The Countess by Sophie Jordan-Review and Giveaway

The Countess ( The Scandalous Ladies of London 1) by Sophie Jordan-Review and Giveaway

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 28, 2023

The Scandalous Ladies of London chronicles the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering, Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of London’s wealthiest families. The drama is big, the money runs deep, and the shade is real. Life is different in the ton.

“My husband is a good man… just ask all the women he has bedded.”

Wealthy society maven Lady Gertrude knows how the world works. If her husband is less than faithful, it’s an acceptable price to pay for her coveted position at the apex of London’s most fashionable set. No exclusive soirée or lavish ball is complete without her and her group of decadent, well-connected friends. And this Season promises more excitement than usual: Tru is launching her daughter into Society, helping her navigate the cutthroat Marriage Mart, complete with fortune hunters, jealous debutantes, and malicious gossips.

As skilled as Tru is at playing the high-stakes games of the ton, she never expects to meet her match—until Jasper Thorne begins to court her daughter. Jasper needs a titled bride, but when he meets Tru, all his carefully laid plans go up in smoke. The attraction between Tru and Jasper is undeniable…and unacceptable. To indulge in an affair with her daughter’s suitor would be ruinous. If it becomes public, she’ll never survive the scandal. Especially as it becomes clear that he wants more than one night…he wants the impossible. He wants forever.

A sizzling story of scandalous ladies, irresistible temptation, and the dangers—and joys—of being true to yourself.

••••

REVIEW:Lady Gertrude “Tru” to fault and close friends is a lady of London society. She cares deeply for her children, she just doesn’t care for her husband (who is a well known adulterer!) it was a price to pay in those days, divorce was frowned upon and most ladies were ostracized! So Tru turned a blind eye and concentrated on her children and her “Ton” reputation. A ball or soirée wasn’t complete without her attending……

Jasper is a widower and in need of a “mother” to his children! A lady of the society would see his daughter being accepted and then wooed by the right kind of gentleman, so he sets his sights on the lovely young lady Delia….

Tru and Jasper meet at a seance and the again in the garden, there is a small spark of interest, but she’s a married woman and older (not much) than him!

But to accept Jasper’s offer would be scandalous! Her reputation would be ruined! And it would break her daughters heart! No! She must resist, but Jasper is determined to have his forever with Tru!

This is the first book of a new series and new author for me. I’m excited to read the next book.

It’s really well written and thought out. The characters are great, Gertrude is my favourite character. She’s in a loveless marriage, she turns a blind eye to her husbands numerous affairs, but makes a stand when her husband intends to “sell” his daughter to the highest bidder! She shows her compassion for her friends, and her love for her children.

And Jasper at first didn’t rate very high in my estimation (trying to seduced a married woman!) but he’s heart wants what it wants, and his determination to win Tru, finally won me over.

If you’re not a big fan of adulterer’s, then you might be a little disappointed with the main female character, although in her defence she does resist for most of the book. It’s not high on spice, but it’s full of drama, a few twists, and a little angst, but it is a great story, with really likeable characters.

Copy supplied for review

 Reviewed by Julie B

SOPHIE JORDAN grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author of more than twenty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website http://www.sophiejordan.net/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sophiejordanauthor/
Twitter https://www.twitter.com/SoVerySophie
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sosophiejordan/
Goodreads https://goo.gl/jbJNT9
Amazon http://amzn.to/2BLceES

HARPER COLLINS is graciously offering a paper copy of THE COUNTESS: The Scandalous Ladies of London to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from April 1 – 5, 2023

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The Duke’s Stolen Bride by Sophie Jordan-Review Tour

The Duke’s Stolen Bride by Sophie Jordan-Review Tour

 

THE DUKE’S STOLEN BRIDE
The Rogue Files #5
by Sophie Jordan
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Genre: adult, historical romance

 

Amazon  |  Amazon . ca  | Avon Romance  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  | Chapters Indigo  | iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 22, 2019

An urgent dilemma…

To save her impoverished family, Marian Langley will become a mistress. But she will not be just any mistress. Marian intends to become so skilled, so coveted, that she can set her own terms, retaining control over her body and her fate. Only one problem remains: finding a tutor…

A scandalous solution…

Other men deprive themselves of pleasure for propriety’s sake. Nathaniel, Duke of Warrington, would much rather be depraved. He slakes his desires with professionals who ask nothing of him but his coin. Marian’s proposal—that he train her without taking her virtue—is an intriguing diversion, until their lessons in seduction spin out of control.

And a most unlikely duchess…

When Marian is blackmailed into engagement by a man she despises, Nate impulsively steals her away. Though he never intended to take a wife, he can’t tolerate the idea of Marian forfeiting her freedom to another. But can he bear to give her what she demands—a real marriage?

•••••

REVIEW: The Duke’s Stolen Bride is a historical romantic fiction by Sophie Jordan. It’s set in a small shire in England, Brambledon, the date isn’t clear. I was at first concerned, but as I read, I became thoroughly intrigued and delighted by the whole circumstance of the plot.

Marian Langley is the daughter of a dedicated and loved doctor. She was a governess for aristocratic families and has lived well. Until her father passed away. She had to return home to care for her siblings, Charlotte, Elanor (Nora), and a brother. They are penniless and getting into debt just trying to live. Marian is hounded by creditors and is being propositioned by Mr. Lawrence, the blacksmith. She doesn’t want to marry and lose her freedom, and the blacksmith is not a nice man.

Nate is the Duke of Warrington. His home in this small community is Haverston Hall. It holds a few happy memories for him. His was not a happy childhood. He was small as a boy and bullied at school. He only got to come home on a few occasions. His father died when he was a baby and his mother remarried, a man of lower station who didn’t like the boy much. His mother and stepfather visit rarely, and he doesn’t care. His wife, Mary Beth, died in childbirth only three years after they were married. He thought she cared for him, but they weren’t really in love. He now hires paramours to come visit occasionally and he pays them generously but forms no attachments.

They meet when Marian is being chased by the coal seller. She runs into Crawley’s tavern, and hides under a corner table where a man is sitting. She askes him not to talk to her or let anyone know she’s there. The coal merchant follows her in and questions the man at the table, who answers his question with another question. Finally, Mr. Crawley chases the coal merchant off and tells him to leave “His Grace” alone. She comes out from under the table and they spar with words a bit.

Later, when the blacksmith brings a ham to her house, he lets her know she must marry him to save her sisters and brother. He will provide them with money for a dowry and money for an education for her brother, but only if she marries him.

And the fun begins… Marian learns that a “widow” living nearby was, in reality, a courtesan. She saved enough of her own money to maintain her lifestyle and keep her freedom. She decides this would be the answer for her and her siblings. Mrs. Ramsey tells her she needs a tutor to show her the things men like and teach her to be good at it. Guess who comes to mind?

Yes, it’s truly an interesting plot twist. Her proposal to him, the actual reason he decides to do this are great. The lessons, the shocking way he makes her feel. The things she does to him…all so very entertaining. There is so much more to this lovely story. However, you should read it yourself. It’s a fun read, it has a little danger, nothing comes without a price. Kudos to author Sophie Jordan, this is a great read.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

 

SOPHIE JORDAN grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author of more than twenty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after. 

AUTHOR LINKS

Website http://www.sophiejordan.net/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sophiejordanauthor/
Twitter https://www.twitter.com/SoVerySophie
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sosophiejordan/
Goodreads https://goo.gl/jbJNT9
Amazon http://amzn.to/2BLceES 

 

NOTE: The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway. If you have any questions, please contact the tour operator.

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy This Scot of Mine by Sophie Jordan. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Books.  Giveaway ends 11/4/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. 

 

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Cover Reveals-May 6, 2013

Cover Reveals-May 6, 2013

The Deepest Night Aug 13

 

TITLE: The Deepest Night

AUTHOR: Shana Abe

SERIES:  The Sweetest Dark

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

the hunter June 2013

 

TITLE: The Hunter

AUTHOR: Monica McCarty

SERIES:  Highland Guard

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

Uninvited Mar 2014

 

TITLE:  Uninvited

AUTHOR:  Sophie Jordan

SERIES:  Uninvited #1

RELEASE DATE:  March 2014

 

 

 

Storm Warrior Aug 2013

 

TITLE: Storm Warrior

AUTHOR: Dani Harper

SERIES: The Grim Series

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Destiny May 2013

 

TITLE: Destiny

AUTHOR: Maggie Shayne

SERIES:  The Immortal Witches

RELEASE DATE: May 2013

 

 

 

Wild Darkness Nov 2013

 

TITLE: Wild Darkness

AUTHOR: Lauren Dane

SERIES:  Bound by Magick

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

Winds of Salem Aug 13 YA

 

TITLE: Winds of Salem (YA)

AUTHOR: Melissa De La Cruz

SERIES: Witches of East End

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Hostage July 13

 

TITLE: Hostage

AUTHOR: Kay Hooper

SERIES: Bishop Special Crimes Unit

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Unscripted Aug 2013

 

TITLE: Unscripted

AUTHOR:  Jayne Denker

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

Endless Octo 2013

 

TITLE: Endless (re-release)

AUTHOR: Jessica Shirvington

SERIES: Violet Eden

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

 

 

 

Deadshifted-Dec 13jpg

 

TITLE: Deadshifted

AUTHOR: Cassie Alexander

SERIES:  Edie Spence

RELEASE DATE: December 2013

 

 

 

Up From the Grave 2014

 

 

TITLE: Up From The Grave

AUTHOR: Jeaniene Frost

SERIES: Night Huntress

RELEASE DATE: 2014

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FIRELIGHT Trilogy by Sophie Jordan-a review

FIRELIGHT Trilogy by Sophie Jordan – a review

With the upcoming release of the third storyline in Sophie Jordan’s Firelight Trilogy-HIDDEN- we would like to showcase each book in the series including a review of her latest.

The YA Firelight series by Sophie Jordan consists of three books that seamlessly run together to tell the story of Jacinda and Tamra, twin Draki.  A Draki is a descendant of dragons that can shift into human form.  This series is fast paced and suspenseful!! 

FIRELIGHT starts off telling us about Jacinda and the special and rare gift that she possesses.  She is one of only a few fire-breathers in existence!  She is valued in her Pride and given many things, but she knows that she will be forever controlled by the Alpha due to her gift and she longs for her freedom.  After she breaks a tenet of Pride law,  her family goes on the run.  Her mother takes her and her twin sister Tamra to the hot desert of Arizona where they can hide among humans.  Let me tell you about Tamra and Jacinda’s relationship!  They are rivals, they bicker, they fight, they compete against each other, but if push comes to shove they have each other’s backs.  They are true twins!!  Trust me on this topic, I am the mother of twin daughters.  Tamra has never been able to manifest and she was an outcast in the Pride.  She loves her new life in Arizona and she fits right into human teenage life!  Jacinda who ruled the Pride feels left out and hates her new life.  Trust me, Jacinda can throw a mean whine party!!  I appreciate how Sophie Jordan made these girls complex.  She created characters who have normal teenage emotions and feelings, but they are draki!!   Jacinda meets a boy at school and recognizes him as an Enkros, a human hunter of the Draki.  Will is the handsome boy who saved her life back at home.  He is a boy she should stay far away from, but they are drawn to each other.  Jacinda meets with Will in secret and once again she breaks a tenet of draki law to save the boy of her dreams……. How is that for a teaser!!  This book is a fast read and ends at a terrific cliffhanger!! 

VANISH picks up exactly where Firelight left off.  The twins are in danger, Will has almost died protecting Jacinda and the handsome son of the Alpha has come to save them and bring them back to the Pride!  When things look their worst, it is wonderful Tamra who saves the day!!  Finally, she is able to manifest and she has a wonderful and priceless gift too.  She is a shader.  She can erase the memories of the human hunters and shade their movement with mist and fog.  Let me tell you, it’s an awkward drive home!!  Cassian (the Alpha’s son), Jacinda, Tamra and their mom return to the Pride.  Tamra has always loved Cassian but he had eyes only for Jacinda!! The Pride used to look at Tamra as useless and she was an outcast, but now she is embraced by the Pride.  Jacinda is viewed as a traitor due to her breaking of the law.  Jacinda is shunned and she feels friendless.  Cassian is now spending a lot of time with Tamra and Jacinda feels jealousy!  What happened to the wonderful human boy?  Well, the wonderful Will shows up at the Pride.  His memory doesn’t seem to be erased, but that’s another secret!  He was sick as a boy and infused with Draki blood to survive.  He now has powers like the Draki and he uses his powers to protect Jacinda.  They meet in secret and they are planning on running away together.  Before this happens, Jacinda and another Draki are caught by  vile human hunters.  Will helps Jacinda escape, but the other girl is headed for experiments and death.  The Alpha is furious, because the other girl is his daughter and he forces Jacinda to do something horrible or her wings will be clipped.  Everything is very messy at the end, their mom is banished, Jacinda is forced into a situation that she doesn’t want and Tamra is heartbroken.  Another great cliffhanger!  Which leads us to Hidden, the conclusion of Firelight!

HIDDEN is the conclusion of this action packed trilogy.  Jacinda knows that she needs to do everything in her power to rescue Miriam, the girl who was captured by Hunters.  She and Tamra escape again!  Is seems to be very easy for teenagers to escape from the Pride!  Will meets them and Cassian comes along for the ride!  Jacinda volunteers to be captured to infiltrate the Enkros center.  The boys try to talk her out of this idea, but she is determined to rescue the other draki!  Her plan succeeds, but at what cost?  She finds herself treated like an animal, cruelly used and she is scared.  She finds out that many draki have been captured over time, many losing their minds.  Her first test has her pitted against a large gray draki.  He has been in bondage for so long, he has forgotten his human side.  Will and Cassian break her and the others out just in time, but the gray draki is released too!  Now, they have a homicidal draki after them!  Well, the gray draki sees Tamra and becomes obsessed with her.  Jacinda doesn’t want him near her sister, but they all need each other to escape the hunters.  They must guard the secret that they are also human at any cost!  We get to see all of the draki use their amazing gifts and it’s a good thing that the gray draki tagged along.  He knows the secret behind their father’s disappearance!  A fellow Pride member betrayed their father and now, Jacinda is out for revenge.  Will doubts her committment to him, because the Pride keeps yanking her back!  There is a mild love triangle in this story, because Jacinda is devoted to Will, but she still has feelings for Cassian.  Once they return to the Pride, we find out who betrayed their father and the Pride will never be the same! Tamra decides to stay in the Pride and help it heal, but it could be because of a certain hunky draki too!  No spoilers here!!  There is a happy ever after for all parties!  To wrap things up, this was a fast paced YA series, for the teenager inside of all of us!  The Pride is like any community, they have their problems, but they work to fix them! This was a fresh take on dragon shapeshifters!  

Copy of HIdden supplied by publisher.

Happy reading!  Jules 

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