Category: Tracy’s Reviews

Redeeming Lord Ryder by Maggie Robinson

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

Redeeming Lord Ryder (Cotswold Confidential)Redeeming Lord Ryder by Maggie Robinson

Series: Cotswold Confidential, #3

Release Date: November 21, 2017
Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent installment of the Cotswold Confidential Series!

Mary Nicola Mayfield, known as Nicola to her friends and family has been in the Puddling-on-the-Wold “secret spa” for 2 months, sent there by her family after all other medical avenues had failed. Nicola was a passenger on a train that derailed and hasn’t spoken since. She has been pricked, prodded and examined, but there is no medical reason that she can’t speak. She doesn’t exactly recall the accident and doesn’t want to be a burden to her family, she tries, but the words will not come.

Lord Jonathan Ryder aka Jack is in Puddling because of the same accident, but for different reasons. Jack owned the company that manufactured the part that failed and caused the accident. Jack suffers from depression and is ridden with guilt. He came to Puddling, hoping to find a way to overcome the depression, but he hasn’t been entirely honest with anyone about his reasons for coming.

He meets Nicola on his second day in the village, he is immediately taken with her and plots and plans ways to see her again. The two grow close and Nicola wants Jack to be her lover – but Jack is trying to be honorable and keeps pushing her away – sort of – kisses don’t count, right? When Jack is with Nicola, he feels happy for the first time since the accident and when he kisses her, Nicola makes sounds, something that hasn’t happened in ten long months! When Nicola learns who Jack really is, she is shocked and doesn’t want him to know who she is, fearing it would change the way he treats her.

This is a well written story with a lot of deep emotion, but it never feels dark or angsty, Jack’s antics (especially concerning food) are hilarious and Nicola is the perfect soothing balm for his soul. The book is filled with lighthearted banter, steamy moments, guests sneaking around, secrets, betrayal, a little heartache, a lot of joy and a hero with a passion for peaches.

This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I think this might actually be my favorite in the series so far, but I don’t want to commit to that, since they have all been great and I am sure there are more to come! I would recommend reading the series in order, it is not necessary to enjoy this book, but it will give you more insight on the “secret spa”.

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

Enchanted by the Highlander by Lecia Cornwall

On By TracyIn Jacobean/Stuart Era (1603-1714), Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Enchanted by the Highlander (A Highland Fairytale, #4)Enchanted by the Highlander by Lecia Cornwall

Series: A Highland Fairy Tale, #4

Release date: November 14, 2017

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was a very cute story. Very, very loosely based on the Cinderella fairy tale, Gillian MacLeod has always been considered the quiet, biddable sister. But shy Gilly longs for adventure and for true love. She meets John Erly while visiting her sister Fia and is immediately smitten. She is warned by her sister to stay away from “English John”, but at a masked ball, Gilly takes a chance and boldly kisses the man and runs away.

John is bewitched by the masked woman and thinks about her constantly. He has no idea who she is until 10 months later Gilly returns and immediately John knows who his masked lady is. But Gilly is not for the likes of him, a disowned, disgraced, self proclaimed rogue and rascal. So why does it hurt so much to learn she is only staying for a few days before heading off to marry? John lets her know that he knows who she is and what she did, but he keeps her secret safe. Not that anyone would believe him anyway, Gillian is too shy, too timid and too innocent to do such a thing!

When Fia asks John to escort Gilly to her intended and to stand in for her father and give away the bride, John desperately wants to refuse, but Fia will not take no for an answer. Determined to keep his distance and to ignore the temptation she presents, John tries to keep her at an arm’s length. But having tasted boldness, Gillian is not willing to walk away from what could be the adventure of a lifetime.

And an adventure she will have! Within days of setting out, their party is attacked and Gillian is taken captive along with John. They barely escape with their lives and finally give in to the pull between them. John sees a side of Gillian that no one has ever seen and he shares things with her that no other living soul knows. Gillian believes that she has found her true love, but John is not as convinced, he knows he loves her, but has nothing to offer. He is sure she will be fine without him and will soon forget him.

When they are found the next morning, John begins to back away and as the story of Gilly’s escape grows, so does their traveling party making any chance to talk privately impossible. But Gilly knows what she wants and what has to be done, but can she get John to agree?

This was a fast paced story with a lot of action, some laughs, some tears, villains that will not stay vanquished, great secondary characters, a couple of steamy love scenes and finally a very hard won HEA.

This book is part of the Highland Fair Tale series, but could easily be read as a stand alone. FYI – if you read this book and liked her sister Meggie, her story is already available in the Christmas in Kilts Anthology!

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