Lessons in Love; A Witches’ Ball Novella by Renee Bernard

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Novella, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Lessons in Love: A Witches Ball NovellaLessons in Love: A Witches Ball Novella by Renee Bernard

Tracy’s rating: 3.5/4 of 5 stars

Series: The Witches’ Ball, #2

Release Date: August 26, 2023

Arianna Holt is the illegitimate orphaned granddaughter of the Marquis of Halleforte, and she has lived most of her life under the care of her beloved uncle Edmund, her father’s youngest brother. Arianna is sheltered and feels most comfortable in the woods, her uncle has tried to make her feel loved, but her grandfather despises her and demands that she keep her silver-white hair covered and her silver-lavender eyes hidden behind dark glasses. She is content with her life, but her uncle wants more for her, he wants her to marry and have a family of her own. He convinces his father and older brother to let Arianna accompany his other niece Lady Persephone to the Witches Ball in Bocka Morrow. Arianna agrees to go as long as her uncle agrees to stop trying to matchmake when she returns. Arianna sets out counting the days until she can return home to her solitude, but this trip will change Arianna’s life in ways that she didn’t even believe possible and suddenly the thought of living in solitude no longer holds any appeal.

Wren Willow is a Fairy or Fei, he is one of the few that crosses the Veil and interacts with humans in the Broken Realm, as the Fei call it. This time he has made the trip to stop Arianna from attending the Witches’ Ball because he knows something she doesn’t, Arianna is half Fei and has a power that many would love to manipulate. Wren’s only task is to stop her from going to the ball, but once he meets her, he is drawn to her and wants more time, he breaks many rules and tells Arianna the truth of her lineage and her powers. He breaks more rules when offers to teach her how to control her power, knowing full well there will be a price to pay. Their feelings deepen, but all too soon it is time for Wren to pay for his transgressions, leaving their future in question.

This was an interesting addition to the series, especially since they never actually made it to Bocka Morrow. But Arianna and Wren are wonderful characters and their story is both joyous and heartwrenching. The story is not quite what I was expecting, but it was still a very good, no steam, slow-burn romance filled with magic, great secondary characters, a few tears, a couple of toe-curling kisses, and the promise of happily ever after. This book is loosely connected to the Witches’ Ball series, but could easily be read as a standalone title.

Lost Lover by Mary Lancaster

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Lost Lover (Crime & Passion Book 4)

Barbara’s rating: 4.5
Series: Crime & Passion #4
Publication Date: 10/10/23
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 270

I was thrilled when I saw there was a new addition to the Crime & Passion series! We got three books – one right after the other – in 2021 and then they stopped, so I was afraid there wouldn’t be any more of them. Since I really loved our sleuths, Grizelda (Griz) and Tizsa, I didn’t want the series to be over! Well, now they are back and this time they are helping Lord James Andover and Elizabeth Barker – and believe me – those two really need help!

Lord James Andover, youngest son of a marquess, has just been released from Newgate prison after serving three years. Now, he is out for revenge and to be sure that whoever was responsible for his wrongful conviction is the one in Newgate. The person who committed the crime isn’t a secret – everybody knows who did it – yet there is no proof. James wants that person – and he wants everyone who conspired with him. To that end, he is following the man’s wife in hopes she will lead him to the stolen diamonds and the proof he needs. Though her home is modest on the outside, he’s quite sure the inside will be sumptuous – after all – well – stolen diamonds. And . . . why isn’t she living with her husband?

Elizabeth Barker was just seventeen years old when Joshua Jarman wooed her into sneaking off to marry him. He put on a false front and made her believe that he loved her and that he was undoubtedly a better alternative than those staid old bankers her father was trying to marry her off to. That was the worst mistake of her young life and she’s paid for it ever since. As soon as she could, she ran away from him and had only just returned to London. She knows nothing about a diamond robbery and certainly doesn’t have access to any diamonds – but she lives in constant fear that Jarman will find her.

When Jarman is found dead – in Elizabeth’s bedroom – she or James should be the prime suspect, but our amateur sleuths don’t believe either of them are guilty and set about helping them find the guilty party. They’ll have their work cut out because Jarman is not a popular fellow – even among his fellow criminals. With a suspect list a mile long, can they actually manage to identify the real culprit(s)?

Goodness, it was fun to watch Griz and Tizsa help guide the investigation through the lowest and highest parts of London where we encounter mightier-than-thou Lords and lowlier-than-the-low criminal elements. Of course, it was also great fun to watch Elizabeth and James come to trust and love each other as they worked through the case. That said, I would have appreciated it being just a tad longer because I wanted more of a wrap-up for family matters – like James’s sister and her outcome, etc. Plus – I NEVER want a story to end before the wedding.

From the spooky beginning through the harrowing end, this was an exciting read. The main characters were relatable and interesting and the supporting characters were such an eclectic mix that I hope to see more of them in future additions to the series. I recommend this book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

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

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