Passion Favors the Bold/ Theresa Romain/ 294 pgs

This is the second book in the Royal Rewards series but it stands on its own very well. Hugo is a duke's son, not the heir, who studied medicine because his twin brother died when they were teens. He's uptight and intent on building a hospital to honor his brother. Georgette is essentially alone in the world. Her parents, who rarely paid her or her brother any attention have passed away. Her much older brother was injured in the war but is now on a quest to find some gold coins stolen from the Royal Mint. Georgette decides to strike out on her own, locate her brother, and help him find the treasure. Except that Hugo, a friend of her brother's, will not let her travel alone. Reluctantly, the two embark on a road trip to find Georgette's brother and the treasure. Romain writes truly likable characters and witty dialogue that I love. This one is highly recommended.

A Kiss for Midwinter/ Courtney Milan/ 158 pgs

This is a short, just right holiday romance. Jonas is a conscientious doctor who regrets not speaking up early in his career. He's on the serious side and bears the burden of caring for his elderly, hoarder father. Lydia is a young lady "with a past," one that she thinks she's put behind her but truthfully she's just buried it beneath a mountain of cheerfulness. The author doesn't shy away from blunt dialogue between her characters, which worked here since Jonas is a doctor. Both characters were well drawn and their romance was sweet.