Category: Tracy’s Reviews

The Knight’s Bride Prize by Ella Matthews

On By TracyIn Medieval (1066-1540), Medieval - Early (410 - 1066), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Part of a Series, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Knight's Bride Prize (The Knights' Missions Book 2)The Knight’s Bride Prize by Ella Matthews

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The Knights’ Missions, #2

Release Date: November 26, 2024

After an incident at the castle of his mentor, Lord Ormond, Sir Hugh de Veilleux and his two brother Knights Leo and Tristian are tasked with proving their loyalty to his liege lord by each performing a mission. Hugh’s assignment is to infiltrate Ceinwen Castle, the Welsh holding of Lord Geraint and investigate suspected treason. He will infiltrate the castle under the guise of taking part in the tournament that Lord Geraint is holding to find a husband for his only daughter, Lady Bronwen. Hugh is not happy about the deceit, but he will do anything to clear his and his friends’ names, so they can pursue their dream of joining Sir Benedictus’s King’s Knights. Hugh believes this will be a simple mission, but that was before he met Lady Bronwen and found himself doing the one thing, he swore he would never do by falling in love with her.

Lady Bronwen was impressed by Sir Hugh from the moment she laid eyes on him, but once she learned that he was the third son of his family and had no hope of inheriting, she had to set her mind against him as a potential spouse. Not because she was mercenary, but because Hugh has no home of his own to take her to and she desperately wants to leave her father’s house. Her father was once a kind and benevolent lord, but in recent years he has become a drunk, more interested in drinking and feasting than his wife or daughter. But as much as she tries to ignore Hugh, it proves to be impossible. Will they give into the attraction simmering between them or will Hugh’s secrets and lies destroy any chance of a HEA?

This was a well-written, nicely paced story with very likable characters who both fight the call of their hearts. This book has intrigue, secrets, more than one villain, treason, lies, steamyish loves scenes, a bit of angst, a little heartache and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. My only qualm with the story is how the traitor was handled, but aside from that, it was a great read with a really, wonderful ending, that I am happy to recommend. This is the second book in the series, but could easily be read as a standalone title, although, after reading this book, I purchased the first book because I just have to know what happened with Leo!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Regency Christmas Weddings Anthology by Various Authors

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

Regency Christmas WeddingsRegency Christmas Weddings by Christine Merrill

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Anthology

Release Date: November 26, 24

Winter wedding bells are ringing… For three Regency couples!

A Mistletoe Kiss for the Governess by Christine Merrill, 4.5 stars: After years away at war, Major Frederick Preston is finally coming home and is looking forward to meeting the governess he hired five years ago through an agency. He has never met Charlotte Lewis in person, but has gotten to know the widow through letters. He thought he knew what to expect, but Mrs. Lewis is not the dowdy, old lady he imagined and he isn’t sure how to deal with the overwhelming attraction he feels. Charlotte fell in love with Fredrick years ago through his letters and perhaps fantasized that he might fall in love with her too, but his reaction to her makes it clear that her feelings are one-sided. But are they? This was by far my favorite of the three novellas.

The Earl’s Yuletide Proposal by Liz Tyner, 3.5 stars: When Adriana Armstrong delivers the news that her cousin (and employer) Lady Velma is jilting Lord Philbrook, he shocks her by proposing to her. She declines, but Lord Philbrook isn’t taking no for an answer and the more time he spends with Adriana, the more he realizes that he courted the wrong cousin and he isn’t going to let Adriana go without a fight. This was OK, I thought Adriana was a bit odd, but I was happy they got their HEA.

Lord Grange’s Snowy Reunion by Elizabeth Beacon, 3 stars: Five years ago a newly divorced Lieutenant Nathaniel Grange met and fell in love with Miss Juno Defford. But afraid of ruining her with his scandal, he left for war and hoped to return to her one day when the gossip has settled, but the more he thought about things, the more unworthy he felt and his experience with his first wife left him doubting Juno’s ability to love him once she really got to know him. So, he stays away, and when he finally returns, he assumed that she had moved on. So imagine his surprise when she shows up at his door seeking shelter during a blizzard and he learns that she has never married. Can he let go of his past hurt and trust his heart (and hers) or will his fear cost him the love of a lifetime?

None of the novellas are connected and can be read in any order. For the most part, they are low steam with just kissing (the first novella has one love scene, but it is very mild). I personally would have preferred a bit more spice, but enjoyed the stories nonetheless. Overall, this was a fun Christmasy anthology with three novellas each featuring a different trope and wonderful characters and I would be happy to recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *