The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away by Hannah Howell

On By TracyIn American Historical, Other, Victorian Era (1837-1901)2 Comments

The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away (Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen, #3)The Scotsman Who Swept Me Away by Hannah Howell

Tracy’s rating: 2.5/3 of 5 stars

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen #3

Release Date: August 27, 2019

Geordie MacEnroy yearns to see the ocean and sets out with his brother Robbie and James, a family friend who is heading home to Maine. Geordie isn’t sure Robbie is up to the trip, he was beaten badly and has yet to fully recover, but he insisted on joining Geordie, so they are taking their time traveling.

On one leg of their journey they step in when they see a woman with a young girl being harassed and learn that the widow is heading back to Boston, they befriend her and her daughter Morgan and then part ways in Boston. Where they spend a few days resting and sightseeing before heading out on the last leg of their journey.

Mehitabel “Belle” Ampleford has another run in with her neighbor Charles Bennet, but this time he seems more agitated and not only has he brought several men with him, he also has a gun. She tries to defuse the tension, but he seems bent on violence, she is not sure what she is going to do when three strangers arrive and effectively send Bennet on his way. Belle rents rooms and is happy to accommodate the men and notices Robbie in particular might need some nursing.

I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as the previous books in the series, it was for the lack of a better word – dull. Geordie and Belle are both likeable, smart, interesting characters, but there is nothing keeping them apart and there is no drama moving the story along, anytime something came up it was rectified quickly and relatively easily. I also felt that the romance seemed to come out of nowhere and they progressed quickly to lovers again without any tension or obstacles. Everything just moved slowly and worked out perfectly, even when Morgan reappears later in the book, the events leading to that were treated like it was no big deal and glossed over. It was just strange, and the story felt a bit choppy and disjointed. I kept waiting for something to happen and it never did. I was not unhappy with the book, just underwhelmed. But if you are looking for sweet, uncomplicated story that is easy to read and easy to put down and pick up later – this is the book for you. It is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone with no problem.

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

Vendetta in Death by J.D. Robb

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary, Mystery4 Comments

Vendetta in Death (In Death, #49)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: In Death #49
Publication Date: 9/3/19
Number of Pages: 368

Anyone might think that after 49 books a series would start to decline, be repetitive or lose its focus. Thank goodness that isn’t even remotely the case with this series. I’m as excited for each new release as I was in the beginning – and I am NEVER disappointed. I adore all of the secondary characters and you can’t get a better set of main characters that Eve and Roarke. If you want to get a real buzz, listen to the audio version where narrator Susan Ericksen says – in Roarke’s lilting Irish accent – “Darlin’ Eve”. Whew – it is worth the cost of an audiobook just for that!

There is a new vigilante in New York. Lady Justice has begun to mete out her own version of justice to the men who have been cheating on, abusing and stealing from women. Just before dawn one morning, Eve gets the call from dispatch – there is a mutilated dead body and he is hers to solve. He’s identified as Nigel McEnroy and he lives very near where he was dumped. The following two mornings bring additional bodies, Thaddeus Pettigrew and Arlo Kagan. Their connection? They are victims of Lady Justice and each has a personalized poem written about him – telling the world about his misdeeds. It is readily apparent that Lady Justice hates men and Eve knows it is only a matter of time before she spreads from the group she’s targeting to any male.

As Eve and Peabody identify Lady Justice fairly early, but there is no proof – only a hunch. Lady Justice is smart, and she’s a planner. She’s gone through every move multiple times and has a contingency plan for whatever happens. How will they stop her if they can’t even get enough evidence to get a search warrant?

Eve sets a plan in place to trap Lady Justice – but again – Lady Justice is one step ahead. The fourth victim is now in her hands – can Even, Roarke, Peabody and the rest of the crew manage to save him?

As always, the book is excellently written, plotted and delivered. The characters are as wonderful as always – and Mavis, Leonardo, and Bella have some news to share.

Definitely highly recommend the book.

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