Category: Tracy’s Reviews

A Perilous Desire by Lana Williams

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A Perilous Desire (The Mayfair Literary League #6)A Perilous Desire by Lana Williams

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Mayfair Literary League, #6

Release Date: February 28, 2024

Almost a year ago, Becca Hamilton died in a boating accident off the coast of Chesire, leaving behind her conniving uncle and her cruel betrothed, Edwin, heir to the Earl of Fanthorpe, and on the same day, widow Rebecca Hatch was born, and escaped to London, where she moved in with the best friend of Becca’s late mother. Rebecca forged a new life for herself, joining the Mayfair Literary League and trying to put her past to rest. But when she crosses paths with Nathaniel Roth, a solicitor from Chesire in the employ of the Earl of Fanthorpe, her new life is threatened. Secretly, she always admired him and even held a tendre for him, but she can’t risk him discovering the truth. But when she learns her uncle has died and that she has a large inheritance from her father, she has to trust someone with her secrets, can that someone be Nathaniel, or will his allegiance be to the Earl?

Nathaniel Roth is the son of a wine merchant and he believed he was destined for the same, but one day the Earl of Fanthorpe came into their shop and took an interest in Nathaniel, paid for him to go to school, and even helped him set up his law practice, in exchange Nathaniel has acted as his solicitor in several matters, some that he found questionable, but Nathaniel’s loyalty is absolute, but when will his debt to the man be repaid? When by chance he sees a woman whom he is almost certain is Becca Hamilton, but is calling herself Rebecca Hatch. The closer he gets to her, the more his loyalty is challenged. Will his heart overrule his head or will a misplaced loyalty cost him the love of a lifetime?

This was a well-written, nicely-paced intriguing story with wonderful characters that you can’t help rooting for. This is by far my favorite story (so far) in the series, I loved Nathaniel & Rebecca, they are truly a wonderful couple and one I won’t soon forget. The book is filled with secrets, insecurities, lies, friends, cameos from previous characters, loyalty, warmish love scenes, betrayal, heartache, and finally a well-earned HEA completely with a very sweet epilogue. This is the sixth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I loved this book and would happily recommend it to my fellow HR readers.

*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.*

Scandalous: Family Ties and Spies by Monica Burns

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Scandalous: Family Ties and Spies (The Reckless Rockwoods Book 6)Scandalous: Family Ties and Spies by Monica Burns

Tracy’s rating: 3 / 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Reckless Rockwells, #6

Release Date: 2/14/24

Two years ago, Amalie Rockwood had a vision about herself and Valeran “Val” Rutherford, the Earl of Sommerville, and ever since Amalie has stayed away from Val because, despite her deep attraction for him, she knows he has the power to break her heart. A fact that is reiterated when she overhears him talking about her with his latest mistress. Hurt by his mistress’ insults and his willingness to agree that he could easily seduce the “plump country mouse”, Amalie vows to stay far away from him. But when a vengeful enemy plots against her, Amalie finds herself compromised by the one man she has sworn to avoid and marriage is the only solution. But Amalie won’t surrender to her handsome husband easily. This plump country mouse is going to show him how foolish it was to underestimate her. All she has to do is put him in his place without losing her heart and having the vision play out.

Listening to Lady Chattfield insult Amalie Rockwood pushes Val’s patience to the limit, but his investigation for the Crown makes it necessary to let the vicious witch believe that he is interested in her. But he couldn’t disagree more, Amalie might be a quiet little mouse, but her plump curves are anything but unattractive, in fact, if she was not his best friend’s cousin, he would be happy to pursue her. So when they are found together, he isn’t as upset as he should be at the thought of marriage to her. But it is clear that his bride is not happy with him, forcing him to try and woo her. He succeeds to a point, but Val has secrets that he has no intention of sharing with Amalie, besides his work for the Crown, he is hunting the men who killed his family and left him practically blind. He likes Amalie, desires her, and cares for her, but his painful past ensures that he can never give her the one thing she wants, love.

This was a well-written, good story filled with interesting characters, steamyish love scenes and just a touch of paranormal. I liked the story, but I really had a hard time liking Amalie, I loved that she was a curvy heroine, and I sympathized with her insecurity, but she was very aggressive and was quick to believe the worst about Val, time and time again, leading her to be downright nasty at times. I tried to believe that it was a self-defense response, but she just went too far, especially since she was keeping secrets too. I loved Val and I loved that the author didn’t miraculously cure his vision, I loved his patience with Amalie and felt like he deserved to receive some serious groveling, but sadly, that never happened. This book is the sixth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title, as the author gives the reader plenty of backstory. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I don’t think I would read it again.

*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.*