Review - - The Beast Takes a Bride

The Beast Takes a Bride

by Julie Anne Long

The Palace of Rogues - Book 8

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast…

He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever. 

But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is real: Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love.

PJ's Thoughts:

A Julie Anne Long book is like a beautiful symphony of words that transports the reader through a myriad of feelings. She is an author who can move me to laughter, tears, and a number of other emotions with equal ease of skill. She's one of the few authors I read slowly, savoring the unique flavor of each perfectly placed word. 

Marriage in trouble is not my favorite romance trope, especially when the estrangement begins with a betrayal, but in the hands of Long it's nothing short of a masterpiece. Nothing is black and white with Magnus and Alexandra. There are shades of gray, layers to be explored, reasons for actions, and suppressed feelings waiting to blossom...if tended properly. This estrangement heading for permanent separation is explored with relatable, realistic, poignant care leading to understanding, acceptance, and a deep, abiding love. I loved their growth, individually and as a couple, and cheered them on as enthusiastically as if they were personal friends. Which in a way they are. 

Every character at the Grand Palace on the Thames has become like family. I feel like I have a vested interest in the happiness of all of them. Long brings them to life with charm, wit, adorable awkwardness, humor, and relatable human flaws. They are vividly depicted, bringing a rich texture to the overall story, supporting the journey of each book's main couple without overshadowing them. It's a balance that Long pulls off with perfection. 

If you have yet to discover Julie Anne Long, in my opinion you're missing out on one of the best historical romance authors out there. Why not begin with The Beast Takes a Bride. It has my highest Top Dish recommendation. 

Review - - Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels

Deadlines, Donuts & Dreidels

by Jennifer Wilck 

Holidays, Heart and Chutzpah - Book 3

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Reviewed by Hellie

Journalist Jessica Sacks’s career is on the line if she doesn’t ace this next assignment. She must interview firefighter Thomas Carville, Browerville’s celebrated hero—and her forever crush since childhood. When Jessica returns home for Hanukkah, handsome Thomas takes her breath away. And rudely shuts her down when she asks for an interview.

Thomas knows he and the man he saved are both lucky to be alive, regardless of his actions. And now Jessica is poking into his business. Thomas would rather kiss her under the mistletoe than answer her questions. But his priority is protecting his sobriety and his secret. They’re as far apart as Christmas and Hanukkah, but even their differences can’t trump the power of love.

Hellie’s Heeds

I got to read the other two books in this series–and I think that made the reading of this book even more joyful as we got to visit with other beloved characters and continue to see them in the small town setting that Wilck created. Special Edition Harlequin books are known to really tug at heartstrings, and this one is no exception as Thomas is a hero who is seeking redemption. (Okay, maybe not seeking–because he doesn’t think he’s worthy of it–but that’s the trope nonetheless. He needs it.) Thomas as a hero is very complicated–since when you find out his secret–it makes him a real and flawed person, but as such, he is also in need of real world consequences for what has happened. Wilck doesn’t shy away from the real world consequences, but still is able to provide a satisfying and hopeful ending that brings two people together who need and deserve love. 

This is not to suggest that Jessica the heroine is not without flaws–she has her own issues. Due to the shame of being fired from her job, she is not honest or forthcoming with Thomas or her parents–and for a bit, even her friends. I had some issues with Jessica and her job–being that the reason she was fired, I thought that for someone who had worked 10 years at this position (which seemed stretching it because she was only 28 in the book and she was a journalist–and I believe she was also a college graduate)--and with the experience, I thought the mistake she made was something only a real rookie would have done. Then again, it is entirely possible to have led a rather charmed work life–and it was just a doozy of a mistake you made. Still. The doozy of a mistake it was–I did find it rather far-fetched she was upset that they wouldn’t give her a second chance. But…I also recognize we needed to get the heroine back home and interact with the hero, and this was a very clear way to do it. 

That aside, the chemistry between the characters and the scenes that built up their romance–as well as additional conflict of coming from different religions, also added to the atmosphere of how will this have a happy ending? I also enjoyed learning more about the traditions of Hanukkah and experiencing a blending of Christmas and Hanukkah traditions and celebrations where everyone was curious, respectful, and accepting. Which is definitely what the season is all about, in my book. 

Review & Giveaway - - Lightning in her Hands

Lightning in her Hands

by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Wild Magic - Book 2

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: October 15, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

Teal Flores is desperate for two things—control over her gift of weather, and a date to her ex’s wedding. The first isn’t possible until she finds her long-lost mother, but the second has a very handsome last-ditch solution: Carter Velasquez.

Carter needs Teal too. His chance at receiving an inheritance is dependent on him being married by age thirty (blame his traditional Cuban grandmother), so who better to pose as his wife than Teal? But fake marriage and cohabitation prove tricky when mutual attraction charges the atmosphere—quite literally for Teal, whose volatile emotions cause lightning strikes.

Together, Teal and Carter embark on a quest to find her mother and the answers she’s searching for. But along the way, they’ll discover something even better: a love that can weather any storm.

PJ's Thoughts:

I've read several friends-to-lovers tropes recently but this one has unique twists that make it stand apart from the rest. Gilliland pulled me into this dysfunctional family in her first book, Witch of Wild Things, leaving me eager to discover more about the Flores sisters, their sibling relationship, romantic relationships, and magical abilities. After reading book one, I thought I knew what I'd be getting with middle sister, Teal. I got so much more.

This book has so many layers and Gilliland expertly navigates every one of them. Teal is a complex character. I didn't like her in book one, wasn't sure I liked her in the first part of book two, and ended up loving her by the end. My heart ached for her when all she had been through was revealed. It answered so many questions. I enjoyed her growth throughout the book, how hard she worked to achieve that growth, and especially her efforts to mend her relationships with her sisters. It was all realistically depicted and relatable, as was the ebb and flow of her evolving relationship with Carter, a genuinely nice guy who loves and supports her but isn't without flaws to overcome himself.

Then there's the magic. The abilities these sisters have, and the things that have happened to them, should be unbelievable and yet Gilliland crafts them in such a way that they seem perfectly natural and believable. Of course, Teal's emotions control the weather. Of course, Sage communicates with plants. Of course, animals talk with Sky. And speaking of youngest sister, Sky, you won't believe what she's been through. I cannot wait for her book. Can. Not. Wait. 

If you enjoy fast-paced stories with flawed characters, emotional depth, snappy humor, sibling dynamics, Latin (Mexican/Cuban) culture, magical realism, and hard-won happy endings, give this series a try. For the best reading experience and understanding of the characters, I strongly recommend reading the books in order. 

Have you read any of the books in this series?

What are your thoughts about magical realism in romance?

If you could have one magical ability, what would you choose?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 30 will receive a print copy of Lightning in her Hands.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Made for Mistletoe

Made for Mistletoe

by Nan Reinhardt

The Walkers of Rivers Edge - Book 3

Publisher: Tule Publishing

Release Date: October 24, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

This Christmas he has big plans until he meets a beautiful distraction….

Army reservist Cameron Walker loves everything about the holidays in River’s Edge—celebrating with his big family and carving out more time to work on his custom design furniture in his studio. But when he meets a visiting artist and niece of a family friend, he’s eager to break his work plans for play. He knows first-hand life’s short.

Teacher and artist Harper Gaines is bowled over by the handsome and friendly finish carpenter she meets during her vacation. His admiration for her art and his enthusiasm for life light her up, and remind her of how much she’s been missing since her soldier husband’s death. But when she discovers Cam’s also a soldier, she retreats, unable to risk another loss.

Cam has never felt such a strong connection, and he won’t give up without a fight. But will Cam’s persistence and the magic of Christmas be enough to convince Harper to take a chance on them?

PJ's Thoughts:

Nan Reinhardt's River's Edge books are always hopeful and heartfelt but those set during the holidays seem to have that extra punch of emotion. Made for Mistletoe has all the feelings. 

I adored Cam. How could I not? He's like a Golden Retriever puppy with his huge heart, kind soul, over-the-top love of all things Christmas, and dedication to helping others. Harper really has no chance against all that sweetness, charm, and sex appeal, except...

Harper Gaines is stuck, mired in grief, and unable to move forward. Reinhardt's depiction of her is so realistic, so relatable. My heart bled for her. I could feel her pain so acutely, moved to tears more than once. I appreciate the journey that was crafted for her, the time and patience given as she navigates the incredibly difficult process of moving on with life and courageously opening her heart a second time. 

I enjoyed the gradual evolution of the friendship between Cam and Harper that slowly deepens into more, the respect and support they give to one another, and the sizzle of attraction that, while always there, waits patiently on the back burner until the time is right. I love the connections that are forged between Harper and other women in River's Edge, how each one opens a pathway toward healing. And I love the layers within Cam that give his character unexpected depth without losing that special light that shines from his heart. 

River's Edge really is a magical place. I wish it was real. I wish I could visit and spend time with all of the wonderful characters who inhabit Nan Reinhardt's fictional world. They feel real to me. I'm emotionally invested in their lives, their well-being, their happiness.

If you're looking for heart-tugging, small-town, contemporary romance with a strong sense of community, emotional depth, a sprinkling of humor, feel-good romance, and a hard-won, happy ending, check out Made for Mistletoe. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. If you're new to River's Edge, don't worry. You can jump in with Made for Mistletoe and do just fine. 

Review - - Hero for the Holidays

Hero for the Holidays

by Maisey Yates

Four Corners Ranch - Book 9

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

When Landry King shows up at Four Corners Ranch with Lila, the teenage daughter no one ever knew he had, it sets the gossip mill churning. Landry’s daughter has lost her adoptive parents and is in desperate need of a new family. So this Christmas, the untamed cowboy is finally getting the chance to become the father he could never have been when Lila was born. Even if it means dealing with his other biggest regret…

Fia Sullivan hates Landry King. That’s how it’s always been. At least, that’s how it’s been since their dramatic teenage love affair ended in a way that shattered their hearts and left them with wounds that never healed. When Landry dredges up her most agonizing secret, Fia’s devastated…and also overjoyed at the possibility of the new life they could have. But there’s only so long she can be near Landry before their simmering desire reignites. Can they finally overcome their past pain to find new love—and new family—this Christmas?

PJ's Thoughts:

Maisey Yates is an author I turn to for complex family dynamics and deeply emotional romance with a western flair. I like some of her books more than others but she’s an author who has never let me down. Her newest novel, a second-chance, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers story with deep emotional underpinnings just may be my all-time Yates favorite.

Everyone on the Four Corners Ranch knows Fia Sullivan and Landry King can’t stand each other but nobody knows why. Those of us who have been reading this series don’t know why. Hero for the Holidays opens with that reason and, boy howdy, it’s a doozy. What follows is a roller coaster of emotions as Fia, Landry, and Lila navigate the life-changing events that have been thrust upon all three of them.

What I enjoyed most about this book is the evolution of these characters, both individually as well as a family unit. I like how Yates leaves no stone unturned in the development and evolution of Fia and Landry as she guides them through a present-day reflection of the turmoil of their teens, something they had never talked about, helping them forge a new understanding of decisions made at that time through the more mature lens of the people they are today. It’s a gradual process, with ups and downs, as is to be expected when you’ve spent years believing you’re 100% in the right about something only to realize maybe you shoulder some of the blame. Their individual growth paves the way for forgiveness, understanding, and a chance to rekindle an old love in a more balanced, mature, and enduring, though no less fiery, way. These two have chemistry!

Lila offers another layer of emotion, complication, sarcastic humor, and hope as only a young teen whose life has imploded can. She’s authentic, relatable, and has a firm grip on my heart, as she does with Landry, Fia, and the entire King and Sullivan families. She’s the heartbreaking - but ultimately healing - catalyst for the changes that are long overdue in Landry’s and Fia’s lives. I laughed with her, ached for her, loved her. She’s one of my favorite characters of this entire series. 

Hero for the Holidays is the ninth book in the Four Corners Ranch series. While several characters and couples from earlier books are featured in this book, Yates has written the story in such a way that it can be enjoyed as a standalone. I’ve read all of the books and it’s fun to catch up with other characters but I don’t think starting with Hero for the Holidays would lessen the emotional impact of Fia’s and Landry’s story. It might, however, make you curious enough to pick up the other eight books. ;-)

Review - - Christmas is All Around

Christmas Is All Around

by Martha Waters

Publisher: Atria Books

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Reviewed by Santa

Charlotte hates the holidays. As a former child actress, she starred in a modern classic of a holiday movie, and its fans won’t let her move on. When a piece revealing that her reluctance nixed plans for a reboot, she flees to London to spend the five-week countdown to the holidays with her sister.

But the ghosts of Christmas past follow her there when she ends up at Eden Priory, a filming location for the movie she has never visited. There, after being recognized by a fan while viewing the extraordinary holiday decorations, she’s accidently left behind, forcing her to accept a ride back to London from Graham, the son of the owners. Their family business—and the funds to keep their historic house running—relies on holiday cheer, and Graham knows a visit from a holiday star would bring in more visitors.

Now an illustrator, Charlotte accepts a commission illustrating iconic holiday movie scenes in London and its environs. Graham offers to help escort her, as long as she’ll commit to an art workshop at Eden Priory. But as Charlotte’s chaotic family holiday goes awry, she begins spending more time scouting locations with Graham. She may not love a Christmas romance…but what if she has one of her own?

Santa says:

Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters is grumpy meets sunshine slow burn holiday romance set in England and I am here for all of it! What’s not to love when our one and done former child star heroine Charlotte would rather eat glass than make merry? Content to earn her living as a successful illustrator, Charlotte is thrown into the spotlight when her rabid fans react negatively to her nixing a reboot of her Christmas movie she made years ago. And who can resist a handsome Englishman? 

Charlotte packs her bags and heads to her sister’s house to lay low and avoid Christmas cheer. No such luck as her sister, husband and his parents are bound and determined to pack in as much Christmas fun for her niece who expresses her opinions loudly. She reluctantly tags along and is most excited to visit the home of one of her favorite artists Eden Priory. An honest to goodness proper English home complete with its own park. She is horrified to find that she recognizes the interior from her movie and panics when a fan recognizes her. She runs to an alcove to hide where she finds one of the reindeer stepping out of costume. 

As meet cutes go, Charlotte’s watching Graham’s strip tease is a treasure. Her luck seemed to turn for the better because Graham is a direct descendant of the original owner of the Priory. He and his family are trying their best to conserve and maintain the Priory but leaky roofs cost money and so they have opened their home to nostalgic Christmas revelers. It didn’t hurt that visitors came to see where a portion of everyone's - except Charlotte - favorite Christmas movie was filmed. 

Graham takes her away from the crowds and following a private tour Charlotte finds she’s been left behind. Graham drives her back to London where he also happens to live. On the way they strike a deal for Charlotte to make drawings of famous grand houses to sell at the Priory. Going with Graham to all these locations gives Charlotte an easy out of further Christmas happenings on her sister’s must do list. 

As fate would have it, Graham loves Christmas and introduces Charlotte to his traditions. I mean the man even loves to make mince meat. And I’m sure there’s a plum pudding on the hob somewhere. As Christmas is all around, they fall in love at the end but don’t own up to those feelings right away. Charlotte does not like to be vulnerable and does not trust easily. Her fears are brought to light when Graham’s family blind side her. Can Graham prove his worth? It is a near thing at the end. 

Martha Waters writes the most delightful characters. The dialog is witty. The story unfolds naturally and there is real character growth. She always writes relatable stories no matter what the time period. I am glad to see her venturing into writing contemporary rom coms and look forward to her next projects.

 

Review - - Murder in Highbury

Murder in Highbury

by Vanessa Kelly

An Emma Knightley Mystery - Book 1

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .   

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .   

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

PJ's Thoughts:

If you like Jane Austen, if you like cozy mysteries, or if you just enjoy a well-written story with intriguing characters set in the bucolic English countryside, Murder in Highbury is a book that should be added to your fall reading list. 

Vanessa Kelly is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I enjoy the humor, passion, danger, and adventure I've come to expect from her books and wasn't sure how I felt about her move to this new genre. After reading Murder in Highbury, I can say, without reservation, that I love it. Kelly's homage to Austen's Emma is charming and cozy, with a tightly-crafted mystery, lively characters who light up the page, and a beautifully descriptive setting that immersed me in the small village of Highbury and the secrets she's been keeping.

I enjoyed this book so much that I wanted to read it in one day but the leisurely pace of the village and her citizens forced me to slow down, savor the story, and give it the time it deserved. It enabled me to fully appreciate the nuances that Kelly has infused into the characters as well as the subtle twists and turns that kept me guessing as to who among the citizenry may have been involved in the murder.

I am hooked and already looking forward to Emma Knightley's next foray into amateur sleuthing. I would be happy if Vanessa Kelly planned many more books for this delightful series. 

Winner - - The Holiday Honeymoon Switch

 

The randomly chosen winner of 

a print copy of

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia McKay is

Jody Hunt

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Wedding Engagement

The Wedding Engagement

by Zoe Allison

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: October 8, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

Planning a wedding is so romantic . . . except when it’s not yours, and you’re planning it with the guy you’re secretly crushing on.
 
Scottish schoolteacher Liv Holland has a secret. She’s been carrying a torch for Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. A blind date gone wrong cements in Liv’s mind that Arran has no romantic interest in her whatsoever. But then, with her brother set to marry her own best friend, she and Arran are enlisted to help plan the festivities…

After being left at the altar by his ex, single father Arran is having trouble managing his growing feelings towards the woman who is both his best friend’s sister and his son’s teacher: Liv. Then his mind is blown when fate thrusts them together for an unexpected blind date, but he messes up his chance to tell her how he feels.
 
As the big day approaches and Liv and Arran’s connection intensifies, their chemistry chafes against their checkered romantic histories. Risking everything for love could mean losing each other forever . . . or being the next ones to find their happy ever after.

PJ's Thoughts:

I am really enjoying these characters. We first met best friends Sam, Nico, and Arran and Maya, Liv, and Elise in The Ex-Mas Holidays (Sam and Maya's story - read my review here). Now, in book two, Allison takes readers back to the Scottish highlands for a celebration of Sam and Maya's happily ever after and an unexpected friends-to-lovers journey for besties Arran and Liv. 

Allison has packed this book with fun, laughter, steamy times, tender moments, and more than a little angst. I love Arran and Liv together. I love the ease of their friendship, the respect and support between them, and Liv's sweet relationship with Arran's young son, Jayce. The author takes her time with them, slowly growing their feelings in an organic way that feels right for the emotional barriers holding both of them back. 

Arran's emotional baggage is on full display but Liv is hiding a multitude of complex feelings that are slowly revealed over the course of the story. I appreciate how the author deals with her issues and the fact that she doesn't give her an "easy fix" but rather treats them with the gravity they deserve. Both Arran and Liv have significant growth that includes an endearing grand gesture and a proposal that both brought me to smiling tears and convinced me that these three (Arran, Liv, and Jayce) are destined for a wonderful life together. 

Waiting in the wings are Nico and Elise...I hope! These frenemies throw off too many intriguing sparks to not be in line for a romance of their own. I'll be watching for more information about the possibility of a book three.

The Wedding Engagement could be enjoyed on its own but because the six friends, plus some supporting characters, are all present - and intrinsic - to the storylines in both books, I found it a lot more fun to read the books in order, beginning with The Ex-Mas Holidays. Wherever you decide to begin, both books have my enthusiastic recommendation. 

If you do not enjoy salty language you should be aware that there is quite a bit of it in this book. I do have to say, though, that after spending six weeks in the UK this year, it felt organic to these characters and not at all gratuitous. 

Have you read any Zoe Allison books?

Do you enjoy contemporary romances set in Scotland?

What's your favorite romance trope?

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, October 23 will receive a print copy of The Wedding Engagement, courtesy of Berkley Publishing. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18