Tag Archives: Historical

Heart’s Desire by Wendy LaCapra – Review

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Heart’s Desire by Wendy LaCapra – Review

 

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Description:
Lady Clarissa has decided to live life on her terms. After the end of a ten-year betrothal, she wants nothing to do with marriage or the men of the ton. Least of all her friend’s brother, the very charming Lord Markham, or Hearts, as many ladies call the oh-so-handsome earl.

Markham pursues relationships with no ties that bind. Acting the rake leaves everyone satisfied…until he overhears a wager that could lead to Clarissa’s ruin. He can’t help but step in and claim she’s his intended bride.

Clarissa is appalled. She did not need to be saved. Reluctantly, she agrees to the fake courtship, if only to experience what the rakish Markham can offer. But when lust becomes love, Clarissa must make up her own terms and bet it all on Hearts.

 

 

Review  

Heart’s Desire is the second book in the Lords of Chance series by author Wendy LaCapra.  It’s the story of Percival Stanley, the fifth Earl of Markham and Lady Clarissa Laithe, sister to Lord Rayne (a former friend of Percival’s).

Author LaCapra has woven a deep and enlightening story of perceptions. All people have perceptions of what their actions are, sometimes true and sometimes not as noble as they thought. Sometimes, situations are not what we thought, only what we perceived. All these things, especially in the society of the time period, are put together in very interesting and unique ways to bring the reader a rich experience and a very fun read.

I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone, so read the description to get the basic idea of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the way it was presented. I think you’ll find it a wonderful read, full of fun, doubts and excitement.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

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Tightrope by Amanda Quick-Review and Giveaway

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Tightrope by Amanda Quick-Review and Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
An unconventional woman and a man shrouded in mystery walk a tightrope of desire as they race against a killer to find a machine that could change the world.

Former trapeze artist Amalie Vaughn moved to Burning Cove to reinvent herself, but things are not going well. After spending her entire inheritance on a mansion with the intention of turning it into a bed-and-breakfast, she learns too late that the villa is said to be cursed. When the first guest, Dr. Norman Pickwell, is murdered by his robot invention during a sold-out demonstration, rumors circulate that the curse is real.

In the chaotic aftermath of the spectacle, Amalie watches as a stranger from the audience disappears behind the curtain. When Matthias Jones reappears, he is slipping a gun into a concealed holster. It looks like the gossip that is swirling around him is true—Matthias evidently does have connections to the criminal underworld.

Matthias is on the trail of a groundbreaking prototype cipher machine. He suspects that Pickwell stole the device and planned to sell it. But now Pickwell is dead and the machine has vanished. When Matthias’s investigation leads him to Amalie’s front door, the attraction between them is intense, but she knows it is also dangerous. Amalie and Matthias must decide if they can trust each other and the passion that binds them, because time is running out.

 

Review:

Tightrope by Amanda Quick is the 3rd book in her Burning Cove series. This story takes place during the 1930’s in the small town of Burning Cove, California.  Some of the characters we met in the first two books 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.

We meet Amalie Vaughn, our heroine and a famous trapeze artist, at the start, when she survived a threat against her life.  Amalie managed to save herself using her skills as a trapeze artist, and the accoster fell to his death.  Amalie moves to Burning Cove to get past that terrible experience and use her inheritance to open a bed n’ breakfast. When her first guest is murdered by a robot he was showing off to an audience, Amalie then fears the curse reputation will ruin her new venture; she is thrown into an intriguing adventure to save her B&B, as well as the new threats against her life.

Matthias Jones, our hero, is in Burning Cove at the request of Luther Pell (previous book hero) to help him solve the disappearance of new prototype cipher machine, which they believe is part of espionage. Matthias suspects that the man murdered was the one who stole the machine, and together with Pell, they will need to find it before the villain does.  They know that the murderer is someone from the past , a former operative, who has international ties, and no one knows what he looks like.  Matthias decides to move into the B&B, as he begins to care about Amalie and senses she is in danger. Both Amalie and Matthias will work together to look for the machine, and the threats against both of their lives. 

The romance between Matthias and Amalie is slow build, and mostly in the background, as the mystery takes center stage, with a lot of excitement and suspense.  I really enjoy seeing some of the characters from the previous books, such as Oliver, Luther, Irene & Raina.  I really liked Amalie and Matthias together, as they made a great couple, and they blended so well together. 

What follows is an exciting story that never lets up, with Amalie and Matthias in the thick of all the action.  I thought that Matthias’s ability to be a human lie detector was a major help in learning who to trust and who was truly the culprit.   This intriguing story does have a number of twists, that not only threw us off, but also kept us guessing.  I do not want to give spoilers, as so many things happen along the way, that saying anything more would ruin the book for you.

Tightrope was a wonderful intense suspenseful story, filled with secrets, betrayals, pulse pounding action, and a sweet romance. Amanda Quick once again gives us a complex mystery that had a bit of everything and the fun of being in the glamorous 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.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Amanda Quick and Berkley Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of TIGHTROPE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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No Other Duke But You by Valerie Bowman-Review & Giveaway

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No Other Duke But You by Valerie Bowman-Review. Excerpt, Q&A & Giveaway

NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU

Playful Brides #11

by Valerie Bowman

Genre: adult, historical, romance

Release Date April 30, 2019

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 30, 2019

SINGLE LADY SEEKS DUKE

Lady Delilah Montebank has her marital sights set on the Duke of Branville. There’s just one problem: he barely knows she exists. But no matter, she’s got a plan to win him over with her charm, her wit—and perhaps the love potion she has in her possession wouldn’t hurt her cause…

Lord Thomas Hobbs, Duke of Huntley, thinks his best friend Delilah’s quest to become a duchess is ridiculous. He’s always said he’d rather give up all the brandy in London than commit to one person for life. Besides, he knows that Delilah’s love potion can’t possibly win over Branville…since she accidentally gave it to him instead. But perhaps this is the excuse he needs to show her he’s always loved her…

Delilah can’t believe she gave the potion to the wrong duke. Then again, Delilah could do a lot worse than win the hand of her handsome best friend. Could it be that the right duke has been before her eyes all along?

••••••••••

REVIEW: This delightful story begins in June 1827, London. It’s a cleverly written story of the romance of best friends with the underlying story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as both a theme and part of the plot.

Without doing too many spoilers, let me tell you how this sets up.

Lady Delilah Montebank (I love that name) is a wonderfully free spirited twenty-two-year-old with a mother who is seemingly fashioned from the personality of Cruella Deville. Her mother plans to secure herself a marriage and secure a husband for her daughter as well. At what cost? She doesn’t care.

If Lady Delilah doesn’t secure an offer better than the one her mother has arranged, she will end up married to the plump, sweaty little heir to an earldom. She and her friend Lady Lucy Hunt have been matchmaking for seasons for many of their friends. So, Delilah feels sure they can accomplish the match for her. She tells her mother she has set her sights on the Duke of Branville.

Thomas Hobbs, the Duke of Huntley is Delilah’s best male friend. He has decidedly not made a match for himself and feels he will never marry. Thomas’s father died when Thomas was only eighteen. Since then, Thomas has taken care of the family holdings and his mother and sisters. He must also see to arranging a marriage for his overbearing, somewhat thin sister, Lavina. Their younger sister, Alexandra was already married to Thomas’s good friend Lord Owen Monroe. He has not been receptive of a match for himself, because he’s secretly in love with Delilah.
Delilah asks Thomas to help her win the affections of the Duke of Branville. He agrees reluctantly, but only if she and Lucy will find a match for his sister. Meanwhile, he plans to woo Delilah for himself.

All this is going on while Delilah and her friends are trying to accomplish a play for charity. Since her mother would disapprove of such a thing, they must accomplish doing the play in secret. What is the play? Ah, the plot thickens…A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

That’s the basic setup. The great fun of this story is in the plans within plans. Webs to ensnare, ensnare the wrong people. It’s both laughable and sometimes heartbreaking. However, author Valerie Bowman has woven a clever and intricate story that is thoroughly entertaining.

Grab a copy of this clever story and enjoy the fun of reading it for yourself.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Delilah glanced up and down the dim hallway. It was well past three in the morning, she was still dressed in the pink ball gown she’d worn to the party, and she clutched the small vial of Cupid’s Elixir in her sweaty, guilty palm. She pressed her back against the shadowed wall not far from the Duke of Branville’s bedchamber. She could do this. More importantly, she would do this. She’d come this far, hadn’t she? What did a little sneaking about in the middle of the night matter?
She’d got detailed instructions to Branville’s room from Derek, who thankfully hadn’t asked any questions about why she wanted to know. According to him, the room was four doors to the right, just past the staircase on the third floor. The third floor was where all the bachelor gentlemen were sleeping. It would be a complete scandal if she was found lurking about alone at this time of night, but she’d waited until the household seemed quite asleep and then waited a bit longer for good measure. Anyone who saw her now would be skulking about themselves, which meant they would hardly be in a position to judge her. She briefly wondered if she’d run into Lavinia.
It was not as if she was out to do anything particularly scandalous. It was more silly and frivolous than anything else. She’d simply die, however, if Branville woke up and asked her what she was doing sprinkling pixie water in his eyes. She’d already decided to pretend as if she were dreaming, thinking she was Puck in the play. Sleepwalking. That would make all the sense in the world. Wouldn’t it? She swallowed hard. Probably not, but she wasn’t about to let the fear of being caught stop her. Besides, all of her and Lucy’s matchmaking had turned into a colossal mess. If a spray of perfume could sort it out, so be it. Of course, Delilah’s conscience reminded her that she hadn’t offered any of the perfume to Rebecca to use on Thomas. She didn’t want to even contemplate that. She’d already shared it with one other person, and that made her guilty enough. The image of Madame Rosa’s disapproving, craggy face had haunted her all evening.
Delilah shook off the thought and turned her attention back to the matter at hand. Pressing her empty palm against the darkened wall, she inched her way along until she came to Branville’s door. She felt like a spy. This was how professional spies did such things, wasn’t it? Too bad she was too embarrassed by her actions to ask the veritable house full of professional spies who happened to be asleep behind other doors right now.
She transferred the vial into her opposite hand and slowly reached to grasp the door handle. The metal was cold in her bare hand. She’d discarded her gloves, deciding that they would make her actions more clumsy. The last thing she needed tonight was to be more clumsy than usual. Decidedly, she needed to be less so.
She clutched the door handle like a lifeline and closed her eyes, steadying her shaking fingers on the knob. She was close, so close. Praying that the door wouldn’t squeak, she turned the handle slowly. The only sound was the thumping of her own heart in her ears.
When the handle was turned as far as it would go, she pushed it, praying fervently that it wasn’t locked. It took a moment before she realized the door was opening. Its hinges silent, merci a Dieu. Completely silent.
She slipped inside the cool, dark room. Steady, deep breathing came from the bed. Thank goodness, she hadn’t woken the duke with her entrance. She could barely see a thing, but she didn’t dare light a candle. A tiny stream of moonlight filtered into the room through a small opening in the curtains on the far window. She used that to identify the hulking bed in the center of the room. She tiptoed over to it slowly, taking care in case there was anything to trip over. No doubt she would find it if there was.
She made it to the foot of the bed without incident and paused, trying to quell her nerves and dispel her guilt. She clutched the vial more tightly in her palm, shaking with fear and anxiety. Now that she was here, she had no earthly idea how to drop liquid on a man’s eyes without awakening him. Besides, how much of it was she supposed to use? Surely not much. She would employ the tiniest drops possible so as not to disturb him, but she also needed to ensure the perfume touched his eyelids. Tricky business, this being a fairy. She had a sudden appreciation for Puck.
Holding her breath, she lifted her skirts with her free hand and tiptoed to the right side of the bed. Because it was summer, the bed curtains weren’t drawn. The window was open, and a slight breeze blew through the crack in the curtains.
The outline of the duke’s body was barely visible in the moonlight. He was turned away on his side, his back to her, his face toward the window. She would have to lean over his body to sprinkle the elixir on his eyes. The bed was tall. She must carefully climb up to do this task properly. She only hoped she didn’t jostle the mattress enough to wake him.
She waited in silence for a few moments to ensure his breathing remained steady, then she carefully lifted first one knee and then the other, bracing them on the mattress and pulling herself up, still clutching the vial. She winced as he moved slightly in his sleep, but he kept his face turned away. Blast it.
Once she was fully atop the bed, she paused and hoped the hammering of her heart didn’t wake him. He smelled good, a combination of soap and maleness that she wanted to breathe in. There was something vaguely familiar about his scent.
Shaking away that unhelpful thought, she moved gingerly across the mattress on her knees until she came to a stop at his side. His shirt was off. The beam of moonlight hit his smooth, muscled arm. She swallowed. The man’s chest was positively swoon-worthy. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and uncorked the vial. Then she carefully leaned over as far as she could to locate his eyes. They remained shrouded in the dark, but she took a guess as to their general direction and tipped the little vial as slowly and carefully as she could. He turned then, and she was afforded enough light to see that the first tiny drop of liquid did indeed fall directly onto his eyelid.
He blinked, and she held her breath. When he settled back into sleep, she closed her eyes and said a brief prayer that she would get away with it a second time before tipping the vial once more to allow another tiny drop to fall on his other eyelid.
He blinked and rubbed at his eyes while Delilah held her breath again, paralyzed with fear. Soon, he settled back into his pillow and his breathing returned to its steady pace.
She pressed a hand to her throat. It was over. She was done. All she had to do was extract herself from the bed and the room without being seen or heard. The difficult part was behind her.
Still praying he wouldn’t stir, she backed away from the duke. Slowly. Slowly. She’d nearly made it to the edge of the bed when he flipped over to face her. A beam of moonlight slid over his sleeping features.
Delilah gasped.

From No Other Duke But You. Copyright © 2019 by Valerie Bowman and reprinted with permission from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

Q: How is NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU, your upcoming novel,different than your previous novels, or can you say anything more about it?

A:NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU is the final book in the Playful Brides series. It’s book #11, and while it can be read as a standalone, I know the long-time readers of the series have been waiting for this couple’s story. Delilah is my most asked about heroine.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration from for NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU?

A:Most of the books in the Playful Brides series are inspired by famous plays. This one is inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is one of my favorites. I’ve had the plot in mind for a long time.

Q: What makes Lady Delilah and Lord Thomas special? Can you say anything more about them?

A:Delilah is sassy, unconventional, and a bit of a mess compared to the other young ladies on the marriage mart. But she has a heart of gold and good intentions to be the best matchmaker in the land, until it’s time for her own match to be made, of course! Thomas is her best friend who has been madly (and secretly) in love with her for years. He appreciates her for who she is.

Q: Who would you cast for Delilah and Thomas in the movie version?

A: I love this question! I’ve set up a Pinterest board for the entire Playful Bridesseries with the pictures of who I think of as the main characters. In my mind, Delilah looks like Ellen Page and Thomas is Justin Bartha.

Q: What is one thing the heroine, Delilah, can’t live without?

A:Sigh. Thomas. Though she doesn’t know it at first.

Q: NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU is the last novel in your wonderful Playful Brides series. How do you feel about the series coming to an end?

A:I’ve loved these characters for years and it’s bittersweet to see the series end, but I’m also looking forward to writing something new!

Q: Would you say it was more or less difficult writing NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU knowing it’s the last in the series?

A:Yes! I was worried that the readers wouldn’t like it or think it’s a fitting end to the series. But in the end, I wrote the book I wanted to write to wrap up the series and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!

Q: If you could work with any other famous author, who would it be and why?

A:Lisa Kleypas! She’s just my all-time favorite. Love, love, love all of her books.

Q: What was your favorite scene you wrote, and why?

A:I don’t want to give anything away. But there is a scene involving some magic perfume and sneaking around at a country house late at night and it was just pure fun to write the fall out after that.

Q: What was the hardest scene to write in NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU, and why?

A:Oh, the last chapter. Not the epilogue, but the last chapter. I wanted it to be perfect. The epilogue is something I’ve had in mind for ages so that was simple.

Q: When working on a manuscript, is it easy for you to keep separate ideas for other projects, or what strategies do you use to stay focused?

A:I usually just jot down a new idea and file it in a folder on my computer. I don’t let much distract me from what I’m working on at the moment. But I always seem to get a new idea when I’m fading off to sleep or driving. It’s never convenient. Ha!

Q: How did you come up with the idea of a love potion to get Delilah and Thomas’s romance rolling?

A:It’s inspired by the love potion in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is just a purely fun play that I adore!

Q: Are you currently working on any other projects you would like to share with your readers?

A:Yes! I’m working on a contemporary romantic comedy called HIRING MR. DARCY. It’s about a history professor who has two weeks to turn her brother’s hot best friend into a suitable Darcy for a competition in Bath, England so she can beat her ex and his new starlet girlfriend. It’ll be out this year!I’m also noodling over a new Regency series that’s going to be outrageous fun!

Q: Do you have a final comment you would like to give your readers?

A:If you read NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU, I’d love to hear what you think! You can find me at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.comwhere there are links to email me, tweet me, or find me on Facebook or Instagram.

 

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Valerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes Regency-set historical romance novels aka Racy Regency Romps!

Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.

Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.

Valerie Bowman’s Publisher  (St. Martin’s) is offering a paper copy of   NO OTHER DUKE BUT YOU to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Park Avenue Summer by Renee Rosen-Review & Giveaway

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PARK AVENUE SUMMER by Renee Rosen-Review & Giveaway


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About the book: Release Date April 30, 2019

Mad Men meets The Devil Wears Prada as Renée Rosen draws readers into the glamour of 1965 New York City and Cosmopolitan Magazine, where a brazen new Editor-in-Chief–Helen Gurley Brown–shocks America by daring to talk to women about all things off limits…

New York City is filled with opportunities for single girls like Alice Weiss who leaves her small Midwestern town to chase her big city dreams and unexpectedly lands the job of a lifetime working for Helen Gurley Brown, the first female Editor-in-Chief of a then failing Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Nothing could have prepared Alice for the world she enters as editors and writers resign on the spot, refusing to work for the woman who wrote the scandalous bestseller, Sex and the Single Girl. While confidential memos, article ideas, and cover designs keep finding their way into the wrong hands, someone tries to pull Alice into this scheme to sabotage her boss. But Alice remains loyal and becomes all the more determined to help Helen succeed. As pressure mounts at the magazine and Alice struggles to make her way in New York, she quickly learns that in Helen Gurley Brown’s world, a woman can demand to have it all.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: PARK AVENUE SUMMER by Renee Rosen is a stand alone story of women’s historical fiction focusing on a young woman in 1965 whose short lived career as the personal secretary to Helen Gurley Brown jumpstarts a life of love, loss, and professional success as a world renowned photographer.

Told from first person perspective (Alice) PARK AVENUE SUMMER follows twenty-one year old, single woman Alice Weiss as she ventures to New York City in 1965, to experience the life her late mother had always promised. With the help of her mother’s one time best friend Elaine Sloan, Alice will be hired as the personal secretary to Cosmopolitan’s new editor in Chief, Helen Gurley Brown, who along with Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem changed the world. As Helen struggles to keep Cosmo afloat, Alice battles the office gossip, lies, betrayal and manipulation, and her own heart breaking relationships.

PARK AVENUE SUMMER is an imaginative retelling that takes liberty with the events surrounding the first few months following Helen Gurley Brown’s entry into the world of magazine publishing. From boardroom squabbles to rampant employee departures, through the eyes of twenty-one year old Alice Weiss, we are witness to period in time that started the feminist revolution in North America. Our heroine’s venture into the world of publication is the stepping stone to a successful career as a photographer for Cosmo, as well as several popular women’s magazines. A fascinating and captivating piece of women’s (historical) fiction meant to entertain and intrigue.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Renee Rosen is the bestselling author of historical fiction. Her novels include Windy City Blues, White Collar Girl, What the Lady Wants and Dollface as well as the young adult novel, Every Crooked Pot. Her most recent novel is Park Avenue Summer (April 30, 2019 from Penguin Random House/Berkley).

Renee is a native of Akron, Ohio and a graduate of The American University in Washington DC.  She now lives in Chicago where she is at work on a new novel, The Social Graces, a story about Mrs. Astor and Mrs. Vanderbilt vying for control of New York society during the Gilded Age. (Coming in 2020 from Penguin Random House/Berkley).

She frequently visits with book clubs (either in person or via Skype/FaceTime) and is available for speaking engagements. For more information, feel free to contact her using the contact form.

 

Renee Rosen’s Publisher  (Penguin Random House) is offering a paper copy of  PARK AVENUE SUMMER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

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Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – a Review

 

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Description:
Outlaw Jack Bowdre is on his way to jail—and completely unaware that he’s traveling with Nora Kane, the mail order bride he’s been corresponding with for so long. No wonder the chemistry is flying…

It’s too bad Nora doesn’t know Jack is her groom-to-be. All she sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes, they’re suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they’re together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after…but first, they’ll have to shake the devils from their trail.

 

 

Review:

Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 2nd book in her wonderful Outlaw Mail Order Brides series.  I have become a big fan of Broday’s western historical romance stories, and Saving the Mail Order Bride is once again another fantastic story line. Refresher: Hope’s Crossing started as a town run by outlaws who wanted to begin a new clean life, and build a family.   

We met our hero, Jack Bowden, in the previous book, and we felt sorry for Jack, since he did not get the warrants against him removed.  In Saving the Mail Order Bride, Jack has been captured by a US Marshall and being brought to a jail to await his probable hanging. 

Nora Kane, our heroine is traveling on the same stagecoach with Jack, and when the stagecoach crashes, they end up together to escape those chasing them.  The problem is that Nora snapped the handcuffs on Jack and her to keep herself safe, and without a key they are bound together.  Jack is escaping the lawmen, and Nora is running away from someone from her past who wants something she has.   At first, neither of them get along, but in a short time, especially after they both find out that Nora is a mail order bride, and she was supposed to marry Jack.  The chemistry between them grew with each difficult passing day, as they both began to find themselves attracted to each other.  The humor between them was also great; it was just fun to watch them show their true feelings.  Jack was tough and strong, in protecting Nora, as well as loyal; Nora was equally as tough, and was determined to help Jack and become his bride.  I loved them together, as they were perfect for each other.

What follows is an exciting story line, and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them.  When things appear desperate, they will get help from our last book’s heroes, Tally and Clay, and finally connect to Hope’s Crossing with the help of others.  I also loved when Jack and Nora rescued a young 8 year old boy from a mean outlaw, and takes the boy, Sawyer, with them, and eventually as part of their family when they arrive in Hope’s Crossing.  There is also a baby that is rescued along the way that becomes part of their family.  So nicely done

More people come to join their town, and help with the rebuilding process.  They all stick together to protect Nora, Sawyer and baby Willow. There were some great secondary characters they we got to meet, and learn to care for, such as the Tally, Rebel, Dr Mary, and Jack’s friends, Clay, Ridge, Luke, etc.   The last half of the book was very exciting, as a few times they find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with those who have been chasing them from the start.  Nora will try to use something valuable that she has to help save Jack.

Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful new western historical series, with a fantastic group of characters, and a couple we fell in love with.  Saving the Mail Order Bride was a great addition to this series, as it was emotional, exciting, sweet romantic story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters and a great couple. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Highland Salvation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Highland Salvation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / iTunes / Google Play

 

Description:
Finlay Cameron, the bastard son of an English earl and a Scottish mother, weds stunning, outgoing Blair Macnab to ensure her clan’s loyalty to King Charles. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a wife, but he suspects she may be plotting his murder.

Always considered to be nothing more than a pretty face, Blair Macnab yearns to prove her worth. She refuses to be used as a pawn for political gain, but when confronted by a blackmailer, her only option is to marry the brawny Finlay Cameron.

In Finlay’s arms, she feels safe for the first time ever. Until she learns that her blackmailer is hot on her trail and her secrets could soon be exposed…

Each book in the Highland Pride series is STANDALONE:
* Highland Deception
* Highland Redemption
* Highland Temptation
* Highland Salvation

 

 

Review:

Can genuine happiness be achieved even though you may have fibbed to get there in the first place? Surprisingly, BOTH of our heroes aren’t being 100% forthcoming, so let’s call it a draw, shall we? Highland Salvation by Lori-Ann Bailey is book 4 in her Highland Pride series. I’m not usually one to go out of order, but Finlay and Blair were strong characters and the book was easy enough to follow. The secondary cast was full of charming characters — do read from the very beginning for optimum joy!

 England and Scotland are in political and religious turmoil, feuding over the rule of King Charles. Finlay Cameron and Blair McNab are devout subjects, but Blair’s father’s loyalty is rumored to “bend with the favorable winds”. When Blair and Finlay wed hastily, their nuptials are naturally met with trepidation.

   “…it was the prudent decision for his clan, country, and king. She was a Royalist, and it would be a good match for the Camerons and King Charles if their union could keep the McNabs from joining the Covenanters.”

Not exactly swoon-worthy, but let’s put a pin on that for now. Aside from the sudden marriage, trouble abounds. A blackmailer is in pursuit of Blair, but she’s hesitant to lean on her new husband out of paranoia, or the very real fear of being sent away. En route to England (the king must be apprised of escalating threats), events meant to impede their purpose intensify, casting a suspicious light on Blair. She IS the only newcomer. So much for the honeymoon phase! ;D

Unconventional as it might have been, Finlay was determined to court Blair, inspired to make her a satisfied partner. Not to shame Finlay, but his desire to win over Blair was just precious. As a warrior, he’s not supposed to wonder (fret!) if a woman is interested, but this lass was special and Finlay’s anxiety to please her was a palpable, endearing sentiment. Finlay is pure of heart and Blair appreciated that from early on, but she couldn’t burden him with her secret so soon. So yes, they were both uneasy; is he enough for Blair, is her past going to ruin their future? Hardly uncommon for such an auspicious beginning, lol, but instead of allaying their fears or concerns with each other, aka good ‘ol communication, assumptions began to undermine/negate the progress they were making. Trust is earned, a back-and-forth is expected, but niggling doubts resurfacing at 86% into the book and they’re not on the same page yet?!

You know how you have to accept premises/plots, and just “go with it”, otherwise you can’t enjoy it? ME. Honest communication wasn’t just elusive, we’re talking elephant-in-the-room kind of oversight. Our H/H were intimate several times, no complaints here, but they never discussed a serious issue that hounded them both — that we the readers knew! It started to wear on me, to be honest, because they were face-palm moments; moments too incredulous not to discuss.

I like how Highland Salvation played out, a wee too rushed at the end, but I cried out for heart-to-hearts — speak your truths! Blair and Finlay may have settled for each other initially, one out of protection and the other to flee a blackmailer, but they defied the odds and became each other’s saving grace.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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One Night For Seduction by Erica Ridley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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One Night For Seduction (Wicked Dukes Club #1) by Erica Ridley-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 16, 2019

When the Wicked Duke dares the Duke of Colehaven to find a suitor for an unmanageable ward, Cole immediately accepts. He’s on a winning streak, and besides, how unmarriageable can a pretty young lady be? He appoints himself bodyguard and duenna, only to discover his own desires may be the greatest danger of all.

Supposed wallflower Diana Middleton lives a double life, bringing dishonest businessmen to justice. Shaking off a meddling duke should be child’s play. Yet the more they lock horns, the more she wants to lock lips. Her scandalous secrets would derail his political career. But surely there’s no harm in one little seduction…

•••••••••••

REVIEW: One Night for Seduction begins with the Duke of Colehaven, Cole, and his friends having drinks in their local drinking establishment, the Wicked Duke. One of Cole’s friends was belaboring the fact that his ward, Diana Middleton, was ‘unmarrigeable’. Never one to back down from a challenge, or wager, Cole takes it upon himself to find a suitable suitor for Diana. After all, he’s on a ten year winning streak.

Cole makes a visit to Diana’s home, where things do not go well. She assures him that she will never marry and basically throws him out. Unknown to Cole, Diana has a bit of a secret life that she is not willing to give up.

Diana has taken it upon herself to champion local businesses due to London’s complicated weights and measures laws. Whether it is naïve shop owners or unscrupulous vendors, she has made it her mission to set things right to ensure vendors are not taken advantage of. However, when she finds out that Cole is actually one of the ones making the laws for her cause, she can’t help but wonder….

As Cole continues to pursue Diana in his quest to find a suitor for her, he finds himself enamored with her. And, soon, she finds herself enamored with him. When Cole withdraws from the wager to pursue Diana himself, he is stunned by her refusal. Even though the two of them are in love with each other, Diana is steadfast in being who she is and never giving that up for anyone. If only Cole could accept the real her……….

One Night for Seduction is a nicely written story with great leads. Diana is way ahead of her time, in that the women of the ton are not supposed to be independent in what they want to do with their lives. I did find her ‘cause’ a little perplexing though, if I’m being honest. But, each to his (or her) own. Cole is a wonderful character. He was never supposed to be Duke, but through a series of events, he finds himself in a world where he’s had to work hard to be accepted by his peers. He knows certain things are expected of him, but stays true to himself to get what he truly wants: Diana Middleton. The secondary characters are charming and nicely written, which leaves you wanting more. If you’re a fan of Historicals, this one is worth the time. I look forward to the next installment. Well done, Erica Ridley!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie K

 

Movement caught the corner of the Duke of Colehaven’s eye and he turned to see a maid slip into the receiving salon. Possibly sent to offer him some sort of refreshment as he waited but, given how the mission was unfolding thus far, more likely the girl was simply going about her normal routine. Shaw would return at any moment to inform Cole his mistress had no wish to make his acquaintance.
He gave a subtle nod to acknowledge the maid’s presence and moved out of her way to sit upon the edge of a sofa.
The maid tilted her head as if considering him, but the brim of her mobcap flopped too low for Cole to discern the direction of her gaze. Of course a servant wouldn’t be so ill-trained as to stare rudely at her masters’ guests. Likely she was deciding between carrying on with her duties or returning later once the unexpected guest had gone.
“You’re one of Diana’s friends?” came the soft query.
Cole wasn’t certain what startled him more: confirmation that Diana Middleton did indeed have friends, or surprise that a maid would dare to address him directly.
Perhaps that was why his mouth answered automatically, “I’m here to see Miss Middleton, yes.”
Even that small evasion caused a ripple of discomfort beneath his skin. It was none of the maid’s business what the Duke of Colehaven was or was not up to, but Cole prided himself on being scrupulously honest in all his dealings, regardless of situation or class. Yet he could not bring himself to say No, I am not her friend aloud. Honesty was paramount, but so was honor, and he was not here to besmirch Miss Middleton’s.
“Is she expecting you?” the maid asked.
“She is not,” he replied tightly, and made a show of arranging his long limbs in the opposite direction as though he had become struck with sudden fascination at the wallpaper on the other side of the parlor.
There. That should put paid to further inquiries.
“Then why are you here?” the maid insisted. “Have you come to press a suit?”
“Nothing like that,” Cole blurted out more forcefully than he intended. He gave up on the far wallpaper and turned to glare at the impertinent maid in the doorway.
She was no longer in the doorway. The maid now stood an arm’s width from the other side of the sofa. Her enormous mobcap still flopped too low for her eyes to be visible, but her slender fingers worried at each other against the starched panel of her apron.
The chit ought to be worried. If one of the Middletons caught her interrogating a guest… Or if the head housekeeper should spy her underling shirking her duty…
“Haven’t you anything to do?” Cole said at last. He was not rude by nature, but then again, he normally did not find himself in conversation with other peoples’ chambermaids. Reminding her of her duty was doing her a favor, he told himself. If she lost her post due to such antics, Cole would not be to blame.
“I have more to do than time to do it,” the maid said.
Cole did not doubt this. He gestured toward the opposite side of the parlor. “Don’t let me stop you from what you came to do.”
To his surprise, her lithe hands retrieved a small journal from the pocket of her apron, jotted a quick note with the nub of a pencil, and tucked both objects back inside as though they’d never existed.
“Where’s your chaperone?”
“I don’t require a chaperone. It’s Miss Middleton who—” He broke off as a sudden thought occurred to him, unlikely as it might seem. “Are you the young lady’s chaperone? Have you come to assess my character?”
“Did you hope for a stolen moment alone with her?” the maid countered.
“Heaven forbid.” He could not repress a shiver of horror. “I would never be caught alone with a marriageable young lady.”
“You’ve no wish to marry?”
“None,” he replied firmly. And definitely no wish to be compromised against his will.
“Then what makes you think Miss Middleton has any intention to marry?”
“Of course she intends to marry,” Cole said in exasperation. “All proper young ladies hope to find a worthy husband and become an equally worthy wife. What else is she going to do?”
“Mathematics,” the maid replied without hesitation.
He blinked at this non sequitur. “What sort of woman prefers mathematics to marriage?”
“A wise one,” the maid snapped. She ripped off her mobcap and glared at him, revealing a beautiful pair of angry blue eyes. “I’d rather devote the rest of my life to applied sums and long division than spend a single second in the presence of yet another man who thinks he knows what a woman wants without bothering to perform the most perfunctory of information gathering interviews to determine—”
“Miss Middleton?” stammered from his mouth, but Cole need not await verbal confirmation to recognize the truth. “Why are you dressed like a maid?”
“Why are you alone with me in this parlor?” she countered, hands on her hips.
At this unfortunate moment, Cole noticed that when the “maid” entered the salon, she’d shut the door behind her. His stomach bottomed in abject fear. If she hadn’t known he was coming, why on earth was she wearing a disguise? Had she known he was coming?
“Please tell me this was not an elaborate trick to compromise me into marriage,” he managed, every muscle tensing in anticipation of the worst.
“No,” Miss Middleton said, blue eyes flashing, “it is leverage which I intend to use to force you to leave me alone.”
“You mean to extort a duke?” He paused as full realization set in. “Into not marrying you?”
“Is it working?” she demanded.
He rose to his feet with alacrity. “I harbor no wish to marry you. None. At all.”
“Splendid,” she said. “Now hear this. I don’t need you or any man. Understood? If you’ve any sense of self-preservation, you’ll find your way out of this town house before someone catches us alone together and both our lives are ruined.”
God help them both.
He dashed to the door and flung it open wide, to prove no nefarious seduction was underway in the guest parlor. But Miss Middleton was right. Lack of misdeed would not be enough. He needed to make haste before the distinct lack of chaperonage in the parlor forced them into an unwanted marriage.
Sensing any act of politeness would only serve to irritate her further, Cole tipped his hat as he swept past her. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Middleton. Have a lovely day.”
“I’m already delighted never to have to see you again,” she called after him, her plump lips pursed in victory.
He smiled to himself as he slipped on his gloves.
That was where the fiery Miss Middleton went wrong. They would definitely be seeing each other again. After all, he had a ten-year winning streak to protect.
And the Duke of Colehaven never backed down from a dare.

 


 

Erica Ridley learned to read when she was three, which was about the same time she decided to be a writer when she grew up.

Now, Erica is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels.

The Dukes of War features roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.

In Rogues to Riches, Cinderella stories aren’t just for princesses… Lovable rogues sweep strong-willed young ladies into whirlwind adventure.

The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a laugh-out-loud historical romance series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

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Her Midnight Sin by Sofie Darling-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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HER MIDNIGHT SIN (Shadows and Silk) by Sofie Darling -Review, Excerpt & Giveaway  Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 17 , 2019

Like a vengeful Norse God, Captain John Nylander has come from the sea to steal the only home that Callie has ever known. And that might not be all he’s after.

Can a Viking …..

Orphaned as a child, Nylander has never known a real home. Now he is ready to leave the dangers of his past behind and put down the roots he has always longed for. The only thing standing in his way is a lanky aristocratic lady who is more at home on the farm than in the ballroom. And she has secrets . . .

And a Viscountess . . .

Callie, the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban, has poured all her energy into making Wyldcombe Grange her home. Managing an estate is not what she dreamed of, but her late husband’s rejection made it clear that love and a family would never be hers. Now she may lose even that to the sinfully handsome Captain. But Nylander is making her dream again . . .

Turn passion into love?

Nylander inspires a recklessness in Callie that she can’t control. Soon she finds herself conspiring with pirates and contemplating midnight trysts with the very Viking who has turned her life upside down. For Nylander, being with Callie embodies everything he’s always wanted–home. As midnight strikes, will all their secret, sinful dreams come true?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: I’ve read and liked a couple of this author’s previous books, so I happily dived in ….

This is the third book in the “silk and stockings” series. I hadn’t read the two previous books, and didn’t really think you needed to (although there is a connection between Nylander and the Viscount St.Alban)

Callie has never really known love and affection, her late husband made it clear that he found her repulsive and didn’t want children with her, so she had channeled all her love and energy into the grange (the home she has lived in for the past few years)
She has slowly turned it into a profitable asset.
But Callie doesn’t expect to be thrown out of her home, and it to be “given” to a friend and to a man that calls the sea his “home” it’s not fair, and in a moment of madness Callie announces she has money and she wants the time to buy her home from the Viscount.

Nylander only wants a home, and he’s jealous of any man that is given an opportunity to buy land. He hates London and all it stands for, but a man would be lucky to have land in the country. But being and orphan and of uncertain parentage Nylander knows that landowning won’t really be on the cards for him.

Callie and Nylander meet for the first time at the Viscount’s home ….. and it’s not a pleasant meeting (but Callie is hostile towards him as he will be taking her home, Nylander is bemused at her hostility, but not shocked, no one in society has ever had anything good to say to him.

Then things take a turn as Lysander collapses, he has malaria!! The Viscount asks Callie to take his friend back to the Grange to recuperate!!! The nerve of the man!!! But reluctantly she agrees…..

The story bounces along nicely, a few funny moments, lots of misunderstandings and a little intrigue.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B. ?

Nylander fixed his gaze on the curious woman beyond Jake’s shoulder. She stood quietly, a straight vertical line of a woman, tall and not a curve on her. Her hair shone the fiery red of an East Indian sunset.

Jake cleared his throat. “Shall we toast to your safe arrival?”

Nylander jutted his chin toward the woman. “If you’ve still some business to conduct, I can wait.”

Jake’s brow darkened, as if unhappy to be reminded of her. “Just finishing up some business with the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban.”

A Dowager Viscountess. Right.

She stepped into the light of a gas wall sconce. She was all long limbs, gangly like a colt who had yet to grow into her legs. High cheekbones. Strong nose. Eyes, not conventionally blue and round, rather dark and almond shaped. A mouth too wide and full to be called pretty, but appealing. Her individual features were none of them fashionable, but they synthesized to form a face attractive and compelling. She was a difficult woman to look away from. He couldn’t if he wanted, so strong was the magnetic pull of her.

Yet she stood glaring at him with the hostility of a woman who had a serious bone to pick. He’d never encountered her in his life; he would’ve remembered. So why was she looking at him like she would strap lead weights to his ankles and toss him into the sea rather than lay eyes on him ever again?

Jake glanced back and forth between them, a deep furrow in his brow. “Shall I introduce you?”

“There shan’t be any need for that,” she said tightly.

Shame, bitter, hot, and familiar, sliced through Nylander, a shame he’d never been able to shed. Its stigma wrapped tentacles around him and squeezed. Though he was dressed in the finery of a nob, this woman wasn’t fooled. People of quality always saw straight through to who he was, who he really was. Jake didn’t see it, because he loved him like a brother, but this woman did with those coal dark eyes of hers that pierced and burned. She knew him for what he was: an orphan, a cast-off, a man to be used and discarded when the whim suited her.

Perhaps not that last part for her. Unlike many a lady before her, she clearly wanted nothing to do with him, not even the pleasure his body could offer hers . . .

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Sofie Darling is an award-winning author of historical romance. Her debut novel, THREE LESSONS IN SEDUCTION, won the Writers’ League of Texas’ Manuscript Contest in the Romance Category in 2016.

She spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every book she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply had to write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and embarked on her writing career.

When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, she runs a marathon in a different state every year, visits crumbling medieval castles whenever she gets a chance, and enjoys a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.

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