Tag Archives: Historical

The Highlander’s Norse Bride (Hardy Heroines #3.5) by Cathy MacRae-Review & Giveaway

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THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE (Hardy Heroines #3.5) by Cathy MacRae-Review and Giveaway

THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE
Hardy Heroines #3.5
by Cathy MacRae
Release Date: March 17,2018
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

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

About the book: Release Date March 17, 2018

Caught between two kings vying for sovereignty of the Isles and Western Scotland, Hanna of Hällstein has lost everything—and vows to repay the Scots for the deaths of her husband and children. Fleeing the smoldering ruins of her village, Hanna crosses the Strait of Mull and chooses the Laird of Clan MacLean as the object of her revenge.

Alex MacLean has buried a wife and three children. Ignoring the clamors for him to wed again and produce an heir, he finds himself drawn to a Norse refugee who defies him and tests the limits of his patience—and his power as Laird.

Torn between revenge and honor, Hanna fears setting aside her vow of vengeance means she has lost her reason for living. Alex is determined to save her, even if it means defying the king.

•••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDERS NORSE BRIDE is instalment 3.5 (and novella) in Cathy MacRae’s historical HARDY HEROINES Highland romance series. This is Hanna of Hallstein, and Laird Alex MacLean’s story line. THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For followers of this series, THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE bridges the gap between The Highlander’s Crusader Bride (Book #3) and The Highlander’s Welsh Bride (releasing sometime in 2018).

Told from dual third person perspectives THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE follows Hanna of Hallstein in the aftermath of an attack by the Scots, on her Norse village, that killed her children, and left her a widow. Hoping for revenge against the Scottish King, Hanna finds herself a willing captive, working for Clan MacLean, and their Laird. Enter Alex MacLean, Scottish Laird, and the man with whom Hanna will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Hanna and Alex, and the potential fall-out as Hanna is unable to accept the love of a man, she once deemed the enemy.

Hanna is a strong woman with the ability to defend and protect but there comes a time when strength and determination are unequal to the conflict of war and the abuse of power. Laird Alex MacLean struggles in the aftermath of his wife’s death; raising his daughter, Alex never consider remarriage but the sight of the Norse ‘Valkyrie’ finds our hero longing for a woman, and the potential for a new heir.

The relationship between Hanna and Alex is quick to develop. Alex’s attraction to Hanna is immediate but Hanna struggles with the recent death of her husband, and murder of her three children. The $ex scenes are intimate but mostly implied.

THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE is a quick read; a sweet romance between two people who are caught in a war not of their making. Some of the premise is loosely based in historical fact as the author adds a history lesson at the end of the story line epilogue. The premise is a well-rounded, intelligent and charming look at the thirteenth century, fictionalized history, and the war between the Scottish and the Norse. The characters are strong, and inspiring ; the romance is tender and passionate. THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE is the perfect read for lovers of historical Highland romance.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Highlander’s Viking Bride
The Highlander’s Crusader Bride
The Highlander’s Norse Bride

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cathy MacRae lives on the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains where she and her husband read, write, and tend the garden—with the help of the dogs, of course.

You can visit with her on facebook, or read her blogs and learn about her books at www.cathymacraeauthor.com. Drop her a line—she loves to hear from readers!

Cathy MacRae is gracious offering a  $20 Amazon Gift Card to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth by Callie Hutton – a Review

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The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth by Callie Hutton – a Review

 

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Description:
Recently widowed, Charlotte Pennyworth is relishing her independence and it rankles to have to rely on a man to help her with an increasingly sinister stalker. Former Yardman, Elliot Baker, is reluctant to take on Charlotte’s case but despite himself and his history with another woman, he is drawn to the bright, attractive widow.

Sparks smolder between the PI and his client but neither is looking to form an attachment. Elliot thinks Charlotte is hiding something. Charlotte has no desire to marry again, especially to a private investigator, no matter how handsome, brave and kind he is. The risk to his life and her heart is too great. But more dangerous than a menacing stalker is secrets and when Charlotte’s come to light, even the passion between them might not douse the flames of Elliot’s distrust.

 

Review:

When a woman’s word is often overlooked, if not blatantly dismissed, few options are available when threatened with Scotland Yard. Charlotte was poor and struggling to make ends meet, but she did not steal her employer’s jewelry. Be that as it may, Charlotte flees, desperate to avoid repercussions (and the unwanted advances of her employer). Callie Hutton tells a tale of wicked torments, overcoming adversity, and embracing second chances in The Pursuit of Mrs. Pennyworth.

Elliot and Charlotte are at odds in terms of relationships. She hires him to investigate a series of disturbing gifts arriving anonymously on her doorstep, but such proximity blossoms into business of a personal nature. Problem is, Elliott was humiliated by a former lover and now views every woman with a scrutinizing eye; suspicious of her character. Charlotte could break the mold, but he won’t pursue her. *Let’s just put a pin in it for now, shall we?* Charlotte is a widow after the briefest of marriages. She’s out of the mourning phase and is experiencing personal growth, but she does miss the intimacy of marriage. The attraction is a slow burn. Both anxious to explore, both reluctant to succumb.

This was an up and down read. I got caught up in several scenarios, frightened by the heightened aggression in the “gifts”, and ecstatic when a subtle touch lingered past propriety. It just seemed to drag on for too long; same dilemma, different scenario. Charlotte should have trusted her gut. While her escape might have extracted her from the hands of a lothario, she didn’t seriously connect her past to her present. Elliott would have considered the nasty character; if his grudge was capable of such pursuits. I ended up frustrated by recurring scenes that didn’t advance the plot. A good 50 pages less might have made the book more enticing to finish.

I enjoyed Charlotte’s new found independence. She wasn’t miserable in her first marriage, but there seemed an air of deprivation. Widowhood was desolate, but running her own home and answering only to herself was rather life affirming. Reading the newspaper while she drank her tea, instead of waiting until her husband was done, was a tiny, but fulfilling victory. Seemingly innocuous duties reinvigorated Charlotte’s self-esteem.

There was potential to devour this book had an editor curbed the redundancy and augmented the whodunit aspect. For all the buildup and drama attached to the perpetrator, the resolution was too tidy an ending for this reader. Callie Hutton is a seasoned writer, the love story is both endearing and sexy, but I wished to be swept up on all levels.  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Duke of Ruin (The Untouchables #8) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

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The Duke of Ruin (The Untouchables #8) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

THE DUKE OF RUIN
The Untouchables #8
by Darcy Burke
Release Date March 27, 2018
Genre: adult, historical, romance

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

With her betrothal to a duke in tatters and scandal imminent, Diana Kingman has two choices: live in certain ignominy or flee into obscurity. Diana wants solitude. She never wished to wed in the first place. However, her father will stop at nothing to betroth her to one of the finest titles in the realm…no matter how loathsome the bearer. Escape is Diana’s only option, and she’ll pay any price to achieve freedom.

Universally blamed for the death of his wife and unborn child, Simon Hastings doesn’t dispute his guilt over an accident he cannot even remember. He hasn’t had a drink since, nor a moment’s peace. Determined to be a better man, Simon rescues a young woman in need—only to be accused of kidnapping. They must marry to save him from prison. But how can a man haunted by the love he lost and a woman afraid to get too close find happiness together?

••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH MY HEART! That was deep, and while a lovely story, I didn’t find this overly light and fluffy. Could be my own mindset at the time, but I found this exceptionally emotional to read. I love emotions in a book for the record, so this isn’t in any way, shape or form a complaint, I’m just stating I got the feels big time here.

The Duke of Ruin by Darcy Burke is the 8th book in her “The Untouchables” series. Usually this far into a series one can expect to get a little bored but I have to say I have not had one moment of feeling this way. A historical romance, Darcy will send you back in time with a lush setting, rich characters and an angst/love filled story will be enjoyed.

Simon Hastings is the Duke of Romsby and is one messed up man. He believes he is at fault for killing his wife and unborn child and has been living a life in ruin and punishment. He is really such a good man and this is evident when he begins to interact with our leading lady. He is kind and handsome and has given up much in his life in order to try and walk a straighter line in life. He is also empathetic to other tortured souls and it’s this that draws him to Diana.

Diana Kingman was betrothed to another man (we meet her in the book The Duke of Ice) and has a choice to make. She can stay and be humiliated or she can get out of dodge. She never wanted to marry that man in the first place but her father will not ease up. Destined for a life of misery, Diana does what she has to do to take care of herself in the only way she knows how. She is smart and beautiful, a little reserved but quite compassionate as well. She blooms in a strong way when she meets Simon and you can see both heal so beautiful;y in the others company.

The romance is sweet and sexy and filled with some angst. These two really grow in their journey together and when truths are revealed it’s quite satisfying. I really enjoyed this couple because Darcy created them perfectly for the other, They compliment each other. I would recommend you read “The Duke of Ice” as you are given a back story and I believe it’ll allow you to appreciate these two a bit better. That being said it is not required to enjoy this book. I actually recommend the entire series as I have loved every single book in it.

Great spring read for a historical romance craving.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.


He turned from the fire and contemplated the bed. It was neither big nor small and would support a blanket between them. However, there was no dressing screen to allow for privacy.
He wasn’t entirely sure how to broach the sensitive topic of disrobing, but since they would be spending several nights together, it had to be done. He looked back at her over his shoulder. “You aren’t planning on sleeping in your clothes again, are you?”
She turned in front of the fire but didn’t come toward him. “I’d rather not. But I’m afraid I’m in need of assistance. Unfortunately, my wardrobe depends upon a maid.”
“I’d be happy to provide help. Just remember I’ve no experience as a ladies’ maid.”
“Did you never undress your wife?” She looked away, angling herself back toward the fire. “Forget I asked that.”
He went back toward her and spoke softly. “Don’t.” She turned her head, her blue eyes dark and vivid in the firelight. “We are going to get to know each other much better than we ought, and I don’t want you to regret things you might say. I assumed you would be curious about my wife. Yes, I undressed her. Many times. If I close my eyes, I can still feel her skin.” But he didn’t close his eyes. He couldn’t. She—Miss Diana Kingman—held him captive with her gaze.
Miss Kingman exhaled. “You must promise not to look. Aside from what you must do to unlace my gown.
“I promise.” He kept his voice and his gaze steady. “We must trust each other on this journey. Implicitly. That’s why I won’t shy away from your questions.”
She nodded, then presented her back. “Will you leave while I undress? I’ll need ten minutes or so. I’ll be in bed when you return and will close my eyes while you disrobe.”
It was a good plan, particularly since he thought a walk outside in the cold might do him some good. A beautiful woman’s back presented to him for the purpose of assistance with disrobing was too reminiscent of a time gone by and yet wholly new. Miss Kingman wasn’t Miriam, nor did he want her to be.
Simon quickly unlaced her gown and helped lift it over her head. He laid it across one of the chairs set at a small table and returned to help her remove her petticoat and unlace her corset. When he finished, he dropped his hands to his sides.
“I can finish,” she said, without looking back. “Thank you.”
He left without a word, closing the door firmly behind him. He inhaled sharply, taking perhaps the deepest breath he had in the last ten minutes.
Thankfully he didn’t encounter anyone on his walk. He wasn’t in the mood to made idle chatter. His thoughts were bad enough—railing at him for being attracted to someone who wasn’t his wife.
But how could he expect to go through life as he had the past two years? A self-hating, forlorn monk. Oh, he put on a good face for everyone else, but no one knew how acutely his pain cut.
Tomorrow, they would be on their way to Northampton, and hopefully, things would go as smoothly as they had so far. But first he had to spend the night in her bed. Again. Only with less clothing.
Thinking it had been well more than ten minutes, he made his way back upstairs. The lantern next to the bed had been extinguished, leaving just the light from the fire to illuminate the room.
Simon looked toward the bed. Miss Kingman lay near the edge of one side—as close as she could get without falling off, he noted—her back to the center of the bed, where it looked as though she’d rolled one of the blankets and placed it between them. He hoped there were enough coverings on the bed to keep them warm. Last night, they’d worn more clothing to bed.
Hell. He wore a nightshirt to sleep in or, most often, nothing at all. Tonight, he should probably keep his smallclothes on.
Shrugging out of his jacket, he hung it on a hook in the wall. He sat down to remove his boots, working as quietly and quickly as possible. When he’d removed everything but his shirt and smallclothes, he went to his side of the bed and crawled between the icy covers. He shuddered involuntarily and felt her jerk.
“Sorry,” he murmured. “Cold bed.”
“Very,” she responded, her low, feminine voice rustling over him like a fine silk.
He considered making an offer to warm them both up—body heat would be most beneficial. But that was likely a bad idea. For so many reasons.
He turned to his side, away from her, but snuggled his back against the rolled-up blanket. That would help with the cold. And the warmer he got, the more easily he would fall asleep. And the sooner he fell asleep, the sooner he could put the proximity of Miss Kingman out of his mind.
Too bad none of that happened very quickly at all. 


 

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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The Highlander’s Gift (Stolen Bride #8) by Eliza Knight-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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The Highlander’s Gift (Stolen Bride #8) by Eliza Knight-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

THE HIGHLANDER’S GIFT
Stolen Bride #8
by Eliza Knight
Release Date: March 27,2018
Genre: adult, historical, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 27 ,2018

An injured warrior… a lady who won’t let him fail…

Betrothed to a princess until she declares his battle wound has incapacitated him as a man, Sir Niall Oliphant is glad to step aside and let the spoiled royal marry his brother. He’s more than content to fade into the background with his injuries and remain a bachelor forever, until he meets the Earl of Sutherland’s daughter, a lass more beautiful than any other, a lass who makes him want to stand up and fight again.

As daughter of one of the most powerful earls and Highland chieftains in Scotland, Bella Sutherland can marry anyone she wants—but she doesn’t want a husband. When she spies an injured warrior at the Yule festival who has been shunned by the Bruce’s own daughter, she decides a husband in name only might be her best solution.

They both think they’re agreeing to a marriage of convenience, but love and fate has other plans…

•••••••••

REVIEW:5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

This was a very sweet sweet story, but not one that makes your teeth ache. It’s a friend to lovers story, that will leave you believing in fate, and powerful first love bonds.

The Highlander’s Gift by Eliza Knight is the 8th book in the “Stolen Bride” series and I believe the first book in a spin off series. A lovely historical highland romance that will immerse you in the highlander culture and have you appreciate all the vivid imagery that this story takes place in.

Sir Niall Oliphant (what a name that is huh? lol), is a strong warrior who has faced battle many times. He is known for his archery skills and is considered one of the top fighters in the highlands. When he loses an arm in battle, he is stripped not just of his limb but of what he considers makes him a man. He no longer feels he can contribute as a warrior and wants to fade into the background. He is betrothed to a princess that he doesn’t care for let alone love. She also feels the same and makes it clear that he is no longer a man in her eyes. The marriage is called off, but he is about to have another offer laid out that just may be a pivotal moment in his comeback and return to life.

Bella Sutherland is the daughter of a famous highland chief and so far has turned down every prospect of marriage that has come her way. She has memories of a young man in her her youth that she admired and shared a strong bond with and it’s left its mark. When she hears that Niall Oliphant can be a husband to her in name only, she decides this is the man for her. Feeling respect for her new husband, she will not allow him to fester in a pool of pity and begins to spark a flame under him to get him living again. Before she knows it though, this flame sparks in a whole other way that she never expected.

This is an endearing story that proves friendship can be just as powerful as love. They complimented each other’s strength and each other’s weaknesses. They encourage the other, they believe in the other and they will go out of their way to bring out the best in the other. This story will leave your heart happy, a smile on your face and sweet dreams.

Of course we have a nasty villian who shakes up this story and that just emphasizes that Niall and Bella make one hell of a team.

I did not feel like I missed out on any story as this is the 8th book of the series but I will go back and give the first 7 a try because I’m eager to learn about a few other characters mentioned in this one.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

An excerpt from THE HIGHLANDER’S GIFT
Copyright © Eliza Knight 2018

 

“I fear I am lost,” he ground out.
“Then let me save ye.” There was a slight tremor in her jaw that showed behind the strength, the teasing, she was vulnerable, too. But how? Why? “Now go ahead and kiss me.”
“Kiss ye?” He stared at her lush lips, wanting more than anything to do what she asked.
“Aye. I did not entertain ye. Take your prize.”
Niall stared down at her creamy face, her wide blue eyes, and felt his body stir. She was so beautiful. So cunning. So ornery. Lord, but he wanted her. Wanted to fight to prove he could have her. To prove to her that he wasn’t broken. “A kiss from ye is not a prize, but a gift.”
“Then accept your gift,” she whispered.
Accept his gift. Accept the thing he’d dreamed about for nearly a decade. Niall bent and brushed his lips over hers. At the sudden contact, she sucked in a breath through her nose, and he instinctively tried to retreat, but she leaned into him.
“This time, I’ll need ye to be my lady,” he murmured.
“And ye will be my knight,” she whispered.
Tentatively, he touched her elbow, sliding his hand down to hers, entwining her trembling fingers with his. He breathed in the heady, sweet scent of flowers and herbs. Her lips were soft, warm and pliant. Sweet.
When had he last kissed a woman? He wasn’t certain. A year or more? And the kisses he’d shared had never been as sweet or tender as this. What was it about Bella Sutherland?
He shook with restrained desire, madness even. Wanting to deepen the kiss and knowing it was too soon, Niall pulled away.
She blinked her eyes open, staring up at him. Dazed. “Will ye fight tomorrow?”
“I will, but not because your father made a marriage between us contingent upon it. Not because ye asked me to.”
Bella nodded, all seriousness as she watched him. “I know.”
“What do ye know?”
Her hands pressed to his thumping heart. “I know ye’re a warrior.”
“I was. But I am no longer.”
“Ye are still. Ye were born to it. When I first met ye, ye were the only one confident enough in your abilities to let a lass fight ye. Confident enough to let a lass name ye her lady.”
“Ye say confident. I say foolish.”
She smiled. “Just because ye’re impaired does not mean ye’re weak. If there is one thing I know about men having grown up in a house full of them, ’tis that once a warrior always a warrior.”
Niall grunted. “Why do ye care so much?”
Bella blinked, then flashed him a radiant smile. “Just a little encouragement.”
He shook his head. “From what I know of ye, my lady, if I had to guess, I’d say ye dinna do anything only a little.”
She laughed. “Ye flatter me, Sir Niall.” She tapped his chest. “In that case, I think we shall get along splendidly.”


 

Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty sizzling historical, time-travel and contemporary romance novels. Under the name E. Knight, she pens rip-your- heart-out historical fiction. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses and two very naughty puppies.

Connect with Eliza at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

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The Secret of Flirting (Sinful Suitors #5) by Sabrina Jeffries-Review & Giveaway

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THE SECRET OF FLIRTING (The Sinful Suitors #5) by Sabrina Jeffries-Review & Giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 27, 2018

The moment spymaster Baron Fulkham meets the stunning Princess Aurore of Chanay, he’s positive her royal persona is a ruse and that she’s actually Monique Servais, the mysterious actress he met three years before in Dieppe. But as he pursues his suspicions, he uncovers a plot of attempted assassination and betrayal that could very well destroy his career, expose his own secrets…and ruin the woman he’s rapidly coming to love.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is the fifth instalment in Sabrina Jeffries’ THE SINFUL SUITORS adult,  historical romance series. This is spymaster Baron Gregory Fulkham, and actress Monique Sevais’ story line. THE SECRET OF FLIRTING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Monique and Gregory) THE SECRET OF FLIRTING follows Baron Gregory Fulkham as he is tasked with naming the royal head to the new kingdom of Belgium. As Belgium fought and won their independence in1830, the London Conference and the House of Lords was tasked with naming their new ruler. As Princess Aurore of Chanay on her deathbed due to an unknown illness, her look-alike doppleganger, French stage actress Monique Servais was called into service to ‘portray’ the princess at future gatherings. Enter Baron Gregory Fulkham, the man in charge of determining the rightful heir, and the man who would discover the truth to the identity of the reigning princess. What ensues is the building relationship between Monique and Gregory, and the potential fall-out as Monique aka the princess is targeted by an unknown assassin, in the hopes of destroying her chances at the crown.

Our heroine, actress Monique Servais is the sole custodian of her ailing grandmother so when an offer for aid comes with the opportunity to play her grandest role to date. Baron Gregory Fulkham recognized Monique immediately although her resemblance to the ailing princess was unmistakable and not without merit but proving our heroine’s secret meant revealing his own failings as it pertained to revealing the truth.

THE SECRET OF FLIRTING is a detailed, complex and intriguing story line; an entertaining, historical look at passion, betrayal, revenge and espionage; at one family’s hidden secrets, and another family’s secret past. The premise is engrossing; the romance is passionate; the characters are spirited, damaged and energetic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Art of Sinning
The Study of Seduction
The Danger of Desire
The Pleasure of Passion
The Secret of Flirting

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

The Reading Cafe and Sabrina Jeffries’ publisher are offering a finished copy of THE SECRET OF FLIRTING to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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The Earl of Pembroke by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Earl of Pembroke by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo
**The Earl of Pembroke is available on the above links for $.99

DESCRIPTION
James, the Earl of Pembroke, falls for a mysterious lady and rescues her from a hell fire club… 

Gillian, the illegitimate daughter of an earl, is hiding her true identity as a servant from James… 

When thrown together at a house party, their passion can’t be denied, but will the truth of Gillian’s past destroy their happiness?

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

SIGH, SWOON, SIGH, SMILE .. REPEAT!  This is pretty much my experience reading this lovely piece of work!  I read this while traveling from Canada into the southern USA and my heart was light and very happy to begin with.  Add in the warmth of the sun on my face, and a fantastic historical romance, and it was utterly blissful.

Earl of Pembroke by Lauren Smith is the 10th book in the “Wicked Earls’ Club” series.  This series seems to be a collaboration of some of the top historical romance authors current today, and while I haven’t read any of the previous books, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.  I will say, I will be jumping to the first book of this anticipated delicious series and falling in love with more yummy Earls.  

James Fordyce is the Earl of Pembroke, and he is a wonderful addition to my book boyfriend list.  He is kind and caring (especially with his ailing mother), certainly not a pushover, strong, handsome, smart and an all around pretty decent man.  He also is about to have his heart stolen by a mysterious beauty who he will soon rescue from the grasp of a horrible club.

Gillian Beaumont (I remember you from a previous Lauren Smith book), is the illegitimate daughter of an Earl.  Her father was very fond of her and her mother but he didn’t recognize them in his will and this leaves Gillian and her mother barely scraping by.  Gillian decides to take a position as a servant to make end meet.  She is the real deal.  She is very smart, kind and loving especially if you are in her heart.  She is tough, knows her status in society as an illegitimate and truth be told this kind of broke my heart a little.  When she shares an intimate moment with James, she is quick to know that nothing would ever come from this due to the difference in status.  Well, never say never!

After a brief and daring adventure, these two find themselves at a house party and getting to know the other.  You actually not just experience the passion and lust, you experience them falling deeply in love, and that made me fall in love with them.  They both have people in theirs lives who adore them and want the best for them and go to many lengths to make it happen or certainly set the scene.

No more story reveals will be found in this review.  You will have to dive in for yourself.  This is a novella, and Lauren Smith is one of the best of cramming so much story and character in fewer pages.  If you are in the mood for a romance, this is a great book to turn to.  Again, I am rather eager to dive into the other books of this series as well, and see how different the authors are with the similar “theme” novella.

Keep em’ Coming Lauren!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

 

DESCRIPTION
SOCIETY CALLS HIM THE DEVIL OF LONDON…

Lord Vaughn, Viscount Darlington, has a dark reputation for sinful pleasures, putting off even the most ardent mamas who crave his title for their unmarried daughters They say he’s dangerous enough to ruin a woman with just one look…But he can’t resist the pleas of a woman who needs his help. This rogue might yet be redeemed.

SHE’S THE DARLING OF THE TON…

All of London adores Perdita Darby. She receives invites to every party and has eligible gentlemen willing to wait for her, but she has no desire to marry. When she discovers a cruel man wishes to entrap her into a marriage that could spell her doom, she has nowhere left to turn. She makes a bargain with the devil of London, hoping to save herself. But the cost of their false engagement may put them both in danger…

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

YUP, another hit from Lauren Smith.  I sure love curling up with a delicious wee sinful historical romance from one of my faves.  Once again, I am left satisfied yet always wanting more!

The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith is a historical romance and the third book in her incredible “Seduction” series.  This is a classic story of two seemed to be wrongs making a very truthful right.  You should absolutely read the previous books (you will be introduced to characters there) but if you don’t, you will not miss appreciating what all this novella gives.

Lord Vaughn is a very naughty man.  He’s nicknamed “The Devil of London”!  He is an absolute rogue, handsome, witty and much smarter than he appears to be.  He is also deep down an incredible gentlemen who will protect what he feels needs protecting.  He is stuck between a rock and a hard place however as he is left with much debt from his family, and has to use his rogue persona to help his predicament. When a lady the ton considers gold, comes knocking with a business proposition, not only does he decide to agree to this arrangement, but finds himself unusually drawn to her .. and perhaps .. she is his own saviour of sorts?

Lady Perdita Darby (I have never heard the name Perdita before, and I must admit it most definitely belongs in a novella like this ..lol), is in big trouble.  She is the ultimate catch for the ton.  She is beautiful, kind, high spirited, very intelligent and a woman who knows when she is good and trapped.  She is being blackmailed by a real horse’s ass who only wants to destroy everything that makes her so lovely.  She knows her next step is a bargain, but better to dance with the devil you know .. or thought you know…

Our couple may not have had the ideal intentions when they came together .. it was a business arrangement.  But when more time is spent, more silly banter exchanged and true personalities surface, these two bring out the best in the other.  Vaughn is deep down somewhat of  sad character.  Perdita is the kind of heroine you will want to high five.  They nurture and care for the other in the most complimentary of ways, so any weaknesses they have are actually their strengths when they are together.

Again a shorter story, I don’t do spoilers!  Snag if you are up for a quick read set back in history with a side of naughty that is absolutely nice in my books!

FANTASTIC Lauren! 

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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Gambling On Forever by Becky Lower – a Review

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Gambling On Forever by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N

 

DESCRIPTION
When Elise Lafontaine spies her father’s missing saddlebag with its all-important papers slung over the shoulder of a man boarding a riverboat, she follows him, hoping to retrieve the contents. Her plans come to an abrupt halt when she is declined entry to the boat, since she is an unaccompanied female. 

From his perch on the top deck, handsome riverboat gambler James Garnett witnesses her denied entry. When she shoots him a look of desperation, how can he resist those deep blue eyes and beautiful face? Of course, he comes to her rescue, pretending she is his fiancée—and she is allowed aboard. 

Begrudgingly, Elise accepts James’s offer of help to win back the saddlebag and the papers by having him play poker on her behalf, certain the thieving Confederate brothers who stole the bag will lose everything to James. But can Elise be happy with only the saddlebag and its contents? Or has she already lost her heart to the dangerous gambler? 

After a sultry kiss, Elise steals his money and the papers and jumps overboard. Then the games truly begin. Now, Elise stands at the biggest crossroads of her life—will she go her own way, fiercely independent and alone? Or will she wager everything on the man who holds her heart–GAMBLING ON FOREVER? 

 


REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH BECKY!  Swoon, insert happy dance, big grin, big SIGH!  YUP I am in my happy reader place.  NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE, writes a romance series/story set in and/or post Civil War era quite like you do!  I have reviewed all your books, and I have come to appreciate your style of writing, the way you paint vivid images in my mind with your words, the journey a couple takes to find each other, the side characters that will be featured, or that you simply can’t help falling in love with .. yes all of this!  BUT .. it’s your appreciation and true regard to history that I love the most.  I am a history lover, and when an author knows her facts, be it dress, speech, culture etc, I really take notice.  I also truly appreciate the time and effort.

OK mini Becky gush over, now it’s time to quickly review this book!  LOL

Gambling on Forever by Becky Lower is a historical romance set in post Civil War time.  It’s a smaller novel that you can consume fairly quick if you are an avid reader.  There are not many historical authors out there that do romances set in or around the civil war time, most are English, so if you are looking for something a little different, I suggest you try Becky for sure.

Elise Lafontaine is our leading lady and boy is she fierce.  She is beautiful, but more importantly she is independent, unapologetic, a risk taker, strong, determined and in no ways ever relies on a man to help her.  That is until she needs a man to help her.  Her father’s saddlebag was stolen and she took it upon herself to follow them, but as they board a gambling riverboat, she is denied access because she is not accompanied by a man.  Not one to give up or miss a chance to get what she needs, she does what she has to do .. find a man.

James Garnett happens to be the man Elise has found.  He was a civil war soldier, now gambler, he’s charming, kind but not a push over, handsome and sexy and completely captivated by this poor lady pleading with her eyes for help.  What is a hero to do?  James opts to pose as Elise’s fiance so she can board the riverboat and steal back what has been taken from her.  He never expected to be completely captivated himself and this fierce beauty is one that he cannot let go of .. until she takes a literal dive, leaving him to realize that there is more than lust to be sought.

Ok so very brief synopsis of this story.  Of course there is so much more, but I do not do spoilers and most certainly not when the story is on the shorter side.  I will say if you love a strong female lead (she’s not obnoxious in her strength) and a male lead who doesn’t find her strength a weakness but a positive trait, this is the book for you.  Their romance unfolds in the midst of the chaos, but I found that it was just naturally the right thing for both of them.  Also at the right time.

Overall, another incredible book Becky Lower.  I love the little bits of action you give with your love story, and I always manage to find your characters refreshing and never tiresome.  I look forward to more in the future!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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