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His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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

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

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

 

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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

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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith 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. Giveaway open USA (paper copy) or e-copy (International)

8. Giveaway runs from June 11 – 15, 2018

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The Earl of Pembroke by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Earl of Pembroke by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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

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

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

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

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep em’ Coming Lauren!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Rogue’s Seduction by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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DESCRIPTION
SOCIETY CALLS HIM THE DEVIL OF LONDON…

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

SHE’S THE DARLING OF THE TON…

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

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

FANTASTIC Lauren! 

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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Gambling On Forever by Becky Lower – a Review

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Gambling On Forever by Becky Lower – a Review

 

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

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

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

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

 


REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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Rurik by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Rurik by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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DESCRIPTION

A dragon’s prisoner… or his deepest desire? 

The fiercest of a royal line of Russian dragon shifters, Rurik Barinov spends most days defending his family’s homeland from rival clans. By night, sins of the flesh — drinking, dancing, and sex — keep his volatile warrior dragon in check. Barely. 

With his choice of mortal women to bed, he has no interest in changing his bad-boy ways — until a creature of molten sex poured into a tiny red satin dress steps into his nightclub. A jagged edge of raw desire nicks the impenetrable armor around his heart. 

Charlotte MacQueen has been told since childhood to stay in school, live a normal life. Leave the family business — hunting down dragons — to her brothers. But tonight, she’s shed her chemist’s lab coat and infiltrated enemy lines to bag a dragon of her own. 

She never expected sexy, all-too-wicked Rurik Barinov to capture her, body and soul — the perfect weapon to use against her brothers. Or that she’d fall for the brave, battle-scarred dragon shifter who covets her heart like the most precious of jewels. 

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Well hot dayum .. seriously .. HOT DAYUM!  I am quite certain if I was reading a paperback copy and not an e copy, the pages would of lit up.  This book was simply that hot and awesome!

Rurik by Lauren Smith (seriously Lauren, you are one of the quickest turnover authors out there .. we never have to wait long ..lol), is the third book of her “Brothers of Ash and Fire” and it is the best one yet!  A paranormal romance, this novel concentrates on the third brother of a dragon shifter family and the journey to finding his mate without losing what he so preciously guards .. his family and their secrets.

Rurik Barinov is a dragon shifter who is absolutely fierce, dominant, hot and the best kind of bad boy a reader can find in a book boyfriend.  He has no time for love, only for living wild, battle, and protecting his family at all costs.  Love??  Pfftt, no way!  No time for that useless emotion as having a mate will make him weak, and Rurik refuses to be weak.  That is until a sweet little mortal walks into his club, and makes him understand what this kind of weakness is really about.

Charlotte MacQueen is tired of her brothers constantly over protecting her and keeping her in the dark on so many issues that concern their family and that of the dragon shifters.  She is a biochemist by trade (and boy, she is a smart one at that) and has come to the club to find the one dragon that no one can seem to get a grip on .. Rurik.  She wasn’t expecting the instant bond, the instant pull, the instant “I am ready to break all the rules for you and I have no clue why!”  She is determined and perhaps a little naive in her approach, but soon enough, there is nothing or no one that can protect her from the grasp Rurik soon has her in.  The thing is, she isn’t really sure she wants him to let go either.

SO BOOM!  Right from the beginning you are thrown right into the story.  No major build up, but Rurik and Charlotte didn’t need one.  That is how perfectly matched these two are.  Rurik captivated me in the previous two books, so I admit I was very much looking forward to his story, and Lauren absolutely delivered.  I strongly recommend you read the first two books as it is a ongoing story with focus on different leads.  You will see the growth in the dragon brothers, and you will also see a strong healing begin from past sins.

I think Lauren Smith has single handedly turned me into a serious dragon shifter lover.  The world she creates and the story weaved among the lore, is refreshing and pretty believable.  I have decided she is not allowed to ever complete this series, and she is not allowed to give up writing paranormal!  MORE PLEASE! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for Review

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Mikhail by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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Mikhail by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Mikhail Banner

 

MikhailAmazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes

DESCRIPTION

A dragon never leaves his hoard unguarded. His heart is another matter. 

The second eldest in an ancient line of Russian dragon shifters, Mikhail Barinov had one job: protect one of the family hoard of jewels. Distracted by the English virgin queen Elizabeth, who was as dazzling as she was devious; he lost everything. Five centuries of exile later, news that a construction crew has unearthed a massive trove of gold and jewels sends him racing to London, determined to steal back his family’s treasure…and his honor. 

Professional gemologist Piper Linwood can’t wait to bury herself in her newest project, evaluating a hoard of Elizabethan-era treasure. But both her life and career are threatened when a mysterious, brooding man with a dangerous smile—and an even more dangerous kiss—snatches the lot. 

Unwillingly swept along for the ride, Piper discovers Mikhail is no mere thief. And the dragon on his back is more than a tattoo. It’s a living, breathing extension of a bad boy she’s finding harder and harder to resist. But his heart is a treasure she can never own…because to save her career, she’ll have to betray his trust.

 

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Dragons and dragons and dragons .. OH MY!  Love me some yummy dragon shifters and boy did this dragon shifter ever turn up the heat! 🙂

Mikhail by Lauren Smith (love it when book titles come with just a name) is the second book in her “Brothers of Ash and Fire” series and I have to say this one delivered as well as the first one did.  This series is based on a family of dragon men who are guarding their “precious” and finding their mates.  Obviously a paranormal romance but it’s the dash of history that really nailed it for me.  You will get some adventure, intensity, a good myth story line and some hot yummy dragons who journey towards their eternal happiness .. and the sexy is a super bonus.

Mikhail Barinov is a dragon shifter who had been responsible for guarding precious gems for his family but was betrayed by none other than Queen Elizabeth I and had those gems stolen from him.  What made it worse was that the Queen was his mate and inflicted serious pain and humiliation his way.  Now hundreds of years later, Mikhail learns that those gems have been uncovered and he does all he can to make sure he gets them back to save face.  Mikhail is dark but not so that he is annoying.  He is loyal and losing his gems really hit him hard, so he became focused quite intensely on recovering them.  This led to him being broody and a little stand offish.  When he meets another woman who can potentially ruin his chance of turning things around he take extreme actions to ensure she won’t.  This includes sweeping her away and showing her his world.  Little did he realize that there is possibility of another mate being found, but this dragon isn’t sure he can trust second chances.

Piper Linwood is a gemologist and is excited about the find that makes all her hard worth it.  Piper is spunky and sweet and knows she has literally struck gold when gems from 500 years ago come across her path.  She comes to realize that there is another as interested in these gems and she finds herself strangely drawn to him.  NOTHING will distract her from her job though .. until it kinda does, and she finds herself swept away to a place that only exists in books and stories.  When broody dragon shows his scales, she realizes that she is in a world of danger, and her losing her heart may be the mot dangerous thing she has done yet.

I LOVED these two together.  What a perfect match they were.  They each took chances on the other and boy can you ever appreciate Lauren’s writing when it comes to the passion.  You will find yourself totally rooting for these two.  Once again I was swept away in a world that Lauren created and I am eager for more.  Always writing with a natural flow and ease, I never once fell bored during the story.  I will say the historical twist was epic as I am a huge Tudor lover, so having two genres merged the way this is was a real treat.  

This is not a long read and I do recommend that you read the first book of this series before this one.  Mikhail is introduced there and you can appreciate his character far more by understanding what other around him feel.  Trust me on this one.

Another grand slam Lauren Smith .. please keep them coming!

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

 

Giveaway-Green/Gold

Lauren is graciously offering a  signed paper copy of a book of your choice from Lauren’s backlist 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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith 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. Giveaway open USA only

8. Giveaway runs from January 10 – 15, 2018

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Winning Violet (Flower Girls #1) by Becky Lower – a Review

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Winning Violet (Flower Girls #1) by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Winning VioletAmazon / B&N / Kobo

Description:
Everything’s coming up roses for an English miss and an American gentleman in this delightful new series from the author of the Cotillion Ball saga!

After British soldiers killed his wife and child during the War of 1812, Parker Sinclair vowed to never set foot on English soil. But as Thomas Jefferson’s landscaper, one must sometimes make the ultimate sacrifice. The last thing Parker expects to find is an educated English beauty who can teach him so much more than how to plant a magnificent garden.

An expert at cross-pollinating roses, Violet Wilson’s dreams of becoming the first woman recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society are fading because she’s afraid to leave the quiet solitude of her family’s nursery. Distrustful of men after a traumatic encounter, she’s not keen on disrupting her routine to help the American landscaper, but she soon blossoms under his kindness and respect.

As they fall in love, can this shrinking Violet take the risk of leaving behind all she knows for a new life with Parker? Or is he considering a different ending altogether?

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

Christmas day and one of my all time fave historical romance author, Becky Lower.  YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH!  LOL  What an awesome day to have this book released!

Winning Violet by Becky Lower is the first book of her new series called “Flower Girls” and I absolutely loved it!  I have been lucky to review all of Becky’s books and I absolutely can recognize her style a mile away.  She reminds me of my other fave authors Grace Burrowes, with her mature storyline and sides of fun, love and adventure.  Alright so clearly you know I love Becky, so let’s get on with this review.

Parker Sinclair is our leading man and he has a sincere dislike for anything English.  He is an American who suffered great loss during the War of 1812 and despite having sworn to never see England he is found travelling there for business.  Parker is distrustful, a remarkable man, who is trying to heal from the loss of his family.  He is a gardner (incredibly talented by the way), closed off to anything romantic or lovely and just wants to get into England and then out as fast as he can and move on with his life .. a life that will not include anything British.  Fate has a whole other plan for Parker however, and it involves much more than learning the art of flowers .. well real flowers anyways!  LOL

Violet Wilson is one of four siblings who all share responsibilities with regards to the family business.  She is kind but somewhat of an recluse, content to stick to what she knows despite having the ability to really progress the science of flowers.  She is also trying to heal from a trauma, and when Parker shows up to learn her skills with flowers, she feels conflicted, wants to experience a little bit more of life, and begins to find herself falling in love.

This is an oversimplified review of what the story is all about, but I don’t do spoilers.  I will tell you this is a feel good story about two people overcoming brutality, sharing a common passion and healing with the other in their own unique way.  I’m a flower girl, so I ADORED that aspect of this book.  This book flowed so easily from one page to the other and of course there are the typical roadblocks one will find in a historical romance.  Big decisions are made in the end though and I will say this couple gets their HEA.  SO WELL SUITED these two Becky!  I love their intense sexy moments and I loved their friendship.  

We are introduced to other characters which will be featured as part of this series, so I am eagerly anticipating the next release.  This is not an overly long novel, but most definitely one that you can enjoy in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea over the holidays!  While you are at it, please check out Becky’s Cotillion Ball series … I am so hoping I fall in love with these Wilson’s as much as I did the Fitzpatrick’s .. so far amazing start!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL and HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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A Scottish Lord For Christmas by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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A Scottish Lord For Christmas by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

A Scottish Lord for Christmas Banner

 

a scottish lord for christmasAmazon / B&N / Kobo

DESCRIPTION

The best gifts come wrapped in a kilt…

Beautiful Lady Rowena Pepperwirth can have any man her heart desires. Unfortunately no gentleman has elicited even the slightest flutter—until she meets the brooding Lord Forres at a holiday house party. With just one look at the dashing Scottish lord, Rowena suddenly knows what she wants for Christmas.

Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres, is in need of a wife. When he meets the lovely Lady Rowena, he knows she’ll be a good mother to his daughter and a capable household manager. But Quinn doesn’t count on Rowena being the most tempting woman he’s ever met. He’s determined not to risk his heart, but Rowena’s just as determined to give him the greatest holiday gift of all—a chance at true love.

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

LAUREN SMITH .. the QUEEN of the historical romance novella.  My goodness can this amazing author cram a whole lot of incredible story and characters in a short amount of pages.  Best I have ever come across actually.

A Scottish Lord For Christmas is the third historical romance (this one specified to Christmas) novella in her “Sins and Scandals” series.  This is definitely the kind of read that one can curl up with a cup of eggnog, a warm blanket in front of the roaring fire by the Christmas tree.  Now that I have the perfect setting placed out for you let’s get on with the review.

Lady Rowena Pepperwith is ripe for the picking when it comes to the marriage mart.  Nevertheless nothing has stirred her interest so far.  She is a true catch, kind hearted, beautiful, innocent an all around lovely lady.  She’s romantic by nature and when she comes across a brooding widow, it’s more than his appearance that ignites her insides.

Lord Forress, Quinn MacCauley is a lonely brooding widow who has lost his first love and the mother of his beautiful daughter.  Knowing he must marry again so his daughter will have a mother, Quinn detests the thought, but is resigned to doing what he has to do.  He will never find another to love the way he loved his wife, so he will give his future wife some passion but never give her love.  At a houseparty, Quinn locks eyes with Rowena and it’s game on from there.  He tried his best not to fall in love with this beautiful woman who has embraced his daughter and soon his own heart, but sometimes fate has it’s own course, and this course is for the better despite the means it takes to get there.

This was a LOVELY story.  So well matched, it was a treat to read about how these two came to be.  I loved the surrender they both experienced in different ways, and the little girl scenes really pulled my heartstrings. Having it set against the backdrop of Christmas in Scotland was the perfect addition to make this perfect read complete.

MERRY CHRISTMAS Lauren Smith and thank you delivering another bang on novella!  Keep them coming!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

 

giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a  signed paper copy of a book of your choice from Lauren’s backlist to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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