Weekly Reads: December 16 to 22, 2024

His Christmas Rose by Jane Maguire (2024)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 4 of the Rockliffe Dynasty series. Fairly quick novella. Lady Emily is about to get engaged to her suitor, who will be visiting her family at Christmas. When she goes for a walk, she runs into her neighbor (and former crush) Nate. And then she gets stuck at his house during a snowstorm and it stirs up all her old feelings for him. Nate’s back at home after having traveled for years and is adamant at upholding one of his father’s holiday party traditions. And he also realizes all that he’s missed along the years. As Nate and Emily spend time together, they argue, then reveal their secrets, and fall in love. It’s a fairly quick burn here as they’re only stuck together for a couple of days. Feels like this could be the end of the series.

Advance ebook provided by Jane Maguire.

Mad, Bad, and Dangerous To Know by Mary Jo Putney (2024)

Historical romance. American West. Standalone novella. Liza is a widow who is traveling home to her in-laws’ after burying her father. On the way, she sees a prisoner being mistreated and nurses him back to health. Even though Drew is on his way to his own hanging, he appreciates all the care and attention that he gets from Liza. They pretty much fall in love during their one night together. This was a quick read with a fun twist once we find out the crime that Drew has committed.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase (2017)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Difficult Dukes series. This book was so fun and reminded me how much I love road trip romances in a historical setting. Ripley is a groomsman at his best friend’s wedding and charged with making sure the wedding happens. The problem is that Olympia has run away from her own wedding and Ripley gives chase. He’s doing his best to convince her to go back, and then stall her so the groom can catch up, and preserve her reputation. But Olympia is all sorts of frantic and not interested in going back to her fiance. Along the way, Olympia and Ripley get to know each other, and Ripley has switched his efforts to just trying not to betray his best friend. There’s chaos and adventure and I loved seeing these two people fall in love.

Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

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Ten Things I Hate About the Duke by Loretta Chase (2020)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 2 of the Difficult Dukes series. The Duke of Ashmont is your Regency-era himbo, named “His Grace with the Angel Face” and basically doing nothing productive with his title. He spends so much time drunk that no one has any noble expectations of him. Cassandra is the eldest daughter of a politician who is known for being a shrew and completely outspoken. When she gets into a tangle with Ashmont, his solution is to marry her. She refuses over and over and over again, but he seems to be quite persistent. I loved seeing him be the one to pursue her and work hard at earning her esteem. I also liked reading about their interactions as children and how those experiences influenced their present day affections. Loved it!

Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

Same Time Next Year by Tessa Bailey (2023)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novella. Britta works at the bar where her half-brother’s hockey team likes to frequent, and teammate Sumner has run into a work visa issue on New Years Eve. Somehow Britta gets roped into a green card marriage with Sumner and sets very clear boundaries that it’s in name only and it would only be as friends. Especially since Sumner is clearly a relationship and commitment kind of guy who is obviously smitten with Britta. We get all sorts of little time jumps through the year of their marriage, with lots of flirting, and eventual steam. Cute and steamy quick read.

Ebook and audiobook accessed from Amazon Prime Reading.