Category: Historical Romance - Alyce Caswell - Author

Alyce Caswell - Author

Lightning Strikes...Three Times?

3/7/2022

The Highlander's Secret Son by Jeanine Englert

Brandon is now the Campbell laird and has just discovered that he is also a father. The mother of his child? The woman who betrayed him and his clan. Fiona MacDonald was trying to flee a bad situation with her son, but now she might have landed in another situation that is no better. Brandon's clan wants her dead. As for the laird himself, he might want her alive - but his plans can still hurt her.

I'm rather pleased that I discovered jeanine Englert's Scottish romance books this weekend. They've been an excellent diversion whilst I've been sick (oh hello, I lost Ronageddon today) and The Highlander's Secret Son is no exception. I'm astonished at how much plot (and drama!) Englert managed to cram into this book, along with a lovely second chance romance. Loved it.

Lightning Strikes Twice

3/7/2022

The Lost Laird from her Past (Falling for a Stewart #2)
by Jeanine Englert

Garrick has been lost to all who knew him for over a year, haunted by a mistake. He hoped that Brenna, the woman he loved, would think him dead. This falsity would have continued to succeed - if he hadn't come across her left for dead in a carriage surrounded by dead men. Brenna gave up on Garrick and is due to wed another man. But she may need Garrick around to save her life once more.

Another excellent entry in the Falling for a Stewart series from Jeanine Englert. You expect some changes between books, but I was almost as shaken as Garrick but how much had occurred - it's bold to do something like that and it really paid off. I also really enjoyed seeing Garrick and Brenna together again and I'm looking forward to Ewan's book (which I hope is on the horizon!).

Falling for a New Author

3/7/2022

Eloping with the Laird (Falling for a Stewart #1)
by Jeanine Englert

Moira must choose her husband before her father chooses one for her - and the first man he chose for her was an awful match that she has no intention of repeating. So the choice seems obvious once she discovers Rory, Laird Death, who only has months to live. Rory needs an heir before he dies and Moira's proposal is the only one he is likely to get. But he'll have to convince her father - or elope.

I loved this book so much I'm now in the process of debating whether or not I can fit another physical book on my already cramped shelves (I bought and read the Kindle version, so this is A Big Deal). The premise is so intriguing and so well executed. I've read longer books that failed to deliver as well as this one has. Jeanine Englert may be my new favourite author of Scottish romance.

A Match Made in Island Isolation

14/6/2022

A Laird for the Governess (Lairds of the Isles #1)
by Catherine Tinley

Lydia has lost decent governess positions due to the lewd behaviour of men in the households that hired her and now the only posting she can take is on a remote island in Scotland. Alasdair needs a governess for his sickly daughter and will suffer no fools, even if they are exceedingly beautiful. But though she is an outsider, Lydia may be exactly what Alasdair and his people need.

This was a very sweet story, punctuated by heartbreaking tragedy and a surprising amount of historical detail, given the length. I would have liked Lydia and Alasdair to have a bit more time together, but I do understand that this romance hinged heavily on Lydia connecting to Alasdair through his daughter. All in all, quite a solid story.

You've Got Regency Romance

15/4/2022

Love Letters by the Sea (The Siren's Retreat Quartet #4)
by Alyce Caswell

The Siren's Retreat has featured many great love stories, including Deborah Cartwright's own - but now she is a widow. Her inn is her home and her child. When Patrick Gretham shows up on behalf of his employer to take it from her, it's obvious there will never be anything between them. And of course, there is that mysterious man Deborah has been corresponding with...

I think You've Got Mail is one of the greatest movies in existence and I've been sadly disappointed by books inspired by it before. But yay! That didn't happen here. I freaking loved Love Letters by the Sea and I know I'm going to reread this novella to death. The perfect choice for an evening in with tea. Lastly, this quartet has been such a delight to read - I hope both authors consider gifting us with more. ;)

Seaside Excellence

1/4/2022

A Spinster by the Sea (Siren's Retreat Quartet #3)
by Grace Burrowes

Anne Baxter has just been jilted at the altar - the third time a match has eluded her - and has chosen to recover by the sea. Augustus did his best to get the groom to the church, but isn't particularly sorry that he failed. Anne's would-be husband was useless. When Augustus happens across Anne on the beach, he sees not a woman to be pitied - but perhaps, an opportunity.

I absolutely adore this novella series and I'm quite sad that it's only a "quartet"! How will I cope after novella #4 is published? Unsurprisingly, I loved A Spinster by the Sea and I would trot out the usual "I wish it had been longer line", but the truth is the two authors in this series are pros at making the stories fit the lengths they've chosen. Anne and Augustus had such a beautiful romance and I'm still smiling when I think about them, a whole day after finishing their novella.

A Scottish Firecracker in London

31/3/2022

Lady Scot (Always a Scot #2)
by Jade Lee

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mairi MacAdaidh had her future all mapped out, but now the man she intended to marry is wed to someone else - and she is cast adrift, without a household to run. Connall Aberbeag would have her, if she let him. But Mairi would rather run to London and have a Season to find someone who doesn't ignite such fear and passion inside her. Connall, however, isn't going to let her out of his sight.

Mairi and Connall were fun characters to meet, as were their companions - although, I could have done with less of the side plot and more scenes focusing on the actual couple. They didn't really seem to get much time together! That aside, this was a very pleasant read that won't eat up too much of your time. And who doesn't like to see a firecracker meet her match?

If You Like Piña Coladas

16/3/2022

A Tryst by the Sea (The Siren's Retreat #1)
by Grace Burrowes

Vergilius is surprised when his wife of ten years takes a holiday and decides this might be what he needs as well - and so he returns the the Siren's Retreat, where he spent his honeymoon. He is startled to find that Penelope is also there. Even more shocking - this is the first step in her plan to leave him. Will he be able to close the distance that has grown between them and win her back?

I must not be looking in the right places, since I don't often find Romances about estranged spouses who have slowly fallen out of love. I now know that I need to seek them out, because this was a welcome change. I absolutely adored A Tryst by the Sea, if it wasn't obvious! So heartbreaking and beautiful - and the perfect length too. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to completing it.

Short, Sweet and Scrumptious

13/3/2022

An Affair by the Sea (The Siren's Retreat #2)
by Erica Ridley

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Allegra has spent years looking after her cousins, but once she turns thirty she will inherit enough to become independent. She has no interest in marriage, even if she did invent a rakish suitor. Obviously, she had no idea that she'd nearly run over his real-life twin! John's attempt to change his career met disaster in London, but at the Siren's Retreat he can be anyone - including Allegra's imaginary suitor.

A delightful and scrumptious (pun definitely intended!) novella that was exactly the palate cleanser I needed. The story also fit the length perfectly, which doesn't always happen with shorter tales. Allegra and John had instant chemistry and I was desperate for them to get together. I also think the Siren's Retreat setting is an excellent staging ground, so I'll definitely be reading the other novellas in the series.

Unmasking of a Chevalier

20/2/2022

The Christmas Chevalier (Christmas Masquerade #1)
by Meg Mardell

Alvy finally has a space where he can truly be himself, but he can hardly refuse to let Laura in - especially since she needs employment and he's just acquired a printing press. Laura has known Alvy for years and still sees him as the girl from her childhood. What will she do when she discovers that the handsome chevalier from the Christmas masquerade is Alvy?

Ahh these novellas are just so cute and fluffy. I would be happy to inhale more of them in an instant (yes, that's a hint, please write more). A dash of tension makes this an excellent quick read and it left me wanting more - I really wanted to see how certain things progressed (i.e. with the printing press). All in all, an adorable trans Regency romance.