If you’re looking for a fun historical mystery with a clever heroine, plenty of intrigue, and a touch of romance, The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance is a great choice. Rose McKenzie is witty, determined, and wonderfully unconventional, making her a character you can’t help but root for as she takes on a case that quickly becomes far more dangerous than expected. This was an entertaining read with plenty of twists to keep the pages turning. This review was originally published in 2021 and has been updated to give this wonderful mystery a fresh look. A Reader's Opinion This intrepid heroine kept me guessing till the end and made me laugh out loud! The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance by Samantha St. Claire is a stand-alone novel in the McKenzie Sisters Mysteries series. Rose is the epitome of the perfect heroine that I love to follow. She’s colorful, amusing, ingenious, and brilliant. I loved the setting Colorado 1899 and the atmosphere with a delightful blend of humor and adventure. The story grabbed me right from the first page and kept me guessing! It’s one of the best western mysteries I have read lately! It’s well written, suspenseful, and fast-paced! This story is set during the excitement of the turn of the twentieth century when the emancipation of women was on the rise. Rose McKenzie is a woman ahead of her time. She loves all scientific experiments and sometimes gets into trouble while trying to achieve her many goals. She is also Denver’s first female private detective and takes her job very seriously. So when a woman seeks her professional assistance, she can’t help but take the case! Rose embarks on a new mission with the help of her good friend Dr. Taylor Whitman. Rose is intrigued and eager to start investigating a troubling case of theft related to a vase and mysterious letter. Although, the complexity of the crime might put her in danger! Will she solve this mystery? A female detective riding a bicycle is sure to attract your attention! That doesn’t bother Rose in this non-traditional role during a time when women wanted to achieve new goals. The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance Witty and irascible Rose McKenzie tackles Denver’s criminal cases with a woman’s intuition and a loaded Smith and Wesson tucked in her skirt pocket. Eager for adventure beyond her scientific experiments, Rose accepts her uncle’s challenge to become Denver’s first female private detective. When a wealthy woman employs her to track down a burglar, Rose zealously applies her unique investigative talents to prove she can handle any job. After two more home invasions turn violent, Rose races to find the perpetrator before another innocent shows up on a slab at the city morgue. With the stakes raised, Rose employs the help of her friend, the attractive Dr. Taylor Whitman, to lure the perpetrator out of hiding—with Rose as the bait. What Rose fails to foresee is the complexity of the crime, involving more than one perpetrator tasked with silencing her. Will her cunning be enough to unravel the clues before it’s too late? Step into Denver’s bustling city streets at the turn of the century with Rose McKenzie, a spirited private investigator and a woman brave enough to undertake any case. Don’t miss The Case of the Peculiar Inheritance, a stand-alone novel in the delightfully entertaining McKenzie Sisters Mystery series. Learn more about the series > Get Your Copy Historical Western Mystery | Pub: June 22, 2021 | 248pp | Trappers Peak Publishing Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 1 Heart | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more.

Some places make getting away from it all sound like the perfect plan. For bestselling author Meaghan Ryers, a remote Alaskan village seems like exactly what she needs. No spotlight. No expectations. No one who knows her name. Then she finds a car engulfed in flames. Suddenly, disappearing from the world isn't quite so simple. Why Readers Will Love When the Wicked Fall Fast-paced romantic suspense packed with secrets, danger, and unexpected twists A bestselling author heroine who finds herself caught in a mystery she can't ignore A protective sheriff hero determined to uncover the truth—and keep Meaghan safe A remote Alaskan setting that adds isolation, atmosphere, and tension to every page A compelling mix of family secrets, conspiracy, mystery, danger, and slow-burn romance A mystery that refuses to stay buried Enter Sheriff Donovan Kyndall, a man who knows his community—and knows that everyone has secrets. But the strange car fire presents more questions than answers, especially when there's no body and Meaghan's account doesn't quite fit the evidence. Then Donovan receives an anonymous call. The caller knows things about his past that a stranger shouldn't know. And that's when this seemingly isolated mystery begins to feel much bigger—and much more personal. In When the Wicked Fall, Blaire Morgan combines the tension of a mystery with the emotional pull of romantic suspense. As Meaghan and Donovan investigate what happened, they uncover a conspiracy connected to Donovan's family history. The closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous things become. And, inconveniently, the harder it becomes for them to ignore the attraction between them. Perfect for readers who like their romance with a side of danger ... If your ideal romantic suspense includes a capable heroine, an honorable law-enforcement hero, a mystery with plenty of questions, and a romance that develops while the characters are trying to stay alive, When the Wicked Fall checks a lot of boxes. Get your copy of When the Wicked Fall. Read an Excerpt from When the Wicked Fall Prologue Fire snaked into his lungs. Suffocating. Debilitating. He couldn’t breathe, his body immobile. He clawed at the air, at the coarse rope binding his feet, at everything his hands could reach. Why were his hands free? Is this how someone feels when they burn? Helios promised him there would be consequences. It had only been one more fire, one more kill. He had craved it more than he feared Helios’s warning. One more mistake. Smoke curled upward from the flames, dancing up the walls in a seductive swirl of lights and sound. The crackling of gunshots echoed somewhere beyond the steel door. No chance of escape. He didn’t deserve to die this way. His scream lodged deep in his lungs, so deep it burned his insides. A round of hacking coughs escaped his scorched lips. He desperately wanted water or a beer. Yes, when he got out of this—if he made it—he’d down a whole six-pack of Bud Light and thank whatever powers that be for his salvation. I’ll be good. If you let me live, God, I’ll be good forever. Did he hear his name coming back to him from the darkness beyond the flames? Yes, but from where, exactly? Damian. It’s only in my head. No. No, no, no! He heard shouts, or was fear mocking him? He yanked at the ropes around his ankles and tore away flesh covered in his own blood. Why couldn’t he move? The door pounded. No, someone pounded on the door. The blaze caressed the floor around him, moving closer with a lover’s passion, inch by inch. He heard the loud crash this time and was certain someone stood on the other side of the door. A gust of air whooshed into the room, and the fire found new life. It tormented him, licked his skin. A scream escaped, louder now because of the burn. Two muscular bodies in masks lifted him away from the center of the inferno. His eyes remained open, even as the sensation of floating carried him away from the chamber. He’d promised to be good and he would be. No man or woman or creature walking the earth could claim to be so good as he from this moment on and into forever. Darkness consumed his whispered thanks while a cacophony of sirens trumpeted his fall into oblivion. End of Excerpt. Excerpt © Blaire Morgan. Shared here with permission from the author. Genre: Romantic Suspense Published by: Blaire Morgan Books Publication Date: September 14, 2026 Series: Kyndall Family Suspense Series, Book 3 Reader content note provided by the author: Features non-graphic violence, minimal mild language, and moderate romantic intimacy (PG-13). Meet the Author: Blaire Morgan Blaire Morgan is a pseudonymous American author blending danger, emotion, and high-stakes storytelling into gripping romantic suspense. She lives wherever the next adventure takes her—usually somewhere with a lot of trees, or a place that exists only in her imagination. ​ Find her online at www.blairemorgan.com. Catch Up With Blaire Morgan blairemorgan.com | Amazon Author Profile | BookBub If When the Wicked Fall sparks your interest, explore more romantic suspense and check out Witness in the Shadows and Shadow of Betrayal, books one and two in the series.

A wounded Highlander, a grieving woman, a dangerous secret, and Christmas in the Scottish Highlands make Paula Quinn's A Highlander's Christmas Kiss a festive romance with plenty of intrigue alongside its love story. As Temperance Menzie and Cailean Grant find themselves drawn together, both must confront the grief and secrets that have shaped their lives. Part of the Highland Heirs series, this historical romance combines passion, adventure, and emotional depth with the atmosphere of the Highlands. Here's a reader's take on what makes Cailean and Temperance's story such an enjoyable Christmas romance. A STRANGER'S SMILE Christmas may be coming to Linavar, but Temperance Menzie is far from joyful. Grief-stricken over the death of her father at the hands of the Black Riders, she almost didn't see the wounded stranger in the woods. And now she's determined to give this braw, brooding Highlander the help she couldn't give her father. But there's a secret lurking in the depths of his blue-gray eyes. And Temperance won't rest until she uncovers it . . . A LOVER'S KISS A killer for hire. It's the last thing Cailean Grant ever thought he'd become, but being part of the Black Riders was his only way to survive. Now, his guilt grows day by day, along with his desire for the beautiful, brave lass nursing him back to health. As Christmas, the season of miracles, draws near and the truth of his identity threatens to come out, Cailean must risk the only thing he has left to lose-his heart. ​ Series: Highland Heirs A Reader's Opinion A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is a true gem, and one of the most enjoyable Highland romances I've read since Julie Garwood's Ransom. Paula Quinn pulled me into her meticulously woven story of intrigue and passion, laced with battle scars and a delectable supporting cast of characters. Cailean was an unexpected delight, atypical of many Highland romances where the man is roving about as he pleases with every pretty face he fancies. Not so Cailean, and I'll admit this particular trait endeared him to me all the more. Temperance is as unique as her name, strong and worthy of a man like Cailean. Neither is without blame or heartache, but when two grief-stricken and wounded souls find each other, the magic is indescribable. Their passion made my skin tingle and their tender love rose beyond a tumble in the sheets or a few spoken words. The Scottish Highlands are indeed a magical place, and one close to my own heart and soul, so I appreciated the author's respect for and description of the setting (though I would have loved a bit more). Her use of the dialect was just enough to bring the accents to life in my mind, but not so much that I was pulled from the story. A perfect balance. Poignant, sensual, adventurous, and with a keen attention to rich detail and compelling characters, Paula Quinn appears to have mastered the art of Highland romance. This is the first book I've read by the author, and now please excuse me while I go and buy more. Format Read: Mass Market Paperback Source: Provided by the publisher Content Rating: 5 Hearts Reviewed by: MK Genre: Historical/Highland Romance Pub: September 27, 2016 Pages: 342pp BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM

If you're looking for a Highland romance with a Christmas setting, danger, secrets, and plenty of emotional twists, Paula Quinn's A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is a festive historical romance to add to the list. Set in the Scottish Highlands, the fifth book in the MacGregors: Highland Heirs series brings together Temperance Menzie, grieving and determined to avenge her father's death, and Cailean Grant, a wounded Highlander hiding a dangerous secret. Their story combines romance, action, humor, betrayal, and redemption against a Christmas backdrop. The result is a seasonal Highland romance with plenty of adventure along the way. A Reader's Opinion Lovers of Scottish romances, will be captivated again! A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is another wonderful romance written by talented author Paula Quinn! It's a great way to continue her amazing series, The MacGregors: Highland Heirs. This book is the fifth story and the beautiful journey of Temperance Menzie and Cailean Grant. What a great Scottish romance to devour! I could not put it down! A real page turner! Fast paced with a well planned plot that keeps you wanting to know more. Again, Ms. Quinn didn’t disappoint me! A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is filled with rich characters, romance, action and humor, but it's also about lies, betrayal, trust and hope! Some scenes made me giggle so much! You have to read it to really know what happened! I really enjoyed her two main characters Temperance and Cailean! Their adventure will be packed with twists and turns, as they go along during their beautiful Highland journey. Temperance, has just lost her dear father, and is now planning a revenge to kill the man responsible for his death. Suddenly, Cailean, appears in her life as a wounded and tormented man who will need her help to heal. Will this magic moment reunite two stubborn man and woman who need love and passion in their lives? Can their love survive under these conditions? Will they finally find happiness? Another captivating story for The MacGregors: Highland Heirs! Fans of Scottish adventures are in for a real treat! Let yourself get swept away to Scotland's Highlands. A Highlander's Christmas Kiss A STRANGER'S SMILE Christmas may be coming to Linavar, but Temperance Menzie is far from joyful. Grief-stricken over the death of her father at the hands of the Black Riders, she almost didn't see the wounded stranger in the woods. And now she's determined to give this braw, brooding Highlander the help she couldn't give her father. But there's a secret lurking in the depths of his blue-gray eyes. And Temperance won't rest until she uncovers it . . . A LOVER'S KISS A killer for hire. It's the last thing Cailean Grant ever thought he'd become, but being part of the Black Riders was his only way to survive. Now, his guilt grows day by day, along with his desire for the beautiful, brave lass nursing him back to health. As Christmas, the season of miracles, draws near and the truth of his identity threatens to come out, Cailean must risk the only thing he has left to lose-his heart. Series: Highland Heirs Get Your Copy Scottish Historical Romance | Pub: September 27, 2016 | 342pp Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 5 Hearts* | Read by: Nicole Laverdure

“A magnificent book! This masterful culmination of Patricia Bracewell’s epic Emma of Normandy trilogy could rival any Norse saga.” —Anne Easter Smith, author of This Son of York Patricia Bracewell's The Steel Beneath the Silk brings her Emma of Normandy trilogy to a dramatic conclusion, following the Norman-born queen through a turbulent period of English history marked by political intrigue, invasion, divided loyalties, and the struggle for power. In this Books & Benches author interview, Bracewell talks about Emma and her rival Elgiva, writing the final installment of the trilogy, creating historical characters with complicated motivations, and making the book accessible to readers who may be new to the series. She also shares a few lighter thoughts about writing and the possibility of someday trying her hand at medieval fantasy. The Steel Beneath the Silk A breathtaking conclusion to Bracewell’s Emma of Normandy Trilogy, brimming with treachery, heartache, tenderness and passion as the English queen confronts ambitious and traitorous councilors, invading armies and the Danish king’s power-hungry concubine. In the year 1012 England’s Norman-born Queen Emma has been ten years wed to an aging, ruthless, haunted King Æthelred. The marriage is a bitterly unhappy one, between a queen who seeks to create her own sphere of influence within the court and a suspicious king who eyes her efforts with hostility and resentment. But royal discord shifts to grudging alliance when Cnut of Denmark, with the secret collusion of his English concubine Elgiva, invades England at the head of a massive Viking army. Amid the chaos of war, Emma must outwit a fierce enemy whose goal is conquest and outmaneuver the cunning Elgiva, who threatens all those whom Emma loves. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | INDIEBOUND | KOBO Meet the Author Q&A with Patricia Bracewell Who are your main characters? Tell us a little about what makes them tick. Emma of Normandy has been bound in a political marriage for ten years to a man she neither loves nor respects. Intelligent and deeply religious, her strongest character trait is loyalty, so she is loyal to the king despite her dislike for him, her outrage at his brutal acts, even despite her love for another man. She has to walk a very fine line, though, between her loyalty to the king for the sake of her children, her belief in what is right and wrong, and her resentment at the king’s efforts to marginalize her. She is protective of those in her care. She knows who her enemies are and does whatever she must to thwart them. She has suffered great loss, and that has matured and even hardened her. She can be self-reproachful and sometimes doubts herself. Elgiva is an English noblewoman who is convinced that she is destined for queenship. She is tortured by the fate that has made her a woman in a man’s world, but she uses her sexuality to get what she wants. She is determined to be the spinner of her own fate. She loves intrigue, but only to pursue her own ends. She is not very perceptive. She only really understands people who are just like her—driven by a desire for power. She is a risk-taker, afraid of almost no one. Her conviction of her own invincibility gives her courage to face just about anything….even death. Do you have to be alone or have quiet to write? Yes, I have to be alone and quiet. It’s a mystery to me how other very fine writers can listen to music while they work. I would find it utterly distracting. Nor is there any question of going off to a coffee shop to write—something that I did ages ago before I decided to write a historical novel. I’d have to bring several shelves of books along with me in case I wanted to verify something. Horribly impractical. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book? I want each of my novels about Emma of Normandy to stand on its own. This gets harder with each book, though. The early drafts of The Steel Beneath the Silk leaned heavily upon events that happened in Shadow on the Crown and The Price of Blood, but I needed it to stand on its own two feet. An editor went through it and suggested where I could bring in just a line or two of back story—enough to give a reader new to the trilogy necessary information, yet not so much that readers familiar with the first two books would be bored. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? Yes, I read my book reviews. Once a book is out in the world, it doesn’t really belong to the author any more. It belongs to readers, and because each reader brings different life experiences to the book, it strikes different readers in different ways. I’m sometimes astonished at the insights that readers give me to my own work. Of course I appreciate the positive reviews. As for the ones that are critical, well, everyone is entitled to an opinion. Novelists have to be thick-skinned, which is not to say that negative reviews don’t bother me, but I try not to read them more than once. If you were to genre-hop, which genres would you most like to try writing? It would be fun to try my hand at medieval fantasy. A reviewer wrote that The Steel Beneath the Silk is like Game of Thrones without the dragons and I thought, “Hmm. Maybe I should add some dragons sometime.” The trouble is, George Martin, Tolkien and Anne McCaffrey have already done it, and brilliantly. Still, that northern European, mythic world has always appealed to me. I would enjoy immersing myself in it for a time. Want more? Read an excerpt from chapter one. The Author Patricia Bracewell grew up in Los Angeles where her love of stories led to college degrees in Literature, a career as a high school English teacher, and a yearning to write. Her first novel, Shadow on the Crown, about the 11th-century queen of England, Emma of Normandy, was published in 2013. Its sequel, The Price of Blood, appeared in 2015. The final book of her Emma of Normandy Trilogy, The Steel Beneath the Silk was published March 2, 2021. Patricia lives with her husband in Oakland, California. Visit her website at http://www.patriciabracewell.com FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | INSTAGRAM Genre: Medieval/Historical Fiction Type: Novel Publisher: Bellastoria Press Publication Date: March 2, 2021 Series: Emma of Normandy, book 3 Content Rating: PG-13 View our rating system Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

Set against the rugged backdrop of an 1892 Colorado cattle ranch, A Touch of Frost combines adventure, secrets, and steamy romance. Jo Goodman delivers a page-turning story of Remington and Phoebe, with twists, humor, and sizzling chemistry that will keep readers hooked. At-a-Glance Tone: Steamy, adventurous, and dramatic with touches of humor Setting: Colorado cattle ranch, 1892 Genre: Historical western romance Themes: Love and desire, secrets and deception, courage, loyalty Best for readers who enjoy: Historical western romance with adventure, passion, secrets, and strong chemistry. Book Review of A Touch of Frost by Jo Goodman This steamy and well-written story set in Colorado will satisfy readers of historical western romance. Set on a cattle ranch in 1892, A Touch of Frost by Jo Goodman tells the story of Remington Frost, the handsome protector to Phoebe Apple on her journey from New York . . . only Phoebe doesn't know Remington is close by. When a train robbery turns out to also be a kidnapping, Remington must race to save Phoebe. When she discovers who he is, the son of her sister's husband, Thaddeus, she's not only shocked, but she has trouble keeping her distance. Will that be the end of Phoebe's troubles? Ms. Goodman takes the reader on a ride filled with adventure, drama, and humor. There are many levels to this story with plenty of twists to keep the reader turning page after page. The characters are fun and the author's storytelling style drew me in and held me close. There is plenty of bodice-ripping romance in this one for readers who like their books on the lusty side. With plenty of secrets to uncover, Remington and Phoebe have their work cut out for them. Get the Book Amazon Book Information Genre: Historical Western Romance Published: June 6, 2017 Print Length: 416pp Publisher: Berkley Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 5 Hearts Review Disclaimers and Notes: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). As of Aug. 202, we do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. The copy reviewed was provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley. This review is the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books and Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited by the Books and Benches team with help from ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or Wix. The review, and all opinions/thoughts within, are the reader's. Affiliate links are in use on this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link, and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission. It costs you nothing and helps us to maintain this website and pay for books to share. About the Book When a train robbery leaves Phoebe Apple in the hands of kidnappers, Remington Frost sets out to rescue the woman he has been secretly protecting. Their reunion becomes complicated when Phoebe discovers that Remington is the son of her sister's new husband—and that the attraction between them is impossible to ignore. Back at Twin Star Ranch in Colorado, Phoebe settles into her new surroundings while she and Remington uncover secrets and betrayal that threaten both the ranch and their growing romance. Get the Book Amazon Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If A Touch of Frost sparks your interest, consider sharing it with a friend who enjoys historical western romances. Explore more western romances in our archives.

Susanna Kearsley's The Shadowy Horses is an atmospheric blend of historical mystery, archaeology, the paranormal, and understated romance. Set in the Scottish Borderlands, the novel follows archaeologist Verity Grey as she searches for the lost Ninth Roman Legion—and finds that some mysteries may be more alive than she expected. With its windswept Scottish setting, village characters, ancient history, and just enough romance to complement the mystery, The Shadowy Horses has an unusual atmosphere all its own. A Reader's Opinion Brilliant, brooding, and beautiful! The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley is a well-written journey with a fascinating and endearing cast of characters. This atmospheric book had me back in Scotland, walking the hills and interacting with villagers. Perhaps it's the Scottish in me, or my former desire to become an anthropologist, but I easily found myself transfixed by the blend of archaeology, ghosts, special powers, and a sprinkling of romance. One might wonder at first how the author will manage to take all of these elements and fuse them into a cohesive story . . . Well, she does it, in first-person narrative no less. I say that simply because I'm not usually a fan, except in this case, the author's writing style is so smooth and flawless, and had me turning pages well into the night. The Shadowy Horses brings Verity Grey together with a mix of colorful village people, interesting colleagues, a charming young boy with a special gift, and a wealthy eccentric who isn't as daft as some people believe. I found myself enthralled with the history and paranormal, and I certainly enjoyed the dry humor scattered throughout. The romance is subtle, clean, and woven in like a delicate thread that vibrates through the story without overpowering other elements. Susanna Kearsley now ranks on my list of must-read authors. Read the book with an open mind and let the story take you where it will. About the Book Archaeologist Verity Grey travels to the Scottish Borderlands to investigate a possible Roman archaeological site connected to the mysterious disappearance of the Ninth Roman Legion. Her eccentric employer believes the site holds the answer to one of history's enduring mysteries, while a local boy's claims of seeing a Roman soldier add an unsettling supernatural element. As Verity explores the landscape and gets to know the people who live there, she finds herself drawn deeper into a mystery that reaches across centuries. BOOK INFO Genre: Dual-Timeline and Multi-Genre / Historical Mystery Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark Format Read: Paperback Source: From the reviewer's personal library Reviewed by: MK Content Rating: 2 Hearts — Some passionate kissing and romantic tension; nothing graphic. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more.

Julie Garwood's The Secret is a classic Highland historical romance filled with strong characters, spirited dialogue, family loyalty, and plenty of chemistry. The first book in the Highlands' Lairds series, it pairs Judith Hampton, an Englishwoman traveling to Scotland to meet the father she has never known, with Iain Maitland, the powerful laird sent to escort her. It's a story of clashing cultures, strong wills, unexpected tenderness, and a love that develops amid family secrets and danger. For readers who enjoy Highland romance, it's easy to see why this book has become such a well-loved favorite. A Reader's Opinion Call me a sucker for a Highland romance because I love Julie Garwood's, The Secret. Iain and Judith are a wonderful pair. Two strong individuals with their own worries, ideas, and passions come together with great dialogue and sigh-worthy passion. Garwood breaks some so-called writing rules in a few of her earlier books, but I don't pay attention to them because I love the book. It's a feel-good story with a well-worn spine because it's been read numerous times. This is a highly recommended book for anyone who loves historical Highland romance. Series: Highlands' Lairds, Book One Genre: Highlander/Scottish Romance; Historical Romance Author: Julie Garwood Publisher: Pocket Books Format Read: Mass Market Paperback Source: Reviewer's personal library Reviewed by: MK McClintock Rating: 5 Stars Content Rating: 5 Hearts BUY AT AMAZON VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM About the Book Judith Hampton travels from England to the Scottish Highlands to be with her childhood friend during the birth of her first child and to finally meet the father she has never known. Her escort is Iain Maitland, a powerful Highland laird whose fierce reputation does little to prepare him for Judith's independent spirit. As Judith becomes part of Iain's world, their initial clashes give way to attraction and affection. But family secrets and threats to the Maitland clan put their growing relationship to the test.

Johanna Lindsey delivers a satisfying Regency romance in Make Me Love You, filled with witty dialogue, verbal sparring, endearing characters, and undeniable chemistry. Brooke Whitworth and Lord Dominic Wolfe are determined to resist the marriage arranged for them—but neither quite expects how quickly their plans will go topsy-turvy. Here's why this entertaining romance earned five hearts from me. At-a-Glance Tone: Lighthearted, witty, and romantic Setting: Regency England Genre: Historical romance Themes: Love versus pride, misunderstandings, personal growth, happily-ever-after Best for readers of: Classic Regency romances, witty banter, and Johanna Lindsey fans looking for a charming standalone Book Review for Make Me Love You by Johanna Lindsey It goes without saying that Johanna Lindsey knows how to deliver a happily ever after . . . she just takes her time doing it which makes for an interesting and enjoyable story. Make Me Love You is sure to make you smile and fall in love! Brooke Whitworth is no mindless chit, and she certainly is willing to let a hard-headed lord stand in the way of their happiness. Dominic Wolfe is just as determined to make sure nothing comes of what he believes to be an insulting and ridiculous order, and his primary goal is to scare Brooke away . . . Except plans have a way of going topsy-turvy when least expected. ​ I'll admit that it's not quite up to par with her Malory series or even most of her western romances, but once I stopped comparing this to her earlier works, I found myself enjoying the book immensely! ​ With witty dialogue, endearing characters, wonderful chemistry, and enough verbal sparring to make you smile, laugh, and want to join the conversation, Make Me Love You is a win for Johanna Lindsey and readers of historical romance. Get a Copy Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble Book Information Publisher : ‎Gallery Books Publication date: ‎July 5, 2016 Edition: ‎First Edition Language: ‎English Print length: ‎384 pages ISBN-13: ‎978-1501105425 Genres: Historical Regency Romance Format Read: Hardcover Read by: MK Review Copy Source: Reviewer's Personal Library Content: 5 Hearts Review Disclaimers and Notes: The copy reviewed was purchased by the reviewer. This review is the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books and Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited by the Books and Benches team with help from ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or Wix. The review, and all opinions/thoughts within, are the reader's. Affiliate links are in use on this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link, and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission. It costs you nothing and helps us to maintain this website and pay for books to share. About the Book Brooke Whitworth expects her first London Season to end with a husband who will take her away from her unhappy family. Instead, an unexpected royal command sends her to Yorkshire to marry Lord Dominic Wolfe, her brother's sworn enemy. Dominic intends to frighten Brooke into refusing the match, but her resilience and determination make that much more difficult than he anticipated. Get a Copy Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If Make Me Love You sparks your interest or if you're a fan of Johanna Lindsey, consider sharing this book with a friend who enjoys historical romances. Explore more historical romances in our archives.

Set in medieval Scotland, Rory: A Scottish Outlaw by Lily Baldwin combines forbidden love, rebellion, adventure, and a romance between two strong-willed characters who are determined to protect the people and country they love. Lady Alexandria MacKenzie is caught up in the struggle for Scottish independence and needs to secure the future of her clan. Rory MacVie, a loyal and reputedly rakish secret agent, is sent to help her with a dangerous mission—but he has been specifically ruled out as a potential husband. Kaylie Morgan came to Rory: A Scottish Outlaw without having read the earlier books in the series, so her review offers a useful perspective for readers wondering whether they can begin with Rory's story. Here's what she thought. A Reader's Opinion A fantastic read! RORY: A SCOTTISH OUTLAW, is the first book I've read by Lily Baldwin. When I first started the story, I thought I might have missed something coming in at book three. However, the author ended chapter one on a great note and I easily kept going. Lady Alexandria "Alex" is a wonderful and strong heroine who loves Scotland above all else. Rory MacVie is a charming and loyal hero who also loves Scotland and would do anything for her. They are both honorable, spirited, and their passions and pursuits make them perfect for each other. Their romance is almost legendary! I feel like if I say much more, it will give away too much of the story. Because I hadn't read the first books in the series, I didn't know what to expect, but I was surprised a few times. The author did a good job of holding my interest, and she has a nice, easy writing style. RORY: A SCOTTISH OUTLAW is sure to please anyone who enjoys a sensual medieval adventure. About the Book Lady Alexandria MacKenzie is determined to protect her clan and support Scotland's fight for independence. When she needs help securing her future, Abbot Matthew provides three potential husbands—but also sends Rory MacVie, a reputed rake and secret agent, to accompany them on a dangerous mission. Rory may be forbidden from becoming Alexandria's suitor, but neither can ignore the attraction growing between them. BOOK INFO Genre: Medieval Historical Regency Release: December 10, 2016 Pages: 244pp Publisher: Duncurra LLC Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Kaylie Morgan Content Rating: 3 Hearts — Some sensuality and sexual tension, with intimate scenes kept behind closed doors. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more.

Set during the First World War, A Splendid Boy by Melanie Martin is a historical love story about Daniel Beresford and Emma Tavenor, whose relationship is tested by war, separation, and the divisions of class and circumstance. For Nicole Laverdure, the reviewer behind this post, their story was deeply moving. Here's her take on A Splendid Boy. A Reader's Opinion It is the most touching story I have ever read! A Splendid Boy, written by talented storyteller, Melanie Martin, is a captivating and very touching story of two beautiful souls who became heroes at the Battle of the Somme during the First World War. Their love for each other was so powerful that it survived the horrors and atrocities of the war. I'm overwhelmed with emotions, and I even cried during certain passages.A Splendid Boyis a little gem to discover! In the summer of 1914, two young people—Daniel and Emma—fell in love. To save his family from financial problems, Daniel leaves Emma and enlists in the Newfoundland Regiment to be sent to England to battle in war. Discovering he is gone, she enlists in the Voluntary Aid Detachment in hope of finding him alive among the chaos of wartime. In 1916, they meet for a brief moment, never to see each other again! Can their love to be strong enough to give them a second chance, against all odds? As soon as I started to read this touching story, I immediately got pulled into Daniel and Emma's beautiful journey of hope! Ms. Martin's research is well detailed and well written. This author is a very descriptive writer. I really enjoyed this dramatic story! About the Book In 1914, Daniel Beresford and Emma Tavenor fall deeply in love, but family circumstances and the First World War separate them. Daniel enlists in the Newfoundland Regiment, while Emma follows her own path to the Western Front as a volunteer nurse. When they meet again in 1916, their reunion comes just before the Battle of the Somme. Their story asks whether love can survive war, separation, and the barriers that once stood between them. Content Rating: 3 Hearts Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Genre: Historical Fiction Pub: May 27, 2016 Pages: 280pp Publisher: Flanker Press Format Read: Paperback Source: Provided by the author or publisher BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM

When the world feels too loud, Heartsong Cottage by Emily March is the kind of book I reach for. It's a gentle, comforting contemporary romance set in the Colorado Rockies, with characters who are dealing with loss, finding their way forward, and discovering that love can be part of healing. Here's why Heartsong Cottage remains a book I'd recommend when you're looking for a gentle contemporary romance with a strong sense of place. Book Review of Heartsong Cottage Heartsong Cottage is like a gentle breeze in a tumultuous world. The title and cover initially made me think this might have a Christmas feel, but I didn't experience it that way while reading. This is the first book I've read by Emily March, and it won't be the last! I really like her writing style, character development, and description of the settings. I felt as though I was there in the Colorado Rockies. I liked Shannon O'Toole all the way through. She's resilient, hard-working, and blends well with the other characters. I liked Daniel Garrett—a lot—up until one point in the story because of something he said. I find some actions easier to forgive than words. After that, I kind of liked him, but I lost all respect for him as a character, so that was a letdown, but I still enjoyed the romance. The secondary characters are absolutely delightful, and I imagine the entire series would be worth reading. The author did a great job creating the community and the surrounding area. A big bonus is that the book is clean while still offering a sweet, believable romance that culminates in a satisfying ending. Get the Book Amazon | Bookshop Book Information Series: Eternity Springs Genre: Contemporary Romance Release: Nov 3, 2015 Pages: 320pp Publisher: St. Martin's Reviewed by: MK Content Rating: 2 Hearts Review Disclaimers / Notes The copy reviewed was from the reviewer's personal library. This review reflects the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books & Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited by the Books & Benches team with help from ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or Wix. The review and all opinions/thoughts within are the reader’s. Affiliate links are used in this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — helping us maintain the site and share more books. About the Book Heartsong Cottage (Retailer Description Daniel Garrett is no stranger to heartache or tragedy. Haunted by the loss of his wife and son, he left the police force to devote his life to finding missing children. But he still hasn’t found a way to mend the wounds of his past—until he attends a wedding in the small town of Eternity Springs…and meets a beautiful woman who opens his heart to the healing power of love. Shannon O'Toole isn't looking for romance. Ever since her fiancé's death, she's thrown herself into her work renovating houses. But she can't deny her attraction to the sexy stranger she meets at a wedding. Daniel makes her feel things she hasn't felt in years—and one night in his arms has her yearning for more. But can Shannon trust a detective with her darkest secret? Is Daniel ready to take a second chance at love? In Eternity Springs, anything—and everything—is possible. Get the Book Amazon | Bookshop (Affiliate links in use) If Heartsong Cottage sparks your interest, explore more clean reads and contemporary romance.