Book Review: Mail-Order Duchess (Lords of the Rockies #1) by Misty M. Beller

February 7, 2026January 29, 2026 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 254 pages
Author: Misty M. Beller
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 4th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…
A marriage born of duty. A love neither expected.

When Enoch Balfour’s eldest brother tragically dies, the weight of family responsibility falls on his shoulders. Now this Montana rancher must train for his role as the next Duke of Clarence—and marry the mail-order bride his brother sent for. Hardened by loss, Enoch has no intention of opening his heart to a stranger, but duty demands he produce an heir.

Mandie Beaumont is a desperate young widow fleeing the sinister advances of her brother-in-law. After arriving in the Montana Territory to marry a man she’s never met, an accident leaves her robbed of her recent memories—memories that conceal a devastating secret. When she discovers she’s carrying a child conceived through betrayal and violence, Mandie fears rejection and ruin. Yet, in Enoch, she finds an unexpected protector whose fierce gentleness makes her long to trust again.

Though Mandie’s charm and resilience begin to thaw Enoch’s guarded heart, he struggles with his fear of loss. When Mandie’s past resurfaces, Enoch must risk everything to save her. If he fails, Mandie will be torn from him—and the love they’ve begun to embrace could be lost forever.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, amnesia, a secret baby, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.

SOFT & TENDER.

You kind of always know what you’re going to get when you pick up a MMB book. And that’s okay! I like knowing that it’s going to be a short closed door romance with some tender, protective men and strong FMC’s.

Mandie has gone through a devastating situation and chose to look forward and take the next best step. I loved the way Enoch protected and stood by her side no matter what. I also really liked Mandie’s parents too! I wasn’t expecting the turnaround with them and seeing supportive parents always pulls at my heart.

Beautifully tender and not overly preachy. Heading into the next book soon!

Overall audience notes:

Historical Romance
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: mild+
Content warnings: r*pe recounted, kidnapping, attempted murder, physical injuries

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Book Review: Class Clown (The Thornback Society #4) by Aspen Hadley

February 4, 2026January 25, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 345 pages
Author: Aspen Hadley
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 1st, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Ruby Jenkins is obsessed with two romance novels, and making life into an adventure. She’s always up for anything, especially flirting her way to Mr. Right.

When her latest conquest ends abruptly, she finds herself in need of a summer job. In desperation, she agrees to be the on-site nurse at a sleepaway summer camp for kids, where her younger brother will be her boss.

Ruby immediately begins picturing the romantic moments she’ll create in the mountains, but none of her daydreams included bunking with her brother and his best friend – the robot.

Nico Crawford is ex-military, and while he may look like he stepped off the cover of a magazine, to Ruby he’s always been a machine with less personality than a rock, a real side character with nothing to add to the plot.

As the weeks roll by, however, Ruby’s assumptions are put to the test. And when plot twists threaten her way of thinking, only she can decide if she’s truly ready to turn the next page.

TRYING A LITTLE TOO HARD.

I have really enjoyed this series and was looking forward to this book a lot. And I feel a bit disappointed in the story as a whole. I did enjoy many of the romance aspects. It’s really sweet and I loved how reserved and kind Nico was to Ruby. He’s a gentle giant type I could easily get behind and the little soft touches and kisses absolutely melted me.

What wasn’t working for me was the humor. While I found some funny, I found most odd? I think that’s the word I’m looking for. It just wasn’t my type of humor and thus I kind of cringed at the jokes or scenes. Ruby was trying too hard with the matchmaker aspects too and I tried to hustle past those scenes.

I think the ending came together well and I did like the extended epilogue and getting to see all of the couples again. Ultimately it’s a good series even if this was my least favorite of the bunch.

Overall audience notes:

Contemporary Romance
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: low

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Book Review: Seeing Miss Heartstone by Nichole Van

January 26, 2026January 18, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 315 pages
Author: Nichole Van
Publisher: Fiorenza Publishing
Release Date: November 1st, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Miss Belle Heartstone—heiress and savvy businesswoman—needs a husband. Immediately. As in, yesterday would not have been soon enough. Her mother’s attempts at matchmaking have been disastrous. So Belle decides to solve the problem her way—survey the market and purchase the best groom available.

Colin Radcliffe, Marquess of Blake—debt-ridden and penniless—needs a large infusion of cash. Desperately. Preferably cash that does not come with a wife attached. It is no surprise, then, when he receives Miss Heartstone’s brazen proposal—her cash, his title, their marriage—that he politely declines.

But before he leaves her, Blake suggests something truly radical: Maybe before finding a husband, Belle should find herself.
His simple words send them both on an unexpected journey, spanning continents and years, entwining their lives in ways neither could have foreseen. Can two lonely souls move past societal expectations and forge a unique life together?

LOVED THE CONCEPT.

I am on a quest to finish Nichole Van’s backlist and I loved checking this one off. The premise is unique and crafted beautifully. Those starting chapters were a hoot and there was an easy dynamic between Colin and Belle. I enjoyed the progression through letters and seeing Belle really own herself and what she wants in a time period where that wasn’t always possible.

The chemistry was undeniable and I loved all of the moments that Colin and Belle found to be together. It’s one of those slowww burns that brings out all the feelings of JUST KISS ALREADY.

The audiobook is great and I had some minor quips about some plot things but otherwise, a lovely regency romance that brought the swoon I was looking for.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Romance
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Content Warnings: loss of a parent (recounted)

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Book Review: Let You Love Me (Boys of Riverside #5) by Gracie Graham

January 14, 2026January 7, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Sports Romance
Length: 601 pages
Author: Gracie Graham
Publisher: Self Publishing
Release Date: June 30th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The first time I met Lane Turner was a stroke of fate.
The second time was a slap in the face. Turns out, she’s my coach’s daughter, completely off-limits. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting her.

Falling for Lane will be easy. Crashing through her walls, not as simple. When I find out she has a daughter? Complicated. But I’m anything if not determined, intent on dismantling the carefully constructed armor around her heart. Proving to her I’m more than just a college athlete is my number one mission in life. Showing her she’s worth it is a close second.

But everyone has their limits, the scars that bind them. Broaching the topic of her daughter’s father is a hard no. Lying is mine. So when her past comes knocking on my door in the form of retribution, I start asking questions. I’m ready to fight for us, but is she?

I FINISHED THE SERIES!

And this was a great book to end everything too. I adore Teagan and loved getting his story. I loved the college setting and all of the football content too. This book had me cheering on a love at first sight play that I wasn’t mad about one bit.

There’s the usual level of drama and chaos I’ve come to expect from this series and I loved the tangled web it wove. I was glued to my kindle waiting for that last shoe to drop and see everything hit the fan before being smoothed over. I will say that Lane frustrated me over one aspect where I thought her secrets were being held on to a little too long.

I enjoyed the swoon and heat from the romance and all of the really sweet moments with Sophie. I loved so many scenes and how they impacted the story and characters. It was fun getting to hear from the previous characters too and I will definitely be reading whatever Gracie Graham writes next.

Overall audience notes: