With this week’s Fiction Friday, I’d love to share three historical novels with you. They are as different as they can be. One is set in Regency England, another in 1860s Colorado, with the final set in 1930s Hollywood. Each has an interplay of mystery with some level of romance. A Noble Masquerade and Fire & Ice are both romances first

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Noble Masquerade is an engaging debut novel set in Regency England. While I have come to enjoy this time period, I always wonder if a new-to-me author will have the elements to keep my attention. This book certainly did. From the tightly crafted characters that are each trapped in their circumstances to the rich setting, this book is a delight. Add a nice mystery and pile of secrets to the romance and it is just plain fun.

I think what I most enjoyed, though, was a heroine who simply didn’t fit into the strict rules of her society. She tried, but just couldn’t do it. She longs for more and isn’t willing to settle. And when it comes for her…well, you’ll have to read the book to find how delightful it is.

Any historical fan will enjoy this novel, but those who love a layer of mystery and intrigue will adore it!
Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This has been such a fun series as the Wilde sisters are tamed by some mighty wild men. If you love a western that has strong heroines, this series is a great one to read. There are whispers of the author’s trademark humor within the confines of a marriage of convenience. He lied to his momma and now she’s coming to visit. Somehow it all works. Add in a layer of danger and mystery, and this becomes another story I loved to dive into.

If you don’t like cowboys, this might not be your book. But if you love a hero and heroine that can stand toe-to-toe while the sparks fly, you really should give this book a read. While Fire & Ice is the third in a series, you don’t need to read the first two to fully enjoy this one.
Hollywood Lost by Ace Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There was something about the writing in Hollywood Lost that was a little distracting. Still the story pulled me through. It’a murder mystery with plenty of suspects and some interesting characters. I love this time period in Hollywood, so it was fun to travel to 1930s Hollywood. And the plot really did pull me in after the first quarter of the book. Still there were a lot of threads to this whodunit — enough to keep you guessing until almost the end.

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