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When a body is found in the Happy Place Animal Sanctuary, wildlife reporter Kristy Farrell is on the case. She soon discovers this was no accident. It was MURDER!
Five people were present at the sanctuary when the death occurred. As Kristy digs deeply into the victim's past, she uncovers dark secrets affecting each of these five suspects--powerful motives for murder.
Meanwhile, life is anything but calm on the home front. The best friend of Kristy's widowed mother is a victim of a pyramid scam. Kristy, assisted by her veterinarian daughter, is determined to expose the fraud although it may be at great personal risk.
Back at the sanctuary, things are spiraling downhill. Wolves escape and another body is found. With the bad publicity, the sanctuary may be forced to close. And a killer is still on the loose!
Despite being thwarted at every move by her nemesis, the blustery Detective Wolfe, Kristy uncovers a major hole in the alibi of a key suspect. But as she gets nearer to closing in on this killer, it looks a if she might become the third victim.
Book Details
Genre: Cozy Mystery Published by: Encircle Publications Publication Date: September 4, 2024 Number of Pages: 280 ISBN: 9781645995609 (ISBN10: 1645995607) Series: A Kristy Farrell Cozy Mystery, 4 Book Links:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Encircle Publications
****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.****
BEARLY EVIDENT
I started back for my appointment with the sanctuary’s business manager when I heard voices coming from behind a desk. I recognized one of the vices. I snuck behind to look and listen.
“I know you want her job, and to tell the truth, I’d much prefer you,” Nick Lamonica said.
“Why can’t you fire her?” asked the other man. I couldn’t see his face, but he wore orange leather boots.
“Be patient,” Nick answered, “She may be gone sooner than you realize.”
A woman’s scream pierced the air.
Nick and the man in orange boots sped off in the direction of the scream. I raced after them.
The screams had come from Gina Garone, the sanctuary director. She pointed to one of the animal habitats. Spread across the grass was a body.
Hovering over the body was a mountain of fur with fangs.
Bella the bear.
***
Excerpt from Bearly Evident by Lois Schmitt. Copyright 2024 by Lois Schmitt. Reproduced with permission from Lois Schmitt. All rights reserved.
My Review
As an animal enthusiast and advocate for rescues and conservation efforts, this book appealed to me immediately. Bearly Evident is not just a foul-play mystery; surprisingly, it also has a good dose of humor.
The story features Kristy Farrell, a reporter for Animal Advocate Magazine, who is at the Happy Place Animal Sanctuary to write an article when a body is discovered. Kristy switches into detective mode to uncover who is behind the crime. Her approach to questioning people is quite amusing. At one point, she has five or six suspects on her list. Chaos ensues at the sanctuary with animals escaping and shady characters lurking around. Kristy gathered so much information about each suspect that I was left completely confused about who was causing all the trouble. There's also a subplot involving a pyramid scheme tied to Kristy's mom's friend, and I loved how that storyline wrapped up.
I admired Kristy's bravery and determination as she tackled both mysteries. This is the fourth book in the series, but I’m definitely going to read the first three because I truly enjoyed the author's creative storytelling. Lois Schmitt crafts fantastic characters who have unique voices and relatable flaws.
Bearly Evident works well as a standalone novel. If you’re a fan of intriguing mysteries, interesting characters, and a book that's hard to put down, you’ll really enjoy this one.
****Meet Author Lois Schmitt****
A mystery fan since she read her first Nancy Drew novel, Lois Schmitt combines a love of mysteries with a love of animals in her series featuring wildlife reporter Kristy Farrell which includes Monkey Business, the first in the series, Something Fishy, 2nd runner-up for the Killer Claymore Award, and Playing Possum, Silver Falchion Award Finalist. Bearly Evident is the fourth in the series, but each book can be read as a stand alone.
She is a member of several wildlife and humane organizations as well as Mystery Writers of America and the Long Island Author's Guild. Lois worked for many years as a freelance writer and is the author of Smart Spending, a consumer education book for young adults. She previously served as media spokesperson for a local consumer affairs agency and often incorporates consumer scams into her books. She also taught at Nassau Community College.
Lois lives in Massapequa, New York with her family which includes a 120 pound Bernese Mountain dog. This dog bears a striking resemblance to Archie, a huge dog of many breeds, featured in her mystery series.
The ink on her diploma is barely dry, but Princess Victoria of Sereno is ready to tackle her first project as CEO of the new family business venture, The Royal Sands Resort. Only a month remains until their distinguished guests arrive for her sister Cassie’s coronation, and Victoria has her work cut out for her. Busy with preparations, she assumes that all eyes are on her sister. It’s an assumption that nearly kills her . . .
CIA operative Alan Neisler and his canine partner have been tasked with protecting the royal family of Sereno in the days leading up to the coronation. The job seems straightforward—until he finds himself diffusing a bomb the first day he’s on duty. When a second device is found at the family’s beach resort, Alan’s prime objective shifts to protecting Princess Victoria. As Victoria learns to trust Alan with her safety, sparks fly with the man who saves her life. Twice. But if they have any hope of making plans for a happily ever after, Alan and Victoria must outwit a deadly adversary who will stop at nothing to destroy the monarchy.
****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
The Royals Series has been a favorite of mine for many years, so I was thrilled to learn that Book 5 was on its way. This novel centers around Princess Victoria of Sereno and CIA agent Alan Neisler. Victoria returns to Sereno after completing her graduate studies, stepping into the role of CEO for the family’s new resort. Alan, accompanied by his K-9 partner Max, is brought in to manage security for the upcoming Royal Coronation of the new Queen.
The story is filled with tension, including bomb threats and lives at risk, along with mysterious blackmailers. Alan's intelligence and bravery shine through, particularly in his interactions with Max, the bomb-sniffing dog, and Victoria's new puppy, Shadow. It’s a delight to see familiar characters return from earlier books, especially the close-knit relationship among the royal sisters. Abramson masterfully weaves a gripping mystery around the threats, keeping readers guessing until nearly the end.
The romance between Victoria and Alan feels genuine and relatable as they already had a connection from previous stories. Their relationship is heartwarming, and Alan is immensely supportive of Victoria.Royal Duty kept me hooked late into the night. Abramson’s writing is so engaging that it’s tough to put the books down. With one royal sister still single, I'm hopeful for another book in the series.
****Meet Author Traci Hunter Abramson****
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe.) Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality - best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary - Adult Novel of the Year.) She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and recently retired from coaching high school swimming.
Justice can be elusive. Family secrets can be deadly.
The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking in a volatile criminal case filled with unanswered questions. And Carrington Reed is running short on time to piece together clues that will solve the puzzle.
Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer.
Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up.
As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out.
Award winning author DiAnn Mills delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness.
My Review
DiAnn Mills, the author of Lethal Standoff, captivates readers from the very start. The story features Carrington Reed a successful hostage negotiator who works hard to resolve crises peacefully. She's brave, calm, and self-assured, yet she carries long-standing fears from her past and concerns about her health that linger in her mind.
A charming investigative reporter, Levi Ehrlich has admired Carrington's dedication and expertise in the past. Their paths cross again during a chaotic kidnapping incident where 15 hostages are trapped in an abandoned house by two brothers from Texas. The stakes are high, and the outlook seems grim.
This story had me hooked on my Kindle. The tension and mysteries keep the pages turning, revealing that the hostage crisis is just the tip of the iceberg. The Texas community holds deeper secrets that intertwine various lives in very unexpected ways. Readers will find themselves piecing together clues that lead to a shocking conclusion that no one saw coming, especially me.
The romance between Carrington and Levi feels authentic and heartwarming. Both characters experience personal growth as they confront their challenges. Additionally, themes of faith and belief in God enrich the characters' development. Lethal Standoff is non-stop excitement, leaving you guessing about what will happen next. Having already read another book by Mills, I've quickly come to consider her an author I can’t wait to read more from. She expertly delivers a rollercoaster of romantic suspense with unexpected twists and gripping tension throughout the novel.
Praise for Lethal Standoff
"DiAnn Mills delivers another pulse-pounding thriller you’re going to love. Lethal Standoff combines gripping tension with a captivating mystery, skillfully woven by DiAnn’s signature storytelling. She navigates the high-stakes world of hostage rescue, proving once again why she’s a master of the genre." ~ Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series and The Chosen novels
"In Lethal Standoff, DiAnn Mills works magic―weaving suspense and intrigue into a heart-pounding hostage thriller. Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is a hero with heart who refuses to quit even when it means risking her own life for strangers. Don't miss this high-stakes gambit set in south Texas that will keep you flipping pages to the very end." ~ Andrews & Wilson, bestselling authors of Dark Intercept
"Warning: do not start this book if you intend to put it down any time soon. This is a roller-coaster ride. A bullet-biter. A heart-thumper. This is DiAnn Mills at her best." ~ Eva Marie Everson, bestselling author and CEO of Word Weavers International
"Lethal Standoff has everything I look for in a great novel! Alongside a heartwarming romance, the plot and themes of this page-turner are pulled from current events and offer a hopeful, triumphant message for readers. Highly recommended." ~ Deborah Raney, author of Breath of Heaven in the Camfield Legacy series
Lethal Standoff Trailer:
Book Details:
Genre: Romantic Suspense Published by: Tyndale House Publishers Publication Date: September 3, 2024 Number of Pages: 368 ISBN: 9781496485106 (ISBN10: 1496485106) Book Links:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Tyndale House Publishers****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.****
Read an Excerpt:
Chapter One
SEPTEMBER - CARRINGTON
My role as a hostage negotiator often plunged me into the evil designs of the human mind. I embraced the responsibility and possible danger because it’s my identity— a one-woman battlefront determined to free others from victimization.
The challenge excited me, but fear of failure stalked me, and respect for human life was my constant companion. Too often innocent lives depended on my ability to negotiate their safe release without anyone getting hurt. The demands, rewards, and sometimes the defeats with tragic outcomes kept me awake at night. How could I have done things differently? My apprenticeship began when I was eight years old, but thinking about those days didn’t change the past. Right now, lives were in jeopardy. . . .
I’d driven ten minutes out from a critical situation on a Wednesday afternoon when my cell phone rang. My contact, a detective from the Houston Police Department, had spent several hours talking to an angry man who held his wife and son hostage.
“Carrington, we have the information you requested,” Detective Aaron Peters said. “The man inside the home is the owner, Nick Henderson. Age thirty-five. Married to Christine. He’s holding his wife and eight- year- old son at gunpoint. Yesterday, he was served divorce papers, and we believe this is in retaliation.”
Hurt. Rejected. Probably a lit stick of dynamite. “You talked to him from the outside?”
“We’ve routed his calls through our mobile command center. I tried talking to him. Got nowhere. He hung up on me.” Aaron blew out his frustration.
Domestic calls were the most dangerous, often violent, causing me to appreciate my Kevlar vest. I had a handgun in my purse, but I could count on one hand the times I’d pulled it. Never used it. “All right. I’m nearly there. SWAT in place?”
“Yes, two have clear shots. Not an action I want to take unless necessary.”
“Me either. What are Henderson’s demands?”
“Just to leave him alone or he’ll pull the trigger on his family.”
Cool, calm focus settled on me. My ability to mediate critical discussions depended on my wearing emotional blinders to the outside world. “When did the problem start?”
“The wife phoned 911 at 8:00 a.m. today. I don’t know how long he was there before she reached out to us. We’ve been called here twice in the past month for domestic abuse.”
I glanced at my watch, and it neared 4:00 p.m. “Have HPD negotiators been talking to him?”
“Yes. Henderson hung up on them too. He’s drinking. Slurring his words. Seems to have trouble concentrating.”
Alcohol could make him more volatile. Flashing lights appeared on the residential street ahead. “I’m parking now. Give me five minutes.”
“I’m standing beside my car in front of the house.”
“Aaron, do you have Henderson’s work history?”
“Fired three months ago from Home Depot, where he held a management role. They walked him out of the store in front of his employees.”
The man definitely had nothing to lose.
Phone in hand, I hurried from my parked truck and raced to where police cars barricaded the entrance to the street where Henderson held his family. A reporter blocked my way between vehicles. She rammed a mic in front of my face.
“Carrington Reed, do you think this standoff will have a peaceful resolution?”
My blood boiled. The last time I had verbally unleashed on her aggressive means to get the best story, she lied in her article about my concern for those in danger. I paused long enough to give her eye contact. “My goal is always a peaceful solution. Excuse me, I need to talk to HPD.”
“Are the police advocating a violent takedown?”
“No.” I sidestepped around her and ignored her shouts.
Aaron stood in front of the home and waved. He had the appearance of average—average height, weight, gray eyes, brown hair, and shoulder span— but nothing about his physical appearance showed his intense scrutiny of a crime scene. His rating as one of HPD’s finest hit my respect button.
“Good to see you. I’d like the man’s cell number,” I said. “I assume my cell phone is routed through the command center too?”
“Sure thing.” He gave me the information. “The wife’s name is Christine, and the son’s name is Rand.”
I nodded my thanks and pressed in the digits. A man answered on the second ring.
“Nick, this is Carrington. I’m standing beside a police car outside your house, and I’d like to help you.”
“I . . . leave me alone.” He spoke fast and loudly. “I’m busy.”
“What do you need?”
“You can get rid of all those cops. I can’t breathe.”
I expected a more belligerent response. “Nick, I can’t do that. These officers are here to protect you in case someone tries to break into your home and hurt you.”
“I’d kill my wife and kid first.”
“Tell me why you feel that way.”
“They deserve it for the way they’ve treated me.” He stumbled over his words. “I’m a good husband and dad.”
“I’m sure you’re great at both. Tell me what’s hurting you.”
***
Excerpt from LETHAL STANDOFF by DiAnn Mills. Copyright 2024 by DiAnn Mills. Reproduced with permission from DiAnn Mills. All rights reserved.
****Meet Author DiAnn Mills****
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
Jianetta is the newest arrival to the court of the powerful Gonzaga family, and she comes with a plan. She’ll need to use all her cunning to steal the secrets of the Gonzaga’s new and beautiful horse breed to rescue her own family’s crumbling finances. But her mission to betray the family is turned upside down as she meets the young heir to the Gonzaga fortune, Armand, who has ambition and heavy secrets of his own.
Drawn together in nearly hopeless circumstances, the two of them must decide between following their hearts or honoring their family names. Will Jianetta’s secret be uncovered, or will she lose it all, including her chance at an unexpected love?
Book Details
Publisher : Independently published (July 29, 2024)
Genre: Historical Romance
Language : English
Paperback : 248 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8334173842
****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
Jianetta's Secret is set in Renaissance Italy. This story keeps you always guessing about what will happen next. Sweet Jianetta has been sent by her unloving father to the Gonzaga family’s palazzo in Mantua, Italy. Her mission? To uncover the secrets behind the royal family's successful horse breeding. Jia is somewhat naïve and struggling to fit in and can only communicate in French, which makes it challenging in this foreign place. She's bullied by the other girls at court, but Armand, the heir to the country, and his rebellious cousin Matteo take a liking to her.
Amidst Italy’s stunning scenery, horses, art, and delicious food, there's a pure romance brewing. From the moment Jia and Armand meet, their attraction is evident. Their bond deepens as they learn to trust one another and discover what truly matters in life. The story includes just enough tension to keep things interesting, and it’s heart-wrenching when betrayal strikes those we care about.
The ending might surprise you, but it's satisfying and ties everything together nicely.
****Meet Author Margot Hovley****
Margot was raised in rural Washington State, where she worked as a girl pig-herder and champion produce boxmaker. She now lives and plays in Utah with her big family. When she’s not storytelling, she’s hanging out with family, teaching music to the somewhat willing, and fooling with techy gadgets. She loves hiking, traveling, and concocting adventures.
An unexpected wedding disaster leads to an unexpected love.
Serafina Russo’s best friend Britt is getting married in two weeks. But an unexpected death in the family takes the engaged couple out of the country to attend the funeral. That leaves Sera, the timid maid-of-honor, and Axel Rodrigues, best man, famous baseball star, and NYC’s most eligible bachelor, to take care of last-minute wedding details and hopefully prevent their best friends’ wedding from becoming a disaster. While dealing with unexpected cancellations and catastrophes Sera discovers that Axel is not just famous and incredibly good-looking, he is also kind, helpful, and funny. Sera and Alex discover that when opposites attract, sparks fly, love ignites, and something wonderful happens.
Book Details
Publisher : Michele Ashman Bell (August 15, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 274 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8985126716
****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
Stand in for Love is a delightful romantic comedy that I really enjoyed. Serafina Russo and Axel Rodrigues take on the roles of Maid of Honor and Best Man, and need to make sure everything runs smoothly for their friends' wedding. With the engaged couple stuck out of the country, it's up to the shy Sera and the charming Axel to tackle all the last-minute details.
I loved Sera, who goes above and beyond to support her friend Britt. Axel also contributes a lot thanks to his connections and background. Sera tries her best not to get swept away by Axel's charm, but it's a tough battle. As things start going haywire, there are plenty of funny moments. If something could go wrong, it did—from the dress to the cake to the venue. Teaming up boosts Sera's confidence, and Axel discovers a side of life he didn’t know he was searching for.
This story blends humor, frustration, and heartwarming moments with sweet romance. I easily read it in one day because I was excited to find out what would happen next. Michele Ashman Bell serves up a fun, witty, and inspiring romantic comedy that’s hard to resist.
****Meet Author Michele Ashman Bell***
Michele Ashman Bell grew up in St. George, Utah. In fourth grade her
teacher wrote on her report card that she had a tendency to daydream
and would probably do well with creative writing. Her love for books
and learning about people and places has helped her make her teacher's
prediction come true. Michele is the author of many books and Christmas stories. She is married and is the mother of four children, and a grandma of ten. Aside from supporting her children in all of
their many activities, she loves to travel, do research for her
What happens when a grumpy earl meets a sunshine lady? Sparks are sure to fly in this lively Regency!
She’s falling for the earl…
When she’s already betrothed!
Mark, the Earl of Inverness, escapes to London to avoid his mother’s matchmaking, and the wounds of war that continue to haunt him. So, when a macaw flies into his garden, he’s intrigued by his new neighbor following behind…and the dazzling woman proves just the distraction he needs!
Lady Helen Stringham reluctantly agreed to a Season in exchange for becoming conveniently engaged to her childhood friend when she returns home. But after she encounters broodingly handsome Mark, who shares her passion for animals, she’s discovering what real attraction is… Just who should she be marrying?
****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
The Stringham Family Series introduces a cast of interesting and unexpected characters. In "Accidental Courtship with the Earl," readers meet even more quirky main characters. Lady Helen finally gets her moment in the spotlight as she matures and prepares to take on the world. We’ve followed her older siblings in earlier books, and they make appearances here as well.
Mark, the Earl of Inverness, has returned from the war with a wounded spirit and missing a leg. He struggles with his scars, both physical and mental, and is convinced that no woman from high society would ever want him.
When Helen and Mark cross paths in a light-hearted moment, Lady Helen climbs over a fence to rescue her bird, capturing Mark’s attention—he thinks she looks like a Fairy Queen. Their shared struggles create a unique bond from the start. The humor shines as Helen navigates her unconventional escapades that challenge societal expectations for young women. She has a passion for snakes and nature, which she joyfully shares. While her family embraces her quirks, Mark feels alienated from his own family. As they spend more time together, their attraction deepens.
This novel focuses less on drama and more on the personal journeys of the characters. There are a few steamy moments, but nothing beyond that and the focus remains on the themes of hope and renewal throughout the story. Samantha Hastings has truly made the Stringham family one of my favorites.
****Meet Author Samantha Hastings****
Samantha Hastings has worked as a tennis instructor, janitor, basketball referee, adjunct college faculty, teen librarian, and now as an author. She has a BA in History from Brigham Young University, an MA in English from the University of Reading (in Berkshire, England), and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, and chasing her kids. For more information visit www.samanthahastings.com
~*~*~*~*Purchase Accidental Courtship with the Earl~*~*~*~*
Mercy Rothschild has always been granted an unusually long tether by her parents, who have never pushed her to marry until she’s ready. She assumes that when the right man comes along, she will marry for love. However, even her long-suffering parents have their limits. As she embarks on her third Season, they begin to pressure her to find a match. And the Duke of Harrington is the perfect candidate.
Nicholas Kendrick, Duke of Harrington, follows the rules of the ton meticulously. When he determines that Mercy is the ideal candidate for a wife, he marches dutifully toward her along the courtship path. Desperate to extricate herself from Harrington’s advances, Mercy concludes that there is only one course of action: she must push her intended into the arms of another woman. But when Mercy becomes acquainted with the man behind the proper facade, her plans come crashing down as she realizes that stiff and proper Harrington might be the very man she’s been waiting for. If only she hadn’t been so successful in her plot to thwart her chances with him.
****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
Proper Scandals has been an enjoyable series. I was thrilled to see Nicholas Kendrick, the Duke of Harrington, get his own story in A Proper Scandal. Nicholas faces many pressures, including the need to find a wife. His plans for a proper courtship go off track when he meets Mercy Rothschild.
Mercy is young and eager to find true love like her parents had. She believes she must fall in love to marry, making her dream of True Love a challenge for Nicholas's courtship plans. She thinks he’s too old and formal, but her parents are eager for her to marry a Duke.
Watching Mercy lead the Duke on a wild chase was entertaining. While Nicholas had good intentions, Mercy was more focused on making him think about past relationships. She orchestrated some awkward situations with those previous loves, leaving Nicholas completely in the dark. There were moments when I wanted to send Mercy to her room for being so mischievous.
It was fun to see characters from earlier books return, providing support to Nicholas. As the barriers between him and Mercy began to crumble, the story grew more thrilling. The slow-building tension between Mercy and Nicholas erupted into exciting moments filled with dancing, chess games, and a library rendezvous that made me a little giddy. I won't be forgetting that scene for a while. With plenty of misunderstandings, clever schemes, and the eventual breakdown of their facades, they might just discover true love.
I'm sad the series has finished, but I know I’ll read these stories again. Esther Hatch knows how to craft a love story filled with tension, romance, and humor. The relationship between these two very different characters looking for love will keep you entertained throughout this sweet, clean Regency romance.
****Meet Author Esther Hatch****
Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. Visit her at estherhatch.com.
