New Release - February 9, 2021

Never Far Away by Michael Koryta
Publication Date - February 9, 2021
3.5 stars

Leah used to be Nina and she used to have two kids and a loving husband, but now she lives in an isolated Maine cabin under an assumed name with a different life.  When her husband dies, she makes the decision to go pick up her seemingly orphaned kids and takes them back to Maine posing as their aunt.  Of course, the dangerous man who wanted her dead then, still wants her dead and what results is a hunt including two hit man, another hit man who just may be on her side and Leah herself as she tries to protect her two children.  I read all of Koryta's book because of his emphasis on place.  His descriptions of the Maine wilderness are really well done.  He also will use the same characters across his novels.  I will say that I did not enjoy this one as much and it might be for personal reasons.  My own children are of a similar age to the ones in the book, so it mostly felt stressful rather than thrilling.  Overall, though, I think that fans of thrillers will find this author reliable.  I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Dare to Be a Duchess by Sapna Bhog

Publication Date - February 8, 2021

4 stars

Lara's Indian mother and English father both died in India causing her to be sent to England to live with her fathers dearest friend.  He protects and raises her but cannot control the prejudices of English society.  His nephew, the Duke of Wolverton, is arrogant and completely obsessed with avoiding scandal.  Wolf and Lara have never gotten along, but a sudden kiss at a scandalous masquerade changes the direction of their relationship.  I loved Lara.  She is feisty and loyal and not afraid to stick up for herself.  That fact that she's half Indian added a refreshing perspective to the genre and I like her story.  Wolf is a pretty typical, alpha-male Duke (a trope that I would love to see less of in the historical romance genre) who actually treats Lara pretty poorly at times.  At times I actually hoping that she would meet some really great, nice guy instead.  Fortunately, Wolf does redeem himself at the end making this a thoroughly enjoyable historical romance read.  Many thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for a complimentary digital ARC.