Category: Rom Com

Better Than A Duke by Suzanne Enoch

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Rom-Com, Movie / Story Retelling, Regency Era (1811-1820), Rom Com, Standalone Title, Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

Better Than a DukeBetter Than a Duke by Suzanne Enoch

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone Title

Release Date: March 3, 2026

Iris Silbern is a spirited and resilient widow with a young son and a family that is pushing her to accept a marriage proposal from a wealthy, elderly duke. Iris has no desire to remarry and refuses to let society or family dictate her future. Her sharp wit, humor, and fierce devotion to her young son make her relatable and endearing and she isn’t afraid to challenge the expectations placed upon her by the ton. She brings a refreshing honesty and strength to her interactions, particularly with Beckett and his daughter, Rebecca. Her journey is filled with difficult choices necessary to secure her son’s well-being while remaining true to her heart.

Beckett Raines, the Marquis of Hentrose, is a widower whose sense of duty to his daughter Rebecca leads him to seek out a proper, practical wife, rather than a love match. Though initially determined to follow the path of reason over emotion and pursue Lady Pauline Grenedy, his mother’s choice for his bride, Beckett is quickly charmed by his unconventional new neighbor, Iris, and her son Edmund. Beckett forms genuine relationships with not just Iris, but also with her son, whom he welcomes into his daughter’s life. His feelings make him question his decisions, but circumstances and past experience make it hard for him to follow his heart.

I thought this was a fun, light-hearted Regency-era “Parent Trap” story that incorporates lots of humor, heartfelt moments, and a dash of mischief. The matchmaking schemes of Rebecca and Edmund truly steal the spotlight as they plot to match their parents in true Parent Trap style. The romance between Iris and Beckett is both endearing and emotional but was dimmed by a strong other-woman presence that lasts way too long and gave me big cheating vibes as Beckett is courting Lady Pauline with intentions of marriage while having an affair with Iris. Overall, this historical romance that delivers fun romance with a happy ending and if you enjoy movie adaptations, this book should be a win for you.

*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. *

 

Dealing with a Desperate Demon by Charlotte Stein

On By TracyIn Contemporary, Fairytale Retelling, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Rom Com, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Dealing with a Desperate Demon (The Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures, #2)Dealing with a Desperate Demon by Charlotte Stein

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5/3 of 5 stars

Series: The Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures, #2

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Nancy is a bookseller with a troubled past and a heart of gold who has practically given up on ever finding her happily ever after. But when the town misfit, Jack Jackson, enters her store to get a book, but runs off without it after a minor mishap, Nancy decides to take it to him. After a very awkward and confusing meeting, Nancy realizes that Jack needs help navigating dating and life in general. She offers to help him win his dream girl and tries to keep herself from falling for him herself.

Jack, the demonic son of Satan, is portrayed as a grump with a surprisingly gentle heart, struggling to live up to his father’s evil expectations. His awkwardness in the romance department is both endearing and comical, making him something of a cinnamon roll hero.

I was really looking forward to reading this book, the blurb gave me hope of a grumpy/sunshine trope with steam, magic and Beauty and the Beast feel. Well, this story definitely has a Disney-like “Beauty and the Beast” vibe, with humor and warmish love scenes that results in a fun, if somewhat chaotic story. And while I found the premise intriguing, the execution left a lot to be desired, the pacing is uneven, slow in the beginning, rushed in the latter half and disorganized in between. I thought the book was a bit wordy, and yet oddly, both the characters and the world building felt undeveloped. Overall, it was a light, fun paranormal romance with likeable characters and a happy ending, but it is not a book I would read again. This is the second book in the series, and I don’t know if I would have felt different about this book if I have read the prior installment, but I don’t feel like I missed anything by not reading it.

*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. *