From the desk of Katie Jackson: Regency romances have their fair share of obstinate, headstrong girls, yet it is always a delight to discover another less-than-perfect heroine. Especially when “pictures of perfection, as you know, make me sick and wicked,” as the incomparable Jane Austen once wrote. Joanna Barker’s Otherwise Engaged is one such Regency... Continue Reading →
Her Summer at Pemberley: Kitty Bennet’s Story, by Sallianne Hines — A Review
From the desk of Katie Jackson: In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Kitty Bennet—the fourth of five sisters—has always been something of an enigma. Her father thought her silly, but mostly she was just an easygoing follower, overshadowed by the gregarious personality of her younger sister and the cleverness or beauty of her older ones.... Continue Reading →
Georgiana: Pride & Prejudice Continued (Book 3), by Sue Barr — A Review
From the desk of Sophia Rose: I have been aware of Sue Barr’s work since she released the first book in her Pride and Prejudice Continued series, Caroline. My curiosity was aroused when she chose to continue Austen’s classic story with the memorable side character and didn’t hesitate to redeem Caroline Bingley and give her... Continue Reading →
Someone to Romance: The Westcott Series (Book 8), by Mary Balogh—A Review
From the desk of Sophia Rose: I discovered Mary Balogh’s tender, relationship-driven historical romances by browsing a book shop about a decade ago. The cover of her book merely depicted a landscape, but I recognized the possibilities of a new to me Regency-era author who did indeed pay attention to the details of the historical... Continue Reading →
The Lady and the Highwayman (Proper Romance Victorian), by Sarah M. Eden—A Review
From the desk of Katie Patchell: Â Pop Quiz: Which of the following is a penny dreadful -- a) the title of a recent TV series, b) a term for a gory but thrilling story or c) a serialized novel from the 1800s? If you answered any of the three, you would be correct! Besides... Continue Reading →
A Very Austen Romance: Austen Anthologies (Book 3), by Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, Chautona Havig, Mandy H. Cook — A Review
From the desk of Katie Jackson: Dear readers, we are living in a golden age, filled to brimming with a wealth of Jane Austen-inspired tales that creatively explore the endless possibilities of her beloved characters. We are rich, indeed, my friends, and A Very Austen Romance: Austen Anthologies Book 3 is a fine addition to... Continue Reading →
Say Yes to the Duke: The Wildes of Lindow Castle (Book 5), by Eloisa James—A Review
From the desk of Pamela Mingle:  The Wildes of Lindow Castle is a Georgian romance series penned by the elegant writer, Eloisa James. Say Yes to the Duke, the fifth entry in the series features Viola Astley, whose mother is married to the Duke of Lindow. By her own reckoning, Viola is “…the opposite of... Continue Reading →
A Timely Elopement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, by Joana Starnes — A Review
From the desk of Katie Jackson: For a Pride and Prejudice enthusiast, there is nothing quite like an unusually talkative and passionate Mr. Darcy to pique one’s interest. And it becomes particularly intriguing when the story is told almost exclusively from his perspective. Ironically, it is perhaps his most blundering speech that is mercifully interrupted... Continue Reading →
Marry in Scarlet: Marriage of Convenience Series (Book 4), by Anne Gracie—A Review
From the desk of Pamela Mingle: Every good Regency romance deserves a manipulative old dowager. In this book, it’s Great Aunt Agatha. She tells the Duke of Everingham, called Hart, that her niece would “…rather live with dogs and horses than marry.” Likewise, she tells her niece that the duke would never consider her for... Continue Reading →
Rakes and Roses: A Mayfield Family Romance (Book 3), by Josi S. Kilpack — A Review
From the desk of Katie Patchell: What do you think of when you hear the word “rake”? Do you think of a rogue, face and heart scarred, but with a devilishly attractive smile? Do you think angry thoughts, with words like “cad” and “bounder” (and maybe some unprintable ones) flashing through your mind? Or maybe... Continue Reading →
A Stroke of Malice: A Lady Darby Mystery (Book 8), by Anna Lee Huber — A Review
From the desk of Rachel McMillan: Â Â Though locked room mysteries are a trope often revisit in the genre, it takes an immense amount of talent for an author to convince you that theirs is, indeed, the first of its kind. At once an homage to a classic trope and an immersive gothic romance A... Continue Reading →
First Comes Scandal: A Bridgerton Prequel, by Julia Quinn — A Review
From the desk of Pamela Mingle: Reading a Julia Quinn novel is like spending time with an old friend. The relationship is comfortable, contented, not too demanding. Her latest, First Comes Scandal: A Bridgerton Sequel, is the story of Georgiana Bridgerton (sister of the doomed Edmund) and Nicholas Rokesbury. Their families are neighbors and longtime... Continue Reading →