Category: Tracy’s Reviews

Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley

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

Never Say Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas, #4)Never Say Duke by Erica Ridley
Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: 12 Dukes of Christmas, #4

Release Date: January 5, 2019

When Theodore O’Hanlon, Major Viscount Ormondton arrives at the Duke of Azureford’s cottage in Christmas, he expects to recover from his war injuries in peace and remain completely anonymous – but what he got was a cat named Duke who changed his entire life.

Virginia Underwood is a resident of Christmas and a nurturer by nature, she cannot resist rescuing strays or tending the wounded. So when her cat Duke invites himself into the Duke’s cottage and she finds Theodore, she insists on helping him – despite his refusal. Virginia has secrets and suffers from what appears to be Asperger’s Syndrome. She cannot abide crowds, bright light or loud noises.

Theodore is intrigued by Virginia and begins to look forward to her visits. They talk and she learns that he is expected to marry the daughter of his father’s friend – he will do it, because Theodore always keeps his promises and does his duty. But why is he beginning to question that decision?

The more time they spend together, the more she pushes him and under her care, he begins to heal, both physically and mentally. He learns more about her past, which is as shocking as is it heartbreaking. She loves Theodore, but when she learns who he really is, isn’t sure she could stand being part of his world, plus there is the little problem of the soon to be betrothed.

When it seems like they will finally have a HEA, a surprise visitor reminds Virginia why they can never be and a twist of fate gives her choices in her life – will she choose Theodore or will she let her past experiences ruin any chance for love?

This is a sweet story, that is well written and paced nicely. Theodore and Virginia are wonderful leads and Duke the cat is definitely a scene stealer, the love scenes are sweet (no heat) but there is a sizzling chemistry between them, there are lots of twists and turns, a hero that you will want for your own, a wonderful ending and an epilogue that will make you smile.

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

Seducing Winter’s Gentleman by Kirsten S. Blacketer

On By TracyIn Novella, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Seducing Winter's Gentleman (Thieves of Winter Book 4)Seducing Winter’s Gentleman by Kirsten S. Blacketer
Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Thieves of Winter, #4

Release Date: December 31, 2018

If you have been following the series, you already know Bates and Anna, if not be prepared for a completely different sort of historical romance! This is more of a “below the stairs” romance than your typical historical.

James Bates is the competent, handsome butler of the Earl of Winterbourne. But James is much, much more than he appears. A stupid stunt years ago changed the course of his life and left him with tremendous guilt and the desire to be a better man.

Anna was the lady’s maid to Lady Katherine, but since Katherine’s disappearance, she was lucky enough to stay on as housemaid. Anna harbors a tendre for James, but the older man doesn’t seem to notice she is a woman. Anna hasn’t had an easy life, orphaned at a young age, she was taken in by a woman and given a good life, but when her adopted mother passed, Anna had to go into service. She was lucky to get the position with Lady Katherine and was grateful that she was able to remain after Katherine disappeared. She tries to flirt with James, but he shuts her down. When she finally decides to give up pursuing him, it seems like he finally notices her.

James has secrets, HUGE secrets, he knows Anna is interested in him, just as he is with her, but he doesn’t feel worthy of her – if she ever knew the truth, she would run as far away from him as she could – wouldn’t she?

I throughly enjoyed this book, it is well written and flows perfectly, the chemistry between James and Anna is electric, the secrets are jaw-dropping, the love scenes are warm leaning towards steamy, the secondary characters are wonderful and the ending is spectacular! While I would recommend reading the books in order, I think this book could be read as a stand alone title with no problems.