Week ending April 26, 2019

Allen, Rebecca Grace. Their Discovery. Rebecca Grace Allen Enterprises. (Legally Bound, Bk. 3). May 2019. 377p. ebk. ISBN 9780999206683. $4.99. EROTIC ROMANCE
This third book in the “Legally Bound” series (after His Contract and Her Claim) is a poignant portrait of a marriage on the rocks. After 17 years together and two children, Samantha and Brady Archer seem to have lost the love and passion that brought them together. Sam thinks of herself as the invisible bulwark in their union, and Brady spends his time at work, where he feels like a superhero instead of a failure. Initially, they find their way back together by discovering their inner kinksters, but while the dynamic of Domme Sam and sub Brady is empowering for Sam, it makes Brady question his masculinity as soon as the intense pleasure is past. Ultimately, what saves them is what nearly broke them—opening up to each other about what they want and need, in and out of the bedroom.
VERDICT Much of this story is heartbreaking in its familiarity, as two people who still love each other fracture over communication—or lack thereof. The kinky aspects add eroticism to the mix while also complicating their problems. This romance—and it is definitely a romance—is highly recommended for readers who love novels that address what happens after the happily ever after and explore just how hard that HEA can be to maintain.—Marlene Harris, Reading Reality, LLC, Duluth, GA

Evans, Bronwen. Attracted to the Earl. Loveswept: Random. (Imperfect Lords, Bk. 3). Jun. 2019. 224p. ebk ISBN 9781101969526. $4.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Guy Neville has a shameful secret: he can’t read. He’s kept it hidden through his years in the army, but now that his older brother has died, it will be much harder to keep as the new Earl of Argyle, especially since his cousin Patrick has been trying to weasel his way into the title. Knowing Guy’s weakness for women, Patrick blackmails the lovely Abigail Pinehurst into spying on Guy. Abigail arrives on the earl’s doorstep with her young sister on the pretense of wanting to draw the rare Ghost Orchid that grows on his estate. A mutual attraction flares, but Guy and Abigail each fears the other will discover their humiliating pasts. Meanwhile, a relationship blossoms between Abigail’s sister and Guy’s best friend, which complicates matters.
VERDICT Evans’s (Drawn to the Marquess) story is much more interesting when it focuses on the hero and heroine’s growing relationship rather than the increasingly over-the-top villain. Still, suitable for most historical romance collections.—Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

O’Shay, Charlotte. Forever in a Moment. Wild Rose. (Deerbourne Inn). Apr. 2019. 151p. ebk. ISBN 9781509225644. $3.99. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Samantha DeMartino’s fiancé may have called off the wedding two weeks before the big day and thrown Sam’s normally orderly life into a tailspin, but she’s determined to regroup. Going on their planned Vermont honeymoon and taking some time for herself will be just what Samantha needs to decide her next steps. When her car runs out of gas during a blizzard, she is saved by Jed Armstrong, to whom she is instantly attracted. Jed has a routine: work, work, and more work. He works at his family’s dairy farm and then takes side jobs, so he can’t say he is truly living. He is shocked when he knows immediately that the woman he helped out of a predicament is the one. However, Sam has just been jilted, lives in New York, and is only here for a week. They must decide whether to enjoy the time they have together, or ignore their growing chemistry.
VERDICT Lovers of holiday romance will especially enjoy this story of two people destined to find each other. O’Shay’s (The Marriage Ultimatum) novella will have readers wanting more.—Jessica M. Perovich, U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit, Washington, DC