Seductive Scot by Julie Johnstone & Cecelia Mecca-Review & Giveaway

Posted on April 25, 2020 by Sandy

Seductive Scot by Julie Johnstone & Cecelia Mecca-Review and Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 23, 2020

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Reikart McCaim doesn’t want to be saved—despite the fact that he’s a time traveler from 2020 New Orleans stuck in medieval Scotland. He holds his jagged secrets close to his chest and wants to keep them that way. Even if he could open up to the incredible woman fate has tossed in his path, they’d both be shredded by the things he can’t let go of. Still, he needs her help. In his time, his father lies in a coma with only one wish: to see Reikart’s mother again, whom he’s always claimed was a time traveler pulled back to her true time. Two of Reikart’s brothers already traveled back to search for her, but they are missing, too. Now, Reikart must find his family and secure the magic cross they need to return to their time. And the lass who is everything he wants but cannot allow himself to have is the only one who can recover it.

Deirdre Irvine’s life is a disaster, and it’s about to get a whole lot messier. She’s been betrayed by her brother, and she finds herself unwittingly embroiled in a plot to gain control of the Scottish throne. Not to mention she’s harboring enormous guilt over failing the sister she adores. So when the unexpected chance to prove herself to her sister arises, Deirdre will do anything to use the opportunity to her advantage. It doesn’t matter that it means putting herself in danger and joining forces with a man who claims he’s from the future. But she is woefully unprepared for the jeopardy he puts her heart in.

For a scarred man and wounded lass, their greatest obstacle may not be the centuries that divide them, but the walls they’ve erected themselves. As Deirdre’s and Reikart’s lives intertwine and they’re confronted with dangerous enemies, she’s about to discover a strength she never knew she had, and he’s about to learn that facing his ghosts may be the only way to save not only himself but the woman he now loves.

••••••••

REVIEW: Seductive Scot by Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone is the third novel in the Highlanders Through Time series. This is the story of Reikart McCaim and Lady Deirdre, daughter of the Earl of Fife.

If you read the first two novels in this series, you’ll recognize the brothers of Reikart McCaim, from Ian who is still with him in the future to the two, Rhys and Greyson who are in 1286. If you haven’t read them…more’s the pity?

What you haven’t been told about Reikart is that he’s damaged himself with guilt over the accidental death of a woman he was with in the future. He had a car accident, being a little reckless and she died. But it wasn’t all his fault, but he has conveniently or perhaps inconveniently forgotten everything that was not his fault. So, although he still has had sex with women, he refuses to truly care for any of them. In fact, he’s been very careful to pick only those who want an evening of uncommitted fun.

You should also be familiar with the character of Lady Deirdre. She’s been portrayed as a possible villain. However, we find that while she believed in her brother, Yearger, she was unaware of his plans and schemes and didn’t know he was an actual villain. There are, however, some truths she must face and does.
I don’t like spoilers, and this is a great series, so I won’t tell you everything, just the things I found fascinating and so very well written.

Reikart and Ian do the chant again, after seeing that their cousin would take care of their father and the family shipping business, just in case…
Reikart actually lands on top of Lady Deirdre in 1286. So, is there some design in where the cross and chant lands someone traveling? Hummmm… food for thought! Anyway, he was immediately being attacked by those invading the castle. No, I’m not going to go into why…that little wonderful part you’ll just have to read for yourself. However, he was defending himself and the lady he’d landed on, with encouragement from her. He was in trouble when a familiar voice stopped the fight. Low and behold it was his brother, Rhys! Okay, that’s enough spoilers.

Here’s the questions I came up with. Is Reikart attracted to Deirdre and her to him? Can these two characters forgive themselves for their human failings enough to live life? How does all this wonderful healing come about? Can they recover the imperative fae cross? How will they get away (truly unique answer)?

These are just a few of the details of this marvelous story. Authors Johnston and Mecca do a marvelous and inventive job of giving us pivoting plots, ingenious saviors, family situations and love and so very much more. Yes, of course the romance is sizzling…how could it not be? BTW, I love the cover!

Reading order and Previous Reviews
Sinful Scot
Sexy Scot

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

About Julie Johnstone

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

•••••••••

About Cecelia Mecca

Follow: Goodreads/Twitter/Website / Bookbub

Cecelia Mecca is the author of historical romance and also writes paranormal romance as C.L. Mecca.

Every heroine, from Lady Sara in the Border Series to Alessandra Fiore in Bloodwite, is your best friend– the one who kicks ass and takes names. When these ladies meet alpha-males who try to take control, sparks fly until the very last page.

Cecelia writes the Amazon bestselling Border Series and brand new Order of the Broken Blade series which take readers to an admittedly romanticized time of knights and castles in medieval England and Scotland.

She also has her hands full with the ultimate bad boys– sexy, wealthy and swoon-worthy vampires– a venture not for the faint of heart. Her debut paranormal romance series, Bloodwite, released in 2019.

Our Highlander-loving, vampire-writing author can be found in Northeast, Pennsylvania, chai in hand, thinking up new ways to tame both medieval and paranormal playboys. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor.

Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone are graciously offering an ebook copy of SEDUCTIVE SCOT to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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Sexy Scot by Cecelia Mecca & Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Sandy

Sexy Scot by Cecelia Mecca & Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

SEXY SCOT
Highlanders Through Time #2
by Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone
Release Dat: March 31, 2020
Genre: adult, time travel, Highlander, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Released Date March 31, 2020

A ᴍᴏᴅᴇʀɴ ᴍᴀɴ, ᴀ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴇᴠᴀʟ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ. Fᴀᴛᴇ ʙʀᴏᴜɢʜᴛ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜɪsᴛᴏʀʏ ᴛᴇᴀʀ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀᴘᴀʀᴛ?

When his older brother disappears in front of his eyes, Greyson McCaim is determined to find him—even if he has to travel back in time. Because it turns out their “crazy” father was right: their mother didn’t leave them willingly. She’s a time traveler, and someone pulled her back to her original home in medieval Scotland.

Now Rhys is there too, and the other McCaim brothers are stuck in modern-day New Orleans. They keep repeating the chant that sent Rhys back, and it finally works—but only for Greyson. Miserably unprepared for medieval life, he is saved by fate’s choice to dump him at the feet of the uncle he never knew he had. The two set off to learn what happened to Greyson’s mother, but their journey is derailed when they encounter an earl’s daughter in need of help.

Marian is sent from the only home she’s ever known to marry a stranger—a Scottish noble with a poor reputation. But her fear of the unknown is soon replaced by a completely different terror when her group is viciously attacked by reivers. The Scot who saves her is unlike anyone she’s ever met—his accent is strange, his words stranger, and he’s completely ignorant to etiquette. And yet this man awakens something in her, as does her newfound freedom from her father.

Greyson’s secret opens a whole new world for Marian, and her love makes him a stronger man. But can they possibly find a happy ending? Because his family is at the center of a conspiracy that promises to change Scotland forever, and from the perspective of history, he knows it doesn’t turn out well.

••••••••

REVIEW: Sexy Scot by Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone is the second novel in the Highlanders Through Time series. This is the story of Greyson McCaim and Lady Marian, daughter of the Earl of Fife.

If you read the first novel Sinful Scot, you’ll recognize the brothers of Rhys as they try to follow him. Greyson is the next to go through time as the brothers try to perform the ancient chant many times. On the last attempt, Greyson tries hard to say it the way he remembered Rhys saying it. Greyson lands in an English pub just south of the Scottish border, in the year 1286.

He wakes up being nudged by boots. As he stands and stubbles outside, he’s followed by a large man that turns out to be his uncle Ross, his mother’s brother. Greyson manages to convince Ross of his linage, and Ross takes him under his protection and helps him acclimate to the times and place. Ross has volunteered to take a message from the Guardians of Scotland to Quinton castle where the English King’s regent is currently staying. Then they will continue on to Hightower where Greyson’s mother is living.

On the way, they come across the party of Lady Marian, who is being taken to Pittillock, to be married to seal an alliance her father wants with the English king. She is not happy about the marriage but is duty bound to do as her father says. She has a strange but immediate reaction to the strange man with the group of Scots. The group is set upon by bandits and Marian is told to go into the trees and hide. The men fight, including Greyson. The bandits are killed, but so are Marian’s men. Greyson finds her and their attraction grows quickly. They decide to keep her with them until they deliver their message, then she can decide to return home or go on to her marriage.

That’s the basic setup. I have, of course, left out all the great dialog and many interesting items. I don’t do spoilers. This is a very romantic novel. The love scenes are steamy and interesting. The pace is quick and dangerous. There is a lot of plots within plots as the storyline progresses.

Authors Johnstone and Mecca have done another remarkable job of joining history and romantic fiction into an exciting story. If you haven’t done so already, grab a copy and delve into this marvelous tale.

Click HERE for Georgianna’s review of book one SINFUL SCOT

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

About Cecelia Mecca

Follow: Goodreads/Twitter/Website / Bookbub

Cecelia Mecca is the author of historical romance and also writes paranormal romance as C.L. Mecca.

•••••••••

About Julie Johnstone

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Cecelia Mecca and Julie Johnstone are graciously offering an ebook copy of SEXY SCOT to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

IMPORTANT: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please CLICK on the title, and it should take you directly to the post.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Cecelia Mecca on GOODREADS

4. Follow Julie Johnstone on Facebook.

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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10. Giveaway runs from April 5-10, 2020

A Duke is Never Enough by Darcy Burke-a review

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Sandy

A Duke is Never Enough (Spitfire Society #3) by Darcy Burke-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2020

Notorious rake Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is gracing the gossip pages for a new reason: the rumors he may have murdered his swindling cousin. His quest for answers regarding his cousin’s death leads him to an incomparable self-declared spinster, and he is—for the first time—beguiled beyond reason. Neither is what the other wants, and yet their intense mutual infatuation is inescapable.

After abandoning her philandering betrothed at the altar, Phoebe Lennox fled from London only to return an heiress who refuses to follow the ton’s rules. She won’t risk a relationship of any kind—until she meets the notorious Marquess of Ripley. Swept into his seductive embrace, her resolve falters in the face of a pleasure she never anticipated. But when the truth about Marcus and the murder come to light, Phoebe could lose everything she holds dear, including a love for all time.

••••••••

REVIEW: A Duke is Never Enough is book two of the Spitfire Society by Darcy Burke. This is a wonderful add to her new series.

This is a historical romance and features some characters from the Untouchables series. This is the story of Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley (Rip) and Phoebe Lennox.
Marcus is a bit of a rake. His reputation is a bit more than he deserves, but he has had quite a few ladies in his life. Phoebe, if you remember from previous novels, left her betrothed, Laurence Sainsbury, at the alter and left London. However, her aunt left her a fortune and she declared herself independent and helped form the Spitfire Society. She is a self-proclaimed spinster and not looking for a husband.

When Marcus confronts his cousin, Archibald Drobbit, for swindling people (Graham, the Duke of Halstead from previous novels) a fight ensues and before he runs away, Drobbit throws a rock at Marcus’s head wounding him slightly. This was a public display Marcus hadn’t wanted to have. He rides away on his horse but is bleeding and he stops to clean himself up. A lovely young woman rides up on a horse and helps him. He’s intrigued by her and wants to see her again, but she won’t give him her name. He has the handkerchief she used, and he promises to return it tomorrow. She doubts he can find out who she is that quickly. Bets are made and the adventure begins.

This is a thoroughly intriguing novel with lots of great conversations, adventure, danger, and of course sizzzzzling romance. I don’t do spoilers, and nobody does romance like Darcy Burke! Don’t miss it!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Never Have I Ever
A Duke Is Never Enough

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna

Sinful Scot by Julie Johnstone & Cecelia Mecca-Review & Giveaway Tour

Posted on March 7, 2020 by Sandy

Sinful Scot by Julie Johnstone & Cecelia Mecca-Review & Giveaway Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2020

In a time he doesn’t belong, in an alliance she shouldn’t have made, they’ll fall dangerously, hopelessly in love.

New Orleans, 2020. Billionaire Rhys McCaim doesn’t believe for one second that his missing mother is a time traveler. Still, his father insists that she didn’t leave them willingly but was pulled through time to her true home in medieval Scotland. But when he and his three brothers test out an ancient time-traveling spell to appease their dying father and Rhys is catapulted to thirteenth-century Scotland, he can’t exactly deny it anymore. Suddenly he’s a Highlander in a land on the verge of war. He needs to get back to his time before all hell breaks loose, but first he must find his mother. Luckily, fate drops the perfect guide in his path. She’s brilliant, beautiful and bold, and he’s drawn to her in a way he’s never been drawn to anyone or anything before. But he can’t afford to be distracted from his mission or lower his carefully constructed guard.

Scotland, 1286. Maggie Irvine is betrothed to a vicious man who cares only of wealth and power. Marrying him will restore her family’s reputation, however, saving her siblings from lives of misery. She has resigned herself to her fate, but when a mysterious, handsome stranger magically appears before her out of thin air, her plan—and the stranger’s life—are in jeopardy. And the only way to save him is to risk everything. As she comes to learn the shocking truth of what he hides, Maggie discovers what happens when duty collides with desire and long-abandoned dreams rise to the surface.

Bound by secrets and lies, Maggie and Rhys are entangled in the brewing battle for the Scottish throne. With his knowledge of the future, Rhys possesses the powerful ability to alter history. Yet, to do so successfully, he must let Maggie past the defenses he’s spent a lifetime building. Now, an alliance that began in desperation becomes a need that will leave them both torn between what they should do and what love demands.

•••••••

REVIEW: Sinful Scot is a historical/time travel/romance novel. I don’t intend to miss a single part of this wonderfully written new series. I eagerly await the next novel.

I don’t do spoilers, and I certainly wouldn’t want to spoil a second of this exciting series. So, I’ll give you the basic set up and let you salivate over the rest! (I’m writing this while chuckling evilly.)

The story starts with a prelude of King Alexander in Fifeshire, Scotland in 1286. Shona MacKinnish has just witnessed the death of King Alexander, and it was not an accident. She is being pursued by one of those who planned and carried out the deed. They scared his horse and he was thrown over a cliff to his death. There are many more details, this is just the basics of what happened. She reached Hightower castle and tells her healer sister what has happened and that she’s being chased. They mean to kill her to silence her. Her sister is a powerful woman and attempts to send her to their home and clan to protect her. She uses an ancient silver cross the fae gave her with special powers for traveling. However, Shona gets the chant wrong and disappears, no one knows where she has gone.

The first chapter sets the premise and deepens the plot and it’s so cool. Okay, here’s the setup for the actual story. The first chapter is set in the year 2020, New Orleans.

There are four brothers in total. Rhys, Reikart, Greyson, and Ian. Their mother, Shona, just disappeared five years ago. They had made extensive efforts to find her, but there was literally no trace of her. Tonight, is the anniversary of her disappearance. Their father, Colin, was heartbroken and is now seemingly mad. He believed she’d gone through time and spent all his time with books and charts trying to find a way to get her back. He spent a small fortune on an ancient book of spells or chants in hope of getting his wife back. The police and the brothers believe she just walked out. It just doesn’t make sense to them, because they’d always been madly in love.

When their father collapses and is taken to the hospital, the brothers investigate his study to try to find out what he was up to when he got so sick. What they find is both amazing and truly a bit crazy…and the fun and adventure begins!

Rhys is the focus of the first novel and what a wonderfully exciting story it is! There is so much adventure, romance, love and more here. However, you will need to read the rest for yourself. I can only tell you it’s worth both the time and the price of the book. I think this series is a must read!

Kudos to Julie Johnstone and Cecelia Mecca on what I believe will be a very lucrative and popular series.

I just want the next one soon! PLEASE!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

About Julie Johnstone

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

•••••••••••

About Cecelia Mecca

Follow: Goodreads/Twitter/Website / Bookbub

Cecelia Mecca is the author of historical romance and also writes paranormal romance as C.L. Mecca.

Julie Johnstone is graciously offering an ebook copy of SINFUL SCOT to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer then click on the post heading).

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4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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9. Giveaway runs from March 7-11, 2020

Bottomless Cups by Joel Bresler-a review

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Sandy

Bottomless Cups by Joel Bresler-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 27, 2020

Teddy Greenwald and Ray Starck have known one another since the Truman Administration. What began as a mutual interest in sneak-reading comic books in class evolved into a friendship which has outlasted a great many Presidents and a whole lot more, besides.

Teddy and Ray, along with two other boys, formed the core of a group of kids who did everything together. As teenagers, they discovered that restaurants gave free coffee refills even if you didn’t order anything else, leading to a lifetime’s worth of bottomless cups and frustrated restaurant owners. Now in advanced age, Teddy and Ray still meet regularly to drink too much coffee and talk about the things old guys usually tend to talk about. In between, they flash back to various times and events which helped shape their lives.

One of their once-close group, who has enjoyed a modestly successful career in Hollywood, comes up with the idea of making a movie about their youthful experiences together and what came after for each of them. This would, of course, include starring the surviving originals as the present-day versions of their cinematic selves. For some, however, facing their past, present and inevitable future all in one sitting proves considerably more difficult than it looks on the silver screen.

•••••

REVIEW: Bottomless Cups is a humorous and witty story of old friends, now octogenarians. It’s a long and warm tale of the two boys becoming friends and adding to their group as they grew up, through grade school, high school, and during and after their college years.

The story begins with the two main characters (Teddy and Ray) having a small quarrel, that they’ve been having for over fifty years, as to whether Ray’s father had an accent.

For those old enough to know, this story is quite eloquently told from the friends point of view, with a lot of quippy humor. Being of nearly that age, I found it sweet and nostalgic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Openly Hidden (The Hidden Series #3) by Leigh Fleming-A Review

Posted on December 15, 2019 by Sandy

Openly Hidden (The Hidden Series #3) by Leigh Fleming-A Review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 11, 2019

When private investigator Olivia Trammel arrives at Mountcrest University, her simple two-day case turns into a bigger investigation. The shiny new buildings, smiling students, and top-notch surveillance system can’t cover up the fact that several female students have gone missing. Something dark and sinister is happening in plain sight.

Special Agent Alex Ritchie is fed up with the bureau and his difficult new boss. When a dead body is found and a fourth female student goes missing, he worries about his little sister, who is a freshman on campus. Focusing on the investigation, he promises himself he’ll keep his sister safe.

Olivia and Alex join forces to delve into the bizarre happenings, digging into a crime that spans from the pristine campus out into the mountainous community. Someone is either abducting these coeds, or coercing them into a life of crime. Alex and Olivia are determined to learn the truth. Throughout the investigation, their attraction grows stronger, though each keeps their emotions Openly Hidden until the sick plot comes unraveled.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Openly Hidden is book three in the Hidden Series, a crime investigation/romance novel. This is the story of Special Agent Alex Ritchie and Olivia Trammel, P.I.

This story is set in West Virginia and a small university town where female students have gone missing. On finding a dead body, the FBI is finally called into the case.

Olivia is doing a security check on Mountcrest University. Her father’s PI firm had been hired by Preston Minker, partner at Martin, Minker, & Biddle Attorneys-at-Law to investigate the amount and ability of the security at the school. Maria Sanchez, the mother of one of the missing girls believes that the school and law enforcement have not been doing their jobs.

Olivia’s father had recently died, leaving her this last investigation and to clean out his offices. She wants to finish this last job for her father. Then she’s going to California to put his ashes in the Pacific and get a degree in nursing.

Alex isn’t married to the FBI, but he’s been there awhile, and he has his sister and grandmother to look after. His dream is going back into coaching basketball for kids, but he just can’t quit his paying job while his sister and grandmother need his help.

They meet during the investigation. The attraction is certainly there for both, but author Fleming has written a twisty story that keeps you guessing if they’ll get together.

That’s the set up for the story. The characters are well written, strong and smart. The whole crime scene is well done, with the plot focusing on who and why the murders are occurring.

If you love crime stories and a bit of romance, pick up a copy and enjoy a great read!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Stay Hidden
Kept Hidden
Openly HIdden

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Twenty years ago Leigh Fleming vowed to write a book someday and her goal finally came to fruition in 2013. Since the day she first sat down at the computer to write, she has been hard at work creating unique characters facing life’s challenges, but who are always rewarded with their happy ending. When she’s not writing in her windowless office, she enjoys reading, travelling, scrapbooking, and spending time with friends.

Leigh is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Washington Romance Writers chapter. She lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia, with her husband, Patrick, and her deaf French Bulldog Napoleon, and is mom to adult children, Tom and Liza.

Contact Leigh at leigh@leighfleming.com. Follow Leigh on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/leighhflemingauthor and on Twitter www.twitter.com/leighhfleming1

Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes-Review & Giveaway

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Sandy

Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes-Review & Giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2019.

Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore, is overrun by family obligations. With three sisters to escort about Town, a legion of cousins to look after, and aunties who insist he dance with every eligible young woman, he barely has time to manage his dukedom. When he finally carves out a moment to evaluate his family’s finances, he learns that he―and his sisters―are on the verge of social catastrophe.

Eleanora Hatfield has an uncanny knack for numbers, but she knows from experience that dealing with the peerage can only lead to problems. Though she wants nothing to do with any titled gentleman, she reluctantly agrees to help when Rex seeks aid from her employer. What starts out as an unwanted assignment soon leads to forbidden kisses and impossible longings. But with scandal haunting Ellie’s past and looming in Rex’s future, how can true love lead to anything but heartbreak?

••••••••••

REVIEW: Forever and a Duke is a novel in the Rogues to Riches series. It can be read as a stand alone but is best read as part of the series for the full impact of the characters already created.

This is the story of Eleanora Hatfield and Wrexham “Rex”, Duke of Elsmore. If you are familiar with this series, many of the characters will be familiar. If you are new to this series, there is enough backstory to explain the circumstances. I don’t do spoilers. I really want people to enjoy the experiences for themselves. What I can do is tell you the setup for the story and why I enjoyed it.

The Duke of Elsmore is a recently titled man, raised apart from the previous Duke of Elsmore, he’s becoming familiar with his properties, which are extensive and spread widely location wise. He’s inundated with many aunties, uncles, cousins, and sisters and an extremely busy mother. He has learned much about being the Duke, but the enormity of his estate has made him dependent on relatives and others to see to the day-to-day activity and bookkeeping. However, as his sisters approach the season for marriage and it looks like they will find matches, he becomes aware that many of his books are not in order and indeed he is losing a great deal of money.

To prevent his bank from issues and his troubles from becoming public knowledge and collapsing the bank he’s so heavily invested in, he consults his friend Quinn Wentworth, Duke of Walden and owner of a competitive bank. Quinn has often mentioned an employee of his, Mrs. Eleanora Hatfield who is a marvel with figures and straightening out bookkeeping. Rex confides in his friend about his finding in the books of his households and bank and asks Quinn if he can temporarily employ Mrs. Hatfield to help him fix his situation.

Getting Eleanora to agree is a bit more difficult. She’s very set in her comfy and predictable world of keeping the books for Quinn and his interests. She’s reluctant to take this on. She doesn’t have a love for Dukes of any place, her exception of Quinn has much to do with his Duchess Jane.

Okay, that’s the setup! Now what I can tell you is that the way this all comes about is fascinating. Oh…I guess I do need to do one little spoiler…there is no Mr. Hatfield and Eleanora is not married. What she finds out about Rex upsets her vision of what most dukes are really like. She’s feisty and honest and he loves it. He’s humble and caring (for a Duke) and she loves it.

Grace Burrowes has done a terrific job of setting these two together. So close, yet so far apart. Meant for each other, but can or will they fight to be together despite all the issues? Grab a copy and find out! I loved reading this witty and sweet story.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
My One and Only Duke
When A Duchess Says I Do
Forever and a Duke

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

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Forever Romance and Hachette Books are graciously offering a paper copy set of the Rogues to Riches series: My One and Only Duke, When a Duchess Says I Do, and Forever and A Duke by Grace Burrowes to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Biker Babe (Biker Beauties #1) by Audrey Carlan-Review & Giveaway Tour

Posted on November 11, 2019 by Sandy

Biker Babe (Biker Beauties #1) by Audrey Carlan-Review & Giveaway Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.au / Amazon.uk / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / Apple /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2019

Princess. That’s what the club calls me. I’m not frilly, into pink, or expect a man to woo me with chocolates and flowers. I don’t need candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach.

I’m not the girl you take home to your parents. I like wild, fun, and good times. I’m the kind of girl you put on the back of your bike and ride through the night…in more ways than one.

I like the wind in my hair and the open road before me. I was born a biker princess and I’ll be one until the day I die. The man in my life can try to tame me, but he’ll have one hell of a fight on his hands. Though if he wins, he’ll get the ultimate prize…all of me. Devoted. His old lady through thick and thin.

So when I opened my store, aptly named Biker Babe, I didn’t expect to have the biggest, sexiest, most jaw-dropping man walk into my shop and set my world on fire. I wanted him instantly. Only problem, my father is the president of the Hero’s Pride MC, and Taggart “Rex” Crawford is his new Vice President.

Our Pride likes to live wild and ride free but everyone knows the President’s daughter is off limits.

The Biker Beauties are a collection of interconnected standalone novellas. They can be read out of order if desired. They are high in heat, but don’t forget the sweet.

••••••••

REVIEW: Biker Babe is a romantic novel set in Oregon. This story has strong characters, dialog is well done. The story is a quick read and full of very hot love scenes. This book makes a lot of introduction of the characters in the Hero’s Pride MC. This group’s members are all ex-military or police. They are all good guys, not criminals, but really tough.

This is the story of Shayla and Rex. Shayla is the daughter of the president of the Oregon chapter of Hero’s Pride and so is the club princess. Rex has joined the Oregon chapter after leaving his father’s club in California. He’s not happy about the direction his father is taking that club and has left and joined the Oregon chapter. He’s now the new VP.

The story begins as Shayla opens her dream, a boutique for bikers. She has all the great merchandise and the club helped her renovate the building. They meet when Rex brings his new patch to her shop to have it sown on. He sees her in the window and falls immediately in love…

She’s arguing with an ex-boyfriend she’s kicked to the curb. He keeps hounding and stalking her. Rex takes exception to the way he’s talking to Shayla and breaks his nose. She falls for him about the same way he did for her, then she finds out he’s the new VP. She thinks her dad and the guys will not approve, since she’s their princess and tries to warn him off.

Okay, that’s the set up and pretty much the gist of the story. The details are great. The plans and forthcoming events are a great start to this series.

If you like motorcycle stories, but love good guys, this is your happy place!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

Audrey Carlan is a #1 New York Times and International bestselling author. Her titles have appeared on USA Today and the Wall Street Journal. Audrey writes wicked hot love stories that have been translated in over thirty different languages across the globe. She is best known for the world-wide bestselling series Calendar Girl and Trinity.

She lives in the California Valley where she enjoys her two children and the love of her life. When she’s not writing, you can find her teaching yoga, sipping wine with her “soul sisters,” or with her nose stuck in a steamy romance novel.

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