Romance Mini Reviews

 The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea (2024)

Another hit from Kerry Rea!  Grieving her father but determined to complete his bucket list, Emily travels to Isle Royale National Park and hires Ryder to be her tour guide.  He's also grieving and isn't really an expert on the outdoors.  The two get caught up in a dangerous plot of archaeologists looking for a famous jewel and willing to do anything to get it.  I just loved this story.  Rea's writing style immediately enveloped me in the story; there's just something about it that made me feel so comforted.  She perfectly balances humor, adventure, romance, and grief, creating an almost campy feel in some parts (but in the best way) while truly making the characters come to life in such realistic ways.  5 stars

Puck & Prejudice by Lia Riley (2024)

Pro hockey player Tucker accidentally travels back to Regency Era England, where he is greeted by Lizzy, an aspiring writer.  The two decide that the best way to manage the situation is to enter into a marriage of convenience, and once Tucker is able to return to his time, Lizzy will be afforded a life of freedom as a "widow."  I thought this book was really fun.  I love time travel and seeing how the characters explain the past and present to each other.  Tucker was just kind of a meh character for me - he never really leapt off the page.  The true star was Lizzy, a woman who definitely doesn't conform to the social norms of her time.  Jane Austen herself makes a few fun appearances, and while I initially thought the story would be sweet and chaste, it definitely gets spicy.  I loved the ending and how Tucker and Lizzy embrace their situation, after falling in love.  4 stars

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