The Return of the Courageous Ladies Box Set: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Collection

CAPTURING THE VISCOUNT’S HEART:
Loved, loved, loved this book. It is filled with shocking distress, false accusations, realistic feelings and emotions. The story starts innocently and looks into the life of two lifelong friends, Helena and Elias. After four years away from home Elias returns to a full-grown Helena. He is enchanted and begins to realize his feelings for her surpass his friendship. From the time she was fourteen Helena had been in love with Elias but did not fully understand those feelings till she grew into a young woman. Then tragedy strikes Helena’s family and their fall from grace was unimaginable. Elias and his father, being lifelong friends of the family, came to their rescue. It cost the pride of her father who tried not to feel beholden to his oldest friend. Just when things were straightening out, Helena’s father was arrested and thrown into Newgate prison for a crime he did not commit. Unfortunately, this caused a rift between their fathers. Helena’s father forbade his family to have anything to do with Elias and his father. It caused anguish and pain between Helena and Elias as they cared for each other. The story covers the disgrace and shame that followed Helena and her family. Elias and his father believed in Helena’s father innocence. Elias would not rest until he had done everything to clear their name. Helena went through h*ll as her own cousin had no concern for her and disparaged her and her family to one and all. I liked Helena’s character. She has a good head on her shoulder, she is modest and humble, outgoing and adores the outdoors. She is someone her family can depend on. Although the strain is felt keenly by her. Elias is a quiet unassuming young man. He too is kind, thoughtful and humble. Together, Helena and Elias are a good match. Their day may never come as Helena feels her family’s disgrace will keep Elias from ever pursuing her. Elias fears the day may never come when Helena would accept his suit. Such a conundrum. I found that when the characters were happy, I was happy. When they were shocked so was I. When things were desperate, I felt it. When all hope looked lost, my heart went out to them. This is truly a wonderful book of trust and enduring love and friendship. A must read. I highly recommend it.
THE ODD MYSTERY OF THE CURSED DUKE:
This is an exciting book. It follows after “Capturing the Viscount’s Heart”. That is where we meet Beatrice. Months and months and months later Beatrice is a new woman. Capable, accountable, loving and very loyal to her family. I liked Beatrice immediately. She is no shrinking violet but has manners and grace to go with a very inquisitive mind. She never falters to ask her questions. The difference between her and others is that she waits for the opportune time. She is liked by all in the household and respected. She returns that regard to the household staff. She has come to grips with being a spinster. Although from time to time she longs for what her sister has found. A loving spouse and two wonderful children. The story introduces Alexander Langdon, the Duke of Everdale. He is a successful wealthy man who is extremely practical and logical. Over several visits he has observed Beatrice and feels that a marriage of convenience would suit both of them. Beatrice agrees to this type of marriage where there are amiable feelings with the hope of friendship along with the prerequisite heir. However, Alexander has a painful hidden past and other secrets he does not share with Beatrice. This is cause of great upset between them. Alexander also fears that the past is repeating itself and he does not know what to do. Someone is out to harm Beatrice and no one knows who or why. Alexander’s other secret is in France and he knows he needs to spend time with Beatrice and protect her, but there is another who needs him as well. A very exciting story full of some twists and unexpected turns. When I thought of the villain, I had two people in mind but one stood out more than the other and so I kind of knew who it was but was shocked as to why it was and for what reason. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed.
A SECOND CHANCE FOR THE TORMENTED LADY:
Abby Ayles is one of my favorite authors. This is the seventeen book I have read from her. I have enjoyed all her books so far. I applaud Ms. Ayles for shining the light on the aftermath of years of cruel and abusive treatment to women. The nightmares, the insecurities, the fears and the reprisal of the horrors. I believe the intentions of this book were sincere. However, I feel it did not hit the mark. The pace was so slow I wanted to stop reading after just a third of the way through. Based on what I read about the lead female character, I would have believed she would have been more emotionally damaged than she was. Although her reactions to certain situations were realistic there was not enough evidence for that she had been abused as alluded. I am not saying that a little abuse is different than a lot of abuse. All abuse is negative and terrible and has no place in society. Plus, the romance in the story felt contrived. There was no great passion or desire between the lead characters. As a matter of fact, it seemed too civilized and somewhat detached. Like I said early the overall idea for the story was well meant but it definitely missed the mark. I believe that this is an anomaly for Ms. Ayles and I look forward to her next book.