Category: Tracy’s Reviews

You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn

On By TracyIn Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's Reviews4 Comments

You Never Forget Your First Earl (The Worthingtons, #5)You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn
Tracy’s rating: 3/3.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Worthingtons, #5

Release Date: May 29, 2018

Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington and heir to the Marquess of Markham is in need of a wife, his first choice Lady Charlotte has apparently decided on the Marquess of Kenilworth. To take the diplomatic post he wants, he must have a wife, but as the season is drawing to an end and many families have left town for the continent – his options are limited. So when he runs into his old friend Gavin Turley and is invited to tea, he thinks his luck might be changing. Just to cover his bases, he seeks advice from his grandmother, the dowager Marchioness of Markham.

Elizabeth Turley, daughter of Viscount Turley, knows Geoffrey is looking for a wife and she might be interested in the position, but she wants a love match and will settle for nothing less. She met Geoffrey before and thought him attractive and interesting, but he was pursuing her friend Lady Charlotte at the time and she has been advised to not make things easy for him.

At tea, Geoffrey “tests” Elizabeth and is delighted to learn that she meets all his requirements for a wife, he of course has other options to explore (his mother sent him a list of potential brides – including Elizabeth), so he asks Elizabeth to save a dance for him and she agrees.

When Geoffrey learns that Elizabeth really is his option for a bride, he decides to court her and his attempts are amusing. Armed with a list from his grandmother, Geoffrey sets out to win his lady. Elizabeth who was at first uncertain, begins to have hope that she and Geoffrey could have a love match, and when he finally proposes, she accepts.

They marry and share an incredible wedding night, but Elizabeth’s heart is shattered when she overhears Geoffrey and his father talking. His father is congratulating him on his bride and Geoffrey replies she was the last choice available and met all his qualifications. She thought he loved her and now feels the fool for falling in love with him. His mother and grandmother offer her advice and she agrees to give their suggestions a try.

Geoffrey is clueless as to what has upset his bride and as they travel to Brussels, he tries to figure out what when wrong and how to fix it. But with the war coming to a head, his first priority must be to his superior Sir Charles. When the battle literally comes to their doorstep, Elizabeth decides that life is too short and tells him she loves him. But before Geoffrey can respond she falls asleep. And before he can examine his feelings and tell her, tragedy strikes and he may never get the chance.

This was sweet book, but the first 70% of the story just dragged for me, however, once they leave for Brussels, the pace of the story picks up and the ending is wonderful. The story features likable characters, amusing advice from friends and family, some steamy love scenes, a bit of action and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue.

This is the fifth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title with no problems at all. While this was not my favorite in the series, it is a quick read and I would have no problem recommending it.

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

Seductive Surrender by Collette Cameron

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

Seductive Surrender (Highland Heather Romancing a Scot, #6)Seductive Surrender by Collette Cameron
Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Highland Heather Romancing a Scot, #6

Release Date: May 23, 2018

Gwendolyn McClintock meets Dugall Ferguson when her carriage runs him down. Injured by highwaymen, Dugall had stumbled out of the woods into the carriage’s path. Gwen insists on caring for him.

Gwen is aunt and guardian to Jeremiah, the new Laird McClintock, she has traveled from their home in South Carolina to Scotland. She has no idea what to expect in Scotland, but she is intent on seeing Jeremiah claim his birthright. She sold their plantation, packed up her niece, nephew, aunt and nanny and is anxious to see what the future holds for them.

When Dugall wakes, he is surprised to find himself bound and the fiery angel who found him on the road riding his horse! He convinces Gwen he is not a threat and offers to help her oversee the estate – until he hears back from the diplomatic corps – his lifelong dream is to be an agent for the corps and nothing, not even a gorgeous red head with a charming accent and hysterical sayings will stop him from leaving.

They arrive at the estate and Gwen immediately takes charge, she tends Dugall’s wounds and shares a kiss with him, letting it slip that she had been betrothed before – four times to be exact. As she is coming to terms with the kiss, she meets some of the other residents of the house. From Aunt Dolina, she learns that her grandparents eloped. Her grandfather was the younger brother of the previous Laird and caused quite a stir when he eloped with his brother’s intended bride.

Dugall takes her and the family to meet his brother, Laird Ewan, on the way there, someone takes a shot at Gwen. Terrified for her, Dugall insists on guards and when she learns the shooter escaped, she agrees and begins to think coming to Scotland was a mistake.

Weeks pass with no further incidents until the solicitor, Mr. Christie shows up with the will – Gwen is stunned by not only the revelations, but by the conditions. Dugall promises to look into it – but has received his acceptance to the corps and needs to leave. Gwen is a more than a little heartbroken, but she will not stand in his way. She cannot stay at Suttford House and accepts a position at Craiglocky Keep. Dugall leaves for his meeting with the corps and Gwen and the children settle in at the keep. Gwen misses Dugall and when he returns a week later, she is overjoyed to see him, until she is shot! Dugall is beside himself – his Gwenny has been shot and it makes him realize how he feels about her.

When news arrives from their investigation, it changes everything and Dugall will have to decide if he will give up his dream or keep the woman he loves.

This was a sweet, quick read with likable leads and cameos from previous characters, there is a decent mystery, entertain banter, some kisses, some shocking twists/turns and a sweet epilogue.

This is the sixth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title with no problems.

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