A Rogue of Her Own

A Rogue of Her Own is the fourth book in the Windham Brides series by Grace Burrowes. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone, but it is nice to catch up with characters from the previous stories.

Charlotte is the last of the unmarried Windham women. But you know that won't last long. Sherbourne, who was a bit of a villain in the previous book, "No Other Duke Will Do" turns out to have fascinating depth, intelligence and a handful of insecurities that attract the prickly Miss Windham. Very outspoken and not suffering fools lightly, she is very attracted to this self-made, wealthy commoner. As Charlotte's past is revealed, a sad reason for her bitterness becomes turning point in their relationship. *JK*

I Ever I Should Love You

Cathy Maxwell has a talent for breaking a heart in the sweetest of ways. Leonie is stuck in the past, reliving her mistakes and punishing herself for them. It's hard to like her, but in time you will understand her. Roman was never meant to be a hero, but he ended up being a twofold one. He had the courage to listen to his heart and pursue the one woman he had to work the hardest for and the foresight to empathize and help mend at time callous, but brutally broken heart. If Ever I Should Love You may run hot and cold, but it appeals to what makes us human.

If you're looking for something a little different, with real-life issues, flawed yet resilient characters, deep emotion, and a happy ending, give this a try. *JK*

A Momentary Marriage

A Momentary Marriage by Candace Camp is entertaining and a lovely romance. I liked both James and Laura as they came together. As the mystery of someone trying to kill them unfolded, so did their discovery of each other and their subsequent growing attraction and appreciation. I liked that both were flawed, feisty, and layered. And though the secondary characters were a bit more flat and only moved in and out of the story to move it along, it did not dim my enjoyment too much and in the end I was satisfied with the reading experience. *JK*

Merely a Marriage

Merely a Marriage by Jo Beverley is a Regency/Historical novel. At the start, we meet Lady Ariana Boxstall, who is concerned about the future of her family, especially after the childbirth death of Princess Charlotte. Ariana fears that she would lose her beloved Boxstall residence to her drunken uncle, if her brother dies. She then sets a plan in motion for her brother Norris to marry, but the one condition is she must marry first.

Jo Beverley has been one of my favorite romance authors for years, and it's sad to think that this novel will be the last book after her death from cancer in 2016. *JK*

Hard-Hearted Highlander

Hard-Hearted Highlander is the third in Julia London's Highland Grooms series. This story deals with heartache, loss and grief but it balances with hope and healing. It can be read and enjoyed either as a stand-alone or as part of the series.

Both Rabbie and Bernadette tragically loved and lost someone, altering the course of their lives forever. Bernadette is forced to become a governess and Rabbie tries to give up on life until he steps in to protect the family lands and future by marrying a young Englishwoman. Young Avaline is not happy about marrying the bitter, harsh man who terrifies her, but breaking the engagement would ruin her reputation. While it is obvious Avaline is not the right bride for Rabbie even before sparks fly between him and her governess Bernadette, the dilemma they face gets quite complicated. *JK*

A Lady's Code of Misconduct

A Lady's Code of Misconduct by Meredith Duran was surprisingly good! In this historical romance, I love that we have a female character with brains and it's not someone who is weak that minces words with men, looking for her strength. But a woman that takes the bull by the horns and makes life happen for her.

Crispin, the male character is so different too! He started off an unlikable jerk but ended up being an amazing man. I love his passion for life and for Jane.

The author has created a perfect love story. From sparks flying at the beginning to a slow growth of respect, protection, care, consideration, and love, the perfect couple is brought together as one. It's such a beautiful and interesting historical story. *JK*

What the Duke Doesn't Know

What the Duke Doesn't Know is a sweet and original regency romance that improves as it goes along. It is the second in Jane Ashford's The Duke's Sons series about the six sons of the Duke of Langford.
Lord James Gresham is the fifth son of the Duke of Langford and a captain in the navy when his ship is abruptly decommissioned. Now floundering around Oxford, James is trying to decide what comes next for him. While visiting his brother and sister in law, James is suddenly attacked by a young woman wearing breeches, brandishing a gun, and accusing him of stealing her inheritance.
Kawena Benson is the daughter of an English gentleman and his Polynesian wife. She has traveled all the way to England to search out Lord James and insist that he return her stolen jewels. When it is resolved that James doesn't have Kawena's gems, he offers to assist her in her quest and the two are forced into traveling together across England in their search. *JK*

Illusion Town

This new novel, Illusion Town, is one of Jayne Castle's futuristic romance series, set on the planet of Harmony. Her books are readable as all the rest and wonderfully addictive. It can pull you right in with no effort at all.
In this paranormal romance, the characters, Hannah and Elias are powerful, both of them used to getting their way. Elias is the son of a very rich magical family, and Hannah an orphan with two loving, eccentric aunts. The two talked online for about two months prior to their date and marriage, but they are practically strangers tied together in very stressful circumstances.
You will get to experience underground catacombs, mysterious villains, true love, and a dust bunny combined to make this book a reading candy. *JK*

The Viscount Needs a Wife

The Viscount Needs a Wife is a standalone regency romance filled with historic traditions. The author takes us on a journey through a difficult time in England when the country was in mourning and vulnerable, she weaves a timeless romance with intriguing characters for all to enjoy.

In this romance, Kitty Cateril feels trapped in the home of her late husband's family. When her best friend writes her about the local Viscount needing a wife, Kitty thinks this might be the answer to her problem. But does she want to marry without love? *JK*

When a Scot Ties the Knot

When a Scot Ties the Knot written by Tessa Dare is both funny and endearing. This sweet story had me laughing out loud, enraptured in the sexual tension and smiling at the attempts not to fall in love all the while cheering for Logan and Maddie to find their happily ever after.

The story is set in the time after the Scot's lost the Highlands to the English, Maddie, a young girl who has no desire to be presented for marriage and doesn't want to marry for anything other than love. So this quiet and shy artist comes up with a way to keep her family from making her marry. She invents the love of her life, a completely fictitious Highlander Captain Logan MacKenzie. *JK*

The Unlikely Lady

The Unlikely Lady is another witty, clever, and fun book in the Playful Brides series. I think Valerie Bowman did an excellent job with the characters and plot. You will fall in love with Garrett and Jane. Jane loves to read books and she has no desire to marry and Lord Garrett is a bachelor who enjoys life. Jane and Garrett's arguments are so fun and the chemistry between them is great. This is a delightful and enjoyable read with great characters.

This book is third in the series and can be read without the first and second, but I recommend the entire series. *JK*

The Duke's Disaster

It's exciting to always read a novel by Grace Burrowes. The Duke's Disaster was a fantastic read. With sweet romance, charming humor, and a few secrets lurking in the past. But despite the weird start, Thea and Noah quickly came to care for each other, though they didn't want to admit it at first, showing it through their actions instead. They were very sweet together and they definitely had sensuous chemistry between them that turned up the heat on more than one occasion. The mix of humor, charm, and romance really made the story enjoyable and the ending was just perfect! *JK*

Looking for Answers

Jonathan Sweetwater has a good life. He and Claire have a loving marriage. He has two darling children and a demanding career. The one thing he never had was a relationship with his father. Percival Sweetwater III was a complicated man.  Now deceased, he was a five-term senator, confidante to presidents, married six times, and estranged from his son for many years. One day Jonathan comes home early and discovers evidence that his wife might be having an affair. He begins to question everything about his life. In his search to find out more about himself and his father, he decides to track down  his father’s ex-wives. What will Jonathan ultimately learn? My Father’s Wives by Mike Greenberg offers some interesting twists and a few surprising characters.  DB

The Marriage Charm

The Marriage Charm by Linda L. Miller is the second series of the Brides of Bliss County. The story finds Melody Nolan the focus of Spence Hogan, the local chief of police. They were a couple a while back but Spence ended up breaking Melody's heart. Now Spence wants her back and he must work very hard to win her trust. The author wrote this story so beautifully as if she truly loves these characters. The story is witty and classy and the characters come alive with their personalities, chemistry, and humor. *JK*

Going...Going...Gone!

How well do you really know someone—even if it’s your spouse? Nick and Amy met in New York, both writers for different magazines. They married, lived in a great townhouse and then they lost their jobs. Meanwhile, Nick’s sister needed help with their sick parents in Missouri. So off they go—to a home on the banks of the Mississippi. Stress and change are starting to a toll on the marriage—but things get really crazy when Amy turns up missing on their fifth anniversary. The law and then the media get involved and Nick becomes the prime suspect. Is he really involved in her disappearance? Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is the book to read if you’re looking for a dark mysterious murder mystery. DB    

Read, Repeat

Still Alice by Lisa Genova is another World Book Night (WBN) selection for book givers.  I’m trying to work my way through the entire 30 title list from WBN as they all look like great titles.  I’ve actually read quite a few on the list and after I got half way through Still Alice I realized I had in fact read it already, probably when it was first published in 2007.  It’s the 2008 winner of the Bronte Prize and was a New York Times bestseller so you know it’s going to be a good read and I fully enjoyed it the second time around.  It’s the story of Alice, a fifty-something Harvard psychology professor, who develops early onset Alzheimer’s disease.  As the disease progresses you see how it affects her life and touches her friends and family.  What could be a sad and depressing book is actually very compelling and moving.  This would make an excellent book discussion selection and it certainly gives you a lot to think about. SG

Sacrifice and Love

When the Kitchen God gets caught criticizing the Jade Emperor's management of Earth's affairs, his punishment is to uncover the mysterious workings of the human heart.  To achieve this, he decides to follow one couple, Bian Yuying and Hou Jinyi -- from the Japanese occupation, through Mao's Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, and ultimately to death -- telling their story of love, compassion, and forgiveness.  Sam Meekings' Under Fishbone Clouds is a beautifully written testament to the strength and power one can derive from love in the most desperate of conditions.  HM

Loving and leaving

Lily Tuck's novel, I married you for happiness starts with the line "His hand is growing cold: still she holds it." Nina has discovered her husband of many years has died suddenly as he was taking a nap. As she sits beside him for one night, her memory ranges over the years of their marriage. Beautifully written, this novel explores the profound depths of memory, chance and marriage. Although sad, not depressing! ML

Feelin' Lucky?

Desperate times call for desperate measures. This adage aptly describes a weekend trip taken by Art and Marion. After 30 years of marriage, they must do something to save their home from foreclosure. Valentine's Day finds them in the bridal suite of a ritzy hotel-casino in Niagara Falls with the last of their savings. Art has a plan, and they make a last-ditch effort to save life as they know it. The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O'Nan is an enjoyable short read that takes an honest look at current problems. You will get an intimate look at these two characters and be privy to their personal thoughts. DB

A different view of Leo Tolstoy

History is seen through the eyes of a wife in Sophia Tolstoy: a Biography. This biography is written by a journalist and literary scholar and provides much information in Sophia's own words through her letters. If you watched The Last Station and wanted to know more, this detailed biography provides the details and a lot of historical background. I highly recommend it.