When I’m feeling a bit of burn-out from heavier books, or just if the goings-on in the outside world feel like a lot, I often pick up a romance book. Sometimes they have SFF elements and sometimes they don’t – it just depends on my mood that day. Regardless, I never know where to put all my romance reviews. I thought collecting a few mini-reviews in one post might help spotlight a few indie authors I enjoy reading!
If you’re in the mood for some easy-to-read romance books, here are a few reviews and recommendations all in one spot! A couple of these are lightly SFF, but some of them aren’t at all.
- The Lady is Trouble by Tracy Sumner
Synopsis
In the first in Tracy Sumner’s sizzling League of Lords historical series, mysticism and paranormal abilities in Victorian England set the stage for a captivating love affair…
He’s a viscount with a dark past who yearns for the one woman he can’t have. She’s a psychic firebrand. Rebellious, spurned by society and determined to change his mind.
What’s a defiant woman to do when the man she’s meant for doesn’t believe in love?
After three years of waiting for Julian Alexander to realize they are destined to be together, Lady Piper Scott takes matters into her own hands. Because her gift as a healer has never done anything but distance her from the most principled man in England. A meaningless diversion as a medium, all done to gain a certain wandering viscount’s attention, backfires. As most endeavors have for a woman known in the ton as Scandalous Scott.
What’s a reluctant viscount to do when the woman he can’t have becomes the woman he can’t live without?
Julian Alexander, Lord Beauchamp, battled his way from the lowliest slum to assume his title. He carries not only a turbulent past, but a mystical psychic gift that separates him from society. Honorable to his core, he is committed to protecting a community of outcasts with abilities like his own. He has no time, no place, for love. Or repeatedly rescuing the most outrageous, beguiling woman he’s ever known. Even if she needs his protection most—and he desires her above all others.
Seduction, intrigue and desire lead to an explosive passion…
Julian vowed to shield Piper from the deadly foes seeking to possess her powerful gift. Although he needs her help in controlling his own, the mix could be deadly. Soon what was once a simple agreement to work together becomes enchantingly complex as they surrender to a timeless love…
Review:
The Lady is Trouble is Book 1 in a series from Tracy Sumner that mixes paranormal abilities with Victorian England. Think X-Men meets historical romance. I had high hopes for this series, especially since the premise sounded so much like a book I would love. I love historical romance! I love a good SFF twist! And there’s friends-to-lovers, which is my favorite!! Unfortunately, this wasn’t the book for me. Readers are thrown into a world with little explanation of what’s going on. There are far too many characters right off the bat. It’s just too much, too soon. It also doesn’t feel historical romance-y enough. I did like this author’s writing, so I would be up for reading more of her work in the future.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
** review copy received from Booksirens
- Wish Upon a Christmas Duke by Amanda Mariel
Synopsis
In the frost-kissed ambiance of wintry England, where snow blankets the landscape and a Christmas house party twinkles with festive cheer, fate orchestrates an enchanting love story. Lady Elizabeth Breckenridge, an epitome of grace with her golden locks and captivating cerulean eyes, steps into the seasonal revelry, her heart yearning for a love that has eluded her through two bustling social seasons.
Everett St. Giles, the Earl of Brookfield, a distinguished figure with raven-dark hair and piercing gray eyes that hold secrets untold exudes an air of mystery. However, when he lays eyes upon Lady Elizabeth amidst the holiday merriment, something inexplicable stirs within him—a sudden, unforeseen attraction that defies reason.
Their encounter, amid flickering candlelight and the festive allure of mistletoe, sparks an immediate connection that neither anticipated. In a whirlwind of shared laughter and stolen glances, Lady Elizabeth and Lord Brookfield find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, swept up in a whirlwind of emotions that blossoms unexpectedly amidst the joyous Christmas festivities.
As the season of goodwill unfolds, their hearts entwine in an unexpected dance of affection. Will Lady Elizabeth and Lord Brookfield discover that amidst the magic of the holiday season, love can be the most wondrous gift of all?
Review:
Not over Holiday romances? This is a delightfully uncomplicated Regency Christmas novella between two not-terrible people. Both main characters are nice to others and ready for love. There’s little to no angst and neither “fight” their attraction. There is no 3rd act break-up, which I appreciated. In other words, if you want a lovely little romance with no fights or mean people, this gem is the one to pick up.
I’ve enjoyed all the Amanda Mariel books I’ve read so far, and this one was no exception. If you’re looking for a cozy wintery romance, this is a perfect choice!
Tropes:
Insta-love
Christmas Romance
Yule-Log Wishes
House-Party.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
** review copy received from Booksprout
- Fate & Future by Tamar Sloan
Synopsis
After everything I’ve seen, I’m not sure humanity deserve the hours and days they’re gifted with. Luckily, despite being the demigod daughter of Kronos, I have no intention of using my powers to stop time. I’ve learned the catastrophic effects that can have…
It’s Micah who shows me a world of beauty beneath the shadows. He’s hot, soulful, and steadfastly optimistic. And he keeps disappearing as mysteriously as he appears.
Now someone’s messing with people’s timelines and my father needs answers. As darkness closes in, as Micah’s secrets grow, I realize the higher I hope, the further I have to fall.
And if there’s no one to catch me, stopping time is the only way to protect myself from a world of hurt.
Review:
Tamar Sloan is an excellent writer, but this isn’t the series for me, unfortunately. Several of this author’s other series have been winners for me, but this one wasn’t quite what I expected. I knew this would be an urban fantasy series, but I didn’t realize just how modern it would feel. This is my own fault, as modern-set urban fantasies aren’t usually my cup of tea. If you like YA urban fantasy set in the present day, like Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones, this is probably a good read for you!.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
** review copy received from Booksprout
- The Officer and the Thief by Cara Devlin
Synopsis: “Read all about how Sir and Hugh Marsden met in The Officer and the Thief.”
Review: This short story is a prequel story for the Bow Street Duchess series by Cara Devlin, one of my very favorite indie series. While this short story isn’t a romance, the main series is. This short story shows how Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden first teams up with a street kid named Sir. The short story is told is true Cara Devlin fashion, with both mystery and heart. You could read this as a standalone, but I would recommend reading it directly before or after Murder at the Seven Dials to get the most out of it.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars – I picked this short story up for free from the author’s newsletter, so this totally counts for #ThriftyThursday!
I’m curious if you all have any “comfort reads” or genres you mix in between harder-hitting or heavier books?
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