that will guarantee that she is no longer welcome in polite society. When she shares her options with Ophelia, she suggests that Priscilla set her sights on King Grantham and offers to help. But it is actually his brother, Prince Remington “Remi” that catches her eye and who in turn offers to tutor Priscilla in flirtation.

Remi has been restless since returning from England and feels like a man without purpose, especially since his playboy lifestyle has begun to bore him. His family has always been his anchor and now that his sisters have found love, they will soon be heading back to England, and his relationship with his brother the king is strained, as Grantham is struggling with his duties and the ongoing unrest among his people, that just leaves his mother, the queen, but he doesn’t want her turning her matchmaking sites on him, so helping Priscilla land Grantham is perfect – as his mother will be able to direct her attention at Grantham and leave Remi in peace.

Remi won’t deny that he is attracted to Priscilla, but fights the draw until it is clear that Grantham is not the man for Priscilla. It is then that Priscilla shares her backup plan and asks Remi for lessons. Remi happily agrees but makes it clear that their affair will be temporary. Priscilla has developed feelings for Remi that go beyond the desire she can’t deny, but she knows there is no future for them. Or is there?

This book picks up shortly after the end of the previous book and all the siblings and the queen are featured in this story as well as the surprise addition of the Duke and Duchess of Gilmore and Lady Ophelia who were all part of the “Three Mrs” series. The book is well-written and is steamier than the other books in this series, but I felt like it lacked substance, the mystery, and intrigue from the first two books was missing in this installment, and the ending felt rushed and incomplete. This is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone title with no problem. Despite my lackluster feelings for this book, I am looking forward to Grantham’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.*

Once a Laird by Mary Jo Putney

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Rogues Redeemed, #6

Release Date: October 26, 2021

After years of wandering and avoiding his home, Kai Douglas Ramsey is called home from Constantinople to Scotland to assume his responsibilities as Laird of Thorsay, as his grandfather is dying. Ramsey left Thorsay over a decade ago after the death of his one and only love, Gisela Matheson, and has led a life full of adventure, which included being held prisoner and barely escaping death with four other men in Portugal and helping one of those men rescue abducted women from a harem! But now he must put his wandering behind him and return home to fulfill his promises and face his memories. When he arrives he is greeted by Signy Matheson, Gisela’s younger sister, and is happy to learn his grandfather still lives but is surprised by the cold reception from Signy.

Signy has been harboring anger towards Ramsey for years, as she blames him for the death of her sister. But once Ramsey confronts her about her hostile demeanor, she realizes he had no idea how Gisela died and that his grief upon learning the truth is real. They end up comforting each other and true friendship blooms. Sadly, Ramsey’s grandfather dies not long after he arrives, but manages to tell Ramsey to trust Signy and goes a step further and tells him to marry her. An idea that seems ridiculous, until they spend more time together. And soon Ramsey knows that his grandfather was right, Signy is the perfect woman for him, now he just has to convince her!

This was a well-written, nicely-paced, gentle read. The book has a lot going on, secrets, surprising discoveries, treasure, very mild love scenes, cameos from the other “Rogues” and their loves, and a HEA featuring an “It’s a Wonderful Life” type ending. Overall, I liked this book, but I felt the whole Gisela plotline was wrapped up too neatly, and maybe it’s just me, but I felt like there was no way it would have been that easy for anyone to move on that fast. Other than that, I enjoyed the story and the relatively angst-free read. This is the final book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problem, but if like me you have been following the series, you will be delighted to catch up with the previous characters. And it is worth noting, this author always has the best author notes and this book is no exception!

*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.*