Tag: Gayle Callen

Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen

On By TracyIn Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Never Marry a Stranger (Sons of Scandal Book 3)Never Marry a Stranger by Gayle Callen

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Sons of Scandal, #3

Release Date: August 6, 2024 (Originally Published 1/2009)

When Captain Matthew Leland returned from the dead to surprise his family at Madingley Court, he ends up being the one surprised when he is introduced to his wife, a woman who seems vaguely familiar, but who is most definitely not his wife. But rather than call her out, he decides to play along with her lie until he figures out what she is up to. What he doesn’t count on is falling in love with her and wanting to make his fake marriage real. But his “wife” isn’t the only one with secrets.

Emily Grey met Matthew when he saved her from the sinking ship that robbed her of her entire family. He was shipping off to India, but kindly helped her get settled after the accident and even offered the assistance of his family before he left. Later when she is in trouble, she sees his death notice and makes a decision, she goes to his family claiming to be his widow. Never expecting Matthew to return or for her past to come calling and threatening any chance she has for a HEA.

Of the three books in the series, this book has the best “story”, it is a well-written, nicely paced book featuring really likable characters with lots of secrets and a whole lot of chemistry! I read this book when it was first published years ago and it has stood the test of time, because it was every bit as enjoyable to me now as it was back then! This is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title with no problems. If you like secrets, steamy interludes, characters determined to best each other, and a happy ending, this book is for you!

*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. *

Never Dare a Duke by Gayle Callen

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Check Content Warning/Triggers, Part of a Series, Re-Release / Updated Edition, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Never Dare a Duke New CoverNever Dare a Duke by Gayle Callen

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Sons of Scandal, #2

Release Date: Originally Released in 2008, Rereleasing June 11, 2024

Miss Abigail “Abby” Shaw is the daughter of Leo Shaw, owner of the Morning Journal and has high hopes of one day being a journalist herself, for now she secretly writes for the paper as the literary and drama critic. And this is how she learned that her father’s paper was in trouble. She is desperate to find a way to save the paper and thinks she might have found the answer thanks to her dear friend Lady Gwen. While strolling with Gwen in Hyde Park, she meets Christoper Cabot, the Duke of Madingley and Gwen informs her of his family’s scandalous history but added that the duke himself seems immune to scandal, she also adds that she has been invited to a house party at the duke’s estate and offers to bring Abby. Abby is sure the duke must be hiding something and knowing how much society thrives on scandal, she is determined to find out what he is hiding and write about it in the Morning Journal. But Abby never expected to like the duke and his family so much, nor did she think that the duke would be suspicious of her, making uncovering his secrets even harder. As her feelings deepen choices will have to be made and it seems like they will all lead to heartache.

Christopher “Chris” Cabot, the Duke of Madingley does have a secret, but that scandal was a long time ago and his father made sure that it never hit the scandal sheets. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t affect him deeply or change the entire path of his life. Chris has worked hard to be a better man, to make a difference and to live a life that never gives society any reason to gossip about him. And that has worked for years, but when he arrives at his estate, he learns that his sister and mother are hosting a house party and have invited prospective brides as well as the intriguing Miss Abigail Shaw. He doesn’t trust her a whit and decides to keep her close until he can figure out what she is up to. He just doesn’t count on feeling anything for her or for what he believes is the ultimate betrayal of those feelings.

Another great installment of the Sons of Scandal series! The story is well written, and Chris and Abby have such wonderful chemistry that you can’t help but root for their happily ever after. This story has secrets, a bevy of scheming hope-to-be brides, good friends, more than one romance, sizzling love scenes, blackmail, lies, heartache, betrayal and finally a well-deserved HEA including a lovely epilogue. This is the second book in the trilogy, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I feel like it needs to be noted that this book is a rereleased title from 2008 and it definitely has “old school” historical romance feel to it – which personally, I LOVE but I also know might it be off-putting to more sensitive readers.

*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. *