The Determined Lord Hadleigh by Virginia Heath

4 stars

The Determined Lord Hadleigh is book four of the King’s Elite series of historical romances.

Although this can be read as a stand-alone, to get the most from the series I would suggest reading them in order.

The story is set in 1820 and opens with a trial at the Old Bailey. Viscount Penhurst was found guilty of being a key part in a large smuggling ring.

Although this was a satisfying result, Lord Hadleigh, the crown prosecutor, was left feeling guilty over the final sentence, because it left Penhurst’s wife and son without a home and penniless.

I enjoyed the mix of themes within this story, particularly the backgrounds of both Penny and Hadleigh. Added to this were the strong secondary characters: Jessamine, the Dowager Baroness Penmor and Harriet. Their banter and delightful attitude lifted Penny when she was unsure…

Today’s team review is from Karen, she blogs here https://mytrainofthoughtson.wordpress.com

Karen has been reading A Bittersweet Garden by Caren J Werlinger

My Opinion

This book introduces you to Nora McNeill, fulfilling her lifelong dream to visit the birthplace of her ancestors.

With “A Bittersweet Garden”, Caren J. Werlinger has created a wonderful story of exploring one’s Irish ancestry, dealing with a ghost, as well as a little history of Ireland and a touch of romance. It is a very enjoyable and compelling read, drawing you in as you learn more about Nora and the other characters. Caren J. Werlinger paints a clear picture of Nora and Briana’s minds while the story evolves. I was drawn very close to Nora – a woman who follows Ireland’s calling, needs to find herself, and has to deal with a strong-willed ghost. The characters are complex, believable with their flaws and virtues…

Today’s team review is from Liz, she blogs here https://lizannelloyd.wordpress.com/

Liz has been reading A Modest Independence: Parish Orphans of Devon #2 by Mimi Matthews

This unusual Victorian romance tells the story of two people who do not plan marriage with anyone. At 28, Jenny Holloway is a spinster “past her prime” and after life as a drudge caring for her ungrateful father, her ambition is for independence and the opportunity to travel. Tom Finchley is a successful, London attorney whose lonely childhood has given him the drive to work long hours, with little time for pleasure.  But as Jenny sets out to travel to British India with her legacy and two trustworthy servants, Tom finds himself compelled to accompany her.  Soon, despite antagonism, they draw closer and begin an intimate friendship not normally possible for respectable single men and women.

Mimi Matthews has the ability to reveal her…

Her Midnight Sin by Sofie Darling

4 stars

Her Midnight Sin is a Regency romance. Callie is a widow, who currently runs Wyldcombe Grange in Devon. It’s part of Viscount St. Alban’s estate, and one he wishes to sell off. But it’s Callie’s home and she’s poured her heart into making it turn a profit; she can’t stand the thought of losing it all. In her haste to raise the funds to buy the property herself, Callie strikes a deal with a notorious pirate.

John Nylander is a law-abiding captain of The Fortuyn. An orphan, he was raised by Viscount St. Alban’s sea-faring family. Chance circumstances and a bout of malaria have him sent to Wyldcombe Grange to convalesce. Once recovered, he admires the way Callie runs the estate; it would be just the place he would like to have for himself.

To Callie, Nylander is the very attractive enemy…

The Disgraceful Lord Gray by Virginia Heath

4 stars

The Disgraceful Lord Grey is an historical romance and part of the King’s Elite series. It takes place in Suffolk in 1820.

The King’s Elite are on the trail of The Boss, a notorious leader of a smuggling gang. Lord Graham Chadwick (Gray) and his superior Lord Fennimore have set themselves up as neighbours of Viscount Gislingham, who may just be the elusive Boss.

Whilst swimming in a stream, Gray meets Gisingham’s niece Thea. He uses the chance meeting to secure an introduction to her uncle, but the man he meets seems unlikely to fit the role of a gang leader. Instead the charming Gislingham encourages Gray to pursue his niece.

Romancing Thea might be easy for Gray because he likes her, but he has a scandalous past; one which left him penniless. However Thea is not an easy catch, and…