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

New York, Actually by Sarah Morgan

New York, Actually

by Sarah Morgan

☆☆☆☆☆

 

From Manhattan With Love Series

Book #4

 

And there is Molly (Aggie). She has made a career of

teaching how to make relationships work. Very

successfully, I might add. Problem is, she has no clue

how to be in a relationship herself. Well, a relationship

with a man, not her best boy, Valentine. Her Dalmatian.

 

 

Next up, Daniel. A successful divorce attorney. He is great

at relationships. Well, not a relationship with a woman.

He is a great brother, friend, lawyer but not so much

as a boyfriend. Daniel spots Molly while jogging in the park.

She has Valentine with her. So Daniel decides to borrow

a dog, Brutus. Thinking this will give him an easy way to

meet up with the woman of his dreams. 

For a short while, anyway.

 

New York, Actually is a fun and very busy romantic read.

Not just one but two main character dogs. How great is that?

It's two people that have no interest in a relationship

lasting any length of time. They both agree.

Not to fall in love.

 

 

'He was right of course.

She was scared.

If you fell, next time you were more careful

where you stepped. And she'd fallen hard.'

 

Both Molly and Daniel are sure they not only won't

fall in love. They are sure they can't fall in love. So this

is a relationship that's safe.

Only, of course, it isn't.

Who will fall first? Who will fall hardest?

Who will learn the most about themselves?

 

Sarah Morgan has written a lovely romance story.

With all the good stuff that we look for when

picking a book. I hope you will enjoy reading it.

 

I bought my copy from Amazon

Review by Lisa Hutson

 



 

 

 

 

Susan's Review of Donna Alward's Beneath the Badge

Working a short-term assignment in small-town Nova Scotia is just what RCMP officer Matt Parker needs. Traffic violations, some vandalism…things are pretty quiet. Until a call about a puppy mill brings back haunting memories of a case gone bad. Lucky for him, pretty veterinarian Lindsay Swan proves to be a great distraction.

Lindsay can’t resist the sexy police officer, particularly when she sees his tender, caring side. For her, relationships are bad news and accidents waiting to happen, so it’s perfect that Matt is only in town temporarily. And it would be easy to keep things light, until a local woman disappears and Matt’s darkest secret is revealed. Can Lindsay be the support he needs, or will she choose to keep her heart safe?

A plate appeared across from hers on the table, the dish made a small thunk on the heavy wood. ‘Mind if I join you?”

She raised her gaze. Oh Lord, it was him. Up close he had to be six feet or maybe a little taller. The fit of his jeans and t-shirt made him appear lean from a distance but now, up close and personal, she could see that every curve and dip was formed from pure muscle.
He smiled at her. ‘I’m Matt Parker.”

‘I know who you are.” She answered. Jeez, she wasn’t always so inept. Maybe she was spending too much time surrounded by dogs and cats.

‘And you are?’

‘Didn’t you do a little recon at the bar before coming over?’ she asked.

He chuckled. ‘I did. You’re Lindsay Swan and you run the vet clinic just off of Main.”

Beneath the Badge exceeded my expectations. The characters are relatable, the author’s rich descriptive writing style and clever dialogue shine in this novella. The couple’s chemistry and first goodnight kiss drew me into the story. Both characters have flaws; Matt is haunted by his experiences as an uncover police officer while Lindsay has spent years coping with her father’s depression. Ms. Alward shows Matt’s compassionate side when he pitches in and helps at the vet clinic; this scene allowed Lindsay to realize that Matt was more than a charming ladies’ man.

Loved how the couple’s love story unfolded during the story—it’s well-paced and sensuous. Lindsay abruptly ends her relationship with Matt. She fears neither one of them can leave their pasts behind them. Lindsay hears of a missing person case and knows she needs to be there for Matt. Can she put her fears aside and be there for him? The novella’s conclusion is emotional and compelling and brought several tears to my eyes. Beneath the Badge reads like a novel and has all the feels—you will fall in love with Lindsay and Matt as their story is heartfelt and emotional on many levels. And the epilogue is perfect!

★★★★★

Five Stars!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author

While bestselling author Donna Alward was busy studying Austen, Eliot and Shakespeare, she was also losing herself in the breathtaking stories created by romance novelists like LaVyrle Spencer, Judith McNaught, and Nora Roberts. Several years after completing her degree she decided to write a romance of her own and it was true love! Five years and ten manuscripts later she sold her first book and launched a new career. While her heartwarming stories of love, hope, and homecoming have been translated into several languages, hit bestseller lists and won awards, her very favorite thing is when she hears from happy readers.

Donna lives on Canada’s east coast with her family which includes a husband, a couple of kids, a senior dog and two crazy cats. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading (of course!), knitting, gardening, cooking…and is a Masterpiece Theater addict. You can visit her on the web at www.DonnaAlward.com and join her mailing list at www.DonnaAlward.com/newsletter .