Tag Archives: Historical

Highland Hero by Cynthia Breeding – a Review

Posted on by
11

Highland Hero by Cynthia Breeding – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
If Juliana Caldwell said the sky was blue, Rory MacGregor would tell her it was gray with a storm due any minute. No man gets under her skin more than the arrogantly handsome Scot. When she is abducted by a rival clan, Rory is the last person she expects or wants to call her hero.

Rory is the best tracker the MacGregors have, so when his brother’s sister-by-marriage goes missing, he’s ordered to find her. But binding himself to the fiery English redhead with an opinion about everything is not how he saw this rescue going. To save her from the clutches of the villainous Cameron laird’s son, though, he must declare them handfasted.

When their escape goes horribly awry, Juliana and Rory are forced to take the long way home. Surviving blizzard conditions, meddling clanspeople, and a near-fatal ambush on the trail, nothing compares to the unexpected and unlikely passion that ignites between the rugged Highlander and his English warrior princess.

Each book in the Children of the Mist series is STANDALONE:
* Highland Renegade
* Highland HeroReview by Georgianna Simpson

 

 

Review:

Highland Hero is the latest in the Children of the Mist Series by Cynthia Breeding. This is the story of Rory MacGregor and Juliana Caldwell. If you read the previous novel, you will recognize many of the characters in or spoken of in this novel. Rory is the brother of Ian who has just married Juliana’s sister Emily. They are celebrating the wedding and the lifting of the proscription for the MacGregors. Rory and Juliana spar over every conversation. Both are strong willed and opinionated, and while neither will admit it, they love sparing with each other.

Rory is much more civilized and honorable than Juliana is willing to admit. He’s not the kind to treat a lady with less than some respect. Juliana has a dark secret that she hasn’t told anyone. As a young girl and living with Emily and her then husband, a count (although he was an opium and gambling addict, given to violence). She and her younger sister were home alone, when a nobleman who the count owed a gambling debt came to their castle to collect on the debt. She told him her brother-in-law wasn’t home just then and would he like to tell her what the problem was. They went to the library to talk. He locked the door and immediately began to tear her clothes off and rape her. He told her if she kept fighting, he would also take her little sister. To save her sister, she stopped resisting. She was hit, raped and humiliated, but never told anyone. To this day, she cannot stand too close to any man and plans never to marry.

When she goes outside to get some fresh air that night, she was abducted by Neal Cameron, a nasty little bugger from another clan. He intended to take her as a bride and bed her. She fought as much as she could, but they used a rag soaked in something to make her sleep while they took her away. When she was found missing Ian sent Rory out to track her and bring her back.

When Rory finds her, he tells the Cameron’s, they can’t have her for a bride, because she’s already handfasted to him. Juliana goes along with what Rory said just to get free. She has no idea that handfasted means legally married in all ways, at least for a year. Rory understands she doesn’t have a clue what she’s agreed to, but he intends to honor his part. However, he never intends to claim her against her will. Just as they take off, the Cameron’s find out that she lied. Neal and some of his men get saddled up and begin to pursue them. Rory is quite good about hiding and knows which way will get them to freedom.

Basically, that’s the gist. Now let me tell you what I found so entertaining. The conversations between the two main characters are witty and sometimes very funny. They irritate each other to the extreme, but slowly begin to find things that they actually admire about each other.  As they argue and face extreme weather and many other issues to get to safety, they slowly begin to fall in love…but neither will admit it, of course.

The misunderstandings are plentiful, the hidden desire is strong. This premise makes for a wonderfully exciting tale. There is danger, romance, and much more. My recommendation is to grab a glass of your favorite beverage (a cold glass of wine was my choice) and curl up for a unique story and a lot of fun.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Devil’s Own by Liana LeFey – a Review

Posted on by
11

The Devil’s Own by Liana LeFey – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Lord Devlin Wayward, gambler and dedicated rake, returns home for the first time in years, and lands himself and his identical twin, Daniel, the good reverend, in deep trouble. Devlin ends up with a broken leg and unable to travel to London, yet he must return. He’s got an important deal that will make or break his fortune. He persuades the reluctant reverend to take his place in London while he temporarily minds his brother’s flock.

Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the devastatingly handsome reverend. He represents everything she desires in a husband, after narrowly evading a ruthless rake last Season. Mary knows she’ll make him an excellent wife, but the vicar rebuffs every advance – until he suddenly accepts her help with pastoral duties while his broken leg heals. Mary seizes the chance to show the good reverend what an excellent helpmeet she will be.

The devil takes on the role of village vicar and discovers it’s nowhere near as easy as he imagined—especially when he falls in love with an angel who mistakes him for a saint.

 

Review:

Lord Devil Wayward has been accepted back into his family after years as the black sheep. He’s been looking for something that’s been missing in his life. When Devlin, helps his twin brother out a situation with a parishioner it will calls all kinds of trouble. Mary Tomblin has wanted to marry the minister of Harper’s Grove. When an accident brings together the vicar and Mary to do charitable work she’ll get her chance. Their attraction will become stronger as they become closer, but secrets and the past just may get in the way. She just may become The Devil’s Own.

 Liana LeFey’s new series the Wicked Waywards with The Devil’s Own. A historical story of keeping secrets and passion that may lead to love. A rakehell and black sheep of the family is brought back into the fold. A man who only wanted to help his twin brother out of a predicament with an amorous parishioner. A switching of places will be bringing together of two people who just may find true love. A man whose ready for a change. A woman who is tired of the constant moving with her family falls for the local vicar and the village of Harper’s Grove.  When a switch is made, and twins want to keep scandal from their family. The Devil’s Own takes a unique situation that just may change lives forever. These two people with deal with the fall out of being helpful and a prank that goes wrong. A situation takes twin brothers on an adventure to know what each other’s lives are like. A woman will face her past and find out that the man she thought she wanted isn’t the man she thought he is. The Devil’s Own the first book in the Wicked Waywards series by Liana LeFey will have you wondering if the truth will keep this couple together or tear them apart. A passionate tale of love and passion and secrets that will have falling in love with these Wicked Wayward siblings and their lives and loves. I look forward to reading the next story of the Wayward siblings and what comes next in the lives of this family.

Reviewed by Kim

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Share

THE WOLF AND THE WITCH (Blood Brothers 1) by Claire DeLacroix

Posted on by
10

THE WOLF AND THE WITCH (Blood Brothers 1) by Claire DeLacroix- a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 11, 2021

The three sons of a notorious mercenary should never have met…but now that they are sworn allies, the Scottish Borders will never be the same…

Denied his rightful legacy, Maximilian de Vries devised a plan to avenge himself upon his father and see his own future secured. Allied with his two forgotten half-brothers, he descends upon ancient and mysterious Kilderrick, determined to claim it at any price. A woman rumored to be a witch is the sole one bold enough to defy him but Maximilian has a solution—he will take her to wife, whether she be willing or nay, and seal his claim.

But this powerful warrior has yet to match wits with Alys Armstrong, a maiden with a thirst for vengeance and a fury that might exceed his own. Alys has no intention of capitulating to the proud and illegitimate son of the rogue who stole everything from her, and she does not share his avowed compulsion to fight fair.

Bitter enemies from the outset, Maximilian and Alys’ match is a battle of wills. When anger turns to passion, will either of them be able to resist temptation? And when Kilderrick itself is in peril, will they be able to join forces to save the unexpected love they have come to value above all else?

••••••

REVIEW: THE WOLF AND THE WITCH is the first instalment in Claire Delacroix’s adult, historical, BLOOD BROTHERS medieval romance series. This is mercenary Maximilian de Vries aka the Silver Wolf, and Alys Armstrong’s story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Maximilian and Alys, THE WOLF AND THE WITCH follows in the aftermath of the demise of Jean le Beau, Maximilian De Vries’ father, a wicked man whose death was grieved by no one including his long-suffering wife and numerous illegitimate children. Denied his rightful claim to the family estate and titles, Maximilian, along with his two half-brothers Rafael and Amaury, and a large contingent of former employees and friends, head out to rebuild the ruins of Scotland’s Kilderrick castle, and in doing so, Maximilian discovers the rightful heir to Kilderrick is alive and claiming to be a witch. Enter Alys Armstrong, and the woman with whom Maximilian will fall in love. What ensues is the acrimonious and embattled relationship between Maximilian and Alys, and the potential fall out as the past returns seeking revenge against our story line couple.

There is a large ensemble case of secondary and supporting characters many of whom find safety and solace with Maximilian’s band of travelling forgotten. We are introduced to Maximilian’s estranged half brothers Rafael and Amaury, as well as Alys’ fellow ‘witches’ Elizabeth, Ceara and Nyssa, three woman seeking refuge from painful pasts and forced servitude. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE WOLF AND THE WITCH is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and loss. A tale of hope and forgiveness, secrets and lies, love and a happily ever after. The premise is intriguing and edgy; the romance is intimate and passionate; the characters are spirited, strong and inspiring.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

The Bachelor Bargain by Maddison Michaels – a Review

Posted on by
12

The Bachelor Bargain by Maddison Michaels – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description:
Bachelors, beware. For those who keep secrets and prey on the innocent, you will be exposed, with all your dirty little secrets laid bare to one and all. You have been warned…

Lady Olivia Haliford has had enough. Tired of seeing women lose their reputations, futures, and sometimes even their lives to scandal while the men walk free, she is ready to take back power and stand up for women everywhere. Along with her two closest friends, she plans to start an anonymous publication dedicated to dishing the dirt and exposing the secrets of society’s most eligible bachelors. But in order to do so, she will have to make a deal with the devil…

Sebastian Colver, known as the Bastard of Baker Street, is feared throughout London as the city’s most notorious gambling den owner and undisputed king of the underground. His life is nothing but darkness and danger, so he is shocked when the petite lady gracing his doorstep seems anything but frightened of him. He agrees to be a silent partner in the publishing of the Gazette if she will use her connections to sponsor his sister and launch her into Society and away from his dark world.

But exposing the secrets of the rich and powerful can be dangerous. Almost as dangerous as a lady falling in love with the king of the underground. 

Content Warning: The Bachelor Bargain  features themes, imagery, and content that may be triggering for some readers. Discussion of physical abuse, rape, suicide, and death appear within the novel. Scenes depicting graphic violence/death also appear. It is my hope that these elements have been handled sensitively, but if they could be considered triggering to you, please take note.

 

 

Review:

The Bachelor Bargain by Maddison Michaels is the first book in her Secrets, Scandal and Spies series. 

Olivia has had enough, yet one more young lady has had her good name besmirched, her standing in the community thrown into disarray! But to lose one of her closest and dearest friends to death (the poor girl could not face the shame) enough is enough! Something must be done! She needs a way of exposing the scoundrels without putting herself in danger! So with the help of her two friends (Kaitlyn and Henrietta) she comes up with a newspaper to expose the rakes that do the evil deeds! 

Sebastian isn’t known as the “bastard of Baker Street” for nothing, he might have been born from an unholy union, but it’s his fearsome reputation that the nobility and street rats fear the most! He will ruin you at his gambling tables, and he doesn’t care what stock your from! 

This is the first book in a new series. So I’m hoping her friends Kaitlyn and Henrietta get books too. I thought Olivia was great, she knew her mind and doggedly pursued what she wanted! No mean feat in those days, as ladies were only meant to be accessories for their husbands! 

But Livie has come to accept that she’s going to be a spinster forever! A limp has put her at a disadvantage. Beauty is suppose to be from top to toe, and no one will put up with a girl with a disfigured leg! 

Sebastian although a rogue and bastard, was actually more of a gentleman than he was given credit for! He protects those he cares for, but it’s still hard to place trust in anyone….He owns a lot of property, and so a lot of responsibility, but he’s not the sort ti shy away from hard work. 

The idea of exposing the scoundrels that ruin the young ladies was a new one, and I loved it. What a nice way to spend an afternoon. Intrigue and suspense, throw in a splash of passion and romance and it will face to glued to the pages until the end. 

Seb has to come to terms that he feels more than just admiration for Olivia, but his standing in the community means they can never really be together! He wants his half sister to be accepted into society! Why? If all he does is ruin the men he might want her to marry! That’s easy, he only ruins men with a rogue reputation, so there are still plenty of good men for his sister to marry. So when he strikes up a bargain with Olivia, financial help from him, but only if she helps to elevate his sisters standing in the society, Olivia is hard pressed to refuse. 

But not everyone is happy with her wanting to expose these scoundrels! And when her life is in danger, how will Sebastian act? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

Share

Lady Frederica and the Scot Who Would Not by Julie Johnstone -Review

Posted on by
16

Lady Frederica and the Scot Who Would Not (Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts Book 4) by Julie Johnstone

 

 

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

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 10, 2021

When the guarded King of the Underworld collides with a maddeningly reckless lady, the road to ruination becomes impossible not to take.

Lady Frederica Darlington isn’t prim, obedient, or appropriately dispassionate as a proper lady of the aristocracy should be. Nor is she interested in securing a husband, whether rake, rogue, duke, or lord. Freddy wants to live as she pleases in a place she feels she belongs, and for a unconventional lady, the bohemian world of Covent Garden seems the perfect spot. She has a plan to achieve her goal, but when one of her secret missions goes awry and the King of the Underworld rescues her, danger never looked so enticing. And the future she was certain of now feels utterly confusing.

Born and bred on the cutthroat streets of London, Gabriel Beckford has known his share of struggle and loss. He even obtained a few enemies, one of whom is waiting to destroy any lady Gabe falls in love with, so Gabe lives by one simple, necessary rule: never get close. It’s a dictate that’s been easy to abide—until the day Frederica sweeps into his life like a storm. Her passionate nature and impossible impetuousness tempts him beyond reason, and when she declares to make the territory he rules her home, he’ll do everything in his power to stop her and keep her out of his life, head, and heart.

But when a threat to Frederica brings Gabe to her side once more, keeping her at a distance becomes impossible. As Gabe’s enemy closes in, Frederica and Gabe must learn how to trust themselves—and each other—and either submit to the love they thought they never wanted or risk losing the very thing that could save them both.

Join the adventure today! You’ll love Lady Frederica and the Scot Who Would Not , book four in the Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts series! It’s a captivating regency Scottish romance by USA Today bestselling author Julie Johnstone!

•••••••••

REVIEW:  Smaller possible spoiler alert!!

Gabriel “Gabe” Beckford has grown up on the streets, so knows poverty only too well! His sister, his best friend and young girl who grew up with them was all the family he needed.But after an incident that leaves Georgette with child, Gabe steps up and marries her! A happy ending, or so you would think! But it’s never as straight forward as that!And that’s how Gabe becomes the loner he’s now known for!A bitter enemy has sworn revenge, and so Gabe will remain on his guard. Love is not for him!

Frederica “Freddy” Darlington has always been a nuisance! Too loud, too boisterous and just not a lady! Her family just don’t know what to do with her! But Freddy has other ideas of how to occupy her time!Daring rescue missions to help ladies that can’t help themselves!But I’m doing so it puts her in danger, and that danger has Gabe crossing her path!

Gabe and Freddy are thrown together after a few incidents see her needing help! But Gabe doesn’t really want to get involved! But the lovely young lady strikes a bargain up with him, an offer he simply can’t refuse.In exchange for his help, Freddy will “teach” his sister to become a lady. And hopefully escape the life he doesn’t want for her.

He’s totally enamoured with her, but until he finds and ends the threat to anyone he cares for, nothing can ever come of his feelings towards Freddy…..

I’ve not read any of the other books in this series, they are all loosely linked, but you can read this one without reading the others. But I have read a few of the authors other books, and as usual it’s a great read.Historical Romance with murder/betrayal and a sprinkling of love thrown in.There are a few tender moments, but they are few and far between!The story is concentrating on a bitter score that needs sorting!

It’s a really good read. I liked the fact Gabe was an honourable rogue.I loved Freddy, she was such a strong character.Hoping Gabe’s sister and Freddy’s brother get their story time next.

It’s a Scottish based story, but to be honest, there was a few Scottish words thrown in, but other than that, it’s based in London and if I hadn’t read the title, I never would have guessed it was a Scottish story!

A relatively fast paced story. Nicely written and well thought out plot.

Reading Order and previous Reviews
Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue
Lady Lilas and the Devil in Plaid
Lady Constantine and the Sins of Lord Kilgore

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

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.

Julie Johnstone is graciously offering an ebook copy of LADY FREDERICA AND THE SCOT WHO WOULD NOT to ONE (1) lucky 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 Julie Johnstone on Facebook.

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from May 16-20, 2021

Share

The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton-a review

Posted on by
12

The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 4, 2021

A feud rages in Gilded Age New York City between newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. When Grace Harrington lands a job at Hearst’s newspaper in 1896, she’s caught in a cutthroat world where one scoop can make or break your career, but it’s a story emerging from Cuba that changes her life.

Unjustly imprisoned in a notorious Havana women’s jail, eighteen-year-old Evangelina Cisneros dreams of a Cuba free from Spanish oppression. When Hearst learns of her plight and splashes her image on the front page of his paper, proclaiming her, “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba,” she becomes a rallying cry for American intervention in the battle for Cuban independence.

With the help of Marina Perez, a courier secretly working for the Cuban revolutionaries in Havana, Grace and Hearst’s staff attempt to free Evangelina. But when Cuban civilians are forced into reconcentration camps and the explosion of the USS Maine propels the United States and Spain toward war, the three women must risk everything in their fight for freedom.

•••••••

REVIEW:THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA by Chanel Cleeton is an historical and fictionalized account of three women during the 1896-1898  Cuban revolution, and the prelude to the Spanish-American war.

Told from three first person perspectives- twenty five year old American journalist, Grace Harrington, Cuban courier/ revolutionary Marina Sandoval, and nineteen year old, Cuban heiress Evangelina Cisneros, following three intersecting paths THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA takes liberty with historical fact blending fiction into a story line where three women will change the course of history.

Based in fact, Cuban heiress Evangelina Cisneros, the niece of the former president of the Cuban Republic, is imprisoned on trumped up charges for refusing the advances of Colonel Berriz. Hoping to secure the release of her father, Evangelina finds herself caught between Berriz and prison, opting for prison as the lesser of two evils. When American newspaper giant William Hearst hears of our heroine’s plight, he sets into motion a rescue mission that will change the course of history, rescuing a woman he comes to call The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba.

Meanwhile, Marina Sandoval, and her husband Mateo are sympathetic to the revolutionary cause but shortly after Mateo leaves to fight on the front lines, Marina, her daughter Isabella, and her mother-in-law Luz, are sent to a reconcentration camp, where Marina and her family will struggle to survive. Cleaning laundry for the rich and powerful, Marina will quickly discover that she is of more use as a messenger, couriering important documents and notes for the people working to help make a better Cuba. One of Marina’s final acts of defiance is to courier notes between Evangelina and the revolutionary sympathisers, as they prepare to rescue the imprisoned heiress.

Back in America, twenty-five year old journalist Grace Harrington, desperate to work for Joseph Pulitzer, reluctantly agrees to spy on William Hearst, Pulitzer’s competition in the world of journalism, a task that involves working for Hearst, and researching the events in the Republic of Cuba. As the revolution in Cuba begins to take on a life of its’ own, Grace finds herself up close and personal with sympathetic supporters in America, supporters that will soon include the man with whom she will fall in love.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA is a complex, detailed, revealing and intriguing story blending fact and fiction into a romanticized version of revolutionary events. Chanel Cleeton reveals some of the atrocities that the prisoners and those in the reconcentration camps had to endure, including the rampant disease and deaths for those struggling to survive. The premise was real and inviting; the characters were sympathetic and captivating. An entertaining and powerful story, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA is a fascinating and sensational tale of tragedy and survival.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

The Lady Has a Past by Amanda Quick – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
22

The Lady Has a Past by Amanda Quick – Review & Giveaway

 

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Investigative apprentice Lyra Brazier, the newest resident of Burning Cove, is unsettled when her boss suddenly goes on a health retreat at an exclusive spa and disappears without another word. Lyra knows something has happened to Raina Kirk, and she is the only one who can track her down. The health spa is known for its luxurious offerings and prestigious clientele, and the wealthy, socialite background Lyra desperately wanted to leave behind is perfect for this undercover job. The agency brings in a partner and bodyguard for her, but she doesn’t get the suave, pistol-packing private eye she expected.

Simon Cage is a mild-mannered antiquarian book dealer with a quiet, academic air, and Lyra can’t figure out why he was chosen as her partner. But it soon becomes clear when they arrive at the spa and pose as a couple: Simon has a unique gift that allows him to detect secrets, a skill that is crucial in finding Raina.

The unlikely duo falls down a rabbit hole of twisted rumors and missing socialites, discovering that the health spa is a façade for something far darker than they imagined. With a murderer in their midst, Raina isn’t the only one in grave danger—Lyra is next.

 

 

 

Review:

The Lady Has A Past by Amanda Quick is the 5th book in her wonderful Burning Cove series. Refresher: This series takes place during the 1930’s in the small town of Burning Cove, California.  Some of the recurring characters we have met in the previous books continue to have secondary roles, as we return to Burning Cove.  Burning Cove is a small resort town with many Hollywood stars or the very rich, but it seems that is it also a magnet for danger

Lyra Brazier, our heroine, has just started working as an assistant private investigator for Raina Kirk; she is sent on her first case, which turned into a nightmare. When Lyra meets the woman, who requested her to come to her home, she finds the woman being accosted by her husband in the pool.  When the mad man runs toward Lyra, she grabs the only thing she sees nearby and hits the man with a golf club.  When the police come, it seems someone (the wife) hit the man multiple times to make sure he was dead.  So, Lyra in her first case, has no idea if she killed the man or was it the wife.

We meet Simon Cage, our hero, who is on assignment for Luther Pell, and confronts a man who threatens to kill him for a book that is worth a lot of money; Simon manages to stay alive and get the book he needed.  After the case is over, Simon decides after visiting Pell, to stay in Burning Cove to take a vacation break.  It is at this time, that Raina Kirk (who is Luther Pell’s girlfriend, as well as owner of the detective agency), disappears. Lyra, Luther and Simon try to find clues where Raina has gone, and they learn she was heading to a resort, which has a famous health spa.  Simon and Lyra make plans to go to the hotel as newlyweds, to find Raina.

Lyra was a wonderful heroine, who not only was independent, but smart, bubbly personality, very inquisitive and her witty hilarious banter was pure fun, especially with Simon.  I loved how quickly Lyra was able to get people to talk, and learned so much from Simon on how to be a real detective; as well as seeing his paranormal ability to sense danger.   Simon at first didn’t know how to handle Lyra, but in a short time, he started falling for her.  Their romance started to heat up, as each began to learn more about each other, and their chemistry was great.

What follows is an exciting and intriguing story that has many surprises and twists. Lyra and Simon were great together, and when Luther joins them, they begin to learn the truths of what has been happening in the hotel and spa, putting people’s lives in danger. The danger escalates, as the three of them are desperate to find Raina, before someone kills her.   I do not want to give spoilers, saying anything more would ruin the book for you.

The Lady Has A Past was a wonderful exciting, intense, enthralling suspenseful story, with a bit of romance, great couple, as well as having a slight paranormal element.  Amanda Quick once again gives us a complex mystery that had a bit of everything in this glamorous historical world of 1930’s.  I suggest you start this series from the beginning to enjoy the setting of this series, as well as meet some very good characters. However, each book does read very well as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Amanda Quick and Berkley Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of THE LADY HAS A PAST to ONE (1) lucky 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).

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

3. Follow Amanda Quick on Facebook.

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from May 4 to 9, 2021

 

 

 

Share

The Last Night in London by Karen White – a Review

Posted on by
12

The Last Night in London by Karen White – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
A captivating story of friendship, love and betrayal – and finding hope in the darkness of war.

London, 1939. Beautiful and ambitious Eva Harlow and her American best friend, Precious Dubose, are trying to make their way as fashion models. When Eva falls in love with Graham St. John, an aristocrat and Royal Air Force pilot, she can’t believe her luck – she’s getting everything she ever wanted. Then the Blitz devastates her world, and Eva finds herself slipping into a web of intrigue, spies and secrets. As Eva struggles to protect everything she holds dear, all it takes is one unwary moment to change their lives forever.

London, 2019. American journalist Maddie Warner travels to London to interview Precious about her life in pre-WWII London. Maddie, healing from past trauma and careful to close herself off to others, finds herself drawn to both Precious and to Colin, Precious’ enigmatic surrogate nephew. As Maddie gets closer to her, she begins to unravel Precious’ haunting past – and the secrets she swore she’d never reveal …

 

 

Review:

The Last Night in London by Karen White is a wonderful standalone novel. This story switches between the past in 1939, during war torn London, and in the present of London 2019. 

It is a story of two best friends, who were fashion models and roommates; we get to meet American Precious Dubose, and Londoner Eva Harlow. Eva comes from a low-class poor family, and decides to re-invent herself, and only Precious knows about Eva changing her name. When Precious and Eva make friends with Sophia, her fiancé, David, it is Eva who meets Sophia’s handsome brother, Graham.  In a short time, Eva and Graham will fall for each other, with her determined to keep her identity a secret. When Graham goes off to war, Eva finds herself fighting off the attention of Alex, who begins to blackmail her (knowing the truth of her true background), and she ends up in the middle of spies and intrigue.  Precious is Eva’s rock, always there to help and protect her.

In present time 2019 London, we meet Madison (Maddie) Warner, who is a journalist, having just arrived in London to do an interview with 99-year-old former fashion model, Precious Dubose.  Turns out Maddie has discovered she is a distant relative to the family, with her friend Arabella inviting her to do the interview; as well as browse through all the wonderful collections of clothes.  Maddie becomes engrossed in Precious story; her life then, what happened to Eva, how they survived the war, the secrets she discovers in pictures and forgiveness.  Maddie is shocked to discover that an old school friend, Colin is living with his nana, Precious, which makes things a little difficult. 

What follows in the past is a story of love, friendship, betrayal, tragedy, with two fantastic women, one content in her life with friends, and helping during the war, and the other reinventing her life to be with the man she loves, and being blackmailed to help a traitor, and hide her truths.  The present revolves around Maddie, as she delves into papers, photos, accessories to learn more about Precious and trying to discover more about Eva and Graham and the secrets that will be revealed along the way. 

I loved Precious, both the young woman in 1939 and the one in the present that was 99 years old.   I liked Eva in the past, and her love for Graham.  I loved the character of Maddie, who had her own issues, but working with Colin, she began to care for him, as they worked together to resolve the missing pieces from the past.

The Last Night in London was an amazing story that kept me glued to my kindle, devouring both the past and the present.  Karen White wrote a fantastic story, with wonderful characters, a bit of suspense and intrigue, as well as a twist closer to the end.  The Last Night in London was a thrilling story, built around friendship, trust, love, secrets, war and betrayal.  This is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share