I like the books by Jennifer Delamere for the focus on working class Victorian life, a breath of fresh air after all the aristocracy romances. However, this book fell short for me: I did not like the love triangle plot and found the main characters not very likeable and even a bit shallow. Especially all the focus on the importance of flowery language. I am looking forward to Rose’s book though.

A gathering of spies! Whatever can go wrong? The books by Tracy Grant are always very complex, lots of characters and multilayered. This one - though a novella - is no exception. It’s like reconnecting with old friends. I don’t recommend reading this book without having read the prior book in this series. In fact this is a series you do actually need to read from book one to get the full experience. The snippets from the past about how Desiree and Tony met and their subsequent clandestine spy romance filled with intrigue really need to be written as a full historical romance. It has Joanna Bourne vibes all over it, just saying!

Unfortunately this book was not for me. Turner is an unlikeable hero, who apparently is so emotionally scarred by his first wife that he turns into a total and abusive ass. The only redeeming qualities of this book are the beautiful writing style by JQ and the fact that Miranda stands her ground and speaks her mind. Also it is quite funny at times.

Very enjoyable and relaxing read if you want to learn more about Beatrix Potter and her gardening adventures. After visiting Hill Top Farm myself a while back it was especially pleasant to revisit her life and gardens.

Lovely and gentle second chance Regency romance between old childhood friends, who are now about 50 years old and discovering a new path in life. A warm hug with the trademark Balogh charm and quality. Balogh has written a few more romances with older characters, which is a nice change of pace compared to all the young debutantes. See the community recs.