A Time Traveler’s Masquerade: A McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance By Sian Ann Bessey-A Proper Romance Review

 Book Synopsis

"Excellent historical detail, high-stakes suspense, and lovely familial relationships, including Simon's young nephews, make this proper romance an enjoyable and page-turning read. Teens who like historical fiction, particularly Anglophiles, will enjoy this intriguing romance." -Booklist

Romance blossoms when Isla Crawford steps into McQuivey’s Costume Shop in London and is swept back in time to 1605, where she and Lord Bancroft attempt to thwart Guy Fawkes’s Gunpowder Plot.

One moment, Isla Crawford is inside McQuivey’s Costume Shop trying on a Jacobean-style gown for the parliamentary Autumn Ball, and the next, she is standing in an unfamiliar garden, barefoot, coatless, and at the mercy of a fierce storm. Confused, she seeks refuge in a Tudor manor, where she discovers that she has inexplicably traveled back to 1605, mere weeks before the culmination of Guy Fawkes’s infamous Gunpowder Plot.

Simon Hartworth, Lord Bancroft, finds his orderly seventeenth-century life disrupted when a mysterious woman appears on his sister’s doorstep during a storm. Intrigued by the stranger’s quirks and bewildering speech, he feels compelled to protect her and heed her warnings about a fatal plot against Parliament. As Simon is drawn into Isla’s dangerous scheme to stop the evildoers, he can’t help but also feel drawn to her.

With seemingly no way to get back home, Isla uses her twenty-first-century knowledge of the past to try to thwart Guy Fawkes and his coconspirators without altering the course of history forever. She and Simon must race to unravel the threads of the treasonous plot even as they wonder how their hearts will navigate their deepening connection and the seemingly insurmountable four centuries that separate their lives.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (April 1, 2025)
• Series : Proper Romance-A McQuivey’s Costume Shop Romance 
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933824

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Time Travel has long been one of my favorite themes. I was thrilled to learn that Proper Romance was launching a "Time Slip" series. It was even more exciting because Author Sian Ann Bessey was writing the first book.

The story begins inside McQuivey’s Costume Shop. Isla searches for a Wendy costume from Peter Pan. The shopkeeper suggests she try on a Jacobean-style gown. Suddenly, Isla is no longer in the shop. She finds herself in a garden, transported to a different time and place. Soon, she meets Lord Bancroft, Simon Hartworth, and his family. They are curious about her origins and reasons for being there.

I loved how the story mixes real history into a tale set in 1605, just weeks before Guy Fawkes’s Gunpowder Plot. Isla’s goal is to prevent this dangerous plan against Parliament and the King.

The relationship between Simon and Isla develops slowly, making it feel genuine. They both face tough challenges and must learn to trust each other. Their bond grows deeper as they uncover more about their separate worlds. The romance feels real and sincere because it takes time to blossom. As the date of the plot gets closer, the tension rises. Readers will wonder if Isla, Simon, and others can stop the impending threat.

This first book in a new series left me excited for more. I can’t wait to see what adventures await inside McQuivey’s Costume Shop.

****Meet Author Sian Ann Bessey****

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, and grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the United States, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, with a minor in English. She is a USA Today best-selling author. Sian and her husband, Kent, are the parents of five children and the grandparents of four girls and two boys. They live in Idaho, and although Sian doesn’t have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll­llantysiliogogogoch still rolls off her tongue.

~*~*~*~*Purchase A Time Traveler’s Masquerade  ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Paperback-https://a.co/d/65gHaA5

Kindle-https://a.co/d/1K6tITC

Deal for a Debutante: Sweet Historical Western Romance (Bridger Brothers Series) by Kate Condie-Review

 Book Synopsis

He is intrigued by her scars. She is wary of his attention. On a trail that steals so many lives, one can never be too careful.

Demi Anderson is looking to reinvent herself out west. With scars that mar half of her face, Demi has spent her life in the shadows. But when she realizes she’s falling in love with her sister’s fiancé, she knows it’s time for change. Heartbroken over a love that was never truly hers, she sets out on the treacherous journey west. Determined to do more than just escape, she wants to learn to talk to a man without her throat seizing up, to have the debut she was denied, and possibly, to feel the thrill of a man’s affection.

Alex Bridger isn’t looking for love– he’s looking for a wife. Practicality and logic guide his every step as he seeks a sturdy partner to help him build a life in the untamed wilderness of Oregon. When he encounters Demi, a stowaway in their wagon company, he quickly judges her as ill-suited for the harsh life ahead. Yet, despite his reservations, he can’t resist the urge to know the woman behind the scars.

But the journey west mocks both their plans. On a trail where danger lurks at every turn, passion can’t afford to dictate decisions. When illness strikes the wagon train, Demi finds herself relying on Alex for survival. Their forced proximity sparks a connection neither is prepared to confront, leaving them both to navigate the treacherous terrain of their hearts as they journey into the unknown.

Return to the trail with Deal for a Debutante, a standalone sweet historical western romance. It can be read alone, or as book 4 in the Bridger Brothers series.

Book Details

• Genre: Western Frontier Romance
• Series: Bridger Brothers
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (March 25, 2025)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 262 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8312862379

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  

My Review

Deal for a Debutante is the fourth book in the Bridger Brothers series. It is a Sweet Historical Western Romance. I have enjoyed every book in this series. Each story features the same characters but focuses on a different brother each time.

This story centers around Alex Bridger and Demi, Petra’s sister. I think this might be my favorite in the series now. Demi struggles with how she looks because of the scars on her face and this greatly affects her confidence. You can’t help but root for her and admire her selflessness, especially when it comes to promoting her pretty sister's interests. Your heart aches when she doubts that Alex genuinely likes her. She finds it hard to open up to anyone, especially Alex.

Alex is Nate’s twin brother. He’s always been the dependable, hard-working one. Nate is more playful and impulsive. People on the wagon train see Alex as the one who will help anyone. It’s why he sacrifices so much to care for Demi when she’s gravely ill. Demi thinks he’s just being kind. But secretly, Alex cares deeply for her and wants to be there for her.

I loved watching their relationship grow. Both Demi and Alex are strong-willed and often unsure of how to handle each other. Seeing their walls come down and their hearts open was one of the best parts. Kate Condie creates such real, lovable characters. It’s easy to feel connected to them and not want to put the book down. The story flows smoothly from start to finish.

This sweet historical romance is a standalone book. But I still recommend reading the series in order. It gives you a better understanding of the characters and their journey.

****Meet Author Kate Condie****

Kate Condie is a speed talker from Oregon. Reading has been part of her life since childhood, where she devoured everything from mysteries, to classics, to autobiographies—and of course, romance. At first, her writing was purely in journal format as she thought writing novels was for the lucky ones. She lives in Utah and spends her days surrounded by mountains with her favorite hunk, their four children and her laptop. In her free time she reads, tries to learn a host of new instruments, binge watches anything by BBC or tries to keep up with Lafayette as she sings the Hamilton soundtrack.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Deal for a Debutante: ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Paperback-https://a.co/d/60ceiwl

Kindle-https://a.co/d/c1tZh2s

Quicksilver By Callie Hart-Romantasy Book Review

 Book Synopsis

This #1 New York Times bestseller is a highly addicting enemies-to-lovers Romantasy with razor-sharp banter, heart-stopping action, and blistering hot romance.

Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.

Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember. In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water. But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.

When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares…but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her. Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.

Be careful of the deals you make, dear child. The devil is in the details... Now with an embossed cover, silver foiling, and an updated interior design.  

N.B. Quicksilver contains depictions of graphic violence/adult situations and is therefore recommended for readers 17+. For a full list of tropes and TWs, please visit the author's website. 

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Forever (December 3, 2024)
• Genre: Romantasy
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 624 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538774194
• ***Borrowed book from Library***
• 
  

My Review

I finally decided to read Quicksilver after hearing so much about it. It was part of my A-Z 2025 Reading Challenge, so I chose to listen to the audiobook.

The first half of the book didn’t excite me. Things moved slowly, and I couldn’t stand the main male character, Kingfisher. It’s never good when every time he speaks, I feel annoyed. He came off as rude, vengeful, and in a bad mood. However, as the story went on, I learned more about Kingfisher, which helped explain his actions. Even when he had wild, intimate moments with Saeris, I felt no connection. I skipped over those parts because, honestly, I didn’t want to hear about them. This book is definitely for adults, thanks to the sex scenes. Still, I found the magic system and the world in Quicksilver very interesting.

At times, I wanted to put the book down. I kept going because friends told me not to give up. The last quarter of the book was fantastic. I wish the whole thing felt like that. It was more exciting and included history that cleared up many confusing parts from earlier.

Now I wonder if I will read the next book. The ending, with a big cliffhanger, makes me want to find out what happens next. I hope the next book feels like the last part of this one. Would this be one of my top Romantasy books? No. I found more things to dislike than things I liked.  Still, that’s why there are so many books and authors. Everyone finds stories that match their taste.

****Meet Author Callie Hart****

Join Callie's newsletter for exclusive content: http://bit.ly/callienewsletter

Talk book boys in Callie's Reader Group: http://bit.ly/calliesdeviantdivas

Instagram: http://bit.ly/callieinstagram

Website: http://calliehart.com/

Text CHBOOKS to 77222 for new release updates, exclusive content, and sale alerts!

Callie Hart is a USA Today bestselling author of dark romance novels. She is an obsessive romantic who loves throwing a dark twist into her stories. Her characters are imperfect, flawed individuals who dictate when she eats, sleeps and breathes. She loves to travel and often pens her books when she's on the road, drawing inspiration from her surroundings.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Quicksilver ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/dSlxEPa

Paperback-https://a.co/d/gykH582

Kindle-https://a.co/d/elDsEes

Break My Fall: Book 2 of Gossamer Falls By Lynn H. Blackburn-Christian Mystery & Suspense Review

 

Book Synopsis

Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she's back home, she's made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But when Meredith enters his life, his walls crumble, and he's left exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell (March 18, 2025)
• Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense
• Series: Book 2 of 2: Gossamer Falls
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080074537X

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

• 
  

My Review

Break My Fall is the second book in Lynn H. Blackburn’s Gossamer Falls series. It’s a strong follow-up and keeps the story moving. I already enjoyed the Quinn family from Never Fall Again, and they remain a big part of this book.

This story fits well into the Romantic Suspense genre. It combines a budding romance with a mystery about a drug ring in a nearby town. Dr. Meredith Quinn faces threats to her life from unknown enemies. Police Chief Grayson also struggles with opening his heart and trusting again.

The book has moments of intense action and times of quiet reflection. The Quinn family’s protectiveness can feel a little overdone, even with good intentions. Most of the excitement builds in the last quarter and becomes very intense. During these scenes, Gray’s bravery shines through as he works tirelessly to keep Meredith safe from killers.

Overall, I found Break My Fall engaging with its suspense and unexpected twists. The story takes readers through a tough journey to find love and safety.

****Meet Author Lynn H. Blackburn****

Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she's sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas!

She’s currently writing the Gossamer Falls series set in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The series will include three novels and one novella and kicks off with Never Fall Again.

Unknown Threat, the first book in her Defend and Protect series, was a 2021 Christy Award finalist, and her previous titles have won the Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award.

Lynn lives in South Carolina with her family. You can stay up-to-date by signing up for her newsletter at her website and following her on social media @LynnHBlackburn.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Break My Fall ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/a0n2R2g

Hard Cover-https://a.co/d/aIa9RDP

Kindle-https://a.co/d/33rIwr8

Two Seconds Too Late (Jeopardy Falls #2) By Dani Pettrey-Christian Romantic Suspense

 

Book Synopsis

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a luxury spa and couple's retreat turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes without a trace, just hours after a public fight with her boyfriend. Worried something sinister has happened, her friends reach out to investigator Riley MacLeod, an expert skip tracer, for help. The assignment means going undercover at the retreat, which means pairing up with private investigator Greyson Chadwick. Their partnership ignites a tumultuous mix of attraction and distrust as Riley's unorthodox methods clash with Greyson's meticulous approach.

As they delve deeper into the case and a ruthless hitman is unleashed upon them, Riley and Greyson find themselves fighting not only for justice but for their very survival. Staying one step ahead of danger, the pair discovers a hidden truth that rocks them to the core. In their race against the clock, they can only hope that they're not too late.

With her signature pulse-pounding twists, Dani Pettrey weaves a gripping tale of love and survival in the face of unimaginable danger.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers (April 29, 2025)
• Genre : Christian Romantic Suspense
• Series : Jeopardy Falls #2
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764238493

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Reading a Dani Pettrey novel guarantees a wild ride. Two Seconds Too Late is the second book in the Jeopardy Falls series written by her.

Riley, her brothers, and Greyson form a private investigation team. Action kicks in from the very first page and doesn’t slow down.

Riley and Greyson are a relatable couple with many struggles early on. Their relationship is the opposite-attract type and tested when they go undercover at a luxury spa and resort. Their goal? Find a missing woman and avoid two dangerous hitmen who want to end their investigation. They pose as a couple, adding extra tension to their mission.

The story is packed with mysteries that unfold as the book goes on. Riley and Greyson quickly realize the woman’s disappearance is part of something bigger. They’re racing against time to find her. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow as obstacles kept them apart. Secrets, hidden motives, and possible links to the case add layers of suspicion and keep the story interesting.

Overall, Two Seconds Too Late delivers a gripping mystery and suspense story. It keeps readers hooked with twists, surprises, and intense moments until the very last page.

****Meet Author Dani Pettrey ****

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly one million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).

She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Two Seconds Too Late   ~*~*~*~*

HERE

Paperback-https://a.co/d/3KCcXfi

Kindle-https://a.co/d/16uGUJP