Category: Part of a Series

Christmas Wishes of Love by Julie Johnstone

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

Christmas Wishes of Love (Highlander Vows- Entangled Hearts Book 11)Christmas Wishes of Love by Julie Johnstone

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts #11

Release Date: December 1, 2025

When she was just a child, Lillith MacLeod made a wish that she would never suffer from a broken heart after seeing how unhappy her father was after losing her mother. Since that day, Lillith has dedicated herself to becoming a warrior for her clan and has made it clear that she has no plans to marry. Lucky for her, her father found love, remarried and promised that Lillith and her twin sister Lenora would be able to choose their own husbands. But that promise may be in danger of being broken, when the king demands that MacLeods end their feud with the Matheson clan by marriage! The king has declared that Rory Matheson, the heir to the Matheson laird can choose his bride between the two sisters. And after being accidentally shot with an arrow by Lillith, it is clear that he won’t be choosing her, he wants a biddable wife.

This royal decree has ramifications, if the clans do no abide the king’s command, they will lose lands and power, but if Iain MacLeod agrees and forces one of his granddaughter to wed Rory, then the cost could be his marriage, as his wife, as well as several of his other womenfolk are adamantly opposed to forcing the girls to wed. Lucky for him, the women have a plan to scare Rory off and shift the blame for the failed clan merger on the Mathesons. Lillith is more than happy to torment Rory, since she has no desire to ever get married, but why does he have to be so handsome and likable?

I really enjoyed this novella, it was well-written and nicely paced and I felt that the relationship between Lillith and Rory progressed at a believable pace. If you love a low/no steam, enemies to lovers romance, then this book is for you! This book is linked to the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts Series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*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. *

Something Wicked by Falon Ballard

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, First Person Narrative, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Something Wicked (Idle Reputations, #1)Something Wicked by Falon Ballard

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Series: Idle Reputations #1

Release Date: December 2, 2025

Callum is the son of the recently dethroned king, and in the running to become the first elected president of the country of Avon, but to do so he will have to do the unthinkable. He is drawn into the deadly political game and is torn between his sense of duty and his conscience. His ability to complete his mission hinges on enlisting Lady Caterine’s magical, emotion-manipulating talents. The attraction between Callum and Cate is instantaneous and passionate, despite his disregard for the “gifted”. Can he work with her to save Avon or will he lose all?

Lady Caterine is a courtesan at the La Puissance pleasure club and has the unique ability to manipulate emotions of those she is intimate with. She too has a mission and at first it seems simple, distract Callum from the election. She never expected to fall for him, but when she does will she be able to complete her task or will she listen to her heart?

Confession – I requested this book because the cover was giving me nostalgic Barbara Cartland vibes, sadly I finished this book feeling the cover was the best thing about this book. Overall, this story plunges readers into the tumultuous nation of Avon, where a dangerous political contest and a shadowy world of magic and desire collide. The story centers on a high-stakes challenge: contenders for Avon’s leadership must kill their deposed monarch, setting the stage for intrigue and emotional entanglement. While the premise is intriguing and the Moulin Rouge-meets-Macbeth theme adds flair, the novel ultimately isn’t able to deliver because it fails to give the reader fully developed magic and world-building. Add to that the story is written in dual first-person narrative making it harder for me to connect deeply with the story. However, if you are just looking for a fantasy romance with lots of steam and political intrigue, you will find it in 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. *