Category: Tracy’s Reviews

Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum

On By TracyIn Elizabethan Era (1558-1603), Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Highland Conquest (Sons of Sinclair, #1)Highland Conquest by Heather McCollum

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Sons of Sinclair, #1

Release Date: April 28, 2020

When Cain Sinclair’s father is killed in battle by Arabella “Ella” Sutherland, Cain decides that the only way to end the decades old feud is to marry Ella and merge the clans. Too bad Ella is not on board with that plan.

Cain is the eldest of the four Sinclair brothers who were raised by their father as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” – a clever tactic on their father’s part to instill fear in their enemies and a strategy the brothers fully embrace. Cain captures Ella and gives her a choice, marry him or die – she chooses death – well that is not what Cain expected and decides that doesn’t work for him – instead he set out to change her mind and woo her – which is quite entertaining!

Ella not only a warrior, she is also lovely, smart and devoted to her people. But Ella was raised by a monster and wants nothing more than to protect her people – she is sure Cain is a monster too and will not subject her people to that kind of ruler again – but slowly she sees that Cain is not really the “horseman” that rumor and reputation have made him out to be and she finds herself falling for him – but Ella has made promises and has secrets that could make any hope of HEA an impossibility.

This was a well written and entertaining story. It is filled with action, secrets, some laugh out loud moments, a great cast of secondary characters, steamyish love scenes and finally a hard-won HEA. I did feel like the first half of the book dragged a bit, but it did pick up in the second half and I appreciated the glossary of Scots-Gaelic/Old English words at the beginning of the book for reference. I enjoyed this book and would be happy to recommend it. It is the first in a new series this book and am really looking forward to each of the brother’s stories.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

First Comes Scandal (Rokesbys #4)First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Rokesbys, #4

Release Date: April 21, 2020

When Nicholas Rokesby is called home from medical school by his father, he has . no idea what is wrong and is less than pleased to find out that his father wants him to “save” Georgiana “Georgie” Bridgerton from ruin by marrying her. He has nothing against Georgie – he likes her, but he has never thought of her that way and is not sure he can…

Georgie is angry, she escaped Freddie Oaks, the dastard that kidnapped her and tried to force her to elope, but instead of praising her for her ability to save herself, the ton has deemed her ruined! Her choices are marry Freddie – not in this lifetime – or retire to the country and live out her life as a spinster. Neither option is appealing so she should be overjoyed when Nicholas proposes…

Georgie doesn’t want Nicholas’ pity proposal and makes her refusal crystal clear – but later when she has had time to think, she knows she has made a huge mistake. As luck would have it, Freddie decides to made a late-night visit to Georgie’s window and ends up in need of medical attention – good thing Georgie knows a soon-to-be doctor!! After helping him tend Freddie, Georgie confesses she made a mistake and asks if she may reconsider, Nicholas proposes again and this time she accepts. Could it be that a scandal was exactly what they needed to see what has been there all along?

This was a well written, very sweet, friends to lovers story. Nicholas and Georgie are very likable and their transition from friends to lovers is believable and entertaining. The book is filled with witty banter, has lots of cats, well-meaning parents, a slow burning romance that ignites into passion and a very satisfying HEA – it is a bit slow at points and there is not a lot of drama/conflict – but if you are looking for a light, amusing, uncomplicated, feel-good read – look no further, this is that book!! This is the fourth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.*