Snowbound Regency Christmas: A Forced Proximity Historical Romance

About the Book:

Title: Snowbound Regency Christmas

Authors: Carla Kelly, Joanna Johnson, Samantha Hastings

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Pages: 272

Genre: Christmas, Historical Romance, Regency

Synopsis:

Three heart-warming forced proximity romance novellas to cosy up with this festive season

Three snow-kissed Regency romances

In one festive volume!

In A Christmas Houseguest   by   Carla Kelly, when a snowstorm stops their mail coach, Rosie offers a fellow passenger sanctuary at her farm. War-weary from the navy, Andy will find his Christmas angel hard to leave…

In Their Yuletide Reunion by Joanna Johnson, rejecting Lieutenant Fitzjames’s proposal is Jane’s greatest regret. Now, her future is in peril. Until an unexpected Christmas invitation leads to a second chance!

In The Christmas Husband Charade by Samantha Hastings, Devin finds himself snowed in with Julia—the woman who jilted his brother! When he is forced to masquerade as her husband, their mutual hatred evolves into an irresistible connection…

From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.

Review:

*I received a complimentary copy for review. Thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Snowbound Regency Christmas is another collection of three stories that I really enjoyed and that got me in the holiday spirit. Each story revolves around a different couple that find love in the most unexpected of ways.

In A Christmas Houseguest, stuck on a mail coach, a soldier war-weary from the Navy is offered sanctuary on a farm during a snowstorm. There he meets a wonderful and caring family, including Rose, who may just save him. I really liked how PTSD was explored in this one.

The Yuletide Reunion was a story about second chances. Jane’s greatest regret has been rejecting Lieutenant Fitjames’s proposal. Her future is currently in peril, until an unexpected Christmas invitation may just change her life. Such a sweet story!

The Christmas Husband Charade finds Devin snowed in with Julia, the woman who jilted his brother! When Devin is forced to masquerade as Julia’s husband, their mutual hatred begins to evolve into something more. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope, so I really loved this one!

All in all, a fun collection of heartwarming Christmas stories. I recommend!

About the Authors:

Carla Kelly-

Although Carla Kelly is well known among her readers as a writer of Regency romance, her main interest (and first writing success) is Western American fiction—more specifically, writing about America’s Indian Wars. Although she had sold some of her work before, it was not until Carla began work in the National Park Service as a ranger/historian at Fort Laramie National Historic Site did she get serious about her writing career. (Or as she would be the first to admit, as serious as it gets.)

Carla wrote a series of what she now refers to as the “Fort Laramie stories,” which are tales of the men, women and children of the Indian Wars era in Western history. Two of her stories, A Season for Heroes and Kathleen Flaherty’s Long Winter, earned her Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. She was the second woman to earn two Spurs from WWA (which, as everyone knows, is all you need to ride a horse). Her entire Indian Wars collection was published in 2003 as Here’s to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. It remains her favorite work.

The mother of five children, Carla has always allowed her kids to earn their keep by appearing in her Regencies, most notably Marian’s Christmas Wish, which is peopled by all kinds of relatives. Grown now, the Kelly kids are scattered here and there across the U.S. They continue to provide feedback, furnish fodder for stories and make frantic phone calls home during the holidays for recipes. (Carla Kelly is some cook.)

Carla’s husband, Martin, is Director of Theatre at Valley City State University, in Valley City, North Dakota. Carla is currently overworked as a staff writer at the local daily newspaper. She also writes a weekly, award-winning column, “Prairie Lite.”

Carla only started writing Regencies because of her interest in the Napoleonic Wars, which figures in many of her Regency novels and short stories. She specializes in writing about warfare at sea, and about the ordinary people of the British Isles who were, let’s face it, far more numerous than lords and ladies.

Hobbies? She likes to crochet afghans, and read British crime fiction and history, principally military history. She’s never happier than talking about the fur trade or Indian Wars with Park Service cronies. Her most recent gig with the National Park Service was at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site on the Montana/North Dakota border.

Here’s another side to this somewhat prosaic woman: She recently edited the fur trade journal of Swiss artist Rudolf F. Kurz (the 1851-1852 portion) and is gratified now and then to be asked to speak on scholarly subjects. She has also worked for the State Historical Society of North Dakota as a contract researcher. This has taken her to glamorous drudgery in several national archives and military history repositories. Gray archives boxes and old documents make her salivate.

Her mantra for writing comes from the subject of her thesis, Robert Utley, that dean of Indian Wars history. He told her the secret to writing is “to put your ass in the chair and keep it there until you’re done.” He’s right, of course.

Her three favorite fictional works have remained constant through the years, although their rankings tend to shift: War and Peace, The Lawrenceville Stories, and A Town Like Alice. Favorite historical works are One Vast Winter Count, On the Border with Mackenzie and Crossing the Line. Favorite crime fiction authors are Michael Connelly, John Harvey and Peter Robinson.

And that’s all she can think of that would interest anyone. Carla Kelly is quite ordinary, except when she is sometimes prevailed upon to sing a scurrilous song about lumberjacks, or warble “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” in Latin.

Joanna Johnson-

Joanna Johnson lives in a little village with her husband and too many books. After completing an English degree at university, she went on to work in publishing, although she’d always rather, she was working on her own books rather than other people’s. This dream came true in 2018 when she signed her first contract with Harlequin and she hasn’t looked back, spending her time getting lost in mainly Regency history and wishing it was still acceptable to write a manuscript with a quill.
Samantha Hastings-
Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and 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, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

Give Me A Reason: Review

About the Book:

Title: Give Me A Reason

Author: Jayci Lee

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 352

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A Korean drama actress gets her second chance at love with the man she left in order to save her family–if she can work up the courage to risk her heart on forever…one last time.

For ten years, Anne Lee told herself that Frederick Nam was her past. In order to save her father from bankruptcy, she left Frederick for an acting career in Korea. This was the only way she could stop him from following her and ruining his future. It was the best way she could love him.

After Anne left, Frederick spent years loving her, missing her, and hating her until he decided to live his life for himself. He followed his dream and became a firefighter in Culver City. He didn’t need romance. He had his work and his friends.

When Anne returns to Los Angeles, she and Frederick are thrown together in the same wedding—she as her cousin’s bridesmaid and he as his friend’s groomsman. Even though he is angry and distant with her, Anne can no longer deny that she never got over him. Not even close.

With so much hurt and uncertainty between them, Anne and Frederick suffer their love in silence. But all it would take is a single leap of faith to bring them together…

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

This was such a sweet story! If you love Persuasion and second chance romance, then I think you will enjoy this one.

Anne is a Korean drama actress who gets her second chance at love with the man she left in order to save her family. She just needs to work up the courage to risk her heart on forever one more time.

Anne and Frederick were absolutely adorable! I enjoyed getting both of their POVs. I wish we had had a little more of their backstory included though. I really enjoyed the family dynamics and the friendships in this one. Overall, a unique retelling!

I recommend! I hope to read more from this author in the future.

About the Author:

Jayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance featuring Korean American main characters. Her books have been in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Hollywood Reporter, E! News, and Women’s World. Jayci is retired from her fifteen-year career as a litigator because of all the badass heroines and drool worthy heroes demanding to have their stories told. Food, wine and travel are her jam. She makes her home in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys, and a fluffy rescue.

Season of the Witch (Toil and Trouble #3) : Review

About the Book:

Title: Season of the Witch

Author: Sophie H. Morgan

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: September 2, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Holiday Romance

Synopsis:

It was a passion neither could forget—until he did.

Tia Hightower isn’t sure how she went from being a powerful witch to fake dating her ex at a winter house party.

For eight years, she has refused to speak Henry Pearlmatter’s name unless it has been to curse it. Now, with their family businesses merged, she and her insufferable ex must pretend to be together to secure a wealthy warlock’s investment. Sharing a room—and a bed—with Henry is bad enough. Even worse is that Tia might have had a small potion mishap…and accidentally erased Henry’s memories of her.

Henry might not remember his ex, but it’s clear there’s still something between them. Whatever went wrong in the past, he intends to figure it out. Faking feelings for Tia isn’t exactly difficult, but one thing’s for starlight carnivals and mulled-wine kisses can’t change history.

With the threat of Henry’s memories hovering over every stolen moment, their time together is running out. But a little bit of Christmas magic and the snow-melting heat between them have Tia wondering if it’s time to risk her heart once more, even if it’s with the warlock who once broke it…

Toil and Trouble

Book 1: The Witch is Back
Book 2: De-Witched
Book 3: Season of the Witch

Review:

*I received an earc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Season of the Witch is the final installment in Sophie Morgan’s Toil and Trouble series, and it did not disappoint!

Tia and Henry are exes that are forced to work together after the merging of their family businesses.  They need to secure a wealthy warlock’s investment. They must share a room and a bed, and there’s a catch. Tia accidently erased Henry’s memories of her with a potion. Henry can’t remember his ex, but there’s still definitely something between them. Henry is intent on finding out about their past history. It isn’t hard for Tia to fake her feelings, but what happened in the past can’t be changed.

Henry’s memories coming back threaten every stolen moment that they have together. Tia must decide if she wants to risk her heart once more.

I loved the banter and the laughs in this one! The romance was super cute as well. There were some fun and entertaining side characters that really added to the story. I also really enjoyed that this took place during the Christmas season, but it can be read any time of the year.

Can’t wait to read more from Sophie! She’s become one of my favorite romance authors.

 

About the Author:

Sophie H. Morgan is a romance author, repped by Cole Lanahan. She lives in crazy worlds, some concocted by her, some ruled by her spaniel.

You can usually find her on Instagram (SophiehMorgan), on Twitter (@SophieHMorgan) or through her website.

Happy Reading!

 

 

Debts of Fire (The Sunbolt Chronicles #3): Review

About the Book:

Title: Debts of Fire

Author: Intisar Khanani

Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing 

Release Date: July 8, 2025

Pages: 396

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

A hunted mage. A cursed land. An impossible debt.

When Hitomi first crossed the Burnt Lands to rescue her mentor from unjust imprisonment, the phoenix came to her aid. His price? Release the monster-riddled lands from the curses that have raged there for centuries—a fight more than a few mages have lost their lives to.

Now Hitomi is back, her magic bound within her and the High Council of Mages’ best rogue hunters on her heels. Luckily for the phoenix, Hitomi’s not about to let little details like that keep her from paying her debts.

But when an allied mage wreaks havoc with her plans, Hitomi plunges into a desperate race to stop the work she started. It will take every ally Hitomi can summon, and whatever tricks she has left up her sleeve, to divert the spells of the Burnt Lands before their cataclysmic power destroys everything—and everyone—in their path.

 

Review:

*Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. All thoughts are my own*

This is the third installment of the Sunbolt chronicles and the further adventures of Hitomi. The story begins shortly after Memories of Ash. Hitomi begins to slowly deal with everything that has happened to her. She begins to deal with her grief, her disappointments, etc. I felt as though she was able to heal a little from the wounds of her past. What I really enjoyed about this book, was that it really explores Hitomi’s relationships with the characters. I love how it builds on her relationships with Hulda, the Phoenix, Val and others. 

Some parts of the book when Hitomi spent time in the wastelands and the desert dragged for me honestly. I felt as though the book could have been a little shorter without some of the descriptions of her training, etc. I did like learning about the different cultures that she encountered on her journey though.

I am excited to continue the conclusion of the series and see where Hitomi will go next! 

 

About the Author:

Intisar Khanani writes mighty girls in diverse worlds. Prior to publishing, she ran a student volunteer center, helped hospitals stay afloat, and developed projects to reduce infant mortality—which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she pens fantasy novels about young women motivated by compassion, empathy, and radical kindness taking on systemic injustice, facing down monsters, and forging the families they need.

Intisar is the author of The Sunbolt Chronicles and the Dauntless Path novels. Two of her books were Kirkus Reviews picks for Best Teen and YA Fantasy Novels of the Year. She is deeply honored to serve as the 2026 Writer in Residence for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library.

To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar’s monthly author newsletter.

More Than Life: A YA Historical Fantasy: Review

About the Book:

Title: More Than Life

Author: Bethanie Finger 

Publisher: Wise Wolf Books 

Release Date: February 13, 2024

Pages: 436

Genre: YA Fantasy, Historical Fantasy

Synopsis:

“Romance, loss, and self-discovery take the stage in this series opener, with lots of enticing hints for the epic adventure still to come. A page-turner for all romantasy fans!” –Marissa Meyer, New York Times Best Selling Author of The Lunar Chronicles

“A sweeping tale of grief, love, adventure, and finding one’s path in life. Full of secrets long kept and characters you can’t help but root for, readers will get lost in its rich world.” –Annie Sullivan, author of A Touch of Gold and Tiger Queen

A gripping story of overcoming grief, self-realization, and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. As the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain, nineteen-year-old Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria. But when her father dies unexpectedly, she is stripped of her title and home, and forced to join the working class in order to survive.

Determined to rise above her losses, Cordelia is eager to prove her worth and stand on her own. But four months after her father’s passing, a mysterious letter arrives, revealing the secret location of the mythical island of Qualaris. Known for concealing the secrets of magic and eternal life, Qualaris is often dismissed as mere legend, but Jaspar, Cordelia’s father’s enigmatic apprentice, is convinced of its existence and is harboring its secrets—secrets that the dark enchanter, Janus would stop at nothing to obtain.

For generations, Jaspar and his ancestors have pursued the discovery and rescue of Qualaris while battling a curse of nonexistence, and he believes that Cordelia is the island’s true protector, the one who can save it and its people from Janus’s impending threat.

Faced with the daunting task of defending Qualaris and its people, Cordelia embarks on a quest to locate the island, embrace her birthright, and take on the darkest enchanter in history. If she doesn’t, the island and its people won’t be the only casualties of Janus’s war.

Join Cordelia on her journey as she navigates a world of magic, mystery, and danger, discovering her true self and the strength within her.

*Content More Than Life is the first book in the More Than Life trilogy, and ends on a cliffhanger.

Review:

*I received an e-copy of the book from the author and publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

More Than Life was such a pleasant surprise, and a compelling read! This story was one of grief and loss, a journey of self-discovery and growth, found family, romance, mystery, adventure, magic, and even some time on the sea! I loved the world building and the magic system that is being set up, and I look forward to learning more in the next book.

Nineteen-year-old Lady Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria, as the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain. When her father dies unexpectedly, she is forced to give up her home, her servants, and her title and join the working class.

She begins working as a bar maid in a tavern, determined to rise above her losses and prove her worth. She chooses to go by the name Delia. She begins to make friends with her coworkers and patrons in the tavern. She meets an intriguing patron named Jaz, who winds up staying at the inn and helping out at the bar. They begin to develop feelings for one another. Their connection is more than they both realize. Four months after her father’s passing, a mysterious letter arrives at the tavern for Delia. The letter inspires her to embark on a quest to discover a lost island and find out who she truly is.

I absolutely adored Delia and Jaz and thought they were such likeable characters. Delia has gone through so much, but she is so resilient and doesn’t give up. Jaz has also gone through a lot, and I liked how he and Delia help each other through their grief.

I definitely recommend for fans of fantasy and sweet romance! I am eager to read book as soon as I can.

About the Author:

Bethanie Finger is a writer, reader, and a librarian. In 2021 she graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. She has worked in public libraries and local bookshops and currently works as a school librarian.

When she’s not writing she enjoys hiking, podcasting, and exploring the world.

She happily lives in Nevada with her husband, their two dogs, Scamp and Beowulf, and an ever-growing TBR collection.

The Heir (A Young Queen Victoria Mystery #1): Review

About the Book:

Title: The Heir

Author: Darcie Wilde

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Pages: 361

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Synopsis:

Destined for a life beyond her wildest dreams, born fifth in succession to the throne, and determined to get to the bottom of a most foul puzzle. The future queen becomes a rebellious sleuth when she vows to solve the mystery of a dead man scandalously discovered on the grounds of Kensington Palace—by her.

The young Victoria remembers nothing but Kensington Palace. Arriving as a baby, she has been brought up inside its musty, mold-ridden walls. Others may see the value of Kensington’s priceless artifacts and objets d’art, but the palace is a jail cell for young Victoria. Raised with an incredibly strict regimen to follow, watched at all times by her mother, the controlling, German-born Victoire, and Victoire’s prized advisor, the power-hungry Sir John Conroy, the bright 15-year-old is allowed no freedom at any time—except that which she steals or wheedles for, always in the company of Conroy’s resentful daughter, Jane.

But one fateful afternoon, Victoria slips away from her mother to ride out on her beloved gelding, Prince. With reluctant Jane in tow, the princess gallops out from the palace green. But what would normally be an uneventful trot around very familiar terrain presents the mutinous princess with a most bewildering sight—a dead man, and on the grounds of the palace, no less.

Determined to get to the bottom of the inscrutable puzzle, young Victoria is met with shocking disrespect and any number of obstacles. Sir John lies to her, her uncles and aunts join with her mother to stonewall her questions and curtail her movements. But Victoria will not be deterred. With Jane Conroy as a tentative and untrustworthy ally, Victoria’s first “case” is underway . . .

Review:

*I received an arc from the publisher, Netgalley, and @austenprose for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*
As a fan of the PBS show Victoria, I was excited for the opportunity to read a mystery starring a young Queen Victoria. This was my first book by the author Darcie Wild, and I am happy to say it did not disappoint! I am fascinated by Queen Victoria and the Victorian Era, so it was such a fun read. The author had to take some liberties of course, but I thought she did really well and that the book was thoroughly researched. If you like historical fiction, court intrigue and mystery I think you will enjoy this one!
The young Victoria remembers nothing about Kensington Palace. She was brought there as a baby and brought up within its dilapidated walls. The palace is basically a prison cell for Victoria as she has a very strict routine to follow on a daily basis. Her mother is overbearing and watches her at all times, and her mother’s advisor Sir John Conroy is power hungry and controlling. The fifteen-year-old has no freedom except what she steals or barters for, and always in the company of Sir Conroy’s resentful daughter, Jane.
One afternoon, Victoria sneaks off to ride her horse with the reluctant Jane in tow. As Victoria gallops ahead of Jane, she comes across the body of a dead man on the green, on palace grounds.
Victoria is determined to solve the mystery, although she is faced with many obstacles along the way. Sir John lies to her; her mother and other family members stonewall her questions and watch her movements. With Jane Conroy as her tentative and untrustworthy ally, Victoria will not be deterred from solving her first “case.”
Victoria is portrayed just as I pictured her, spirited and determined to gain whatever freedom she can get from the monotony of palace life. She truly shines as she faces these challenges. I loved watching her friendship blossom with Jane, and her relationship with her governess, Lehzen.
I am excited to read more in this world, as it looks like it will be a series. Can’t wait to see what Victoria will be up to next!
Definitely recommend! This book releases on August 26, 2025.

About the Author:

Darcie Wilde is a pseudonym for Sarah Zettel, author of mysteries, science fiction, romance and Young Adult fiction, including the New York Times Notable Book Fool’s War and the bestselling Rosalind Thorne mysteries A Useful Woman. She also writes under the names Delia James, Sarah Zettel, Jennifer Hawkins C. L. Anderson and Marissa Day.

Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.

Dream by the Shadows (The Shadow Weavers Duology #1): Review

About the Book:

Title: Dream by the Shadows

Author: Logan Karlie

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books 

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Fantasy, Romantasy, Gothic

Synopsis:

Beauty and the Beast meets Labyrinth in this YA romantic fantasy about a deadly dream world and the shadow-cursed girl who must venture its depths to save her family, all while she falls in love with the prince of darkness.

The Kingdom of Noctis is plagued by Corruption: a curse that spreads through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm, stealing souls one dreamer at a time. Only an elixir, taken every night before sleeping, can ward off the dreams and halt Corruption. But for some, the allure of the Dream Realm proves too strong.

Esmer Havenfall desperately wants to escape her dreadful village. When her sister, Eden, succumbs to Corruption and their elixir-dealing parents are accused of a horrific crime, Esmer’s life unravels into a nightmare. Then she dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his sinister magic might be a part of her, too.

Enticed by the prospect of ending her kingdom’s curse and avenging her family, Esmer follows him deeper within the Dream Realm. But the prince of darkness has a haunted past, one that might change the fate of Esmer’s kingdom–and her heart–forever.

Lush and vividly imagined, this seductive gothic fantasy is filled with magic, secrets, and dreamy shadow-haunted romance.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the author and publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

Dream by the Shadows is an absolutely exhilarating gothic romantasy, in a haunting dream world, with compelling world building and characters. This vividly imagined and atmospheric story was a dream that I didn’t want to wake from! Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast, Labyrinth, or Once Upon a Time.

The Kingdom of Noctis has been plagued by Corruption, a curse which is spread through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm and has been stealing people’s souls. The people of Noctis take an elixir every night before bed to prevent themselves from dreaming, while they slumber. For some however, the pull of the Dream Realm is too enticing.

Esmer Havenfall wants nothing more than to escape her small village. Her sister was sadly lost to Corruption, and she is haunted by the memories. When her parents, who supply her village with elixir are accused of a horrible crime, her life begins to fall apart. She knows she must persevere and protect her little brother Elliot. Esmer then dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his magic may be a part of her as well.

Esmer feels compelled to end her kingdom’s curse and avenge her family, so she follows the Shadow Bringer deeper into the Dream Realm. She soon learns that the prince of darkness has a haunted past, that could change the fate of both her kingdom and her heart.

I loved Esmer and the Shadow Bringer! Esmer is strong, brave, and compassionate. The Shadow Bringer is broody, witty, and dreamy (pun intended). The Dream Realm is also such a fantastic setting that I loved exploring.

Dream by the Shadows releases on August 26, 2025. Be sure to preorder or request from your local library. I can’t wait for book two!

Bottom line: Obsessed!

About the Author:

Logan Karlie writes books brimming with gothic themes, atmospheric worlds, and characters who fight to overcome the shadows that haunt them.

Logan holds a MA in English Literature from the University of Arkansas. She currently lives in Illinois, with her family, where she also taught high school English.

Connect with Logan Karlie on social media!

• Instagram: @authorlogankarlie
• TikTok: @authorlogankarlie

Becoming His Bluestocking Countess: Review

About the Book:

Title: Becoming His Bluestocking Countess

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Harlequin Historical 

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 272

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance 

Synopsis:

Get lost in the lively world of The Scandalous Stringhams in this light-hearted Regency romance

How to woo a countess 

In fifty questions… 

Lady Rebecca Stringham is stunned when a beautiful man falls from his horse and practically into her lap! The notorious Earl’s reputation precedes him, so their instant bond must remain secret from her overprotective family.

Phineas has never danced to anyone else’s tune before, yet he’s entranced by Becca’s intelligence and wit—not to mention her curves! Could fifty courtship questions be enough to unravel her inner world? With each answer Becca gives, his feelings for her only deepen, but can he trust her with his secrets—and ask her the most important question of all?

From Harlequin  Your romantic escape to the past.

The Scandalous Stringhams

Book 1: Becoming His Bluestocking Countess

Review:

*I received an arc from the author and publisher for review. Thanks for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

I just loved this one! I have very much enjoyed following the Stringham family along on all their adventures. Becoming His Bluestocking Countess is about the youngest Stringham, Becca, and she’s an absolute delight! She’s been there since the beginning of the series, and I’ve loved her journey. I’m really hoping the series continues and that the oldest Stringham, Mantheria, may have her own story perhaps? I’m just not ready to say goodbye to the Stringhams yet.

Lady Rebecca Stringham is surprised at the park when an absolutely gorgeous man falls from his horse and almost into her lap! Lord Norwich’s reputation as a rake precedes him, and so their instant bond must be kept a secret from her very protective family.

Phineas has never met anyone like Rebecca before. He’s smitten with her intelligence and wit, and her beautiful curves. Could fifty courtship questions be enough to enter her inner world? With each answer that Becca gives, his feelings for her grow. Can Phineas trust her with his secrets and ask her the most important question of all?

I really loved seeing Becca’s relationships with her different family members explored. We were able to see the challenges she faced with her older sister, Mantheria. We also saw how deeply she cared for the Duke of Glastonbury and his partner even though they had caused her family pain. I loved that the rest of her siblings made appearances, as well as her parents. Becca has become an aunt to so many beautiful babies!

It was really cool to see Phineas’ journey throughout this story as well. We finally begin to understand him and his past.

Highly recommend to fans of this series, and to regency romance fans!

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and 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, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

A Hopeful Proposal: Review

About the Book:

Title: A Hopeful Proposal 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Pages: 208

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency 

Synopsis:

Since her mother’s disappearance seven years ago, Lady Sarah Denham has remained resolutely at Manderfield Hall. She is certain her mother will someday return home, so when the estate is sold, Sarah can’t bear to let go of the house or the hope it symbolizes. There’s only one solution that will allow her to she must marry the new owner. But her impulsive proposal does not go as planned.

When Christopher Moulton takes over Manderfield Hall, the last thing he anticipates is an offer of marriage from the previous tenant. However, as a businessman, he can see one considerable benefit to the Sarah’s high rank in Society will secure advantageous marriages for the two younger sisters left in his care. A bargain is struck, and wedding bells soon chime for the virtual strangers, but for Christopher, the pain of the past is inescapable. How can a proper lady ever come to love a scarred and rough-mannered man like himself?

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author and publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I adored A Hopeful Proposal! If you are a fan of Samantha Hastings, Regency romance, a slow-burn, found family and marriage of convenience, I think you will love it too! 

Lady Sarah Denham’s mother disappeared seven years ago, and she has been waiting for her to return home ever since. When the estate is sold due to her father’s neglect, Sarah can not bear to let it go and the hope that it symbolizes. She hatches up a plan to marry the new owner of the estate so that she doesn’t have to leave. Sarah herself proposes, and things don’t go according to plan. 

When Christopher Moulton takes over Manderfield Hall, he is not expecting a proposal of marriage from the previous tenant. As a business man, Christopher can see the benefit of marrying someone with a high rank in society that can help him secure marriages for the two younger sisters in his care. He agrees to the proposal and they are quickly wed. However, the pain of Christopher’s past comes to haunt him. How can a proper lady ever come to love him, scars and all? 

Lady Sarah and Christopher were such fun characters, and I enjoyed the banter between them. I am glad that they were able to help each other to heal from the past. There were also great supporting characters in the story, which really added to the charm. 

Highly recommend! I really hope that the author continues the story with Christopher’s sisters, Margaret and Deborah! 

 

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and 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, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

What Happens in Amsterdam: Review

About the Book:

Title: What Happens in Amsterdam

Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.

Dani Dorfman has somehow made it to her thirties without knowing what she wants to do with her life. So when an office romance ends poorly and gets her fired, she applies for a job in Amsterdam, idly dreaming of escaping the mess she’s created, but never imagining she’ll actually get it.

Except she does. By the end of her first week in Amsterdam, she’s never felt more adrift or alone. Then she crashes her bike into her high school ex-boyfriend—and suddenly life is blooming with new opportunities.

Wouter van Leeuwen was a Dutch exchange student Dani’s family hosted, a forbidden love that ended in a painful breakup. Years later, there’s still sizzling chemistry between them, and okay, maybe a little animosity. More importantly, Wouter needs to be married to inherit a gorgeous family home on a canal—and when Dani’s job falls apart, she needs a visa. As the marriage of convenience pushes them together in unexpected ways, Dani must decide whether her new life is yet another mistake—or if it’s worth taking a risk on a second chance.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

What Happens in Amsterdam has so many tropes I love all in one adorable book: second chance romance, forced proximity and a marriage of convenience! This story was so fun, and just what I needed when I read it. The characters are very likable, and I appreciated their vulnerability with each other. I absolutely delighted in the setting of Amsterdam, and it totally made me want to visit!

If you enjoy romance, sizzling chemistry and beautiful settings, then pick up this book now! I highly recommend. Also, if you’ve read and loved Rachel’s previous works, I hope you love this as much as I did!

About the Author:

Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex TalkToday Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her books have been translated into more than fifteen languages and optioned for film. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life with her husband in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon.