Susan's Review of The Duke's Bridal Path by Grace Burrowes and Theresa Romain

Two Regency novellas of true love deep in the English countryside....Legend says that the first gentleman a lady kisses on the Duke's Bridle' Path will become her true love. Grace Burrowes and Theresa Romain say it's not that easy...

In His Grace for the Win, by Grace Burrowes, Philippe, Duke of Lavelle, has sworn off all things equestrian after his brother's riding accident. Just one tiny problem: The woman who steals Philippe's heart, Harriet Talbot, loves horses, and generally only notices men when they're in the saddle. Will Philippe rise to the challenge, or come a cropper for the sake of true love?

In Desperately Seeking Scandal, by Theresa Romain, ambitious London reporter Colin Goddard follows a trail of scandal to the Lavelle seat in Berkshire, hoping to save his career with articles on how to snare a wealthy spouse. What was intended as a humorous series turns seductive, as Lady Ada Ellis, sister to the duke, uncovers Colin’s true purpose and challenges him to a battle of wits…and wills, and hearts. But if they fall in love, one of them will lose everything. Who will triumph?

I am THRILLED to recommend the Grace Burrowes-Theresa Romain duet The Duke’s Bridle Path! The characters and their unique stories appealed to me and the transition from Ms. Burrowes’ story to Ms. Romain’s piece was seamless. The setting, the family history and the character cross over between stories is perfectly crafted and both authors did a fabulous job exploring how the death of Jonas Ellis changes the fate of both his brother and sister.

His Grace For the Win is a captivating friends -to - lovers romance. Phillipe Ellis transitioned from spare to heir when his brother died in a horse riding accident. I enjoy Grace Burrowes’ writing because her characters are relatable. I emphasized with Phillippe because he had to assume his brother’ title and responsibilities after his death. His ability to choose his future was taken away from him. Harriet Talbot has assumed the majority of the workload on the family’s horse farm. She did not have a choice as her father is elderly. I felt for Harriet when she assumes that Phillippe sees her as nothing more as an old friend.

Ms. Burrowes has a gift for creating wonderful secondary characters and Lord Ramsdale and Jackson Talbot are fabulous! I loved how much they enjoyed matchmaking! Both Ramsdale and the Duke notice the changes at the Talbot Farm. Ramsdale mentions to Phillipe that the Talbots are not doing well financially and asks the Duke how he’s going to fix it.

I enjoyed the back and forth conversations between Ramsdale and the Duke. Ramsdale understands
that Phillipe has feelings for Harriet he challenges Phillipe to be a better neighbor, friend and brother. The banter between the two friends is priceless—Ramsdale mentions giving Harriet a dowry, Phillipe imagines that Ramsdale might be interested in Harriet which leads him straight to the Talbot riding ring where Jackson Talbot arranges to have Harriet supervise the Duke’s riding lessons personally.

Loved the riding lesson scenes and how Harriet approaches her task—the reader sees that Harriet has a great sense of humor and that she cares deeply for the Duke. The couple becomes close as the lessons progress. Harriet helps Phillipe regain his confidence on horseback. This is a turning point in the story as it provides him with the confidence to pick himself up after a bad fall and the courage to deal with his past and embrace his future; not his brothers. There are a few surprises in the last two chapters of the novella—and the ending was perfect!

And I am hoping that Ms. Burrowes has a HEA planned for Ramsdale!

The conversations between Lady Ada Eillis and reporter Colin Goddard in Desperately Seeking Scandal by Theresa Romain are fabulous! The witty banter between Lady Ada and Colin sets the tone for this novella which describes how Jonas Ellis’ death effected his sister’s chance for happiness. Ada makes it clear to Colin that the untruths printed his popular scandal sheet resulted in her broken engagement.

Ada knows that Colin is in town to gather information about her family for his paper and she outmaneuvers him by proposing a bargain. Colin must pretend that he and Ada are in love while her former fiancée and his new bride are in the village. He must play his part to perfection and, in turn,

she will help him write his articles.

Loved the secondary character of Samuel Goddard and the reason why Samuel and Colin worked together as a team. Samuel is Colin’s true north and points out several truths to Colin during the novella. Both Lady Ada and Colin struggle with their pretend relationship – both must make tough personal choices. Will Colin choose love or money? Will Ada rejoin society? 

Ms. Romain does a superb job writing the last chapter of the novella; I felt for Ada and was surprised by Colin’s decision. The big reveal at the end of the novel made me laugh—well done!

If you enjoy reading books by Shana Galen, Caroline Linden and Miranda Neville--you will love The Duke's Bridal Path!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman


ARC provided by the authors

The Dukes of Vauxhall

Susan's Review



Anthologies are not my favorite type of book to read and review. In my experience, I have found that authors often contribute previously published novellas and repackage them as a new book. I have been burned a few times by the anthology marketing scheme and was hesitant to read The Dukes of Vauxhall. I took a chance on the anthology because Shana Galen is one of my favorite authors and I was intrigued that the novellas were set in London’s mysterious Vauxhall Gardens.

Shana Galen’s Taken by the Duke was my favorite story in the book. I loved the characters, the fast-paced storyline and the surprises throughout the novel. Ms. Galen’s descriptive writing draws the reader into the story, the dialogue between the characters of Henry and Kate is superb and the conclusion is fabulous!

Fighting for His Lady by Christi Caldwell is a second chance romance. Christi Caldwell creates strong female leads in her novels and I admired Patience Storm devotion to her family. I enjoyed the action described in the fight scenes but I could not connect with the hero’s previous actions. In my opinion, this novella did not have enough cross over with the other three stories.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed Theresa Romain’s The Prodigal Duke. Loved the quirky characters, their backstory and the humorous banter between Leo and Poppy and the heartfelt conversations between Leo and his uncle. Based on this novella, I would read another book by the author.

The Buccaneer Duke surprised me! Vanessa Kelly is a wonderful storyteller—the characters are unique, fabulously written and their journey was full of surprises. Loved the instant attraction between Roman and Antonia, the secondary characters of Richard, Griffin and Anthony Barnet, Antonia’s father. The book seamlessly connected with the other novellas in the anthology and the ending was fabulous!

The authors of The Dukes of Vauxhall anthology created individual stories for this book. I enjoyed reading the novellas because The Vauxhall Garden setting unifies each of the stories allowing me to feel that I was reading a single interwoven novel. 

Reviewed by Susan

Lisa's Review

The Dukes of Vauxhall

This book is an anthology starring the

stories of four authors. This is my review of the first novella 

in the anthology more to follow later. 

Taken by the Duke

by Shana Galen

Henry has recently become Viscount Bexley. Much against

his wishes. Now, he is in charge of a double celebration.

His highnesses birthday and the victory at waterloo. Henry is

not enjoying this heavy task. In the middle of the endless list

of security issues for the celebration, Henry winds up being

kidnapped. By the Duke of Vauxhall, who is violent with a

terrifying reputation. Henry witnesses the Duke punishing

someone. He finds out that the Duke wants something.

Henry also finds out that the Duke is female. Not just any

female. But Kate. They knew each other as children.

Kate has a long memory. And her life is harsh. She does

not want any soft moments with Henry. She only wants

her demands met.

While Henry is somewhat afraid of her. He did watch her

dole out severe, violent punishment, after all. He has fond

memories of her. He does not want her to continue with this

kind of life. Henry wants to reach deep into her heart. He wants

to pull those feelings and memories up to the surface for her to see.

Kate fights it. This is the only life she knows as an adult. She is

sure the life he is suggesting is a fantasy and cannot really happen.

But Henry is determined. He knows that he must let her think

the choice is all hers. That he must not direct her.

Is Kate brave enough? Can she allow herself to trust someone,

even Henry?? The feelings alone are scary for her, how can

she follow them? How long will Henry keep trying to reach

the Kate that he wants for the rest of his life? They both have

to try. It can only happen if both Kate and Henry are willing.

They have to want it.

Review by Lisa Hutson 

Received a copy of The Dukes of Vauxhall

in return for an honest review.

A Gentleman for all Seasons | Review

A Gentleman For All Seasons

by Shana Galen

Vanessa Kelly

Kate Noble

Theresa Romain

If you have not read any of these ladies works

before, this is an excellent way to get the feel of them.

Four wonderful short stories. Set in the small quiet town

of Hemshawe. Quiet until Georgie and her brother,

Bartram take over a house for a time. Bartram has his

own reasons for choosing this house. Which is the

starting point for all the romance that continues

to explode.

 Adam Sturridge and Belinda Leonard are the

first couple to crumble under the weight of Georgie and

her matchmaking skills. Madness in Spring is the story

from Kate Noble. When two people have known each

other for the most of their lives, it can be hard to

get past the childhood memories. Kate did a wonderful

job bringing these two characters together. I am sure

they must have fought her all the way.

The next story is Summer of Wine and Scandal by

Shana Galen. Caroline has a big secret in her past.

But Peregrine Lochley knows nothing of her secret.

He only knows his carriage is trapped in the mud and

he has no idea how to get it out. Lochley is lucky enough

that Caroline happens by. While Lochley is a wine

expert, Caro is the scandal. This is a story about 

being brave. Following your heart. Shana's writing

was a reminder to always get both sides of the story.

  

Theresa Romain adds a story called Those Autumn Nights.

This story explains why Bertram Gage rented the house

that he did. Everyone has had a moment when someone

made them feel unworthy. Not good enough. But as

humans, we always want to show them that we are

worthy. We all need to learn the less of following our

heart. But we also need to learn forgiveness.

Perhaps the hardest lesson of all. Thank goodness

Eliza Greenleaf comes along to help with quarter day.
Theresa was full of kindness and forgiveness in her story.

Then the final story of Gentleman for all Seasons is

The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly.

Georgie  Gage (matchmaker professional) and

Fergus Hadden (happily single) find themselves

thrown together at a house party in the home of

Bertram and Eliza Gage. Both of them simply want to

live their lives as they wish. With no help from those

that care about them. But in the end, Vanessa's story

is of romance. Cupids arrow finding his target.



It is happily ever after for all.
Even those living not quite in Scotland.

I enjoyed this anthology. Surprisingly, all four stories.

It's not often that happens. I suppose the fun and

interesting characters all joining together make

the stories easy to read and enjoy. 

Review by Lisa Hutson   





Guest Post from Shana Galen

A Gentleman for All Seasons
Available Now!

The tiny village of Hemshawe is the sort of place where nothing ever happens...until a handsome ex-soldier and his matchmaking sister let the imposing manor house at the edge of town. The friendly Londoners shake up the staid people of Hemshawe, and villagers see each other in a new and oh-so-appealing light.

Suddenly long-sparring enemies become lovers, a town festival heralds a new start for a fallen woman and a dandy, and a man who has given up on love gets a second chance with the woman he never forgot. And the matchmaker herself?  She won't rest until she finds her own happily-ever-after...

A Gentleman and a Veteran
By Shana Galen

Today is Veterans Day, and I have the utmost respect for veterans. My dad and my grandfather served during times of conflict. In my new anthology, A Gentleman for All Seasons, not only did my co-authors Vanessa Kelly, Kate Noble, and Theresa Romain, and I each write a story with a hero we hope readers will love, three of our four heroes are veterans.

The unrest of the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon led to war in Europe. The Peninsular War meant many of the men who lived during the Regency period had served abroad or were part of the regiments protecting England. Think of George Wickham, whose regiment is stationed briefly in Merryton, where Lizzie Bennett lives in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A Gentleman for All Seasons revolves around a brother and sister, Bertram and Georgie Gage, who let a house in a little country village for a year. Bertram served in the 13th Light Dragoons, and now that he’s returned from the war he wants to make sure his sister has peace and quiet to recover from an illness. Bertram reunites with a woman he loved before the war, and their story is told in Theresa Romain's “Those Autumn Nights.” My hero is Peregrine Lochley, who served with Bertram in the 13th. These friends have been through hell and back, and when Lochley needs a place to stay briefly after his father exiles him from London, he knows he can count on his friend Bertie. Of course the former soldier and London dandy falls for the last woman he expects in “The Summer of Wine and Scandal.”

Kate Noble’s “A Madness in Spring” also features a veteran. Adam Sturridge was in the Foot Guards. But all his military training has left him unprepared for the feelings he develops for his childhood friend Belinda Leonard. Vanessa Kelly’s hero Fergus Haddon may not be an ex-soldier but he is a sexy Highlander. He’s also just the man Georgie Gage needs. Now that she’s recovered from her illness, she’s tired of being coddled. Fergus doesn’t try to coddle Georgie, and the little matchmaker finally makes her own match in “The Season for Loving.”

This was such a fun anthology to write, and we loved crafting stories with four different heroes in four different seasons. Winter, summer, spring, or fall, we have a hero for them all!

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