A new take on the Regency story… a guardian angel/redemption sort. The incorrigible womanizing rake’s actions lead to his own death and the death of the man he was dueling and thus starts in motion a 100 year downward spiral to the two families involved. The Caines who owe the actions of one Valerian Caine to their credit (or discredit really) leaving 100 years later Robin (the current lord and sadly downtrodden young man) and Dorathea (the maiden) and the Sevarics, the Lord Max and his sister Gwendolyn.

 Written by Alicia Rasley and Lynn Kerstan, this is a more mature regency romance with a more frank dealing with the ideas of the rake and his urges. Not that the rather elegant Valerian (brought back to earth as Vayle) gave into his, but the temptation… the temptation is there. I think this story gives you a better idea than most as to how the men of the regency era often kept busy as well as a peek into life 100 years before. Definitely worth a read if you like some paranormal with your complicated romance! Come enjoy the poetic justice. 

Gwen’s Ghost

Another traditional romance, Charity is a young maiden set on being… well… helpful. Dissapointed in love by the gentlemen in London who are altogether too predictable for her romantic ideals she is recalled home to her Kentish village where she is seen as a pillar of the community. She lives with her brothers after her parents passed away as did her twin (brother) and a younger brother. Even with a more modest dowry she has often been proposed to both in London and back home. Sadly this staid maiden is seen as the perfect wife and helpmate when all she wants is romance and spontaneity. 

Enter a bereaved local Lady and her artistic brother Tristan who sees Charity as a person of interest. With so much going on in the village, a bereaved widow to urge out the door and into society, brothers to look after and a noble man to yearn for there is all the elements there for a light hearted romance. 

This lovely Alicia Rasley novel is a wonderful period piece with lively characters and a beautiful setting. The countryside is a perfect backdrop for the trials and tribulations of love loss and village fetes. 

Charity Begins at Home

When I have a line up of rather independent things for the kids with their schooling I absolutely love a little Regency Novella and Allegra’s Song (one of the Drewe Sisters series) by Alicia Rasley did NOT disappoint! You start the book with Allegra, a semi estranged wife of a Colonel who is now back from fighting Napoleon. They have one son (young Timothy) and she is a musical prodigy. Add in an admirer (platonic) in the form of Lord Sedge and two sisters… the lovely Yvette who has decided it is time to find a husband and the motherly Maggie who believes she is absolutely plain and on the shelf. 

With the youngest of the sisters needing the proper setting to find a good husband and the season over in London they acquire an invitation for all 3 sisters to a house party. Bring along the debonair rogue and a surprise appearance of the absentee husband and the complications mount. I have to admit, I found this one heartwarming. The lady is honest about her emotions and her wants, the husband confused but listening and the sisters characters in their own right. I look forward to reading the other novellas in this series! If you want a lovely afternoon read with some heartwarming romance this is the book for you! 

Allegra’s Song