Every single one of these authors did a great job! I loved going back into the worlds these authors created and getting a story that I didn't know I needed or was long awaited. Perfect for a quick read!

This is a collection of 5 historical romance novellas set in regency/victorian periods and includes a mix of settings (in the city, country & even on a train), heroes who range from Duke to successful business owner and heroines barely "out" in society to mature women. The common thread is that one of the 2 was a secondary character in a prior book by the author, but don't let that worry you as all can easily be read without issue if without having previously encountered them. I had only read previous works of 2 of the authors myself, so this was a nice opportunity to sample the others. Over all this book was a little of a mix bag for me. Novellas can often be slightly problematic just by the nature of the limited work word count related restrictions that result. Outside of that, each story had things I greatly enjoyed as well as some didn't work as well for me to varying degrees. Each story, however, was well written, delivered a satisfy end and pleasant way to pass a few hours reading during a busy month.

That title! I love the title and proudly admit that it made me giggle like a 12-year-old boy. The title's snark and dash fit perfectly this collection of bad boy historical romances. This is an eclectic collection of completely original reprobates, including: a pirate kidnapper turned earl, a newspaper owner feared for his words, a secretive duke suddenly saddled with a baby and a virgin bride,

A fan of Kerrigan Byrne's lush Victorian Rebels series, I was over the moon to find out her story was the long awaited conclusion of Sebastian and Veronica, so beautifully teased in The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo. And this steam and emotion packed into their installment was epic. Even as absolutely gone and desperate Sebastian is for Veronica, his innate gentleness and worship of her meant he would turn her world upside down by just touching her with one finger:

When she returned to herself, bedraggled and half-drowned, Veronica realized that Sebastian had kept his word. He’d not touched her with aught but his mouth and one finger. One magical, maniacal finger.

Oh yes. As absolutely sizzling their story was, I had to add I wish the author provided a bit more backstory for those who are new to the Victorian Rebels, or even those like me who had to go back and refresh my memory. Granted, it was no hardship to go back to Lorelai and Rook's romance.
“Have you ever enjoyed a book with such delight, that you’re afraid to open it again because the turn of each delicious page brings you closer to the end?”
Sebastian's words, but they apply to each story in this anthology. 4 stars.

Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥🔥🔥🔥

Big Duke Energy is an anthology of five (5) novellas from some of historical romance’s best authors. Many of these stories include secondary characters introduced in the author’s previous work. Each of these stories is well written with well-defined characters; however, only four of the five stories had enough steam to have me wiping my brow!!!

Earl on the Train by Kerrigan Byrne sets the stage for one enjoyable foray into steamy romance. Sebastian Moncrieff, known as the erstwhile earl is a pirate, but more importantly he is a dastardly villain who previously betrayed his best friend. While venturing on a train ride, Sebastian “runs into” Countess Veronica Weatherstoke, a woman he previously kidnapped. Despite his attempts, Veronica is the only woman that he’s been unable to put out of his mind. The two find themselves unexpectedly working together. Long simmering passion bubbles to the top forcing Sebastian and Veronica to face a chemistry and attraction that they’ve both denied.. I simply love it when a villain falls in love.

By the By…why is it that all Sebastians are so freaking hot!!!

**special note, both Victoria and Sebastian are introduced in the “Duke with the Dragon Tattoo.

Loved and Found by Christi Caldwell was pleasant enough to read although it’s missing much of the steam found in the other novellas in this piece. It’s the second chance story of Lieutenant Thaddeus Phippen, a man with no station who enlists into the military to better improve his circumstances so that he would be worthy to marry Edith, the daughter of a duke and the girl of his dream. While away, circumstances change, misunderstandings happen…all preventing the two from the love of a lifetime. Many years later, however, fate gives them another chance at love…provided they are brave enough to take it.

The Wolf of Westmore by Amalie Howard was fantastic. Anytime you find a character with a name like “Wolf”, you know there is going to be some marvelous kind of man in the story….and Wulfric Bane, Duke of Westmore does not disappoint. Owner of one half of London’s most scandalous club, Wulfric is intent upon destroying the Duke of Tyne, sworn enemy of his family. When the unexpected chance to take some revenge falls in his lap, Wolf eagerly takes it.

Lady Jocelyn Capehart is the daughter of the Duke of Tyne slated to be married to a man much older than she; however, not wanting to follow her father’s edicts, Jocelyn decides to visit Wulfric’s club for a night of passion, setting in motion a chain of events that could only lead to her ruin.

United by a common thread, both Jocelyn and Wolf work together to make her father pay for his involvement. Together, the two must fight against Tyne and decide if they are willing to fight to gain each other’s heart.

**special note, Wulfric Bane, Duke of Westomore is introduced in the Rakehell of Roth.

Put Up your Dukes by Janna MacGregor was unexpectedly hot. I was not expecting the amount of steam from this author that she included in her book but my goodness, I really enjoyed this story. Martin and Ameila Richmond are married but estranged due to Amelia’s dislike of Martin’s work as publisher of the Midnight Cryer, a gossip rag about the ton. When Martin’s paper publishes an article about a powerful member of the aristocracy, the two work to safe Martin from ruin and find themselves in an unexpected position. Vying for each other’s love.
Duke of Every Sin by Stacy Reid was simply too short. I found myself totally invested in the characters only to find the story ending. Ethan Benedict, Duke of Bainbridge finds himself unexpectedly saddled with an abandoned baby on his doorstep; however, when Lady Verity Stanton claims to be responsible for the infant, Ethan refuses to give him up and makes the lady an offer that she’d be insane to refuse.

It was a great story, but would have been much better had it been long.

Big Duke Energy
Seasons of Sin Anthology Collection book 1

Excellent collection of stories that provide readers the opportunity of reading five new or already loved authors work. Some of the stories are related to series already. The descriptions of the stories in the blurb are accurate and yet do not tell it all.

What I liked:
* The variety from second chances to marriages of convenience
* The era
* The steamy embraces
* That some were virgins while others had experienced more and even abusive husbands though widows in their current stories
* That the rakes sometimes had hearts of gold
* That the women were strong and equal to the men they fall in love with
* that the men fall just as hard for the women
* Some of the supporting characters
* Knowing that there will be more Seasons Anthologies to look forward to

What I didn’t like:
* The pain some of the characters must have endured before they managed their happily ever after

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by these authors? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I have been waiting for Big Duke Energy for months since I discovered the book was being published. I was ecstatic with the whole collection! My two favorite novellas were The Earl On The Train and Duke Of Every Sin. I couldn’t choose the best between the two. Following closely after these two was The Wolf Of Westmore. Put Up Your Dukes was my next choice, and I enjoyed its differences from the rest. Finally, Loved And Found; however, due to the tropes, it was not my favorite. All five were excellent tales of secondary characters; some I have been waiting to read their story for years! I am so excited there will be three more of these anthologies. Big Duke Energy wowed and entertained with beautiful storytelling of passionate romance!

The Earl On The Train by Kerrigan Byrne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wish I had six stars! Oh Sebastian, how I have impatiently waited for your story! I fell in love with Sebastian and Veronica in The Duke With The Dragon Tattoo. I have looked forward to this romance for years, and it exceeded all my expectations. Villain to hero is a favorite trope, and Sebastian is the epitome! Sebastian had so many layers. He was such a complicated, vivid, and raw character. Veronica transforms from this defeated, timid, lonely person to a strong, vivacious woman that learns to take what she wants. This is a super-steamy, beautifully passionate romance. The physicality was so much more than common sensuality; it was emotional, angsty, and entrancing. The story takes place in forced proximity and includes intrigue and action. The secondary characters were lush and added to the plot. The writing was fantastic; several lines were so beautiful that I highlighted them, something I rarely do. Finally, although so short, The Earl On The Train is one of my favorite of the Victorian Rebel series. I did not want Sebastian and Veronica’s love story to end!

Loved And Found by Christi Caldwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thaddeus and Edies’ story is about heartbreak, loss, and second chances. Thaddeus and Edie’s plight as young, doomed lovers is heart-wrenching. Torn apart by class difference, the two get a second chance after going through horrendous trials. Both Thaddeus and Edie were broken yet still held dignity and strength. This plot is angsty, fraught with heartbreaking revelations, and hauntingly passionate. Although the tropes are not my favorites, the quality of writing is undeniable. The plot builds evenly to a breath-taking final chapter. Despite my reservations on some plot points, I enjoyed this story immensely.

The Wolf Of Westmore by Amalie Howard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved how the enemies-to-lovers and star-crossed-lovers tropes were combined in this romance. Wulfric was pure sin, and Jocelyn was pure sweetness. The sensuality between the couple was off the charts. Their passionate scenes were so well written. The dialogue and storyline immersed me into the story. The plot moved quickly and had a good pace but was not rushed. I loved Wulfric, the ultimate bad boy. Jocelyn was beautiful and caring but had a steely strength. Both main characters shone brightly. The storyline caught my attention in the first chapter and kept my rapt attention. This romance enchanted and enthralled me.

Put Up Your Dukes by Janna MacGregor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Martin and Amelia are in an estranged marriage due to Martin’s ownership of a gossip newspaper. I thought the character development was phenomenal in such a short story. The storyline is pretty simple, but Martin and Amelia’s personalities are enormous. The unraveling of the marriage was palpable. The couple had to mature and grow into their relationship. This is a messy, passionate romance. Unlike the other novellas, this one shines because of the realistic take on a struggling marriage. This was not my favorite; however, I was captured by Martin and Amelia’s plight. It is visceral at times but concludes beautifully.

Duke Of Every Sin by Stacy Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So good! Ethan and Verity are thrown together over the fate of a small child. This is a hauntingly beautiful story of loss, forgiveness, and redemption. The plot is intricate and ebbed and flows well for such a short story. I read this one in an hour. I couldn’t put it down! Ethan is a tragic, flawed character, and Verity is all things sweet and loving. Ethan finds healing in Verity’s love. The passionate connection between the couple is perfectly portrayed. Both main characters were written with love and care. Duke Of Every Sin was the perfect ending to a stand-out anthology.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was hands down one of the best anthologies I’ve come across in a long time. All of the stories were outstanding.

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

What an enjoyable treat, an anthology of secondary characters. Five authors have given us 5 stories staring interesting background characters that were worth another look. I have my favorite, it has one of my best loved leading character dukes making an appearance. There are a couple from authors I've never read and it didn't take away from the stories, they worked as stand alones. I'm going to admit that I was a bit disappointed in the writing style of a couple who I will not name here. Just not my cup of tea. There's a 50 shades of grey like story that was an eye opener, never had any idea that Regency upper crust nobs were so bawdy. I spend a nice afternoon on a rainy day and enjoyed catching up. The subtitle of this book is Seasons of Sin Anthology Collection Book 1 so there may be a book 2 coming.

#BigBukeEnergy #netgalley #Oliver Heber Books #KerriganByrne #ChristiCaldwell #AmelieHoward #JannaMacGregor #StacyReid #historicalromance #romance

One of the best anthologies I've read!!! Every single on of these authors BROUGHT it. Each story is just so much fun to read. Some of these authors I'd never read before and now I just want to binge read their entire backlist.

Big Duke Energy is an anthology of novellas by five wonderful HR writers. Three that I've read in the past and two that are new to me.

Kerrigan Byrne's selection The Earl On the Train was what initially drew me to it. I've needed to read Sebastian Moncrieff and Veronica Weatherstoke's story since the both appeared in The Duke With the Dragon Tattoo. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. I loved every minute of it. Kerrigan Byrne's writing as usual was amazing! 5 stars for The Earl On the Train.

Love and Found by Christi Caldwell is the story of Edieand Thaddeus. Childhood friends and then lovers, they were separated by Edie's parents. I love a good second chance romance and this one did not disappoint! 4 stars for Love and Found.

In The Wolf of Westmore by Amalie Howard Lady Jocelyn is drawn to Wulfric, Duke of Westmore despite the centuries long bitter fued between their families. Deciding she doesn't want to be used as a pawn by her father The Duke of Tyne, she takes matter into her own hands. Wow! This novella was super steamy and so good.it was definitely a 5 star read for me.

Put Up Your Dukes by Janna MacGregor is the story of Amelia Richmond and her estranged husband Martin Richmond. He is the publisher The Midnight Cryer and Infamous gossip rag. Amelia feels like her husband is ruthless and doesn't agree with most of what he chooses to print. I thoroughly enjoyed their reunion. It was 4 stars of sexy fun.

In Duke of Every Sin by Stacy Reid Lady Verity Stanton is horrified when her sister Catherine abandons her baby Thomas on the doorstep of Ethan Benedict, Dukeof Bainbridge. She will do anything it takes to get her nephew back.Ethan is determined to keep baby that he immediately recognizes as the son of his best friend Oscar. He feels responsible for Oscar's death and vows to make up for it by looking after his son. When Verity tries to get nephew back the Duke insists the only way she can be in the baby's life is if she marries him and becomes his Duchess. I live the marriage of convenience trope and this one is very well done. This was my first time reading anything by Stacy Reid and I can't wait to read more. 4 stars for Duke of Every Sin.

This was one of the best anthologies I've read in a very long time. Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Big Duke Energy is an anthology written by some of my favorite romance authors. Some stories were stronger than others but overall I enjoyed them all. Kerrigan Byrne's "Earl on the Train" and Amalie Howards "Wolf of Westmore" were the standouts of the bunch. I wish that Stacy Reid's "Duke of Every Sin" was a full length novel. I was emotionally invested in the characters and yearning to see more of their story. This anthology can be easily read as standalones although some prior knowledge can only help with the character's backgrounds.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a wonderfully captivating collection of stories! Put together by a wonderful group of authors, some I already knew of and have read their work, and some brand new to me, this set of stories will pull you right in and won't let go. I'm so happy to have found some new authors to follow! Each one did a fantastic job with providing vivid descriptions and interesting plots. The storylines were all artfully crafted with well defined characters and kept me hooked until I finished. I had to pace myself as I wanted to read all in one sitting! You will definitely finish it with a smile on your face (and if you're like me, maybe a little less sleep because I didn't want to stop reading!) The stories are short, so if you like to binge read, you can breeze through quite a few of them at a time. They vary in steam levels, so there's something for everyone. The anthology focuses on the second chance stories of the beloved secondary characters from the authors' popular stories, so it was fun catching up with these special characters and seeing them get their HEA.This is truly a gem of a collection and I am happy to have had the opportunity to read these books. Definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I enjoyed most of the stories in this anthology. Some of the authors are not my favorites but I read all of them. The thing about anthologies is that there is just not enough time to really develop the characters or story. So much more could have been done with all of the stories.

I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. These are my honest reviews:

*The Earl On the Train-Kerrigan Byrne: The reason I requested the anthology. For us that we've read "The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo" it wasn't a surprise Victoria and Sebastian got together. From their first meeting sparks were flying between the too much handsome pirate and the newly widowed Countess. Both of them were pining, especially the hero which I believe everyone likes. The story was fast paced, sexy but also very romantic. I felt Sebastian's POV quite lyrical. 5 stars

*Loved and Found-Christi Caldwell: This is my first time reading Christi, and I enjoyed it. It's a second chance romance between Edie and Thaddeus. Lady Edith, daughter of Duke and Thaddeus when they were kids and formed a friendship and later became lovers. When her family found out they bought Thaddeus a military commission and married Edie of to some older marquess. Now a widow she finds herself with a broken carriage, in the middle of nowhere in winter, with his house being the only place to seek refuge. Both were hurt by their life apart, Edie sacrificed a lot for the people she loved and Thaddeus at the battlefield. They get the HEA they deserve. 5 stars

*The Wolf of Westmore-Amelie Howard: Jocelyn has no power over who will get her hand in marriage , but she can certainly choose who gets her virginity.For that purpose she puts on a wig and a mask, sells her jewellery and goes to the Silver Scythe searching for her family's worst enemy and bids for him. This one was on fire (including a bit of BTSM). 5 stars, I'll be reading more of her books

*Put up your Dukes-Janna MacGregor: In order to save his scandalous paper from being overly taxed Martin asks his estranged wife to come back living with him. His job was the thing that separated Amelia and Martin five years ago and soon he'll have to choice what matters more to him.
I think this one has the most sex scenes due to the fact they were already married. I really liked the epilogue, it was funny. 4 stars

*Duke of every Sin-Stacy Reid: In order to be in her nephew's life Verity has to marry the very sinful Ethan, the Duke of Bainbridge. I love a good marriage of convenience story and this definitely delivered, Verity is a strong woman who left everything and stayed at her ruined sister's side and Ethan was consumed from grief and guilt after his best friend's death, I loved their relationship and even if they hadn't met before the book took place, I didn't feel it rushed or lacking something. 5 stars

5 novelas, 4 of them being from writers I read for the first time. Different tropes, levels of heat, in my opinion there's something in this for everyone.
Overall 4,6 stars.

This anthology of historical romance was definitely spicy, and they were the perfect length for quick reads!

The five stories range from dukes, to common folk, from marriage in trouble to marriage of convenience. They do have a common thread, there is a ‘Duke’ featured in each of them.

I have read four of the five authors previously, and was absolutely delighted with all the stories.

Earl on the Train: As a fan of Byrne I’ve read all of her books. This short story connects characters we’ve met in the Victorian Rebels series. Veronica was married to a terrible man, killed by The Rook. Sebastian is a fellow pirate with the Rook and Earl of self made riches. Traveling by train Sebastian is there to conduct “business” and mistakes Veronica as someone else. While assisting each other in their jobs and duties they manage to connect in a way she has never experienced before. Enjoy the beautiful imagery and heated scenes as Veronica and Sebastian enjoy their train ride.

I was given a copy of this anthology and will leave a review as I’ve read each story.

A rakish villain in need of redemption and a abused woman in need of gentleness and passion. This is where Sebastian and Veronica find their chance at love & redemption and finally get their well deserved HEA.

Is everyone ready for the longest review ever? No, you don’t want to read that? Okay….

TL;DR –
The Kerrigan Byrne is absolutely fabulous, but give yourself a refresher of The Duke in the Dragon Tattoo first. (5 stars)
The Christi Caldwell was forgettable. (3 stars)
The Amalie Howard scandalized me and I immediately moved some of her other books higher on my TBR list. (5 stars)
The Janna MacGregor was very steamy, but I wanted more from the characters (I haven’t read much of her work so that maybe would help me enjoy) – gave it an extra star because I loved the desk scene lol (4 stars)
The Stacy Reid was amazing – I would have loved a full length novel because I was invested in the characters and their feelings. (5 stars)

I'll forget I read the Caldwell and rate the whole thing at 5 stars. Lovely anthology!

Wait, you do want to read my 5 pages of thoughts including content warnings and sex locations?? Then read on!

The Earl of the Train by Kerrigan Byrne

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit

Should I read in order?
Yes – you’re going to want to read or reread The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo before diving into this one (And if you haven’t read The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo, you’ll want to start at the beginning of the series with The Highwayman)

Basic plot:
Sebastian is there to kill Arthur – but when he goes to do to the deed, he finds a sleeping woman in his bed instead – the very woman he had helped kidnapped years ago.

Give this a try if you want:
- A bit of second chance feel – their history was established in The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo but they never had a relationship
- Medium to high steam for novella – 3 full scenes with 1 scene containing 2 separate acts (see end of review for details)
- Forced proximity – these two are together pretty much the whole novella
- Pirate, turned nobleman hero and widow, turned companion heroine
- Victorian time period (The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo is listed as 1858 and I think this one is a few years after that)

My thoughts:
How can Kerrigan Byrne break my heart, put it back together, and make me breathless all in one small novella? I don’t know, but this is why she’s a top author for me.

I do wish I had skimmed through The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo before beginning this. I haven’t read it since 2018 so it’s been a hot minute and I only remember the basic details of that story. But Sebastian and Veronica’s story starts there, and the ending shows Sebastian’s betrayal that has lead him to this place in his life.

I was sucked with into this story with our heroine and hero being together almost immediately and working together throughout the story. I loved it!


Loved and Found by Christi Caldwell

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡
Romance: 💞
Sensuality: 💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Maybe a touch

Should I read in order?
This book takes place during/after the wedding of Martin and Christina, who are the stars of It Happened One Winter (book 4 of the Scandalous Affairs series). There is also a brief scene between Edie and her brother, where he references events of his marriage (this would be His Duchess For a Day – The Heart of a Scandal #4)

Basic plot:
This is a second chance romance where our newly widowed heroine is finally free of her awful marriage and by chance meets the man she fell in love with long ago – both believe themselves wronged by each other and must work through their hurt.

Give this a try if you want:
- Second chance – they were friends and lovers before our story picks up in 1829
- Soldier hero – he as a Lieutenant in the King’s Army
- Snowed in

My thoughts:
This one was all right. Honestly when I saw Caldwell with this line up, I was surprised. She just didn’t seem to fit with the other authors feels to me.

The thing that made me sad about this story was it felt like most of the romance and real relationship building happened off page. We get the prologue, which was fun, but they are little kids. Then everything that happens after as they grow up is skipped over and we come into this mess of hurt feelings. It really took away the feels for the romance for me.

I think if you love second chance trope this will be a bigger hit for you than myself. It also wasn’t too steamy with 1 scene. (Which, I wasn’t surprised but I was hoping she would step it up being in the same anthology as Reid, Byrne, and Howard.)



The Wolf of Westmore by Amalie Howard

Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Just a bit

Should I read in order?
If you want the full knowledge of character cast, start with book 1 of the Everleigh Sisters series, The Beast of Beswick. I do think this one works decently as a stand alone. There is some minor page time with the Marquess of Roth and Isobel (the characters from book 2, The Rakehell of Roth) though.

Basic plot:
Lady Jocelyn and Lord Wulfric Bane are enemies. Born to rival families, Jocelyn’s father’s actions has only called Wulfric’s desire for revenge to come to the forefront. Jocelyn knows who she wants to share a night of passion despite the danger – and she disguises herself to buy the Duke of Westmore at a charity auction.

Give this a try if you want:
- Late Regency, England (1822)
- Tiny heroine, huge hero
- Ruined heroine – and hero...in a way
- Little Red Riding Hood feels
- Medium to high steam with light kink – 3 full scenes that include spanking, light bondage, and throat play
- Sold hero

Ages:
- Heroine is 23, hero is “older than that”

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this novella! I’m a bit behind on Howard’s work. I wish I had read the prior novel but this one does work well as a stand alone.

Lady Jocelyn has always felt disposable and looked over by her father. She’s determined to make her own way, at least in who she loses her virginity to. Overall I liked Jocelyn, though I wasn’t overly in love with how she exposed their relationship.

Wulfric was my type of hero – dark and gruff and quite naughty in the bedroom.

The character depth felt pretty good for a novella and the sex was steamy. I do wish the kink had been better presented to the heroine in some of the scenes though. She seemed a bit...concerned some of the time and it lessened my enjoyment a touch.


Put Up Your Dukes by Janna MacGregor


Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Not really

Should I read in order?
I’m unsure – it was okay as a stand alone but I was also left feeling a bit like I was missing something. I’m not sure if these characters are mentioned much in prior works. (For example, I did read Rogue Most Wanted (The Cavensham Heiresses #5) and I don’t recall these characters in it but I do recall The Midnight Cryer being mentioned. So I have a feeling one should perhaps read in order...

Basic plot:
Martin and Amelia have been estranged in their marriage for 5 years and all over conflicts with The Midnight Cryer, Martin’s titillating newspaper gossip column. Amelia has some favors to ask of Martin, and Martin is making changes with the newspaper that Amelia never expected...

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1819)
- Second chance romance feels
- High steam – these two go at it like rabbits


My thoughts:
I struggled with this one a little bit. Part of it was I just wasn’t super into a gossip rag newspaper plot. It just made the hero feel a little uncaring and unpleasant. Second chance also isn’t usually my favorite. But overall I think it worked here. The fact that they have been estranged for a number of years made me get into them rekindling their relationship, but it was a bit strange to me how she had still been seeing him regularly and being intimate with him. It made them feel like strangers exchanging bedroom slots at a brothel or something.

Still, there were a few parts that tugged on my heart a bit. And, well, I REALLY loved the desk scene. So that right there boosted the rating for me. I haven’t read too much of her work so I’m not sure how this book fits in with her other novels. That might have helped my enjoyment with it.



Duke of Every Sin by Stacy Reid

Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: A bit

Should I read in order?
I am entirely unsure. I couldn’t figure out if this fits into any of her series, and as this is my first book ever by Reid, I had nothing to go on. I think I saw a review mention all novels in this collection hold secondary characters HEAs so I’m assuming it fits in somewhere. Let me know below if you know!

Basic plot:
Verity is losing her nephew – she watches him be placed on the Duke of Bainbridge’s door step and waits for the moment to grab him back. But when the duke takes him inside, she has no choice but to insert herself into his life as well.

Give this a try if you want:
- A child as one of the main focuses of the story
- Marriage of convenience
- Celibate hero
- Medium steam – 2 full scenes but there’s lots of kisses!

Ages:
- Heroine is 19, hero is 28


My thoughts:
A bit of this felt a little grasping to be ‘trope-y’ – like how the Duke was so feared and evil but I never really understood why, or really felt that in his character like I have in other ‘dark and beastly’ heroes. I also thought the marriage proposal was a little random – I was actually hoping he would hire her as a nursemaid or something to give them some close proximity – she could stay with Thomas and he could have someone help with the baby when he has no experience. The marriage felt a little weird. He basically says he marries her to stop her from doing something rash about the child. But you know what?? I don’t care. I really ended up enjoying this novel, so I’m letting those small ‘huh?’ things go.

I adored how protective and caring Ethan was from the beginning. When he went to Verity’s family after they were engaged, gosh I just melted.

I love that he watches her sleep. Creepy? Don’t care.

Artie was a lovely side character and I enjoyed him.

I just really enjoyed this book. It felt emotional to me and that really enhanced their intimacy. I am eager to read more Reid after this.

The Earl on the Train – Kerrigan Byrne
Did you say pirates? YES! This story does not take place on a ship but rather on a train. A chance meet up with a woman who hates him gives Sebastian all the right ammunition he needs to make her come to his side (yes, pun intended). I found this story very funny and a whole lot of sexy. Oh yeah, there is an assassination plot. How the mighty will fall for the right woman.

Loved and Found – Christi Caldwell
We take up right where Martin’s story leaves off and this story like Martin’s is so sweet and heart wrenching at the same time. I think every time I read a Christi book it will not tear at my heart and damn it, it does. I love her angsty books and this is one of them just a little bit and even though it is a short story. The characters invite you into their lives.

The Wolf of Westmore – Amalie Howard
We have returned to the Regency Rogues series and I even mentioned in my review of the last book in this series that I was waiting on Westmore’s story. It does not disappoint. It is everything I wanted in his book. A great story, sexy times, angst and a man who is brought to his knees by the love of a woman (in the best sense). For a short story, this one packed a big punch. The Regency Rogues series is my favorite series of Amalie’s. I am staggered by how fantastic this story is. Okay, I could keep on gushing but I won’t. This is a story not to be missed.

Put Up Your Dukes – Janna MacGregor
An exciting addition to The Cavensham Heiresses series. This story starts with a bang and keeps the fireworks going through the story. Janna wrote a story that kept me glued to the pages. There is a lot of angst which I totally love and a lot of loving. Not exactly the same but parts reminded me of the song “Afternoon Delight”. Yeah, I am smiling. I loved these characters and their story. We also get a small glimpse of my favorite hero of Janna’s, Paul/Southart.

Duke of Every Sin – Stacy Reid
Stacy is a favorite and everything she writes is so good. This short story packs a punch and tore at my heart. These characters were so engaging and interactive with each. I was enthralled and entertained at the same time. Just a fabulous story.

What a treat this book of five novellas turned out to be. All of my favourite authors in one book. Definitely something to savour.
Kerrigan Byrne’s ‘The Earl on the Train’ finds Sebastian Moncrieff, a former pirate now Earl, on a train with Veronica Latimer, who is attempting to help a woman escape her violent husband, and a daughter, from a forced marriage. Yet Sebastian realises that his past may prevent him from finding the happiness he desires from Veronica, but he just has to convince her to forgive him his past.
There was so much to this story that I wished it had been longer, to explore two very fascinating characters. Not having read the previous books that would have introduced the characters, I felt that I missed a bit of their previous history. However, this just means I get to explore another book.
Christi Caldwell’s ‘Loved and found’ finds Lieutenant Thaddeus Phippen reuniting with Edi, a duke’s daughter whom he has known since they were children. Can Thaddeus and Edi put their past hurts behind them, so that they can find the love that they once shared?
I found the love as well as the chemistry between Thaddeus and Edie so very believable with the exploration of how they first meet, starting off the story. This meant that their chance meeting, quickly led to their ability to raise past hurts. Their story perfectly suited a novella. A great read!

Amalie Howard’s ‘The wolf of Westmore’ see Lord Wulfric Bane, the Duke of Westmore, meet Lady Jocelyn Capehart at a club. Yet her sweet and innocent demeanour hides a passion that burns brightly with Lord Bane.
Family dramas always create such a great background a novella and this story was no exception. The chemistry between this couple was explosive. The happiness long denied Wulfric, was a delight to read about, making for a great ending.

Janna MacGregor’s ‘Put up your dukes’ finds Martin "Duke" Richmond reuniting with his wife Amelia Richmond. Having been estranged from Martin for five years due to his sensational gossip rag, The Midnight Cryer. Yet when her business faces ruin due to Martin’s words against a powerful duke, she finds herself having to persuade him to relent. However, as they spend time together, he is not the only one needing to surrender.
This novella saw two character with so many past hurts, come together to reveal their emotions. At times, I felt frustration with both Amelia and Martin, in not being able to say what they felt, and expose themselves with honesty. However, the outcome was great, and this was an entertaining read.
Stacey Reid’s ‘Duke of every sin’ finds Ethan Benedict, Duke of Bainbridge, captivated by Verity, a young woman who infiltrates his household for care for the baby who she that was left at his doorstep.
This novella was probably the one story that didn’t quite gel for me. Whilst a novella has its challenges in trying to get across the characters’ feelings in such a short time, I felt that the ‘instant love’ between Ethan and Verity, was not quite believable and I would have liked to have seen the illusion of time, at least to gain a greater sense that this was romance was realistic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.