Category: Tracy’s Reviews

Running with the Werewolf by Laurie London

On By TracyIn Contemporary, First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Running with the Werewolf (Darkaway Island #1)Running with the Werewolf by Laurie London

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Darkaway Island #1

Release Date: November 17, 2025

Darkaway Island is a supernatural resort where monsters come to play and humans can get swept into the mayhem. After her life takes an unexpected and complicated turn Daphne, arrives on the island and she quickly finds herself caught up in the local chaos, becoming a contestant in an unusual dating contest. The prize is Travis Monroe, a brooding and grumpy cowboy who also happens to be a werewolf and the star of a supernatural soap opera. Travis has just inherited a ranch and has to find a mate before the White Wolf Moon or he risks losing the property to a half-brother he barely knows, which would also cost his sister her future. As Daphne and Travis participate in group dates and one-on-ones, the story reveals both of their vulnerabilities—Daphne’s secrets and Travis’s sense of duty—while a rival pack and various island oddities stir up trouble.

While the island’s cozy, offbeat atmosphere and the playful, fast-paced romance might appeal to readers who enjoy whimsical paranormal stories, the fated pairing felt formulaic and the dual POV first-person narrative detracted from my enjoyment. The romance between Travis and Daphne grows beyond mere obligation, with genuine feelings developing despite the contest setup and external pressures. Overall, if you like small-town paranormal romance and enjoy the fated mates trope, this might be a fun, escapist read—but it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.

*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. *

Joy to the Earl by Elizabeth Cole

On By TracyIn Christmas, Georgian Era (1714-1837), New To Me Author, Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Joy to the Earl: A Regency Holiday RomanceJoy to the Earl: A Regency Holiday Romance by Elizabeth Cole

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 11, 2025

Widow Joy Whitfield is on her way to spend Christmas with her cousin when her carriage becomes inoperable during a snowstorm, and she is forced to seek shelter at a nearby inn. Unfortunately, due to the weather, there are no rooms available, and she is wondering what she will do when she hears a gentleman offer to give up his room for her. She is grateful until she learns the identity of the man – Douglas Sterling, the man she loved ten years ago before he broke her heart by marrying another woman.

Widower Douglas Sterling, the Earl of Hollis is traveling to his estate to spend the holiday with his young son when a storm hits, and he is trapped at inn to wait out a storm. When he overhears the innkeeper talking about a woman who needs a room, he offers his, only to learn that the woman in question is Joy, a woman he courted years ago, but whom he hurt by marrying another woman without a word to her. He never stopped loving her and regretted not following his heart. Can he convince her to give him another chance?

This was a fast-paced, well-written, second-chance, holiday themed novella with interesting characters. Joy and Douglas were once in love, but Douglas decided to listen to his friends and family and marry someone closer to his social stature. A chance meeting and forced proximity ten years later give them a second chance at their happily ever after. I liked the idea of the story but would have appreciated a bit more information about the breakup and a lot more groveling. Overall, this was a quick, steamyish romance with likable characters and a heartwarming ending that I enjoyed reading and would be happy to recommend.

*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. *