Review - - A Simple Marriage

A Simple Marriage

by Janna MacGregor

Publisher: Janna MacGregor

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

In the high-stakes game of Regency London’s marriage mart, Lady Pippa Ardeerton rolls the dice with a plan more audacious than wearing last season's gown: snagging a husband to bankroll her dream dress shop. Dispatching marriage proposals like invitations to a ball, Pippa aims for a match made in mercantile heaven, where love is optional, but silk is mandatory. Enter Lord Hugh Calthorpe, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, her brother’s dashing best friend, who accidentally intercepts her matrimonial missives. Hugh, whose commitment to bachelorhood is as firm as his abs, finds himself entangled in Pippa’s quest for a Mr. Right Now, all while dodging his great-aunt's threats of disinheritance.

As Hugh dons the unlikely hat of Cupid, he discovers that Pippa’s kisses are more thrilling than any high society scandal. Suddenly, London's most eligible bachelor is questioning his resistance to matrimony, especially when the bride in question is as enticing as Pippa. With time ticking faster than the latest gossip, Pippa and Hugh must decide if their accidental alliance can turn into a love for the ages or if they’re destined to shop alone forever.

Will their hearts find a common thread, or will Pippa's dream shop end up as just another unfinished project? In this comedy of manners (and manors), finding love is the ultimate bargain.

PJ's Thoughts:

I said it with book one in this series and I'll say it again with this second entry. These are my favorite books that Janna MacGregor has written. The storytelling, character development, swoony romance, and family dynamics are superb. The flow of the story never wavers while slowly building the central romance to its heartfelt, sigh-worthy conclusion. And the balance of humor, heart, and spice is exactly what I look for. 

The main couple captured my heart (both of them) while the secondary cast added richness and texture with humor, conflict, and heart-tugging emotion. I especially enjoyed the layers added to Hugh's character because of his experiences with his mother's grief. It gave him depth and emotional obstacles to overcome. His great-aunt, on the other hand, was an absolute delight, offering up humor as well as challenges of another kind. 

Pippa, meanwhile, had her own emotional baggage to offload which, in addition to her unexpected - but determined - career aspirations, gave her character a wonderful depth. My heart ached for what she had experienced at the hands of her parents as a child. I understood why she chose the path she did at the beginning of the book but that also made her evolution throughout the journey all the more satisfying. I appreciated the solid foundation of friendship that formed between Hugh and Pippa before pesky emotions - and desire - found their way into their relationship. And, of course, I loved how poor Pelham responded when yet another of his beloved sisters fell for yet another of his best friends. I cannot wait to discover what MacGregor has in store for the beleaguered Duke of Pelham in his book!

This one has my enthusiastic recommendation. 

Review & Giveaway - - The Diamond and the Duke

The Diamond and the Duke

by Christi Caldwell

All the Duke's Sins - Book 3

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: February 20, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

When a wounded soldier and self-proclaimed "beast" finds unlikely friendship with a headstrong and unconventional beauty, they quickly find themselves weaving a tale as old as time…
 
Despite a hero’s return to England from the Napoleonic Wars, Wesley Audley isolates from the ton. Deep wounds from the horrors of combat—and the despair of a broken heart—left him scarred. As he struggles to cope and resume his place in Polite Society, Wesley is quick to cut himself off from everyone…except for Ellie Balfour. 
 
Independent and strong-willed, Ellie has dreams of captaining her own husband-free life and a penchant for meddling in other’s business. She knows befriending Wesley is a risk but Ellie can’t bear to see his heartache. Nor can she seem to silence all the temptingly intimate thoughts his nearness provokes. 
 
But Ellie is yet to face a battle she can’t win—and Wesley’s heart is worth the fight. If only her campaigns ever went to plan…

PJ's Thoughts:

With each book she writes, Christi Caldwell takes me on an emotional, heart-wringing ride where love wins but the journey there is one filled with so many feelings. This one, more than most. I loved every single moment.

In Ellie and Wesley, Caldwell has created two characters who have both been changed by pain. For Wesley, it's both the visible wounds of war as well as those hidden in his mind. Ellie's wounds are not so easily seen but no less life changing, giving her the insight to help Wesley heal where all others have failed. I loved her strength, her resilience, her intrepid spirit, and the tender heart she sought to protect. I loved how she never gave up on Wesley even when he did his best to scare her away, how she loved him with all that she was but, ultimately, put his happiness ahead of her own. And then there's Wesley. Oh, how my heart ached for him...at the start. Then, of course, I just wanted to toss him off a cliff but that was all part of his journey, his healing process. Eventually, he won my heart as completely as he did Ellie's.

Both Ellie and Wesley had significant growth arcs in this book that were managed beautifully and realistically by Caldwell. I appreciated the mutual respect that slowly grew between them, the genuine affection and tender moments that evolved over time, and the gradual awakening of their deepest feelings, eventually bringing them to a point where they were finally able to put the past behind and move forward with love, joy, and trust in their hearts. How Caldwell circled back to their first meeting years earlier to tie it into the final scene of the book was heart-tugging perfection. 

This is the third book in Caldwell's All the Duke's Sins series. It stands well on its own but carries more understanding of family dynamics and emotional significance, in my opinion, if read in order. The earlier books are Along Came a Lady and Desperately Seeking a Duchess. Click the titles to read my reviews of the earlier books.

Content Warning: child abuse (off page-in the past), PTSD

Have you read Christi Caldwell?

Do you have a favorite book or series of hers?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, February 24 will receive a print copy of The Diamond the the Duke. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Thanks for Berkley Publishing for today's giveaway copy of The Diamond and the Duke. 

Review & Giveaway - - My Rogue to Ruin

My Rogue to Ruin

by Erica Ridley

The Wild Wynchesters - Book 4

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

The riotous Wynchester family has taken on a new case to expose a forger, but the prime suspect isn't at all what he seems in this captivating Regency romp from a New York Times bestselling author.

Marjorie Wynchester has always let her siblings take the lead when it comes to planning their investigations. But someone in London is trying to pass off counterfeits, and this time she's the only one with the skill needed to find the culprit. Soon, all the evidence leads her straight to Lord Adrian Webb.

Adrian is a roguish scoundrel of the first order, but he never meant to get caught up in a forgery scheme. Especially one that’s snowballed out of control. Now a blackmailer is out to ruin him, and the most alluring woman he's ever met is trying to put him behind bars.
Every time Marjorie thinks she has Adrian figured out, her assumptions turn on their head. He’s a heartless scoundrel. A loyal brother. A smooth liar. A good kisser. Er…wait… Is winning her affections just one more attempt to avoid the law? Or is it possible he’s not such a rogue after all?

PJ's Thoughts:

My Rogue to Ruin is the fourth book in this series but the first I've read. I know! What was I thinking? I knew of the series, had seen it mentioned in various places. I know Erica Ridley is a talented author. I expected good stories once I cleared enough time (there really are not enough reading hours in a day) but nobody told me how much fun I was missing. So I'm telling you. Do not miss this book. Buy it in print, download it to your favorite reading device, check it out from your library, but go get this book, clear your schedule, and lose yourself in a fun, feel-good, Regency romp that will leave you eager to read every single book in the series. 

There's so much to love about this book. Adrian and Marjorie together are simply perfection. I adored them, both individually and as a couple. It was a delight to watch them navigate their circumstances, evolve personally, fall in love, outsmart the villains, and eventually claim their HEA. I pretty much smiled through their entire adventure. The journey is filled with sweetness, spice, suspicion, cheeky humor, danger, and emotional growth. The interactions with the other members of the Wynchester family are pure gold. Honestly, I can't get to their books fast enough. 

If you're in the mood for a fun, feel-good, can't put it down, Regency romp, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of My Rogue to Ruin by Erica Ridley. It has my wholehearted, enthusiastic, grinned until my cheeks hurt, recommendation. 

Have you read Erica Ridley?

Have you read any of the books in the Wild Wynchesters series?

What's the last book that had you smiling from cover to cover?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 10 will receive a print copy of My Rogue to Ruin.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - The Rake's Daughter

The Rake's Daughter

by Anne Gracie

The Brides of Bellaire Gardens - Book 2

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: July 26, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

Recently returned to England, Leo, the new Earl of Salcott, discovers he's been thrust into the role of guardian to an heiress, the daughter of a notorious rake. Even worse, his wealthy ward has brought her half-sister, the beautiful but penniless Isobel, with her. Leo must find Clarissa a suitable husband, but her illegitimate half sister, Izzy, is quite another matter. Her lowly birth makes her quite unacceptable in London’s aristocratic circles.

However, the girls are devoted to each other and despite the risk of scandal if Izzy’s parentage is discovered, they refuse to be separated. To Leo’s frustration, nothing will convince them otherwise. Even worse, sparks fly every time Leo and Izzy interact.

Called away to his country estate, Leo instructs the young ladies to stay quietly at home. But when he returns, he's infuriated to discover that Izzy and Clarissa have launched themselves into society — with tremendous success! There's no going back. Now Leo must enter society to protect Clarissa from fortune hunters, and try not to be driven mad by the sharp-witted, rebellious, and intoxicating Izzy.

PJ's Thoughts:

Witty banter, engaging characters, an adversaries-to-lovers romance, and two sisters who outwit our hero at every turn make this Regency romance a delight.

I adored Izzy and Clarissa. It was so heartening to watch the bond developed as children - when illegitimate Izzy was dumped on their father's doorstep following her mother's death - grow stronger as they became young women. I loved that while each woman was unique, and very different from the other, they were also equally devoted to and protective of one another. I want to see more of them and am hoping Gracie decides to write a book for Clarissa. She deserves her own happily ever after!

Leo took some warming up to, with his class-conscious beliefs, but he came around nicely in the end. Even though his behavior was consistent with the times, it did not initially endear him to me. He'd obviously never encountered anyone like Izzy - or Clarissa - before which made their encounters so much fun to observe. Izzy challenged him at every opportunity, managing to turn pretty much everything he believed on its head. Adding in the sizzling, and unwelcome, chemistry between them left him all the more confused, and frustrated, which, of course, made his and Izzy's journey all the more enjoyable for me, the reader. 

Fans of Gracie will undoubtedly enjoy guest appearances by some favorite characters from other books. But there are also new characters introduced who comprise a somewhat quirky and entertaining secondary cast. I especially enjoyed Leo's reclusive aunt, Lady Scattergood, his majordomo, Matteo, and his best friend, Lord Randall. I do hope we'll be seeing more of all of them in a future book. 

This is the second book in a series. There are some appearances by characters from book one but The Rake's Daughter can absolutely be enjoyed on its own if you choose to begin here. 

~~~~~~~

Have you read any Anne Gracie books?

Do you enjoy cross-class romances?

One person who comments before 11:00 PM, August 2 will receive a print copy of The Rake's Daughter.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited

Review - - Miss Lattimore's Letter

Miss Lattimore's Letter

by Suzanne Allain

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: August 10, 2021

Reviewed by Hellie

Sophronia Lattimore had her romantic dreams destroyed years ago and is resigned to her role as chaperone for her cousin. Still, she cannot sit idly by when she becomes aware that a gentleman is about to propose to the wrong woman. She sends him an anonymous letter that is soon the talk of the town, particularly when her advice proves to be correct. Her identity is discovered and Sophie, formerly a wallflower, becomes sought after for her “expert” matchmaking skills. 

One person who seeks her out is the eligible and attractive Sir Edmund Winslow.  As Sophie assists Sir Edmund in his pursuit of a wife, she wishes she could recommend herself as his bride. However, she vows to remain uninvolved while aiding him in his search (especially since the gentleman surely does not return her affections). 

But when her long-lost love and Sir Edmund both seem to be interested in courting her, Sophie can’t figure out if she’s headed for another broken heart­­ or for the altar. How can she be expected to help other people sort out their romantic lives when her own is such a disaster?

 

Hellie’s Heeds 

So as last week might have hinted (I have not stopped talking about my engagement, even with complete strangers, since it happened), I’ve been a little busy (see: talking)--and I am so sorry I was not able to read this book sooner so I could rave about it sooner. OH. MY. STARS. YOU GUYS.  

Perfection. This book is sheer perfection. An adorable, hysterical comedy of manners with three different couples to root for and enough twists and turns to make me go, “Ha! I saw that coming!” What did I see coming, you ask? Well, as Miss Lattimore soon finds, no good deed goes unpunished. She wrote an anonymous letter in a bid for True Love, which then the appropriate couple finds, but soon she is revealed as the letter writer and she’s pursued for additional matchmaking advice...or even, confrontation from another character whose subsequent marriage may not be as well suited as she thought--and occurred because of the fated letter. Each heroine of these couples is flawed but loveable, which I think can be a challenging task (since I think I am more judgmental about my heroine characters than my heroes), and they each receive the perfect happy ending. So well done.  

The “villain” of the piece--which probably is shared between a couple different characters at different points--were wonderful, one of which was particularly redeemable and I loved how that played out. The other one, a potential suitor who was a “blast from the past” so to speak, made me completely nervous--and I was entirely empathetic to Sophie as she’s trying to weigh her choices, whether to risk marrying him or not and the potentials of how everything would play out. The struggle of weighing the costs of a HEA with someone you loved previously--and the person you are now--while also weighing it against the very real issues for a person of her time period (i.e. “You’re a spinster and you got a proposal? You better take it, you drain-on-financial-resources, and be grateful!”) 

The writing style was so “readable”--I immediately fell into the story and felt I was watching a BBC Masterpiece drama playing out on the tv in my brain. Very on-brand Georgette Heyer-esque novel in my opinion. One of my favorite scenes is early on when the characters are in Bath (which I feel is utilized not nearly enough anymore for Regency set stories), and one of the heroines is talking (read: being talked at) with a potential suitor, who is a bit of a dunderhead. 

 

“They had reached the pump long before Sophie, where Lord Courtney had gallantly retrieved a glass for Cecilia but refused to drink any himself.

‘Don’t tell my aunt, but I loathe the stuff. Tastes like it’s been warming in a puddle by the side of the road.’

Since he said this just as Cecilia had taken her first sip, she suddenly found it very difficult to swallow and wished he’d kept his observations to himself….Cecilia recognized that Lord Courtney was the preeminent matrimonial prize of her generation and that it behooved her to make the most of this opportunity.

But he was not making it easy for her.

‘I wonder if it’s the pigs that cause the funny smell,’ he mused aloud.

‘The pigs?’ Cecilia echoed.

‘You must have heard; some diseased nobleman’s swine nosed out the springs. In the last century. May have been King George’s pigs. Daresay inhaling too much of the odor is what led to his mental, uh, incapacitation.’...

Cecilia was not, by any stretch of the imagination, an intellectual, but she recognized that Lord Courtney’s statement was erroneous...And when Lord Courtney pointed to the statue of Beau Nash that hovered in a niche above them and said: “That’s King George there. Has a look of the prince regent about, doesn’t he?” it was all Cecilia could do not to spit her water in his face. 

So when Mr. Hartwell turned up at that very moment, he once again had the appearance of a savior in her eyes.”

 

It’s dry...a little droll, and it encourages me to read every other page aloud to whoever is near me when I’m reading because I want to share how funny I find it.  

So I’m sorry it’s taken me a bit longer to share this book with you, but I hope you will at least put it on your reading list--if you haven’t read it already. And if you’ve already got her on your auto-buy list, I see why...I can’t wait to read the next book. Top Dish for me.

 

Review & Giveaway - - Lady Lilias and the Devil in Plaid

Lady Lilias and the Devil in Plaid

by Julie Johnstone

Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts - Book 2

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing LLC

Release Date: October 30 2020

Reviewed by PJ

 

Free-spirited Lilias Honeyfield has a secret. She’s certain the rich and powerful Duke of Greybourne is meant to be hers. He just needs to reappear in her life and stop denying his love for her before she’s forced to wed another. Though it’s been seven years, she has never forgotten the beautiful but tormented man hiding behind the mask of moody boy, nor does she believe she imagined the searing passion between them. But the day Nash Steele finally reappears in Town, the rogue destroys her hope by claiming he never returned her affection.

Nash Steele is haunted by his mistakes and the memories of the impetuous, headstrong beauty who breached his heart and soothed his soul years ago. But innocent Lilias was never meant to be his. And if he ever doubts it, he reminds himself of the tragic accident he caused soon after they met. His life is now, and will always be, one of penance. Unable to have the one woman he wants, the easiest thing to do is to flee. So when duty eventually forces him home, he intends to keep his distance from the ravishing creature. Yet when danger threatens her, he cannot sit by and allow her to be harmed. Every moment in her presence is sweet torture, and soon the need he has kept caged for years refuses to be contained any longer.

Swept together by burning desire but ensnared in a tangle of secrets and guilt, Lilias and Nash must fight to turn tragedy into triumph and the past that threatens to destroy them into the very thing that heals their hearts.

PJ's Thoughts:

When I pick up one of Julie Johnstone's books I know I'll be fully immersed in the hearts and minds of her well-developed characters as well as the world in which they live. From the wide open spaces of the Cotswolds to the glittering ballrooms of London to the dark and dank alleys of St. Giles, Lady Lilias and the Devil in Plaid transported me into a fictional world that Johnstone brings vividly to the page.

Lilias and Nash captured my affection almost immediately upon meeting them as youths and my heart ached for the years they were separated. Nash's anguish was almost palpable; Johnstone is a master of emotionally tortured heroes. And Lilias. I adored her adventurous spirit, her straightforward demeanor, and her kindness to others. But I ached for her yearning heart and for the heartache of betrayal that she wasn't expecting. I loved the chemistry between Lilias and Nash and was cheering them on the entire way though Johnstone sure didn't make their journey an easy one. I have to admit, there were many times when I couldn't figure out how in the world she was going to pull off a happy ending. Of course, she did, and in a swoon-worthy, heart-stopping, just in the nick of time manner that had me sighing with delight and shedding a few tears for good measure.

The secondary cast adds a richness to the story without pulling the primary focus from the main couple while offering glimpses into the lives of characters from book one, Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue, and introducing new characters to the mix. I admit to having very strong - and mixed - feelings about some of them. As frequently happens with Johnstone, there were a few unexpected twists that completely changed my view of a few characters. I like being surprised. There's also a character who betrays Nash and Lilias who has me trying to decide if I want a hard-earned redemption or for the person to slink off to the country never to be heard from again (I don't know what Johnstone has planned for this character but, whatever it is, I have confidence that I'll be happy with her decision). On the other hand, I do know that the next book in the series will be Lady Constantine and the Sins of Lord Kilgore and I cannot wait to unravel all the secrets these two are closely guarding.

If you enjoy emotional Regency romance with well-developed characters, second chances, and plenty of twists and turns, give this one a try. It's the second book in the series with several cross-over characters but also stands quite well on its own. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you read Julie Johnstone yet?

Do you enjoy romances with twists that keep you guessing right up to the conclusion?

One person who comments before 11:00 PM, October 31 will receive an e-copy of Lady Lilias and the Devil in Plaid. 

*Must be 18 or older

Amazon: https://amzn.to/30q9H0H

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3inUmUr

BookBub: https://bit.ly/2SJn2wW 

Review & Giveaway - - Lady Guinevere And The Rogue With A Brogue

  

Lady Guinevere And The Rogue With A Brogue

by Julie Johnstone

Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts - Book 1

Publisher: Darbyshire Publishing, LLC

Release Date: August 18, 2020

Reviewed by PJ

Five years ago he humiliated her. Five years ago she betrayed him. And when fate forces them together once more, they’ll discover what burns hotter- vengeance or desire.

Lady Guinevere Darlington has spent the last five years trying to forget the beautiful rogue who stole her heart and then crushed it under his shiny black hessian. Humiliated by the blighter with the unforgettable brogue and left to weather the wagging tongues of the ton alone, she started a secret society that delivers justice to ill-intentioned rakes, and she managed to avoid having to wed—until now. But while her time is up, her determination is not. If she must take a husband, she’ll do so on her own terms. She has a plan, and a possible candidate, until the Scot she once loved returns to London and throws her life into salacious turmoil yet again.

Asher Talbot, the newly minted Duke of Carrington, has nearly perfected his ability to repress memories of the stunning, stubborn lass who long ago captivated him with her innocent charm, then slayed him with her duplicity. He channeled his anger into continuing to build the distillery empire he started when he thought he was a by-blow. But now his company is in danger, and he intends to secure his inheritance to save it, even if it requires pursuing the perfidious enchantress he disavowed. True reconciliation is not part of his plot, but hints of the Guinevere he thought he knew leave him questioning everything.

When fate, fortune, and a cunning scheme bring these two together, their mutual attempts to torture each other ignite the dormant desire between them. But secrets surround them, and they’ll have to unravel each one before the love they glimpsed is lost forever.

PJ's Thoughts:

After several years of writing Medieval Scottish romance, Julie Johnstone returns to Regency-era England with this first book in her new series. It's an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance between a man and a woman who have each spent the past five years believing they were betrayed by the other. In fact, they were both betrayed, by someone still trying to keep them apart. 

Johnstone's storytelling skills shine in this new book that's filled with sharp banter, humor, emotion, and plenty of twists and turns on the path to a happily-ever-after. And, with these two main characters, that path is a rocky one. I can't remember when I've encountered a hero and heroine with quite as much stubborn pride and lack of trust as these two. Though rekindled desire sparks early, forgiveness is slow to follow, and trust even slower. They have a tendency to believe everything they're told by others and nothing they tell each other. Not to mention, jumping to conclusions at every turn. I would have washed my hands of them had it not been for my faith in Johnstone's guiding hand. 

The characters in this book, both main and secondary, are fully developed with complex layers and while supporting characters don't steal the spotlight from the hero and heroine, they contribute significantly to the overall story. I'm especially intrigued by a non-couple I'd love to see featured as a couple in a future story in the series. I'm intrigued by them individually and hoping for a redemption arc followed by an HEA. 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you have a favorite historical era?

Have you read Julie Johnstone yet? Do you have a favorite book or series of hers?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 19, will receive an e-copy of Lady Guinevere And The Rogue With A Brogue.

*Must be 18 or older

 

Goodnight, Sweetheart, Well, I Hate to Go!

Sobs!

Wailing!

Gnashing of Teeth!

Riots in the plaza! 

Well, nice to know I'm going quietly...

This is my last post for the Romance Dish for a while. You never say never, right? I've so appreciated the chance to be part of this great blog and I'm so grateful that the original four Dishes asked me to be part of the lovely world they've built up here.

By the way, the photo at the top of the blog has three of the four originals (Gannon must have taken the pic). Left to right there's Jeanne Adams (who's a Romance Bandit!), Andrea, moi, Buffie and PJ. I'm not sure whether that photo was taken at RWA in Washington DC or Orlando. Perhaps PJ or Andrea will remember.

Anyway, as I announced two months ago, for various reasons, I'm retiring my Second Helping column for the moment. PJ asked me if I could devote my last piece to what I'm doing in 2015 which is very nice of her (but then, she IS very nice).

A whole column talking about little ole' me? Let me at it!

One big change I thought I'd be dealing with in 2015 was a new house, but fate has decreed I'm staying where I am. Given I'd prepared my mind for the shift, it's now taking a bit of a mental shift to come to terms with the fact that there will be no big move. However, at least one of my plans for 2015 is still in place, a big research trip to the U.K. although it's now going to happen in September instead of March. I'll miss spring over there, which is my favorite season, but on the other hand, I won't be trying to squeeze my travel in between other commitments.

And now a rundown of those other commitments! My fourth Sons of Sin book is out on 28th April, yay. A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT tells the Marquess of Leath's story - he plays a major part in WHAT A DUKE DARES and I've had quite a few people contacting me to ask if he's going to get a happy ending. Of course he is, but he's got a way to go before that happens! And he ends up falling in love with the last woman he ever imagined he would. I always relish seeing lords of all they survey sent into a spin when they're head over heels with someone completely unsuitable.

Don't you just love that cover? You can read the blurb on my website here: http://annacampbell.info/scoundrelmoonlight.html Look out for an excerpt in March and if you want an extra special sneak peek, I'm giving away ARCs in my January/February website contest.

At this stage, I'm not sure if that will be the last full lengther in the Sons of Sin series. There are at least two more novellas in the pipeline. One tells the story of Lady Marianne Seton, the woman Cam jilted to marry Penelope. I really like her and I've got a lovely hero lined up to put a sparkle in her eyes. I'm also writing a novella that gives us some backstory on Sirius, Sir Richard Harmsworth's clever dog. He helps to unite a pair of feuding childhood sweethearts before he places himself in Richard's custody. I've always had a very soft spot for Sirius who was usually the cleverest one in the room!

Otherwise I'm working on a new historical series based very much in the glamorous world of Regency high society. Apart from WHAT A DUKE DARES and the novella DAYS OF RAKES AND ROSES, most of the Sons of Sin books take place in the beautiful English countryside. The next series will be sexy, emotional stories revolving around the drama and extravagance of the London Season. I could tell you more but then I'd have to kill you!

Finally, I'm going to write another Christmas novella, featuring a Scottish hero. Those seem to be de rigueur for my Christmas stories (so far all three have featured Scottish noblemen!). I must say I've been overwhelmed at the reception this year's novella, HER CHRISTMAS EARL, has received and I just love having a story out for the Holidays. 

Which brings me to the fact that this isn't just my last Second Helpings; it's also Christmas Eve! However you celebrate at this time of year, I wish you all peace, love, good health and fabulous books to read. I'd also like to pause to send PJ and Andrea a pair of really mushy kisses and big hugs to thank them for letting me a part of this blog.

As my Regency society heroines would say, I've had a ball!

So what are your reading plans for 2015? Any books I should look out for?

STOP PRESS: Those kind people at Grand Central Forever have sent me some ARCs which arrived this very day (clearly they have great timing!). As a farewell gift to my friends here at the Romance Dish, I'll give one person who comments (international) the chance to win a personalized copy of A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT. Good luck!

Arabella Met a Black Sheep!

by Anna Campbell

As you can probably tell from the illustration, I've been digging into the Heyer back catalogue again. But before I get into the nitty-gritty of the review, I've got an announcement to make.

After five years doing Second Helping reviews here on the Romance Dish and working with the lovely PJ and Andrea, I'm hanging up my ballet slippers. At least in the medium term.

These days I find I'm not reading nearly as much romance as I used to and when I do, it's catching up with tried-and-true authors who I've already reviewed several times here. So in the interests of freshness, I'm taking a break.

Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to leave a comment or, even better, a recommendation. I've picked up some of my favorite authors through books mentioned on this blog and for that you'll always have my gratitude. I'd also like to thank PJ and Andrea for giving me such a wonderful forum for my opinions and a chance to talk about books I love with like-minded people. Always a buzz!

So this is my last actual review. Next month, I'm going to do a greatest hits piece about the books I've reviewed that you really, really have to read. And then my last spot in December will be a bit of a look back and a look forward for me personally.

It seems really appropriate to end my Second Helping column with a couple of lovely Georgette Heyers. As regulars know, I've been gradually re-reading GH's work and sharing my thoughts here. Another thing I'm eternally grateful to the Dishes for is that they got me involved on this project. I'd forgotten just how enchanting these books are! It's also given me a chance to revisit old favorites and find new ones. Both of the books today fall into the second category. I don't remember them as particularly outstanding, but I loved both revisiting them as a lady of a certain, ahem, age!

BLACK SHEEP (1966) is an absolute hoot with some of the best dialogue I've ever read. I think the neighbors were worried that I'd lost my mind, I laughed so loudly at this one. I'm absolutely shocked that it didn't make my top 10 last time I read the Heyers but it certainly would now.

The plot has a lot of GH's familiar tropes. The older, self-assured woman who falls in love despite herself. The harum-scarum niece and her amours. Annoying relatives. A complicated and improbable plot. And wit - LOTS of wit.

Abigail Wendover has settled into a comfortable if dull life in Bath with her hypochondriac/invalid sister Selina but life changes irrevocably when her niece Fanny falls into the hands of a fortune hunter. Even more disruptive to her calm routine, the fortune hunter's uncle arrives and turns out to be an attractive man who sets her heart beating much too fast, especially if she really is the dedicated spinster she claims.

Miles Calverleigh is the Black Sheep of the title. As a youth, his family exiled him to India when he kept getting into scrapes and now he's returned as a rich man with no respect for the occasional sillinesses of society. So we've got the good girl and the bad boy and fireworks ensue! Great fun.

My second Heyer today is ARABELLA (1949) which starts fairly slowly but picks up pace until it's galloping along like a Derby winner so my advice would be bear with the opening with its pack of characters and Regency cant. It's worth it in the end. ARABELLA is a wonderful romp and I promise you'll be laughing out loud when all the threads start tangling together to make a bright and hilarious tapestry (can tapestries be hilarious?).

Lovely Arabella Tallant embarks on her first season with only her spectacular looks to recommend her - until she takes umbrage at the arrogance of super-rich ton darling Robert Beaumaris and claims to be an heiress. False gossip about Arabella's huge fortune make her the target of every marriage-minded man in society. Mr. Beaumaris finds himself caught up in all the hijinks and, despite himself, enchanted by the headstrong and good-hearted vicar's daughter. Add in Arabella's reckless brother visiting London under a false identity and a cast of memorable and eccentric characters, and you have a recipe for a riproaring farce with a very nice romantic ending.

Both of these books are on the lighter end of the spectrum and are sure to brighten even the gloomiest day. Highly recommended.

So seeing these both fall firmly into the romantic comedy genre, do you have a favorite romantic comedy? Historal or contemporary? What's the last book that had you giggling out loud?