Tropes: estranged couple/second chance, make an heir, brother’s best friend/best friend’s sister…steam: 2) Amy Rose Bennett's story has a widow propositioning the rakish duke she has always had a bit of a crush on, and she defrosts his jaded, cynical heart. Her Duke with Benefits by Jess Michaels, 5 stars – When widow Alice Crandon arrives at the cottage she let for Christmas she never expected to find her childhood friend Leo, the Duke of Greenfield already in residence. Alice wanted to spend this Christmas alone, she is officially out of mourning, but needed a bit of time to herself before returning to society, she loved her husband and isn’t sure how to go on without him. Leo too was looking for some time alone, but when he realized that a scheduling mix-up led to both him and Alice renting the same cottage for the holiday, there is no way he is going to let the opportunity to woo the woman he has always loved pass him by! Alice is surprised to feel desire, but is she ready to open her heart to the possibility of new love, or will her past love hold her heart for eternity? This novella features a Second-Chance at Love trope, with steamy love scenes, a swoon-worthy hero, and a HEA.

Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and described once. I felt no connection to this couple so it was just sex. I love, love, love Ms DiPasqua's stories, and this one was no exception. Ella and Lewis were so adorable, the very definition of a grumpy-sunshine romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Ella's chatter & Lewis's irritation, and I relished the chemistry that sizzled! Her Duke With Benefits by Jess Michaels - 4 stars, this was so sweet! He’s been in love with her since they were children but she didn’t know and fell in love and married someone else! A second chance romance with a rakish and tormented duke and a widow who’s been in love with him since forever. I loved Bennett’s writing: it’s witty and fun, but also emotional. The characters are lovable and beautifully fleshed out. A gorgeous read indeed.

Changes to Duke Box!

Lovemaking within marriage - heat level 4 out of 5 and filled with passion and love. Great secondary character's too and I can't wait for the story of the h's brother. A sweet epilogue one year in the future. I wanted the epilogue more years in the future to see if they had children.

This is my 16th book by Amy Rose Bennett. I really love her writing and her stories. This was a good read. I really enjoyed reading Thomas and Holly’s story.

New CD Jukeboxes

Lucie Carmichael has been left with nothing upon her horrible husband’s death thanks to his thieving solicitor. To make matters worse, her family is about to be evicted from their generational home by the Duke of Dingwall, leaving Lucie no choice but to take matters into her own hands by kidnapping the man and forcing him to see reason. Silas Northfield may favor his biological half-brother, but he’s nothing like the cruel duke. Unfortunately for Lucie, he can’t stop her family’s eviction, but given their chemistry, he may be able to give her something much better. Again another favorite. I haven’t been reading her that long but have certainly devoured all her books. Since 2021, I’ve read 14 books of hers as Minvera and 11 books as S.M. LaViolette. I LOVE the way she writes. I really liked the older man younger women in this story. It wasn't your usual creepy 80 year old duke marrying an eighteen year old girl. What a great couple this was. I really liked Antonia and Captain Lucas a lot. My first from this author. This novella is an extended story of this couple, so I made the mistake of looking up the original story, and the blurb triggered my ire, which coloured my opinion of this novella, which in turn sparked a debate on psychological tendencies and philosophical benefits of forgiveness, which finally killed the reading experience. Add to that the stilted, desperate dialogue in the most unexpected of places, ergh. I love Valerie Bowman. She is also one of my favs. This is my 26th book by her since 2017. I liked this story.