Theme today is: recent notable historical releases! Check out the other posts on Eva Leigh & Sherry Thomas, too!
Vanessa Riley has long been a fierce and passionate voice for the way characters of color are portrayed in romance, but especially in historical romance.
Her newest title, A DUKE, THE LADY AND A BABY, features one of the most interesting and dynamic characters we’ve seen in a historical romance in years.
Patience Jordan is a West Indian widow of a British aristocrat, but when her husband commits suicide, she loses everything when her husband’s uncle throws her out and takes custody of her newborn son.
Things change when her son’s true guardian, Busick Strathmore, Duke of Repington, shows up and banishes the uncle. But unsure of her welcome, especially given the horrible things she’s already endured, Patience chooses to keep her identity secret and serve as a wet nurse and nanny to her son.
As the two spend time together, work toward keeping her son safe, and dive into the details of her husband’s death, many of which don’t make sense, the two begin to trust and care for each other.
Riley has written a powerful story with tons of emotional punches that Busick and Patience have to navigate, both together and on their own.
Slowly, Patience regains her own confidence and sense of power, then convinces Busick that she’s a bright, indomitable spirit he can’t live without.
It’s a beautiful, intense, compelling story, and the romance is lovely and touching. Truly a poignant, impressive read.
It’s also the start of a dynamic new series, so I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Find the books:
Vanessa Riley @Amazon
A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby @Amazon
Advertisements for Love series @Amazon (these are all $3.99)
A DUKE, THE LADY AND A BABY
A ground-breaking, empowering, and sexy story from acclaimed author Vanessa Riley that fans of Beverly Jenkins, Evie Dunmore, and Alyssa Cole won’t be able to put down. Join these Rogues & Remarkable Women as they fight for their status, their families…and true love.
When headstrong West Indian heiress Patience Jordan questioned her English husband’s mysterious suicide, she lost everything: her newborn son, Lionel, her fortune—and her freedom. Falsely imprisoned, she risks her life to be near her child—until The Widow’s Grace gets her hired as her own son’s nanny. But working for his unsuspecting new guardian, Busick Strathmore, Duke of Repington, has perils of its own. Especially when Patience discovers his military strictness belies an ex-rake of unswerving honor—and unexpected passion . . .
A wounded military hero, Busick is determined to resolve his dead cousin’s dangerous financial dealings for Lionel’s sake. But his investigation is a minor skirmish compared to dealing with the forthright, courageous, and alluring Patience. Somehow, she’s breaking his rules, and sweeping past his defenses. Soon, between formidable enemies and obstacles, they form a fragile trust—but will it be enough to save the future they long to dare together?
Happy reading!
(This review is part of Read-A-Romance Month. Hope you’ll come back every day to check out my book recommendations. You can find the calendar here. Also check out The Romance of Reading, a Facebook “book club” where we’ll have great authors guest hosting every week.)
Some post and image links are connected to an affiliate portal. A small percentage of your purchases supports my work and this page. Thanks so much!
Enjoy!