Category: Standalone Title

Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight by Melissa Oliver

On By TracyIn Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Stranded with Her Forbidden KnightStranded with Her Forbidden Knight by Melissa Oliver

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Years ago, Lady Elowen Bawden and Lord Simon Trebarr shared a moment that ended in tragedy and changed their lives forever, a moment that should have killed any attraction, but didn’t…

Now five years later, Elowen Bawden is widowed and has returned to her father’s house, only to learn that her father is planning to marry her off again. And Simon has inherited his family’s estates after the unexpected death of his brother. They see each other again for the first time in five years when Simon approaches Elowen’s father in hopes of forging peace between the families, and it is clear that the attraction they shared is as strong as ever and just as impossible. But fate has plans for these two and their journey to HEA is going to be a wild ride, but one that proves true love conquers all!

This book was exactly what I have come to expect from Melissa Oliver, great writing, and a wonderful story filled with relatable characters. Elowen and Simon are an amazing couple, they each have had their own demons to battle and despite the joint tragedies they share, they aren’t bent on revenge, and they don’t blame the other for circumstances beyond their control – how refreshing! But that doesn’t mean that their story is without heartache, loss and guilt, they are plagued with these things just like most romantic couples, they just handle it better! This story has death, self-esteem issues, duty, honor, familial obligations, unwanted betrothals, steamyish love scenes, loss, heartbreak, friendships, and finally a very hard-won HEA. I really loved this story and would happily recommend it to historical romance lovers, especially medieval fans!

*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. *

The Earl and the Country Girl by Eva Devon

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Earl and the Country GirlThe Earl and the Country Girl by Eva Devon

Tracy’s rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone (?)

Release Date: June 24, 2024

Felix Brightman, the Earl of Enderley is sure the land agent he hired for his newly acquired estate in Cornwall is robbing him blind, but he needs proof. So hatches a plan to travel to the estate incognito, how hard could it be considering he trains spies for the military. But his disguised is blown within minutes of encountering Alice Wright, a local woman and he strikes a bargain with her. If she will help him fit into to his role as stablemaster, he in turn will help her launch a career in London as a perfume maker, promising to introduce her to London’s premiere perfumer. An agreement is made, and Felix is surprised by how much he enjoys Alice’s company, but they could never be more than friends, as Felix is adamant that he will never fall in love. At least that is his plan.

Alice Wright comes from a family of perfumers, but since the death of her father, her mother has not had time to make perfume, opting rather to be an herbalist and run an apothecary. Alice believes that her mother gave up on her dreams to marry and have a family and has decided that she will never succumb to love and give up on her own dreams, even if her dream seems impossible. Or at least it was before she met Felix. After helping Felix with his problem, he in turn helps her achieve her dream of learning the art of perfumery from London’s renown Madame Clemence Dubois. But dreams are funny things and sometimes they change, leaving Alice to wonder if it is possible to love another and still have dreams for yourself?

I honestly don’t know how I feel about this book, it wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t really drawn into the story. I liked Alice and Felix, but I never really felt their connection, for most of the book they played at being friends with benefits and they never really convinced me that they were more than that. I also felt that Felix held onto his “I can’t fall in love” raft for way too long and didn’t do nearly enough to make up for that. Overall, it was a quick, light read with a fair amount of angst, a villain who is almost forgotten, warm love scenes and a grieving duke (who I hope finds his own HEA), a somewhat rushed ending and a sweet epilogue.

*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. *