Category: Part of a Series

All’s Fayre in Love and War by Sheri Cobb South

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

All's Fayre in Love and War (Bartholomew Fayre Book 2)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Bartholomew Fayre #2
Publication Date: 9/15/25
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 272

I am a fan of this author’s acclaimed John Pickett series, and now, I am a fan of this new series, Bartholomew Fayre, that follows the three Fayre siblings to their HEA. The wonderful first book followed Penelope Fayre, the younger sister, and it is set somewhat concurrent to this one. I had pretty much given up on reading historical romances because they had become so woke and had devolved into being simply contemporary stories in period dress. So, imagine my delight when I found this series. It is a wonderful romance, historically accurate, and true to the times while still having a strong, resilient heroine.

Unlike her sister, Penelope, Caroline Fayre Cummings has known love that is true, deep, and lasting. However, her beloved husband left them after a long illness that ate up all of their savings and left Caroline and their son, Benjamin (Benjy), dependent upon her own nearly destitute family. As her bright, intelligent son rapidly approaches the age where he should be sent to school for the education gentlemen require, Caroline frets over her inability to provide that education for him. Then, she sees an advertisement for a governess and decides she can work while Benjy continues to reside with her mother. If she saves her wages, she should be able to manage her son’s education.

Edward, Lord Tarleton, has a daughter he has no idea how to handle. He’s gone through governess after governess, and they all quickly leave, either voluntarily or through his dismissal. Edward has also known deep love, and is left with two children he hardly knows and certainly has no idea how to handle. He’s advertised – yet again – for a governess of mature years and demeanor, so what is this lovely young woman doing in his study asking for the position? He has every intention of sending her packing until an unexpected interruption causes him to make a rash decision.

Watching the sweet, caring, loving Caroline burrow, little by little, under the hard, cold walls Edward had erected was a lovely experience. As I completed the last page, I let out a sigh and had a smile on my face. This was romance and HEA in the very best sense imaginable. You will adore Caroline with her spunky ‘interpretations’ of Edward’s edicts and her total, unselfish love for little Benjy. You will also love watching the cold Edward learn to love again and to discover his children as people to love rather than reminders of loss.

This is a wonderful romance that will make you smile, sniffle, sigh, and feel the warmth that a truly beautiful romance can provide. I recommend this book, this series, and this author. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Always Carry a Silver Cross by Andrea Robertson

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Contemporary, New To Me Author, Non-Traditional Romance, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Always Carry a Silver CrossAlways Carry a Silver Cross by Andrea Robertson

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: None Listed

Release Date: October 21, 2025

After the death of her best friend Emma Bancroft, Selene Jones’ live changed forever, not only has she lost her best friend, but she has become guardian to Emma’s sixteen-year-old daughter Allison. Feeling out of her league and hoping that she is making the right decisions, she leaves her life in LA and relocates to Emma’s house in the small town of Avondale to raise Allie. Already feeling out of sorts, nothing could have prepared her for the shock she is about to receive when she arrives at Emma’s house and meets Allie’s boyfriend Josh, who happens to be a werewolf. The shocks keep coming when she meets her neighbors and learns that Avondale is a paranormal haven, ruled by Fenris Hall, a werewolf and a man she knows of (but never met) from her job as a professional fundraiser.

She is still reeling from learning that Avondale is filled with Werewolves, Vampires, Magi and Fey beings, and she isn’t prepared for her first meeting with Fenris to discuss the relationship between Allie and Josh. She is stunned at her immediate attraction to him and even more surprised when it becomes clear that he returns that attraction. She returns home wondering how a relationship between the pack leader of Avondale and a human could work and is confronted with a ghost from the past – Allie’s father, Daniel Brix who disappeared without a trace ten years ago. Things will only get more heated and complicated from here…

This book is not what I was expecting, the blurb calls it “a paranormal rom-com full of spirited seduction, sinister secrets, and the sublimely supernatural” I am going to have to disagree with part of that description, because this was definitely not a “Rom-com” – it was intense and it was filled with seduction, secrets and the supernatural – but it was not a romantic comedy and it had scenes that were downright horrific – not in a scary sense, but in a violating sense and I hope the publisher adds a content warning to the blurb to protect more sensitive readers. Overall, I liked the book, I thought it was well written and flowed well, and even though I wasn’t super happy with the ending, I would definitely read the next book. If you are a fan of insta-lust, soulmates, touch-her-and-die heroes and heroines who can take care of themselves – you will probably like this book. I am happy to recommend it but would caution there are some scenes that might be disturbing to some readers, and I would highly recommend checking for trigger/content warnings before reading 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. *