Blackthorn's Bride by Shana Galen

Erotic: Average

Romance: Above Average

Historical: High

Adventure: High

Sap Factor: Low


Time Period: Europe 1801

Book 3 in a series of 3- Misadventures in Matrimony

Summary: Lady Madeleine Castleigh plans to escape the marriage mart by marrying a man she's not in love with. But her elopement go awry when she and her cousin, Ashley, are accosted by two gentlemen fleeing London.

The story is a fast-pasted chase through the countryside of Regency England with twists and turns you won't see coming and characters you can't help but love. If you read only one historical romance novel, in my opinion this is the one to pick up. You won't be disappointed.

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"Good Groom Hunting" by Shana Galen

Erotic: Average

Romance: Above Average

Historical: High

Adventure: High

Sap Factor: Low


Time Period: England 1801

Book 2 in a series of 3- Misadventures in Matrimony

Summary: Josephine Hale is the granddaughter of a notorious pirate and has cast off the Marriage Mart to search for his lost pirate treausre. The only problem is that she only has half the map. She'll have to team up with her neighbor and sworn enemy, the grandson of another notorious pirate, to track down the treasure.

This is a fast-paced adventure with sword fights, misdirection and romance. It reads quickly and is hard to put down.

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"No Man's Bride" by Shana Galen

Erotic: Average

Romance: Average

Historical: High

Adventure: Low

Sap Factor: Low


Time Period: England 1801

Book 1 in a series of 3- Misadventures in Matrimony

Summary: Catie is a woman raised in an abusive household, both physically and mentally traumatized. In an attempt to better their social standing, her father drugs her and forces her to marry her sister's betrothed in a foolish scheme and intrigue. Now married to a promising political player in the English Parliament, she must make her way through Society, overcome her agoraphobia and survive her the lasting effects of her abusive family.

This is a fabulous series, but this first book is a real snooze. I would only recommend reading it in order to have the whole back story for the other books in the series. As a stand alone work, it's not worth a read.

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"Rogue Pirate's Bride" by Shana Galen

Erotic: Average

Romance: Above Average

Historical: High

Adventure: High

Sap Factor: Low


Time Period: Europe 1802

Book 3 in a series of 3.

Summary: Bastien Harcourt is a pirate captain bent on revenge against another infamous pirate. But his actions have made their mark and another seeks her revenge on him.


The story of the third Valere brother departs from the previous two, taking to the sea in a dashing pirate adventure. He meets his match in the admiral's daughter, Raeven Russell, who seeks revenge for her fallen fiance. There are sword fights, gun fights, sea battles and chase scenes. It's packed with action and adventure and of all of the lovers in this series, these two have, perhaps, the most pronounced personalities. Unlike most romance novels, the characters meet with tragedy, which only furthers their resolve. You won't be disappointed in this one.

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"Making of a Gentleman" by Shana Galen

Erotic: Average

Romance: Average

Historical: High

Adventure: High

Sap Factor: Low


Time Period: England/France 1801

Book 2 in a series of 3.

Summary: Armand Harcourt had been imprisoned for 12 years after the French Revolution. His brother, the Duc du Valere, freed him and brought him to London, but the years in prison had taken their toll. Unable to speak, the Duc and Duchesse sought any recourse to help Armand, and that is why the tutor, Felicity Bennett was brought into their home.
Unlike most sequels, this book literally picks up where the previous book left off and continues on. While the person speaking to the reader has changed, the main characters from the first book are not sidelined for this romance. In fact, Armand lives with the Duc and Duchesse, so they play an intergral part in this story. While, the slient Armnad might be interesting, I found it hard to really like him and the romance between him and his tutor felt forced. However, while it wasn't as good as the first book, it was still a decent read and kept the story going.

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"Making of a Duchess" by Shana Galen

Erotic: Average

Romance: Above Average

Historical: High

Adventure: High

Sap Factor: Low


Time Period: England/France 1801

Book 1 in a series of 3.

Summary: The exiled Duc du Valere of France is living in London while searching for any sign that the rest of his family survived the French Revolution and the beheadings of the aristocrats. But in a time of war, his contact with France has not gone unnoticed. So, a spy is sent into his home to prove he is a traitor, only she finds more than she bargained for.

This tale comes with spies, deceit, twists, turns, a prison break, sword fights and chases. It was full of adventure and action, and while some of the plot twists were easy to spot, others kept me on my toes. The backdrop of the Revolution paints a very complex character in the Duc and the unwilling spy, an orphaned governess provides another take on romance in the Regency period. The story was complex and exciting.

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"Ridiculous" by D.L. Carter

Erotic: Low

Romance: Average

Historical: High

Adventure: Above Average

Sap Factor: Low


Time Period: England, Regency

Summary: After the miserly but wealthy Mr. Anthony North passes at a young age, his female cousin assumes his identity to procure his fortune and keep her family out of the poor house. In her new identity she makes new friends, but finds herself falling in love with a man that believes her to be his best male companion.

This book needs an additional category of humor. It is at times laugh-out-loud funny. In order to convince people of her male identity without giving herself away, Millicent acts the fool on purpose. That way, people will ignore whatever social blunders she makes. This lends itself to an interesting and funny tale of the implausible situation. The characters are lovable and well-developed and this book was refreshing for the historical romance category. How often do you read historical romantic comedies?

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