review: a duke changes everything by christy carlyle

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As the second son, Nick never expected or wanted to inherit his father's title. When he does, his immediate plan is to sell the property and return to his life in London. But for as much as Nick loathes Enderley Castle, the estate steward loves it and the people who work there. Mina is determined to change Nick's mind, but they both get more than they bargained for in the first book of a new series from Christy Carlyle.

The romance between Nick and Mina develops slowly and naturally, but there's plenty of drama to keep the plot moving along. It was also nice to get both Nick and Mina's perspectives as it allowed both characters and their motivations to be better understood. Carlyle nailed it with this one.
5/5
Review copy provided by the publisher, Avon Books.

review: forbidden passion by rita herron

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When Dante was a teen, he disobeyed his demon father to protect a girl named Marlena whose mother and sister were killed by Dante's brothers. Now decades later, Dante has literally fought demons as the sheriff and Marlena is a doctor doing research on the blood of serial killers. Although Dante has resisted contacting Marlena, he's forced to when she becomes involved in a murder investigation.

The romance is quick in this paranormal tale. It makes sense for Dante, but is a little less reasonable for Marlena who is warned that Dante isn't quite who he seems. The plot developments regarding the murder investigation are good, but it all gets wrapped up at rapid speed with the revelation of who the killer was and then a battle of demons. This is the third in the Demonborn series, but it works as a standalone with Vincent and Quinton from the first two books making only brief appearances.
3/5
Review copy provided by the publisher, Grand Central Publishing.

review: the accidental beauty queen by teri wilson

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Charlotte and Ginny are identical twins who couldn't be more different. Charlotte is a school librarian who prefers wearing t-shirts with literary references while Ginny is a glamorous pageant contestant. In The Accidental Beauty Queen, an allergic reaction leads to Charlotte having to take Ginny's place in the pageant their deceased mother once won. It's a story that could be completely vapid and superficial, but Teri Wilson makes it incredibly moving. Wilson nails the sister dynamic and creates plenty of comedic twin-switch moments. She also doesn't fall into the trap of making the other pageant contestants stereotypes. Another great element (involving the twin-switch) is the sweet romance that develops between Charlotte and one of the judges. It gives just the right amount of conflict to elevate The Accidental Beauty Queen from great to excellent.
5/5
Review copy provided by the publisher, Gallery Books.