Review - - To Heist and to Hold

To Heist and to Hold

by Christina Britton

Wimpole Street Widows Society - Book 1

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Reviewed by PJ
 

A vigilante widow and a casino owner are both trying to bluff their way to a winning hand.

Heloise Marlowe has always forged her own path. As a former blacksmith and fencing instructor, she wasn’t just going to sit around knitting after her husband died. The Wimpole Street Widows Society, a secret group dedicated to balancing the scales of justice, was a much better fit for her skills. Her newest mission: seduce the owner of the club Dionysus and gain access to the den’s inner workings. She didn’t mind putting her body on the line, but she wasn’t prepared to gamble her heart.

Ethan Sinclaire has worked hard to clean up his club after the betrayal of his brother. But now, rumors are swirling that his club is just as crooked as before. He won’t let anyone destroy what he’s built, so when Heloise starts poking around, he decides to go all in, in hopes that she’ll show her hand. Enjoying her company is the easy part. Keeping himself from falling—that’s a whole different card game.

PJ's Thoughts:

Christina Britton launches her new historical romance series with an intriguing story of mystery, adventure, sensual romance, and unexpected feelings. 

It took me a while to get into the story or feel invested in the characters, not unusual with book one of a series. There's a fair amount of set-up and introductions to dispense with before we really get into the meat of the journey. By the end of the first third of the book, however, I had developed an emotional attachment to both Ethan and Heloise. These two are the heartbeat of the romance in this book, both carrying some deep emotional baggage. Their physical connection is steamy and fast but Britton takes her time developing their emotional connection in a realistic and wholly satisfying way. 

The mystery portion of the book is well crafted with more than a few red herrings and surprise twists along the way. It kept me guessing, settling upon then discarding various theories right up until the big reveal. I love when an author keeps me from figuring things out too soon.

There's a sizeable ensemble supporting cast in this book, with characters from both the Widow's Society and Ethan's gaming club, Dionysus that I'm hopeful we'll see more of in future books. The relationships that are explored in both establishments, both new ones among the widows and lifelong bonds among Ethan and his family/friends/business partners, are instrumental in the individual growth of Ethan and Heloise as well as their romantic relationship as a couple. 

All in all, this was a solid first book in what has the potential to be another romantic, adventure-filled, highly satisfying series by Christina Britton. I'm already eager to discover what she has in store for readers next and who will step into the spotlight in book two. 

Review - - The Duke's All That

The Duke's All That

by Christina Britton

Synneful Spinsters - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: February 6, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

A heartbreaking betrayal. A secret life. A love that deserves a second chance.

Iain MacInnes, Duke of Balgair, has spent the last thirteen years believing his wife is dead—until he receives word that she is very much alive and living under an assumed name on the remote Isle of Synne. He sets off with only one goal in mind: bring his wife back to Scotland where he can divorce her and expose her for the liar she is.

After a devastating deception by the man who was supposed to love her, Seraphina did what was necessary to keep herself and her sisters safe. And though she’s still haunted by the events that tore her world apart all those years ago, she’s made a happy life on Synne, surrounded by loyal friends and building a secret career as a popular author. Now that Iain has found her, however, all that is at risk.

Despite their long separation, the attraction between Iain and Seraphina still burns strong. But with so much hurt and betrayal between them, can they possibly find their way back to each other?

PJ's Thoughts:

I fell in love with Christina Britton's writing while reading her first Isle of Synne book, A Good Duke is Hard to Find, four years ago. Since then, each successive book set on Synne has only reinforced that initial reaction. Her newest, The Duke's All That, just may be my favorite of the whole bunch. 

Seraphina and Iain checked all my happy romance reader buttons with their enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, road romance. I always knew there was more to Seraphina's story than what had unfolded during the course of her stay on Synne. I never imagined the layers, the betrayals, the heartache and pain, but also the strength and courage that lurked in her secretive past. Every time I thought I couldn't admire her more a new secret was revealed and my admiration, and affection, doubled. Iain is a new character so I had no idea what to expect from him but it didn't take long for him to forge his way into my affections as well. These two had been betrayed in a horrible, life altering manner. I couldn't help but pull for them to find their way back to one another. 

I love a story that pushes all my emotional buttons and this one certainly did that. There's yearning, angst, retribution, character growth, family dynamics, steamy desire, and the love and support of a steadfast community of women...a couple dukes...and one salty parrot, with a Scottish brogue, who is the source of much humor but also heartache (no worries - the parrot is hearty and healthy at the end). Nothing in the journey feels rushed. Britton takes her time with these two, slowly revealing secrets and layers, unveiling the events of the past thirteen years that they've been apart. She also takes her time rebuilding the trust, affection, and desire that had been such a crucial part of their young relationship, before it was blown to smithereens. There were more than a few twists along the way but by the time I reached the conclusion with these two both my mind and my heart were happy with the outcome. 

The Duke's All That is a tumultuous, deeply emotional, sometimes humorous, and thoroughly satisfying reawakening of love that's going straight to my keeper shelf where I have no doubt I'll be visiting it again. Though characters from earlier books appear in this one, readers new to Britton could absolutely enjoy this as a standalone. If you prefer to read books in order but are put off by the length of the series, I recommend beginning with Some Dukes Have All the Luck, book one in the Synneful Spinsters trilogy set within the Isle of Synne world. If you want to go back to the beginning, I've listed all of the books in order below with links to my reviews. 

Isle of Synne:

A Good Duke is Hard to Find

Someday My Duke Will Come

A Duke Worth Fighting For

Synneful Spinsters:

Some Dukes Have All the Luck

What's a Duke Got to Do With It

The Duke's All That

Review & Giveaway - - What's a Duke Got to Do With It

What's a Duke Got to Do With It

by Christina Britton

Synneful Spinsters - Book 2

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: July 11, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

In this emotional tale of acceptance and healing, a woman unlucky in life and love has a second chance at romance when she runs into a dashing Duke from her past.

The last thing Katrina Denby expected to find in her garden is the body of the man who ruined her three seasons ago. No matter that his death is a tragic accident, the rumors are enough to kill any woman’s prospects. With two scandals now hounding her, the best she can hope for is a hasty marriage of convenience—until her first love shows up in her drawing room, reminding her of all the reasons why she wanted a love match. If only he weren’t already engaged. . .

Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh, knows what he has to do to save the dukedom from the crushing debts and scandal his father left: marry and marry well. He’s picked the lady, too—a baron’s daughter who is pleasant, if a little boring. But seeing Katrina again makes him want to throw all those perfectly laid plans out the window. The first chance he had with her, he chose his duty over his heart. Doing so again might prove utterly impossible.

PJ's Thoughts:

I fell hard for all three couples in Christina Britton's Isle of Synne series but you know what? I'm enjoying her spinoff Synneful Spinsters even more. A collection of intelligent, independent-minded women past the first blush of youth who don't quite fit in with society for a variety of reasons but who win the hearts of men who love them precisely because of who they are, not in spite of it. 

I always enjoy a complex, emotionally-layered, second chance romance, especially when the couple was separated by events beyond their control. In this case, Sebastian and Katrina were on the verge of declaring their feelings when his father's health called him away and another man's stupid decision cast Katrina out of society in shame (though she did nothing wrong). When they are unexpectedly reunited years later, it quickly becomes apparent the feelings they once held still simmer but circumstances for both are quite significantly changed. Which will prevail this time around? Hearts? Or duty?

Oh, the yearning in this book. So much yearning between these two. I loved it. Britton does a wonderful job of layering their journey with a complex web of obstacles and emotions that test their resolve. She gives them opportunities to become reacquainted which then begin to deepen feelings between them that never really went away while also keeping the reasons that prevent them from being together in full view. She does not make it easy for these two and, I confess, I couldn't quite figure out how she would work it all out to my satisfaction in the end. Of course, she did. 

I love the chemistry between Katrina and Sebastian but also the foundation of friendship that it is built upon. I enjoyed the clear communication between them, how they both moved forward with eyes open, knowing the consequences for any actions and making decisions together, how they defended and supported one another. Especially, how Sebastian repeatedly leaped to Katrina's defense. I also loved their easiness and humor and especially how Sebastian interacted with Mouse, Katrina's lovable but exceedingly exuberant Great Dane. You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats your dog. Just saying. 

The secondary cast once again provides richness and texture - not to mention matchmaking - with several characters from other books popping in and out. You can absolutely enjoy this second Synneful Spinsters book on its own but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I highly recommend all of the books in the two Isle of Synne series. 

If you enjoy emotion-driven romances with complex characters, witty dialog, strong female friendships, swoony heroes, intrepid heroines, humor, and a hard-won happily ever after, you can't go wrong with Christina Britton's What's a Duke Got to Do With It. And, if you especially enjoy seeing the heroine's selfish, unfeeling brother get what's coming to him in the end? Well, that's just extra icing on this delicious historical romance cake. 

Have you read Christina Britton yet?

Do you have a favorite Isle of Synne couple?

What's your favorite breed of dog? 

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, July 23 will receive a print copy of What's a Duke Got to Do With It.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Thank you to Forever for their generous donation of today's giveaway. 

Review & Giveaway - - Some Dukes Have All the Luck

Some Dukes Have All the Luck

by Christina Britton

Synneful Spinsters - Book 1

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: November 8, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

Ash Hawkins, Duke of Buckley, no more wants to marry than he wants a stick in his eye. As the owner of a gaming hell, he is all too aware the odds of a happy marriage are against him. But raising his three rebellious wards alone is proving more than he can handle. He needs to find someone who stands to benefit from a marriage of convenience as much as he does. Someone logical, clinical, and rational. And in a stroke of luck, he quite literally stumbles over just such a woman.

After years of ridicule for being more interested in bugs than boys, Bronwyn has accepted that she’ll never marry for love. Her parents, however, are threatening to find her a husband. Bronwyn doesn’t need any scientific research to show her Ash has secrets. But his proposal would give her the freedom to continue her entomology research and perhaps finally get published. Just as long as she can keep her mind on her work and off his piercing eyes, broad shoulders, and wicked, wicked tongue.

PJ's Thoughts:

Christina Britton keeps upping her game with each book she publishes. I've enjoyed all of them but this one is my favorite so far. In fact, it's one of my favorite books this year. 

I'm a pushover for an emotionally tortured hero who believes himself unworthy of love while at the same time aching to open his heart. In this book, it's not only romantic love that Ash holds at bay but his feelings for his three young wards as well. Wards who have a connection with him of which they are unaware and who believe he only wants to be rid of them. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Then there's Bronwyn, who has to be in the running for my favorite heroine this year. A socially awkward young woman with a brilliant scientific mind, she's saddled with parents who only value her for her ability to gain them entrance into society through marriage. What they do to her in pursuit of their goals is atrocious. It's no wonder she agrees to a marriage of convenience with Ash (who she does not realize is a duke) the day after they're introduced. I wanted to ship her parents off to a deserted island somewhere in the middle of the Pacific. 

What follows is an emotionally layered journey between Ash and Bronwyn that made me laugh, made me cry, and filled me with so many feelings. I adore Bronwyn with her pragmatic, scientific approach to life. Her discussion with Ash about physical relations is one of my favorite scenes in the book (snort laughing ensued). I adore Ash even more for the way he responds to that, how he values her for who she is and desires her because of that (sizzling chemistry between these two!). I love how he supports and encourages her dreams, how he slowly loses his heart to her while also believing his heart isn't worthy of her love. And how satisfying it is to watch Bronwyn blossom under the attention of someone who has no wish to change her or denigrate her intelligence. And this isn't a one-way street. Bronwyn's impact on Ash's life is profound. These two (actually five, counting the girls) are meant to be a family and watching that come to fruition filled me with so much joy.

The Oddments, Bronwyn's group of friends (all spinsters) feature prominently in her journey and have me even more eager for more stories in this series. If you've read Britton's Isle of Synne series, you'll recognize them along with a few other secondary characters but if you're new to her writing, you should be able to jump in with Some Dukes Have All the Luck without missing a beat. I do, however, enthusiastically recommend all of the Isle of Synne books as well. Check out my reviews below.

A Good Duke is Hard to Find

Someday My Duke Will Come

A Duke Worth Fighting For

Have you read Christina Britton yet?

Do you enjoy marriage of convenience romance? What's your favorite romance trope?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 9 will receive a print copy of Some Dukes Have All the Luck. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

 

Review & Giveaway - - A Duke Worth Fighting For

A Duke Worth Fighting For

by Christina Britton

Isle of Synne - Book 3

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 24, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Daniel Hayle, Duke of Carlisle, returned from Waterloo a hero, and he has the wounds to prove it. But he dreads the coming London season as he never did the battlefield, where his lack of social skills is certain to make it difficult to find a wife. What he needs is someone to help him practice socializing with the ton. Someone who isn’t frightened away by his scars . . .

Margery Kitteridge is still mourning the loss of her husband. So when she receives a blackmail letter accusing him of desertion, she’s desperate to protect his reputation. The answer to her troubles appears in the form of a damaged, reclusive—and much-too-desirable—duke in need of a wife. She proposes an alliance: she’ll help him find a bride, in return for the money to pay off the blackmailer. But working so closely together awakens passions they never imagined possible, and reveals secrets that might tear them apart.

PJ's Thoughts:

Oh, my heart! Christina Britton has really outdone herself with this book. Tender, poignant, and deeply emotional, while sprinkled with enough humor and wit to keep it from turning dark, A Duke Worth Fighting For tells the story of two wounded souls who, together, find support, respect, healing, and unexpected love. I adored it! Also, if an experienced widow and a virgin hero are your jam, this one is calling your name. 

Usually, I gravitate to couples where the hero is the stronger of the two but Britton has flipped the script with this story and it really worked for me. That's not to say Margery doesn't have her struggles - she does - but she's such a pillar of strength for Daniel, especially in the first three quarters of the book. I loved how she defended him, nurtured him, and helped him begin to realize his own worth. But I also appreciated, and understood, the tenuous foundation of her strength, especially as pesky feelings of desire and affection began to creep in, causing confusion and guilt. Grief is a tricky path to navigate and sometimes, just when you think you've mastered it, the pain and anger come rushing back to overwhelm you. As a widow myself, I applaud Britton for facing Margery's emotions head on and allowing them all to come pouring out. It is only after she confronts those emotions surrounding not only her husband's death at Waterloo but also the betrayal from someone she should have been able to count on that she is able to fully heal, find forgiveness, and move forward, with the realization that she has room in her heart to love again without guilt or regret.  

And then there's Daniel. I just wanted to wrap his wounded, socially awkward self up in my arms and tell him everything would be okay. My heart ached for all he had endured, for the pain to both his body and his soul from the events at Waterloo, the pain of the rejection he had suffered since his return, and especially the childhood events that had so severely undermined his confidence and self worth. The evolution of his character was incredibly satisfying. I cheered aloud when he finally confronted his adversary and wept tears of joy when the love and acceptance from Margery allowed him to finally be vulnerable enough to open his whole self - body and soul - to her keeping. 

Britton surrounds Margery and Daniel with a vividly depicted secondary cast of characters (both two and four-legged) who bring humor, intrigue, and wisdom to our couple's journey. Fans of the series will especially enjoy seeing the earlier couples living out their happily ever after while readers new to the series should be able to jump in here without too much confusion, though I enthusiastically recommend all three stories, with their intertwining characters. They are, in order: A Good Duke is Hard to Find, Someday My Duke Will Come, and A Duke Worth Fighting For (click the title to read PJ's review).

Have you discovered Christina Britton yet? 

Are you reading the Isle of Synne series?

Are you as excited for Margery's story as I have been?

What books have you read recently that had you laughing, crying, and cheering?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 21 will receive a print copy of A Duke Worth Fighting For. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Review & Giveaway - - Someday My Duke Will Come

Someday My Duke Will Come

by Christina Britton

Isle of Synne - Book 2

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: January 12, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

Lady Clara Ashford had no intention of ever getting married. A rogue took advantage of her innocence when she was young, and she's spent her whole life trying to make sure no one finds out. But now that her sister is engaged, Clara's well-meaning aunt has set her sights on Clara. Desperate to avoid the matchmaking schemes, Clara's not sure what to do -- until her neighbor, the new Duke of Reigate, shows up on her doorstep in need of her help.

Quincy Nesbitt reluctantly accepted the dukedom after his brother's death, but he'll be damned if he accepts his brother's fiancée as well. The only polite way to decline is to become engaged to someone else -- quickly. Lady Clara has the right connections and happens to need him as much as he needs her. But he soon discovers she's also witty and selfless, and if he's not careful, he just might lose his heart.

PJ's Thoughts:

Since meeting Quincy and Clara in book one of this series, I have been eagerly anticipating their story and I'm happy to say Someday My Duke Will Come did not disappoint. 

I loved these two and their friends-to-lovers/fake engagement romance. Clara has given so much of herself to ensuring the happiness of those she loves, without any thought for her own. At thirty-one, she's firmly on the shelf, even if she does occasionally long for a family of her own. She's also calm, selfless, and nurturing but with an intriguing bit of fire she keeps well hidden. It was such a pleasure to watch those simmering coals ignite, first in her defense of Quincy then later when their friendship takes a deeper turn. There are also emotional depths to her that she has suppressed over the years. Watching her come to terms with the events of her past was both heart-wrenching and empowering. 

And then there's Quincy. ::Sigh:: He's the hero many of our hearts seek. Charming, fun-loving, steadfast, loyal, a gentleman to his core, incredibly sexy, and endearingly vulnerable. I adored him. His life experiences (as a young boy in England and as a man in America) have given him emotional depths that he also keeps well hidden. My heart ached for him as his story unfolded but rejoiced as certain truths were brought to light. He's the kind of hero who makes you want to laugh with him, play with him, hug him, and drag him off to have your way with him. Did I mention how much I adored him? 

I love the path Britton took with Quincy and Clara, bringing them together first as partners to defeat the villainous duchess, then evolving into friends with lively banter and subtle flirting, building their chemistry until it ignites, then finally guiding them to a deep, abiding love. I like that they each have an individual journey and growth arc within the journey they take as a couple and that those individual lessons help bring them closer to one another. I turned the final page of their story with a heartfelt smile and a happy sigh. It doesn't get much better than that.

While Someday My Duke Will Come can be read as a standalone, it does feature several characters from book one, A Good Duke is Hard to Find. You can absolutely start with book two and enjoy it but I believe you'll enjoy it more if you read the books in order. The third book in the series, A Duke Worth Fighting For (Margery's story), is scheduled for release in August 2021. I already have it on pre-order and am counting down the days until my next visit to Christina Britton's Isle of Synne. 

Have you read Christina Britton yet?

Tell me about a fictional hero you've fallen in love with recently.

Do you enjoy historical romances that take the characters out of London?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, January 15 will receive a print copy of Someday My Duke Will Come. 

*Must be 18

*U.S. addresses only

Review - - A Good Duke is Hard to Find

A Good Duke is Hard to Find
by Christina Britton
Isle of Synne - Book 1
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
  

After her third fiancé leaves her at the altar, Lenora Hartley is beginning to think she's cursed. One thing's for certain: she needs to escape London and her father's tyrannical attempts to find her yet another suitor. The Isle of Synne, an isolated and idyllic retreat off Britain's northern coast, is blessedly far from society's gossip, but it also carries haunting reminders of her first fiancé. Letting go of the past to find happiness seems impossible -- until Lenora is thrown in the path of a gruff, mysterious blue-eyed man who makes her pulse race.

Next in line for a dukedom he doesn't want to inherit, Peter Ashford is only on the isle to exact revenge on the man who is responsible for his mother's death. Once he's completed the task, he'll return to America where his life can finally be his own. Yet when he meets the beautiful and kind Miss Hartley, he can't help but be drawn to her. Can Peter put aside his plans for vengeance for the woman who has come to mean everything to him?

PJ's Thoughts:

This was my first book by Christina Britton. It won't be my last. I really enjoyed her voice, her characters, her fresh and original story, and her fictional Isle of Synne. I want to go there, hang out with Lady Tesh, buy one of Lenora's paintings, meet the rest of Britton's fascinating cast, and drop Lenora's father off a very high cliff into very deep water. That man deserves every bad thing that could ever happen to him. 

I found both main characters to be sympathetic and likable though, admittedly, it took me longer to warm up to Peter while I was in Lenora's corner immediately, cheering her on to a happy ending and hoping she'd find a way to thoroughly rout her horrible father. I liked her, admired her, and my heart ached for her anguish over the secrets she felt compelled to keep. Peter is a very angry man, holding on to the devastation and despair of losing his mother at a young age and his fury with those who refused to help her. Forgiveness will not be easy but I found that to be more realistic considering his age when the events that shaped his life occurred and the thirteen years he's had to nurture his grudge. Britton gives us glimpses of his potential through his deep love for his late mother, his close friendship with his best friend, Quincy, and his actions toward Lady Tesh and Lenora. 

The romance between Lenora and Peter is a slow burn as both characters have personal issues to resolve before they can move forward together. I was willing to wait for the payoff though readers should be aware that these issues lend themselves to a slower paced story and more than a little frustration with the hero before he finally sees the light. Not to worry. He gets his happy ending but Lenora, rightfully, makes him work for it (I really do love her character). That, of course, makes it all the sweeter.  

Book two in this series, Someday My Duke Will Come (12 January, 2021), features a fake engagement between Peter's cousin, Lady Clara and his best friend, Quincy Nesbitt. Both characters feature prominently in A Good Duke is Hard to Find and the glimmer of sparks between them has me eagerly anticipating their story.