Tag Archives: Historical

Tempting the Footman by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Tempting the Footman by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
She’s an heiress who needs a husband fast…he’s the brooding, handsome footmen who comes to her rescue…

Lady Venetia Dunham has plenty of money and freedom, until her father dies, leaving her and her feisty grandmother at the hands of her less than noble cousin when he becomes the new earl. Her cousin makes his wishes clear. She will marry a man of his choosing, a man who will split her fortune with her cousin.

Determined to avoid that fate, Venetia and her grandmother flee to a country house party hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Devon where Venetia stumbles into the arms of Adrian Montague, a handsome footman with a tragic past.

When Venetia sprains her ankle, she and Adrian are closeted together for a week. The attraction between them is undeniable and forbidden. Their passion could wreck Adrian’s life if they were discovered together. When love blooms between them, it comes at a great cost, and Venetia must choose to follow society’s laws or her own heart.

 

 

Review:

Tempting the Footman by Lauren Smith is the 6th book in her House of Devon series. Footman Adrian Montague is going about his daily chores, if he’d known how the day would end, he might have been better prepared. 

Socialite Venetia Dunham is not going to marry some horrid man her cousin has acquired for her! It was bad enough she lost her family home in the country, she’ll be damned if she’ll lose her inheritance to marriage!  She needs to escape or marry a man of her choosing…..

A forbidden love, ladies don’t usually meet and marry the servants, but nothing about this arrangement is orthodox. 

Adrian is technically the son of a lord (but if your father ruins the reputation of your mother and refuses to marry her, then your illegitimate) but as his father refuses to acknowledge Adrian, he has had to make his own way in the world. 

Venetia is quite the spitfire, she knows what she wants and with the help of her beloved Gran, she sets out to do it. 

This short story is part of a series (House of Devon) written by other authors. But you definitely don’t have to read them all. 

I think it was almost love at first sight for Adrian, and when asked to be Venetia’s companion for the week, he jumps at the chance (yes a little unconventional, but it’s a writers prerogative). They form a friendship that turns into love. She wants to know all the secrets concerning a man, she wishes to know their touch and kisses, and she wants Adrian to help her!  But it’s a secret, because if found out Adrian would be given the sack from his job and Venetia would be a social outcast!! But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to hide their feeling for one another. 

And what of her cousin? Has he forgotten that she is to marry his friend? Or will he leave her to live the quiet life in the country? So can Adrian and Venetia find happiness, or will it be just a brief fling?  

If your looking for a short historical read, then you’ll not go wrong in picking this one up. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review.

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Her Night With the Duke by Diana Quincy-a review

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HER NIGHT WITH THE DUKE (Clandestine Affairs #1) by Diana Quincy-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 29, 2020

Desire knows no reason…

When Lady Delilah Chambers finds herself stranded at a country inn on a rain-swept evening, she’s forced to fend off a group of ruffians with the help of a handsome gentleman. Irresistibly drawn to each other, Leela and the stranger spend one reckless night in each others’ arms—and then go their separate ways. But the very next day Leela receives the shock of her life when she meets the duke who is set on wedding her beloved stepdaughter.

When it finds two destined hearts…

One night isn’t enough with a woman as fierce, fiery, and brilliant as Leela. Elliot Townsend, Duke of Huntington, cannot believe his good fortune when their chance encounter leads to an unforgettable evening of passion. Yet Hunt’s luck runs out when he is introduced to his prospective mother-in-law. Dowagers aren’t supposed to look like this…

Leela and Hunt are determined to keep each other at arm’s length, which should be easy enough for two intelligent adults with reputations to uphold. The problem is all logic is lost when it comes to a passion that refuses to be ignored.

•••••••

REVIEW:Her Night with the Duke is a historical romance set in September of 1814, in central England. The book description sets up the story well. There is much more in the details of their encounter, but it needs to be read and experienced.

Lady Delilah Chambers is Persian born, but married a marquess. She couldn’t have children, but he had children from a previous marriage. She was asked to leave by her stepson and has been traveling around the world and writing under a pen name. She has her own funds and doesn’t usually sleep with strange men. This affair is unusual for her. She’s quite taken with Elliott Townsend but doesn’t know he’s the new Duke of Huntington.

Elliot Townsend is the new Duke of Huntington. His brother inherited the title but was drowned. Elliot was traveling alone, disguised as a common businessman for safety’s sake. He’s a very uncomplicated man, usually. He likes structure. Dislikes surprises. He tries to keep away from any form of scandal, unlike his brother did. Meeting and sleeping with a strange woman was also unusual for him.

The level of chemistry and pleasure was off the charts for both. Each was completely taken by surprise at how much they’d experienced in so short a time. So the surprise was even greater when they met again as he came to get to know her stepdaughter and ask for her hand.

That’s pretty much the setup. This is a fast paced, interesting story. It’s very cleverly written, and I found it incredibly entertaining. Complications abound, as you can imagine. Grab a glass of your favorite beverage and cuddle in for a great read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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Her Accidental Highlander Husband by Allison B Hanson-a Review

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Her Accidental Highlander Husband by Allison B Hanson-a Review

 

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Description:
Marian Fletcher Blackley, Duchess of Endsmere, has been on the run from the English Crown for weeks since killing her abusive husband…no matter that it was self-defense. She has only one safe place to go—the MacKinlay clan in Scotland, where her sister is the laird’s wife.

War Chief Cameron MacKinlay has vowed never to marry after witnessing his widowed mother’s grief. He has his lands and his clan, and that’s enough for a good life. When one day a sprite of a lass comes running out of the forest with hounds nipping at her heels and an English bounty hunter not far behind, he feels compelled to save her by claiming the disheveled duchess is his wife. But he certainly didn’t intend to marry her for real!

And now he’ll do anything to protect her…

 

 

Review:

A fearsome and honorable war chief shields a woman in distress, and a marriage is his compensation?  Cameron MacKinlay wasn’t in pursuit of a handfasting, but he believed the lass, and he would do right by Marian.  Her Accidental Highlander Husband by Allison B. Hanson isn’t only awesome alliteration, it is a well-written historical romance that highlights hope in a haphazard race to Happily Ever After.  What can I say — it’s contagious ?  While this may have been the introductory novel, I could read about these characters for several books!

Now, about that distress…Marian was literally fleeing for her life.  She might have taken her husband’s, brute villain that he was, but self-defense was almost impossible to prove, what with a man’s legal right to beat his wife ?.  But desperate times called for desperate measures. Bonny as Marian was, Cam had made a solemn vow to forego marriage when he became his clan’s war chief.  Will Cam entertain the ruse to spare Marian’s life?

    “They were legally wed, though Cameron was determined it would be in name only. It wouldn’t matter to him that a woman shared his name to stay out of a noose. So long as she didn’t carry expectations of him being a true husband.”

Riiiiiight…Despite the original, obligatory nature of the relationship between Marian and Cam, their chemistry was organic and undeniable. Cam was very patient with Marian’s skittish reactions and Marian tried her best not to condemn Cam for the violence suffered at her vile ex-husband’s hands.  As close as they were becoming, their relationship was a synchronous, inexorable pull, her unknown future was a looming threat.

    “How much time did she have before she’d need to make a fateful decision? Years? Days? Mere hours? Before a messenger delivered the grim news…with orders from King Charles to take her back to England…

All their promises were nothing but empty words. Wishes cast into the wind. Neither of them had any control over what their future held. They only had here and now. And time, at least for her, was running out.”

While I enjoyed these characters immensely, swooned at their willingness to be vulnerable, moved to tears by special declarations or displays of fierce loyalty, I believe editing is in order for concise storytelling.  Nearing 60% and we had yet to encounter the Crown she feared so hot on her heels. There are only so many variations of delaying the inevitable goodbye before it borders on tedious.  Not to be unfeeling, but the circumvention loses the impact/poignancy after so many delays.

Allison B. Hanson delivers a great love story in Her Accidental Highlander Husband.  Marian and Cam are frantically thrust together, but show tremendous courage and character to support each other so wonderfully.  “There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed.”. Consider me an instant fan.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Highland Renegade by Cynthia Breeding – a Review

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Highland Renegade by Cynthia Breeding – a Review

 

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Description:
Emily, the Dowager Countess of Woodhaven, has received title to lands in the Highlands—MacGregor lands—and after surviving an abusive marriage, she’s determined to make a new start…without a man. She just has to win over the handsome Scottish laird whose family has lived there for centuries. How hard could it be?

When Ian MacGregor heard that the Sassenach countess was actually laying claim to his lands, he figured to scare the aging widow away by showing her the hardships of living in the Highlands. She’d leave before the first snowflake fell. But he never imagined that the widow was young and beautiful and more territorial than a she-wolf. No matter, he’ll prove that a fragile, London woman like her would never survive life without her servants…and if he happens to give her the coldest and most remote rooms, all the better.

Despite his best efforts to freeze her out, things between them heat up. But Highlanders hate the Sassenach, so Ian faces a dire choice—his clan or the irresistible English aristocrat who seems to have taken not only his lands, but also his heart.

 

Review:

Highland Renegade is a historical romance (and a novel in the series Children of the Mist) by author Cynthia Breeding. It’s set in Scotland in the year 1774.

I found this novel to be both professionally written and entertaining. Its characters are distinct in their personalities and very well done. While I don’t do spoilers, I can give you the setup of the beginning and tell you what I found so entertaining.

Emily Caldwell’s father and mother died, leaving her nothing but debts and two sisters. The elderly Lord Woodhaven (Albert) offered for her hand in marriage and would allow her to bring her sisters. He was aged and not a particularly a good man. In fact, he was a drug addict and womanizer as well as a man who hit his wife often. Her husband died and left her only debts, which she had to sell her only house to pay. His cousin who inherited his title and entailed property will not let the ladies live with him and his wife (all three are young and lovely). However, King George had been a friend of her father’s and gave her ownership and title to a property in Scotland that her husband had leased.

In July 1774, Emily (Dowager Lady Woodhaven) is taking her sisters to Scotland to live. It was formerly the property of the MacGregor clan, but due to political issues they were not allowed to own property anymore. Although those who did not take up arms in last issue were allowed to live there. She had been running her husband’s estate and businesses, because he wouldn’t be bothered, and had become quite good at managing and improving property. She’d studied the reports of the Scotland property and had many questions and plans to improve it so they could earn a living there. However, she fully intended to cooperate with those already there.

Ian MacGregor and his brothers and uncles currently lived in Strae Castle, taking care of the clan and managing the property and distillery. Because the late Lord Woodhaven was in his mid-sixties, they assume the lady coming to see the property is aged. They intend to show her they are managing the property well, make her a bit uncomfortable in hopes she’ll quickly return to London and leave them to their business. Ian had filed reports with the late Lord Woodhaven that undervalued the property a bit, while the true profits were used to improve the property and take care of the clan. They were quite surprised to see three beautiful and young women arrive with five wagons of their things.

That is the considerably basic setup. There is much more detail that I will leave you to discover for yourself. Let me give you the reasons I found this story so very entertaining and why I am looking forward to more from this talented author.

I loved the characters. They are very well described, and each has a unique personality. The conversations are realistic, and the various personalities often clash with interesting results. The romance is at first slow to build, but the interest is immediate. I loved that. The plot is well done with lots of twists and intrigue. I found the pace to be perfect, allowing for the characters to grow to know each other and fast enough to make it a page turner. If you haven’t read this series, I urge you to give it a try. My regards to author Cynthia Breeding, thank you for a thrilling and heartfelt novel. I look forward to much more from your talented imagination.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

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Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh – a Review

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Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh – a Review

 

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Description:
Lady Jessica Archer lost her own interest in the glittering excitement of romance after her cousin and dearest friend, Abigail Westcott, was rejected by the ton when her father was revealed to be a bigamist. Ever practical, however, once she’s twenty-five, she decides it’s time to wed. Though she no longer believes she will find true love, she is still very eligible. She is, after all, the sister of Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby.

Jessica considers the many qualified gentlemen who court her. But when she meets the mysterious Gabriel Thorne, who has returned to England from the New World to claim an equally mysterious inheritance, Jessica considers him completely unsuitable, because he had the audacity, when he first met her, to announce his intention to wed her.

When Jessica guesses who Gabriel really is, however, and watches the lengths to which he will go in order to protect those who rely upon him, she is drawn to his cause—and to the man.

 

 

Review:

Someone to Romance by Mary Balogh is the 8th book in her wonderful Westcott series. As I have said before, I do not read a lot of Historical Romance, but I can’t say enough of Mary Balogh and this fabulous series, as she just continues to give us fantastic wonderful romances in each and every book of this series.  Just when you think she can’t do better than the previous books (and they are all great), I become enthralled once again, unable to put the book down.  Make no mistake, I absolutely love this series, love the Westcotts and Balogh’s fantastic writing. 

In Someone to Romance, Lady Jessica Archer, our heroine, is the sister of Avery (previous book hero), and best friends with her cousin, Abby (another previous book heroine).  At one time both were content to never find a husband, but now that Abby is happily married, Jessica decides it’s time for her to find someone to marry, even if she never finds love.  Jessica heads home to prepare to attend the balls to find herself a husband. 

Gabriel Thorne, has returned home to England, after 13 years making his fortune in America.  He is forced to go home, as a dear friend needs his help, and it was time for him to claim his inheritance, as well as right some wrongs.

When Jessica is traveling home, on an overnight stop, she is given a suite in the hotel.  Turns out the suite had been promised to Gabriel, but since Jessica is the sister of the Duke of Netherby, the hotel gave her the suite.  Neither was impressed with each other, and went their own way, until she met up with him during one of the balls in England; especially since he tells her he intends to marry her, which totally turns her off of him. 

As Jessica begins to get courted, she is surprised when Gabriel also plans on courting her, and she responds that he will need to do so in a romantic way; which he begins by sending her a rose every day.  Even though Jessica is now being courted by two men, she finds herself learning more about Gabriel and begins to suspect the truth, that he is the real Earl, who is presumed dead. 

What follows is a wonderful slow build romance that has Jessica accepting a possible marriage to Gabriel, even if she is not sure of love.  But she plans to help him get his inheritance, as well as clear his name.  It is always wonderful to see the Westcott family again, and how they all stick together when they learn the truth about Gabriel and the need to help him regain what is his.  The ending was very exciting as we raced to the finish.   I love when the family plots together.  I also loved watching Gabriel and Jessica slowly realize that they are falling in love.  Very nicely done.

Someone to Romance was a great read. As always, it is wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again. Again, I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Romance is another fabulous fun heartwarming story in this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Revolutionary and the Rogue by Blake Ferre – a Review

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The Revolutionary and the Rogue by Blake Ferre – a Review

 

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Description: 
Perrin deVesey knows pain. As a member of Crimson Rose, a secret club for men who love men, he’s taken the vow “to stand and shield.” Standing together during these perilous times is the only thing keeping their necks from the guillotine. Now their leader is using the club to rescue wrongly accused traitors. After losing a past lover to an unjust execution, the decision to support this treasonous cause is easy…until a devastatingly handsome Committee Officer complicates Perrin’s whole world.

Officer Henri Chevalier hates aristocrats. But the man he finds while investigating Crimson Rose is more than just wealthy and fancily clothed. He’s a rogue that could take him to the heart of the uprising and stop it before it starts. His plan to get close to Perrin and steal his secrets backfires, though, when Henri finds himself falling for the damned aristo and his dangerous smile. His heart is even more conflicted as he learns the truth behind their cause…and the truth his own people have been hiding.

Together they must make the choice—to stand and shield at any cost—and their love might be the deadliest weapon in all of France.

 

 

Review:

The Revolutionary and the Rogue by Blake Ferre is a standalone novel. If I read M/M it’s usually shifter based. So reading a Regency M/M romance it’s a little out of my usual genre. But I’ll give it a go….. 

Perrin is a fop, he gives the impression he’s a bored rich aristocrat, in fact he’s helping to free rich people (aristocrats) like him. The French Revolution may have ended, but the rich are still being persecuted. Julian and Perrin were in a club for men who love other men, but it’s forbidden.

And after losing the love of his life, he didn’t really care for much, but he swore to his beloved he would help wherever he could. So on the anniversary of Julien’s death, he’s back at the club they use to frequent with old friends to raise a glass. And to see if they can help the Scarlet Crest! And who is the scarlet crest? No one knows. But many people want to find out, Perrin must be careful. His life and the lives of his friends are at stake! 

Henri is an officer in the French Revolutionary army. His job is to capture spies, he enjoys his work. Freeing the poor from the reign of the aristocracy. He hates the rich, they ruined his life, and the lives of his family, so he won’t stop until everyone in France is an equal. Getting a password to the Scarlet Crest meeting place, Henri hopes to find information on where and when the next rendezvous is and how to stop them from fleeing the country. 

Perrin and Henri meet by accident, Henri saves Perrin from being trampled. Both have a lustful thought at being so close to a stranger. But reality comes crashing in even Henri realises the man he saved is an aristocrat!! Perrin is mortified that he feels anything, he should still be mourning for his beloved Julien, not lusting after someone else! 

They meet again at the Scarlet Crest meeting place. It’s still hostile between them, but so is the strange attraction! Does Henri believe Perrin is helping the rich to flee? He doesn’t want to, but why would he be here? And can Perrin trust Henri, when he knows how much he hates the rich? 

I liked the characters, I liked the premise, but I have to be honest, I didn’t really enjoy the book. I’m not sure what spoilt it for me. But something was missing.

I know gay relationships were frowned upon in those days. And I know it’s a crime to have those feelings. But I didn’t get that feeling from the book, it didn’t feel cloak and dagger. I got the intrigue, I got a little suspense. It just fell a little short. I just didn’t believe the feelings. To me there didn’t seem the passion, the fire, the urgency. 

The characters of Henri and Perrin were good, they were solid and well thought out. Loved Quill (Perrin’s friend) he was fun. As I said, lots of great ideas, just not quite there with the execution. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Everything a Lady is Not by Sawyer North – a Review

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Everything a Lady is Not by Sawyer North – a Review

 

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Description:
Lucy Locket, the long lost granddaughter of a duchess, has never been a part of Society. One day, she was living a secluded life as the prisoner of a criminal, and the next day she was an heiress in a world she did not even remotely understand. She does not embody the typical qualities of a well-born lady…at all. She can’t curtsy, she doesn’t hide her emotions, she’s too clever by far. But in three months, she must marry a suitor with a royally-bestowed title, or she forfeits a fortune—leaving her and the duchess in dire straits.

All Henry Beaumont wants is to prove himself to Society and step outside of his half-brother’s shadow. So when the duchess asks him for a personal favor involving her newly found granddaughter—with a hefty thank you reward at the end—he leaps at the opportunity.

It seems as if Lucy is trading one prison for another. Henry has now become a permanent fixture as her charming yet iron-fisted taskmaster and tutor in the ways of High Society. Like oil and water, Lucy and Henry spar in an epic battle of wills—and even rapiers. But Lucy’s past and her surprising, undeniable feelings for Henry may doom their undertaking if he declares his love for her…because without a title, he can never be hers.

 

 

 

Review:

 Everything a Lady is Not is a historical romance and part of the Bow Street Beaus series. The prologue begins in 1805 Oxfordshire, England. Then begins again a decade later.

This is the story of Henry Beaumont and Lady Margaret (Lucy) Huntington. It is both intricate and entertaining.

I never do spoilers. I respect the story and readers enough to not give away things you should read for yourself. What I can do is tell you what I like about the novel and how it made me feel.

This is an amazingly well-written story with characters that are well developed, if somewhat conflicted, the circumstances are entertaining and enlightening. It shows the attitudes of the times in all their realistic yet complicated social layers.

The plot reminds me of My Fair Lady, with some very interesting dialog and characters. I found the story fascinating and thoroughly entertaining. It’s fast paced, romantic but not sexual. I highly recommend grabbing a copy for yourself!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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A Secret Surrender (The Pretenders #1) by Darcy Burke-Review Tour

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A Secret Surrender (The Pretenders #1) by Darcy Burke-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 7, 2020.

A survivor of the mean streets of London’s East End, Selina Blackwell has learned to be a chameleon, and in her current iteration as a fortune-teller, she’s able to provide a Season for her sister. Only, Madame Sybila can’t be a chaperone, so Selina takes on another identity as the proper Lady Gresham. But when a Bow Street Runner takes too much of an interest in her business, it seems the crimes of her past will finally come to light.

Determined to prove that Madame Sybila is a fraud bent on fleecing London’s elite, Harry Sheffield enlists the help of the alluring Lady Gresham in exchange for introducing her to Society’s best. With his busy career and aspirations for the future, Harry has no time for marriage, but an affair is just right—until he discovers the lady’s disarming secret. Whatever his feelings for her, he can’t ignore who she is and who she’s been. And when she holds the key to the one case he couldn’t solve, he must choose justice or love.

••••••••

REVIEW:A Secret Surrender is a historical romance novel set in London, 1819. If you are familiar with Darcy Burke’s novels and characters, you will remember some of the characters in this novel from previous novels.

This is the story of Harry Sheffield, second son of the Earl of Aylesbury and now a Bow Street constable, and Selina Blackwell, orphan, thief, and swindler. Such an interesting pairing!

The delicate balance of a cat and mouse game as these two meet and begin to fall madly in love is a genius of plot crafting. I won’t give away details, you really must read this for yourself. You won’t regret a minute it. The pace is quick, the details develop slowly, the romance is heartfelt and steamy. I could not see how the author would resolve the conflicts, but she certainly did.

An interesting time period for women and not at all a safe one. The characters are well crafted and charming, except for the villain, he’s definitely not charming. The heartbreak is painful, as it should be. The HEA is unexpected…I didn’t see it coming.

Kudos to Darcy Burke on this marvelous addition to her work.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

Excerpt: Sneak peek at chapter 1

https://www.darcyburke.com/books/the-pretenders/a-secret-surrender/a-secret-surrender-excerpt/

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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