Stranded with Her Forbidden Knight by Melissa Oliver

On By TracyIn Medieval (1066-1540), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Stranded with Her Forbidden KnightStranded with Her Forbidden Knight by Melissa Oliver

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Years ago, Lady Elowen Bawden and Lord Simon Trebarr shared a moment that ended in tragedy and changed their lives forever, a moment that should have killed any attraction, but didn’t…

Now five years later, Elowen Bawden is widowed and has returned to her father’s house, only to learn that her father is planning to marry her off again. And Simon has inherited his family’s estates after the unexpected death of his brother. They see each other again for the first time in five years when Simon approaches Elowen’s father in hopes of forging peace between the families, and it is clear that the attraction they shared is as strong as ever and just as impossible. But fate has plans for these two and their journey to HEA is going to be a wild ride, but one that proves true love conquers all!

This book was exactly what I have come to expect from Melissa Oliver, great writing, and a wonderful story filled with relatable characters. Elowen and Simon are an amazing couple, they each have had their own demons to battle and despite the joint tragedies they share, they aren’t bent on revenge, and they don’t blame the other for circumstances beyond their control – how refreshing! But that doesn’t mean that their story is without heartache, loss and guilt, they are plagued with these things just like most romantic couples, they just handle it better! This story has death, self-esteem issues, duty, honor, familial obligations, unwanted betrothals, steamyish love scenes, loss, heartbreak, friendships, and finally a very hard-won HEA. I really loved this story and would happily recommend it to historical romance lovers, especially medieval fans!

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

A Ruse of Shadows by Sherry Thomas – Release Day Blitz

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Release Day Blitz, Victorian Era (1837-1901)2 Comments

A Ruse of Shadows (Lady Sherlock, #8)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Sherlock #8
Publication Date: 6/25/24
Period: Victorian Paris and London
Number of Pages: 368

When I purchased the first book of this series eight years ago, I knew I liked the author, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about the description given for Charlotte Holmes or even the series. OMGoodness! There is nothing to worry about there – I still love the author – and absolutely adore Charlotte and the series. Charlotte is smart, quirky, cunning, and brave with few of the social ‘graces’, but everybody comes to love her. Well, everybody except those she outsmarts and brings to justice. I just looked back and I have given every book a 5-star rating so far – and this will get one as well.

I was fully engaged and invested in this story from the very first page and stayed that way until I let out a huge sigh at the last word on the last page. There is never a dull moment as Charlotte masterminds a massive blow to Moriarty and he never sees it coming! While she’s doing that, she’s solving a decades-old case for Inspector Treadles and outwitting Lord Bancroft Ashburton who rears his ugly head again. What does she do in her spare time? She shows some phenomenal character growth from the woman (girl really) we met in that first book.

I thought the author’s way of telling this story was interesting because I could see the events unfolding almost as if it were a movie or an old newsreel. We begin with Charlotte being interrogated by Chief Inspector John Talbot who believes she murdered Lord Bancroft Ashburton. The story alternates between the interrogation with her answers and the actual events that took place. That was an intriguing way to put the timeline together and to help us easily follow all of the events – even though the reader won’t really have it all pieced together until the end.

There is the full complement of recurring characters with integral parts to play and a couple of new characters that we may or may not see again. All of the unique parts of the story work seamlessly together to present the reader with an unforgettable reading experience. If you love complex mysteries with equally complex characters, you will love this book and this series. I can highly recommend this book – especially if you love books by Anna Lee Huber, Andrea Penrose, Ashley Weaver, Will Thomas, or C.H. Harris. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.