Clyve Rose

I have only read Linda Rae Sande’s contribution to this anthology, so I cannot comment on the other contributions. If time permits, I will read other contributions and will amend my review if/when that occurs.

The Making of A Mistress by Linda Rae Sande – 4-Stars

This author’s stories are always excellently written, well-plotted, perfectly paced, and populated with characters you’ll love. If you haven’t tried her books, you should!

Daisy has been featured in several of this author’s works as has Alex and it is nice to see the two of them together. Both Daisy and Alex work for the British government – one for the Foreign Office and one for the Home Office. When Daisy is given a new assignment, she doesn’t have the required skills and has to acquire them quickly and who better to teach her what she needs to know than Alex Bradley? Will Alex also teach her to love as well? Or, will they go their separate ways after her ‘lessons’? You’ll just have to read this lovely story to see.… (más)

Valkin is a Romany Prince of the House of Brishen who is taking the place of a Nobleman for a duel brought on by a grievance of his sister. Valkin is repaying a debt for poaching on their land. Dueling against him is Captain Warwick "Wil" Clifton, a second son and well-known rake. Princess Syeira Brishen is there to witness the duel and assist with medical aid. When the Prince is injured, Syeira jumps to action taking Wil by surprise. Wil offers everything he can to the House of Brishen to aid in the Prince's recovery. While Valkin is recovering, Wil learns that the Romany family is nothing like his. He also learns that Romany women are very different from any of the English ladies that he knows.
Always a Princess is an unlikely Regency Romance. Focusing on a romance between two different cultures rather than just two different mindsets. From the beginning, I was intrigued by the Romany culture at this time and their interactions with the English houses. Syeira's character and her role as a Romany princess was also intriguing to read about. I was very interested in the trades that the Romany engaged in with the English households and the attitudes of the English about the Romany camps ranging from helpful to tolerant to an annoyance. While Wil and Syeira's romantic interest was apparent from the start, the writing let the characters take time to get to know one another. The focus for Syeira was always on healing her brother and Wil focused on getting the estate in order while trying to figure out his next step in life. I really liked that their relationship was always respectful and Syeira called out Wil and her brother when decision were being made about her when she was not present. Overall, a unique, sweet and engrossing cross-cultural Regency romance.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (más)