Romance Roundup: February
Welcome to “Romance Roundup” where I share mini-reviews of 3-4 romance novels that I’ve read recently. This month’s edition includes a Civil War spy, a successful, and a rich historical romance that blooms in the Old West.
Lady of Secrets (Ladies of the Civil War #1) by G.S. Carr (2019)
Henrietta Wright is a Free Colored woman who teaches reading and writing to anyone who enters her classroom. At least she was, until a drunken night with friends catapults her down a path of intrigue, coded messages, and intelligence operations. All in service of the Union Army. She can’t tell anyone what she’s doing, including the handsome Irishman she knows she shouldn’t want, but can’t seem to resist.
Since stepping onto American soil, Elijah Byrne’s only goal has been to survive another day. That is until Henrietta burst into his life and made him want more. She was never meant to be his – her fiancé can attest to that – but she makes him long for things men like him aren’t lucky enough to have. When she asks for his help, he can’t resist tumbling with her into a clandestine expedition that could cost them everything—including their lives.
Lady of Secrets was an interesting historical romance novel that follows the life of Henrietta, who spends her days as a teacher and follows the life that is carved out for her. Though everything changes when she meets Elijah, and they instantly have a connection. Throughout the novel, they try to fight again the odds for their relationship despite the racial and social barriers of the time.
I like that this novel also touches on the intelligence efforts as an informant during the Civil War and how Henrietta becomes a part of these secret groups. I think there wasn’t as much of the spy aspect story as I thought it would be as far as Henrietta’s involvement with the militia until the climax of the book which was a bit disappointing. I thought the romance was sweet and I also enjoyed that it blended many genre elements while bringing light to a tumultuous time in history.
Final Verdict:
Backstage Benefits (Devereaux Inc. #2) by LaQuette (2021)
Lyric Smith didn’t become the nation’s most successful lifestyle guru by losing focus. Yet Josiah Manning, daytime television’s hottest—and sexiest—young Black producer makes her do just that. Publicly, Josiah wants Lyric to star in a new talk show. Privately, he’s headlining her sexiest fantasies. But when their explosive chemistry leads to complications instead of contracts, will Lyric find the ultimate partner to help her crush her rivals…or exit stage left alone?
I’ve heard a lot about LaQuette as a Romance author so I was excited to see her work in this Harlequin Desire novel that was gifted to me. I liked how the main character, Lyric, has such great ambition and wants to propel herself in her life and career (after being limited to do so in the past). It’s one of the key features of why she and Josiah connect so much. The attraction is there from the beginning and quickly turns into a deeper relationship. I admired that both were communicative with each other and wanted each other as a partner that could support and propel each other in their careers.
It’s fast-paced since it’s a short Harlequin novel, but I really enjoyed it. I thought the story was enjoyable and the romance was quite spicy! I’m not sure I’m completely hooked and will continue with this series, but I do want to check out more of LaQuette’s work in the future. She’s such a talented Romance writer!
Final Verdict:
Forbidden (Old West #1) by Beverly Jenkins (2016)
Rhine Fontaine is building the successful life he’s always dreamed of—one that depends upon him passing for White. But for the first time in years, he wishes he could step out from behind the façade. The reason: Eddy Carmichael, the young woman he rescued in the desert. Outspoken, defiant, and beautiful, Eddy tempts Rhine in ways that could cost him everything . . . and the price seems worth paying.
Eddy owes her life to Rhine, but she won’t risk her heart for him. As soon as she’s saved enough money from her cooking, she’ll leave this Nevada town and move to California. No matter how handsome he is, no matter how fiery the heat between them, Rhine will never be hers. Giving in for just one night might quench this longing. Or it might ignite an affair as reckless and irresistible as it is forbidden . . .
I always adore Jenkin’s historical romance novels, and I’m slowly working my way through her backlist of titles. I reviewed the second novel in this series Breathless on the blog before, but I will say I enjoyed this story much more. Following the story of Eddy, readers go with her on her journey to pick up the pieces after her dreams of owning a business are temporarily put on hold. While putting her life back together her encounter with Rhine changes things.
Like Jenkins’s other novels I loved the romance but also the detailed historical bits about life in the Old West. The novel also touches on important discussions about race especially with the Rhine as he has been “passing” for most of his life and when he meets Eddy he’s come to a crossroads to decide who he truly wants to be. I can’t wait to finish reading this series (one more book to go!) Highly recommended!
Final Verdict:
What romance novels have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations feel free to share those as well.
