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The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen – a Review

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The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
Some shadows protect you…others will kill you in this dazzling new fantasy series from award-winning author Abigail Owen.

Everything about my life is a lie. As a hidden twin princess, born second, I have only one purpose—to sacrifice my life for my sister if death comes for her. I’ve been living under the guise of a poor, obscure girl of no standing, slipping into the palace and into the role of the true princess when danger is present.

Now the queen is dead and the ageless King Eidolon has sent my sister a gift—an eerily familiar gift—and a proposal to wed. I don’t trust him, so I do what I was born to do and secretly take her place on the eve of the coronation. Which is why, when a figure made of shadow kidnaps the new queen, he gets me by mistake.

As I try to escape, all the lies start to unravel. And not just my lies. The Shadowraith who took me has secrets of his own. He struggles to contain the shadows he wields—other faces, identities that threaten my very life.

Winter is at the walls. Darkness is looming. And the only way to save my sister and our dominion is to kill Eidolon…and the Shadowraith who has stolen my heart.

Enemies to lovers ✔️
Kidnapping ✔️
Magic ✔️
Adventure ✔️
Secrets ✔️

 

 

Review :

The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen is a standalone YA Fantasy.  There are a few triggers, so read the warnings.  As soon as I see this author has a new book, I’m there. The cover is gorgeous (I’m thinking I might need a paperback for my shelves) ? Abigail Owen knows how to write paranormal romance (please look at her Inferno Rising/Fire’s Edge series).  Balancing the plot and romance is always tricky. Writing for a YA (Young Adult) audience when a lot of your books aren’t YA takes skill. So enough about the author, let’s get down to the book…..

Meren is a twin (the younger one) and as tradition states her life is to be in the shadows, she’s there to protect her sibling (if danger arises Meren is expected to sacrifice herself!) so her confidence in herself is nonexistent, she chafes at her role in life, but there isn’t anything she can do about it….

But Meren does escape the Ivory tower she’s locked away in (to Meren it’s more like a dungeon.) She wanders the streets at night whilst wearing different disguises.

The plot is skilfully layered with twists/turns and OMG moments…. As you read the book, things become clearer and a few things make sense. The descriptions in this book place you right in the moment, you can smell the streets that Meren visits, you can see the grandeur of the palace, and you witness King Eidolon’s sickness/madness.

King Eidolon is after Meren’s sister Tabra, so she does the job she was born to do, she stands in her place, and becomes King Eidolon’s bride! (I wouldn’t trust this guy an inch) But before the wedding takes place, Meren is kidnapped!!

Reven is a complex character, essentially good, but his secret makes him reluctant to be actually good?! His character has plenty of conflicting emotions and motivations. And he certainly gets more than he bargained for when he kidnaps the wrong princess!!

And then we have Cain ? and in the world’s I read why can’t she have both ??

The characters have a hard time trusting one another as they travel through this story. Kidnappers are usually nice people, so when does the kidnapper become protector? (You’ll need to read the book?)

Can Meren save her sister from the clutches of Eidolon? Can she figure out what Eidolon really wants? Can she be the hero in this story? And can I get the next book please.

I wouldn’t say it’s a cliffhanger ending, but it does leave us and the characters wondering where this will take us next…..

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

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When Sparks Fly by Jo McNally – a Review

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When Sparks Fly by Jo McNally – a Review

 

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Description:
Between her business, her recent divorce and her teenage daughter who needs her right now, Zoey Hartford has her hands full. Thank goodness she has her best friend, Mike McKinnon, to keep her laughing. Zoey and Mike have gone through everything together—from chemistry class to heartbreak. They would never risk their friendship…until one unexpected but sizzling night changes everything.

Mike is torn. Funny, down-to-earth Zoey in her flannel shirts and messy ponytail always seems so in control…until she melts into his arms. But he won’t come between Zoey and her daughter. They’ll just keep it casual. No drama. No feelings. No messiness. What could go wrong?

But the meddling, matchmaking book club won’t be denied. They may not have set them up, but they recognize a perfect match when they see one. And they’re determined to help Zoey see what’s been right in front of her for so long…

In Lost in Love, single mom Andrea will do anything to make the fall festival a success…even ask the town bad boy for his help.

Rendezvous Falls:
Book 1: Slow Dancing at Sunrise
Book 2: Stealing Kisses in the Snow
Book 3: Barefoot on a Starlit Night
Book 4: Love Blooms

 

Review:

When Sparks Fly by Jo McNally is a friends to lovers story set in the town of Rendezvous Falls. 

Zoey is a busy woman. Running a business,  surviving a divorce and taking care of her daughter, so Zoey doesn’t have time for anything else! Thank goodness her best friend is there to keep her sane! She honestly wouldn’t be able to cope without Mike. Mike lost his wife (she died) so he immersed himself in his job, but always had time for Zoey and her daughter.

Best friends since children, they’ve helped one another through thick and thin. But what happens to a friendship when a one night stand threatens all they hold dear? 

They decide to try a friends with benefits relationship. Can that really work? Can they keep emotions out of the equation? Will this strengthen or ruin their friendship? Both think they can handle the emotions that this new side of their friendship brings, but when doubts 

There are quiet a few funny moments, I loved the book club they did make me smile. Zoey’s daughter was a great character, bringing to this book insights that only a teenager can bring. I really liked both Mike and Zoey, they’ve been friends for such a long time, could they cross that line and become more? The texts they send to one another did have me smiling and chuckling. His twin sister Mary is a great character, she had a sense of humour that would make us friends in the real world. 

There is also a side story (maybe should have been a novella?) it was cute, but it did distract me from the main story a little (just my opinion.) 

So if you like your romance small town full of great moments, then this is definitely the book for you. No need to read the previous books as this story stands on its own. I’d read book 3 in this series and really enjoyed it. There is a bonus story that was a nice surprise at the end of the book (Andrea and Zayne which is also a quick but fun read.) 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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A Line in the Sand by Teri Wilson – a Review

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A Line in the Sand by Teri Wilson – a Review

 

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Description:
The perfect summertime rom com with a bright, sparkling love story.

Sparks fly when Molly Prince’s puppy digs up the beachfront where marine biologist Max Miller is studying sea turtles. Max and Molly are instantly attracted to each other, but Molly thinks Max is a jerk andMax refuses to take Molly seriously in her job as the local aquarium’s mermaid. But when the puppy turns out to have the unique ability to sniff out sea turtle nests, she might bring Max and Molly close enough to help save the turtles, revive business at the struggling aquarium, and maybe even fall in love.

 

Review:

A Line in the Sand begins with Molly Prince and her dog, Ursula, at the dog beach.  She is visiting with Opal, Mavis and Ethel who are locals and reside at the Turtle Beach Senior Center.  While visiting, they see a stranger who is heading out into the water with the problem being swimming isn’t allowed past a certain point.  Molly heads down to the shore to warn the guy, who by now, has gotten in over his head…. literally.  Molly dives in and safely pulls the stranger to shore.

Max was fine one minute and the next thing he knew he was on his back on the beach looking up at a mermaid.  Still confused, he looks around to see a whole lot of things that don’t make sense: elderly women on walkers, a dog named Ursula, poodles……  He knew that Turtle Beach was always quirky, but this takes the cake.  Eventually, Molly (who works at the local aquarium as a mermaid) introduces herself and tells him not to swim in that particular area of the beach again.  

Max, a marine biologist, eventually heads over to see the senior center’s newest resident, his Uncle Henry.  Max came to the island after quitting his job in the city’s National Aquarium.  He had put his heart and soul into that place and was up for a promotion……. that went to someone else.  Having had enough, and with his Uncle Henry not able to run the Turtle Beach Aquarium any longer, Max came “home”.  Trying to get information out of his Uncle Henry was like trying to herd cats, so Max sets out to do the best he can with the aquarium.

Once Max and Molly figure out whom the other is, misunderstandings abound (who wouldn’t want an adorable doggo named Ursala at work??) and Molly gets fired.  However, once the town finds out what happened, Max has no choice but to hire Molly back.  Come to find out, she more than ran the place, she was it’s very soul.  And, if he were being honest with himself, she was becoming a part of him as well.  If only he could stop stepping in it………

A Line in the Sand is a wonderfully written quirky story!  Molly is lovable and loyal.  Max was a bit of a work in progress, but you pull for him right from the beginning.  The chemistry between the two of them may not be scorching, but it is there simmering.   The secondary characters are amazing!  The residents of the senior center are LOL funny and full of surprises.  There are dogs everywhere, which is very endearing and just wait until Ursala saves the day!  I had no idea this was a series and look forward to going back and reading the first book and can’t wait for the next installment.  If you’re looking for a fun, sweet and quirky read, this one is for you!  Well done, Teri Wilson!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Fallen Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

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Fallen Comrade by Jillian David – a Review

 

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Description:
Ex-Green Beret Jake Zimmerman’s Georgia mountain seclusion is shattered when the one woman he should never have left, pregnant Kiera McNeill, shows up on his doorstep. Her life is in danger, thanks to a botched Morpheus Squad mission. If the nature of her baby is discovered, evil forces will stop at nothing to capture Kiera. When Kiera learns of Jake’s top-secret Morpheus Virus running through his veins, she realizes that her protector is the deadlier threat.

Kiera knows the secrets of Fallen Comrades, a billion-dollar “charity” which siphons donations away from wounded veterans and into the pockets of power-hungry CFO Beau Lequire. Now her sadistic ex-boss, Lequire, wants revenge. Her only chance of escape rests in the lethal hands of the man who once rejected her: Jake. All she needs to do is suppress her feelings for Jake long enough to destroy Fallen Comrades, stay alive, and save her baby.

 

 

Review:

Fallen Comrade by Jillian David is the 1st book in her new Project Morpheus series.  Jake is a runner, not in the literal sense, but whenever anything gets difficult he runs away from it. His marriage ended with a miscarriage, instead of trying to help his wife through a difficult time, he ran…..

Soldiers enhanced with a drug (they also need to take another shot regularly to keep the  violent urges at bay!) to aid in their fight  against the enemy. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but Jake has a terrible time keeping control, he’s volatile and dangerous to be around. 

Kiera and Jake have been friends for years, Jake and her brother ? were friends in school, then they joined the forces together. Kiera and Jake were an item in high school, and when she thought she was pregnant (but later found out she wasn’t) Jake panicked, he could’ve help but be relieved when Kiera told him she wasn’t. Again Jake uses the excuse he’s not good enough and leaves Kiera! Meeting up ten years later at her brother’s funeral, Kiera and Jake seek comfort from one another. But again Jake panicked and ran…..

Kiera’s pregnant and needs help. But the only person she can turn to might not want to help her, in fact he could be more dangerous than the person she’s running from! But she doesn’t really have much choice, does she? 

And the first meeting between Kiera and Jake doesn’t really go to plan! He’s all for trying to offload her onto someone else! Then he notices the baby bump! There are other characters in this book which are part of Jake’s team (and I’m hoping will get stories) ? which give both camaraderie and a few light moments. 

I loved this book, it did remind me of another authors work (Christine Feehan her Ghostwalker series) where soldiers are enhanced to become super soldiers, but any similarities end there. 

It’s a fast paced action and adventure book. A really good plot with scope for more books. We have evil in the shape of Beau Lequire and the company he uses to hide his nefarious activities behind! 

I have to admit I wasn’t a big fan of Jake at first, his self pity and ability to just walk away from problems did grate a little, but getting to know the character through the book did have me softening up to him. Kiera is just great. Strong, resourceful and clever. Her only weakness…. Jake! How she forgave him so quickly did annoy me just a little, but you forgive the ones you love. 

I’ve read this author a while back (Hell to Pay Series) and loved that series immensely, so when I found out she was publishing a new book, i made a note of the date. And I’m glad I did. If your keen on romance with a big hit of action/suspense/adventure, then I can assure you this book is the one you’ll want to read. ?

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

 

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Description:
A Royal Navy Officer’s Guide to Seducing a Pirate Lass:
Go undercover as a fellow pirate
Steal kisses whenever possible
Do not fall in love, no matter how tempting your pirate lass is

Brianna Holland has always been free. Her entire life she’s never known the bars of any cage until she’s captured in Port Royal trying to help a fellow pirate escape. Suddenly facing the hangman’s noose unless she betrays her father’s location to the Royal Navy, she clings to the hope that a new prisoner in her cell brings. The roguish and seductive Nicholas Flynn is charming and irresistible and soon the pair make a clever escape from the prison. Once on board her ship and safely at sea, Brianna soon learns that there are other dangers than storms and naval frigates prowling the waters. This time, her heart and her father’s life might be at risk.

Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Flynn has a problem. He’s been assigned to gain the confidence of a pirate prisoner in Port Royal in order to learn the whereabouts of the notorious pirate king Thomas Buck. But when he meets the man he’s supposed to win the trust of and eventually betray, he is stunned to discover it’s no man, but a woman named Brianna, who he is to befriend and betray. Not only that, but he learns that she is Thomas Buck’s daughter. Knowing Brianna will face torture at the hands of a cruel military captain if she doesn’t talk, Flynn helps her escape. If Flynn finds a way to lead the Royal Navy to Brianna’s father, he’ll lose the only woman who’s ever stolen his heart.

Other Books in the Series:
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 2: In Like Flynn
Book 3: Devil of the High Seas

 

 

Review 

In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith is book two in her Pirates of Kings Landing series, and although I’ve not read the previous book, it doesn’t make a difference. But saying that I may go back and read that one as i throughly enjoyed this book. A historical romance set on the high seas. A story of betrayal and romance. And a story with plenty of action and adventure. 

Brianna loves to feel the wind in her hair and the splashing of the waves on her face. A free spirit, a beloved daughter and member of her father’s crew. She’s had to earn that respect, she’s had to be the best, all the while never losing sight of who she is. Dressed as a man every time she leaves the ship is a chore, but one she’s always mindful of as people could recognise her and use her against her father. 

Flynn is honour bound to see that the pirate Thomas Buck is brought to justice. He’s given the chance when told to befriend a member of the pirates crew, that is until he realises the crew member is a woman! He now faces a dilemma, save the girl and lose his career, or leave her to rot in prison! 

So will they set sail for happiness, or will someone scupper their chances and sink their love boat? 

This is a fun read, plenty of fast paced action. Throw in some spicy moments and banter from Brianna and the hours just flew by as I immersed myself in their tale. It’s beautifully written, nothing is left out, you can imagine the waves, smell the cell Brianna is kept in, and feel the love she has for both her father and Flynn, you feel the conflict that this situation put Flynn in. And it will you have you rooting for the pirates (not all pirates are bad guys) ?‍☠️ 

There is a few twists along the way. And a moment in the prologue that will pan out in a way neither Flynn nor Brianna expected ? The story did remind me a little of the film “Cutthroat Island” a female pirate and a rogue who sought to betray her ?

I highly recommended read from an author I’m adding to my list. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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The Left Hand Man by Carol T. Luna – a Review

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The Left Hand Man by Carol T. Luna – a Review

 

Amazon

Description:
Escaping a monster. Killing a king. Ao thought he was free.

Two months after the Spades’ raid, Ao and the Legionnaires discover a plot that could destroy the Legion: an alliance between Talus and Harena, two of the most powerful nations in the world. The accord is all but official. Regicide is their only option.

But when a betrayal frames Ao as the killer and turns Harena against the Legion, Ao must ally with the Spades once more. Together, they must wrest the capitol from Talus’ control. Fail, and not only will his friends fall, but an entire nation will too. Worse, a familiar horror has finally caught up to him.

Ao escaped nothing at all.

 

 

Review:

The Left-Hand Man by Carol T. Luna is the second book in her Project Blue series. Do you need to read book 1 before book 2? I did and it made a lot of sense, so it’s personal preference, but I’d say it’s probably better if you read the first book before grabbing book 2……

I loved all the info the author supplied at the front of the book including a quick rundown of book 1. The characters names and a quick description helped jog my memory from the first book. 

Ao is being framed again for a crime he hasn’t committed. Is this the act of the warring faction to spread disharmony? Is it keep everyone guessing as to their intentions? I don’t want to give anything away as I want you to experience the thrilling ride for yourself. 

There is a lot of fighting, and plenty of action. In fact I’d say there are some of the best fight scenes I’ve read in a while. There is also moments when I had to close the book and think about what I had just read…..

Great characters that will draw you in and keep you there until you’ve read the final page. The development from book one to two is a slow process, but they definitely grow and mature before your very eyes…..

You do have to concentrate on this book, it’s more apocalyptic than romantic, more adventure than romance, and it’s almost a YA or NA in its approach, but saying that it’s still a great read. The story itself keeps unfolding, keeps giving you snippets and moments of clarity, but can you solve who did it? Why did they do it? And will there be more deaths? 

And the ending? Well that’s just going to make you wonder what’s going on and probably pick the book up again to read what you probably missed the first time around!! (I did ?) 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

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A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy – a Review

 

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Description:
Megan White should’ve died twenty-five years ago.

Now she appears to have it all—a solid career, a trendy apartment—but she feels like a fraud. A firefighter, Megan has an edge she doesn’t deserve. She doesn’t burn. Torn between her duty and her dreams, Megan is about to escape to the life she always wanted when a handsome soldier marches into her life.

After his dad barely escapes a house fire, Troy Chapman is forced to return home from the army. He finds the life he left behind buried in ashes with a beautiful red-haired firefighter at the center of it all.

Troy has six weeks to set everything straight before he returns to base, but time at home isn’t easy. Haunted by painful childhood memories, he is now fighting to reclaim the little peace he had before Iraq. A dedicated soldier, Troy is committed to returning to the army, but something about Megan makes him want to put down roots in the very place he’s been trying to escape for years.

Megan and Troy burn for each other, but time is ticking until they must go back to their separate lives. With a new danger on the horizon, Megan and Troy must decide what they really want before they lose their chance at love—and possibly their lives.

A steamy contemporary romance, A Touch of Fire is the second book in the Sisters in Sirens series. If you like strong women with secret superpowers and the men who love them, you’ll love Kathryn K. Murphy’s newest page-turning romance. Get your copy today!

 

 

Review:

A Touch of Fire by Kathryn K. Murphy is the second book in this series. And it’s being added as a favourite series to read again. I loved it, couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Ordinary women with powers they have to hide. 

Megan is fireproof, there is no better way to describe it. She’s never been able to get burnt, so being a firefighter seemed the obvious choice of career. She’s also a lover of animals, she has cats and birds, and a turtle. In fact she gets on better with animals that with people. That’s probably why she offers a temporary home to the dog she rescued from the fire she attended. (Can’t keep pets in hospitals).  I liked Megan, a kind hearted soul who only wants to help. 

Laura is the paramedic with healing hands (Laura/Carter are MC’s in book one A Touch of Healing) Laura and Megan became friends after Megan discovered Laura’s secret, they are now secret sisters (sworn to keep one another’s secret safe from the world) she gave a boost to the old man who suffered in the fire. 

Troy is a bit of an enigma at first. We meet him at his work of place with is the army, he’s informed by phone that his father had suffered a heart attack after a fire. He’s being asked to visit and arrange care for his father. Reading between the lines I get the feeling he’s seeing a therapist for the loss of family members. Troy seems like a nice nice, but can he actually help his father and give him the care he needs? 

When Megan and Troy meet for the first time, Troy is mesmerised by the mysterious woman. He wants to know more about her, but before he can talk to her, she’s off…..They soon bond over the love of Troy’s father. They become close, but Troy is hiding something. And that will come back and test the bond Megan and Troy have for one another…..

They want to be together, with him about to return to barracks can they really form a lasting relationship? 

It’s not necessary to read the previous book as it stands on its own quiet happily, but yet there is a mystery that needs solving! And that’s where Ash Comes in ?

A highly recommended read from me. ?

Reviewed by Julie 

Copy supplied for review

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The Infidelity Curse by Barbara Monajem – a Review

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The Infidelity Curse by Barbara Monajem – a Review

Amazon

 

Description:
The death of her cruel husband means freedom at last for Lucretia Tifton—until she learns that the guardian he chose for her longed-for baby is the latest in a line of earls known for separating their children from unfaithful wives. The elusive new earl is certain to hear the gossip about Lucretia. Will he believe it and prove to be as heartless as his ancestors? 

Giles, the Earl of Netherbroke, wants nothing more than to work in his London shop, building furniture with beautiful marquetry finishes. If unexpectedly inheriting the earldom isn’t bad enough, now he’s saddled with an unwanted guardianship. What’s worse, the baby’s mother is the loveliest woman he’s ever seen.

Giles is almost certain Lucretia is an adulteress—and the more he learns about her, the more he understands why she might have betrayed her husband. Nevertheless, he is determined not to succumb, like his ancestors, to the Infidelity Curse.

But then Lucretia is suddenly in danger, and the only way to protect her is to make her his.

 

 

Review:

The Infidelity Curse by Barbara Monajem is the 3rd book in her Perilous Secrets series.  Historical romance at its best. Lots of drama, action and twists. I’ve not read this author before, and this is the third book in this series. I’ve not read the previous books, but I’m sure to rectify that at some point. 

Lucretia wants only to raise her child with loving and caring parents, but she’s running for her life and the life of her child! Her husband believes her to be unfaithful and the child isn’t his! She needs to escape, and find a safe place to raise her child…..

Giles wants to build furniture and live a quiet life. But with the death of a family member, Giles has suddenly been saddled with not only a title, but also responsibilities of guardianship! He doesn’t want a baby in his life, and he certainly doesn’t want the mother around either! Even if she is captivating. 

I throughly enjoyed the adventure that Lucretia had with Giles. How she fought for her independence and her unborn child. She’s a resourceful person and wouldn’t give in too easily. 

Giles took me a while to warm too, he seemed really cold and aloof, and reading the blurb he was suppose to judge the faithless wife, and if found guilty, take away her child! 

But I did like the way he eventually falls under her spell ? But someone isn’t happy that Lucretia is finding happiness. They plan to ruin her life by spreading rumours and making sure Giles gets rid of her once and for all! 

Will they succeed? And can you guess who is behind it? (I sort of had a clue, but hints will lead you to the culprit soon enough) 

I do love a good historical romance, and this one hits all my buttons. I’d happily recommend this one. 

Reviewed by Julie ?

Copy supplied for review

 

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