Category: Tracy’s Reviews

For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Tracy's Reviews1 Comment

For the Duke's Eyes Only (School for Dukes, #2)For the Duke’s Eyes Only by Lenora Bell
Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: School for Dukes, #2

Release Date: September 18, 2018

Lady India “Indy” Rochester and Daniel “Raven”, the Duke of Ravenwood were once the best of friends and betrothed. But a tragedy torn them apart and a betrayal years later solidified their break.

Now years later, the hurt and betrayal still linger, but Indy has moved on, she is an adventuress, she has made her mark in archeology and lives unrepentant and unconventionally. Raven is a rogue and a treasure seeker, but that is a front to hide his true purpose. He is a spy and on a quest to clear his father’s name. Indy is his biggest sacrifice and regret, but his life has no room for attachments.

When Indy infiltrates an archeologist society meeting dressed as a man, she makes a startling discovery – the Rosetta Stone has been stolen. Raven catches her and is shocked that he didn’t recognize her right away – because he might act like a jerk, but she is never far from his thoughts and dreams. When Sir Malcolm finds them, he admits the stone was taken. Raven says he will find it and Indy insists on being included. Much to Raven’s dismay, Sir Malcolm agrees.

He tries to dissuade her, but they are caught “hate-kissing” by a reporter and Indy declares that they have finally set a wedding date – they give the reporter outrageous details of their upcoming wedding and she says they are going to France to shop – neatly backing Raven in a corner.

They set out and will have to work together and it is clear that her trust is not easily restored, his deception doesn’t lie easy and their love never truly died. Can they find more than just the missing stone? Can they find their way back to each other?

This was an amazing story and I loved it. Indy and Daniel are so perfect for each other. I appreciated that India was true to herself and pursued her dreams, even though she never imagined doing it alone. My heart broke for Raven and the choices that he had to make. The story was quick paced, steamy, witty, adventurous and entertaining. My only complaint would be that I didn’t feel like their story was finished, it ended a bit abruptly without certain things being cleared up – but maybe those things will be addressed in the next book (fingers crossed). This is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone title.

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

Rogues to Lovers Collection by Various Authors

On By TracyIn Anthology, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

Rogues to LoversRogues to Lovers by Catherine Kean

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Release Date: September 11, 2018

I love the concept of this anthology, all the novellas are standalone, but they all incorporate the “Legend of the Blue Damask Rose” The legend of the rose is that when the rare Blue Damask rose blooms, enemies will become lovers.

I was not able to read every novella in the collection (so many books, so little time!!), but I will definitely be coming back to read the ones I missed as soon as my reading scheduled lightens a bit!

Highland Knight by Amy Jarecki – 4 stars – Quinn Campbell is traveling with his brother and kinsman to a gathering at Rothesay Castle when he spots a goddess, he chased the woman but loses her at the ruins of the old Lamont castle. The castle is now Campbell property, 20+ years ago, Quinn’s grandfather laid siege to the castle and killed all the Lamonts. Alice Lamont escaped the massacre, her grandmother took her and fled when the siege started. They have lived in a small cottage for years and now her grandmother has decided it is time for Alice to marry. They also attend the gathering and Quinn finally meets his “goddess”. When fighting breaks out and Quinn is wounded, it is up to Alice to care for him. But when they return to Rothesay days later, it is clear that the Campbells and the Lamonts are still mortal enemies – Can Quinn and Alice find a way to stop the feud before it escalates and any chance they have for a HEA is ruined? This story was short, sweet and to the point, it was well written and flowed well, but it is a bit of an “insta-love” story and wasn’t long enough to build up the romance between them. Nonetheless, it was very good.

A Rose for a Rogue, Collette Cameron – 5 stars – Manchester “Chester”, Marquess of Sterling has returned home after 10 years. He had a falling out with his father, the Duke when his brother was killed in a duel. He meets Eglantina Eden Haverdon when he is leaving the tavern to go home. His horse is lame and he asks her for a ride to his home. He is fascinated by her and learns that she is the illegitimate sister of the man who killed his brother. On the way to his house, they have an accident on the bridge and Eden nearly drowns. He insists that she stay the night at the manor, this starts a series of events that end up leaving Eden homeless. Chester feels responsible and offers her a job, she declines, but when she falls ill, he takes matters into his own hands. This was a sweet story and I loved Chester – LOVED HIM. This story was very well done and while it is short, it was definitely paced perfectly and the love between Chester and Eden felt fully developed.

After reading these two novellas, I really wish I had the time the entire book!! This collection is priced so low, that even if you only read one novella, it is well worth the price!! I will definitely be coming back to finish this book and will update my review at that time.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*