Tag Archives: Historical Romance

The Art of Sinning (Sinful Suitors #1) by Sabrina Jeffries-Review and Pre Order Campaign

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THE ART OF SINNING (Sinful Suitors #1) by Sabrina Jeffries-Review and  PreOrder Campaign

The Art of Sinning

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 21, 2015

American artist Jeremy Keane refuses to return home and take over his father’s business. He’d much rather sample bevvies of beauties abroad, in search of a model for the provocative masterpiece he’s driven to paint. When he meets Lady Yvette Barlow at a London wedding, he realizes she’s perfect for his work—and determines to capture the young heiress’s defiant spirit and breathtaking sensuality on canvas.

No stranger to scandal, Yvette agrees to be Keane’s subject—in exchange for his help gaining entry to the city’s brothels he knows intimately, so she can track a missing woman and solve a family mystery. But when their practical partnership leads to lessons in the art of sinning, can they find a bold and lasting love?

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE ART OF SINNING is the first installment in Sabrina Jeffries Sinful Suitors historical romance series-a spin off from her ‘The Duke’s Men series’. This is American artist Jeremy Keane, and Lady Yvette Barlow’s storyline. You do not have to have read The Duke’s Men series to understand the premise. Jeremy Keane was first introduced to the reader in Sabrina’s How The Scoundrel Seduces and any important information from the previous series is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives THE ART OF SINNING follows Jeremy Keane, in London, as he searches for his latest muse finding the perfect model in attendance at Dominick Manton (If The Viscount Falls –The Duke’s Men #4) and Lady Jane’s wedding. Yvette Barlow is a statuesque English Lady whose beauty beckons Jeremy like a moth to a flame. But convincing Yvette and her brother that his request is anything but a ruse will take some work especially when Jeremy has a reputation as a rogue and a painter of ‘women of ill repute.’ When Yvette makes Jeremy a counter offer in the hopes that he will assist in locating someone close, Jeremy considers rethinking his deal when he is forced to take Yvette on a journey to the seedy part of town.

Jeremy has a secret, one that he holds close to his heart, and in this, Jeremy refuses to let himself fall in love. As his relationship with Yvette builds, so too does his need to run, but he is determined to complete his latest work, in the hopes of securing a position at a prestigious London gallery. When the truth is finally revealed, Jeremy comes to the realization that perhaps everything was not as it had appeared to be.

The relationship between Yvette and Jeremy is one of immediate attraction but Jeremy continues to hold himself back in the hopes of keeping secret his past sins, and his shame and grief; in this he occasionally presents as cold and uncaring. As Yvette wars with her desires, her position in society is threatened if the truth about what it is she and Jeremy have planned were ever to come to light. Yvette is a strong, historical heroine who knows what she wants, and she is determined to get the answers even if it means putting her reputation in jeopardy. Like most historical romances, the $ex scenes are tempered with historical descriptions and prose. Lady Yvette is a virgin, as per her standing in life, and Jeremy must take Yvette under his wing to explore the passion of a sexual relationship.

Several characters from Sabrina’s THE DUKE’S MEN series cross over for cohesion and familiarity including Tristan Bonnaud, and Jeremy’s cousin Zoe Keane (How The Scoundrel Seduces-The Duke’s Men #3), as well as the cameo appearance of Dom and Lady Jane. We are also introduced to Yvette’s long suffering brother Earl Edwin Blakeborough, and her best friend Clarissa and brother Warren Knightford whose own desire for Yvette has gone unanswered. By way of mention, Yvette and Edwin’s brother Samuel plays an active role through previous misdeeds and dealings. Jeremy’s American mother and sister Amanda are determined to bring Jeremy back home but Amanda may have found a reason to stay in England. As with Sabrina’s The Duke’s Men series and its’ Manton Investigations, there is perhaps another Club association in the making within the Sinful Suitors series.

THE ART OF SINNING is a wonderful introduction to Sabrina Jeffries’s new Sinful Suitors historical romance series. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow; pleasure and passion; romance and love. Jeremy believes he is damaged and broken, while Yvette struggles with a past mistake finding it difficult to accept the attention of any man. The characters are engaging, animated and sometimes amusing; the premise seductive and intriguing. There is a happily ever after with the potential for another love relationship building within the family.

Copy supplied by the publisher and Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

About the Author Black and rose

FOLLOW Sabrina at : Website / Goodreads / Twitter/ Facebook / Pinterest

Sabrina JeffriesRaised amidst the rubber plantations in Thailand by missionary parents, Sabrina Jeffries has earned numerous placements on the New York Times and USA Today lists with Regency historicals that readers savor for her trademark sexy blend of witty dialogue and enterprising characters. It’s no accident she has been dubbed “The Queen of the Sexy Regency Romance.”

About that plantation business—living in the boonies of Thailand afforded Sabrina endless hours to read Jane Austen novels and other classics voraciously. Not surprisingly, back in the States, she went on to earn a doctorate in English literature from Tulane University—and a craving for Cajun food.

While Sabrina is at ease with refined academia types, she enjoys using her literary skills to pen novels of romantic fiction. She sold her first book in 1991 and has 38 published novels to her credit. Whenever she struggles with a plot point, she shuts off the computer and tackles a jigsaw puzzle, and before long, bingo! Problem solved. Another stress-reliever for the inventive author: creating her popular Will and Jane’s Excellent Adventure comics. Displaying Sabrina’s fine-tuned sense of humor, the comics feature a William Shakespeare caricature figure and a Jane Austen action figure.

Caffeine addict, Third Culture Kid, chocoholic, and popular novelist with more than eight million books in print, Jeffries defies labels. Her biting humor and simultaneous warmth endear her to her 25,000+ Facebook fans and Twitter and Pinterest followers. At home in front of a crowd—any crowd (no really, just hand over the microphone and get ready for some fun)—Jeffries is a sought-after speaker, as evidenced by her 2010 gig as emcee for the National Romance Writers of America’s 30th Anniversary Awards Ceremony.
While Sabrina treks through remote locales in the name of research and rubs elbows in the big cities with other industry professionals, she says her favorite destination is home. She lives in Cary, North Carolina, with her two best guys—husband, Rene, and adult son, Nick, who has inspired her to actively champion the cause of autistic children.

Pre Order Promotion

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Sabrina Jeffries’ Sinfully Fun Pre-Order Bonus!

You’ll want more sinful romance after reading THE ART OF SINNING. Fortunately, Pocket Books has tucked a bonus into the back of Sabrina’s July book-Chapter 1 of the April 2016 Sinful Suitors book, THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION.

But for even more sinning pleasure, pre-order THE ART OF SINNING by July 20 and receive Chapter 2 of Sinful Suitors Book 2, THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION.

Simply email your receipt or proof of purchase for THE ART OF SINNING to assistant2sabrinajeffries@yahoo.com by July 20, and a private link to Chapter 2 from THE STUDY OF SEDUCTION will be emailed to you by July 31.

 

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Put Up Your Duke (Dukes Behaving Badly #2) by Megan Frampton-a review

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PUT UP YOUR DUKE (Dukes Behaving Badly #2) by Megan Frampton-a review

Put Up Your Duke

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 30, 2015

He was once happily bedding and boxing, but in the newest Duke’s Behaving Badly novel, Nicholas Smithfield has inherited a title and a bride . . .

To keep his estate afloat, the new Duke of Gage must honor an agreement to marry Lady Isabella Sawford. Stunningly beautiful, utterly tempting, she’s also a bag of wedding night nerves, so Nicholas decides to wait to do his duty—even if it means heading to the boxing saloon every day to punch away his frustration.

Groomed her whole life to become the perfect duchess, Isabella longs for independence, a dream that is gone forever. As her husband, Nicholas can do whatever he likes—but, to Isabella’s surprise, the notorious rake instead begins a gentle seduction that is melting every inch of her reserve, night by night . . .

To his utter shock, Nicholas discovers that no previous exploits were half as pleasurable as wooing his own wife. But has the realm’s most disreputable duke found the one woman who can bring him to his knees— and leave him there?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: PUT UP YOUR DUKE is the third installment (there is a Valentine’s novella) in Megan Frampton’s adult Dukes Behaving Badly historical romance series. This is the new Duke of Gage-Nicholas Smithfield- and Lady Isabella Sawford’s storyline. PUT UP YOUR DUKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives, the storyline follows Nicholas Smithfield as he is named the new Duke of Gage when research discovered the previous heir to be descended from illegitimate stock. Along with his new title, Nicholas also learned that he was to wed the Lady Isabella Sawford in accordance with a debt owed by his newfound estate. What ensues is a building romance between the local rake, and a woman groomed, by a manipulative mother and controlling father, for a life of pomp and ceremony. Isabella was a puppet to her parent’s future plans.

The relationship between our couple is very slow to build once Nicholas discovers his new bride is chaste and pure. Her lack of experience finds Isabella a lonely bride when her husband spends most of his time at the local boxing arena, or with his brother Griff, who has been named secretary to the new Duke of Gage. While Nicholas tries to keep his distance, Isabella becomes more angry and forlorn believing she is not worthy of Nicholas’s love. The $ex scenes are limited with a little bit of ‘fooling around’ before Nicholas and Isabella consummate their marriage.

We are introduced to Isabella’s younger sister Margaret whose own life has been less than glorious as their parents have focused all of their energy on preparing Isabella as a future wife. But Margaret is no ‘stick in the mud’ and she has a few secrets of her own. Nicholas’s brother Griff is a learned scholar who aids our hero in his new role as the Duke of Gage. I am hoping Griff’s story is next and Margaret would be the perfect foil for the inexperienced younger Smithfield.

Throughout the storyline each chapter is introduced using an excerpt from the ‘unedited version of A Lady of Mystery’s serial’ that parallels some of the events in Nicholas and Isabella’s relationship. A similar line of storytelling between Nicholas and Isabella is a running theme throughout their story, one that is meant to ease the anxiety between Nicholas and his virgin bride.

PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a sweet story of romance with very little conflict or angst. There was the potential for rivalry and contention when the previous Duke threatened retaliation for the loss of his title, but for all intents and purposes, the struggle went in another direction and lost some of the momentum it was trying to build. A good portion of the storyline found the reader inside the heads of our leading couple whose inner dialogues reflected on the past, the present and the future, along with the ‘what ifs’ and ‘whys’ of their current predicament.

Reading Order
1. The Duke’s Guide to Correct Behavior
2. When Good Earl’s Go Bad
3. Put Up Your Duke

Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The author

Follow Megan: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Megan FramptonMegan Frampton’s love affair with books began when her gormless parents (not an ounce of gorm between them. And let’s not even mention feck) moved her to a remote town in New Hampshire where there was only one television station.

And then the TV broke.

She devoured every book of fiction in her well-read parents’ library, finding special joy in Barbara Cartland (she was young, remember), Georgette Heyer, C.S. Lewis, Anya Seton and the fairy tales collected and translated by Andrew Lang.

Megan majored in English literature at Barnard College with a double minor in political science and religion. She worked in the music industry for 15 years, editing and writing music reviews for a music industry trade magazine. Eventually, she became the Editor-in-Chief and went on to develop music industry conference programs.

Megan married one of her former interns and lives in Brooklyn, NY, with him and her son. Now that she stays at home, Megan has returned to reading and writing the fiction that was her first love. She is a member and President of the Beau Monde (2004-2005), the Regency chapter of the Romance Writers of America, and a member of the NYC chapter of the RWA as well.

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Dearest Rogue (Maiden Lane #8) by Elizabeth Hoyt-a review

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DEAREST ROGUE (Maiden Lane 8) by Elizabeth Hoyt-a review

Dearest Rogue

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About the book: Release May 26, 2015

HE CAN GUARD HER

Lady Phoebe Batten is pretty, vivacious, and yearning for a social life befitting the sister of a powerful duke. But because she is almost completely blind, her overprotective brother insists that she have an armed bodyguard by her side at all times-the very irritating Captain Trevillion.

FROM EVERY DANGER

Captain James Trevillion is proud, brooding, and cursed with a leg injury from his service in the King’s dragoons. Yet he can still shoot and ride like the devil, so watching over the distracting Lady Phoebe should be no problem at all-until she’s targeted by kidnappers.

BUT PASSION ITSELF

Caught in a deadly web of deceit, James must risk life and limb to save his charge from the lowest of cads-one who would force Lady Phoebe into a loveless marriage. But while they’re confined to close quarters for her safekeeping, Phoebe begins to see the tender man beneath the soldier’s hard exterior . . . and the possibility of a life-and love-she never imagined possible.

••••••••••

REVIEW: DEAREST ROGUE is the eighth installment in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane historical romance series. This is former dragoon Captain James Trevillion and Lady Phoebe Batten’s storyline. DEAREST ROGUE can be read as a stand alone; several of the previous storyline characters play secondary and supporting roles throughout the novel. Our hero and heroine have had continuing roles throughout the series.

Told from third person point of view DEAREST ROGUE follows the friends to lovers relationship between James and Phoebe. After an injury that nearly cost him his life, James has been commissioned by the Duke of Wakefield (Maximus Batten) to guard Lady Phoebe when threats against her brother have hit too close to home. Following the latest kidnapping attempt against Phoebe, James considers his options and determines the safest place for the woman, with whom he is falling in love, is by his side at the last place he ever wanted to return. A cross-country trek finds James and Phoebe posing as a married couple wherein their relationship will take a step closer to a happily ever after. James’s demons from the past will uncover his return but the truth goes much deeper than anyone could have known.

The relationship between James and Phoebe is tepid as James tries to keep his distance. James was hired to protect Phoebe and in this she is a constant presence in his life and his heart. Phoebe is blind; a disorder that has gradually stolen her sight but a woman who wants to remain independent and strong. Having a constant influx of guardians and strangers protecting her from the outside world and those that she loves, Phoebe continuously places herself and the others in danger when she is determined to not let her blindness stop her from living and loving the things that she used to do. With every attempt at freedom, someone is waiting to steal Phoebe away from her family and friends. James and Phoebe both face physical challenges; she with her loss of sight; James with his crippling pain and damaged leg but it is his pride that will take the biggest hit of all. The $ex scenes are limited but not without some romance and heat.

The secondary and supporting characters include many of the previous storyline couples and players; Phoebe’s overprotective brother Maximus Batten and his wife Artemis Greaves ( Duke of Midnight #6); as well as a number of the heroines from most, if not all of the previous storylines, who gather at the Ladies’ Syndicate to discuss Harte’s Folly and the upcoming season of entertainment-with the inclusion of so many recognizable characters there is cohesion and familiarity to the series. Saying that, if you are looking for a connection to St. Giles, DEAREST ROGUE side steps that pathway with only a mention of past events. The Trevillion family dynamics is revealed and in this, the family patriarch fears history will repeat itself as James falls in love with a woman he cannot have. I think a family tree (for the reader) is necessary to keep all of the couples and their growing families aligned to avoid future confusion.

DEAREST ROGUE is an adventure; an ensemble storyline of romance and love; heartbreak and betrayal; family and friendships. Elizabeth Hoyt’s historical romances all have an air of mystery and suspense wherein her leading couples must uncover the ‘who and what’ of a dangerous situation. The premise is fun, adventurous, and romantic; the numerous characters engaging and delightful; the heroine and hero well deserving of their happily ever after.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kilts and Daggers (Highland Spies #2) by Victoria Roberts-Review and Book Tour

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Kilts and Daggers (Highland Spies #2) by Victoria Roberts-Review and Book Tour

Kilts and Daggers banner

Kilts and Daggers

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2015

Ever since Lady Grace Walsingham discovered her uncle and sister are spies for the Crown, she has yearned for adventure. She’s counting the days until she can leave barbaric Scotland behind, even if she must endure Highland captain Fagan Murray’s company for weeks.

Fagan has a simple mission: escort the haughty Lady Grace back to England. But nothing is ever easy. The sharp-tongued woman needles him at every turn. But when a menacing threat follows them on their journey, Fagan’s grudging tolerance for Grace turns to respect…and into a perilous attraction that could seal their fate.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: KILTS AND DAGGERS is the second installment in Victoria Roberts’s adult Highland Spies historical, Highland romance series. This is English Lady Grace Walsingham, and Highland Captain Fagan Murray’s storyline. Grace is the sister of Lady Ravenna whom we met in book one My Highland Spy. KILTS AND DAGGERS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is revealed where necessary.

Told from third person point of view, KILTS AND DAGGERS follows the building but tumultuous relationship between Grace and Fagan. Following her sister’s wedding to Laird Ruairi Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, Grace forgoes a return trip to England to stay near her newlywed sister. Grace is betrothed to Lord Daniel Casterbrook but her feelings are ambivalent and confusing especially when a certain Scottish Captain is constantly on her mind. All does not go according to plan when the ‘barbarian’ Highlander Fagan Murray continues to be a thorn in Grace’s snobbish side. When Fagan opts to escort Grace back home, a rogue band of mercenaries will attack and take Grace hostage in a political exchange of prisoners.

The relationship between Fagan and Grace is tumultuous. Grace is a snob; an aristocratic woman raised to be a proper English wife but in this her treatment of Fagan is anything but polite or acceptable. Fagan is an honorable Highlander who has fallen for the acid-tongued beauty, but he is accorded no respect by Grace, due in part to his lack of title and money. As the storyline develops, so too does the relationship wherein Grace will begin to understand her preconceived notions are a little too harsh and without merit. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic without being too sexually graphic or too erotic but Grace’s need to belittle and insult Fagan Murray got old, real fast, and in this Grace is a difficult character to like.

The world building continues to focus on some of the political temperament of the time-spies, leadership, and the ruling class. Scotland and England are constantly at war and a marriage between a Highland Warrior and the British nobility is never an easily accepted arrangement. Victoria Roberts take the reader through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, rolling hills, and trickling streams of cool waters and darkened caves. Close your eyes and find yourself in the land of green grass and Highland castles.

KILTS AND DAGGERS is a story of adventure, romance and love. There are moments of lighthearted humor balanced with heartbreak and betrayal. The beautiful Scottish Highlands take center stage in a storyline where two very different people fight a war with words and their heart.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

excerpt

 

 

“Mister Murray, I don’t feel at ease discussing these subjects with you.”
“Then call me Fagan. Mister Murray was my father’s name anyway.”
Grace looked around and then softened her voice. “Now is that truly appropriate?”
“I told ye before. Ye’re a long way from England, lass. Lest ye forget, ye’re in the Highlands now. We do things differently here.”
She lifted a brow. “How could I forget?”
“Ruairi said ye’ll be staying with us for a few weeks. More to the point, I already call Ruairi’s wife Ravenna.” He turned up his smile a notch. “Ye and I are practically like family. Ye will call me Fagan, and I will call ye Grace, or I could always call ye bhana-phrionnsa. I’ll be kind enough to give ye a choice.”
“Ravenna may permit you to call her by her Christian name, but I certainly do not, Mister Murray. Although you do make me laugh, I’m afraid you and I are far from family.”
***
When Grace’s eyes smoldered, Fagan knew he shouldn’t get too close to the flame for fear of getting burned. There was still enough time to take his leave. Otherwise, he’d be verbally sparring with a lass in the middle of the great hall. Ruairi would no doubt have his head for causing mischief with his kin so soon after the wedding.
Fagan slapped both hands on the table and casually stood. Instinctively, he took another step back in case the lass suddenly had a strong urge to reach across the table and throttle him—or worse. Nevertheless, once she heard what he was about to say, the table wouldn’t provide enough space between them.
“Verra well then. I think bhana-phrionnsa suits ye quite nicely.” When Grace’s cheeks turned scarlet, Fagan smiled. “Donna say I didnae warn ye. Remember I did give ye a choice.” He winked at her and then turned on his heel.
“Wait!”
He had a hard time trying to mask his smile. He turned around slowly and lifted a brow. “Aye?”
Grace flew to her feet, walked around the table, and closed the distance between them. She lifted her head, and by the way she was unsteady on her feet, he swore the daft lass was standing on the tips of her toes in a futile attempt to look him level in the eye.
“England and Scotland have been warring for centuries, Mister Murray, yet somehow Scotland has never won.” Lifting her skirts, she brushed his arm with her shoulder and took a few steps away from him.
That was until he called after her and stopped her dead in her tracks. “Cuine a chì mi a-ris thu, Grace?” When will I see you again? He made certain he said the words as though he spoke to his lover, which obviously had the desired effect because her whole body stiffened, and then she left him without a backward glance. Fagan’s mood was suddenly buoyant. He wasn’t exactly sure why he loved to unnerve Princess Grace, but he had one hell of a time doing it.


Guest Post-Black and Blue

To celebrate the release of KILTS AND DAGGERS, the second title in Victoria Roberts’ Highland Spies series, Fagan Murray, the strong and handsome captain of Laird Sutherland’s guard has agreed to sit down with us and answer our questions so you can know more about this rugged Highlander!

Complete this sentence: Not many people know this, but Grace is really good at ______.
Driving me gray. In all seriousness, she’s really good at telling me what to do.

If you had two weeks to travel and unlimited funds, where would you go?
I already live in Scotland. Why would I want to go anywhere else?

 

Series Spotlight

My Highland Spy
Highland Spies #1
by Victoria Roberts
Genre: adult, historical, Highland, romance
Release Date: September 2, 2014

ebook ONLY $1.99 : My Highland Spy (Sept 14Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of MY HIGHLAND SPY

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2, 2014

This Highland Laird won’t bow to the Crown

Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do—he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.

But this lady spy might make him…

Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.

If she doesn’t betray him first

Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

About The Author Black and Blue

Follow: Facebook/ Website/ Goodreads/

Victoria RobertsAward-winning author Victoria Roberts writes Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. RT Book Reviews named her “one of the most promising debut authors across the genres,” and she was also a 2013 RT Reviewers’ Choice award winner for X MARKS THE SCOT.

Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America® and several local chapters, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine CELTIC GUIDE.

Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty one years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she’s dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun.

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Open April 27 – June 1
Giveaway for 3 copies of MY HIGHLAND SPY by Victoria Roberts
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Bleddyn Hall by Amanda L.V. Shalaby – a Review

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Bleddyn Hall by Amanda L.V. Shalaby – a Review

 

bleddyn hallAmazon

Description:
After a whirlwind romance during the London Season, Lady Isabel Sutton finds herself quickly engaged to the handsome Lord Tresham Bleddyn, Earl of Dancy. But when his father passes away suddenly, Lord Tresham’s period of mourning delays their marriage and ruins the season for Tresham’s younger twin sisters, Annalise and Rosamund.

After the girls invite Isabel to their Yorkshire home, Bleddyn Hall, Tresham seems an entirely different man than the one she fell in love with in London. Not only that, but all is not well within the walls of Bleddyn Hall. The house’s dark secrets lead to murder, mystery and a gruesome discovery.

Was Isabel’s happy future with Tresham nothing more than an illusion? Will she survive her stay at Bleddyn Hall?

 


Review:

Bleddyn Hall is the third book for Amanda Shallaby, and I have been lucky enough to read her previous two historical romances. Having read two books by Ms. Shallaby I was eager to get started on Bleddyn Hall and in my opinion I’d say she has another hit on her hands. Bleddyn Hall is filled with everything I’ve come to enjoy in an historical romance. Blossoming love, courting, fancy balls and gowns, a dashing hero and feisty heroine, all with a perfectly good mystery thrown in that kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end.

In Bleddyn Hall we are introduced to Lady Isabel Sutton and the ever dashing Lord Tresham Bleddyn. From the start it’s obvious these two are destined to be together. Lord Thresham and Lady Isabel are wonderfully written characters that draw you into their story and lives and lead you on a journey filled with emotion, mystery, suspense, love and angst. Both characters are well suited to one another and their love for one another is believable and real. It’s pretty much love at first site and I absolutely love these kinds of stories. Yes I’m a true romantic at heart and fall for these types of stories every time.

However, even though Lady Isabel and Lord Tresham are well suited and it seems it’s smooth sailing for their courtship, sudden disaster strikes. We learn of Lord Tresham’s father passing away, but soon learn it wasn’t an accident, but murder, and that there could be a murderer on the loose at Bleddyn Hall. This is where the story really picks up the pace and everything from here on in unfolds fast and furious. The suspense and mystery surrounding the death of two characters at Bleddyn Hall, and the suddenly strange behaviour on Lord Tresham’s part keeps the reader turning the pages wanting to find out what’s going on. There’s even one point where I myself was beginning to wonder if we knew all there is to know about Lord Tresham and was he harbouring some deadly secret. Heck at one point I was so furious over Lord Tresham’s sudden change in behaviour and character that I wanted to reach into the book and slap him silly. It isn’t until the last few chapters that Ms. Shallably springs a twist on us you never saw coming. I never once even thought of this plot twist and found it to be a brilliant move on her part. When this twist is revealed it answers all the questions that were bouncing around in my head as I read this story and no I’m not spilling the beans on this one because it would ruin the whole book for you. If you want to know what happens then you have to read it for yourself.

Bleddyn Hall was an exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way though. The characters are well written and bring their story to life. The secondary characters play their role of supporting cast well, and add an extra layer of life and adventure to the story. Ms. Shallaby’s writing style is such that it allows the reader to become a part of the story as she literally paints a picture with words and makes you feel like you are there in the time period. There were times I looked down at my clothes expecting to find some elegant gown adorning me and looking like the Belle of the Ball. 😉 If you are one for a good mystery, filled with suspense, murder and mayhem all surrounding a budding romance then Bleddyn Hall is your type of read. Ms. Shallaby really has a knack for writing historical romances and has made me more of a fan of this genre. Looking forward to more from this author.

Until next time, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

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The Mistake by Lily Maxton – a Review

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The Mistake by Lily Maxton – a Review

 

The MistakeAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM


Description:
Childhood love never disappears…

Infamous courtesan Julia Forsythe is the former mistress of a ruthless marquess. She’s also expecting his child. But while she longs to flee from his cold clutches, the welfare of her unborn babe prevents it. Now she must find a way to remain a “mistress” in name, if not in deed. And her plans are only complicated by a growing affection for the estate’s head gardener…

Fifteen years ago, Adam Radcliff once shared a close friendship with Julia. Now they stand worlds apart in both lives and statuses, sharing only the memory of that old friendship. But even as Julia slips out of the marquess’s lascivious clutches, she finds herself seeking the pleasure of Adam’s company. Now Adam is falling more deeply for Julia, even knowing that wanting another man’s mistress will only bring ruin upon them both.

Review:

The Mistake by Lily Maxton is a historical romance set in London in the 1800’s and is part of the Sisters of Scandal series. A wonderfully romantic era it was also an era that had little security for women. Not many avenues to advance themselves financially without marrying a rich or titled man. This is well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s style.

The prolog begins in London, 1802. Adam Radcliff, a young man of 16, a poor Irish/English child without much prospect goes looking for his runaway friend and first love, Julie Forsythe. Her father has died after years of drinking since the death of her mother, and she’s overwhelmed with fear of being poor all her life. He finds her but she’s already met a Lord Stanley and he’s suddenly aware that she can have more of the security she needs with this man than with him, so he lets her go by stepping into the shadows and leaving.

Fifteen years later the story picks up with Julia now the mistress of Henry Eldridge, the Marquess of Riverton. While she detests the man, she is also pregnant with his child and has a contract with him that he will provide for the child a specified amount and even an education if she will fulfill her part of the contract and be available sexually to him for as long as he wants her. She makes him think she’s ill and he sends her to his country estate of Blakewood Hall by herself for a month. She finds Adam again, he’s the head gardener at the estate.

That’s the setup, I think everyone will enjoy this intriguing tale of love and life, things we think we need and things we truly need. It’s well written with the talented author using time to relate the tale of the two young people in love, and the background of their stories. It’s an intricate but fast paced story of rediscovering self and others, a good look into the society of the time. Will true love win, or will security and greed overcome yet again?

Grab a good beverage, a few tissues and snuggle up for a lovely quick read. You’ll love it! I did!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Dance with Danger (Lovers and Rebels 2) by Jeannie Lin-a review

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A DANCE WITH DANGER (Tang Dynasty #5/ Lovers and Rebels #2) by Jeannie Lin-a review

A Dance with Danger

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 21, 2015

A promise sworn on the edge of a sword…

After a failed assassination attempt on a corrupt general, Bao Yang is a wanted man. Taking refuge with an ally, Yang accidentally compromises the man’s daughter when they’re discovered alone. To save her honor, he must marry the beautiful Jin-mei immediately!

In Yang’s arms, Jin-mei feels alive for the first time. She’s determined not to lose him, even if it means joining his perilous mission… But when she realizes just how destructive Yang’s path could be, can she convince him that their life together could be so much sweeter than revenge?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: A DANCE WITH DANGER is the second installment in Jeannie Lin’s Lovers and Rebels historical, romance/adventure series set in the Tang Dynasty of China. This is outlaw/ merchant Bao Yang, and the magistrate’s daughter Jin-mei’s storyline. A DANCE WITH DANGER can be read as a stand alone. Some of the previous storyline characters play secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.

Told from third person perspective, the storyline follows the ill-fated wedding and marriage of Jin-mei and Bao Yang. Bao is an outlaw, with a price on his head, and he has been forced into a marriage with the magistrate’s only daughter. What ensues is an attempt on Bao’s life, leaving the newly married Jin-mei without a husband and too many questions. As Jin-mei begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the presumed death of her husband, she will begin to suspect that her father has something to do with the attack. Jin-mei will go in search of her husband, only to discover that there is more to the story than she could ever have known. Bao Yang and Jin-mei will begin a cross country trek as Yang plots revenge for the death of someone close.

The relationship between Bao Yang and Jin-mei is one of immediate attraction but Yang knows his reputation as an outlaw places Jin-mei in a precarious position. The building romance finds Jin-mei in need of comfort and reassurance, thus allowing for the love and dance of sexual attraction to begin. The sex scenes are romantic and intimate without graphic description or language. We are introduced to Bao Yang’s brother Tien and his wife Shou-yun, and reunited with Hao Han, Lin Feng, and Lin’s brother Liu Yuan from Sword Dancer-book one. There is a potential storyline building for Liu Yuan.

Jeannie Lin’s exotic and breathtaking world building takes the reader through the jungles, waterways and outlying areas of China where we meet charismatic characters and controversial players. Bao Yang and Jin-mei’s journey follows a path of self-discovery, personal revelations, and blossoming love. The plot twists and revelations add an interesting perspective when the truth is finally revealed.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor by Paula Quinn-a review

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The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor (The MacGregor’s: Highland Heirs 3) by Paula Quinn-a review

The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 31, 2015

A LADY’S MISSION…

Known for her beauty and boldness, Abigail MacGregor must preserve her clan’s dangerous secret: that her mother is the true heir to the English Crown. If the wrong people find out, it will mean war for her beloved Scotland. To keep peace, she embarks for London, unprepared for the treachery that awaits—especially from her wickedly handsome escort. He is the enemy, but his slow, sensuous kisses entice her beyond reason…

A WARRIOR’S TEMPTATION

General Daniel Marlow, loyal knight and the kingdom’s most desirable hero, would rather be on the battlefield than transporting a spoiled Highland lass. But Abby MacGregor is unlike any woman he’s ever met, in a ballroom or in his bedroom. Captivated by her daring spirit and seduced by her lovely innocence, Daniel must choose between betraying his queen or giving up the woman who would steal his country—and his traitorous heart.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Man I adore this Scottish/English family called MacGregor/Grant. Every time I return to a book from this series I am filled with anticipation as I know I am about to indulge in some Highland HAPPY! 🙂

The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor by Paula Quinn is the third book of The MacGregors: Highland Heirs series, which happens to be a spin off of two previous series called The MacGregors and Children of the Mist. Please do yourself a favour and indulge in these two series as it will enhance the experience you get from this third one. I promise you will fall in love with this entire family! 😉

Abigail MacGregor is the daughter of The Chief Robert MacGregor and Davina MacGregor. You learn in their story that Davina is English royalty and this is hush hush. When a summons arrives ordering Davina to appear before England’s Queen Anne, Abigail immediately insists in taking her mother’s place to see what kind of danger lurks. Abigail is one smart and very tough cookie. She is a true highland lass and has proclaimed that one day she will be the leader of her clan.

General Daniel Marlow is Queen Anne’s right hand guy. He is a loyalist, Jacobite Killer (and yes The MacGregor’s are Jacobite’s) and fiercely protective of his Queen as he looks upon her as a mother figure. He is tasked to accompany Abigail to England. Before he leaves, he learns a secret that threatens his relationship with his Queen and leaves him questioning much.

As these two go about their journey together they fight, joke, admire, hate, indulge, push away, protect and question the other. They seem to have this strong pull to the other despite that all odds are against them. Add in some lurking danger, dangerous plots of murder and life ending secrets and well … yup …. you have the makings of one fricken fantastic book.

Oh Paula Quinn, you do write English men yummy and Highlanders HAWT! The love of this family and of your lead characters is palpable but it’s returning to the familiar and seeing how they have faired in their lives that I treasure the most. It’s like a warm blanket and hot cup of tea on a cool rainstormy kind of day .. soul filling! 🙂

Cannot wait for the next book .. and those reading this review, you can read this story somewhat independent of the series, but please believe there is so much more to gain when you understand the history of these beloved characters!

HAPPY READING 😉

Reading Order and Previous reviews
The Seduction of Miss Amelia Bell
The Sweet Surrender of Janet Buchanan
The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd
The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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