Another one I read ages ago and just decided to re-read. I always know what I'm going to get with historical romance and I appreciate that. I loved seeing Alec and Jamie show up. I wish we could have Quinlin and Faith's story because I have no doubt he "caught" her.

A Multitude of Dreams is a standalone novel by Mara Rutherford and not only did the cover grab my attention but the summary had me picking this one up as soon as I could.

There are a number of plot lines in this book but the biggest one revolves around the bloody mori roja plague that has impacted the people of Goslind for the last few years. When it became apparent that something was wrong, the King boarded up the castle and didn't let anyone leave or enter. This is where we find Princess Imogen. She has been trapped in the castle with the court, her sisters, and her father and with her birthday coming up she wants out. Now before you think she is just a spoiled princess, I will tell you that there is a plot line here (that I won't ruin) that will prompt you to understand her motivations.

Nico is our mmc and before the plague took his family, he had motivations to become a physician. Now, he finds himself working for a man (Lord Crane) who saved him and as he starts to see cracks in the things Lord Crane does, he starts to question who he really works for and what he is being asked to do. When he is sent by Lord Crane to investigate the castle for survivors, he finds himself connecting with the Princess in a way he never expected and when things come to a head between what he and the princess want versus what Lord Crane is trying to do, Nico has to decide who he truly wants to be.

I know I've been a bit vague in parts and that is on purpose. I don't really want to ruin any bits of the story. It's important to know that the plague has changed those who have survived into something different and you'll definitely learn more as you read the book. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book. It was interesting how Rutherford layered the story and brought me along for the ride. If you're looking for a new YA to pick up, consider grabbing this one when you can.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

I came across this one and was drawn in by the cover and I'm not ashamed to admit that. This is actually a second book in a series and while I haven't read book one, I don't think I missed anything. Yes, the characters from the prior book are included here but I was able to pick up the thread without missing a beat.

Ellen Mackintosh and Silas MacKenzie are our main characters and both are being pushed into a marriage they never really planned for. The day they meet is the day of their betrothal and they are very much the opposite of one another. Ellen is small and quiet and Silas is a giant but despite this, as they get to know one another, they begin to care about each other and also begin to see what is going on within the MacKenzie clan.

This was a quick and enjoyable read so if you're looking for a historical romance that has a touch of the Scots included, consider picking this one up. I'm also considering going back to read the first book (focus is on the cousins you meet in this book) to get caught up.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I've read by Jane Ashford but I saw this cover and had to grab it. It also sounded interesting because who doesn't love a historical romance with an independent female main character? The Duke's Best Friend is actually book 5 in the series and I'll admit, there were characters and storylines that appear to have been addressed in prior books. It may have been helpful for me to have those backstories but in the end, I don't know that me not having read those books hurt.

This book picks up by introducing us to Kate Meacham and Henry Deeping (who, as I mentioned, were actually introduced to readers in a prior story). Kate is the daughter and granddaughter of diplomats and with her grandfather recently passing (her parents passed away a while ago), she is on her own. All the doors previously open to her when she had her grandfather backing her up, are now closed - or attempting to be closed. But Kate isn't having it. She wants to have an impact and do the things she loves without having to face the censure of those around her. Unfortunately, as a woman, that's just not as easy as she would hope. Enter Henry Deeping.

Henry is the nephew of a Diplomat who has recently been hired into the Foreign Office. He wants to do more than copy notes and make reports so when he crosses paths with Kate at a party and they both recognize someone they apprehended as a foreign agent on the loose, they make a deal. He will escort her to diplomatic parties and she will introduce him around while they work together to figure out why the man is on the loose and why the people Henry works with at the Foreign Office are being cagey about it.

The relationship developed pretty naturally for these two. They weren't really friends to begin with but as they worked together (and with their friends) to solve the mystery, they became closer and began to understand each other much better. I thought Ashford did a good job of focusing their story around the case and adding in the relationship pieces versus the other way around.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this book. I've been contemplating going back to read the other books in the series as I am curious about the duke and his wife. With that said, I kind of feel like the title of this book does Henry a bit of a disservice as he is more than just a friend of the duke (James) and while there is a thread of that detail throughout, I'm not sure it actually reflects the intent of the story. Regardless, pick this one up if you're looking for a new historical romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.