Hello, and welcome back! I think Old Man Winter has finally gotten the hint and gone away for the year. Yay! Along with the crocuses still popping up, the daffodils are beginning to bud, and I may actually get to sit outside with a book before the week is over. I can hardly wait.

In the meantime, though, I have four new Regencies to share with you this time out--and more than 20 other new books, including the last of the March releases, April books, even June and September books, sitting here in my review TBR pile which seems to have taken over one side of my desk in the last week or so.

First up is Madeleine Conway's Reluctant Husband (Zebra). Will Ormiston is none too pleased to be saddled with a bride. Cecelia Marchmont isn't any happier, but thinks she can make a go of it--her husband-to-be is handsome enough, but his attitude stinks. But when they meet again years later, he doesn't recognize his wife, but he does want her. What a tangled mess this pair must overcome to reach their happy ending. It's not bad enough he bungled things in the first place, but someone very much wants them not to be together. A fun romp. It's earned three and a half of Cupid's five arrows.

Next up is Julia Parks's Fortune's Fools (Zebra), with Maxwell Darby hitting London with his brother, both bound to seek out rich wives. Except that Maxwell finds himself fancying the poor daughter of a horse trainer, Kate O'Connor. Getting himself betrothed to the wealthy young woman his brother has been wanting to court, though, puts a wrench in things. Of course it will all work out in the end, and without much surprise to the reader. This one gets three arrows.

Maria Greene's Double Deception (Zebra) is next. Widowed Lenore Andrews is stunned to find a message in her diary when she retrieves it from the tearoom where she lost it. A message from a strange man. As if that weren't curious enough, she finds herself responding to him. Rather an odd courtship, and one that runs parallel to the stranger she meets at different places who doesn't reveal his name. Lenore has bitter memories from her marriage, so doesn't trust easily, but finds herself intrigued by both men. Interesting idea, and, even though he fears he'll never be free to woo Lenore openly, you know it'll turn out just fine. This one also gets three arrows.

Finally is Mona Gedney's Love Affair for Lizzie (Zebra). Lizzie Lancaster is furious and heartbroken when Matthew Webster jilts her. She sets off to the Continent, bent on finding Matthew and making him sorry for his callous behavior. Spies and war and travel form the background of this one, which is quite busy. Not my favorite of the four, I'm giving it two and a half arrows.

Until next time, happy reading!