Stealing the Duke's Heart - Shana Galen 

**These novellas were previously published in the anthologies The Dukes of Vauxhall and How to Find a Duke in Ten Days.**

How to Steal a Duke 
Dominik and Rosalyn make one of my favorite couples ever. She was graceful, playful, and brave. He was haughty, proper, and much to his chagrin, caring. Together they are the perfect pair. With a hint at gothic, and although it’s only a novella, this story packs plenty: romance, nail-biting situations, and an unexpected twist. It was a nice story that I wish would have been longer! 

Taken by the Duke 
When Henry is attacked by a band of ruffians, the last thing he expected was to come reacquainted with a long lost love. Kate has changed so much since he last saw her however he knows that deep inside she’s still the same girl he knew all those years ago. There were sparks flying for these two from the start. I loved that it’s not your typical “duke” and there was “no damsel in distress.” I thought the ending was kind of abrupt but it was still an enjoyable read. 

Both stories were fun, enjoyable, and quick reads. If you’re looking for a read to pass your morning, this is the one to get. 

~ I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher. ~

For whatever weird reason, I’m extremely uncomfortable with historical romance featuring a female MC who has been already ruined, been a figure of scandal, and is somehow supposed to still get a happily-ever-after with a member of the aristocracy. It’s a really massive obstacle to overcome in HR, and I’ve read a number of them that were basically, “we love each other and we don’t really want to be in London, so society be damned.” Which, sure, but still left me vaguely unsatisfied because I want my female MCs to triumph at the end.

Here’s the great thing about Ivory in Duke of My Heart, yes she’s an opera singer, yes she married a duke and was never properly received, but Bowen makes this her backstory, and the reason why she gets to invisibly glide through society now, handling scandals for other people. Everything about the premise worked for me. Ivory is talented, smart as hell, and totally running her life on her own terms. And she continues to do so, handling cut-throats and aristocrats with equal aplomb.

Maximus was a good male love interest. He ticked all the boxes for me, but the real fun was watching Ivory manage him. Seriously, I cannot rave enough about her. Duke of My Heart is smart, sexy, witty and a one-sitting read.

If you haven’t checked out Kelly Bowen’s work and you love historical romance, then you need to start reading her.

One Winter with a Baron by Christi Caldwell is an amazing historical romance.  This is a fairly short read, perfect for those with limited time for reading.  It's also a clean read and appropriate for teens and adults.  Ms Caldwell has once again delivered a well written book with fantastic, lovable characters.  Sybil and Nolan's story is filled with enough drama and humor to keep the pages turning.  I enjoyed reading One Winter with a Baron and look forward to my next book by Christi Caldwell.  One Winter with a Baron is book 12 of The Heart Of A Duke Series but can be read as a standalone.  This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

3.4 stars

The hero bumbles around a lot and doesn't get an opportunity to shine while the heroine was strong and awesome. Overall, the historical feel was missing for me, not sure if due to how the heroine was living her life or what but I missed it. The hero just wasn't a strong presence for me and the mystery part of the story felt a little vague and over with earlier on. The author's writing is incredibly strong and I enjoy it but I almost feel like she would be a better fit in contemporaries.

Embarrassingly, I spent a good portion of the latter half of the story fantasizing about Beatrice and King having their own book. Or maybe Captain Black and Beatrice, I think either of those two would be an amazing match for her.
Either way, gimme King's book!