Loving Tales of Lords and Ladies: A Historical Regency Romance Collection

***SPOILER ALERT***
A GOVERNESS IN THE DUKE’S DARKNESS:
It was amazing. An unbelievable journey about the strength of the human spirit. Marina Blackwater has seven older brothers and sisters. Her mother had her late in life. She was an unwanted pregnancy and her parents and siblings never let her forget that. She was unloved and scorned by her family. Her mother was finally getting tired of supporting her and pushed her to either get married or find a job. Her older brother got her an interview with Aldolphus Caldwell, the Duke of Wellington for the position of governess for his four young children. The Duke was going through governesses like water. They never lasted and always left. Since his beloved wife, Marybeth died, he lost all reason for living and just existed. The children turned wild and the Duke could not be emotionally available to them. They were dealing with the death of their mother in the only way they knew, which was unpleasant for the Duke. Claudia was the eldest at age eleven, next was Christopher age nine, then Max age seven and the baby Lottie age four. The Duke had run out of all options. Then Marina arrived and she was his last hope. If she did not work out, he would be forced to send the children to boarding school. On top of all his family problems, the Duke for some reason became blind. The doctor reassured him that it was just temporary. He did not know how long the Duke would take to get his sight back but it was imperative for him to rest. Now that he had hired Marina for the governess job, he was still a little unsure because she was so young. She was only twenty. The housekeeper, Sally Hodgins was a mean and stern old lady that gave everyone a dress down. She made it clear to Marina that she was not wanted. When Marina finally met the children, she fell in love with them. Marina had an intuitive sense for each child. She was able to see their strengths and weaknesses. She also could tell that the children had not grieved properly since their mother died. She had her work cut out for her. The children were a challenge. But as she saw their pain, they endeared themselves to her. Now that the Duke was blind, he was even more difficult to be around and the children feared his anger. At the same time, people in the Duke’s trusted circle were betraying him and the Duke had no idea. This story really grabbed my attention. It was an emotional, touching story of the unwanted country girl and the Dark Duke. When I started reading it, I could not put it down. This is a must read and I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

THE LIGHT IN THE DUKE’S SHADOW:
it was amazing. I loved reading this book. It is full of energy, action, danger, romance and love. The heroine, Lady Penelope Withersfield, is a strong, determined young woman. She diplomatically works around her father’s caveman philosophy. She is determined to have a marriage based on equality or none at all. The hero, Lord Jules Daventry, Duke of Richmond, is living in the shadows of misery and grief. His parents were murdered and he will not stop till justice has been served. When Penelope meets Jules it is under dire circumstances. She comes to his aid when he is bleeding and unconscious. Penelope takes the Duke to her home to recuperate. She and Jules get to know one another and he tells her of the revelation that hit him. For so long he has been focused on finding the person responsible for his parents murders. Now after meeting Penelope he starts to imagine a new life with her. He is not sure what to do. Does he stop his search or go after what he may desire? As life would have it, the murderer taunts Jules and promises to harm Penelope if he does not back off his investigation. A very exciting, suspenseful, tension filled, murder mystery. I highly recommend this book. It is a must read.

THE SECRET IDENTITY OF THE LORD’S AIDE:
it was amazing. (deep sigh) What didn’t I like about the book? There is nothing better than reading a well written book. I loved every part of it. There are no negative parts. I loved Lady Elizabeth/Bess Byrd’s character. She is like a phoenix, rising from the ashes to begin anew. Everyone in society turned their backs on her. Her father, Lord Thomas Byrd, eighth Baron Conway, and her ex-fiance Conner Garvey duplicitous and illegal actions, she felt shamed and disgraced. So, she withdrew from society. With the help of her dear friend, Irene Follett, she was able to pick up the pieces of her life and find a new purpose. Bess is brave to start over and brave to endure the degrading, disparaging remarks people would say behind her back and to her face. She is resilient and remarkable. Intelligent and kind. She gives back to the community her time and love by way of a children’s food kitchen and homeless shelter. She meets Lord Nathaniel Linfield, the 7th Earl of Dartmouth, in an unusual way. They begin to work together and the attraction between them grows. Nathaniel does not know the whole sordid details of Bess’s background, but wants to get to know her. Nathaniel grew up at the knee of his wonderful father. His father was a great orator and had a profound influence in Parliament. But Nathaniel did not have the hutzpah for public speaking. But he is his father’s son and he is intelligent and considerate. He had the heart of a politician, he just needed guidance and help putting himself and his thoughts together. Then he met Bess and everything changed their lives. A wonderful book full of emotion, drama, forgiveness and humility. I loved it and I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.