C. H. AdmirandReseñas

This was a terrific, fast-paced story. Darby Garahan is the youngest of the four brothers assigned to the Duke's Guard and the last one unattached. His current assignment is investigating the latest threat to one of the duke's family members. That task is interrupted when he is asked to rescue a young woman who ended up in a front for a brothel after being tricked by a bogus offer of employment. All she had wanted was to make a new start after a devastating betrayal, only to find herself in worse circumstances.

Like his brothers and cousins, Darby has a tough exterior and a heart of gold. He is strong, kind, and honorable. His anger at what happens to these women is palpable, and you can see the effort it takes to control himself. I loved how gentle he was as he took Aimee to Michaela, how determined he was to protect her, and how understanding of her fears. He never expected to be blindsided by his intense need to care for her.

I loved watching the relationship between Darby and Aimee develop. Darby doesn't take long to realize that Aimee is the woman for him, but he also knows it will take patience to overcome her fears. I loved his determination to show her he could be trusted with her heart and body. Aimee is wary at first but quickly realizes that she trusts Darby. Her problem is that her past prevents her from believing he would want her. Darby's patience and love pay off, but only after more trouble comes their way.

The story is action-packed as Darby assists Coventry and King in stopping those responsible for Aimee's trouble. There are twists and turns and some unexpected connections that keep Darby and the others on their toes. I always enjoy watching members of the Duke's Guard in action, and there are some terrific scenes of them doing what they do best. However, Darby doesn't come out unscathed, and I laughed out loud at seeing his efforts to avoid the treatment he needed. Seeing Aimee stand up to his attempts and keep him in line was especially fun. She puts her anger at what happened to her to good use in the final confrontation, showing that she is an excellent addition to the women of the Duke's Guard.

I liked seeing more of Emmett O'Malley in this book and found his interactions with Michaela intriguing. I suspect we will see more of this pair in the future.

#netgalley

Hooked...but…!

My guilty pleasure continues, but sadly I was not as enamoured of the Duke’s Enforcer as I have been other titles in the series. I love the Guards but the storylines have become somewhat repetitive the last several times.
You know, hero with a backbone of steel and a heart of gold rescues a damsel in distress from a really bad situation. In this case it’s Darby Garahan who falls in love with the much terrified young woman, Miss Aimee Anderson. Down on her luck, Aimee has answered an advertisement to work as a milliner, only to find she’s destined for a brothel. After rescuing Aimee, Darby proposes marriage to save her. The marriage is strewn with boulders of self doubt and it’s our hero’s job to cast the rescued damsel’s fears out. The marriage is a work in progress. Of course there’s more!
Despite my quibbles, despite the well worn plot, I must admit I just can’t stop reading any new additions to the series.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

This is another terrific entry into the Duke's Guard series. In this book, we move to the home of Baron Summerfield and his wife. The Baron is the Duke's cousin, and his wife is the Duke's sister. This puts them firmly under the Duke of Wyndmere's umbrella of protection and is why members of the Duke's Guard are stationed at their estate.

Ryan Garahan is one of those Guards, and as the story opens, he hears calls for help while on patrol. There, he finds Prudence stuck in a tree and is overcome by the sight that greets him. I loved the vision of Prudence in his life that immediately came to him. Like his brothers and cousins in earlier books, Fate has shown him his future, and there is no denying it.

Prudence is no meek and petite Society flower. Unusually tall and statuesque, Prudence's horrible mother sent her away so she wouldn't detract from her more conventionally pretty sisters. Prudence is now the unpaid and cruelly treated governess for her twin cousins, Percy and Phineas. She adores the boys, and they can be found outdoors whenever possible. But Prudence's aunt is even worse than her mother, and her treatment is abusive at best.

Ryan being who he is, his chivalrous treatment of Prudence is no surprise. I also loved how he connected with the two boys, who reminded him of his cousins, Thomas and Eamon, at the same age. Ryan can't get Prudence out of his mind, but he also worries about neglecting his duties at the same time. Matters become more complicated when Ryan comes to their rescue again, saving Prudence and Percy from drowning. Expedience has him taking them to the Baroness, who is closer, instead of to their home.

I loved the quick connection between Phoebe and Prudence and Prudence's surprise at how kindly she is treated. This is something she is unaccustomed to and not sure how to deal with. I ached for Prudence and the love that has been denied to her for so long. Her aunt and uncle's treatment of her at this point was criminal. After overhearing their parents' plans for Prudence, I cheered as Percy and Phineas took matters into their own hands to save their beloved cousin. I adored the following chapters, as Ryan's protectiveness is fully aroused.

I loved Prudence. The cruel treatment she has received from those who should love her has impacted the way she sees herself. It hurt to see how she accepted how she was treated. But once Ryan comes into her life, things begin to change. His obvious appreciation for her looks, kindness, and intelligence helped her see herself in a new light. However, Ryan still has a hard time convincing her they belong together. I loved seeing him finally overcome the fears that kept them apart. But Fate isn't quite finished with them.

At the same time Ryan is handling his unexpected love life, the Duke's Guard has a mystery to solve. The horrifying rumors that circulated about Lady Phoebe in The Duke's Hammer and were thought to be resolved have resurfaced in their village. The men of the Guard have a great deal of trouble uncovering the source of the problem. Complicating matters, there are also rumors about Ryan that go against everything he stands for. I had a good idea of the problem's origins, but getting the proof was the issue.

I was glued to the pages as new trouble for Prudence coincided with further information on the source of the rumors. I loved how Prudence's newfound self-confidence helped her until Ryan arrived. At the same time, the resolution of the rumor scheme had me on the edge of my seat as Phoebe rushed off to confront the one responsible. I laughed, cheered, gasped, and cried at the twists during the final confrontation.

I can't end the review without commenting on Phineas and Percy. I was amazed that they had such good hearts with the poor examples they had in their parents. I was thrilled to see how close they were to Prudence. I enjoyed their intelligence, enthusiasm, and joy in their activities with her. I laughed out loud at their awestruck reaction to meeting Ryan and the other Guards. And I was very impressed by their determination to help Prudence.

The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the book. I liked seeing what the future held for Ryan and Prudence. I can't wait to see who is next to fall.

#netgalley

The Duke’s Guard—Swoon for the Men in Black!

Another title in the Duke’s Guard series. I really should give them up. They’re not offering much new. A variation on the same theme. Bad (well good) Boy meets lovely girl who’s threatened in some way. Falls head over heels for her but has to convince her to want him as much as he wants her (or a variation on that theme). All happening as he’s trying to protect the Duke of Wyndmere and his family.
There’s always some sort of threat to the girl, and the Duke’s extended family.
The many Irish/Scottish cousins who make up the cohort that are the Guards are helping, or hindering. This tale is set at Summerfield Chase, home of the Baron and Baroness Summerfield, distant cousins to the Duke of Wyndmere. All are under the protection of the Duke’s Guards.
In the Duke’s Sabre, Prudence Barstow is the niece to a local squire. Prudence is treated like an unpaid governess, being starved because her mother and aunt feel she’s too tall and voluptuous (as they say slatternly) to marry, and is treated worse than a maid. Her physical appearance offends them.
Ryan Garahan rescues her from a tree, and later from drowning. Of course he’s enamoured of her at first sight. There’s twins involved. Precocious and precious. A lively pair.
Ryan, and as it turns out the Baroness, are both having shocking slander spread about them in the village. Ryan is accused of molesting two shy maidens. No one can get to the bottom of who’s fanning the gossip.
Add to this the kidnapping of Prudence and those maidens, and all the story hooks are in full flight.
So back to giving up on the series? I just can’t! Despite knowing the fairly predictable plot twists involved, despite me being aware of how the stories will turn out, even the fairly ordinary ones have me hooked!
Ah! Guilty pleasures!

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

This is a new-to-me author and I may – or may not – read another of her books at some point. Overall, I found the book frustrating because I felt as if the author had not researched the period sufficiently, and there were few indications within the book that would orient you toward time/place. I mean – how hard can it be to stick a date at the beginning of a chapter somewhere? It also frustrated me that things had happened earlier – maybe an earlier book I hadn’t read. Those situations/events were mentioned but weren’t explained well enough for me to understand what started all of the need for the Duke and Duchess’s protection. Perhaps if I had found and read that first book, my frustration level would have been a bit lower – but – I wasn’t interested enough to stop reading this one, find that book and read it, and then finish this one.

Then, there is the romance. I just didn’t see it. The two main characters didn’t spend enough on-page time together to even remember each other’s names much less to love one another. There was the insta-lust the second he saw her step out of the carriage, but I didn’t see love happening. I also thought we spent as much (or more) time with the Duke and Duchess as with the current main characters. Perhaps less Duke and Duchess time and more Gwendolyn and Patrick time would have helped. BTW – I didn’t care much for the Duke. 😊

I loved the premise of the series, and that is why I bought the book. I was looking forward to reading a fast-paced adventure filled with vile villains and heroic heroes. Well, the intent of the villains was vile – but the execution – not so much – each attack was over before it had hardly begun. Anyway – the series plot revolves around the Duke and Duchess of Wyndmere being threatened by an unknown enemy and they hired a whole family of Irishmen to protect them, their estates, and their extended family. The specific threat in this book was the plot to kidnap the Duke and Duchess’s one-month-old twins. I just thought the Duke, Duchess, Servants, protectors – all of them – were just too over-the-top.

I am happy to have read a new-to-me author, and I may, at some point, try another of her books. However, I would not read this book a second time. Perhaps the issues were mostly from there being so much going on in this first book to set up the entire series – but I don’t think that was it. Anyway, should you choose to read it, I would suggest reading Mending the Duke's Pride first.

Happy Reading!

The Duke’s reluctant ward!

A sudden death that looks very much like murder has the Duke of Wyndmere honoring his close friend Lord Montrose’s request to become the guardian of his daughter Emily.
Miss Emily Montrose is not the most accommodating of people, particularly as at 21 she feels she doesn’t need to be anyone’s ward.
How’s Aiden Garahan going to handle the situation? The lass makes his heart beat faster, but trying to curtail her foolhardiness is almost too much.
Emily refuses to believe she’s in danger, but she is. That refusal puts her guards’ lives at risk
(We know the Dukes Guard, those wonderful Irish rogues will always win through.)
Does Emily modify her behaviour? No!
Believe me, halfway through I was well and truly over her.
Of course she’s finally rescued from a fate worse than death
The two reluctant lovers are joined but not without a lot of trouble and strife surrounding them both in London and en route to the Duke’s home.
An amusing read, and if you’ve been following the series, then of course you’ll need to read on!

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Book six in the Duke's Guard series and another Irishman gets bitten by the love bug. It's always fun to see these tough guys get felled by an emotion they think they can control.

In this book, Aiden Garahan's assignment is to protect the Duke's new ward, Miss Emily Montrose. Her father's death has left her a wealthy woman, and the fortune hunters are coming out of the woodwork, egged on by rumors and unscrupulous wagers. Emily doesn't understand why her father insisted on asking the Duke of Wyndmere to be her guardian if anything happened to him. She's a grown woman and fully capable of taking care of herself.

Aiden and Emily clash immediately upon his arrival when she attempts to refuse him entry. As a member of the Duke's Guard, Aiden expects immediate cooperation and isn't happy with Emily's resistance. I laughed at their back and forth over the use of "lass" and "gentleman," neither inclined to give way to the other. But beneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that neither want to admit.

Aiden doesn't take long to realize that things are not as they seem. There is suspicion that Emily's father's death was no accident. The arrival of the first suitors is dealt with by Aiden, who then returns to the Montrose home to discover three more men who have managed to gain access to Emily. That scene made me laugh out loud as Aiden and his two fellow guards put the fear of God (or Bow Street and the Duke of Wyndmere) into them.

That isn't the end, and Aiden and the others are kept busy protecting Emily. The intensity of the attacks steadily increases, from more intruders to attempts at abduction. Aiden and the others stay busy investigating who is responsible for the trouble and their attempts to catch him. Their determination is unmatched, and I enjoyed seeing them close the net on their quarry. The final confrontation was intense but short-lived, as Aiden followed through on his promise to keep Emily safe.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Aiden and Emily. The sparks between them are undeniable and obvious to those around them. Their conversations were fun to witness, whether debating word choices or arguing over her protection. Emily is a stubborn woman whose disagreements with Aiden do nothing to lessen her fascination with him. The scene in the stable was entertaining, as was the conversation between Emily and the housekeeper afterward.

The feelings between Aiden and Emily continue to grow, but neither gives any indication to the other, believing that a relationship is impossible. I loved their arrival at the duke's home and watching Aiden get into it with Patrick over his familiarity with Emily. It was great to see how Emily takes matters into her own hands with help from the duchess. I could picture Aiden's face at the surprise the duke had for him. The epilogue was terrific, and I look forward to hearing about them in future books.

#netgalley

Foul rumors and a fair maiden!

So the trope here is a powerful one. An orphaned maid landed in desperate straights when lied to by her kinsman offering respectable work. What she actually did was all the serving, cleaning work around his bar. He’s beaten her badly for refusing to entertain men and she’s not fed properly. Let’s not even ask about water for washing.
Enter our knight in his shining black coat, one of the Duke of Wyndmere’s private guards, James Garahan, who has plainly fallen in love with her. Rescue is his motive. Love is his reward, maybe! Only Melinda Waring doesn’t think she’s worthy of rescue, and is frequently doing things to put herself in danger in her efforts to be independent.
Meanwhile the Duke and his family are besieged by foul rumors. How to stop that, how to find the source, and how to save his love are all problems the Duke’s Hammer, James, has to contend with.
The plot is mightier than the execution but I still enjoyed it as part of the continuing overall storyline for the series. And yes, despite the few criticisms I have I will continue to read my way through the various layers. I just can’t resist the hero knight trope!

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.½

Another fantastic entry in the Duke's Guard series. The brothers and cousins of the O'Malley, Garahan, and Flaherty families are members of the Duke of Wyndmere's personal guard, protecting those he holds dear. They are very good at what they do and have earned the duke's admiration and respect.

This book is about the Duke's Hammer, James Garahan, who has a reputation for persuading information from the most reluctant adversaries. He also has quite a reputation with the ladies, who can't get enough of his Irish charm. We've recently seen him turn the head of Mary Kate, a maid he helped rescue from a bad situation. But none of these ladies touched his heart until he met Melinda.

By now, we know when these Irishmen fall, they fall fast and hard, and James was no exception. While on an information-gathering mission in a seedy tavern, he witnesses the abuse Melinda endures from her employer. He lets her know he can find her a better position, but she feels she has no choice but to stay. The next time he sees her, she is bruised and battered, and he's barely in time to save her from the unwanted attentions of a tavern customer. I loved seeing him wade in, rescue her with a fellow operative's aid, and carry her off to the duke's house and his caring servants.

Melinda is in a tough spot. After the death of her vicar father, she lost her home. Because of a limp caused by a childhood injury, she cannot find work and takes a job at the tavern owned by a distant cousin. The man is cruel and abusive, but she has nowhere to go until the handsome Irishman whisks her away. But Melinda is stubbornly independent and doesn't want to be beholden to anyone. James can barely get her to agree to remain where she is while she heals from her injuries - far worse than he initially knew.

Despite having watched four of his fellow Guard members fall hard and fast for their ladies, he doesn't expect it to happen to him - until it does. It was fun to watch him and Melinda butt heads as he tried to keep her safe, and she tried to assert her independence. She has fallen equally hard for him, but between her limp, her scars, and her past, she believes that she isn't good enough for him. It takes a great deal of patience on James's part to get past the obstacles she puts up. I loved the help he got from his family, friends, and even the noble ladies of the duke's family. I loved the ending and seeing both get their hearts' desires.

James isn't able to spend as much time with Melinda as he would like. Someone is spreading nasty rumors about two women in the duke's family, and he and the rest of the Guard are tasked with finding who it is and making it stop. The reader knows who it is early on, and I enjoyed watching James and the others conduct their investigation. There are some intriguing twists in the search for the truth, and I always enjoy watching the guys use their skills to make things happen. I laughed out loud when James confessed the details of the latest rumor and had to deal with the expected reactions. I also enjoyed the scenes with the earl's and viscount's wives, who are as stubborn and strong-willed as Melinda. Like Melinda, they don't take well to being coddled and kept in the dark and take the actions they feel are needed.

The resolution of the rumor issue was very well done. I loved the set trap and the unique method of baiting it. James, of course, handled his part flawlessly. It was lovely to see the bad guy get what he deserved. I also loved seeing James get teased by his cousin about his lack of a shirt and then have to deal with the earl and the viscount and their comments.

As usual with this series, I couldn't put it down once I started reading this book. I can't wait for the next one.

#netgalley

A sweet Irish romance with all the legendary fun of fairies, a leprechaun, a ghost, and a ring of stones. Bridget has a temper to match her fiery hair and Duncan comes to realize all those tales his mother told him have a basis in fact, which is--to be sure--a bit unsettling. This was such a lovely story!

This was my first foray into the world of The Lyon's Den, and it definitely won't be the last. The premise of the mysterious matchmaking widow and her methods of matching couples was intriguing.

The story opens when Adelaide arrives at the home of Earl Templeton looking for his son Viscount Moreland, the father of her sister Lily's child. Unfortunately, the viscount is dead, and his father is crazed with grief. The encounter does not go well, and Adelaide returns home determined to support her sister.

A year later, Edmund and his brother Colin continue their search for the woman who may have borne their brother's heir. With the help of private investigators and Bow Street Runners, they believe they are getting closer. Edmund rushes to make contact when they receive word that their quarry was seen entering the notorious Lyon's Den. He plans to use his quest for a wife to gain entry, then attempt to meet with the woman.

Addy raised her sister Lily after the death of their parents but lost her to the lure of the stage. After young Adam's birth, Lily returned to London, leaving Adam in Addy's care. Between their lack of funds and the men asking questions about Adam, Addy realizes she needs a husband to support and protect them. She goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help in finding that husband.

Mrs. Dove-Lyon is quite the manipulator and schemer and has an uncanny knack for successful matches. I enjoyed watching her put Addy and Edmund through their paces in setting up their match. I was impressed by Edmund's determination to win his contests, arrange his meeting with Addy, and gain a wife. Despite the warnings he received beforehand, the early part of his meeting could have gone better, thanks to his lack of trust. I loved that Addy didn't sit back and take it and stood up to his antagonism with her own temper. Luckily, much of what she said struck him as the truth, and he finally believed her. Neither expected the shock of finding out that Mrs. Dove-Lyon intended to match them to each other.

I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Edmund and Addy. Their attraction was undeniable, and Edmund was even more entranced with Addy when he saw her with little Adam. Addy is equally taken with Edmund when she sees how good he is with Adam. I loved that both agreed that honesty was vital to a successful marriage and that they promised no secrets between them. It was sweet to see Edmund's care and protectiveness for Addy as their lives become complicated by forces outside their control.

Edmund's brother Colin, the current Viscount Moreland, finds himself the target of a blackmailer. Edmund insists on dealing with the threat, resulting in an intense and sometimes amusing encounter on the Dark Walk in Vauxhall. Interrogation reveals a threat to Addy and Adam that Edmund takes very seriously. That threat follows them to Addy's home and sets up a nail-biting confrontation with tragic results.

I loved the ending and seeing Edmund and Addy settle into life with little Adam. There's a nice bit with Earl Templeton and his introduction to Addy and Adam. It starts a bit rough, but Addy now has experience dealing with Broadbank men and handles them quite well. There's a pleasant little surprise for Edmund at the end also.

I loved the secondary characters in this book. Mrs. Dove-Lyon also brought together Edmund's brother Colin and his wife, Gemma. I must go back and read their story, as it sounds like it was a wild one. Colin, a former naval officer, is very amusing with his inability to remember that he's no longer on a ship's deck when he talks. His habit of bellowing gets him in trouble with almost everyone. I loved his wife, Gemma, who is very sweet and has a strong spirit. I loved how she and Addy immediately became friends. I also enjoyed seeing Captain Coventry and Mr. King, who I recognize from the author's Lords of Vice and Duke's Guards series.

My only complaint is that there is no way that Adam could ever be his father's heir. He is illegitimate and ineligible to inherit the title.

#netgalley

Terrific addition to the Duke's Guard series. Finn is one of the O'Malleys who comprise the Duke's Guard. He played a significant role in the previous book, The Duke's Shield, where we get the first inkling of his feelings for Mollie. Mollie is one of the maids at Wyndmere and is in love with Finn. But Finn is a stubborn Irishman and believes that he can't be an effective member of the Guard if he's distracted by Mollie, so he requests a transfer to the duke's Cornwall property. When trouble comes to Wyndmere, Finn returns to help and falls back under Mollie's spell.

As this book opens, it's time for Finn to return to Cornwall. It is heartbreaking to see him and Mollie say goodbye to each other. Finn knows that Mollie is the other half of his heart but can't bring himself to tell her so. He sees her feelings in her eyes, and it is hard for him to leave her behind, but the situation in Cornwall is too volatile to take her there. Mollie believes Finn cares for her, but he's never said so. He tells her he'll miss her and let him know if she needs him.

I ached for Mollie when she realized she was pregnant. She's convinced she needs to leave her job before anyone finds out. All she wants is Finn, but she believes he doesn't want her and that he's forgotten about her. I loved the scene with the duchess. Her kindness, understanding, and encouragement are precisely what Mollie needs. There is also a good scene with Patrick (Finn's brother and head of the guard), who has his own suspicions.

Meanwhile, there is trouble in Cornwall. Finn and the others are hard at work repairing the duke's property and trying to root out trouble. A French smuggler and corrupt excise officer use caves on the duke's property for nefarious purposes. Sabotage and murder are just part of what they must deal with. All of this added to a summons from Wyndmere, and Finn is back.

The reunion scene between Mollie and Finn shows the pride and stubbornness each possesses. Mollie isn't about to marry because of obligation or without love. Finn's frustration was evident and amusing as he and Mollie butt heads over his intentions. I loved seeing him finally come up with the words she needed to hear. Finn is prophetic when he tells Mollie their life together will be an adventure.

The roller coaster begins when Finn takes Mollie back to Cornwall with him. Kidnappings and beatings, complicated plans and rescues, and one stubborn and inventive Irishwoman had me on the edge of my seat through the end of the book. I loved watching the teamwork of the Guard and Coventry's and King's men; their respect for each other is always impressive. There were times I wanted to shake both Finn and Mollie for taking the risks they did though their actions were no surprise. The resolution was a nail-biter that leaves a possible lead-in for the next book.

I loved the relationship between Finn and Mollie. Finn can be adorably sweet one moment and frustratingly stubborn and overprotective the next. But his love for Mollie is undeniable. Mollie is steadfast in her love for Finn. She knows him well and handles his overprotectiveness in her own way. She is equally protective of him and doesn't hesitate to act if she thinks it's necessary. I loved the epilogue.

#netgalley

This series is linked to the Lords of Vice series before this one. Those books were about the Duke of Wyndmere and his family members, with the O'Malleys and their cousins as secondary characters providing security. In this series, the main characters are the guards, their work for their employers, and the love they find along the way. I loved looking at events from the commoner's point of view.

This book centers on Michael O'Malley, the head of the Guards assigned to protect William, Viscount Chattsworth, and his family. Michael is an O'Malley through and through - tall, handsome, quick-tempered, loyal, and protective of all. He also has one of the family "curses" - the gift of sight, visions of the future that could come to pass if something isn't done to change it. The book opens as Michael experiences a vision of two men during a duel. He can't tell who they are, leaving him struggling for the ability to prevent it.

Next, we meet Harriet "Harry" Mayfield and her son Bart. Harry is a widow trying to keep their farm going after the death of her husband. She is beautiful, stubborn, and independent to a fault, refusing to ask for help. But she's first to respond when someone else needs help, and we see her and Bart race to help a neighbor who has been attacked. When a second attack occurs the next night, Michael and others arrive to investigate.

Michael and Harry are drawn to each other from the start, but it isn't an easy connection. Michael's protective instincts are aroused when her farm is attacked, but Harry doesn't react well to being told what to do. I had to laugh at many of their encounters as he would state his expectations, and she would counter with her own. Seeing the smitten Michael deal with his feelings was amusing, especially when his cousin Garahan teased him about them. Michael's protectiveness ramps up even further when Harry is injured during one attack. The sparks between them are undeniable, but Harry's stubborn independence seems impossible to overcome. There were times I wanted to shake her because she couldn't see how her attitude affected the people around her, especially her son. I felt a little sorry for her at the end when her intransigence caused Michael to be very blunt with her about her attitude. It was quite a wake-up call for her, and I was happy to see her learn from it. The ending was great, as another Duke's Guard finds what he didn't know he was looking for.

The action and suspense of the story were excellent. The Duke has many enemies, and they frequently attempt to use his family members to get back at him, which is why he has spread his Guard among his relations. In this case, Chattsworth is a cousin who falls under the duke's family umbrella. When the attacks on Chattsworth's tenant farms begin, the first questions are why and who. The identity of the person behind the attacks is discovered early in the book, but sufficient proof must be obtained. The attacks on the farms are intense and violent, leaving the viscount furious and determined to protect his people. I loved following the plans for that protection and seeing Michael's talents as the head guard. I also liked seeing the tenants' roles in their defense and security. As the final confrontation drew closer, I could feel the tension build. When it came, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how it would all work out.

I enjoyed the variety of secondary characters. The tenant farmers and family members were unique characters with their own personalities, and I liked how they banded together for support. My favorites were the sons, Bart, Robbie, and Matthew, who were still young (mid-teens) but also mature enough to be essential parts of their families and the story. I especially liked Bart, who had a close relationship with his mother. He was at the age where he constantly fought against her tendency to still treat him as a child, even though he was doing the work of a man. I loved the connection and developing relationship between Bart and Michael.

I loved getting to know more of the Duke's Guard. Michael is definitely an O'Malley, as I could see the similarities in looks and attitudes with Patrick (The Duke's Sword) and Sean (The Duke's Protector). I also enjoyed seeing more of James Garahan, who knows what buttons to push to wind Michael up. A few times, their head-butting gets them in trouble with their boss, but they are always ready when needed. No matter how much trash talk goes on, there is also great love and respect among them.

#netgalley

Terrific start to the new series. This series is linked to the Lords of Vice series that came before this one. Those books were about the Duke of Wyndmere and his family members, with the O'Malleys and their cousins as secondary characters providing security. In this series, the main characters are the guards, their work for their employers, and the love they find along the way. I loved looking at events from the commoner's point of view.

The Duke of Wyndmere feels a bit frazzled. He and the duchess are the new parents of twins and are feeling the stress of taking care of them. Unlike many of their class, they are hands-on parents. They have been searching for a suitable nanny, but all applicants have come up short thus far. The most recent applicant has a stellar reputation, and he has high hopes for a bit of relief. The duke has also been dealing with a series of threats against his family. The latest ones involve the kidnapping of his children. He depends on Patrick O'Malley, the head of the Duke's Guard, and his relations to keep them all safe.

Patrick is a man who is confident in his abilities. His brothers and cousins are 100% loyal to him, as we see later in the book. He had formulated plans to protect the baby before it was born and quickly made adjustments when it turned out to be twins. Nothing distracts him or comes between him and his duty to the duke. Until...

Gwendolyn Alexander is a widow who has a tragic loss in her past. Since then, she has devoted her life to taking care of infants. She keeps her heart guarded, fearful of growing attached. She never expected the lightning bolt of attraction to hit her when she first saw Patrick O'Malley.

I loved the first encounter between Gwendolyn and O'Malley. He is struck motionless and speechless at first sight of her, something that has never happened to him before. He resists the attraction as best he can, unwilling to allow anything to distract him from his duties. Gwendolyn also has no intention of getting involved. While the sparks between them are undeniable, each has their own ideas on protecting the babies. Gwendolyn is no shrinking violet and has no problem standing up to O'Malley when she believes she is right. At the same time, O'Malley isn't about to take any chances with the safety of his charges.

It was fun to watch Gwendolyn and O'Malley try to resist the inevitable. Being near O'Malley tends to turn Gwendolyn's mind to mush, while he is dismayed to find his mind wandering in her direction when he should be working. A blow-up with the duke over this distraction throws everything into chaos when he removes O'Malley from command. I laughed out loud at the other men's attempts to do his job and the women's determination to fix the problem. It was especially satisfying to see the duchess, who is the duke's equal in stubbornness, work her wiles to make it happen.

I loved how everyone could see the connection between Gwendolyn and O'Malley and wanted to see them both happy. I loved watching O'Malley's brothers and cousins poke at him about his feelings, trying to get him to face them. When O'Malley is injured during an attack, Gwendolyn finally admits her feelings to herself, and O'Malley has also seen the truth. But it takes the efforts of the entire household to get the two stubborn people to see that they belong together. The scene at the inn was fantastic, and I loved the surprise waiting for Gwendolyn when they returned to the estate. I was impressed by the duke's progressive thinking on the private lives of his staff.

The suspense in the story was terrific. While the reader gets an inside look at who is behind the threats to the babies, our characters must do the hard work of the investigation. Because they are aware of the threats, O'Malley and company have plenty of time to make their plans. The first attack is intense, as the kidnappers get close, not knowing it's a trap. That isn't the end, and the attacks escalate as the bad guy grows more desperate. The final confrontation is a nail-biter, especially with O'Malley's injury. While the threat is vanquished, the resolution is less than satisfactory, and I wonder if we've seen the end of it.

I enjoyed the variety of characters in this book. This is a household with great respect and caring among the inhabitants, whether servants or master. I loved the duchess's easy camaraderie with Gwendolyn and the servants and her appreciation of the Duke's Guard. Her love for her husband is undeniable, but she has no problem standing up to him when she thinks he's wrong. His love for her is also evident, as is his frequent frustration when they butt heads. I also loved the cook and housekeeper and their ways of keeping everything running smoothly. But my favorites are the other members of the Guard. Their love, respect, and support for each other are undeniable, as is their enjoyment of teasing, arguing, and "discussing" various matters. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

A Duke in Winter
A Historical Romance Collection

Ten novella length historical romances by ten authors gives the reader the chance to read authors already or yet to be read for the first time. With half of the stories read so far, I eagerly look forward to reading the rest after I post this review.

As with any collection of stories, some will appeal more than others and yet at least one or more will no doubt be just what you needed to read in that moment that you sit down to do so. You can see how others live, what motivates them, how your life differs from theirs, try on a character or two to see if any are ones you could play the part of, and perhaps meet an author that will see you looking for their work again.

Emily Royal’s THE TAMING OF THE DUKE has a side bet instigated that sees a fake courting become real but not without a bit of drama. A spinster will meet her match and so will the duke that begins a fake courtship with her.

Anna St. Claire’s’ ONCE UPON A WINTER’S TALE is a bit darker tale of a love left behind with fear the motivating force but driven also by the desire of one man for an heir.

Sandra sookoo’s MUCH ADO ABOUT A STORME sees the matriarch of the Storme family, now widowed, finding a second chance at love.

Elizabeth Keysian’s THE TEMPESTUOUS DUKE is almost Gothic in feel with a young woman washed ashore after a capsizing faced with two brothers that are at odds with one another due to what happened in the past. A Talking parrot, wonderful canine, and a mystery to solve are only part of the story.

Caroline Warfield’s THE SIXTH HENRY might have been my favorite with a bit of a Capulet’s and Montagues feuding families feel to it but…this couple lands in a better situation than poor Romeo and Juliet. This story made me think about how difficult it would be to step into the shoes of a Duke without having training to do so.

Did I enjoy the stories I read – yes
Will I read the authors again in the future – yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 – 5 stars½

This series is linked to the Lords of Vice series that came before this series. Those books were about the Duke of Wyndmere and his family members, with the O'Malleys and their cousins as secondary characters providing needed security. In this series, the main characters are the guards, their work for their employers, and the love they find along the way. I loved looking at events from the commoner's point of view.

As this story opens, Sean O'Malley is sent from Sussex, where he works for Earl Lippincott, to investigate the source of salacious rumors about the earl's wife, Lady Aurelia. Sean is there to investigate when the gowns the lady ordered are destroyed during a break-in at the modiste's. He meets one of the seamstresses, Mignonette, and is immediately taken with her and impressed by her bravery and spirit. When the shop is broken into a second time, Mignonette hides in the false bottom of a wardrobe and is rescued by Sean.

I loved watching the interactions between Sean and Mignonette. Sean is a protective man who can't stand by and watch if he can find a way to help. When she is injured during the second attack, he sweeps her off to the duke's townhouse, where she can heal, and he can watch over her. Sean tends to be high-handed in his actions, doing what he thinks is best. Mignonette appears to be a doormat at first, going along with everything. But once she starts to recover, her natural feistiness reasserts itself. I loved seeing this tiny woman stand up to the big, tough Sean and have him falling over himself to make things right.

When Sean is badly injured in a knife attack, it is Mignonette's turn to take care of him. The situation is dire, with the loss of his arm or death a real possibility. I loved Mignonette's determination to save the man and the arm. Seeing her ride herd on the stubborn Irishman was great fun. Sean worries about being able to protect her and settles on the best he can imagine - marriage. If something happens to him, she'll have his family and his employer to watch over her.

I loved the development of the relationship between them. The connection between them is immediate and strong. Sean's protectiveness was sweet, as was how he tried to anticipate her needs. Mignonette's life had not been easy, and she feels safe and cared for with Sean. It's no surprise that she fell in love with him, but she thinks that she isn't good enough for him. It's easy to see that Sean is in love with her, too, but he doesn't recognize his feelings. I enjoyed seeing Mignonette's fiery feistiness appear as she settled into her marriage with Sean. There were times when he had no idea what he'd gotten into, but he was happy. I liked how everything came together for them at the end, and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.

The suspense of the story was good. I could feel the earl's frustration over the rumors that maligned his wife and his inability to stop them. I liked seeing Sean and the others proceed with their investigation and discover who was behind it. Unfortunately, without proof, there wasn't much they could do. An intense scene near the end with one of the co-conspirators unexpectedly puts Mignonette in danger, though she also prevents a tragedy. I suspect that the perpetrator of the trouble will still be a problem in the next book, and I can't wait to see how that one goes.

I loved the closeness among the members of the Duke's Guard. They are all related, parts of a big Irish family. Some of their interactions are hilarious with how they tease each other and fight at the drop of a hat. But no matter what, they are always there to back each other up, whether in battle or love. I also like the mutual respect they have going on with their employers and other investigators.

#netgalley

I LOVED THIS CHRISTMAS BOOK!! I admired how the family came together to plot how to get Joe
and Mary together when he proposed to her in the local diner inn front of the gossipy women and she was so shocked that she couldn't say a word! Poor Joe had to get on his bad knee got embarrassed and stormed out, but his grown children and their husbands PLUS to whole town got together to make it right. This is my first time to review this author and it will not be my LAST!!

Fun book to read, though Marcus does not make a good first impression. Like his cousin Edward (Tempering the Viscount's Envy), Marcus shows up at the home of Jared, Duke of Wyndemere, looking for a handout. He doesn't have the money to live the way he thinks he's entitled and hopes some financial assistance will let him do so. Their meeting gets off to a rough start thanks to a miscommunication about their appointment and an unexpected encounter with the duke's sister Phoebe. The duke is also somewhat the worse for wear, thanks to the recent birth of his twin children. After a brief conversation, Jared offers Marcus the use of his London townhouse, later giving him a list of rules and expectations. Marcus's encounter with Phoebe stirs up unexpected and unwelcome feelings, so he departs for London quickly.

Phoebe's excitement at seeing her cousin William turned to embarrassment when she realized her mistake. After a terrifying experience at her first ball the previous year, Phoebe spent the ensuing months back at her brother's estate, recovering from the trauma. Marcus is the first man to stir her interest since then, but following up proves difficult. I loved the scene where she convinces Jared to let her go, though she has some reservations about how well she'll get along with her chaperon.

Throughout the series, the Duke of Wyndemere's goal has been to restore his family's name after the depredations of his older brother. Jared protects his family, including his cousins, and expects their cooperation in return. Marcus falls prey to two "gentlemen" who have ulterior motives on his first night in London. I felt Marcus's horror when he discovered what happened, and he pleasantly surprised me when he stood up to them. It's an eye-opening experience, and Marcus quickly realizes that his attitude needs to change. Learning of Phoebe's arrival and his inclusion in the efforts to keep her safe gives him the chance to make amends for his mistakes.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Marcus and Phoebe. The sparks between them were evident from the moment they met, but there were obstacles, especially the disparity in their finances. Marcus has little money and a crumbling estate, and Phoebe has a substantial dowry. I loved Marcus's determination to keep her safe, even from herself. Because despite her withdrawal of the past year, Phoebe might be a tad naïve, but she is neither shy nor retiring. Her outspokenness and stubbornness become more evident as the book goes on, especially when it comes to Marcus, for she is as protective of him as he is of her. When the trouble stirred up at the beginning of the book escalates into kidnapping and murder, the entire family gets involved in ending the threat. Several nail-biting encounters kept me glued to the pages as either Marcus or Phoebe ended up in danger. I loved the ending and seeing the difference loving Phoebe made in Marcus.

I enjoyed seeing more of the duke's Irish guards. Their loyalty to Jared and his family creates some interesting situations. I liked seeing them interact with each other, sometimes with great, umm, exuberance. They did have some trouble with striking first, then asking questions. I would love to know more about what happens to them. I remember the name Garahan from the Secret Life of Cowboys series and that there were other family members mentioned.

#netgalley

Good book. I haven't read the first two books in the series, but this one worked fine as a standalone. The book opens with William bemoaning his dire financial state. A year earlier, his father lost a lot of money gambling, invested more in a questionable venture, and disappeared without a trace. Most of the estate staff quit when William couldn't pay them, except for four rather elderly retainers, and the house and tenant farms desperately need repair. As he sees it, his only option is to ask his cousin, the Duke of Wyndmere, for financial help. William can't help feeling envious of the duke's current good fortune and well-earned respect. On his way to the duke's estate, William stops for directions at a church, where he meets the lovely Lady Calliope.

Calliope and her friend Lady Aurelia arrived at the church before dawn on Hogmanay for the finishing touches in preparation for Aurelia's wedding later that day. The last thing she expected was for a tall, dark, and handsome man to step over the threshold, stirring visions of love and good fortune. After spending years as an unpaid servant and poor relation, abused by her cousins, Calliope was rescued and taken in by Aurelia and her uncle, Lord Coddington. He and the duke work to regain Calliope's inheritance which her cousins stole, but as yet, she is still poor.

I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Calliope and William. During that first day, neither one can take their eyes off the other. Thrown together during the wedding festivities, the seeds of attraction find fertile ground. But William needs to marry an heiress to gain the funds to repair the estate, and Calliope doesn't qualify. Fate intervenes when an unintended collision ends up with Calliope in William's arms and the duke insisting they marry to save her reputation. As he doesn't have the means to support a wife, William is aghast, and Calliope knows he didn't want to marry a poor woman. Meanwhile, the duke separates the two, sending William to London and Calliope to William's home.

I wasn't sure I liked William at the beginning. His envy of the duke ate at him, and he tried to lie his way into gaining the duke's support. I liked his concern for his employees and tenants, which gave me hope that he was redeemable. I also appreciated William's determination to fulfill the duke's task list to the best of his ability. Some of those tasks included actions geared toward finding out what happened to William's father. The more time he spent in London, working on the duke's charges, the easier he found it to overcome his envious feelings and think about what was good in his life. He also found himself thinking more often of Calliope and worrying about her time at Chattsworth Manor.

Calliope seemed a bit faint-hearted to me at first with her constant worry about doing something wrong. I felt terrible for her feelings of rejection over William's attitude toward their marriage, especially since she already had started falling for him. She impressed me upon her arrival at Chattsworth with the way she jumped right into making things better. Because she spent so many years as a servant, Calliope had no problems rolling up her sleeves and doing things herself.

I loved how it became apparent that absence made the heart grow fonder when it came to William and Calliope. When nasty rumors circulated about her, William's first thought was protecting her, then dealing with the person responsible. I loved the scene where he showed up at Chattsworth long enough to check on her and his surprise at what he found before heading back to finish what he started. Meanwhile, Calliope has found her strength and refuses to allow William to put himself in danger for her. I laughed at the departure scene and cheered on her determination to have her way. A duel and an injury bring them closer together, but then Calliope's fears and insecurities send her running. I loved William's pursuit and the advice he receives that helps him prove his love to her.

There is a bit of suspense worked into the story regarding William's father's disappearance. William must deal with people who think he had a part in the earl's disappearance while at the same time trying to uncover the truth. The duke's assistance was invaluable, and I enjoyed seeing the various steps taken to make it happen. The resolution was well done, and I liked the results.

I also liked the secondary characters. The duke and his wife, as well as Edward and Aurelia, were good friends to Calliope. I gathered that there was trouble in their stories, and I can't wait to read them. One of my favorite things about the duke was his motto of "family first." I loved that he doesn't throw money at a problem but instead helps William help himself. He also seemed a little more human/normal when faced with his impending fatherhood. Edward and Aurelia were good friends to Calliope, and I liked how they showed up at Chattsworth to check on her.

Some of my favorite characters were the various men who made up the duke's guards. All of them were large Irishmen, prone to fighting but with soft hearts when dealing with the ladies. I also like Calliope's maid, Mary Kate, whose backstory was as heartbreaking as Calliope's. Her unwavering support and friendship with Calliope were great. I'm still up in the air over William's cousin Marcus, whose actions when he stopped at Chattsworth were not those of a gentleman. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Calliope deal with him. I suspect the fourth book is about him, and I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for him.

#netgalley

This beautiful love story will steal your heart as C.H. Admirand brings The Secret Life of Cowboys trilogy to a close. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2012/07/02/jesse/

Welcome Back to Apple Grove is another delightfully heartwarming addition to C.H. Admirand's charming Small Town U.S.A. series. In this outing, youngest sister Grace Mulcahy finds love with fireman Pat Garahan.

Grace left the family handyman business and moved from Apple Grove to pursue her dream of living in a big city. While she is satisfied with her career, her love life is another story. So her best friend Kate and sister Meg play matchmaker for Grace and Pat. She and Pat hit it off, but is there a future for their long distance romance?

The sparks are soon flying between Grace and Pat and their romance quickly heats up. Neither of them are quite sure how their relationship is going to work, but they are both committed to exploring the possibilities. Grace takes a couple of weeks off from work and in order to stay close to Pat, she returns to Apple Grove. Once there, she learns that the family handyman business is in desperate need of her organizational skills so she agrees to help out temporarily while she is in town.

Grace and Pat are a good match and for the most part, their relationship is fairly easygoing. Like the other books in the series, theirs is basically lust at first sight that soon deepens into love. Grace and Pat have an easy rapport and their conversations reflect their comfort with one another. They also have an instantaneous attraction that simmers in the background and the sexual tension between them positively sizzles.

Grace is very surprised to discover how much she has missed Apple Grove and the family business. In true "grass is greener on the other side" fashion, what once irritated her is now a source of comfort. Grace also discovers how very much she misses her family and friends and that big city anonymity is no match for the care and concern she finds in her small home town.

The conflict between Grace and Pat builds for much of the novel. Pat is unwilling to discuss the traumatic event that drove him to relocate from NY years earlier. He has never really dealt with the emotional issues stemming from the incident and his lack of communication eventually comes between them. Fortunately for Grace and Pat, family and friends are quick to aid the couple and their problems are easily resolved.

Welcome Back to Apple Grove is another deeply moving and entertaining installment in C.H. Admirand's Small Town U.S.A. series. The love and support of family and friends has made this series an absolute joy to read and I am really going to miss visiting Apple Grove.

A sweet but spicy addition to a heartwarming series that fans of homespun novels are sure to enjoy. Please click HERE to read my review in its entirety.

If you enjoy novels with terrific character development, witty, intelligent dialogue and a homey atmosphere, then you are going to love A Wedding in Apple Grove. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE.

3.5 stars. Overall, C.H. Admirand’s Dylan is an enjoyable read with some very charming and likeable characters. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2011/12/28/dylan/

So here's the deal with this book: I was 11, it was the week before my family left on our summer vacation, and my sister checked this out from the library for our trip. She read it first, and then passed it on to my other sister, who in turn passed it on to me. We all agreed that it was terrible, and yet we all read it. I have no explanation for this.

So here's the deal with the plot: Patience is a girl who lives in the British countryside and in the first chapter of the book dresses up as a man to intercept her best friend and stop him from dueling with this guy, who supposedly deflowered his sister or something. So, she runs into the duel like a complete idiot and gets shot. Turns out the guy doing the deflowering is her newly betrothed. Because crappy romance book. And on goes the strangest book I've ever read.

~A list of what happens (I haven't been able to find a copy in years, so I'm pretty sure it doesn't exist anymore, so spoilers don't really matter anymore)~

~She thinks that she is ugly but is described by both the book and literally everyone else as being an unearthly beauty
~She constantly faints in order to get out of difficult social situations or just when she's bored I guess
~Her best friend completely disappears from the plot
~At one point, she thinks a "mistress" is a very good thing (which her cousins say is not the case but don't tell her why) and goes to her jerky ex-boyfriend and asks him if she'd make a good mistress, and he's like, "Oh boy, yes please" and starts kissing her, and in comes her betrothed who beats the crap out of him. I'm pretty sure she faints at one point
~She doesn't know what sex is but tells everyone she does but on her wedding night, she thought they were just going to cuddle
~They have sex anyway but she faints to get out of it
~Her betrothed has an evil twin half-brother who is sullying his good name
~They have graphic sex like twice (and I was 11--why did my sisters not warn me??)
~She gets kidnapped by the evil twin half-brother and faints her way out of it

I love this book for some reason even though it's probably just about the worst thing I've ever read. It holds a special place in my heart.