Category: Tracy’s Reviews

Forbidden Alliance by Diana Cosby

On By TracyIn Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Forbidden Alliance (Forbidden, #4)Forbidden Alliance by Diana Cosby
Tracy’s rating: 3/3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Forbidden #4

Release Date: August 6, 2019

Elspet McReynolds’ life has drastically changed since Gaufrid MacHugh, the Earl of Dalkirk executed her mother and stepfather, seized her stepbrother, Blar, tried to rape her and torched her home. Desperate to save Blar, Elspet turns to friends for her, but is betrayed. When a guard at the castle offers to help her for coin, she turns to theft, but instead of getting what she needs, she ends up needing to be rescued.

Sir Cailin MacHugh is ready to claim his inheritance – a legacy that was stolen from him by his uncle, the man who claims Cailin is dead and has assumed the title of Earl of Dalkirk. He has King Robert’s blessing to reclaim his title and his home, Tiran Castle. But on the way to meet with one of the king’s trusted men, Sir Angus McReynold, he is sidetracked by a woman’s scream and finds Elspet being attacked. He saves her and insists on tending her injury and getting her shelter for the night. Elspet uses his kindness against him, drugging him and stealing his sword.

She finds a merchant known for buying stolen goods and haggles with him, but she overhears him telling his assistant that the sword is proof that Cailin is the rightful Earl of Dalkirk and that the merchant intends to turn him over to Gaufrid – she thinks that he may be able to help her save Blar – she takes the sword and goes looking for him.

The tale that follows is filled with action, betrayal, twists, turns, kisses, evil villains, surprise revelations, life and death moments and of course a HEA. I thought the story was alright, it did drag in places, there were a lot of inconsistencies and I personally found the end to be somewhat anticlimactic and I struggle with these heroes who have been with the Templars since they were children and taken vows as Templars – yet are so sexually experienced – but that is just me  This is the fourth book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone with no issues.

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

The Duke Is But A Dream by Anna Bennett

On By TracyIn Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

The Duke Is But a Dream (Debutante Diaries, #2)The Duke Is But a Dream by Anna Bennett
Tracy’s rating: 3.5/4 of 5 stars

Series: Debutante Diaries #2

Release Date: July 30, 2019

Lily Hartley’s life is turned upside down by what she thought was an opportunity for adventure. Lily along with her sister, Fiona and their friend, Sophie are responsible for the popular column “The Debutante’s Revenge” in the London Hearsay paper – Lily has just settled into her sister’s house for a visit when Fiona’s new husband wants to whisk her away for a romantic trip, Lily insists that Fiona go and then remembers that her parents are also away – she decides to use the time and freedom to do things she would normally never have a chance to do – so dressed as a boy, she delivers her column and sets out to have an adventure. But instead of adventure, she ends up in a tavern brawl and is knocked out cold!!

Eric Nash, the Duke of Stonebridge is at the tavern after a fight with his sister Delilah trying to calm down when he sees the young lad being accosted by thugs, he didn’t come to the tavern for a fight, but maybe it is just what he needs – it isn’t until he realizes the “lad” accidentally gets knocked out that he realizes “he” is a “she” – he takes her back to his home and calls for a doctor – but when she wakes, she has no memory of who she is or why she was dressed as a boy and in the tavern.

Lily becomes Caroline and begins to help Nash and Delilah find some common ground, she also learns of Nash’s greatest pain, the reason he is so protective of Delilah and why he never plans on falling in love. But as they grow closer, Lily wonders if Nash’s heart is available and gives hers without pause, but when Lily’s advice in the column tears the family apart and Nash once again erects walls around his heart, is all lost or will love find a way?

I thought this was a cute story, however, it was a little predictable, formulaic and I thought Lily’s behavior bordered on TSTL on more than one occasion – especially for someone who was so concerned about her “reputation”. But overall it was an entertaining read with great characters, warm love scenes and a HEA. It is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected e-ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley, Edelweiss and the publisher.*