Tag Archives: Historical

Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo -a Review

Posted on by
11

Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo -a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
A sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, and a blossoming relationship generations later that will reveal a long-buried family secret.

Genoa, Italy, 1946. Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love at twenty-one the moment they set eyes on each other. The son of a count and the daughter of a tailor, they belong to opposing worlds. Despite this, the undeniable spark between them quickly burns into a deep and passionate relationship spent exploring each other’s minds, bodies and their city, as well as Vincenzo’s family’s sprawling vineyard, Villa Della Rosa–until shifts in political power force them each to choose a side and commit what the other believes is a betrayal, shattering the bright future they dreamed of together.

New York, 2017. Cassandra and Luca are in love. Although neither quite fits with the other’s family, Cass and Luca have always felt like a perfect match for each other. But when Luca, an artist, convinces his grandfather and Cass’s grandmother to pose for a painting, past and present collide and reveal a secret that changes everything.

 

 

Review:

Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo is a standalone novel. The story constantly switches between two timelines; Italy after World War II and in present day (2017) New York.  We meet Giovanna, who is 21 years old, works with her father (a tailor) and sister. In 1946, with the war over, the family returns to their shop in Genoa, with Giovanna helping to make designs.  Her sister and boyfriend, become part of a group against the monarchy, and wants to move to America. 

Giovanna meets Vincenzo in the shop, having clothes made by her father.  He is immediately enthralled with her, and comes to the shop often with excuses to fix things.  In a short time, they both begin to have feelings for each other, as they are falling in love.  Vincenzo is from a different world then Giovanna, being the son of a count and she the daughter of a tailor. 

There was a true element of historical, as the monarchy was to be voted on whether to keep or abolish it. Vincenzo was worried that if the monarchy was abolished, what will his future hold. Giovanna was influenced by her sister, knowing that maybe Italy was better off without the monarchy, which actually did happen.  When Vincenzo discusses the vote, he becomes upset that Giovanna voted against the monarchy and angrily walks away.  When he comes to his senses, knowing how much he loves Giovanna, decides to go to her and apologize for his behavior.  When he arrives at the shop, he learns that she left with her sister and brother-in-law for America; and he has no idea where she went.

In 2017 New York, we meet Cassandra (Cass) and Luca, who are very much in love, and planning their wedding. Cass is a designer for a fashion clothing firm, and Luca is a painter, who has recently started to become well known.  Luca and Cass always support each other, even though her family doesn’t always support her choices.  Luca convinces Cass’s grandmother to pose for one of his paintings, and after some consideration, she accepts.  When Luca’s grandfather visits, he is asked to pose in the same painting.  Soon a revelation will be discovered that has a link to the past, with secrets being unraveled changing everything.

Stars in an Italian Sky was a wonderful beautiful heartwarming story that held our attention from start to finish.  This was also very emotional, with romance playing a large part in both the past and present.  Stars in an Italian Sky was very well written by Jill Santopolo, with a fantastic group of wonderful characters.  I suggest you read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

Share

A SEASON OF FLIRTATION   by Julia Justiss-review and giveaway

Posted on by
26

A SEASON OF FLIRTATION (Least Likely to Wed 1)  by Julia Justiss-review and giveaway

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 24, 2023

Her lessons in flirtation…

Could work too well!

When Lady Laura Pomeroy offers to give her friend lessons on surviving the Season, she doesn’t expect her friend’s brother to join! 

Banker Miles Rochdale is dubious of the aristocracy and clearly thinks Laura is shallow and silly. Frustratingly, mathematical genius Laura finds herself attracted to him, and will enjoy challenging his assumptions! But, as a Marquess’s daughter, there’s no point impressing Miles because she’ll never be allowed to marry trade…

••••••

REVIEW: The first book in a new series, from an author that I really like. She captures historical romance really well. 

A slow burn or sweet romance (not much if any spicy moments) that will have you wishing for gowns and afternoon teas ? 

Lady Laura knows exactly how to behave in society, becoming a lady had been a minefield, if it hadn’t been for her two best friends. Laura would have failed miserably, so she wants to help anyone entering the ‘ton society. 

Miles Rochdale isn’t liking the idea of a socialite educating his naive sister in the ways of flirting and ensnaring a suitor and a marriage proposal. It’s bringing back bad memories of when he was targeted and dumped by a socialite, so he has the notion of interacting with Lady Laura to judge her character. 

But the more they spend time together, the more they come to realise they have so much in common…..

Miles has to accept that Laura only wants the best for his sister. And Laura has to put down her mathematical equations sometimes and interact with more than just her best friends. 

I really like Laura, she was such a sensitive and sensible character. She’s also a math nerd, so that makes her socially awkward. 

Miles is an overprotective big brother, which is a big plus in my book.

And Susanna (Miles’ sister) is such a cute character, she’s an innocent in a bad world and needs protecting. But the more I read of her, the more I think she’s trying to matchmake between her brother and her new friend. 

And we get to meet her best friends, who support and advise her along the way. (And I’m hoping they each get a book) 

So can they buck the rules and be together, or will society break this unconventional couple up? A lady can’t marry beneath her station, can she? And what happens when Laura finds out Miles is promised to someone else? 

If you love sweet romances then this book is a must for you. 

And I can’t wait to read the next one in this series. 

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

Award-winning historical romance author Julia Justiss has written more than thirty-five novels and novellas set in the English Regency and the Texas Hill Country.

A voracious reader who began jotting down plot ideas for Nancy Drew novels in her third grade spiral, Julia has published poetry and worked as a business journalist.

She and her husband live in East Texas, where she continues to craft the stories she loves. Check her website for details about her books, chat with her on social media, and follow her on Bookbub and Amazon to receive notices about her latest releases. For special subscriber giveaways, discounted books, character sketches and more, sign up for her newsletter at:

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h7r3n5

Website: www.juliajustiss.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliajustiss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaJustissAuthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/juliajustiss/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julia-justiss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliajustissauthor/
Amazon Author: https://amzn.to/2RK34RO
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/63842.Julia_Justiss

Julia Justiss  is graciously offering a paper copy (US/Canada) or ebook (international) of A SEASON OF FLIRTATION to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE & follow Julia Justiss on Facebook

4. Please Follow Julia Justiss on Goodreads

5. Please LIKE / FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK

6. LIKE / follow The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway  paper (US/Canada) or ebook  (internationally)

10. Giveaway runs from February 11-15, 2023

Share

A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
17

A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett – Review & Giveaway

 

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
You couldn’t design a better hero than the very eligible and extremely charming Earl Grantham. Unless, of course, you are Margaret Gault, who wants nothing to do with the man who broke her youthful heart.

Widowed and determined, Margaret Gault has returned to Athena’s Retreat and the welcoming arms of her fellow secret scientists with an ambitious plan in mind: to establish England’s first woman-owned engineering firm. But from the moment she sets foot in London her plans are threatened by greedy investors and–at literally every turn–the irritatingly attractive Earl Grantham, a man she can never forgive.

George Willis, the Earl Grantham, is thrilled that the woman he has loved since childhood has returned to London. Not as thrilling, however, is her decision to undertake an engineering commission from his political archnemesis. When Margaret’s future and Grantham’s parliamentary reforms come into conflict, Grantham must use every ounce of charm he possesses–along with his stunning good looks and flawless physique, of course–to win Margaret over to his cause.

Facing obstacles seemingly too large to dismantle, will Grantham and Margaret remain forever disconnected or can they find a way to bridge their differences, rekindle the passion of their youth, and construct a love built to last?

 

 

Review:

A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett is the 3rd book in her The Secret Scientists of London series. Refresher: Athena’s Retreat is a women’s club for female scientists, who are smart, savvy, independent, intelligent, women who work on their own time to practice and learn how to create scientific things. They all support one another, and fight against the injustices that women should stay home and let men do the work. The feminism vibes in this series reflects on these wonderful women that are truly inspiring.

We meet our heroine, Margaret (Maggie) Gault, who has always been independent and determined to succeed in a man’s world.  Margaret is now widowed, and returns to Athena’s Retreat, welcomed by her follow scientists and friends; she also plans on establishing the first woman owned engineering firm. She is extremely talented and savvy, as well as a force to be reckoned with; willing to stand up to anyone.  With little support from other firms, Margaret is hired by a company to create a challenging project, with a secret donator, Victor Armitage, who is part of Guardians of Domesticity; who want to close Athena’s Retreat.  However, Maggie is surprised to see her old childhood flame, who is now a very powerful and wealthy man; and who broke her heart all those years ago.

George Willis, the Earl of Grantham, is thrilled to see Maggie again, and is determined to win her over. But can Maggie forgive his betrayal? George is very supportive of the women’s movement, and as the Earl of Grantham, he wants to stop Victor Armitage, and get his own parliamentary reforms supported.  Grantham uses his charm, not to mention his good looks and physique to work on winning Maggie over to his cause. 

The slow burn second chance romance pulled on our heartstrings, rooting hard for them to open their hearts.  I did love George and Maggie together; as they really made a great couple. The banter between them was fun, as the sexual tension between them grew; with their chemistry off the wall.  I really enjoyed the other secondary characters, especially Violet and Arthur, and the banter between Grantham and Arthur.

What follows is Margaret realizing that those who offered her this job, were not true to her plan.  She needed to face her friends and work with George to save everything. George was instrumental in finding a way to stop the Guardians of Domesticity and Victor Armitage.  A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett was well written, and a fun read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Berkley Romance is graciously offering a paper copy of A LOVE BY DESIGN to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Elizabeth Everett on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from January 20th to 23rd, 2023

 

 

Share

Never Cross a Highlander by Lisa Rayne – a Review

Posted on by
11

Never Cross a Highlander by Lisa Rayne – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the infamous Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil…who has plans of his own.

Kallum MacNeill’s fearsome reputation has long allowed him to keep hidden his secret double life of freeing enslaved captives across the land. It’s only when he kidnaps a servant lass—quite by accident—that he finds himself facing a wee predicament. He must accompany the lass home or risk her exposing his true identity. It’d be easy enough…if the feisty hellion didn’t fight him at every turn.

As they make their way to the Highlands, the perils the two must face are surpassed only by their constant sparring. Soon, their heated sniping sparks heat of a totally different kind. The kind that ignites a hunger that could consume them both. Yet the difficult journey is no match for the dangerous secrets they’re about to uncover.

 

Review:

Never Cross a Highlander begins with Ailsa Connery in service to Princess Elizabeth.  Ailsa know that a tournament is being held and that her clan will be in attendance.  The only way for Ailsa to be able to view those coming to attend is from the Princess’ balcony and she, the Princess, is less than enthused.  Through some mental manipulation, Ailsa gets Elizabeth ready and onto the balcony just as the riders from the clans start entering. 

Duff Kallum MacNeil, the MacNeill war chief, is less than enthusiastic when he’s told he must enter yet another tournament ordered by the King.  When his “brother” tells him that it is a must, Kallum knows he has to go.  Once they enter the King’s lands and parade by for all to view, Kallum (aka The Black Devil) hears the whispers.  What he doesn’t plan on is catching the eye, and vice versa, of a striking lass.

Once the tournament begins, it comes down to  Kallum and another fighting to be the victor.  Once Kallum’s foe is defeated, he faces the King for his approval only to be attacked again.  Thankfully Ailsa’s face told him what he needed to know.

Having seen her clan, Ailsa, who was born free and taken by the King’s guard into servitude for the last few years, makes her plan to escape to be reunited with them.  Once she sneaks from the castle, things take an interesting turn for her as she is mistaken for someone else running for a different reason and is forced to go with the group that is being taken out under the cover of darkness.  Having no other choice, Ailsa finally submits, but has another plan to escape to finally make it back to her clan after all these years.   Little does she know the twists and turns ahead……………..

Never Cross a Highlander is an interesting and timely twist on the highland historical.  As Ailsa and Kallum navigate her continuous attempts at escaping, things start coming to light that she had never thought of.   Once Kallum convinces her she can trust him, things start to happen quickly.  Ailsa’s whole life was not what she thought she knew.  And once Kallum discovered what the true plot was behind her being held in servitude by the King, all hell breaks loose.  They trust no one as they uncover plot after plot against her, but hell hath no fury like a Highlander crossed.  ? 

Never Cross a Highlander is a uniquely written tale of inequality being brought into the light and all being made right.  The romance was a slow build which added to the two main characters’ chemistry.  If you’re a fan of historicals, with a twist or without, you won’t go wrong with this one.  Well done, Lisa Rayne!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share

The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga 3) by G.A. Aiken – Reviews

Posted on by
13

The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga 3) by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Gods save the queen!

Ainsley Farmerson has always planned to break free of the family business—and the family drama. But what was once farming, smithworking, and bickering over the dinner table has turned into open warfare between sisters. Sides have been taken, lives are on the line, and Ainsley has no doubt which sister must be queen. She’ll do whatever is necessary to take down the soulless Beatrix. Even if that means joining forces with angry battle nuns, irritating monks, and overbearing centaurs.

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan has no time for human beings. And yet . . . there is something about the uncontrollable princess that he can’t ignore. Maybe it’s the way her eldest sisters underestimate her. Or her bravery facing down dragons and mad queens from distant lands. Whatever the reason, Gruff is willing to fight by this human’s side. Not only for the entertainment value, but because she’s right. Beatrix must never be queen. So whatever he has to do, whoever he has to destroy, Gruff will battle beside Ainsley. Fast. Hard. And with absolutely no mercy

 

Barb’s Review:
The Heretic Royal by G. A. Aiken is the 3rd book in her The Scarred Earth Saga series. I am a big fan of G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston), and as I have said before, I will read anything she writes; as she is one author who I look forward with high anticipation to read her books, which are fun, exciting, enjoyable and so much laughter along the way, with crazy and wonderful characters.

Ainsley is the third and good sister, with Queen Keeley and Gemma having had their story previously. Keely had become Queen of the Western Lands, with Gemma protecting her sister from the evil Beatrix (Queen of the East). Ainsley, who is excellent at shooting an arrow, steps up in this story.  Beatrix is the evil sister, who is determined to kill off all her sisters, as she continues to build her own kingdom.

Ainsley has always been the quiet sister, who likes to climb up to the trees to get away from the constant bickering between her sisters. Ainsley knows that she must join the fight against Beatrix, who must never be queen; even joining with centaurs, monks and to her surprise, Dragons

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan is a Centaur, whom we met with his sister and brothers, in the previous book.  Gruffyn rarely talks, just likes to grunt, but finds himself being attached to Ainsley, even talking to her; as well as protecting her. I really enjoyed the slow built romance between Gruff and Ainsley, which was at times funny. 

Of course, this is G.A. Aiken, which means the entire story was suspenseful, action packed, but totally hilarious; especially with the return of the Dragons.  It was so great and hysterical to see all of them again; as these wonderful zany characters are so much fun. We did not miss any of the amazing dragons, and Annwyl from the start, played such a major role. I loved every minute of these wonderful, wild, insane and violent characters, who spent time working closely with Queen Keely, Gemma and Ainsley. 

What follows is a wild, exciting, non-stop action adventure filled with bloody battles, deaths, and our fantastic dragons. The entire book has so much humor with me constantly laughing from start to finish.  I loved that Aiken brought the Dragons back, and allowed us to revisit these insane wonderful characters, who are bloodthirsty, violent, fun and totally entertaining.

The Heretic Royal was a fun filled, exciting amazing ride, with fantastic characters that G.A. Aiken creates so well.  It blew my mind that the Dragons returned, giving us a wonderful trip down memory lane. If you enjoy Aiken/ Laurenston, you need to be reading this series.

_______

Sandy’s Reviews: THE HERETIC ROYAL is the third instalment in GA Aiken’s adult SCARRED EARTH SAGA fantasy series set in the author’s DRAGONKIN world. Although focusing on several characters, and intersecting plot lines, THE HERETIC ROYAL follows the building relationship between Ainsley Farmerson , and Gruffyn, centaur of the Torn Moon Clan. THE HERETIC ROYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: Beatrix Smythe was prophesized to become queen, and her sister Keeley grew to protect her older sibling but Beatrix’ assent into power was driven by madness, and in the ensuing time everyone would come to fear the all powerful queen.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ainsley and Gruffyn aka Gruff THE HERETIC ROYAL is a flight into the fantastic as the author brings together our favorite dragons, their kin, the centaurs, and an assortment of undead horses, demon wolves, war monks and mythological gods.

With the appearance of Annwyl the Bloody, aka the Mad Queen, and a large assortment of squabbling dragons (Fearghus, Briac, Gwenvael, Gwenvael’s son Unnvar Reinholdt, and Morfyd, Bram, Ghleanna and Queen Rhiannon), Ainsley Farmerson and her sister Queen Keeley Smythe, knew all was not well with the world. Annwyl’s reputation has far surpassed all imaginable rumors but when Annwyl suspects one of the human queens is enslaving children and teaching them to kill, Keeley and Ainsley must come to an arrangement that proves to the Mad Queen that someone else is responsible for the annihilation of innocents. Meanwhile Ainsley has found herself with a guardian, so to speak, in the form of centaur Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan, a centaur who is willing to sacrifice himself to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. As Beatrix’ armies advance on Queen Keeley’s territories and lands, the Dragons find themselves making an alliance with Keeley, in advance of the terror that is about to reign down.

THE HERETIC ROYAL has a large ensemble cast of fabulous and fantastic secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in previous story lines. There is humor, snark and sarcasm as per G.A. Aiken’s style of writing. Once again, the back and forth banter between siblings in both dragon and human families is fast, furious and frenetic, as is the requisite crazy uncle, long suffering parents, and oblivious but powerful kin.  The inventive premise is detailed and fanciful with plenty of action, violence, blood shed, and fun. The characters are numerous, familiar, powerful and charismatic; the slow building romance is passionate and intense.

Copies provided by the publisher

 

 

 

 

 

Share

Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith – a Review

Posted on by
11

Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Apple / Bookbub

 

Description:
Becoming the Earl of Castleton wasn’t something Arthur Brynnwood was expecting. Yes, his great-uncle was old, but Arthur had always imagined him living forever. But after he learned of his great-uncle’s passing he went from being just another gentleman to one of the highly sought after prizes by matchmaking mamas of the ton. Suddenly the responsibility of running such a vast estate was thrust on Arthur’s shoulders. The estate accounts were a mess and it was clear his uncle’s steward had been embezzling from his uncle for years. When he arrives at the castle and sees the gross mismanagement of the properties he loses his temper and orders the new steward to let people know their rent were rising – either pay or move.

To his surprise a lovely young woman name Matilda comes to him the next day, pleading prettily for leniency for herself and her ailing aunt who had been living in a cottage free for years. Too used to the wiles of women, Arthur remains unmoved by her words and tells her coldly there will be no reconsideration of his orders. He is the new Earl of Castleton and he will be obeyed. The next thing he knows, he’s choking on a snowball thrown at his face and Matilda is marching away, back straight and head held proudly high. Once again, his temper explodes. He grabs her and wrestles the shrieking, kicking woman to a bedchamber and locks her in until he decides what to do with her.

He find himself intrigued and reluctantly impressed by her show of spirit. She’s not the usual, simpering, coy type of women who all but worship at his feet in London. And her beauty… he feels an unexpected lust when he imagines her long, russet hair and eyes the color of good whiskey. Deciding it’s been too long since he’s had a mistress, he knows exactly how to solve the problem of Matilda: he’ll allow her free use of the cottage she lives in for the rest of her life in exchange for being his mistress this Christmas season…

 

Review:

Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith is the 2nd book in her Christmas Wallflowers series.  We meet Matilda (Mattie) from the start, when she receives a letter outside her door.  Mattie lives in a very small cottage, with her ailing aunt; they have lived there rent free for many years, as the Earl of Castleton always looked out for them, until his death.  Mattie reads the letter, which was sent by the new Earl, who tells them they have to move out quickly, or pay a high rent; which they cannot afford.  She quickly runs in the bad snow storm, to talk to this new Earl, and plead their case.

Arthur Brynnwood, is now the Earl of Castleton, having inherited the land and title from his deceased distant Uncle.  Arthur has no idea how to run the estate, and works his steward reviewing what is needed to repair the terrible condition of the mansion and land; as well as previous mismanagement.   He then orders the steward to have people living on the estate, to raise rents or make them move.  When Mattie arrives to talk to the new Earl, he is belligerent and arrogant, telling her he will not change his mind; she loses her cool, and on the way out, throws a snow ball that landed on his head.  Arthur is now angry, and takes Mattie and locks her in a room.    Learning about her ailing aunt, Arthur orders they pick up the aunt to bring her to the mansion, and have a doctor into her health.

Arthur finds himself intrigued by the spirited and feisty, Mattie; as he is not used to women not listening to him and fighting his every move.  Arthur will make a deal with Mattie, increasing her stay at the cabin for months, if she will become his mistress for two weeks.  Mattie, who is a virgin, does feel lust when Arthur kisses her, and decides to accept the deal.

In a short time, both Arthur and Mattie find themselves falling hard for each other; as their relationship escalated into a steamy affair, with Arthur treating Mattie like a queen. Arthur will also learn to his shock, the conditions that Mattie and her aunt lived in (tiny cabin, little food, heat, etc.), and begins to make changes to fix and add on to the cabin they lived in.  When friends of Arthur surprisingly turn up for the holidays, he begins to see a different light to those he used to call friends and their terrible behavior.

After the bad start, I really liked Arthur and Mattie together, and loved watching them fall in love.  Arthur turned into a sweet and caring man, who changed him totally. Snowflakes and Wallflowers was so very well written by Lauren Smith.  I loved the story, and the main characters, and especially loved the epilogue.  I suggest you read Snowflakes and Wallflowers, as it was a sexy heartwarming read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

Share

Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

Posted on by
12

Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

 

Description
Brooding, intense, passionate…
These are the three things Anna knows about the mysterious man who rescues her when she washes up on the shores after Scotland after surviving a shipwreck. With no memory of who she is except her name, she must rely on this darkly handsome Scot, Aiden Kincade as she searches for answers about her past. The more time she spends with Aiden, the more his heated looks, and fiery kisses ignite desires she never knew she had. But she fears that finding out who she is will only tear her and Aiden apart.

The last thing Aiden Kincade expects is to find a beautiful woman half-drowned while he rides along the beach. But the moment he takes her into his arms, he realizes that this is the woman he has dreamed about for years, the woman who had been prophesied to bring about his death should he dare to love her. And yet denying his love for her is as impossible as drawing his next breath.

It’s clear from the moment they meet, that fate has brought them together. But as Anna’s past begins to surface, and a terrible danger looms over her, Aiden fears that he might lose everything and everyone he holds dear unless he can find a way to defy destiny.

 

 

Review:

Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith is the 17th book in her The League of Rogues series. I’ve read a few of these books by the author. No need to read in order as they can be read alone, although there are a few characters from previous books that make an appearance. 

Great attention to detail, the Scottish words take a little getting use to, but once I managed to sort it out, it didn’t stop me flying through this book. 

Aiden and Anna’s story had me smiling, crying and wishing it was longer. Aiden finding Anna on the shore after a storm, being shocked at recognising her face from his dreams, and then finding out Anna doesn’t recognise him, nor does she know who she is! 

Anna has a past that could kill her and anyone close to her, but she doesn’t know that (yet) but she is attracted to her rescuer, it won’t hurt to stay with him until her memory comes back, will it? A friendship soon strikes up, and I get the feeling Aiden would like it to be more. And then it doesn’t take long for Anna to wish for the same. 

I had to smile at Aiden’s love of animals, there is one particular scene with a hedgehog ? that will have you chuckling. ? And when Anna’s memory returns will it mean the end of Anna and Aiden? People are looking for Anna, who? And what do they want with her? 

Can they fight these feelings? Or will they be torn apart by duty?  And what about the warning Aiden received as a lad….. will Anna be the death of him? 

Another great story by this author. Full of adventure, passion and a little mystery thrown in for good measure. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

Share

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry – a Review

Posted on by
11

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Scuff has come a long way from his time as a penniless orphan scraping together a living on the banks of the Thames. Now he’s studying medicine at a free clinic run by Dr. Crowe, a thoughtful if stoic mentor. But lately Crowe has been distracted, having witnessed an altercation between a wealthy former patient of his named Ellie–a woman that he not only treated but developed unacknowledged feelings for–and her controlling fiancé. It seems someone is forcing Ellie to marry the man. When Crowe’s emotions come flooding back, he sets out to uncover the troubling connection between Ellie, her father, and her betrothed.

With Crowe engrossed in his investigation just weeks before the holidays, Scuff is left to run the clinic on his own, treating London’s poor and vulnerable. In the holiday spirit, he offers Mattie, a young girl in need, a warm place to stay as the winter chill sweeps through the city. Together, Scuff and Mattie must also fend off the police, who are growing suspicious of Crowe’s amateur sleuthing. Will Crowe be able to help Ellie, and will Scuff be able to ensure that he and Mattie–and all of their patients–have a safe and peaceful Christmas?

 

 

Review:

A Christmas Deliverance by Anne Perry is a stand-alone novella, that is set in her mystery series, William and Hester Monk.  The story starts off with Dr. Crowe attending the wounds of a young girl, Mattie, as he fixes her damaged finger. Crowe operates a free medical clinic, mostly for the poor in its vicinity; with people paying mostly for the service with food, as well as occasional donations that help Crowe to purchase the medicines and equipment needed.  His assistant Scuff, has been learning everything about medicine, to help Crowe, his mentor, in handling the many patients that cannot afford to pay.  Scuff is the adopted son of William and Hester Monk (the other series), and he plays a major role in this story.

One day, Crowe arrives at a scene where a young woman is trapped under a carriage with a severe injury to her leg.  He manages to get her to his clinic to treat and cleanse the injury.  The young woman is Ellie Hollister, who is the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Her father is not pleased she is in this clinic for the poor, but with advice from his doctors, he allows her to remain for a few days.  Crowe was enamored by Ellie, but understands that she is out of his class.  A year later, he sees Ellie from a distance, having an argument with another man, who ends up slapping her.  Crowe comes to her rescue, and is shocked to discover that the man is her fiancée.  Crowe decides he needs to investigate why would Ellie would want to marry a man that abuses her.

With Crowe out of the office a lot to investigate the wealthy men Dolan and Hollister, Scuff is left to run the clinic mostly on his sown.  Young Mattie brings her kitten to Scuff, who realizes that Mattie is homeless, and offers her a warm place to stay with her kitten, Rosie, as well as give both of them food.  Mattie also helps out Scuff, with cleansing tools, and together they fend off the police, who are suspicious about Crowe’s investigations

What follows is Crowe using his connections throughout the town to learn more of why Ellie is being forced to marry Paul Dolan, an evil and abusive man. He learns about a fire, a dead man and the Dolan family possibly blackmailing Ellie’s father. As we race to the finish, Crowe visits Inspector Monk, to explain his findings, with an exciting dangerous finale.  A Christmas Deliverance was a well written mystery by Anne Perry.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share