Tag Archives: Historical Romance

X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts-Guest Post and Giveaway

Posted on by
44

X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts-Guest Post and Giveaway

XMarkstheScot-promo



Click HERE for our review of X Marks The Scot by Victoria Roberts

It’s wonderful to be back at The Reading Café today. Thanks so much for having me.

Today is Release Day for X Marks the Scot, and I’m so happy to be here to share it with you. The second book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series starts off where Temptation in a Kilt left off. Declan MacGregor is charged with escorting the bloody Campbell’s sister to the English court. And he’s not happy.

Declan was so much fun to write, especially since he’s the biggest bad boy of the series. His character was loosely based on Ian Somerhalder’s character on The Vampire Diaries, Damon Salvatore. Although Declan sometimes takes it a bit more over-the-top than Mr. Salvatore, deep down, the man has a big heart and I’ll think readers will recognize that, too.

On the other hand, Lady Liadain Campbell has had enough of men and their games. When she’s thrown together with the infamous MacGregor rogue, sparks fly, tempers flare and attraction is hard to resist, even though she tries.

X Marks the Scot Blurb:

He was a Highland Rogue—Wicked with a Bow and Arrow and Just as Wicked with the Ladies.

Declan MacGregor hadn’t a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and a willing woman…until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can’t just abandon her to that vipers’ nest without protection.

She Never Asked for a Bodyguard…

Liadain wasn’t thrilled to be left in the care of her clan’s archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows even sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust…

Excerpt:

“Get up, ye whoreson.” 

Praying he was still in an ale-induced state and only dreaming, Declan MacGregor of Glenorchy slowly opened his eyes as he felt the prick of cold steel against his throat. A man with graying hair at his temples stood a hairbreadth away from the bed, dagger in hand. 

A muscle ticked in the man’s jaw. “Get up,” he said through clenched teeth. 

The blonde in the bed next to Declan—what was her name?—gasped and tugged up the blanket to cover her exposed breasts. Her eyes widened in fear. 

“Ye defiled my daughter,” the stranger growled. 

Declan raised his hands in mock surrender. “I assure ye that I didnae.” He stole a sideways glance at the woman and silently pleaded for his latest conquest to come to his aid. 

“Papa?” The fair-skinned beauty sat up on the bed. “What are ye doing here?”  

Glancing at his daughter, the man spoke in clipped tones. “This whoreson had ye and will wed ye.”  

“Now just a bloody minute. I…”  

Whipping his head back around, the enraged father glared at Declan, repositioning the dagger—much lower. Feeling the contact of the blade, Declan took a sharp intake of breath while the woman sprang from the bed as though it was afire. Hastily, she grabbed her clothing and started to don her attire.  

He silently chuckled, realizing the irony of the moment. What would Ciaran think? Declan had chosen to remain at court to escape his older brother’s scrutiny, now only to be thrown deeper into hot water. In fact, it was scalding.  

The fair-colored lass rolled her eyes at her father. “Really, Papa, ye must cease your attempts at matchmaking. I donna wish to wed him.”  

She pulled on her father’s dagger-held hand, thankfully removing the blade from the most favorite part of Declan’s anatomy. He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached down and felt that his most prized possession was still intact.  

What the hell had he gotten himself into? The gods knew he had needs, but if he wasn’t more selective of the women he bedded, the fairer sex would surely be the death of him.  

He needed to escape.  

Declan threw back the blankets, stood, and quickly tossed his trews into the air with his foot. While father and daughter were huddled in deep conversation, he donned his trews, pulled on his tunic, grabbed his boots, and simply walked out—unnoticed and unscathed. 

Praise for X Marks the Scot:

5/5 – Reviewer Top Pick
“Enthralling Highlander romance. One of the best Highlander stories I’ve ever read. This is one author who just keeps on getting better.”

―Night Owl Reviews

“For a complex story brimming over with pride and passion, betrayal, trust and most of all the power to make a bad boy a hero, pick up this read.”

―RT Book Reviews/4 ½ Star Review

Victoria RobertsAbout Victoria Roberts:

Victoria Roberts writes sexy, Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was named by RT Book Reviews as “one of the most promising debut authors across the genres” and is also a 2012 Reviewers Choice Nominee for Best First Historical novel for her debut, Temptation in a Kilt.

Her second novel, X Marks the Scot, will be released February 2013 and the third, To Wed a Wicked Highlander, September 2013.

Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Western Pennsylvania Romance Writers, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine, Celtic Guide.

Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of nineteen years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish romp, she enjoys reading, nature, and antiques.

Celtic Guide: www.thecelticguide.com

orangeandbluegiveaway


SOURCEBOOKS is offering a copy of X MARKS THE SCOT to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social login such as Twitter or Facebook, please leave your email address with your comment.

3. Please answer the question: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BAD BOY?

4. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only.

5. Giveaway runs from February 5-10, 2013

Share

Forever a Lord (Rumor Series #3) by Delilah Marvelle-a review

Posted on by
9

Forever a Lord by Delilah Marvelle-a review

The Rumor Series #3

Forever a Lord

About the book:

He’s a fighter, not a lover. But that’s about to change… ​

Lady Imogene Norwood lived a sheltered life of quiet respectability and routine…until she debuts at her first Season. There she meets the wild and broken Lord Atwood among London’s elite. And the very shy English rose suddenly realizes that a little chaos might just be what her heart desires.​

Lord Nathaniel James Atwood doesn’t believe true love exists. Since scandal tore him away from his family at an early age, he has spent his life fighting for what he wants. That attitude made him a rising star in bare-knuckle boxing, and now leads him back to London to reclaim the life that was stolen from him. But upon meeting the innocent Imogene, his beliefs are trounced…as guarding his heart against her proves to be the fight of his life.

Review:
Forever a Lord begins in the slums of New York City, in the seedy realm of bare knuckles boxing. Coleman is trying to make a name for himself, but isn’t willing to give up control of his life or his boxing in order to obtain an investor in his career. He very soon finds out that there are people asking about him and trying to search him out. Once he decides to meet whomever is looking for him, he discovers that it is his deceased sister’s husband and son. Coleman, who is really Lord Nathaniel Atwood from Surrey, England, is stunned to say the least. But, it has been 30 years since he’s seen her. Nathaniel was kidnapped at ten years old and unbeknownst to his sister or his mother, his father lifted not one finger to get his son back. Secrets, secrets……….

Once Nathaniel finally makes his way back to London, he supports himself with a few fights and training others. He is approached by Lord Henry Weston, who would like to be his investor and have him fight for the title of Champion of England. Only, it’s not really Henry’s money, but his sister Imogene’s. A 19 year old who has been sheltered, but is bound and determined to make her and Henry’s life comfortable again by investing in Nathaniel. However, they have no idea he is actually a missing heir. But when Imogene and Nathaniel finally meet? Let’s just say there is a spark or two. And, then things get really interesting…………What will Nathaniel’s surviving family do when they find out he’s not dead? Will Nathaniel ever be able to let go of the anger that he’s harbored against his father for 30 years? And, then there is Imogene. Will she and Nathaniel both get what they want? Or is Nathaniel’s heart too calloused by too many years of just surviving?

Forever a Lord is a fascinating tale of devastating heart break, betrayal, revenge, and, ultimately, love. I have to tell you, even though there is a happy ending, there are a couple of things that will just tear your heart right out of your chest. This book, in my humble opinion, probably represents things in a more realistic fashion than most that I’ve read that cover this time period. Marvelle has done a wonderful job relating her characters’ stories and made it, not just believable, but palpable. A wonderful story not to be missed!!

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Share

Highland Heart by Heather McCollum-a review

Posted on by
12

HIGHLAND HEART by Heather McCollum-a review

ABOUT THE BOOK: Alec Munro, chieftain of the Munros, has captured the Englishman who swindled his father. Set on retribution, he’s caught off-guard by the thief’s beautiful daughter, a lass whose beauty and spirit leave him questioning the value of revenge.

Rachel Brindle has a secret: she can heal people with her magic. While journeying with her father and sister into the Highlands, she becomes a prize sought between two warring clans. She must use her cunning and her healing magic to prevent the same slaughter that started the blood feud a century ago. But when her secret is exposed, will it condemn her in the eyes of the barbarian who has capture not only her family, but also her heart?

******************

REVIEW: HIGHLAND HEART is a 57 page novella that was originally published in The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (January 2011) and was re-released in December 2012, that follows 24 hours in the life of Rachel Brindle as she and her sister accompany their father who has business with the Munro Chieftain. Rachel is oddly attracted to Alec Munro-the rough looking Highland warrior who is now the leader of his clan and, there is something very familiar about the man who claims to have taken her prisoner-but Alec will soon capture her heart.

Heather McCollum tells an entire story in less than sixty pages. From the cross-country adventure of the Brindle family to an attack by a neighboring clan, Heather encapsulates betrayal and pain, love and heartache all combined with a little bit of magic and fantasy. And like every fantasy hero, Alec knows what he wants-and Rachel is the prize. Highland Heart is a cute, fast paced and too short story-I wanted more-but it was a novella, so what did I expect!!

ORDER LINKS: Amazon Barnes and Noble

Click HERE for author’s website

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

The Holly and the Thistle by Regan Walker-a review

Posted on by
13

THE HOLLY AND THE THISTLE by Regan Walker-a review

The Holly and the Thistle by Regan Walker

About the book: Release date November 24, 2012

A chance meeting at Berry’s wine shop, a misunderstanding and Christmastide all come together to allow the most handsome Scot in London to give Lady Emily Picton the best Christmas gift ever: a marriage not of convenience, but of love.

Review:

The Holly and the Thistle begins with Lady Emily Picton hurrying along the rain soaked streets of 1818 London, trying to reach Berry’s wine shop in order to procure a favorite wine for a Christmas affair being thrown by the Dowager Countess of Claremont. Upon entering the wine shop, Lady Emily looks less the lady and more the “bedraggled chit” due to unfortunate events involving rain, mud and carriages. She encounters a handsome “store clerk” who fetches the wine for her. She leaves the store in a snit, and, to add insult to injury, is that laughter she hears?

Lady Emily, widowed three years earlier, knows that the Countess will be up to her old tricks: trying to play matchmaker, but the Countess has become a dear friend and Emily would never refuse her invitation. Emily arrives early for the party where the Countess informs her that indeed there is a Scottish gentleman whom will be attending the party the she wants her to meet, Mr. William Stephen.

As the guests arrive, Lord and Lady Ormond, (whom we first meet in Racing With the Wind), are chatting with Emily as the Countess brings a gentleman over to introduce to her. Mr. Stephen and Lord Ormond attended college together and are old friends. When the introductions are made between Emily and William, she is surprised to see the “store clerk” whom she encountered in the wine shop, who obviously, is not a store clerk at all, but a wealthy Scottish businessman who builds ships. They recognize each other immediately and the attraction is instantaneous. But, Lady Emily has vowed to remain a widow. Her first marriage only lasted three years and he was definitely not a gentleman. She has no desire to go through that kind of turmoil again. William knows that he has his work cut out for him and knows that she will be worth the effort. So he sets out to prove that all men are not created equal. Does true love conquer all? Does this Christmas season turn out to be the happiest of all for Lady Emily? You’ll have to read to find out.

The Holly and the Thistle is a short story that had me from the beginning. Emily and William are great together and I loved the strength in each of them. There was a teary moment or two in this for me and I love the small cast of supporting characters. And, of course, I looooved getting to see Lord and Lady Ormond again and see their ever growing family. Truly a great Christmas read. The one problem with this short story? The word SHORT!! I wanted it to go on and on………… Regan Walker has been added to my list of authors that are must reads and I suggest you do the same.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Share

Snowy Night with a Highlander by Julie London-a review

Posted on by
8

Snowy Night with a Highlander by Julie London-a review

 

Snowy Night with a Highlander is the November 27, 2012 release from Julie London.

This is an excellent story of young heartbreak, life-changing tragedy, love and renewal of life. A great read for a snowy cold night!

I don’t like to do spoilers… so let me just recap some of the highlights that make this worth the reading.

Lady Fiona Haines of Scotland has been living in London in an attempt to find a suitable marriage partner. Her debutante event, in Scotland, was spoiled years ago by a friend of her brothers that she admired when he likened her to a “woodchuck”. Embarrassed and broken hearted, she moved to London with her brother James (himself a noted rogue and womanizer). While she found many friends at court in London, there were still no real suitors for her hand as yet.

Her brother gets in trouble with the Prince of Wales (sleeping with the Princess of Wales was what the Prince accused him of) and even though he is visiting friends in Scotland the Prince sends men to find him. Fiona finds she must go to Scotland to find her brother and warn him to hide deep in the highlands of Scotland until the matter is settled.

To reach her brother, she must contact Laird Duncan Buchanan, the same friend of her brothers who broke her heart all those years ago. She is reluctant to do this, but must save her brother who has no idea he is being pursued.

Duncan agrees to let Fiona and her maid ride with a cargo wagon to Blackwood, his ancestral home where her brother is staying. She doesn’t actually see Duncan as he stays hidden behind a drapery watching. She and her maid must go with the wagon driver and another man covered with dark clothing and an eye-patch.
Just outside of Edinburgh her maid decides she doesn’t want to go and secretly runs away, back to Edinburgh, leaving Fiona to travel with just the tall dark stranger (the wagon driver must go find the maid and see she gets safely back to Edinburgh).
During the cold and hard trip to Blackwood Fiona grows to trust the dark stranger who is named Duncan…she believes him to be Mr. Duncan a tenant of Buchanan’s. Through mishaps with the wagon and her being saved from a wolf she becomes very attracted to Mr. Duncan. She begins to dream of a life of being his wife and having his children, only to find out (as they near Blackwood) that he is not Mr. Duncan, but Duncan Buchanan of Blackwood himself. Will she forgive him; can she forgive him, should she forgive him? Hmmmmm…

You need to read the circumstances and how this all comes about as well as the ending for yourself, it’s a very good story of life and personal growth and love all wrapped up for Christmas!

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO 

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

Share

To Tempt The Devil (The Lord Hawkesbury’s Players #3) by C.J.Archer-a review

Posted on by
9

TO TEMPT THE DEVIL (The Lord Hawkesbury’s Players #3) by CJ Archer-a review

TO TEMPT THE DEVIL by CJ Archer

TO TEMPT THE DEVIL is the third storyline (November 2012 release) in CJ Archer’s Lord Hawkesbury’s Players series. The Hawkesbury Players series focuses on the actors and player and, behind the scenes members of an acting company in Elizabethan England. Although this is the third novel in the series and many of the players were established in the first two storylines, it can be read as a standalone without too much difficulty.

Rafe Fletcher returns to his boyhood home after seven years away only to discover his younger half-brother James is facing a imprisonment for not paying his debts. Unable to secure a source of income, James leaves on his own accord but not before asking Rafe to look after the beautiful Lizzy Croft. Lizzy and James had an agreement, of sorts, to marry out of duty and love, but the love for each other was innocent and pure.

Rafe has always been attracted to Lizzy but knowing his brother was ‘betrothed’ to Lizzy made it more difficult-she was forbidden. But Rafe’s life has been hard. As a hired assassin he carries many secrets and one has caught up with him at home. To protect himself as well as his friends, Rafe must hunt down the man he once thought was dead.

Lizzy works as a seamstress with the Lord Hawkesbury’s Players, but her income and livelihood are threatened when a personal vendetta between the Troupe owner and sponsor hangs over the actors and their friends. The ensemble of actors is close, with each supporting the others. Lizzy takes it upon herself to face the man responsible for the possible demise of the company, but her heartfelt plea for understanding will find both she and Rafe on the run for a murder they did not commit.

Rafe and Lizzy’s attraction to one another is forbidden. Rafe knows that Lizzy is the only woman for him, but she has been promised to his brother James. But James and Lizzy’s relationship is anything but romantic. Lizzy is frightened by and drawn to Rafe who, must protect her from herself and the authorities. Lizzy witnessed a brutal beating seven years earlier and continues to replay the scene over and over. And it is this memory that keeps Lizzy from admitting her true feelings for Rafe. And she will discover that her relationship with James was a good excuse to keep Rafe from knocking down the door. But life on the run will find Lizzy and Rafe together, and their growing love for one another is heartbreaking and sad knowing that each has betrayed their love for James. I did, however, feel the relationship between Rafe and Lizzy wasn’t as sexual or romantic as it could have been. It felt forced and uneven-I wanted more!

TO TEMPT THE DEVIL is an engaging storyline. There are some humorous moments when Lizzy and Rafe must walk around in disguise and the interaction with the Lord Hawkesbury Players is interesting to read. I want to see Antony find a mate-that should be an interesting storyline especially during the Elizabethan time period. We meet a young Williams Shakespeare and his lover Kate-Kate can be very ‘shrewish’ at times. 😉 CJ Archer has written a wonderful story that will keep your attention.

ORDER: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts-a review

Posted on by
15

X Marks The Scot by Victoria Roberts- a review

X MARKS THE SCOT (Bad Boys of the Highlands #2) by Victoria Roberts

X MARKS THE SCOT is the second storyline (February 2013 release) in Victoria Roberts’s Bad Boys of the Highland series.

At the end of Temptation in a Kilt, the Laird MacGregor had killed the “Bloody Campbell” for abducting and threatening his wife, child and extended family. But the fact that Campbell’s half-sister is now without protection and a guardian, the MacGregor clan must make arrangements to escort the woman to King James’ court until the time comes when James decides what will be done with Lady Liadain Campbell. And it is Declan MacGregor who will volunteer to be the traveling companion and guardian to the beautiful Liadain. Until the King choses a suitor, Declan finds himself reluctantly attracted to the heir to the Campbell Castle, but that still does not stop his roguish ways.

Declan MacGregor has always been the family bad boy. Known as the third son, his prospects in life left little with regard to the MacGregor clan and its’ holdings. Bedding down any available female and partaking in heavy drinking and ‘wenching’ it was only a matter of time before Declan would find himself in trouble again. But Declan’s skill with a bow and arrow, would win him the King James’s archery competition and the prize was the Campbell Castle and wedded bliss with the Lady Liadain. Although a tepid friendship had slowly developed, a forced marriage was something neither one had considered. But to their surprise, someone from Liadain’s past would be the instigator behind the King’s declaration of marriage between the couple, and although on the surface it looks like betrayal and revenge, Declan will soon discover that Liadain is risking her life the longer she stays at King james’s court.

Meanwhile, King James’s enemies were devising a plan to remove the monarch ‘permanently’ from the throne and what better way to frame Declan MacGregor than to use his prowess with a bow to send King James to an early grave. But Liadain will discover a secret at Campbell Castle that could either win Declan his freedom or kill them all.

The relationship between Declan and Liadain is slow to build. At the end of Temptation in a Kilt, Declan had already attempted to slit Liadain’s throat when he was under the mistaken belief she was partly responsible for the abduction of his nephew and sisters in law. And Declan’s penchant for hurting Liadain continues, when in a drunken stupor he mistakes her for an intruder in his own bedroom. Declan’s lack of respect for his new wife becomes rather apparent when he all but calls her a whore because of her past and the local wenches continue to avail themselves to Declan for services of the sexual kind. Liadain is a strong woman who is not willing to go down without a fight and when her husband is imprisoned for treason, it will be Liadain who embarks on a mission to clear her husband’s name knowing that the man may never accord her the love and respect in reverse.

I like Victoria Roberts’s Bad Boys of the Highland series. I found myself emotionally drawn to the characters as well as their imperfections and personality quirks. Declan believes himself to be without the support of his family and clan, and will go about working towards a self-fulfilling prophecy of the useless son with his disruptive behavior and wenching ways. The women, each with their own failings and insecurities, are otherwise strong and supportive of the men who have promised to love and protect with their lives. In the end, it will be the women who have control of their men’s hearts and souls. Victoria writes an amazing story of love and revenge, betrayal and hurt.

READING ORDER
1. Temptation in a Kilt
2. X Marks the Scot
3. To Wed a Wicked Highlander (Sept 2013)

LINKS TO PRE-ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble /

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

Posted on by
12

The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

 

The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley, is the 4th book in her Highland Pleasures series, better known as The Mackenzie’s. Here is a short blurb that tells you exactly what this series is about.

Meet the Mackenzie Men

Rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn’t be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them–of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set Victorian England and Scotland abuzz. Hart, Cam, Mac, and Ian: each a tortured genius, each ready for love and darkly sensual games

Review:

The Duke’s Perfect Wife brings us to Hart MacKenzie, the eldest brother not married, and whom many have been waiting for his story.  Hart is the brother who spent his life taking care and protecting his family, and throughout the series you saw his controlling ways, his quest for power, as well as his arrogance.  But Hart, deep down has never forgotten his true love, Eleanor Ramsey. 

Eleanor is our heroine in this story, and what a wonderful character she is.  Years before, it was Eleanor, who broke off her engagement with Hart.  Though she was very much in love with him, she discovered that he chose her to help him gain contacts and power.  Despite his attempt to force her to marry him, Eleanor was steadfast and refused to buckle under his threats.

Now years later, the story picks up with Eleanor, who lives somewhat impoverished, with her father in Scotland, coming to England to talk to Hart.  She meets with Hart, and explains that she has received some nude photographs of him sent to her anonymously.  She tells Hart that someone may be trying to stop him from becoming Prime Minister, and she wants to help.  She asks him for a job, to make a little money and to help him discover who is behind this.

Hart agrees to pay her a salary, as he has his own plans.  He wants Eleanor back in his life. Hart plans to win her back, as he has never forgotten her, and plans to marry her.  But he knows he has to thread carefully, so he doesn’t lose her again.  Almost immediately, you can feel the chemistry between the two them, and what a romance it is.   Hart has always had passion, and his quest to win Eleanor became his obsession.  But Eleanor, while having no plans other then helping Hart, and making some money on side, knows she still very much loves Hart.   Despite her not wanting to resume this relationship, she finds Hart much too difficult to ignore. 

The MacKenzies played a big part in this story, all accepting and hoping Hart would indeed marry Eleanor, as they openly loved her. It was great to continue to see the family throughout.  Ian, though not always functional, depending on his Beth to keep him focused, would tell Hart that no matter where he is, he can always find him.  This does come to be true, as Ian does save the day.

There was so much fun watching Eleanor become the one who controlled Hart, and tempted him with fun stuff, like taking newer nude photographs of him for her own collection.  She would do what she wanted to do, driving Hart crazy, and it wasn’t long before their sexual tension erupted.  This was a very sensual story, and Eleanor and Hart relationship became very steamy.  

There were a few surprises and changes closer to the end, that makes  a complete change in Hart & Eleanor’s life, as well as all the MacKenzies.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Looking forward to the next book in Jennifer Ashley‘s wonderful series.

Reviewed by Barb

Share