The Rakehell Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

The Rakehell Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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The Rakehell Seduction
Seduction series – Book #2
by Lauren Smith
Release Date: February 6, 2017

The Rakehell SeductionAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

DESCRIPTION
HE’S MADE A DANGEROUS WAGER

Ambrose Worthing is no gentleman. He’s a proud cold-hearted rake who’s determined to stay a bachelor forever. He enjoys bedding a different woman every night without the risk of falling in love. When he hears about a wager over the seduction and ruination of the daughter of his father’s best friend, he knows he must intervene. Committing himself to the bet, he agrees to seduce Lady Alexandra Rockford—for her own good. He never expected the lady in question to be a beautiful, fiery creature who has passions of her own that call to his guarded heart.

SHE’S VOWED NEVER TO FALL IN LOVE AGAIN

Alexandra Rockford has sworn off men, her heart still broken from the false promises of a childhood sweetheart who left her to marry an heiress. When she stumbles into Ambrose outside of a country ball, she knows the rake his trouble. His smile, his touch, his forbidden kiss are all too tempting but being with him would ruin her. Determined to enjoy herself without falling in love, Alex can’t help but let her defenses down with the too charming rake. But when she discovers Ambrose is seducing her to win a bet, it will take everything Ambrose has to prove to her that he is worthy to love her.
 

 

REVIEW

 
4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
 
Nothing like a good read about a bad boy doing the right thing for the right reason and coming out on top.  Predictable maybe, but there is something insanely satisfying about a rake getting his heart handed to him on a platter of “I didn’t see that coming for me”!  LOL
 
The Rakehell’s Seduction by Lauren Smith is her second book in her historical romance “Seduction” series.  You do not have to read the first one to appreciate this book, but as I always state in my reviews on series, why not go back and read the first one so that you get that little extra something in the book when you revisit characters you have already gotten to know.  One of the best things to experience in a series as far as I am concerned!
 
Ambrose is a straight up rake.  He is one of the guys who goes about life basking in nothing but pleasure, bets and ruination of young ladies.  He is selfish but believes that task he is about to under take is noble.  His father’s friend has a daughter that is named as a lady to pursue amongst his rake friends.  There is a plan to seduce and ruin her.  While Ambrose recently has already met such a striking lady (rarely does a lady turn his head), what an annoyance to have to be the hero and seduce his father’s friend’s daughter first.  I mean, better him than one of his friends.  At least this way there is some control right?  Ambrose then realizes that the lady who recently intrigued him just so happens to be the lady he is here to “save”!  Game ON! 🙂
 
Alexandra “Alex” is still nursing somewhat of a broken heart.  She is strong and intelligent and has made a pact to never let a man in again.  Until she meets a man at her father’s home who is staying for a while and who is charming, sincere, kind .. YA RIGHT!  She is having none of that.  Until her defences come down bit by bit and Ambrose manages to sneak into her heart.  The thing is, Alex has snuck into Ambrose’s heart as well.  How could a relationship possibly exist when it began on nothing but lies?  Do these two even have a fighting chance when all the cards are laid out on the table?
 
I love Lauren Smith‘s writing style.  If I had any complaint it would be that the story to a little slow to get going, but once it got going I was all in and completely invested.  She truely has a gift for writing a visual, and emotional scene.  The love she gave these two was genuine and so endearing.  Don’t get me wrong, this is not all sunshine and rainbows, as the bad was bad.  The push and pull we got from Ambrose and Alex made me really root for them in the end.
 
If you are a historical romance lover than I highly recommend this book/series.  You will be transported back to a whole different time where cat and mouse games are played .. but you never really who know who is playing who!  LOL
 
HAPPY READING! 🙂
 
Reviewed by Rachel
 
Copy supplied for review

 

About The author
Lauren_Smith_2014

Born and raised in Tulsa, I spent the first twenty-two years of my life in Oklahoma, bridging the worlds between urban girl and cowgirl. After high school I attended Oklahoma State University where I earned Bachelor of Art degrees in history and political science. Drawn to paintings in museums and obsessed with antiques, I satisfied my fascination with history by writing and exploring exotic, ancient lands.

Over the years, my studies have opened doors throughout the world. From spending two summers at Cambridge to attending classes at such divergent places as Ireland and Chengdu, China, I have discovered fascinating opportunities for enrichment wherever I go. After completing college, I moved to Michigan to attend law school at the University of Detroit-Mercy and University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.  Armed with two Juris Doctorate degrees from both countries, I returned to Tulsa and became an intellectual property attorney.

Since third grade when my English teacher proposed that all students should craft a story for a young writers’ conference, I have been hooked on writing. My first self-illustrated manuscript described the mysterious disappearance of rare brown bats that were being captured by scientists bent on using them as carriers for an incurable disease. The immense sense of joy in sharing that story with others, and discussing plots and characters, made it clear to me that writing was my true passion.

Learn more about Lauren at the following links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

 giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $25.00 Gift Card 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 Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from February 14 – 17, 2017

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Dance With Destiny by Becky Lower – a Review

Dance With Destiny by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Dance With DestinyAmazon / B&N / BAM / Book Depository

DESCRIPTION
William Myers feels it’s his duty to answer the call to fight for the Union Army—but his wife, Susannah, doesn’t agree. How does he expect her to survive with four small children in the cold Ohio winter during the three-month enlistment period? Angry and abandoned, Susannah learns soon after William leaves that she is also pregnant again. 

Raoul Lafontaine is a half-Ojibwa, half-French-Canadian drifter who is more Indian than white. Also known as Lone Wolf, he has recently left the Ojibwa village in search of a fair-haired woman both he and his grandfather have seen in visions. She is important to him—but how? He will never allow himself to care for another—not after losing the wife he loved so much.

But Raoul could not have planned for the sizzling emotions that surface when he comes near Susannah, nor the love he feels for her children. When he realizes that Susannah returns his feelings, he knows he must leave—for how can he stay close by knowing she can never be his? William will return to his homestead, and they’ll once again be a family. One in which Raoul has no place. Or does he?

Will Fate relent and grant the love between Susannah and Raoul in this DANCE WITH DESTINY? 

 

 

REVIEW
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH this has to be a new BECKY fave of mine!  I absolutely adored this read! 🙂

Dance With Destiny by Becky Lower is a stand alone historical romance that is set during the American Civil War.  This was a different read for me however, as I have never read a romance that featured a half French Canadian (Canadian here myself..  lol) half Native American hero.  As usual Becky does her homework and weaves in true historical events with believable characters set in that time.  This story was heart breaking and freeing all at the same time.  I always know that when I dive into one of Becky’s books, I will set it down feeling like I was smacked in the gut, wiping a runny nose and 100% completely satisfied.  If you are an emotional reader like I am, you will appreciate her kind of writing!

William and Susannah are a married couple with children living in Ohio.  When The Civil War commences William opts to leave home and fight much to Susannah’s dismay.  Like many women during this time, she does what she has to do in his absence .. SURVIVE.  Left with children, limited provisions, isolated living and a pregnancy, Susannah is left to stew in her anger.  She is having trouble making ends meet and is feeling very alone.

Raoul is our Native American/French Canadian hero.  He has set out on a journey of sorts.  A journey that will hopefully enable him to heal from his own broken heart. When he comes across Susannah and her family, he is smitten but decides to stay back .. until … winter sets in and he must help them survive the harsh conditions.  Stepping up where her husband should have been, it’s hard for Raoul to not fall in love, but it is even harder to deny it.

Raoul and Susannah are beautifully matched.  I know Sussansh is married, but I have to say that I was so mad at her husband for not just leaving, but making other decisions that greatly affected this family.  I was proud that Susannah was mad about it as well. She didn’t sit in a corner and play “poor me”, she was honest with herself and decided she was meant to live and if her husband had no concern for her welfare. than maybe it was time to be true to her own feelings.  Raoul has got to be one of the strongest most endearing characters I have read in quite a while.  He struggles with his sense of right and wrong.  This family already has a man, but how can this man be acknowledged when he has clearly disregarded them?  Raoul and Susannah soon must decide if their love is truly forbidden or if they say “to hell with it all” and go for it.

I am really am not doing these characters justice in my review here and maybe that is because it wasn’t so much the characters that made this story for me.  Don’t get me wrong, they are very strong characters and so deserving of “gushy words” but I have to say Becky has this incredible talent for writing visceral scenes/imagery.  When I read her books, I feel like I have jumped right into the daily living and times of that era.  I was a pioneer who struggled, who was married and fell in love with another man who assisted in my survival.  It’s absolutely fascinating and I really believe that there are not many authors out there who can extend this kind of experience to their readers.

I feel like this review may be a little scattered, but that is how I usually feel after a Becky Lower book.  LOL  If you want a break from many of the European historical romances out there, I strongly recommend you read anything that Becky has written.  You will be taken into a completely different world where you will be indulged in some strong romance and history.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND and bring more Canadian to me Becky!  LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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Love’s In The Cards by Becky Lower – a Review

Love’s In The Cards by Becky Lower – a Review

 

Love's in the CardsAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

DESCRIPTION

Penny Beedle’s outlook on Christmas, as her favorite holiday, was destroyed by a messy breakup years earlier and a botched wedding last year—both on Christmas Eve. But since she and her sister now own a greeting card store, and the holidays are their crazy selling season, she has to put on a happy face.

Del Madison has loved Penny since kindergarten. Commissioned by a big greeting card company for a line of Christmas and Valentine’s cards, he has to emerge from behind his alter ego and unveil himself to the public. He chooses Penny Beedle’s shop for the big reveal. If he plays his cards right, he just might gain Penny as part of his life.

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!  Two words .. HALLMARK GUSH!  LOL

Love’s  in the Cards by Becky Lower is a contemporary romance novella steeped in a super dose of CHRISTMAS.  It’s sweet, loving, feel good kinda read that makes you want to kick up your heels and sip a hot cocoa by the fireplace while it snows outside.  It’s a fast read that can be finished in one sitting if you find a couple of hours on your hands this holiday season.

Penny is a big ole Bah Humbug this Christmas.  Deciding to try and suck it up, she gets into the Christmas spirit by working at the greeting card store.  When her store is chosen to be the reveal store for a budding and very popular card artist, she embraces the work and decides to make the best of everything .. while secretly fantasizing about who this artist may be.

Del just happened to be this artist.  He is also a bit of a “blast from the past” for Penny. Having had a thing for Penny since they were kids, Del is a big reason why Penny’s store was selected.  Del is determined to win Penny’s heart this holiday season and nothing is going to stop him.

Off these two go on a gushy love journey.  While there were antagonists, this book was almost too sweet!  Too sweet??  Ok OK, it’s Christmas .. nothing is ever too sweet around Christmas time.  LOL  Full of romance and love, my heart was truely warm and fuzzy throughout this wonderful novella.  A story that is written to make people believe in true love is always a win in my books.  In true Becky Lower style, she delivers a naturally flowing story that enticed me to go back and reread her other books.

Like seaside settings, greeting cards, healing hearts, Christmas, romance and true love? If so, then please go and pick up this great book by Becky!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review.

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Love and the Shameless Lady by Barbara Monajem – a Review

Love and the Shameless Lady by Barbara Monajem – a Review

 

Love and the Shameless LadyAmazon

 

DESCRIPTION:
Disgraced lady Daisy Warren serves ale in a tumbledown inn, sings crude songs for the smugglers, and writes romantic novels in her spare time. Shunned by her own class, she’s resigned to her lowly life—until someone tries to kill her.

Gentleman spy Sir Julian Kerr noses out seditionists and traitors. When he visits the inn to investigate two suspicious Frenchmen, he meets the lovely but hostile Daisy. He doesn’t intend to get involved with her—but then he learns that someone is threatening her life. 

He wants to find out more—it’s part of his investigation. 
He wants to protect her—he’s a chivalrous man. 
He just wants her. 
But will Daisy’s bitter past allow her to risk love again? 

 

REVIEW:

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Love and The Shameless Lady by Barbara Monajem is the third book in her Scandalous Kisses series.  A regency romance, this story follows Daisy and Julian, and I have to say I was really looking forward to reading about Daisy.  She captivated me in the previous novels and she is everything I had hope she would be.

Daisy Warren is a ruined woman.  Having seduced and bedded a smuggler before marriage, she has been shunned by her fellow high class society and in order to avoid her family any further embarrassment she has taken to living in a local inn and resigned to being a spinster.  Daisy is a spitfire however, and while she may be resigned to live this way, she also takes her future in her own hands.  She has secretly penned a romantic book series and uses stories and people she meets in this inn as inspiration.  Her latest book is ready for release, but someone does not want it published and they have gone so far as to threaten and make attempts on her life to ensure it isn’t.

Julian Kerr is a spy.  YUP, that’s right, a true gentleman like spy.  While investigating, and doing his spy stuff, he lands at the inn that Daisy just so happens to reside.  He is immediately attracted to her and wonders why such a well bred lady is residing in a place like this.  When he witnesses her life being threatened, he jumps right into gentleman savior mode and whisks her away to safety.  Just so happens he can do a little investigation in the process as well.

Before we know it, these two are breaking all the polite society rules and falling for each other.  Julian brings her to her cousin’s home (just so happens to be Miles from the first book) where Daisy is afforded opportunity to heal in more ways than one.  Sassy exchanges, healed relationships, a little action and adventure and blossoming beautiful romance soon come to surface.

Well written, this novel truely flowed from one page to another.  I loved Daisy, I loved everything about her.  I loved that she was hard on the outside but strong and soft on the inside.  She has a vulnerability that is completely endearing and made my want to root for her.  Julian .. he was easy to adore as well.  His patience for Daisy was incredible, and while he wanted her badly, he knew that her previous experience was traumatic in ways and he wanted her to feel safe and loved.

A little slow in the beginning is the only complaint I have.  Once the story got going, it was engaging.  I recommend that you read the first two books of this series before this one.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

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A Regency Yuletide by Becky Lower – a Review

A Regency Yuletide by Becky Lower – a Review

 

A Regency YuletideAmazon

DESCRIPTION
After a disappointing season in London, Sophie Davenport returns home without a marriage proposal. No sooner does she settle back into her country life than she learns her uncle has arranged for her to marry the local vicar’s son, a respectable and utterly forgettable man. He’s returning home immediately after the Christmas holiday and they will wed. She sets about making this last Christmas with just she and her mother memorable. 

Jeremy Wyatt hatches a plan to help his friend Thomas and his love, Emma, escape to Gretna Green and marry before her father comes after them. What he’s really doing is avoiding heading to his parents’ home, where he is the son who is always making the wrong choices. But their carriage becomes hopelessly mired in the mud from the incessant rains so Jeremy sets off to find shelter for them at the first house he comes to. 

Sophie welcomes the wet and weary travelers, and her mother agrees to house them temporarily until they can free the carriage. Sophie forms a bond not only with Emma, but with Jeremy. However despite the sparks they ignite in each other, they have to maintain their separate paths. 

But love and mistletoe have a way of upsetting even the best-laid plans. 

 


REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

EEEE, Becky has new reads and is one again knocking it out of the park.  Ok … so let me admit something here!  I am biased when it comes to Becky Lower.  I have been with her since her debut novel, have reviewed all she has released, and I absolutely have a soft spot for her.  HOWEVER, this is because she has earned it, and continues to deliver with every single story.  Now she has released a novella, and let me tell you, a novella is a very hard sell for an author because in order for it to not feel lacking, there has to be substance in the writing talent.  There has to be so much story crammed into a small amount of pages.  You need to have the intro, build up, character development, angst/antagonist, climax and conclusion.  Becky Lower has mastered this.  I literally curled up with this novella, and enjoyed it in one sitting, with a cup of tea, and I ended a couple hours later feeling completely satisfied (it wasn’t the tea that did it for me .. lol).  

A Regency Yuletide by Becky Lower is a novella about love found during Christmas time.  It’s a story about dreams coming true.  

Sophie Davenport and her mother are set to celebrate Christmas together before Sophie is to marry a man she has no wish to marry.  As her uncle has taken over the estate, she must do as he bids, and is resigned to being pawned off on another family.  Sophie has never experienced love before and comes to terms that she likely never will!  Until ….

Jeremy Wyatt is set on helping his best friend run away with on a romantic adventure with the love of his life.  When fate decides to step in, Jeremy and company are delayed due to a mishap with the coach.  Deciding to find shelter, Jeremy finds himself on the Sophie’s doorstep.

Cooped up in this small cottage with Christmas dreams in every corner, Sophie and Jeremy set the fire for a once in a lifetime love.  With friends and relatives either encouraging or interfering, these two navigate through personal issues and a realization that they are meant to be.  

So soft and beautiful, this story is a perfect “get into the Christmas mood” kind of read. There is angst in this story, but romance and love is so strong it makes every bit of it durable!  LOL

MERRY CHRISTMAS Becky Lower, thank you for writing another perfect story, that revolves around history, and all the things I love in a historical romance!

Snuggle up with a cup of happy, a blanket, and get ready to swoon in happiness while reading this novella!  You will be feeling the Christmas bliss once you are done! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for Review

 

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Wicked Rivals by Lauren Smith – a Review

Wicked Rivals by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Wicked RivalsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
A LORD WITH LEGENDARY CONTROL… 

Merciless and powerful, Ashton Lennox is a wealthy man because he puts business before everything else, especially love. As a member of the infamous League of Rogues, he’s no stranger to scandal. His bedroom conquests are as legendary as his fortune. As he searches for a way to bring down an old enemy bent on destroying the lives of his friends, the last thing he needs is a Scottish widow getting in his way. 

A FIERY WOMAN WHO WON’T BACK DOWN… 

The daughter of a Scottish lord with a dark and treacherous past, Rosalind Melbourne has spent years distancing from her past. After escaping her tyrannical father and marrying an aging English lord, she has become a powerful widow with a business empire at her command. Her business dealings are everything to her, leaving her no time for love. Especially not with her business rival Ashton, a man with a scandalous reputation as striking as his blue eyes. 

A GAME OF WITS TURNS TO A GAME OF SEDUCTION… 

Ashton is fascinated by the strong-willed, intelligent and sensual lady who, up until now, had outsmarted him at every turn. Rosalind wishes she could deny she is falling for the brooding, handsome baron. How can she possibly trust him when doing so could cost her what she values most—her freedom? When Ashton discovers Rosalind might hold the key to saving the League of Rogues, he knows he will do anything to woo his wicked lass. As their pasts return to haunt them and dark forces rise to keep them from exposing a deadly spymaster, their game of love turns to a game of survival… 

Warning: This book includes a brooding baron who’s wild in bed, a crafty Scottish lass who never knows when to quit, a wicked game of strip chess, and a merry band of rogues whose first instinct is to run they hear wedding bells ring. 

 

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

DANG, this is a great book.  This series just keeps getting better and better! 🙂

Wicked Rivals is a historical romance by one of my fave authors Lauren Smith.  It is the 4th book in her “League of Rogues” series and it follows the story of Ashton and Rosalind.  I suppose you could read this as a stand alone, but you will miss much in the back story, which is important to deliver the true impact of this story.  There is a continuation of a larger story with romance matching weaved in.  So by all means enjoy this story, but I dare say you will enjoy it more if you have read the previous three.

Ashton Lennox is one hot rogue.  He is first and foremost loyal to his fellow rogues, a serious businessman, not to be messed with and holding a serious grudge towards a certain lovely Scottish lass.

Rosalind Melbourne happens to be the lovely Scottish lass that is driving Ashton nuts.  She is widowed, running her late husbands business like a pro (and really causing havoc for Ashton’s business), staying away from Scotland due to a terrible past, and determined to make things happen her way no matter what it takes.

When Ashton has decided enough is enough, he decides to purchase all of Rosalind debts in order to control her.  Rosalind however, is not to be contolled and she decides to confront Ashton in his own home and set him straight.  However, Ashton has a sweet side, and Rosalind has a vulnerable side, and once these sides are exposed to the other, we have a game of cat and mouse.  This game gets quite serious though, and before we know it hearts and bodies cannot resist the other.  Our villain Waverly (from the previous books), is still a serious danger, and suddenly he is way to close for comfort.  When marriage is placed on the table as a means to control and to protect, Ashton and Rosalind need to get out of their own ways, and find their way to a trusting relationship together.  That will be the only way these two can fight Waverly.

SO MUCH MORE to this book than this brief synopsis.  The pacing of this book was bang on.  I felt the anxiety of the danger lurking, the softness of a romance blooming and the heat .. well oh my .. Lauren can write the heat!  LOL  So well matched Ashton and Rosalind were, and once again, we are set up for the next book.  I also love that the wives from our previous books are banded together to keep our “League of Rogues” on their toes.  I adore these woman as much as I do their men!  LOL

Fantastic book, fantastic series and most definitely a “go to” author in the historical romance genre.  

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided for review

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Climax by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

Climax by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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Climax
Her British Stepbrother #3
by Lauren Smith
Release Date: May 3, 2016

ClimaxAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

DESCRIPTION
A love so forbidden. A passion so undeniable . . .

It’s time for Kat to face the truth. She can’t resist sexy playboy Tristan–he’s too deliciously seductive, and much too good at making her melt, body and soul. With photographic proof plastered all over London, the whole world now knows she’s fallen for this British bad boy.

There’s just one problem. Their parents got married and now Tristan is her stepbrother. They shouldn’t be together, but Tristan always gets what he wants, and he wants her more than anything. Behind closed doors, this only makes every moment they spend together hotter, every kiss deeper, as the passion between them blazes higher . . .

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Amazing way to conclude another fantastic serial series.  Climax, by Lauren Smith is the third and final novella in her serial series “Her British Stepbrother“.  We finally get to see what the future holds for Tristen and Kat.

This story picks up right where the Seduction ended.  Their parents have officially wed, the smoldering heat between Tristen and Kat is still full flame, and they are totally caught and called out as forbiden lovers.  Not having any of it, Tristen’s father decides to lay down the law .. keep the love affair going with his stepsister, and lose your title, wealth and future.  However, to Tristen, Kat is not just another notch on the bedpost, she is the one .. THE ONE.

The question remains, do they choose the future filled with wealth and title, or the future that has them claiming the one true love.  Maybe there is another choice??!  LOL

I love serials because usually it’s a one sitting consumption of story, leaving you wanting for more.  Lauren Smith is really really good at picking the right moments to end a part of her her serials.  This part is the conclusion, so while there was much story to be wrapped up, she still dazzled by adding the sexual heat and fierce love, suspenseful angst and a rocking finish,

You absolutely need to read the first two books in this serial.  I can’t imagine the story making much sense without that.  I would also like to remind readers, that while this may come across as taboo, they are step siblings, no blood relation, who met prior to the reveal that their parents are to wed.  Not so much taboo in my eyes.

Thanks for wrapping this serial up perfectly Lauren.  Always looking forward to your next creation.

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided by Author

 

 

Giveaway

Lauren is graciously offering a $25.00 Gift Card 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 Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from May 1 – 6, 2016

 

 

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The Forgotten Debutante by Becky Lower – a Review

The Forgotten Debutante by Becky Lower – a Review

 

The Forgotten DebutanteAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
In 1863, America is war-weary. Fifteen-year-old Saffron Fitzpatrick, whose teenage years have been spent mourning the dead rather than dancing at her debutante ball, just wants to visit her beloved horse after being housebound due to the draft riots. A chance meeting with soldier Ezekiel Boone changes everything.

Three years ago, Ezekiel ran away with his older brothers to join the war effort, welcoming the chance for adventure. But when all four of his brothers die at Chancellorsville, he retreats home, despondent and depending on the kindness of strangers, like Saffron, who help him on the journey. They share a wild ride and a breathless kiss, parting with fond memories.

Fate reunites the couple three years later, and their former attraction rekindles as they discover unexpected common ground and begin to build a relationship. But though the war is over, a future together may still elude them . . . especially if Saffron’s older, protective brother and the U.S. Army have anything to say about it.

 

Review

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
 
NOPE .. it hasn’t happened .. this is not the last book in this series!  Maybe if I keep denying it, it will change.  SIGH .. nope, not that lucky!  My heart is broken .. but what an awesome way to break.
 
The Forgotten Debutante by Becky Lower is the last book of her amazing Cotillion Ball Series.  An absolutely incredible historical romance series that is set in the US, and has taken us through an emotional timeline of pre civil, civil, and post civil war.  Each Fitzpatrick family member featured, has been highlighted and celebrated, but experiencing the growth of them all brings this series full circle.
 
This book follows the baby of the family Saffron Fitpatrick.  Saffron is a sweetheart and I promise you will fall in love with her right away.  Having grown up in such a bonded family, it is nice to see that this young lady has inherited what it means to be a Fitzpatrick.  The book opens with a prologue set within the civil war.  Saffron finds herself assisting a young union soldier in dire need to return to his family farm.  This was a pivitol moment in her her young life as it set the stage for her future.  While assisting this young man, he has left her with one heck of an impression and a brief kiss.
 
Ezekiel Boone would just so happen to be that union soldier.  Now, a few years after he returned home to his family farm, the war if over and he is tasked with ensuring that his brothers return home for proper burial.  Zeke is kind and sweet and also left with an impression from the beauty that assisted his escape.  When he discovers that Saffron is now working to help deceased union soldiers return home, he knows exactly who she is.
 
A budding romance forms between these two and we get to see the unfairness that war causes.  Zeke is trying to fight a court martial, while falling in love and ensuring he does right by his family.  Saffron has to acknowledged that there is a difference is social standing and fight for her chance to forget position and embrace love.  These two were a remarkable, believable pair!
 
I am not going into any more with regards to this book  other than it’s seriously fantastic.  I do recommend anyone who has a strong love of the civil war and historical romance to give this entire series a read.  We are taken all across USA during a turbulant time, experience moments of brilliant history that were weaved all around one of the most loving families I have ever read.  I have laughed, cried, been angry, felt the unfairness of all kinds of moments in this series, and for a person that rarely rereads anything .. I will reread this series.
 
THANK YOU sweet Becky Lower, for asking me to review for you, but more importantly for bringing characters into my life that feel like home and for stories that make me wish I could jump back in time.  You are a talented writer and I sure do hope there is more in your future!
 
HAPPY READING! 🙂

 

Reviewed by Rachel

 

Copy provided by Author

 

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