Hi Reader,

Until I started writing this newsletter, I did not realize that my January reading focused on romance and romantic suspense. Why? Because romance gives me hope.

Yes, mysteries put order on chaos, which is also why I like romantic suspense. Fantasy and science fiction can offer us alternative futures and worlds. But romance is where I go when I want a little respite from the world.

I read two books by Hannah Bonam-Young. The first was Out on a Limb.

Win McNulty has lived with what she calls a "small hand" her entire life. Yes, she was born with a hand that did not develop properly. She's dealt with it, including managing buttons. (Buttons!)

She's been in a dry spell and is ready to meet someone. At a Halloween party, she meets Bo and has a fantastic time.

Bo has also had a dry spell because he's a recent cancer amputee. He's over the initial part of adjusting to his prosthetic, but he worries if he can enjoy sex again.

Win ends up pregnant from their one-night stand.

This is a charming book that openly discusses disabilities in the context of a new relationship, pregnancy, marriage, and how the two of them will manage everything.

I loved the fact that their various disabilities did not make them either more or less human—just different. (I hate when fully-abled people think that people with disabilities are supposed to offer inspiration, as if on cue. Yeah, no opinions here!)

Bonham-Young made sure the reader realizes that people with different abilities are not better or worse. Just different.

The second Bonam-Young book was Out of the Woods. Sarah and Caleb Linwood married when they were nineteen, just in time for Sarah's mother to see them get married before she died of ALS.

Now, a decade later, Sarah realizes she has no idea who she really is. They go on a one-week hiking trip (yes, in the woods). Adventures ensue as they re-fall in love with each other.

I love books where the characters grow and change and still have to find their way to and with each other. This book did that for me.

The two books are linked, but are not a series.

I found two Sarah MacLean books I had not yet read—a treat for me. The first is The Rogue Not Taken: Scandal and Scoundrel, Book 1. Lady Sophie (of new money) manages to toss her philandering brother-in-law into a fish pond. Because this is Regency England, she is now persona non grata. She stows away on Kingscote's carriage, dressed as a footman.

King (yes, he shortens his name from Kingscote to King) realizes he has never met a woman like her.

That's the meet-cute (where the romantic couple meets), and we take off from there. Full of MacLean's witty banter and "things get worse", this book offers a wonderful romance and reading experience.

Next, I read A Duke Worth Falling For, one of MacLean's few contemporaries and a novella. Celebrity photographer Lilah Rose needs this upcoming show to restore her career after refusing the advances of a powerful man. Max, the duke, wishes women saw him as more than his title. They meet when a herd of sheep attempts to mow Lilah down while she takes a picture of Mabel, a huge ewe. And we're off!

I love MacLean's writing because everyone earns their Happily Ever After.

I finished the month with The Bridegroom Wore Plaid by Grace Burrowes. In the Victorian era, Ian, a Scottish earl, needs a wealthy wife so he can restore the castle, fix up his lands and tenants' homes, and make life easier for everyone. (This book takes place after the potato famine.)

He meets Augusta, who is supposedly a poor relation. Except, there are many hinky problems with Augusta's inheritance from her parents, and the more likely bride.

This book is actually a mystery inside a romance. I'm so glad I live in a time when women can own their own property and know everything about their finances.

Burrowes excels at the sensual details. Not just the budding romances, but the smell of the heather, the green grass, the craggy rocks, and more.

I highly recommend all these books.

I hope that the thrillers I have queued up will engage me as much as these romances did.

Where to Find Me

Please do follow me on BookBub. If you want to see what I'm reading, follow me on Goodreads. (That's almost real-time, unless I'm in a hotel and have insufficient wifi. In this day and age? Yes. Sigh.)

These links are all universal book links and include my affiliate codes.

If you know of a book I should read, let me know. Have a great February and read on,

Johanna