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Too Scot to Handle (Windham Brides #2) by Grace Burrowes-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Too Scot to Handle (Windham Brides #2) by Grace Burrowes-Review, Interview, Excerpt & Giveaway

Too Scot To Handle Banner

TOO SCOT TO HANDLE
Windham Brides #2
by Grace Burrowes
Genre: adult, historical, romance
Release Date:July 25, 2017

Too Scot to Handle

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 25, 2017

As a captain in the army, Colin MacHugh led men, fixed what was broken, and fought hard. Now that he’s a titled gentleman, he’s still fighting—this time to keep his bachelorhood safe from all the marriage-minded debutantes. Then he meets the intriguing Miss Anwen Windham, whose demure nature masks a bonfire waiting to roar to life. When she asks for his help to raise money for the local orphanage, he’s happy to oblige.

Anwen is amazed at how quickly Lord Colin takes in hand a pack of rambunctious orphan boys. Amazed at how he actually listens to her ideas. Amazed at the thrill she gets from the rumble of his Scottish burr and the heat of his touch. But not everyone enjoys the success of an upstart. And Colin has enemies who will stop at nothing to ruin him and anybody he holds dear.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: 5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

EEEEEE .. Grace Burrowes fellow readers. Enjoying one of her novels is like returning to a comfy home you didn’t realize you missed until you returned to it. I just love her writing style.

Too Scot to Handle by Grace Burrowes is the second book of her “Windham Brides” series. This is an extension of her “Windham” series, and while it’s always nice to understand the backstory and be reunited with older characters, you do not need to read that series first as this can stand all on its own quite well … BUT … Grace really writes a fantastic novel so if you love the historical romance, do yourself a favour and check out her other series as well.

Anwen Windham (seriously love this name) is a redheaded, typically quiet, polite, sweet natured and extremely protected by her loved ones due to a childhood illness, proper lady. BUT … when it comes the orphaned boys she cares for, she is fiery, protective, intelligent and a fighter who will do what she needs to do to keep her orphans safe and sound.

Colin MacHugh is the brother to a Duke, an army Captain who has experienced battle and leadership, handsome, smart, a little out of his league when it comes to being a member of the proper ton, and so not interested in anything to do with marriage. He also is fiery when it comes to something he believes should be fought hard for.

Anwen and Colin become in-laws due to their siblings marriage, so they are some what familiar with the other. When Anwen requests assistance in finding funds for her orphans, Colin agrees, only to find that these boys are truely remarkable and worth fighting for. The boys also need the the firm commanding nature that Colin brings, with the admiration that his position holds. He treats them the way they should be treated and Anwen cannot help but admire this.

This is a friends to lovers kind of read. Neither of our main characters were looking for love, but love seems to have found them. I love this kind of book. It starts with a little indifference, to admiration and ultimately ending in realization. These two are well matched, and seeing them fall madly in love with the other for all the right reasons totally made me smile while reading. Of course there is douchebag to add some conflict to the story, and this is the kind of douchebag that I love to hate. It was charming to experience Anwen and Colin come together for the greater good. Grace always writes her love scenes honest, passionate, sometimes awkward (which I love) and very satisfying.

Another fantastic book by one of my fave historical romance authors and I am eagerly awaiting the next one. A fantastic summer read on a lazy afternoon! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Click HERE for Rachel’s review of book 1-THE TROUBLE WITH DUKES

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T

Too Scot To Handle Teaser

Excerpt

 

He’d taken care that this kiss be private, and thus unhurried.
Anwen liked the unhurried part exceedingly. Lord Colin held her not as if she were frail and fragile, but as if she were too precious to let go. His arms were secure about her, and he’d tucked in close enough that she could revel in his contours—broad chest, flat belly, and hard, hard thighs, such as an accomplished equestrian would have.
Soft lips, though. Gentle, entreating, teasing…
Anwen teased him back, getting a taste of peppermint for her boldness, and then a taste of him.
“Great day in the morning,” he whispered, right at her ear. “I won’t be able to sit my horse if you do that again with your tongue.”
She did it again, and again, until the kiss involved his leg insinuated among the folds and froths of her riding habit, her fingers toying with the hair at his nape, and her heart, beating faster than it had at the conclusion of their race.
“Ye must cease, wee Anwen,” Lord Colin said, resting his cheek against her temple. “We must cease, or I’ll have to cast myself into yonder water for the sake of my sanity.”
“I’m a good swimmer,” Anwen said. “I’d fish you out.” She contemplated dragging a sopping Lord Colin from the Serpentine, his clothes plastered to his body….
“Such a sigh,” he said, kissing her cheek. “If ye’d slap me, I’d take it as a mercy.”
“I’d rather kiss you again.” And again and again and again. Anwen’s enthusiasm for that undertaking roared through her like a wild fire, bringing light, heat, and energy to every corner of her being.
“You are a bonfire in disguise,” he said, smoothing a hand over her hair. “An ambush of a woman, and you have all of polite society thinking you’re the quiet one.” He peered down at her, his hair sticking up on one side. “Am I the only man who knows better, Anwen?”
She smoothed his hair down, delighting in its texture. Red hair had a mind of its own, and by the dawn’s light, his hair was very red.
“No, you are not the only one who knows better,” she said, which had him looking off across the water, his gaze determined.
“I’m no’ the dallyin’ kind,” he said, taking Anwen’s hand and kissing it. “I was a soldier, and I’m fond of the ladies, but this is… you mustn’t toy with me.”
Everlasting celestial trumpets. “You think I could toy with you?”
“When you smile like that, you could break hearts, Miss Anwen Windham. A man wouldn’t see it coming, but then you’d swan off in a cloud of grace and dignity, and too late, he’d realize what he’d missed. He wouldn’t want to admit how foolish he’d been, but in his heart, he’d know: I should ne’er have let her get away. I should have done anything to stay by her side.”
I am a bonfire in disguise. “You are not the only one who knows my secret. I know better now too, Colin.” She went up on her toes and kissed him. “It’s our secret.”


 

Interview

TRC:  Hi Grace and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of TOO SCOT TO HANDLE, the second installment in your Windham Brides series. For anyone new to Grace Burrowes, please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Grace: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Grace BurrowesGrace: I keep at least two dozen stuffed animals in my law office at all times. I’m a child welfare attorney, so the inventory tends to need replenishing. Shopping for stuffed animals is FUN.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about TOO SCOT TO HANDLE and the Windham Bride Series?

Grace: The Windham Brides have been lurking in my imagination for years, as I wrote the stories for their eight cousins, from the ducal branch of the family. These four ladies are all aristocracy, of course, but they end up with four very different happily-ever-afters. TOO SCOTT TO HANDLE features the youngest sister, Anwen Windham, and her swain, Captain Lord Colin MacHugh. Colin has never taken much of anything seriously, and Anwen has never been taken seriously, but with Colin, she’s changing the game. She also gives Colin a purpose for which he’ll put everything on the line—his life, his reputation, and even his heart.

TRC: What are your thoughts on historical accuracy when writing a fictional historical romance novel? Do you believe the readers want historical accuracy in the story line?

Too Scot to HandleGrace: My thoughts on this topic are hard to condense into a few sentences, but basically, the litmus of test of what goes into the story should be whether a fact, quote, or snippet of description pulls the readers into the tale or kicks them out of the tale. My obligation to the reader is to entertain, first and foremost. The difficult aspect of historical romance is that what pulls one reader into the story is likely to bore another reader witless. Worse, you can be entirely accurate about your history (Yes, there are circumstances when a duke will be addressed as “Duke,”), but if you contradict established lore, you will not only throw readers out of the story, but antagonize them with your accuracy. It’s a tricky balance, and I’ve yet to meet an author who could get it right for all of the readers all of the time.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the story line direction? Characters?

Grace: Yes, I do listen to music, and in fact have a degree in music history, BUT I don’t listen to music when I’m writing. Instead, I use the music (maybe Handel’s “Messiah” for a Christmas story, for example) as background when I’m driving, folding laundry, walking on the tread desk. I can’t listen to music and write at the same time, but I think hearing what Regency characters would have heard helps with the world building and generally boosts me more deeply into the characters and story.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Grace: That we mostly write only when we feel like it.

TRC: Thank you, Grace, for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success.

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Days of Desire (Pirate’s Prize #2) by Tina Donahue-Review & Guest Post

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Days of Desire (Pirate’s Prize #2) by Tina Donahue-Review and Guest Post

Days of Desire

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 4, 2017

In a pirate’s lair, nothing is as it seems . . .

Shipwrecked! When Royce Hastings is found washed up on the shore of a verdant tropical island, he tells the natives he is a merchant headed for Mozambique. The truth, however, is far more mercenary. Noble by birth, the once favored Royce has lost his fortune and family; now he is a hired henchman on the trail of an elusive pirate. His “shipwreck” was a fake. He’ll stop at nothing to infiltrate the island and capture his prey. His mother and sisters’ lives depend on it.

The last thing Royce expects is to be captured himself. But the lovely young woman who tends to his wounds in the tropics quickly takes hold of his heart. Simone is the island’s healer, and her skilled ministrations not only awaken his soul but disturb his conscience. His path has been predetermined; his identity must remain concealed at all costs. Yet the passion he feels in Simone’s sultry, loving arms cannot be denied. With his loyalties torn, Royce must make an agonizing, unthinkable choice.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: 4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Days of Desire by Tina Donahue is a loving, action packed, with a little suspense kind of historical romance which takes you out of proper dukes and ladies and gives you good ole fashion pirates. Love me some pirates! LOL The second book of her “Pirates Prize” series, it takes place on a stunning tropical island where you will meet some absolutely incredible islanders with our main characters. I didn’t read the first book so I cannot comment on whether this could be a stand alone, but I will be picking it up in the near future.

Royce Hastings is our lead guy, and he is some stuck between a rock and a hard place. He is a noble by birth, but daddy dearest has lost the family fortune and Royce is paying the price. His mother and sister are being held hostage by a real SOB and Royce is being tasked via blackmail to capture a notorious pirate living on an island with his wife. If he cannot deliver, he can kiss his own family goodbye. Royce then arranges his own “shipwreck” on this island so he can infiltrate, assume a different identity and get the job done. Except .. nothing is ever as easy as all that!

Simone is the island’s healer and the woman who helps bring Royce back to health. Simone is kind hearted and she really appeals to Royce. Before he knows it, Royce is head over heels in love and now standing at a crossroads. Not only has he fallen in love with Simone, but he has befriended Tristan (AKA notorious pirate) and Diane (his wife) and finds a comfortable place amongst the islanders. How could he possibly betray these people and deliver the worst kind of ugly to them. But he has to, his family will be much worse off is he doesn’t.

This book is a quick read, but full of story. There was a good flow to it, the characters well developed in the short amount of pages offered. I would of loved to be stranded on this island that Tina writes so lovingly about. She really made it endearing. My only complaint would be the length. I WANTED MORE! LOL I am all about the slow burning build and that is near impossible when a story is on the shorter side .. but again, there is much awesome on the pages that were written!

Definitely a summer beach read. If you are looking for a quick historical romance fix then you will find it here!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Guest Post beige

It’s All In the Details…

Romance is about challenges: those faced by the heroine and hero in their bumpy journey through lust to friendship and finally love; creating likeable characters, along with daunting yet realistic villains; choosing a setting and time period that will appeal to most readers; and in the case of historical romance, making certain that details from way-back-when aren’t only accurate but interesting.

As an avid reader of historical romance, I know what I don’t like and that’s a history lesson. Pages and pages of details that bring the plot and love story to a screeching halt. I can only speak for myself, but I skim those parts until I get back to the meat of the story. And that presents another challenge – exactly how much detail should an author provide?

I’ve found that making the setting and time period an integral part of the story, another character, if you will, allows those long-ago times to come alive.

For instance, in Days of Desire, book two in my Pirate’s Prize series, the action takes place on a secluded island in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. After researching the area, I knew such a lovely and wild place would be ideal for my romance. Who doesn’t want to fall in love with a brave, hot hero beneath a velvety black sky studded with stars and a tropical breeze ruffling his shoulder-length hair? With that settled, I had to determine how folks lived in such a primitive setting during the early seventeen hundreds and how they kept healthy.

To ensure the medicinal part was interesting, I made my heroine Simone a healer. She’s an island woman skilled with plants, potions, and poultices. One of the interesting things I learned is that periwinkle stops bleeding. When Royce, my hero, washes up on shore, shipwrecked and injured, Simone tends to his injuries. While weaving in historical detail about healing, I created a bond between Simone and Royce…the beginning of their romance.

Since Royce is on the island for less-than-honorable purposes, that created conflict for him in terms of whether he should desire Simone. More importantly, whether he can go through with betraying her and the others on the isle. To up the ante, I gave him little choice. However, at that point, I had to have him remain in contact with the merchant who sent him on this mission. As Mozambique (where the merchant resides) and the island are separated by the Mozambique Channel and several hundred miles, I faced a dilemma. In a contemporary romance, I’d simply have Royce use his smartphone. Obviously, that wouldn’t work here, but carrier pigeons would.

While researching them, I discovered that carrier pigeons were used in Baghdad as early as 1150 and that they can fly between 600 to 700 miles per day and journeys of 1000 miles are routine. Wow. That worked perfectly for my plot. I also learned that carrier pigeons can do round-trip flights, which dovetailed with what I had in mind.

As I wrote Days of Desire, I appreciated the hardships people faced in 1717 and how they overcame obstacles with intelligence and sheer will. Life wasn’t easy then, but it wasn’t as primitive as I had believed. Research taught me that Islamic medicine was well-advanced long before modern times and that pigeons can be as effective for communicating as sending a text (albeit slower).

Penning a romance is never easy. Historical details make it more challenging, but well worth it in the end.

~~~Tina~~~

About The Author beige

Tina DonahueFollow: Goodreads / Blog / Twitter / The Reading Cafe /

I’m an award-winning, Amazon and international bestselling novelist in erotic, historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance for traditional publishers and indie. Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised my work. Three of my erotic romances (Freeing the Beast, Come and Get Your Love, and Wicked Takeover) are Readers’ Choice Award winners. Three more (Adored, Lush Velvet Nights, and Deep, Dark, Delicious) were finalists in the EPIC competition. Readers’ Choice Award (Freeing the Beast, Come and Get Your Love, and Wicked Takeover). The French review site, Blue Moon reviews, chose Sensual Stranger as their Book of the Year (erotic category). The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for Lush Velvet Nights, and two of my titles (The Yearning and Deep, Dark, Delicious) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition. Take Me Away and Adored both won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). I’m featured in the Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Before writing full-time, I was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.

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Killing June (Saved by Sin #1) by May B. Bridges-Review and Guest Post

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Killing June (Saved by Sin #1) by May B. Bridges-Review and Guest Post

Killing June

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 4, 2017

SEDUCED BY PAIN
At night I’m June, dominating with the whip, even as I crave the hot, searing blow of the cane, myself. I loathe this side of who I am, but I can’t deny it or escape it. And as my clients cry out for me, begging for mercy, I can’t help but want June dead.

By day, I’m Alex Ryan, the good, successful Southern woman everyone thinks I am. I’ve compartmentalized my life to make it bearable, and to get what I want most: revenge. I can have a future with June dead, as soon as I confront the man that terrorized my past.

SAVED BY SIN
Cade Brannon is the local gun for hire, part of the seedy underworld of Dallas, but he may also be my savior. I want his help and he wants me. But Cade refuses to play by my rules and is forcing his way into every one of those compartments that I want to lock away. Now the parts of my life I’ve fought so hard to keep separate are bleeding together and it’s tearing me apart.

I just want to go back to being Alex Ryan. But at what cost am I willing to kill June?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Dark, deep, roller coaster emotion riding, naughty, angst filling … just a few words to describe this book. I LOVED IT! 🙂 This is the kind of book that sits with you long after you finish the last sentence. Gave me shivers. I will say, if you are not a fan of the dark romance, BDSM genre then skip this read. It could also be triggers for some who have personal issues with this kind of story. If you are okay with it all, then by all means jump in, full on, you will be taken for one amazing ride!

Killing June by May B. Bridges is the first book of her “Saved By Sin” series. How appropriate is “Saved By Sin”! Brilliant really. As I mentioned above, it’s a dark romance with BDSM elements, hot and very steamy, descriptive with a good dash of suspense. Not for a light afternoon over tea kind of read, but for a glass of red wine and a dark chocolate eclair. DECADENT!

Alexandria “Alex” is also known as “June” by a few chosen people. By day, she is Alex. A well put together lady who seems to have it all together. By night she is June, a highly complex, dark, tortured soul who indulges in BDSM lifestyle that she is NOT happy with. Events in her life have placed her on this unwanted path that she detests so much, but secretly craves. These events have been responsible for her being deceived and manipulated and now she wants answers and revenge.

Cade is the perfect man for Alex AND June. He is what June craves but what Alex needs. He is a healthy balance. He is dominant, self assured, caring, protective and loving but can bark and bite when the circumstance arises. Once he discovers Alex/Junes secrets, he is all in to heal and win this woman who fulfills all he needs in his own life. Alex/June want to fight him off however, but Cade is having none of it.

These two are very much a give and take couple, and May got the balance absolutely spot on. I loved the twists and turns, the suspense of the story and I found my heart racing a time or two when I really had no clue where we were going. BDSM can be a very tough genre to write as in truth, BDSM is not just physical. There is such an overwhelming emotional side to a BDSM relationship and convincing the reader that a couple will make it can be a hard task to accomplish. May you accomplished this perfectly. I am an emotional reader, and you pulled my heart strings as I flipped through the pages. I feel like a blabbering fool going on about it and not getting my words right here, but that is proof that you did your job as an awesome author in this genre. THANK YOU!

I never give storyline away on my reviews, you will have to take the ride alone. Just know you are in for an intense story, some incredible steamy scenes, a couple you can’t help but love, and a suspense where by the end you’ll be thinking “Oh freaking YES!”

So looking forward to more from this author! LOVED!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Guest Post

Some Like it Hot! Navigating Romance.

I remember the first time I read a sex scene in a book. Wow, I was seriously unprepared. Being used to YA fantasy and a softer kind of romance, I wasn’t expecting it, at all. I was sure the scene would fade to black any moment. There I was, sitting at my daughter’s gymnastics practice, hordes of other parents around, and all of a sudden, I’m reading about penetration and hard coc… ‘Oh Jesus, did she just stay that?’ I snapped the book shut, face turning red, certain every other parent in the room somehow knew I was reading a dirty book in the presence of their precious children. The book was quickly shoved in my bag, not to make a reappearance at gymnastics. It was a surprise, to say the least. And though I enjoyed my first erotic romance read thoroughly, I’d have appreciated knowing what I was in for when I chose that as my casual daytime reader.

Romance, erotic romance, erotica, it can get confusing. So how is one to know what they’re in for when they pick up a romance book? And is the book you’re picking up a romance at all? Let’s see if we can’t sort it out.

Romance is a broad genre. That’s probably why it has so many sub-genres. If you’re searching Amazon for a romance book, you’ll have over 25 categories to browse. If Barnes and Noble is more your style, you can search over 40 romance categories. That’s a whole lot of books! And seeing that some of those categories are as opposite as night and day, romance runs the gamut of topics, themes, and plot lines.

So if there are so many sub-genres, so many ways to write these books, what makes them all romance? To be a romance, a book needs two things: A central love story, and an emotionally-satisfying and optimistic ending—Also known as a happily ever after or happy for now. No, I didn’t come up with those from my own writerly genius. I stole them from Romance Writers of America. Pretty basic, right? Once you have a story with a conflict and climax that focuses on developing a romantic relationship, and a happy ending, pretty much anything goes. It’s all of the other elements and subplots that define your sub-genre.

The jump from romance to erotic romance is an easy one. It’s romance because we have our two central elements in place. It’s erotic because we’ve taken the sex from PG 13 to NC-17. The sex almost never fades to black, and authors tend to be less coy in their descriptions of the body.

Erotic romance is almost as wide of a descriptions as romance itself. These novels can be anything from cowboy romance, historical, supernatural, contemporary, to suspense. Erotic romance spans the full range of romance sub-genres, with spiritual romance possibly being the only exception. Many book sellers don’t even list erotic romance as a romance sub-genre at all. That very well could be because there are erotic novels in every sub-genre romance.

If you like your romance with a lot of heat, I’m sure you can find one that lights your fire. If you’re an easy blusher, you might want to think that through before bring these books with you to the kid’s practices. Public or private, erotic romance are some of my favorite reads

You might think erotica is simply the next progression. Isn’t it just erotic romance on another level? Or even simply another word for erotic romance? Actually, no. The two have some big differences and aren’t technically interchangeable. In fact, an erotica story may not even be a romance at all. It doesn’t have to deal with love or relationships, and might not have a happy ending. To put it plainly, these are stories about sex. They focus on the act of sex, and not always as a byproduct of a romantic relationship.

When I was younger porn came in movies, not clips. I know, that makes me ancient. The point is, these movies always had a plot line. A group of girls would be home, bored, and hungry. They’d start talking about all of the sex acts they hadn’t tried while waiting for the pizza they ordered. The pizza guy would show up, one thing would lead to another, and suddenly you have an orgy. The plot line was never important. It was the catalyst to get these people in a room together so sex could be the focus. Without sex you really had no story. Erotica can be similar in many ways. If you pull out the sex acts, you usually don’t have enough content left for a book.

In theory, you could write an erotica about almost anything. As I’m writing this, I’m watching my boyfriend play the new Friday the 13th video game. It’s gruesome and not my thing at all, but we could turn it into an erotic novel. If Jason had graphic, hot sex with the camp counselors before killing them, and we focused the story more on his sex drive and a bit less on the hacking and slashing, we’d have an erotic horror novel. Not one I’d be reading, but a novel that fit the bill, nonetheless.

Erotica novels can be fun and exciting reads. Many of my favorite erotica writers find a way to inject a bit of humor. And what is better than a book with hot sex and a good laugh? But know that when you are searching for an erotica title, all bets are off and you could end up with anything from something resembling a romance, to bored girls and a pizza guy, to Jason in a hockey mask getting busy before hacking off some heads. Anything is possible as long as sex is the star.

It’s possible that the misconception that erotica and erotica romance are one in the same comes from book sellers. As we mentioned above, a lot of them don’t list erotic romance as a genre. That leaves authors and publishers with a few options to let readers know that their book is erotic in nature. An obvious one is to list it under erotica. So before you jump up and down, yelling that you’ve found some of your favorite erotic romances listed as erotica, yep, I know.

Truth is, if it’s a book you love, a book that sweeps you away from reality for a few hours, then it doesn’t matter how a seller labels it. Trying to sort through it all is only to help you find the book of your dreams a little bit faster. For all of their differences and similarities, the greatest thing romance, erotic romance, and erotica have in common is how diverse they are. With books from one end of the spectrum to the other, whether you want something sweet and light, a love story that’s dark and steamy, or a book about a good roll in the sheets, one of these three genres are sure to have what you need.

Happy reading!

May B. Bridges

@MaybBridges

http://www.maybbooks.com

About the author

May Bridges

I write dark, gritty contemporary romance.  I am a Southerner in the Northwest by way of Colorado. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for updates, bookish and writing thoughts, and general life shenanigans.

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The Highland Commander (Lords of the Highlands #2) by Amy Jarecki-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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THE HIGHLAND COMMANDER (Lord of the Highlands #2) by Amy Jarecki-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

The Highland Commander Banner

THE HIGHLAND COMMANDER
(Lords of the Highlands #2)
by Amy Jarecki
Release Date: June 27 ,2017
Genre: adult, historical, Highland,romance

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The Highland Commander

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes & Noble / Kobo/ Chapters Indigo /Books-A-Million/IndieBound /Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 27,2017

She cannot resist the man behind the mask…
As the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish earl, Lady Magdalen Keith is not one to partake in lavish balls or other frivolities. Yet at her father’s urging, she agrees to dance with the battle-weary officers at this year’s holiday masquerade. It’s practically her civic duty! But when one such officer-whose dashing good looks cannot be disguised by a mere mask-sweeps her off her feet and into his arms, the innocent lass can’t help herself. Her lips are his for the taking.But will he betray his country for a kiss?
Navy lieutenant Aiden Murray has spent too many months at sea to be immune to the charms of this lovely beauty. Even after he returns to his ship, she lives in his dreams. But when he discovers Maddie’s true identity-and learns that her father is accused of treason-will the brawny Scot risk his life to follow his heart?

Lords of the Highlands series: The Highland DukeThe Highland CommanderThe Highland Guardian

•••••••••••

REVIEW:

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH Amy I do love how you write an yummy Highland Romance! 🙂

The Highland Commander by Amy Jarecki is the second book of her “Lords of The Highlands” series. A historical romance that takes a fictional couple and weaves it into a very real part of history. I LOVE LOVE LOVE when an author knows their history and can make a story come alive by allowing the reader the “What If” aspect. My senses were alive with vivid descriptions of scenery and culture. A good ole highlander romance always puts a smile on my face and this book certainly did just that!

Lady Magdalen (Maddie) is introduced to us at a ball. We learn she is a bastard, but has taken her life in hand and decided to work in hospital aiding women who have been abused. Maddie is innocent, but realistic about her station in life. It would seem her step mother really has no wish to have her in the family so she is raised alongside a ladies maid. When her father is charged with treason, her step-mama sure finds use for her really quick .. go save daddy dearest! Off Maddie goes, not expecting all she comes to find.

Aiden is introduced to us at the same ball we meet Maddie. They share a moment but know their paths will never cross again. Aiden is the second son of an Earl and is serving in the Navy. Once time had past, Aiden can never really get this lady out of his mind and before we know it, their paths cross again. Then their lives become entwined and we are off to one heck of a story!

Ok, I have to swoon for a second here! Aiden! OH SWEET AIDEN. The man is a virgin, sweet without feeling like you are dunked in a tub of honey, heroic and the total opposite of a rake. How fricken refreshing. I love my rakes .. I love me a bad boy, but then Aiden comes and I am the girl blow away at this character who isn’t a pansy ass but all MAN! My heart ached for this man, as much as it ached for Maddie.

The one liners and jokes these two share had me laughing out loud. I loved how they figured “love” and “loving” out together. I loved that their relationship wasn’t clear cut, but they both really deserved to be with the other. Honestly when it comes to highlander historical romance, you tend to read big burly men with either the innocent lass or the spitfire .. and this felt a whole lot different to me! These two have quite a few obstacles to overcome for their HEA, but it’s a joy to go through it with them!

Sorry I don’t give away storyline (that is for your pleasure), but I do tell you that if you have any amount of history buff inside you, you will seriously appreciate Amy Jarecki’s writing. She is well researched. If I have to give a negative amongst all this praise, it was slow to start. Once it got going I was completely invested.

Absolutely could be a stand alone, but snag the first book too, it’s also very good!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

the Highland Commander Teaser

 

excerpt

 

As in the Highland custom, Aiden wore the plaid belted at his waist, the length pulled from the lower right opening of his doublet, around his back and pinned at his left shoulder with a silver brooch bearing the Atholl arms. The valet had put forth a good effort ensuring there was neither wrinkle nor hair out of place.
He regarded himself in the looking glass above the mantle in the drawing room, sliding one foot forward as he would do for a portrait. Not liking the image, he puffed out his chest and moved a hand to his lapel.
God’s bones, take me to sea where I can cast aside these frills.
Tuning his back to the looking glass, Aiden resorted to pacing and pulling out his pocket watch. The coach would arrive in five minutes, and Maddie hadn’t yet made an appearance.
At least a light glowed from beneath her door indicating she was within. It cast a hazy glow in the otherwise dark passageway. After pacing around the chamber half-dozen times, he again eyed his timepiece. Another minute had passed. Perhaps he should knock on the door—perhaps Maddie’s mantle clock had stopped and she was unaware of the time. Just as he started off, her door opened. A burst of light flooded the passageway, and with the tap of dainty footsteps, an angel emerged.
Aiden knew she’d purchased a new gown, but he hadn’t expected this. His mouth went dry and he suddenly needed to take in two stuttered breaths to steady the thumping of his heart.
Christ, men aren’t supposed to experience such heart hammering. Especially men bred for the sea. Damnation.
She smiled, and his goddamned knees wobbled. He should have taken a healthy tot whilst he was pacing in the drawing room.
Her golden gown rustled as she walked forward, with a matching fan in her hand. She moved the fan to her waist…just below her breasts. Creamy skin Aiden knew to be softer than spun silk swelled above a dangerously plunging neckline. His mouth went completely dry. If Maddie’s serving maid had been anywhere but behind her lady, Aiden would have taken the lassie into his arms, pushed through his bedchamber door and damned the recital.
“I hope I haven’t made us late.” Maddie batted her eyelashes as if she had no idea of the effect she had on his aching cods. “Miss Agnes spent ever so long curling my hair.”
Aiden’s tongue slipped over his bottom lip. “Your curls are exquisite. You are exquisite, m’lady.”
Agnes cleared her throat, coming up behind with a cloak over her arm. “You’d best say so, m’lord. It took the greater part of the afternoon to make those ringlets.”
Nay, there’d be no slipping into the bedchamber for a hasty sampling of those pearl-tipped bosoms.
Aiden glanced to his pocket watch—they still had a few minutes—and now that he knew Maddie was ready, there’d be no harm in making the coach wait for a minute or two. “Fine job, Miss Agnes,” he said with more sobriety than he felt. “I think you deserve a healthy tot of fine spirit for taking such fine care of her ladyship.”
“Have we time?” asked Maddie.
Aiden led them into the drawing room and gestured to the settee. “A stolen moment will not set us behind overmuch.”
Agnes gave a firm shake of her head. “You needn’t make a fuss for the likes of me.”
“It is no fuss. You take good care of your lady, and for that I want to thank you.” Aiden poured three tots of sherry and offered each of the ladies a glass. “Shall we drink to Miss Agnes?”
Blinking, the woman drew a hand over her mouth, dipping her head and smiling broadly. “Heavens.”
“Aye, we should.” Maddie patted her chambermaid’s knee and raised her glass. “To the woman who has seen me through one and twenty years of happiness. I have no idea what would have become of me if you hadn’t been by my side. Sometimes I’ve felt as if you’re the only person in all of Christendom who cares.”
Aiden’s gut twisted. He cared a great deal, but it was inconceivable that Maddie had been made to feel like an outcast from such a young age. He drank thoughtfully, watching the two women as they sipped. Even their mannerisms had become similar. “Miss Agnes, how long have you been serving Lady Magdalen?”
The woman’s eyes glistened with pride. “Since the day she was born. The moment I held her in my arms I knew my purpose.”
Aiden glanced to Maddie and knitted his brows. “Did your mother pass in childbirth?”
Shaking her head, the lass bit her bottom lip. “Nay. My mother knew I would have a better life if she gave me to my father. Only…” Maddie looked away, and took another sip.
“What?”
“The one caveat was that she could never set eyes on me again.”
Grumbling under her breath, Agnes guzzled the remainder of her sherry. “We shan’t discuss the countess any longer. It sets both of our hackles to standing on end.”
“Agreed.” Aiden set his glass on the mantel and offered Maddie his hand. “Shall we be off, m’lady? We do not want to miss the opening. I hear it will be most spectacular.”
Maddie tapped the chambermaid’s shoulder before they strolled toward the door. “I want you to take some time for yourself this night. Do something that will make you happy. You have nothing to worry about, my pet. I’ll be in Lord Aiden’s capable hands.”


 

About The Author Black and White

Amy JareckiAmy Jarecki is a descendant of an ancient Lowland clan and adores Scotland. Though she now resides in southwest Utah, she received her MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Winning multiple writing awards, she found her niche in the genre of Scottish historical romance. Amy writes steamy edge-of-your-seat action adventures with rugged men and fascinating women who weave their paths through the brutal eras of centuries past.

Website  /Facebook /Twitter /Goodreads

 

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The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna by Christina McKnight-Review, Book tour & Giveaway

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The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna by Christina McKnight-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

The Misfortune of Lady Luciana Banner

THE MISFORTUNE OF LADY LUCIANA
The Undaunted Debutantes #2
by Christina McKnight
Release Date: June 13, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

The Misfortune of Lady Luciana

 Amazon | Amazon. ca | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Quick-witted hellion Lucianna Constantine has no doubt who was responsible for the death of her dear friend. And she will stop at nothing to expose his transgressions—and those of every despicable man in London. Lucianna has witnessed the cruelty of London’s beau monde her entire life…starting with her own father. So she is more than willing to singlehandedly take down every vile man that crosses her path.

Roderick Crofton, the Duke of Montrose, had his entire family fortune stolen when his father trusted the wrong men. After a scandalous article surfaces in the London Daily Gazette, written by the notorious Mayfair Confidential columnist, Roderick finds himself financially destitute, without a betrothed, and lacking the means to find the lords responsible for duping his sire. With little option left, Roderick has only one choice: find another wealthy heiress to wed. His quest brings him to Lady Lucianna Constantine, and soon, he can’t deny that he wants her for more than just her dowry.

However, Luci has secrets that could change everything. And when Roderick uncovers what those confidences entail, it could mean misfortune for all involved.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna by Christina McKnight is the second book of her “The Undaunted Debutantes” series. If you recall. I had reviewed the first book just a couple of weeks ago. I would recommend you absolutely read the first book before you dive into this one as they are both related and revolve around the same crime.

Picking right up where the first book left us, Lady Lucianna is one of the four girls who had formed a lifelong friendship. When one of the girls is found dead on her wedding night the other three girls go into detective mode to make sure justice is served. Lucianna is the spitfire of the group and I was really looking forward to reading her story. She believes what she believes and no one can make her change her mind. While attempting to solve this mystery, Lucianna is also a contributor to a scandalous column that calls out rakes and rogues and unmasks their intentions and usually spoiling their plans to get away with anything. Lucianna has a hunger for exposing rakes due to a deep grudge of her upbringing and her rogue father. She is most definitely the kind to attack first ask questions later. This time however, she may have gone too far,

Roderick Crofton is a Duke and is also the latest victim of Lucianna scandal column. Any other time he could of been called out for being a rogue, but this time he was not at fault. This scandal had now cost his family their fortune and any chance he had to wrong the rights are taken when the funds are dried up. Now he must find a well betrothed wife so he can settle his score.

Both Roderick and Lucianna cross paths, and form a friendship of sorts (a strange way of happening, but so be it). Lucianna father is set to marry her off to the very man who may have killed her friend, and Roderick knows Luci comes with a plump dowry .. well how perfect of a picture could this paint? Not so perfect when you consider the secrets that are held back. These secrets could very well be the undoing of their soon beloved relationship. So much more to this book, but I’m not ruining anything for you!

Another quick read from Christina McKnight. I read this in a afternoon and I do wish it was a little longer. I just found the story a little rushed as I did in the first book, which took away from some believability and character development. I enjoy getting to know the characters and being romanced through the forming of a relationship. This just moved a little too fast .. BUT .. she did write such a fantastic story with the same laughter, fierce female lead, side of mystery and romance that it made up for most of the negative.

Again, make sure you read the first book, it sets up this crime that this series is set around, and there is nothing like revisiting a couple or anticipating upcoming storylines. If you are looking for a wonderful shorter historical romance series to read on a lazy summer afternoon, I strongly recommend this one!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

The Misfortune of Lady Luciana teaser

 

about the author

Christina McKnightChristina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

You can visit her online at the following places: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

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The Disappearance of Lady Edith by Christina McKnight-Review, book tour & giveaway

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The Disappearance of Lady Edith by Christina McKnight-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

The Disappearance of Lady Edith

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF LADY EDITH
The Undaunted Debutantes #1
by Christina McKnight
Release Date:May 23, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

The DIsappearance of Lady Edith

ebook only 99¢ Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Release Date: May 23, 2017

One tragic night changed sensible, proper Lady Edith Pelton’s life: when her best friend fell to her death, pushed down a flight of stairs by a nefarious lord. Now, Edith dedicates her time to watching the man she thinks is responsible, while gathering information to expose other scoundrels posing as gentlemen of honor about London. When her spying is noticed by a perfect stranger, Edith finds herself with two mysteries—what happened to her friend, and how to win the heart of this brilliantly handsome lord.

Triston Neville, Viscount Torrington, has been tasked with two duties for the upcoming Season: see that his sisters make the most of their debut, and avoid embroiling himself in another scandal. What he does not expect is the captivating, fair-haired beauty that literally falls into his path. When the mysterious Lady Edith suddenly disappears without a trace, Triston fears his past misdeeds may have returned to destroy his life once more.

Can Triston piece together the puzzle in time to save Edith and prove that his love is nothing less than honorable?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

The Disappearance of Lady Edith by Christina McKnight is the first book of her “The Undaunted Debutantes” series. A regency historical romance, this is a rather quick read which can be consumed on a sunny afternoon with an tea .. or wobbly pop depending on your mood! LOL

Set in England in the 1800’s, the prologue goes right into setting us up for what is to be the big mystery of this novel. Four best friends and ladies of the ton (Tilda, Edith, Lucianna and Ophelia) are celebrating Tilda’s marriage day when the night ends in disaster and ultimately Tilda’s death. Knowing that something is very off and mysterious about Tilda’s death (new hubby is suspected of being a very bad man), the three ladies bond together in order to solve this crime, clear names and seek justice.

Lady Edith is a go getter. She is strong, logical, resilient and is all about justice. She believe that proof is required before dragging Tilda’s husband’s name through the mud. She will do whatever she must in order to find the answers she seeks. Climb and fall out of trees, chase strangers, end up in compromising position, get herself kidnapped and ultimately fall in love are a few of these actions .. lol She is a headstrong, “don’t mess with me” kind of lady ,and I just adored her to bits.

Triston is not without scandal himself. Having a checkered past and a scandal that kind of tops all scandals (bad daddy and betrothed), he is set on staying away from his childhood home at all costs, accompany his loved sisters to events of their season and bumping into a bratty woman that has him turned inside out. Ok .. the latter just kinda happens but he goes with it anyways! 😉 🙂

Both are completely intrigued by the other and come to realize these not so accidental meetings are for a reason. The attraction is strong, and before we know it, Triston finds himself completely emerged in this mystery of Tilda’s death. He just so happens to have to save a bratty woman in the process (atta girl Edith .. way to snag your guy ..lol)

This book was a little too fast paced for me but I suspect it was to fit a whole lot of amazing story in a short amount of pages. I would of liked a better build up, but I will say that Edith and Triston are well matched and believable as a couple. They brought out the best of each other. The writing flowed well, the scenes were beautiful, the mystery surrounding this story always had be guessing and the humour was spot on.

A definite recommend if you are looking for a quick historical romance fix, and the next two books are well set up to star the other two ladies Lucianna and Ophelia. These are to be released within a month of each other, so the option to read all three back to back will be available in a couple months time.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T

The Disappearance of Lady Edith teaser

Pre-order the next books in The Undaunted Debutantes!

The Undaunted Debutantes

The Misfortune of Lady Lucianna

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The Misadventures of Lady Ophelia

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excerpt

 

 

“I have seen many oxen with broader shoulders,”—she smirked, pulling back and leaning to the side as if to get a glimpse of his backside—“and far more accentuated hindquarters.”
She gulped.
No laughter remained as he narrowed his eyes on her. “Did you just compare my physique to that of a farm animal?”
Edith took a step back—damnation, she would not cower to him. “If you prefer, I can select another animal. A donkey, perhaps? They are well-known for their obstinacy. Or better yet, an African lion, I have read they are intimidating creatures.”
“You think me intimidating?” It was Torrington who took a step back this time, as if her words had wounded him. “Wait, do not answer that question—I have a far more important one: why do you keep appearing everywhere I am?”
“It is not I who keeps appearing,” Edith corrected. “I was minding my own business outside of Abercorn’s townhouse. You are the one who scared me from the tree. And you were the one who caught my eye in the ballroom. And I was enjoying an afternoon in the park when—“ She clamped her mouth shut.
“Enjoying an afternoon in the park until…you saw me and decided to follow?” he demanded. “I may very well be as large as an ox, or as stubborn as a donkey, or even as domineering as a lion, but at least I am not a snake—slithering and sneaking about, ready to bite and poison when the mood strikes.”
Edith gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Oh, you find it belittling to be compared to a bloody animal?” he sneered. “Well, I find it insulting to be lied to, followed, and scrutinized by a woman I do not know.”
Edith sighed. “I have not been following you, I swear to it.”
Not a complete lie, or at least she hadn’t been at Lord Abercorn’s townhouse to spy on Triston—she allowed herself to think of him by his given name—nor had she attended the ball with Ophelia and Luci expecting to see him. And the park, well, that was rather serendipitous. She had decided to keep an eye on him, but she’d never thought to follow him out of London proper.
Edith glanced to the window, but the drapes were pulled securely shut. “The day must be growing late. My parents will surely be wondering where I am when I don’t arrive home on schedule.”
“I know what you are up to, Lady Edith Pelton.” His stance widened as he surveyed her from head to toe.


 

 

 About the author

Christina McKnightChristina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

You can visit her online at the following places:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

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Unmasking the Earl (Wayward in Wessex #2) by Elizabeth Keysian-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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UNMASKING THE EARL (Wayward in Wessex #2) by Elizabeth Keysian-Review, Book tour & Giveaway

Unmasking the Earl Banner

UNMASKING THE EARL
Wayward in Wessex #2
by Elizabeth Keysian
Release Date: May 15, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, romance

Unmasking the Earl

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 15, 2017

Devastated by the disappearance of his sister, the Earl of Stranraer has gone to extraordinary lengths to find the notorious rake responsible, and enters his household incognito to wreak his vengeance. But his enemy has an unexpected protector—the innocent but headstrong Miss Cassandra Blythe.

Cassie is determined to learn the art of seduction. But she is blindsided by her body’s thrilling response to the wrong man—a mysterious servant who shows up at the most inauspicious moments to spoil her lessons in love with warnings of her imminent ruin. When she learns the handsome servant’s identity and the reason for his deception, she resolves to help Stranraer, but only if he abandons his vow to destroy his enemy.

The earl is sorely tempted to give the meddlesome beauty a lesson in seduction she’ll never forget. But she turns the tables, and he gets his own lesson in forgiveness…and love.

REVIEW

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

YAY! New historical romance author to fall in love with! Unmasking the Earl by Elizabeth Keysian is the second book in her “Wayward in Wessex” series and a small disclaimer here, I did not read the first book and didn’t feel like I was missing out for it either. Absolutely can be read as a stand alone. That being said, I will absolutely read the first because this book impressed me that much! 🙂 Set in early 1800’s England we are in the regency era.

Our hero is the Earl of Stranraer, Lord Edmund Talbot “Ned” (serious mouthful there huh? LOL). Ned is set on finding answers with regards to the vanishing of his sister and decides to go undercover as a servant at the house he believe he will find the answer at. In the midst of this special mission he comes across a lady, not making a such a lady request to a notorious rake and the man who may have the answers Ned is looking for, Captain Francis Wycherley.

Our heroine is Miss Cassandra Blythe “Cassie”. Cassie has been “in love” with her childhood friend Julien forever and has decided she is going to do something about it. She is caught by Ned asking Captain Francis to help teach her how to properly seduce Julian. Afraid that Cassie will get mixed up in the likes of Captain Francis, he intervenes and decides to become Cassie’s teacher.

Off we go on a story full of mystery, humour, secrets, angst and sexy love. Ned sure does teach Cassie the art of seduction but in turn Cassie teached Ned the art of love. I have to say Ned kinda drove me nuts at times and if I had the ability to jump thru my tablet I would of smacked the back of his head a few times. He is redeemable thank goodness, and Elizabeth did a fantastic job in ensuring I fell in love with him too. The humour in this book was spot on and I found myself laughing out loud a few times. Great flow to the storyline and so many characters that I can kinda see where the next book may be heading.

Overall a solid novel that I highly recommend to my fellow historical romance lovers. I wish Ned’s jerkface, angry man ways were a little toned down but honestly that’s pretty much my only complaint. Too much good that outshines that small annoyance. Grab a cup of preference and curl up this summer, you won’t regret it! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T

Unmasking the Earl Teaser

About The Author

Follow: Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook /

Elizabeth Keysian is an English archaeologist, teacher and museum curator. She first started writing “long stories” when her headmaster father needed something to keep her quiet during school summer holidays. In her teenage years she produced angst-ridden poetry, slightly disturbing sketches for an amateur dramatics group and even her own magazine, to the mixed delight and consternation of her friends.

After completing her History degree, Elizabeth joined an English Civil War re-enactment group, messed about with the Middle Ages and finally settled to an enjoyable reconstruction of Tudor Daily Life at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk.

Her imagination was further inspired by living for seven years on a Knights Templar estate, with a garage full of skeletons, a resident ghost and a moat teeming with newts. She now lives near Bath with her partner and cats.

Elizabeth likes to keep her historical novels atmospheric and authentic, with both tears and laughter along the way. She loves to hear from readers.

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Hannah’s Moon ( American Journey #5) by John A. Heldt-a review

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Hannah’s Moon (American Journey #5) by John A Heldt-a review

Hannah's Moon

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 8, 2017

After struggling for years to have a child, Claire Rasmussen, 34, turns to adoption, only to find new obstacles on the path to motherhood. Then she gets an unlikely phone call and soon learns that a distant uncle possesses the secrets of time travel.

Within weeks, Claire, husband Ron, and brother David find themselves on a train to Tennessee and 1945, where adoptable infants are plentiful and red tape is short. For a time, they find what they seek. Then a beautiful stranger enters their lives, the Navy calls, and a simple, straightforward mission becomes a race for survival.

Filled with suspense, romance, and heartbreak, HANNAH’S MOON, the epic conclusion of the American Journey series, follows the lives of four spirited adults as they confront danger, choices, and change in the tense final months of World War II.

••••••••••

REVIEW:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Predictably AMAZING John A. Heldt! Predictably INCREDIBLE John A. Heldt! I say predictably because I expect you to always deliver an easy flow, rich in history and charming time travel story with a dose of romance. You did it once again! 🙂

Hannah’s Moon by John A. Heldt is the 5th book of his American Journey, time travel, historical fiction, romance series and please PLEASE do yourself a favour and go back and read the first four books. This fifth book is his last book of this series and I am so sad to see it go. Truely! (small disclaimer .. all books can be read as standalones, but characters are revisited).

Claire Rasmussen is our leading lady and she was my fave of all the characters John has ever written. The book begins with utter devastation as Claire and Ron realize that holding their own child in their arms is too far out of their reach. Adoption is hard in current time, and both want a baby badly. Fate just so delivers a time travelling relative that thrust both Claire, Ron and David into 1945 just as WWII is slowing down. All three are soon met with the culture shock of what 1945 brings and while they have travelled with the intent of adopting a child during a time when orphans were plenty, they all begin to realize they are getting much more than they have bargained for.

Ron soon finds himself enlisted at a time when enlistment could mean death, Claire’s brother David is falling in love with a woman and Claire has to deal with being a woman with a child in an era she is not familiar with. So much more to it than all that but I am not spoiling any of this book for you!

John is an expert in my humble opinion, of writing many storylines concurrently and having them all flow together with no confusion what so ever. His writing style is so easy to follow, yet there is so much rich story packed into his pages. I always get a history lesson when reading this series and being a history lover you know I love that. I often find myself thinking about these books long after I am finished and I have concluded I think I may be living in the wrong era at times. LOL What an experience it would be to be a character in John A. Heldt’s book.

Speaking of characters .. incredibly developed, easy to fall in love with, easy to empathize and sympathize with, easy to grieve/be happy/be angry etc with them. Easy to identify with.

I feel like I have gushed so much in previous reviews, I am trying to find new ways to say the same thing. Hannah’s Moon is packed full of adventure, intrigue, suspense, romance and tied up in the end in a perfect way. As expected, I had a box of tissues on demand just incase and I absolutely needed them for this story!

Thank you John A. Heldt for allowing me to be one of your “go to” reviewers for this series. I strongly recommend this series to my fellow history lovers and anyone else who likes an intense ride when they allow themselves to get swept away in a story.

HAPPY READING!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
September Sky
Mercer Street
Indiana Belle
Class of ’59
Hannah’s Moon

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

About The Author

John HeldtFollow John: Goodreads / Website/Blog/ Twitter /

John A. Heldt is the author of the critically acclaimed Northwest Passage and American Journey series. The former reference librarian and award-winning sportswriter has loved getting subjects and verbs to agree since writing book reports on baseball heroes in grade school. A graduate of the University of Oregon and the University of Iowa, Heldt is an avid fisherman, sports fan, home brewer, and reader of thrillers and historical fiction. When not sending contemporary characters to the not-so-distant past, he weighs in on literature and life at johnheldt.blogspot.com.

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