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A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Seducing the Sedgwicks #2) by Cat Sebastian-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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A GENTLEMAN NEVER KEEPS SCORE (Seducing the Sedgwicks #2) by Cat Sebastian-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

A GENTLEMAN NEVER KEEPS SCORE
Seducing the Sedgwicks #2
by Cat Sebastian
Genre: adult, historical, M/M, romance
Release Date: July 10, 2018

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 10, 2018

Once beloved by London’s fashionable elite, Hartley Sedgwick has become a recluse after a spate of salacious gossip exposed his most-private secrets. Rarely venturing from the house whose inheritance is a daily reminder of his downfall, he’s captivated by the exceedingly handsome man who seeks to rob him.

Since retiring from the boxing ring, Sam Fox has made his pub, The Bell, into a haven for those in his Free Black community. But when his best friend Kate implores him to find and destroy a scandalously revealing painting of her, he agrees. Sam would do anything to protect those he loves, even if it means stealing from a wealthy gentleman. But when he encounters Hartley, he soon finds himself wanting to steal more than just a painting from the lovely, lonely man—he wants to steal his heart.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: A GENTLEMAN NEVER KEEPS SCORE is the second instalment in Cat Sebastian’s SEDUCING THE SEDGWICKS adult, M/M historical romance series focusing on the Sedgwick brothers-Ben, Hartley, Will, Percy and Lance. This is twenty-three year old, recluse Hartley Sedgwick, and bar owner Sam Fox’s story line. A GENTLEMEN NEVER KEEPS SCORE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: A GENTLEMAN NEVER KEEPS SCORE is a M/M romance story line with M/M sexual situations.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sam and Hartley) A GENTLEMAN NEVER KEEPS SCORE follows the forbidden relationship between recluse Hartley Sedgwick, and bar owner Sam Fox. The year is 1817, and homosexuality is illegal; a sin, and punishable by law but the rumors abound about Hartley Sedgwick in the wake of his ‘inheritance’ from his godfather Sir Humphrey Easterbrook, a man known to partake of the sins of the flesh including dalliances with young men, a rumor purported to have been started by the man’s only son Martin. Spurned by London society for his flamboyant and effeminate persona, and rumoured attraction to men, Hartley Sedgwick found himself secluded in his new home, a home once owned by Humphrey Easterbrook. Enter bar owner and former boxer Sam Fox, a black man who’s hoping to help his brother’s future wife Kate by retrieving a rather intimate portrait thought to be in the possession of Martin Easterbrook. What ensues is the racially forbidden, and sexually illegal relationship between Hartley and Sam, and the potential fall-out as they go in search of Kate’s portrait, keeping secret their attraction to one another in the wake of more than one offense punishable by law.

A GENTLEMAN NEVER KEEPS SCORE focuses on the frightening reality of racism, sexism, classism and the fear of homosexuality in the early 1800s-not unlike the realities of many of today’s societies. While Hartley Sedgwick must accept or ignore the rampant rumors that have destroyed his standing in London society, Sam Fox knows only too well the effects of discrimination for all of his life. As the two men battle their attraction to one another, Sam must do battle with local law enforcement as it pertains to his bar license and former prowess as a boxer, while Hartley continues to search for Kate’s missing portrait.

The relationship between Hartley and Sam is one of immediate attraction, an attraction deemed forbidden by God and by law but an attraction that forces Hartley and Sam to seek out one another in secret and in the dark. Hartley keeps secret a darkened past that has all but destroyed his faith in most men, a past that controls his relationship with the man that he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Hartley’s brother Will, who may or may not be attracted to Martin Easterbrook; Hartley’s stubborn valet Alf; his young cook Sadie; Sam’s brother Nick, and Nick’s fiancé Kate. The requisite evil has many faces, most of whom reject Hartley based upon rumors and his sexual preference.

A GENTLEMAN NEVER KEEPS SCORE is a story of sexual challenges, discrimination, racism and class. The premise is engaging and compelling; the romance is forbidden but intense; the characters are enterprising, tireless and spirited.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one- IT TAKES TWO TO TUMBLE

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

Reviewed by Sandy

It was dark now, and a chill was settling in that felt more like November than September. Hartley turned up the collar of his topcoat and tucked his hands into his pockets. His thin kid gloves did nothing to keep his hands warm but the change of seasons came as a relief. Autumn meant an excuse to put another layer of clothes between his body and the world. It meant a reprieve from the tyranny of merrymaking that a run of decent weather seemed to inspire in his countrymen. Autumn meant a glorious few months spent indoors, complaining about fog and drinking warm beverages.
The recollection that he’d be experiencing these pleasures alone had a significant damping effect. He had never had close friends in the highest echelons of London society; he wasn’t any good at confidences or warmth or whatever it was people expected of friends. He was an entirely passable acquaintance: he made amusing conversation, wore the right clothes, and blended into good company in a way that made people forget he hadn’t been born to it. With the faith of a child and the ignorance of a tourist, he had assumed that once being accepted into their company, he wouldn’t be cast out.
He turned into the mews behind his house. The kitchen door was left unlocked so that when the servants returned later that night they’d be able to let themselves in. This might have been imprudent but for the fact that Hartley had sold off everything worth stealing years ago. His godfather had left him the house and its contents but nothing to live on. In order to scrape together enough capital to invest for a modest income, Hartley had needed to auction off nearly all the furnishings. Any housebreakers would be sadly out of luck.
The mews was quiet at this hour, and Hartley was able to make his way to his house without being seen. But as he approached the door, he saw a figure standing in the shadows. Hartley went still and let his eyes adjust to the darkness. It was a man, broad and tall, even though he looked like he was making an effort to disappear into the gloom. Beneath the brim of his hat, his skin was dark brown, nearly as dark as the wool of his coat. Hartley recognized him as the same man he had seen across the street the previous week. Evidently he had been watching Hartley’s house then, as he was now.
Hartley could not think of any good reasons why a man would be lurking outside his kitchen door. But he couldn’t think of any bad reasons either. Surely a housebreaker wouldn’t simply stand there. In all likelihood he was walking out with Hartley’s parlor maid and was waiting for a chance to steal a moment with her. Hartley wished them well. Godspeed, young lovers.
Surely, though, if he was walking out with the maid, he’d already know that this was her day out. Perhaps he was a spurned lover, and if so, Hartley did not want him making trouble for any of his maids. He stepped out of the shadows toward the stranger.
“Come into the light so I can see you,” he said, his voice rusty from disuse. That was the worst part of being an outcast—London teemed with people but there was nobody to talk to. The stranger startled, and Hartley congratulated himself on his superior skulking abilities. “I’m unarmed,” he added, holding up his empty hands. “I thought I’d take the opportunity to suggest that if you’re walking out with Janet, you ought to know that her favorite sweets are peppermint creams. And also that if you hurt her I’ll have you murdered.”
“I never heard of Janet,” the man said.
“It had better not be Polly,” said Hartley, bristling. “She’s hardly grown.”
“I have no idea—”
“Cook, then?” He would have thought Cook a good deal too old for that sort of thing, but one never knew. “Good for her,” he said. “I reckon she’ll murder you herself if you put a foot wrong.”
“Are you drunk? Do you need help getting home?” There was a touch of—could it be concern?—in the stranger’s voice.
Hartley stepped even closer. “If you’re not here for one of the maids, does that mean you’re here for me? How flattering,” he drawled. “One usually has to go to such trouble to arrange this sort of thing, and here you are, delivered to my doorstep.” That ought to scare the fellow off right enough.
But instead of turning on his heel and running away, the stranger sighed. “All right mate, let’s get you home where you can sober up someplace safe. Can’t have you making advances to people in dark corners. You’ll get yourself killed.”
“I—I beg your pardon,” Hartley stammered.
The stranger paid him no heed. “This where you live? Let’s go.”
A strong arm came around Hartley’s shoulders, steering him toward the kitchen door. His customary fear stole his words and made him powerless to protest, but it was accompanied by a bittersweet awareness that in another lifetime, he might have wanted this strong arm around him, bringing him to a safe place.
Hartley let himself be shepherded inside.

Cat Sebastian lives in a swampy part of the South with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. Before her kids were born, she practiced law and taught high school and college writing. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s doing crossword puzzles, bird watching, and wondering where she put her coffee cup.

Website – https://catsebastian.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/catsebastianwrites/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CatSWrites
Goodreads: https://goo.gl/kJNw5X
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Newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/catsebastian

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LINK:  https://www.subscribepage.com/Gentleman

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. Three winners will each receive a paperback copy of It Takes Two To Tumble by Cat Sebastian. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 7/23/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted.

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Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley – Review & Giveaway

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Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Priceless artwork has gone missing from the home of a wealthy baronet, and his wife stands to take the blame. When Kat’s employer asks for help in clearing her friend’s name, Kat trades her kitchen for the homes of Mayfair’s wealthiest families.
Soon antiques are disappearing not only from the extravagant households of connoisseurs and collectors, but from the illustrious British Museum. As the thefts increase in frequency, Kat calls upon her friend Daniel McAdam, who has already set himself up in a pawnshop on the Strand as a seedy receiver of stolen goods. When a man is murdered in the shop, Kat must use all of her wits to see that the thieves are caught and justice is done.

 

 

Review:

Scandal Above Stairs by Jennifer Ashley is the 2nd book in her Kat Holloway series. Kat is our heroine and cook extraordinaire.  She is a smart, confident, independent, and very loyal and protective to the household staff, where Kat reigns.  Kat would make a great detective, as she is always helping solve crimes.

In Scandal Above Stairs, which takes place in Victorian England, we find that Kat is coerced to help Lady Cynthia clear her friend and solve the mystery of stolen antiquities from other mansions of the wealthy.  We also meet Tess, a young homeless girl sent by Daniel for Kat to train and protect.  It was nice to see how Kat takes her under her care, training her and giving her hope for a future.  Tess is also street wise, and insists to help Kat with the theft investigations.  While Kat leaves the kitchen to visit the friend, she surmises that the husband is the guilty party, and eventually Daniel, who is also deep in another investigation of his, will help her, as the two cases will come together. 

What I love about this series, is the Downton Abbey feel of above and below the stairs, with the  household staffing; housekeeper, cooks, steward, maids, footman, valet, butlers, etc.   I loved seeing the things Kat cooks for the family and for the servants, which was fun, especially with her showing Tess how to do things. 

The mystery of the thefts has Kat investigating other thefts, and also worrying about Daniel, when he disappears for a few days.  Between Daniel’s friend Mr. Thanos, Cynthia, Tess and James (Daniel’s son) they try to find clues to the thefts, as well as searching for Daniel.

What follows is a very good mystery with a few surprises along the way.   Though Daniel and Kat make a great team, it is the secondary characters that Kat works with that help make this series special.  Ashley gives us a nice view of London; the streets, the wealthy society and mansions; the dark and low of the criminals or the poor.

I expect to see more romance between Daniel and Kat in future books.  If you enjoy Victorian mysteries, a Downton Abbey upstairs/downstairs background, very good leading & secondary characters, well written by Jennifer Ashley, than I suggest you start this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Six Weeks with a Lord by Eve Pendle – a Review

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Six Weeks with a Lord by Eve Pendle – a Review

 

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Description:
Grace Alnott is out of time. To save her younger brother from an abusive guardian, her merchant father’s will demands she must marry a peer. Handsome but destitute Everett Hetherington, Earl of Westbury agrees to her offer of a marriage of convenience but stipulates she must live with him for six weeks. No matter how honorable he seems she can’t allow him to get too close, because the aristocracy cannot be trusted. Six weeks. Major Everett Hetherington, new Earl of Westbury, has exactly six weeks to convince the very independent Grace Alnott to spend the rest of her life with him. Despite her belief she doesn’t belong in his world, he must tempt the alluring Grace into staying, because he has fallen for her. Hard. He just has to ensure she never discovers his secret.

 

Review:

Six Weeks With a Lord is a Regency Historical Romance by Eve Pendle.  Grace Alnott is a wealthy merchant’s daughter and she has arranged a marriage of convenience to the new (but poor) Earl of Westbury. 

Grace wants to honour her father’s demand of marrying a peer, but she has doubts and misgivings, she also needs to rescue her younger brother from the “evil” guardian. 

Everett will need Grace’s dowry to help the farmers from the Westbury estate and pay family debts he has inherited, so marrying Grace is an ideal solution. And then the six weeks aren’t enough for him, he wants it to be permanent, he doesn’t have long to convince Grace that he wants it to be longer. 

But both are keeping secrets from each other. Their mutual agreement will serve both their purposes. 
Both agreed on a six weeks marriage without consummation. 
But both are attracted to one another and have a hard time ignoring their feelings. 

There are a few twists and turns and the usual love story, but it’s well written and very descriptive. 

It’s a nice read for a summer afternoon. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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Wagering for Miss Blake by Callie Hutton – a Review

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Wagering for Miss Blake by Callie Hutton – a Review

 

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Description:
Mr. Giles Templeton, third son of the Earl of Wexford, is a rake of the highest order and a confirmed bachelor. Yet, marriage-minded-mamas continue to drag their daughters to his attention. He’s everything a young lady of the ton could want—handsome, wealthy, charming, and kind. For Miss Suzanna Blake, though, Giles is missing the one thing her parents require in a potential son-in-law—a title.

Giles has a golden touch—investments, horses, connections but when he falls…hard for Suzanna, she turns him away, despite the passion sparking between them. At wit’s end, Giles wagers her that not only will she marry him but he’ll make her fall in love with him. If Suzanna wins, she gains a sizable fortune for her favorite charity but she faces a loveless marriage to a titled man. Though her heart yearns for a true love-match with Giles, she has never gone against her parent’s wishes. All bets are off when happiness lies in losing a wager.

 

Review:

Book 4 of the Lords and Ladies in Love series, Wagering for Miss Blake, will accelerate your heart rate with a sensual game of cat and mouse, but most importantly, earn high praise for defending the importance of love. Callie Hutton takes the ton to task with the collectiveive, indomitable spirit of Giles and Suzanna.

Giles Templeton’s lack of a title has never been a deterrent; his rakish ways even charming. But it’s the single most vexing, nay, tormenting impediment to winning over Suzanna Blake.

“However, she’d been quite disappointed when he’d been introduced as Mr. Templeton. She sighed inwardly. Mother would never approve, and Father would go along with whatever Mother wanted. And her mother wanted a title for her only daughter. A title.”

So it’s her mother, more accurately.

Giles is the son of an earl, but not the first…with the coveted title. Second place is first loser, if Ricky Bobby were to tell it. Bugger that. Suzanna has been conditioned to attain the elusive title via marriage, but life’s purpose changed upon meeting Giles. If only choices were hers to make!

Suzanna and Giles were enamored from the onset; their conversations captivating and engaging. It really was a harsher, critical time to thrive among the nobility. Any mother would want happiness and true love for her daughter, but the stigma attached, the expectations imposed, are confining and sheltered.

I was impressed by Suzanna’s strength and spine. She thought little of the ton’s amenities and falling in love with Giles steeled her resolve to fight for her future. Giles…swoon-worthy to be sure! A genuine charmer, with a healthy amount of arrogance and confidence, but never a hypocrite nor disingenuous.

“When I want something, I do everything in my power to succeed. Except deceit. I will win you fairly and honorably.”

Will Suzanna sacrifice Giles’s devotion, and her happiness, to appease her mother? Gretna Green sounds far more tantalizing, don’t you agree? I really enjoyed Wagering Miss Blake! Giles was relentless in his pursuit and I loved the progress he made to allay Susanna’s fears, however incrementally. Strides were life-affirming. I found Giles’s bachelor blue blood besties to be just as devil-may-care and I’m certain Ms. Hutton can maintain this high with their HEAs.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
When a lady decides to become a spy, she must resist all temptation…especially love.

Audrey Sheridan is London’s sweetheart, a position that allows her access to the tonand all its secrets. As the enigmatic writer, Lady Society, she is wild, reckless, and speaks her mind. She matchmakes wicked rogues with their perfect wives. But there’s one thing she’s failed to find since her debut. A husband for herself. And there’s only one man she’s ever wanted. There’s just one problem…he doesn’t want her. What’s a lady to do to mend her broken heart? Run off to become a spy…

Jonathan St. Laurent is anything but a saint and certainly not husband material. He spent nearly his entire life as a servant to his half-brother the Duke of Essex. He’s trying to play the gentleman now, but it’s damned hard when he’s tempted by the ton’s darling spitfire Audrey. There’s something about her that makes him want to abandon the rules of polite society and show her just how wicked he can be…which is why it’s better to avoid the minx altogether. When Audrey’s plan to be a spy is discovered, Jonathan knows he must move heaven and earth to protect her while guarding his own secret…

 

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

I know!  What a shocker huh?  A five star rating for Lauren Smith!  She seriously earns them though, and it’s an absolute treat to get one of her books to review.  I feel like I get reunited with an author I adore and with a cast of characters I can’t happen to fall in love with each and every time.  I often say her books can be stand alone and they truely can be .. BUT .. please do not deprive yourself from her entire series.  I promise you will not be disappointed.

His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith is the 8th book in her “The League of Rogues” series.  Her book “The Earl of Pembroke” is an introduction of sorts of this couple, so you may want to check that out as well.  A historical romance set around spies, proper and not so proper behaviour by members of the ton, angst, love, passion and action, you can absolutely find a little bit of everything in this book.

Jonathon St Laurent is our leading man and he did not disappoint.  I have to admit after meeting him in previous books I was absolutely looking forward to his story which I can happily say was all I expected it to be.  He is a bit of an enigma.  He is trying to act and mix in with polite society as best as he can.  He was raised as a servant despite the fact that he should of been titled himself, and he feels the pressure of it the most when he has to act proper and feel completely constrained doing so.  He is a little wicked, very handsome, I think extremely sexy and absolutely head over heels for his leading lady  .. it just takes him some time and some circumstances to get with the program. LOL

Audrey Sheridan is deemed London’s sweetheart as she is the matchmaker for most of the ton.  She just knows who should be with who and why it will work out.  She is sweet but very sassy, a little troublemaker that isn’t afraid to say what she means and means what she says.  Her only problem is that she has never matched herself.  That may have something to do with Jonathon though as she is completely in love with him but has been turned away.  So instead of throwing herself a pity party, she decided to become a spy.

These two tango a little while bit and while you know from previous books they will end up together, you never quite knew how it will come together.  Well Audrey becoming a spy and then having her cover blown big time and Jonathon realizing he has to protect her or lose her for good was just about the perfect way for this to happen.  Danger seems to ignite a fire between these two and truths are forced out in the process.  We have some ugly moments, some simple shake you head moments, but ultimately it’s the “enough is enough, we are meant to be” that takes this story full around.  

Always the antagonists and the angst but that makes their story even better.  I adored these two together and once again Lauren delivers vivid imagery and heart melting, heart racing scenes and conversations that get my inner teen girl squealing in delight.  LOL

Absolutely recommend this book, series, and everything else she writes,  I have reviewed just about everything she has released and I am in as much awe today as I was the first time I read one of her books!  Keep it up Lauren, I always look forward to your next piece of work!

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

 

Lauren is graciously offering a  paper copy (USA only) or e-copy (Internationally) of a book of the winners choice from Lauren’s backlist to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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A Touch of Flame by Jo Goodman – Review & Giveaway

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A Touch of Flame by Jo Goodman – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Dr. E. Ridley Woodhouse is like no physician Ben Madison has ever met—she’s a woman. As the newly elected sheriff of Frost Falls, Colorado, Ben is tasked with welcoming Ridley to the community. But while Ben might be tempted by the new doc’s charms, getting the town to accept a big-city, female doctor is no easy feat. To earn their trust she’ll have to prove herself and Ben determines to help her…even if she’s the most stubborn woman he’s ever met.

When the husband of one of Ridley’s patients threatens her, forbidding Ridley from treating his wife or children, all of Ben’s protective instincts kick in. Ridley has come to rely on Ben’s steady presence and the delicious tension that simmers just below the surface of their easy friendship—but as much as she trusts that his warnings to steer clear of Jeremiah Salt are sincere, she’s never been one to back down from a challenge and she refuses to abandon her patient.

But sticking to your guns can earn you trouble in the rough terrain of the Wild West, and danger threatens Ridley from unexpected places, forcing Ben to confront his deepest fear in order to save the woman he loves.

 

 

Review:

A Touch of Flame by Jo Goodman is the 2nd book in her Cowboys of Colorado series.   This is a western historical romance that I really enjoyed, especially with the couple being so likable

Dr. Ridley Woodhouse, our heroine, arrives in Frost Falls, Colorado to take over as the new doctor in town.  When Ben Madison, our hero and the town Sheriff, meets Ridley at the train station, he is surprised that the new doctor is a woman.  Ben is also very aware that the town will not accept Ridley easily, and that she had her work cut out to prove herself.

At first Ridley was somewhat cold to Ben, but in time that will change.  Ridley pushes herself to help those in need, proving to them that she can do the job, with word of mouth slowly alerting people that she is very capable.  The long road ahead will find Ridley also in the middle of a family suffering abuse by the drunken husband, with Ben having to step in to protect Ridley. 

What follows is a sweet slow build romance between Ben, who quickly begins to fall for Ridley, which also starts warming her up from the strict cold start.  They were so great together, as the romance was fun, humorous and their chemistry was sensual.  It was also enjoyable to get to know many of the town’s people, and how Ridley besides doctoring them, quietly manages to help some of them with their own personal issues. The main focus beside Ben and Ridley, and the town residents, was the abusive drunk, who would beat his wife, with the scared children going to Ben or Ridley for help.  He was becoming too dangerous, and Ben would not let Ridley go to their house alone.  This did create a lot of tension and danger into the mix of this wonderful romance, and town. It was nice to see Phoebe and Remington (first book heroes) again, and after Ridley helps Phoebe deliver her baby, the woman in town begin to open their arms to accept Ridley.

I did love Ridley, who was a strong & independent young lady, and in time, as her romance with Ben heated up, was a fun heroine.  I also adored the handsome Ben, who a wonderful hero, great sheriff and perfect for Ridley & Frost Falls.   There also was two major things that happened in the town that brought about danger and sadness, which touched on our heart. 

Jo Goodman did an excellent job in creating a wonderful couple in Ben and Ridley, and a story which had a lot of humorous banter, tragedy and an enjoyable romance.  If you enjoy romance, a western and historical background, with a fun sexy couple, then you should read A Touch of Flame.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jo Goodman’s Publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of A TOUCH OF FLAME  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway runs from June 7- 11, 2018

 

 

 

 

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The Bashful Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

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The Bashful Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

 

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Description:
A friend’s newspaper advertisement for a groom nets the most famous actor in London, Arthur Bex. Shy heiress Ester Croome proposes to elope with the handsome man, who she’s secretly loved for two years, in order to escape an impending engagement arranged by her overbearing family.

Trying to outlive the shadow of his villainous uncle, Bex needs to marry quickly—to a woman of good character. And smart, beautiful Ester fits the bill. But a harrowing trip to Gretna Green and dangerous abolition rallies prove to be a more treacherous stage than either imagined. Infatuation and a mutual love for Shakespeare might not be enough to bind a couple looking to outrun the chains and secrets of family and the past.

 

 

Review:

The Bashful Bride by Vanessa Riley begins with Ester finding out that her father, in order to further his business interests, has arranged her marriage to a known philanderer. Shocked down to her toes, she’s vowed to herself that she will not marry someone not of her own choosing.

Ester accompanies a friend to meet someone who has responded to her advertisement for a prospective groom. Once the two arrive, and see that the respondent is none other than Arthur Bex, actor extraordinaire, Ester’s friend makes it seem to Bex that Ester is the one who placed the ad. Ester discovers that Bex is an abolitionist and is immediately smitten. As they talk, he discovers her plight and the two of them decide to elope that very night.

What neither are prepared for are the repercussions of a white man marrying a Blackamoor woman. But, that’s not the only thing standing in the way of their happiness. Once Ester’s parents discover her deception, Ester is left heartbroken, wondering if she has not only shamed herself, but her family as well. However, when Ester discovers Bex’s past, she has no idea how to move forward. Feeling betrayed, she seeks the guidance of her friends and family, only to discover that things are not as they first appeared..………

The premise of The Bashful Bride is a good one. I liked the overall story. The first half of the book seemed to drag a bit, in my opinion. Some of the conversations between Ester and Bex were almost comical in the beginning and a little over the top. I also thought that there was too much waffling back and forth between the two main characters as to what they each wanted out of their relationship. With all of that said, once the two of them made their way back to London, the story became one that I loved. I really liked both of the main characters as well. The reader can see Ester growing and maturing as the story progressed, even though she was very naïve and sheltered in the beginning. Rex, however, took me a minute to like. Once his back story is revealed, you can see why he does some of the things he does. The secondary characters were engaging, but none more so that Ester’s parents. I’d love to read a prequel that told their story! Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. If you’re a fan of regency novels, I encourage you to give this one a try.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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On Highland Time by Lexi Post – a Review

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On Highland Time by Lexi Post – a Review

 

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Description:
For fans of sexy Scottish Highlanders who know how to treat a woman like a lady.

When someone changes history, affecting the future, Diana Montgomery, the most experienced agent of Time Weavers, Inc., travels back to 1306 Scotland to change it back. Her mission, to find the culprit and ensure a minor clan chief dies in battle as he originally had.

Diana is well-prepared to infiltrate the small MacPherson clan. What she’s not prepared for is Torr MacPherson, the ruggedly handsome warrior with a kind heart and a steadfast loyalty—the Laird she’s supposed to ensure dies.

 

 

Review: 

Oooooooh ..On Highland Time by Lexi Post is a time travel novel, which I have not read one of those in a while. 

Diana is a time traveler, working with a small team for TWI, (Time Weavers Inc.)

Their job is to go back in time after a Disturber (technically a bad guy) has altered a section of history and return it to how it should have be. (We do not find out why they want to disturb time, and it’s a little frustrating, hoping it gets cleared up in the next book)

A Disturber alters events, and the history of the world changes. (Good or bad I’m not sure at the moment)

Diana’s latest job is to go back to Scotland. (A Disturber has saved the life of a man who was to die in battle, and this changes the whole future). Diana is to make sure the man dies in battle and to identify the Disturber and bring him/her back to be interrogated by the TWI. 

Torr is the Laird of a small clan, loyal to Robert the Bruce. He has lost most of his family in battle, his only living relative is his younger brother. He won’t marry and he certainly doesn’t do relationships, in fact he keeps himself detached from everyone, he feels that he can’t bear to lose another loved one, and even the women he sleeps with all know that he won’t settle down, He won’t even bed the same woman twice. 

Diana arrives a few weeks before the battle.   When on previous missions to change time back, she keeps a low profile, making no friends nor does she bring attention to herself. But things don’t always go her way, and before she’s knows it, she’s befriended by the clan, and the Laird almost immediately notices the strange woman in his camp. 

Torr is looking for a possible spy so he notices all new faces, and there are several. But the one that disturbs him the most, is a woman, and he can’t get her out of his thoughts. 

He invites Diana to his bed and is shocked when she refuses…..But Diana has a job to do, she doesn’t have time for the handsome Laird. 

Diana is having a hard time doing her job this time, she finds Torr to be a good man with a big heart who is good to his clan and truly cares about them all.  Can Diana complete her task successfully? 

 I really enjoyed this story and thought the twist at the end was well done. I did have a few questions and queries, and I hope these are answered in any further books in this series.

(1) what’s a disturber ? 

(2) what do they gain from disrupting the past? 

And I wasn’t really sure about her team that she works with (including her boss “Jules”) 

(1) more info on the powers that some of her team members have.

On Highland Time is a promising start to the Time Weavers Inc. series.

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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