Tag Archives: Historical

Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

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Someone to Wed
Westcott series – Book #3
by Mary Balogh
Release Date : November 7. 2017

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Description:
When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can’t afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life. . . .
A recluse for more than twenty years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate—and oh-so-dashing—earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will only agree to a proper courtship, hoping for at least friendship and respect to develop between them. He is totally unprepared for the desire that overwhelms him when Wren finally lifts the veils that hide the secrets of her past. . . .

 

 

Review:

Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh is the 3rd book in her wonderful Regency Westcott series. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, and Someone to Wed is as equal or even better.  I like some regency or historical romances on occasion, but I will not miss a book from the Westcott series.  Mary Balogh amazes me how she gives us wonderful romances with unlikely couples, and we totally fall in love with them, as well as the fantastic family group.

In Someone to Wed, Alexander Westcott is our hero, whom we met in the earlier books.  Alex is the Earl of Riverdale, which he inherited from the deceased Earl, whose children would have been heirs, but because he was a bigamist, Alexander becomes the legitimate heir.  Alex loves his own estate, and is not thrilled to now have to take over the Riverdale estate that is in ruins, since he cannot afford the big repair expenses. To better understand all of this, I suggest you read my reviews of the first book or better yet, go buy book 1 & 2.  You will not regret it.

Wren Heyden, our heroine, is a modern woman, who excels in her business holdings and is very wealthy. Wren, who has a purple birthmark on almost half of her face, has been a recluse for twenty years.  With her aunt and uncle now deceased, Wren wants to find someone to wed, to have children and some semblance of a life, and plans on buying a husband.  Enter Alex, who as the Earl of Riverdale was called to visit the unknown Ms. Heyden.  He is shocked when he meets Wren, who wears a veil to cover her face, and hears her proposal.  When she explains that she is considering him to become her husband, and will help him with the expenses to restore Riverdale.  Alex becomes insulted, but he asks her to remove the veil, and sees her birthmark.  Alex is not disturbed by it, much to Wren’s surprise, but he leaves and says if she is serious, he will invite her to a tea he will have for neighbors.  Can she find the courage to attend?

Alexander finds himself a bit curious about Wren, and sees under her surface about her past hardships, lack of confidence and her fears that made her a recluse.  Wren is very independent and tends to be cold and unsocial, as she has never experienced dealings with people other than in business .  When Alex tries to get her to open up more, and meet his family, he is surprised when she accepts, but her fears will force her to turn him away.  But Alex has a wonderful mother and sister, who make friends with Wren, and she becomes comfortable with them, allowing her to learn more about Alex. 

What follows is a slow build romance that will at first be friendship, and slowly they will both find love.  What I really loved about this story was watching Wren begin to change and see those she has come to know not paying attention to her blemish.  She begins to open up and have fun, and Alex slowly helps her build her confidence removing her veil completely and attend events.   I also loved this family that we have met over these three books, which was so insurmountable in changing Wren, as well as healing the family ties that had been broken by previous Earl of Riverdale’s death. 

The romance between Alex and Wren was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.  I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy a pure romance, even if you don’t like historical/regency, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Wed is a wonderful heartwarming story, great characters, and a fantastic couple. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Highlander’s Crusader Bride by Cathy MacRae-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE ( Hardy Heroines #3) by Cathy MacRae (& DD MacRae)-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE
Hardy Heroines #3
by Cathy MacRae
Release Date: October 24, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

The Highlander's Crusader Bride

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About the Book: Release Date October 24, 2017

Born in the Holy Land only a few years after the Third Crusade, half-Armenian, half-Scot Arbela MacLean is a true daughter of the desert, beautiful and untamed. Trained to be a warrior to avoid her gentle mother’s fate, Arbela has honed her skills with Turkish bow and arrow, sword and throwing darts—and dreads the day her father choses a man for her to marry.

After more than thirty years in the Holy Land, Donal MacLean, Baron of Batroun, is recalled to Scotland, the last son available to take up leadership of clan MacLean. He brings with him knights, treasure, trade—and a daughter of marriageable age.

Caelen MacKern, known as the Bull of the Highlands, is cynical about women. His first marriage formed an alliance, and he did not grieve when his spoiled, immature bride passed away. He has agreed to marry again—against his better judgement—for the men, means and coin to recover from a devastating pestilence that all but wiped out his clan.

Though more than a little resentful at finding himself forced to remarry, Caelen’s proposal to Donal MacLean’s headstrong daughter nevertheless piques her interest. Each will receive what they want most from life—the ability to live as they please without interference from a meddling spouse. But their marriage of indifference will soon change to one of passion that neither Arbela nor Caelen could have predicted.

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE is the third instalment in Cathy MacRae’s adult HARDY HEROINES historical, Highlander romance series. This is half-Armenian, half Scot Arbela MacLean, and Caelen MacKern’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Caelen and Arbela) THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE is a stand alone story line that follows the marriage of convenience between half-Armenian, half Scot Arbela MacLean, and Laird Caelen MacKern, leader of Clan MacKern in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Death and disease has ravaged the MacKern Clan, and with it comes the struggles to feed and support the numerous bodies within the Keep. To add insult to an already suffering Clan, Laird MacKern’s former father in law seeks revenge against the Laird for the untimely death of his daughter, Caelen’s first wife, plundering small herds and burning down the outlying crofts. Enter Laird Donal MacLean, who offers up his twenty year old daughter Arbela MacLean in exchange for provisions, repairs and additional security. What ensues is the marriage of convenience between the independent and warrior-trained Arbela MacLean, and Laird Caelen MacKern, and the potential fall out as Laird MacGillonay demands custody of Caelen’s only son attacking the Clan and the woman with whom Caelen is falling in love.

Arbela MacLean is half-Armenian, half-Scot, and royalty by birth, but our heroine is unlike any of the Scottish woman Caelen has ever met or seen. Warrior trained in both the defensive and offensive ways of war, the head-strong but beautiful Arbela is a one-woman army unto herself. Darker skinned with an attitude to match, Arbela will become the victim of racist slurs and savage attacks that accompany her marriage to a Scottish Laird. Five years earlier Caelen MacKern’s wife died leaving our hero a single father with a one-year old son. Discouraged by his first marriage Caelen vows never to remarry as he battles to maintain control of his struggling Clan. A marriage of convenience will aid in the resurrection of the MacKern Clan but a marriage that is doomed to fail as both Caelen and Arbela refuse to accept anything beyond a marriage in name only.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. Not everyone is true to the MacKern Clan-there are traitors in the midst, some closer than others. The introduction of Bram MacKern softens our heroine’s heart as she grows to love the child as her own.

The relationship between Arbela and Caelen begins as an arrangement. Arbela had no plans for marriage; and Caelen refuses to enter into a marriage with another unhappy wife. Their unwritten agreement to keep separate lives is quickly extinguished when their palpable sexual attraction is heightened by threats against the people they love. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE mixes historical facts with fiction creating a wonderful story line about two people pulled together by circumstance and love. There are moments of betrayal and devotion, hatred and friendship, discrimination and acceptance, romance and love. The premise is entertaining, revealing and engaging; the characters are real, colourful and charismatic; the romance is passionate and slow to build. Cathy MacRae adds another dimension to her Hardy Heroine’s –a series of strong, independent and beautiful women who find the courage to live and love.

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About the Author

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!

•••••••••••

DD MacRae enjoys bringing history to life and considers research one of the best things about writing a story! With more than 35 years of martial arts training, DD also brings breath-taking action to the tales.

You can connect with DD through www.cathymacraeauthor.com. It’s always exciting to hear from readers!

Connect:

Site: www.cathymacraeauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathymacraeauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmacraeauthor
Goodreads: Cathy: https://goo.gl/o7dwLk   DD: https://goo.gl/Phh881

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The Scot’s Bride (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #6) by Paula Quinn-Review,Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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THE SCOT’S BRIDE (The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #6) by Paula Quinn-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway tour

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THE SCOT’S BRIDE
The MacGregors: Highland Heirs #6
by Paula Quinn
Release Date: October 231, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

The Scot's Bride

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 31, 2017

AN IRRESISTIBLE SCOUNDREL
Highlander Patrick MacGregor likes his life just the way it is. Fighting for his coin, enjoying a woman’s charms, and bearing no responsibility at all. Aye, that’s the life for him. That is, until Patrick sees her-a raven-haired beauty with eyes as dark as midnight. Patrick swore never to fall in love. Not even with a lass as wild as he…especially when she’s from a rival clan.

AN UNDENIABLE DESIRE
Charlotte Cunningham knows Patrick is trouble the moment she sets eyes on him. Her only goal is to escape the possibility of marriage. Any marriage. But as the summer days turn into sultry nights, enticing her beyond reason, Charlie is forced to choose between the freedom she craves and the reckless rogue she can’t forget.

••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

“Rachel, Paula Quinn has a new …” … “YES, YES, YES I will review! ABSOFRICKENLUTELY!”

So when Paula has a new release, this is generally how quick the response to a book review request is! LOL

The Scots Bride by Paula Quinn is the 6th book in her “The MacGregors: The Highland Heirs” series, and it is just as incredible as her previous 5. A highland historical romance where you get a taste of a time that was very tumultuous, the characters are believable and steamy, and the story line gets your heart pumping with each page you flip. I would recommend you read the previous books in this series and while you are at it be sure to check out her previous series where this one branches off from. Nothing like returning to characters that you fell in love with and seeing how their life has progressed. Personally that is one of my fave parts about Paula”s books, I get to visit old friends every few months.

Patrick MacGregor is a rogue. Straight up, no pretense, he is what he is. He has no time for marriage as his heart is a wandering heart. He seeks excitement, adventure and day to day living. He fights, he drinks, he keeps it simple and easy. and if a woman just so happens to cross his path, well who is he to refuse? He is handsome, rough around the edges and is about to have his world rocked by a raven haired lass who he happens to make eye contact with in a tavern.

Charlotte Cunningham is our raven haired lass who is just as set in her ways as Patrick is. She is stunning, intelligent, daring and comes to realize that eye locking with the hot rogue in a tavern she has no business in visiting is detrimental to her plan. NEVER fall in love and marry. Her father and brothers saw to that mindset by teaching her a horrid lesson that has left her desiring to be left the heck alone for her life. But, that man who set her on fire is always around, and she soon begins to wonder if falling in love could be so bad. Perhaps falling in love is not the issue though, as Patrick is from an enemy clan, and only more blood shed could come out of this union if the truth is set free.

This is a true slow burn kind of read. You get the instant attraction and the catch and release effect with this novel. You know this couple is facing some serious odds but you will come to root for them to find their way. They are very complimentary of the other, but not predictably so. They have their humorous moments, but I have to say it was the steamy love that I absolutely loved. Man can Paula Quinn write a love scene.

Set against the incredible highland scenery, for those that have experienced a Paula Quinn book, you will feel nostalgic when you read her descriptions, and for those that are reading her for the first time, you will fall in love with the vivid pictures her writing creates. I love the gruff, no apologies aspects of this time, but I also loved that her characters likes to break the rules.

Another fabulous book Paula, each book you write has it’s own feel and while the enjoyment remains the same, it is wonderful to get to that conclusion in different ways. I highly recommend for my fellow historical romance fans and be prepared to gobble this story up quick! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel T

Copy supplied for review

The Scot's Bride teaser

Excerpt beige

 

Charlie caught the subtle shift of his gaze toward her when she glared at him, doing her best to keep her eyes above his chin and ignoring his long, sculpted physique and broad shoulders. Was he speaking to her or her captor?
Dunbar laughed at his offer. “You don’t even carry a sword.” He looked him over. “Or even a place to hide one.”
It was true. Charlie hadn’t noticed it before. Patrick Campbell spoke like a Highlander and had dressed like one when she’d first seen him at Blind Jack’s yet he carried no obvious weapons.
“I dinna’ need one,” he claimed, his amiable smile changing slightly into something more ominous.
Charlie knew it was true. He had fought Hamish with no weapons other than his fists. What kind of Highlander didn’t carry a sword? The kind who doesn’t need one.
Campbell moved closer to her and the eight men behind her. His gait was wrought with ease and confidence while her brothers and her father remained still.
“I’ll kill you for this, Campbell,” Duff swore.
“That’s doubtful,” Campbell tossed back without turning around. Instead, he looked at Charlie, now only a few inches away, standing between him and her captor.
If there wasn’t a blade to her throat, she would have taken a moment to admire him and all his hard angles.
“Untie me,” he said to Dunbar, “and I’ll fight them all with no help or risk of injury to ye or yer men.” He lifted his bound wrists up, close to Charlie’s face and the dagger at her throat. “The Duke of Argyll will hear of how ye aided his nephew.”
Dunbar seemed to think it over for a moment and then moved the dagger away from her neck to possibly cut Campbell loose. But instead of waiting to be free, the Highlander moved in a blur of speed snatching the dagger from Dunbar’s hand. In one fluid movement that Charlie almost missed by blinking, Campbell, still bound and clutching the hilt in his fingers, lifted his arms and then brought them back down to capture Dunbar’s head between his forearms, and Charlie’s head between his thick upperarms.
An instant turned into an eternity while he pulled Dunbar closer, wedging Charlie up against his chest. Time slowed as she looked up and he tiled his head to meet her gaze. She stared into his summer-glade eyes—ringed by lashes that were that long—and the evidence of Hamish’s wrath on his lip. His current wounds and an older one which had broken his nose saved him from being pretty. His mouth crooked ever so slightly—just enough to flash his dimple and completely befuddle her. A rascal. That’s what he was. He was helping her. But why? Before she had to ponder it further, the instant was over.
He hauled Archie Dunbar an inch closer and knocked him out with a clean blow, forehead to forehead. He moved quickly and lifted his arms to release Dunbar from his hold then gave him a powerful kick in the guts to topple him over.
“Run!” He pushed Charlie behind him and faced the rest of the Dunbars alone.
Duff reached them at the same time and an instant before the stunned expressions on the faces of Dunbar’s men wore off and they rushed forward.
“Give me your hands!” Charlie commanded, tugging on Campbell’s sleeve. When he obeyed, she cut him loose using her black blade.
The fool took a moment to smile at her before she tucked the dagger back under her skirts.
Hendry finally joined the fight but Charlie couldn’t take her eyes off Mr. Campbell in the melee.


 

About The Author beige

New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn lives in New York with her three beautiful children, three over-protective chihuahuas, and a loud umbrella cockatoo. She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven. She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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Duke of Desire (Maiden Lane #12) by Elizabeth Hoyt-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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DUKE OF DESIRE (Maiden Lane #12) by Elizabeth Hoyt-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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DUKE OF DESIRE
Maiden Lane #12
by Elizabeth Hoyt
Release Date: October 17, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

Duke of Desire

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Add Duke of Desire to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2vaU2Bp

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 17, 2017

A LADY OF LIGHT

Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping. Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos. When one of the masked-and nude!-Lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him . . . only to find she may have been a trifle hasty.

A DUKE IN DEEPEST DARKNESS

Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them. Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans. But now with the Lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe.

CAUGHT IN A WEB OF DANGER . . . AND DESIRE

Much to Raphael’s irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involves herself in his life-and bed. Soon he’s drawn both to her quick wit and her fiery passion. But when Iris discovers that Raphael’s past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters. Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael’s own demons?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: DUKE OF DESIRE is the twelfth installment in Elizabeth Hoyt’s adult MAIDEN LANE historical romance series. This is the Duke of Dyemore Raphael de Chartres, and Lady Iris Jordan’s story line. DUKE OF DESIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty . Any important information from previous installments is revealed where necessary. We were first introduced to our heroine in book eleven DUKE OF PLEASURE. Iris is Hugh Fitzroy’s sister.

NOTE: DUKE OF DESIRE contains references to pedophilia, rape, abuse and torture, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from several third person perspectives DUKE OF DESIRE is a story line that focuses on a dark secret within the notable society of Georgian England. Kidnapped just days after her brother’s marriage to Alf, Lady Iris Jordan comes face to face with the evil that permeates the rich and famous-the Lords of Chaos- a group of sick, twisted and perverted aristocratic men who use their power and position to kidnap and destroy the innocent and young. Enter Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, Iris’s savior, and the man with whom our heroine will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Iris and Raphael, and the potential fall-out as Raphael seeks revenge against the Lords of Chaos for destroying his life, and the lives of so many others.

DUKE OF DESIRE is a darker story line that follows the abduction and rescue of our story line heroine, and the subsequent search for the leader of the Lords of Chaos. Raphael is the reluctant Duke of Dyemore but with his father’s death, Raphael assumes more than his rightful place as Duke but that of his father’s membership and mantle within the group that destroyed Raphael’s life.

Iris never thought of herself as a potential target until the Lords of Chaos kidnapped our heroine in a plot against her newly betrothed brother. Her would-be rescuer is familiar; possibly evil but definitely the man with whom Iris would fall in love. Raphael wants nothing to do with consummating his marriage while our heroine struggles to seduce a man who isn’t willing to play along. The $ex scenes are intimate although Raphael battles too many demons, and memories from his past making for some heartbreaking moments between our newly married couple.

DUKE OF DESIRE is an emotional read about one man’s struggle to move on from the past. Raphael’s need for revenge is all consuming to the point of suicidal actions that could very well end his life, as well as the life of the woman with whom he is falling in love. The premise is sensitive, dramatic and tragic; the characters are broken, strong, passionate and intense; the romance suffers with one man’s inability to let go of the past.

My only concern is the cover image that does not match our hero’s horrific physical scars.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Duke of Desire Teaser

excerpt

Desperately she flung herself at the opposite seat and tugged it up. Thrust her hand in.
A pistol.
She cocked it, desperately praying that it was loaded.
She turned and aimed it at the door to the carriage just as the door swung open.
The Wolf loomed in the doorway—still nude—a lantern in one hand. She saw the eyes behind the mask flick to the pistol she held between her bound hands. He turned his head and said something in an incomprehensible language to someone outside.
Iris felt her breath sawing in and out of her chest.
He climbed into the carriage and closed the door, completely ignoring her and the pistol pointed at him. The Wolf hung the lantern on a hook and sat on the seat across from her.
Finally he glanced at her. “Put that down.”
His voice was calm. Quiet.
With just a hint of menace.
She backed into the opposite corner, as far away from him as possible, holding the pistol up. Level with his chest. Her heart was pounding so hard it nearly deafened her. “No.”
The carriage jolted into motion, making her stumble before she caught herself.
“T-tell them to stop the carriage,” she said, stuttering with terror despite her resolve. “Let me go now.”
“So that they can rape you to death out there?” He tilted his head to indicate the Lords. “No.”
“At the next village, then.”
“I think not.”
He reached for her and she knew she had no choice.
She shot him.
The blast blew him into the seat and threw her hands up and back, the pistol narrowly missing her nose.
Iris scrambled to her feet. The bullet was gone, but she could still use the pistol as a bludgeon.
The Wolf was sprawled across the seat, blood streaming from a gaping hole in his right shoulder. His mask had been knocked askew on his face.
She reached forward and snatched it off.
And then gasped.
The face that was revealed had once been as beautiful as an angel’s but was now horribly mutilated. A livid red scar ran from just below his hairline on the right side of his face, bisecting the eyebrow, somehow missing the eye itself but gouging a furrow into the lean cheek and catching the edge of his upper lip, making it twist. The scar ended in a missing divot of flesh in the line of the man’s severe jaw. He had inky black hair and, though they were closed now, Iris knew he had emotionless crystal-gray eyes.
She knew because she recognized him.
He was Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, and when she’d danced with him—once—three months ago at a ball, she’d thought he’d looked like Hades.
God of the underworld.
God of the dead.
She had no reason to change her opinion now.
Then he gasped, those frozen crystal eyes opened, and he glared at her. “You idiot woman. I’m trying to save you.”

About The author

Follow: Twitter / Website/ Facebook / Bookbub / Amazon

Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing “mesmerizing.” She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt

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Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright -a Review

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Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright -a Review

 

Twice as WickedAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Miss Alice Bursnell is determined to wreak revenge on Nathaniel Eastwood, Viscount Abingdon, for the seduction, ruin, and death of her beloved twin sister. But how to expose a seducer without falling prey herself? As she gets closer to Nathaniel, she finds she is in serious danger of following in her sister’s much-too-tempted footsteps. The man is nothing like the heartless rake she expected…and his kisses are truly divine. Could she be wrong about him? 

When a mysterious and gorgeous woman confronts Nathaniel at a fancy ball, he suspects she has murder on her mind—his own. But the more he tries to determine who the deceptively innocent beauty is—and what she’s up to—the deeper he falls under her alluring spell. Nathaniel fears he’s in imminent danger of losing his life…or worse, his heart.

 

 

Review:

Twice as Wicked by Elizabeth Bright is a steamy romance that is mixed in with some mystery.  

Alice needs someone to blame for the death of her sister, So Alice goes on a hunt for revenge and her search leads her to Nathaniel, as far as Alice can tell, it’s totally Nathaniel’s fault that her twin sister died.  So she decides to face him and make him pay for what he did. 

Nathaniel is not your typical hero or rogue turning over a new leaf, he is shy and awkward, not at all like Alice thinks he should be. He seems kind, shy and very self conscious, and does not always appear comfortable in his position as Viscount. 

Nathaniel has been finding himself in life threatening situations whenever Alice seems to always be around, causing him to grow suspicious of her. But he’s totally enamoured with the mystery lady. 

As the story develops, we see that things are not what they seem. As few twists and turns kept me turning the pages in an otherwise predictable story. Even when Alice learns the truth about Nathaniel’s twin brother. She still wants revenge. 

Nathaniel wants to stop her, which as you can imagine creates conflict between the two, and the added fact of their attraction and fondness for the other.  Confuses him no end. 

As Nathaniel falls in love with Alice, he is frustrated she cannot get past her revenge. And he still needs to resolve issues with his brother. 

Alice realizes she is falling in love with Nathaniel, but she needs to make a choice between avenging her sister or the man she loves.  Twice as Wicked was a very enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to what’s next in this series.

Reviewed by Julie B

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The Sorrow Stone by J.A. McLachlan- review

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The Sorrow Stone by J.A. McLachlan-a review

The Sorrow Stone

99¢ ebook: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / Amazon. au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

During the middle ages, a peasant’s superstition held that a mother mourning the death of her child could “sell her sorrow” by selling a nail from her child’s coffin to a peddler.

Would you pay someone to bear your sorrow?

Lady Celeste is overwhelmed with grief when her infant son dies. Desperate to find relief, she begs a passing peddler to buy her sorrow. Jean, the cynical peddler she meets, is nobody’s fool; he does not believe in superstitions and insists Celeste include the valuable ruby ring on her finger along with the nail in return for his coin.

Jean and Celeste both find themselves changed by their transaction in ways neither of them anticipated. Jean finds that bearing another’s sorrow opens him to strange fits of compassion, a trait he can ill afford. Meanwhile Celeste learns that without her wedding ring her husband may set her aside, leaving her ruined. She determines to retrieve it before he finds out—without reclaiming her sorrow. But how will she find the peddler and convince him to give up the precious ruby ring?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Ok so you know when you read a book and after you are done you think “Where did that come from and my goodness that was strange and really really good!” NO? You will after reading this book. So out of the historical fiction “norm” that I am use to reading and I was pleasantly surprised.

The Sorrow Stone by J.A. McLachlan is a historical fiction novel with a side of superstition folklore, set in the medieval era (MY FAVE) in 12th century France. Plenty of authentic detail with regards to historical accuracy, I was very pleased that this author had done the research for what this time had to offer. I love my history and I admire an author who does their homework and weaves a fantastic story in a with true details/facts.

Lady Celeste is grieving the loss of her infant son. A superstition says that one can sell their sorrow by selling the nail of the coffin with it. Desperate for relief, she sets upon a peddler to buy it from her. Jean is said peddler, and he really doesn’t have much interest in Celeste until he sees the ruby ring on her finger. Before we know it, Celeste has sold her sorrow and her wedding ring. At first, Celeste is confused as to what had happened prior to meeting Jean, but she does recollect the importance of her ring. She must get her ring back or be cast off by her husband. Off she goes to find Jean and both have near misses and very strange journeys.

Ok so clearly I have oversimplified the story because let me tell you this is not a simple story. This is an author with excellent pacing and revealing tidbits as we progress with the characters. It is told in multi person, but the transition from one to another is done perfectly. I was never bored for one second reading this story and it felt a little like peeling an onion, so many layers and a few tears. I LOVED getting to know Celeste and Jean and as you know I love my romance .. I didn’t miss it! I loved how all things tied in and up … together.

I feel like I am not doing this book much justice here, so I will say two things to end this review. This book is INCREDIBLE and this book will keep you thinking long after you have finished it. If this is your cup of tea, then pick this book up and give it a shot.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

About The Author beige

Follow: Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

J. A. McLachlan is the author of a short story collection, CONNECTIONS (Pandora Press) and two College texts on Professional Ethics (Pearson-Prentice Hall). But science fiction is her first love, a genre she’s been reading all her life. Walls of Wind was her first published SF novel. She has two young adult science fiction novels, The Occasional Diamond Thief and The Salarian Desert Game (EDGE SF&F Publishing).

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The Duke of Danger (The Untouchables #6) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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The Duke of Danger (The Untouchables #6) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

The Duke of Danger Banner

THE DUKE OF DANGER
The Untouchables #6
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: September 26, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

The Duke of Danger

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 26, 2017

After killing his opponent in a duel, Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge, is known as the Duke of Danger. Tortured by guilt, he shields himself with a devil-may-care attitude. However, when he kills another man in another duel, he’s beyond redemption, even though it wasn’t his fault. He refuses to smear a dead man’s name, especially when he’s left behind a blameless widow who doesn’t deserve an even bigger scandal.

Widowed and destitute, Lady Emmaline Townsend must marry the man of her parents’ choosing or beg unsympathetic relatives for support. The only way out is to ask for help from the one man she’s sworn to hate, the man who owes her anything she asks, the man who killed her husband. They strike a devil’s bargain in which passion simmers just beneath the surface. But her dead husband’s transgressions come back to haunt them and threaten their chance at love.

••••••••••

REVIEW:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW! This is heavy read warning. An angst filled, good lord can anything else go wrong for these characters, dark, spine chilling, sob filled with some very amazing sexy time thrown in kind of heavy read. IT WAS INCREDIBLE and totally made this book.

The Duke of Danger (yup best title there) by Darcy Burke is the 6th novel in her “The Untouchables” series, a historical romance and I would recommend you read the previous books as this series is multi layered in characters and story and at this point there is just so much you would miss out on if you skipped the previous 5. It can be read alone I suppose, but seriously, don’t deprive yourself of the full series experience .. you won’t be disappointed!

Our leading guy is Lionel Maitland, Marquess of Axbridge. Lionel is a stand up guy and is pretty much quite amazing, but this thing called honour is the cause of a string of bad outcomes on his life and the duels he has participated in. He carries the weight of dark emotions due to his dueling and despite having believed they were just caused, the result doesn’t sit well. The latest duel ends in death (not Lionel’s and not with intent to kill), and this makes him feel he can no longer be happy and/or redeemed. He will take care of his opponents now widow and be the best stand up man he can be.

Lady Emmaline Townsend is the opponents widow. Geesh, if it wasn’t for bad luck, she’d have no luck. This poor woman has been through the ringer with endless life altering catastrophes after another. Horrible past, this latest stroke of bad luck hits her the hardest as her husbands death leaves much debt, shame and her having to return to her parents (shudders .. not good). She decides to take matters in her own hands and plays the widow guilt card and take Lionel’s offers of help.

These two set off on a journey of self discovery, healing in each others arms and faith that trust and love can exist. Passion, of my, Darcy Burke writes some serious amazing passion and these two lit up the pages. I have to admit, Emmaline was very hard to like and I almost knocked a star off as she was not my favourite, but, then I thought, if Darcy can write a character I kinda really don’t like and have me sympathize, empathize and maybe understand a little bit .. and to the point where I liked her by the end, well that right there is an applause to fantastic character development and writing.

Like I said above, a heavier historical romance read but I was engaged the entire time and found myself wanting to rush through the story to get to the hard reached HEA. We get there, it’s just quite the path taken! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T

The Duke of Danger teaser

 

excerpt

“Good afternoon, Lady Townsend. May I offer my deepest condolences?”

She turned on the chair, barely curious as to who might be visiting and eager to send him on his way. But as soon as she pivoted, it was as if a dam inside her split in two and a cascade of emotion tumbled forth.

Bolting from the chair, she took two long steps toward him. “You.”

“Yes, me.” The Marquess of Axbridge didn’t flinch. Indeed, he stared into her, his blue eyes clear and piercing.

“You’ve a singular audacity to come here.”

The marquess bowed deeply. “I beg your pardon.” He looked at her once more. “And your forgiveness.”

Rage spiraled through her, and it was glorious to feel. “You’ll never have either.”

“That is completely understandable.” His tone was tight, measured. His cool reserve antagonized her.

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m so glad I have your approval.”

“I wouldn’t ever ask for, nor expect that.”

“And yet you ask for my forgiveness. It hardly seems to matter—I’ll give you nothing save my undying hatred.”

“Which I deserve. Nevertheless, I would apologize for what happened.”

“Apologize? You didn’t step on my foot during a dance. Nor did you spill a glass of ratafia on my gown. You killed my husband.”

Now he flinched. His eye twitched, and his lips pressed together so hard, they turned white. And yet he was still incredibly handsome. That hardly seemed fair.

He took a step toward her. She didn’t retreat, but her body tensed. She clenched her hands into tight fists. Her spine was so straight and stiff that she could have flown a flag from her shoulder.

“I didn’t come to make excuses, but please know I had good reason to demand satisfaction. I’d hoped he would settle the matter before moving to weapons, but he refused.”

She gaped at him. “Are you somehow trying to blame my husband for your actions?”

His jaw tightened, and he blew out a breath. “No. I came to offer my condolences, beg your forgiveness, apologize, and offer any assistance you may need—ever.”

He wanted to help her? She stared at him, the anger inside her curdling. “I would never want anything from you, nor would I ask.”

“I certainly understand you not wanting anything from me; however, if a need should ever arise, I would very much like to help you.”

“I think you’ve done quite enough.” Fury churned through every part of her, and she wanted to lash out. Needed to. “Actually, I can think of one thing I would like from you.” She took a step toward him, her lip curling. “I should appreciate it if you would be miserable for the rest of your life. I would take great joy in knowing that you will wallow in guilt and anguish for all your days.” She glared at him, long and hard.

“I can do that,” he said softly, without a shred of irony. “You may be pleased to know that I am already well on my way. And I shan’t trouble you with my presence. I’m leaving England today.”

“Good.”

“My offer will always stand, whether you choose to take advantage of it or not. Should you require anything at all, please contact my man of affairs.” He held out a card.

She didn’t want to take anything from him. “Choke on it,” she spat.

He withdrew his hand to his side. “Again, my deepest apologies, Lady Townsend.” He turned and strode from the room, his broad shoulders straight, his gait sure.

Damn him.

Damn him.

About The Author

Darcy BurkeDarcy 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.

Connect:

 

Site: www.darcyburke.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans
Twitter: twitter.com/darcyburke
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823441.Darcy_Burke

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An Unsuitable Heir (Sins of the Cities #3) by KJ Charles-a review

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AN UNSUITABLE HEIR (Sins of the Cities #3) by KJ Charles-a review

An Unsuitable Heir

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 3, 2017

A private detective finds passion, danger, and the love of a lifetime when he hunts down a lost earl in Victorian London.

On the trail of an aristocrat’s secret son, enquiry agent Mark Braglewicz finds his quarry in a music hall, performing as a trapeze artist with his twin sister. Graceful, beautiful, elusive, and strong, Pen Starling is like nobody Mark’s ever met—and everything he’s ever wanted. But the long-haired acrobat has an earldom and a fortune to claim.

Pen doesn’t want to live as any sort of man, least of all a nobleman. The thought of being wealthy, titled, and always in the public eye is horrifying. He likes his life now—his days on the trapeze, his nights with Mark. And he won’t be pushed into taking a title that would destroy his soul.

But there’s a killer stalking London’s foggy streets, and more lives than just Pen’s are at risk. Mark decides he must force the reluctant heir from music hall to manor house, to save Pen’s neck. Betrayed by the one man he thought he could trust, Pen never wants to see his lover again. But when the killer comes after him, Pen must find a way to forgive—or he might not live long enough for Mark to make amends

••••••••••

REVIEW: AN UNSUITABLE HEIR is the third and final installment in KJ Charles’ Victorian England, adult SIN OF THE CITIES M/M romance, mystery trilogy. This is private investigator Mark Braglewicz, and trapeze artist and reluctant earl Repentance ‘Pen’ Starling’s story line. AN UNSUITABLE HEIR can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise and plot throughout the series focusing on the search for the heir to the Earl of Moreton’s estate.

NOTE: AN UNSUITABLE HEIR and the SINS OF THE CITIES series contain scenes of M/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty three years earlier, sixteen year old and pregnant Emmeline Godfrey Taillefer’s life fell apart when the man that she married walked away without a backwards glance. Fast forward and the son to whom she gave birth is said to be the legitimate heir to the Earl of Moreton-a position coveted by more than one surviving relation.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Pen and Mark) AN UNSUITABLE HEIR focuses on the search for the truth as a group of friends endeavors to find the missing heir to the Taillefer fortune and title holder to the Earl of Moreton. Mark Braglewicz has been commissioned to locate a young man known a Pen Starling-one half of the Flying Starling trapeze artists, and the man who is quite possibly the missing heir to the Moreton estates. Enter Repentance Taillefer aka Pen Starling, a man whose lifestyle will never be conducive as the Earl of Moreton, and the man with whom Mark Braglewicz will fall in love. With a killer on the loose, searching for the missing Taillefer twins, Mark struggles to convince Pen and his sister Greta (Regret) that Pen’s life hangs in the balance as a killer sets his sights on the Moreton heir.

Pen Starling is an anomaly – a bi-gendered man living in Victoria England; a flamboyant trapeze artist whose ‘professional persona’ crosses over into his daily life including an attraction to men that must be hidden in light of the times. Pen’s ‘gender fluidity’ is expressed by the way he presents himself as a girl or a boy (woman or man) depending upon his current state of mind or emotions. Mark Braglewicz, a private investigator is a bisexual man (with a missing left arm) whose captivation with Pen is palpable and intense.

The relationship between Pen and Mark is one of mutual fascination; a forbidden romance between two men who must remain closeted at a time when homosexuality is criminal and a sin. Mark’s ongoing need to convince Pen to acknowledge his rightful title builds a wall between our leading couple, a wall that will harden the heart of Pen Starling as betrayal and lies force Pen to face the truth about the man with whom he is falling in love. Pen is a reluctant heir knowing his personal lifestyle will become fodder for the people in charge-his fears are legitimate and painful. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The world building continues to focus on the hunt for a killer; the search for the missing Moreton heirs; and the developing friendships and relationships between a group of gay men in Victorian England. All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. Once again, the tone of the story is not conducive to the era or the time-I was expecting a tighter interpretation of the language e.g. euphemisms, slang, sentence structure, and because of this, the story line reads more modern than historic (see my review of books one and two). The premise is entertaining and enlightening; the characters are colorful but flawed; the romance is seductive and intense.

I would like to add that political correctness did not exist in Victorian England, and to apply modern standards to an historical romance novel would alter the perceptive believability of the era. Some readers may take offense to the ‘presentation’ of Pen’s sexuality or Mark’s physical disability but for readers to apply contemporary criteria, standards, measurements or guidelines to this series and story line would be a grievous error that should be avoided.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
An Unseen Attraction
An Unnatural Vice
The Unsuitable Heir

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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