Tag Archives: Historical

All the Beautiful Girls by Elizabeth J. Church – a Review

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All the Beautiful Girls by Elizabeth J. Church – a Review

 

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Description:
It was unimaginable. When she was eight years old, Lily Decker somehow survived the auto accident that killed her parents and sister, but neither her emotionally distant aunt nor her all-too-attentive uncle could ease her grief. Dancing proves to be Lily’s only solace, and eventually, she receives a “scholarship” to a local dance academy–courtesy of a mysterious benefactor.

Grown and ready to leave home for good, Lily changes her name to Ruby Wilde and heads to Las Vegas to be a troupe dancer, but her sensual beauty and voluptuous figure land her work instead as a showgirl performing everywhere from Les Folies Bergere at the Tropicana to the Stardust’s Lido de Paris. Wearing costumes dripping with feathers and rhinestones, five-inch heels, and sky-high headdresses, Ruby may have all the looks of a Sin City success story, but she still must learn to navigate the world of men–and figure out what real love looks like.

With her uncanny knack for understanding the hidden lives of women, Elizabeth J. Church captures both the iconic extravagance of an era and the bravery of a young woman who dances through her sadness to find connection, freedom, and, most important, herself.

 

 

There may be spoilers in this review:

Review:

All the Beautiful Girls by Elizabeth J. Church is a standalone novel.  I did not know what to expect when I decided to read this book, and I was totally surprised at how much I enjoyed it.  All the Beautiful Girls was a different type of read for me, but I am glad I read it.

Lily Decker is our heroine, and we meet her at the age of 8 years old. Her parents and sister were killed in a car crash, and Lily was sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle.  Her life changed drastically, as her Aunt was very strict and not very loving.  Her Uncle was a nightmare for Lily, as he sexually abused her.   Lily would look for a friendship with ‘the Aviator’, a man who survived the accident that killed her family.  Though he felt responsible, Lily knew it was an accident, and soon he would become a friend who would make her life bearable.  The Aviator would send her books, as Lilly loved to read, and also paid for her to go to dancing school.  When she reached 18, Lily leaves her home in Kansas, to find a job dancing in Las Vegas.

When she arrives in Vegas, Lily changes her name to Ruby Wilde, and loves the bright lights of 1960’s Vegas and showgirls galore.   Not knowing where to go, Ruby will luck out meeting the father of a girl who is a showgirl, and soon Ruby will find two friends (Rose & Vivid) who will teach her the ropes. Life as a showgirl in Vegas, turns Ruby into a successful entertainer, with all the costumes (noted in description above: costumes  dripping with feathers and rhinestones, five-inch heels, and sky-high headdresses).  She learns to become strong, independent and know how to handle men, without being sexual. Ruby’s success, enables her to make a lot of money, and her friendship with Rose and Vivid becomes a bond between the girls.  This part of the story we very well done, as we got to see life on the stage, and all the stars of those days; Sammy Davis, Tom Jones, and others.  I really enjoyed all the glitz and glamour. 

Despite her happiness and contentment, Ruby still has a sense of loneliness, and when she meets someone she  feels is true blue, Ruby’s life will change, as things will unexpectedly turn for the worse.  Though her friends are still there for her, it is the Aviator (who she continued to keep in touch with) who will be there for Ruby again. 

Lily Decker will move  to New Mexico, as she recovers from the sad end of her Vegas career.  Lily will finally find peace, especially as the Aviator (Stirling) and Jack are both gay lovers, and she learns to love both of them as family.  Finally, Lily has people who love her for who she is. Stirling and Jack were totally awesome, and I also loved the time she spent living with them. Lily will heal over time, and explore her love of designing, which will eventually lead her into a sweet happy life.

All the Beautiful Girls was a very good book, with some excellent characters, both good and bad. It is a story of loss, survival, healing, tragedy, innocence, forgiveness and love.  This  was also a fun story, with some intense and sad moments.  I loved Lily/Ruby and throughout the book, I found myself rooting hard for her.  Elizabeth J. Church has written a story that was so very well done.  I wholly suggest you read All The Beautiful Girls.  It is a gem.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels – a Review

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The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels – a Review

 

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Description:
Devlin Markham, the notorious “Devil Duke” of Huntington, needs a woman. And not just any woman. If he can’t woo one of the most eccentric bluestockings of the Ton within the month, he can kiss his hard-earned fortune good-bye. But he’s always thought love a wasted emotion and marriage an inconvenience at best. And oddly enough, Lady Sophie Wolcott seems unmoved by his charm…

When Sophie learns her beloved orphanage is in imminent danger, she will do anything to save it. Even marry a ruthless rake who takes what he wants in business and pleasure. A man who’s everything she’s always feared most—but whom she reluctantly begins yearning for.

Then Sophie becomes the target of a killer lurking from the dark shadows of Devlin’s past. And they find not only their lives in jeopardy but their very hearts.

 

Review:

The Devilish Duke begins with Lady Sophie spying on a man with whom she’s been in love with for a very long time, only to see him to propose to another.  Heartbroken, her mind is whirling, but that’s not the most painful part.  That would be her falling out of the tree she had climbed to spy……….right in front of the Duke of Huntington himself, Devlin Markham.  Of course, Sophie knows the Duke, and his reputation, and is mortified.  Fortunately for her, Devlin is very discreet and aids her, even though the two trade barbs with each other.  Such as life…….

A year later, Devlin finds himself in a bit of a situation.  The Queen will not approve his proposed project until he has settled down and put his rakish reputation behind him.  Having always been able to talk himself in, or out, of any situation, he knows the Queen has him cornered.  The thought of falling in love and marriage is laughable for him, but he knows he has to do as the Queen directs.  Fortunately for him, he thinks that Lady Sophie might be just what the Queen ordered.

Sophie has come to the conclusion that she will never marry, much to her aunt’s dismay.  That doesn’t stop her aunt from trying to play matchmaker.  Once her aunt discovers that the Duke of Huntington has declared his interest in pursuing Sophie, she is more than pleased.  Sophie is trying her best not to succumb to the Duke’s charm, but when she finds out that her beloved orphanage where she tirelessly volunteers is in danger of being closed, she knows her hands are tied.  And, she would do anything to help save it, even if it means marrying someone whom she knows can shatter her heart.

The Devilish Duke is a wonderfully written story.  Sophie is a great character.  She is spunky, independent and very intelligent.  Devlin is great as well, even though he tries to convince everyone that he’s not.  He is very smart and very loyal to those he deems his.  The two of these characters together, as they navigate their histories and try to overcome them, have chemistry that leaps off of the page.  The secondary characters are well written as well.  The intrigue of this story grabs you pretty quickly and keeps you turning the pages.  For me, anytime that I read a story and I can “see” the scenes as I read them, is one of the highest compliments I can give an author.  Maddison Michaels, with this story, is one of those authors.  This is the first I’ve read by her, but it certainly won’t be the last.  Well done, Maddison Michaels!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Lady Gone Wicked by Elizabeth Bright – a Review

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Lady Gone Wicked by Elizabeth Bright – a Review

 

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Description:
 Nicholas Eastwood is finally about to get everything he ever wanted. As a reward for his service to the Crown, he has been offered the title of marquess. All he has to do is stay scandal-free until the papers are signed. There’s just one problem: His ex-lover, presumed dead, is remarkably alive.

Adelaide Bursnell is determined to right her wrongs. She will be a dutiful daughter and loving sister. Most importantly, she must marry before her scandal catches up to her. Nicholas was once her ruin, but now he is determined to be her salvation. If he can find her a suitable husband, their shared past can stay buried.

But old temptations prove impossible to resist and scandal can never stay secret for long…

 

 

Review:

Although Lady Gone Wicked is considered book #2, in the Wicked Secrets series, you don’t have to read the first.  It does feature characters from the first book “Twice as Wicked” but it doesn’t really detract from the book.

Nicholas is a spy and soldier for the crown. But he’s a rogue and the black sheep of the family. And he’s finally come good, if he can stay out of trouble he will be given the title of “Marquess” and he will be able to hold his head up high in society again, but there is trouble coming round the corner…… 

Adelaide had the misfortune to fall in love with Nick and have his baby. She was then sent was to a convent in France by her parents to have her baby in secret (the shame of a child out of wedlock). But she disappeared and was thought to be dead for the last two years.

Adelaide has a twin sister called Alice. (Yes the same Alice from book 1). In Alice’s book, Alice came to avenge Adelaide’s death and downfall at Nicholas’s hand, and tried to kill him. Needless to say, all she did was fall for his “twin” brother. (Well ….. maybe she tried to shoot him a few times ?) 

The two sisters are reunited and it becomes clear that Adelaide wants her past to disappear and to marry into a good family. But there are twists and turns that keep Adelaide and Nicholas bumping into each other. 

Nicholas wants Adelaide to marry into a good family and will try to “help” her regain her good name. But with the heat simmering away between them, it’s only a matter of time before something explodes. 

Lady Gone Wicked is a well written story, and again the characters come to life, and the secondary characters make you hope that they get stories too. A few laugh out loud moments, and a few moments where you almost reach for the tissues. 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Cowboy Who Came Calling by Linda Broday – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Cowboy Who Came Calling by Linda Broday – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Description:
He’ll do what it takes
To win
Her heart

Glory Day may be losing her vision, but that doesn’t mean she’ll ever stop fighting. Determined to provide for her struggling family, she confronts an outlaw with a price on his head. But when a mysterious cowboy gets between her and her target, Glory accidentally shoots him instead. Flustered, she has no option but to take the handsome stranger home to treat his wounds.

Former Texas Ranger Luke McClain didn’t plan to fall in love, but there’s no denying the strength of Glory’s will or the sweetness of her heart. But Glory’s been burned before, and Luke will have to reach into the depths of his own battered soul to convince her to take a chance…

And trust that love is worth fighting for.

 

 

Review:

The Cowboy Who Came Calling by Linda Broday is the 2nd book in her Texas Heroes series.  I loved the first book in this series, and I am happy to say this was as equally as good. I do not read much western romances, but I have come to love Linda Broday’s writing and I will continue to read her books. 

Glory Day is our heroine, and she was a wonderful one at that.  Glory is tough, not like the fancy woman living in her town.  Glory has to take care of her family, as they are in dire straits financially with her father in jail for something he did not commit.   Glory wears britches, and goes out hunting daily for food; one day she finds an outlaw, who has a big bounty on his head, and just when she plans to bring him in, another cowboy arrives almost at the same time and they argue who gets to take the man in.  When they are not looking the outlaw pulls the rifle away from Glory and it ricochets and shoots the cowboy in the leg, not to mention the outlaw gets away.

Luke McClain, our hero, whom we met in the first book, is the cowboy, who will come to stay with Glory and her family, while she helps to heal the wound.  Luke is a former Texas Ranger, who lost his job being framed by someone, who he is searching for to clear his name.

Glory’s family was amazing.  Her youngest sister, Patience was so sweet and cute, and a nonstop talker. Hope, was the middle sister, who was more helpful to Glory, and also the cook in the family.  Their mother, who misses her husband, is somewhat of an invalid, but later we learn she was addicted to some medicine.  Luke recuperates in this house, and in a short time he learns to care about them all.  He also finds himself falling hard for Glory, despite her tough cowgirl look. Glory herself is also finding herself attracted to the handsome Luke, but she is a bit stubborn, unable to accept that he really does care about her

Luke will overhear the problems they have financially and the threat of foreclosure on their house.  He wants to help them, but Glory is determined to find a way to fix things herself, not what she thinks is charity.  When he leaves to find the outlaw, Glory will catch up with him, as she needs the money.  The story also adds another element, with Glory slowly losing her eye sight. 

Luke will leave again, after paying off their foreclosure, and saying goodbye to Glory.  He is going on a mission undercover (he doesn’t tell her) and feels he could be killed.  Will Luke survive and come back to Glory? 

I really loved this heartwarming story, as Glory and Luke were such a great couple.  The family was also fun to be with, and it was great to see Duel and Jessie (previous book heroes) again closer to the end to help Luke. Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful couple, sweet romance,  great secondary characters, action and so very well written.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

A light touch on Glory’s shoulder gave her a start. The hand surely belonged to Luke, for only he could loosen this flurry inside. She blinked several times, cursing the inability to see what he held. At last the item came into view.

A toothbrush. A real one.

Glory whirled. Every well-planned, scathing remark vanished, not even the mere footprint of one remained in her head. She cradled the treasure with wonder.

“You hankered for one of these the first time I saw you in the emporium. I also recall how you had to bite your tongue to keep from giving those girls their comeuppance.” Quiet challenge lay beneath Luke’s words. He dared her to refuse something she so desired. If she could.

Moral indignation that had burned so hotly before deserted her. “I thought you didn’t notice me that day. You appeared quite taken with the…other patrons.”

“Oh, I noticed.”

In a Monday that held more twists and turns than a dog’s hind leg, his barely audible reply and intent stare added yet more bewilderment. Why did he have to go and make her forget her outrage? Awfully difficult to harbor a grudge when he seemed intent on filling her head with hope.

She stared at the object in her palm, afraid it would fade into thin air as the genie in the Arabian Nights had. Fairy tales were for children, not grown women who knew better. McClain couldn’t be Aladdin—unless he whipped out a magic carpet. This night she wouldn’t rule out anything.

“Say something, Glory.” Hope gave her a sharp poke.

Patience grinned. “If you wanna kiss him, we’ll hide our eyes.”

Hell’s bells! If she didn’t die of mortification, it would be a sheer miracle.

“I know you want to,” Patience crowed. “Leastways that’s what you wrote in your private book.”

“What kind of woman would pass up a kiss?” Luke raised her chin with the lightest of nudges.

Her legs threatened to buckle. Powerless in the spell of his gaze, she marveled at the rakish curve of his mouth. The essence of him wrapped around, over, and inside her as she gladly stepped onto his magic carpet.

One more kiss wouldn’t hurt anything.

A sudden scurry of feet seemed in the distance. Glory’s ears pounded. His frenzied heartbeat jumped through the fabric of his shirt. She sank into the curve of his arm because he stole her will to step back.

The kiss that began with tender softness deepened. She shuddered under his caress, a piece of clay in the hands of a master.

Her feverish skin throbbed with some strange need she didn’t comprehend. She only knew if she died in his arms this second, she would depart the world in a state of bliss.

When he lifted his head at last, she would have fallen without his steadying support. She rested her face on his broad chest for a moment to still the dizzying whirl.

“Thank you.” His murmur came faint as a breeze through willows. His ragged breath ruffled her hair.

A few seconds later, she remembered where they stood and the liberties she’d allowed. Never before had she been so carefree. Or so warm. “Good heavens!” She patted her hair, giving the room a sweeping glance, relieved to find it empty. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Whatever it was, I hope it remembers the way back.”

She groaned inwardly and lowered her eyes before he saw the answer. For the cost of a handful of wind she would stand before the preacher with him.

Darn him and his magic carpet!

Fact remained, no amount of wishing could erase the truth. Her father left…and so had her mother, though each in a different way. At the end of the day, she could put faith only in herself.
What hand of fate had flung him into her life? The man seemed to take extraordinary liberty in assaulting her with his presence at every turn—with no intention of staying.

“I need to ask where you got the money to pay off our note—and buy all this.” The pain inside made her voice sound cold.

“Will it matter?”

Glory wished for things that could never be. To stifle yearnings that swept her along like a dandelion in a sudden gust would take more will than she possibly had. And even more impossible…blocking the knowledge that she could forgive all else as long as he promised to never leave. She gripped the toothbrush. “I must know.”

“In my own time.” He brushed her cheek lightly with a fingertip.

Only after she could do a sight more than melt did she dare raise her eyes. “You’ve involved us in whatever it is you do.”

“Fair enough. First tell me what you were doing with your esteemed Dr. Dalton.”

Anger put her on familiar ground. She rested her hands on her hips and jutted her chin defiantly. Magic carpet rides were for damsels without obligations and those who could afford to daydream. “He’s not my anything. And I don’t have to justify it. Don’t let us keep you from wherever it is you need to mosey on to.”

“Fire and damnation! I’m trying to help.”

 

 


At a young age, LINDA BRODAY discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it’s still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she’s inspired every day.

 

Find Linda Online:
Website: https://www.lindabroday.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindabrodayauthor
Twitter: @LBroday
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1204489.Linda_Broday

 

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the author.

Enter to win a copy of the first book in Linda Broday’s Texas Heroes series, Knight on the Texas Plains

 

 

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Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton-Review Tour & Giveaway

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Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton-Review Tour & Giveaway

 

NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA
by Chanel Cleeton
Release Date: February 6, 2018
Genre: women’s fiction, historical fiction, romance

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 6, 2018

After the death of her beloved grandmother, a Cuban-American woman travels to Havana, where she discovers the roots of her identity–and unearths a family secret hidden since the revolution…

Havana, 1958. The daughter of a sugar baron, nineteen-year-old Elisa Perez is part of Cuba’s high society, where she is largely sheltered from the country’s growing political unrest–until she embarks on a clandestine affair with a passionate revolutionary…

Miami, 2017. Freelance writer Marisol Ferrera grew up hearing romantic stories of Cuba from her late grandmother Elisa, who was forced to flee with her family during the revolution. Elisa’s last wish was for Marisol to scatter her ashes in the country of her birth.

Arriving in Havana, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba’s tropical, timeless beauty and its perilous political climate. When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she’ll need the lessons of her grandmother’s past to help her understand the true meaning of courage.

•••••••••

REVIEW: NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA is the first instalment in Chanel Cleeton’s women’s fiction/ historical romance fiction series focusing on the Cuban-American Perez family. This is Eliza Perez, and her granddaughter Marisol Ferrera’s story line.

Told from alternating timelines, and dual first person points of view (Eliza and Marisol) NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA is a story of historical fiction; of revolution; of politics and war; of surviving against the odds during the Cuban revolution; of one family’s history between the present and the past. Upon the death of her cherished grandmother Eliza Perez, Marisol Ferrera embarks on a journey to Cuba, where she will meet her future, and uncover her past. Returning her grandmother’s ashes to her beloved homeland, Marisol will encounter the true meaning of struggle and loss, as she goes in search of her family’s history, finding more than she could ever imagined.

NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA is a fictionalized account of one well-to-do family’s struggle growing up in the 50s during the Cuban Revolution, their flight to freedom, and the promises made to one day return. We follow as one woman defies her family as she falls in love with a man of questionable affiliations; and another woman discovers that the past never forgets; that lessons learned are easily forgotten.

Chanel Cleeton pulls the reader into the turmoil and upheaval of Cuba in the late1950’s; where family is pitted against family; neighbors against neighbors; the rich against the poor. An engaging, brilliantly written, and intoxicating tale of the human spirit, love and never letting go.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Originally from Florida, Chanel Cleeton grew up on stories of her family’s exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. She loves to travel and has lived in the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.

 

Website:   www.chanelcleeton.com
Facebook:   www.facebook.com/authorchanelcleeton
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1545366192398558/
Twitter:   www.twitter.com/chanelcleeton
Goodreads:  www.goodreads.com/chanelcleeton
Newsletter:   www.chanelcleeton.com/mailing-list/
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/chanelcleeton/

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A Scandal by Any Other Name ( A Tale of Two Sisters #2) by Kimberly Bell-a review

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A Scandal by Any Other Name (A Tale of Two Sisters #2) by Kimberly Bell-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2018

Jasper De Vere doesn’t do sad. Ever since the death of his parents, he’s devoted himself to life’s many pleasures—while making sure to avoid attachments. It’s difficult to avoid your own grandfather though, especially when you’re the heir to his Dukedom. Unable to sit by and watch one of the few people he cares about wither away, Jasper flees to his friend Nicholas’s country estate.

Julia Bishop leads a life of glorious excitement—in her head. The spinal injury she was born with makes her a permanent pariah in society, so despite being the daughter of an earl, she’s spent her life in the country with just her family to keep her company. When her brother-in-law’s flirtatious—and devilishly handsome—friend mistakes her for an untroubled debutante, Julia isn’t about to let an opportunity for some real, live adventure slip away.

Delicious distraction and flirtation turn into an all-out affair, and slips dangerously close to something more when family intrudes. Can Jasper and Julia return to their separate lives in isolation, or will they take a risk and choose each other?

••••••••••

REVIEW: Before I got into romance genres, I was very big into historical books. I love my historical books especially my historical fiction. I was excited to get a historical book to read. I really wanted to like this book I really did. There were just some things about the characters I had a hard time with.

Don’t get me wrong, Jasper is an all-around fun guy that exuded warmth, charisma and a lot of genuine affection to Julia. He is in fact easy to like. Just the fact that he ran out on the queen when he had to accept his new title as duke and when he ditched on Julia without leaving her an explanation did not sit well with me. It came off a little cowardly to me. I am all for my strong and bold heroines and Julia most definitely fit the bill on that. Despite having spinal bifida, she does not take crap from others. I was cheering her on when she slapped the hostess at the dinner table who was being insensitive to Jasper. I loved that she had courage and initiative to live her life to the fullest and not let her condition slow her down. Unfortunately, what rubbed me the wrong way was how desperate she was coming off to experience lust, romance and sex with Jasper like he was going to be her only chance. Like I get it that you have a condition that disfigured parts of your body, but you can’t be that grotesque that you are going to die a virgin. Her low self-image issues did put me off. However reading how cruelly she was treated by others regarding her condition, I did cut her slack.

Despite that there were many great elements I did enjoy and appreciate about the book. The turning point where Julia fully trusts Jasper baring her back and foot for Jasper to see when she spent 2/3 of the book hiding it from him. You do admire her strength knowing she was terrified of his rejection. Of course Jasper does not reject her and still sees her as a beautiful girl that he loves. It was an outstanding prelude to them making love for the first time. The scene was explicit yet very tastefully written. The scene where they sat on the floor on cushions eating their dinner together in front of the fire was my favorite scene. The chemistry was very tangible in this scene. They got to know each other a bit, they joked and played complete with nice wholesome cuddling. Emotion packed scenes like this is what make me reach for romance books the way I do. As a playboy in his past, I do appreciate the pace Jasper tried to take with Julia. To take things slow and actually court Julia made my respect for Jasper grow.

I have to admit it felt like the odds were stacked against Jasper and Julia so much, I felt sad for the couple if they were going to get a happily ever after like all couples deserve. The book at the last minute delivered and the queen actually approves their wedding. The book had me cheering for the couple numerous times and I still highly recommend this book.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Xtina

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The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross – a Review

 

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Description:
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.

Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.

Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.

With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Rising by Rebecca Ross is the 1st book in a trilogy. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, but I am happy to say I loved The Queen’s Rising, and the fantastic writing of a new author for me, Rebecca Ross.  This is YA Fantasy at its best, and a fascinating world created by Ross, which I could not put down.

Brienna, who at 10 years old, was sent by her grandfather to Magnolia House, which was sort of an elite boarding school, but with students who would live together for 7 years to develop their passion  ( art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge).  But Brienna did not excel at any passion, though in her last three years, she mastered her passion in Knowledge.  Brienna has lived in the kingdom of Valenia all of her life, but she has visions about being a Maevana girl.  She has no idea who her father is, and her grandfather refuses to talk about it.  So while she studies knowledge, Brienna, with her master teacher . studies and obsesses over everything about Maevana.

I really enjoyed seeing Brienna with her friends at Magnolia House, as they all were expected to receive an offer from a Patron at graduation. Only Brienna did not.  But a Patron will come forward, once it is learned that she has visions of the past from Maevana.  The crux of this worldbuilding:  the violent king of Maevana is destructive, killing anyone at will, including woman and children. Maevana was always ruled by a Queen, who had magic to fight off evil. 25 years ago, the Queen was murdered, and the Stone of Eventine (which controls the magic), was stolen, and many were slaughtered. Three Lord’s of the Houses in Maevana escaped.  Brienna’s visions are memories of one of the bad guys during that revolution, with clues that could help bring the kingdom back to its glory days.

What follows is an exciting, interesting, and mindboggling journey that will have Brienna finally find out the truth about her heritage, and  bring her back to her homeland.  A war is once again on horizon that will reveal secrets, betrayals, intrigue and a plot that could kill them all. As we raced to the climatic finish, the final half of the book was intense, with us holding our breaths until the very end.   I loved Brienna, as she turned into a strong and loyal heroine.  The wonderful secondary characters that are her friends, family and teacher are created so well by Ross.  Even the villains of this book were created to be truly evil.  

The Queen’s Rising was a fantastic, fascinating, page burner adventure into a magnificent world that sort of felt like old time Ireland.  I cannot tell too much more, as it would be major spoilers.  You need to find out everything for yourself.  I loved every moment of this book, with its amazing characters, history, family, war, and love.  Bravo to Rebecca Ross for this wonderful journey.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Sea Devil (Pirates of Britannia:Lords of the Sea #3) by Eliza Knight-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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The Sea Devil (Pirates of Britannia:Lords of the Sea #3) by Eliza Knight-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway tour

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The Sea Devil
Pirates of Britannia: Lords of the Sea #3
by Eliza Knight
Release Date: January 16, 2018
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

The Sea Devil

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

Add THE SEA DEVIL to your TBR pile on Goodreads

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 16, 2018

A daring brotherhood, where honor among thieves reigns supreme, and crushing their enemies is a thrilling pastime. These are the Pirates of Britannia.

Thornley “Thor” MacLeod, Captain of The Sea Devil and prominent member of the Devils of the Deep is out for one thing and one thing only—revenge against Santiago Fernandez, leader of Los Demonios de Mar. Tormented by the demons of his past, he knows the only relief to his pain will be spilling the blood of his enemy. When he learns that Santiago seeks to find a child he abandoned nearly two decades before, Thor is determined to find the precious treasure first. Which means, Thor may have to sacrifice his honor in order to exact the perfect vengeance.

Orphaned at a young age, Alesia Baird has grown up along the harsh coasts of Scotland, bearing witness to many a nightmare. With the hangman’s noose dangling ever closer to her neck, she has to find a way to escape the only life she’s ever known. When she overhears a pirate mention he seeks the child of Santiago Fernandez, Alesia takes the leap, knowing this could be her only way out.

Alesia must keep up the ruse long enough to escape with her life, and perhaps a sack full of jewels. But when it comes time to jump ship, she finds her destiny may have led her in a different path. Will the hardened Highlander allow a lass into his heart—or is she destined to be forever alone?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OOOHHHH!!! Pass me some more Eliza please and thank you! This was AWESOME!

I am going to start this review off with a small note that I came across before I started this book. This series is collaborated by Eliza Knight and Kathryn LeVeque. Kathryn is my all time fave author of medieval romance so when I found this out I made sure that I got the other two books as well. I have yet to read them, and as detailed in the description above, you do not need to read them in order to enjoy this book. I will agree. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything at all. However, I loved the story so much, I am intrigued and curious as to how these two authors collaborated as if memory serves, their writing style is a little different. I’ll let you know maybe in the future. On with the review.

The Sea Devil by Eliza Knight is the third book in the “Pirates of the Britannia: Lords of the Sea” series. If you love highlanders and pirates with your historical romance then this is an must grab for you. This is a classic take of revenge with a side of mistaken identity, but turns out to be the best mistake one could of taken in life.

Thor MacLeod is a highlander and a pirate. A pirate who is always seeking revenge on a man who killed his mother. Thor is hard lived, determined, stubborn and very ready to right this wrong and he will do it at any cost. This cost comes in the form of his enemies daughter. If he can find his enemies daughter, he will kill her, and then the slate will be wiped clean and he can carry on his life as he was meant to. BUT, we all know two wrongs do not make a right, and certainly not when he learns that the one he finds is not in fact the one he seeks .. unless one is seeking passion and love.

Alesia Baird is the daughter of a whore and a thief. She is cunning and smart and will do what she must in order to survive a life she has had to live alone. She is also very stubborn and knows that she is facing certain hanging if she can’t think her way out of the mess she has found herself in. Opportunity comes knocking, and before she knows it, Alesia is pretending to be the daughter of some pirate in hopes of running away from a certain death. What she doesn’t realize is that she is jumping from one death right into another, unless she can once again think herself out of this dilemma. It’s too bad the man that has taken her makes her feel more alive than she has ever felt in her entire life. It’s too bad he is so intent on killing her …..

OYE! These two are smoking hot together. This is a quicker book and I don’t reveal juicy tidbits of story, but believe me, the tidbits are in fact juicy. Something about pirates and the edge of death and passion and .. and .. OYE! Yah you know what I mean! FANS SELF! The tension is built quick, but Eliza layers many complicated moral dilemmas of the pirate code, which makes this love and passion almost “forbidden” Well what does one want more is something is forbidden .. it usually comes in the form of indulging, personal reasoning and/or .. just plain ole not thinking! LOL

These two are an intense couple, and the backdrop of pirates, enemies and swords make the pages flip effortlessly. If you have a little bit of bodice ripper fan reader inside you (I am not talking bodice ripper psycho ..lol), then this will get your blood pumping for sure. Like I said earlier I am eager to read Kathryn’s take on these brutish pirates, because Eliza certainly did them justice.

Looking forward to the next book and certainly looking forward to the first two. I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

The Sea Devil teaser

excerpt

An excerpt from THE SEA DEVIL
Copyright © Eliza Knight 2018

 

“I’m a pirate, lass. What am I supposed to think when I come into my room and a lass has made herself at home, going so far as to take off her boots?”
She pushed against him more, and he did let go slightly, enough that she thought she might be able to draw a better breath, but it didn’t appear that his hold was what kept her from breathing. Struggling to speak without choking, she said, “I came here because I heard ye were looking for the bastard of Santiago Fernandez.”
“And ye claim to be that unfortunate offspring?”
She nodded solemnly. “I do.”
“Prove it,” he growled.
“How?” She wriggled against him. “Put me down first.”
“Say something to me in Spanish.”
He settled her in front of him, but not far enough away that she couldn’t still feel the heat of his body sinking into hers. Thinking quickly on her feet, Alesia frowned up at him. “My mother was Scots, and my father, the legendary Spanish pirate, abandoned me the moment he planted his seed, ye buffoon. Where would I have learned his language?”
“Point taken.” He studied her face, eyes narrowed. “Ye do have the look of him. In a feminine sort of way. Save for that hair. Tempestuous hair.”
Her mouth fell open at the insult. She moved to stomp on his foot but quickly found herself lifted off her feet, arms pinned to her sides by the steely strength of his own.
Fine, he wanted to play dirty. She’d already showed him once she knew how to take down a man. Alesia moved to kick him where she’d had the pleasure of socking him before, but Captain Thor clamped her legs between his thighs of steel.
“Uh-uh, princess,” he mocked.
Though she hated to head-butt anyone for the headache it always gave her, that was her next move. Alesia was fairly certain at this point she wasn’t going to be walking away with the silver, which meant she could at least walk away with her life—and figure out another way to escape the wharf.
Before she had the chance to make good on her decision to crack her head against his, she found herself flattened to the wood-planked floor, and his massive body on top of hers. Every hard plane pressed to the soft curves of her own. She sucked in a ragged breath, prepared to shout at him to leave off, but she found her throat too tight to speak.
“I’d have expected more from Santiago’s daughter, wee sprite.” His finger trailed over her cheek and along her jawline.
Alesia bared her teeth, trying to wriggle free but only managing to feel his body pressed harder to hers. “And I would have expected more from a pirate Captain.”
“Touché.” His grin was inviting. Unnerving. Disarming.
“Get off me,” she growled, trying keep her mind in the right place—the angry place. That was survival. To succumb to his disarmament was to lose.
His gaze shifted to her lips. “Not without a kiss.”
Alesia snorted and shoved at his unmoving shoulders. “I’d not kiss ye if ye were the last man on earth.”
“What if I were the second to last?” he teased.
She let out an exasperated groan. “Not then, either, ye ogre.”
He clucked his tongue. “Shame.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because, lass, if sparring with ye is this fun, kissing would be even better.”

About The Author Black and Red

Eliza KnightEliza 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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