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The Last Wicked Rogue by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Last Wicked Rogue by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
He’s the last Rogue standing, and the wickedest …

Charles Humphrey, the Earl of Lonsdale is infamous for his seductions. With laughing gray eyes and a halo of blond hair, he’s every woman’s wicked dream. Beneath that devil-may-care grin he has a painful past that has made him sure love was not for him, even as the rest of his friends, the members of the League of Rogues, settle down in wedded bliss. When he accidentally rescues a mysterious beauty with eyes as haunted as his own and shares one life-changing kiss with her, she vanishes in the night. Charles vows to find this angel who might yet save his soul but he knows anyone he cares about is in grave danger when an old enemy resurfaces a final time for revenge…

She’s the only woman who can save him…

Lily has secrets, too many secrets. When she’s abducted and taken into the London underworld by a gang of nefarious brutes, she’s rescued by Charles, the one man who can never know her past. She can’t let him discover her feelings or her secrets, but she can’t resist sharing one kiss with him before escaping his passionate embrace. That taste of the last bachelor of the League of Rogues leaves her desiring a future she cannot have – especially when her master demands she prove her loyalty in a most deadly way…

Warning: This book contains a scandalous rogue with a heart of gold, a lady who risks it all to save him, and a league of rogues who value friendship and love above all else.

 

Review:

The Last Wicked Rogue is the ninth book in her The League of Rogues and is the story of Charles Humphrey, the seventh Earl of Lonsdale and the last of the League to find his true love. It’s also the story of Lily Linley, a lovely young woman who was orphaned and went into household service, only to be cruelly abused and incredibly used before finding real love.

I never spoil books to those who have yet to read them, that would be just mean. So, let me briefly gloss over some of the most interesting points…then I’ll tell you why I found this story so intriguing and entertaining that I will now go buy and read the other eight books, as well as any future books author Lauren Smith cares to write.

This story delves into the youthful past of the League members and especially that of Charles Humphrey. It’s wonderfully and artfully written and reveals bits and pieces of the intricate puzzle slowly. It gives an expressive picture of the honor and friendship these men held to as they grew into adulthood.

The villain is Hugo…also a schoolmate, but with some real issues with Charles (sorry anything further would spoil it). The sins of the fathers are smoldering in their children and the devastation it causes is epic.

There is, of course, so much more to this marvelous story. However, to describe or tell you parts would spoil the fun of the discovery for you. Here’s some of the reasons I found it impossible to put down.

The conversations are very well written and sprinkled with appropriate amounts of humor and seriousness. The personalities are well depicted, not just explained. I especially loved that the wives of the League members are independent and quite intelligent with missions and means of their own.

The dangers are dramatic and well pictured. The intimate love scenes are sizzling and tender. Lauren Smith paints a story with her words that lets you see and feel the times, the places, the beating hearts and bruising fists.

As you can tell, unless I’m way off my own game, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this marvelously intricate tale. Give it a read. If you haven’t already read the other in this series, like me, you’ll probably be delving into all the others as well. I look forward to reading the previous and next additions to the League of Rogues.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for review

 

Lauren is graciously offering an  e-copy  of one book of the winners choice from Lauren’s backlist to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from December 17 – 20, 2018

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The Elusive Earl by Maddison Michaels – a Review

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The Elusive Earl by Maddison Michaels – a Review

 

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Description:
Brianna Penderley has a knack for getting into precarious situations, especially when it comes to her love for archaeology. In the heart of Naples, her terrible Italian has her accidentally becoming engaged to two men at the same time. Of course, Daniel Wolcott—the Earl of Thornton and the only man ever able to vex her—shows up to rescue her. Daniel has spent the majority of his life exercising rigid control over his emotions, determined never to become the rake his father was. But when he goes to aid his mentor’s danger-prone niece once again, he finds himself struggling to control his attraction to a woman who is his complete opposite. When their situation goes from bad to worse, Daniel and Brianna find themselves swept up into a perilous adventure, and they must work together to set things right. Now, if they can just avoid killing each other in the process. 



Review:

The Elusive Earl by Maddison Michaels was a fun read. I read it in one day. There were lots of funny moments.  The Elusive Earl is part of her Saints and Scoundrels series. I haven’t  read the first book in this series (The Devilish Duke), but they can be read as a stand-alone. 

Brianna was taken in by her uncle as a small child, as she had seen her parents brutally murdered, he brought her up as his own daughter. Raised very much an independent young lady, but rather too high spirited and in trouble all the time. Brianna is the type of girl to get herself in to awkward situations, like getting engaged to two men !! She is a funny, quirky and awkward woman. 

Her love of archeology leads her to Naples, and that’s where her problems start …. trying out her Italian is funny ? 

Daniel is the total opposite, he is true and steadfast, he swore long ago that he’d never really marry, he’d never be the rake his father was, but there is something about Brianna that gets under his skin. And when he is tasked to rescue her in Italy, he sees her in an altogether different light. 

On the way home, he has to get the captain to “marry” them, he tells Brianna that they will get an annulment once they get back. 

We then have a cousin who gets kidnapped.. so the pair race off to rescue the cousin. 

The Elusive Earl is mystery, with intrigue and enough romance to keep you happy as well as a comedy and a little danger. 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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His Wicked Secret by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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

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

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

 

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAPPY READING!

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open USA (paper copy) or e-copy (International)

8. Giveaway runs from June 11 – 15, 2018

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The Earl of Pembroke by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Earl of Pembroke by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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**The Earl of Pembroke is available on the above links for $.99

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

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

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

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep em’ Coming Lauren!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

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Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley – Review & Giveaway

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Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Highly sought-after young cook Kat Holloway takes a position in a Mayfair mansion and soon finds herself immersed in the odd household of Lord Rankin. Kat is unbothered by the family’s eccentricities as long as they stay away from her kitchen, but trouble finds its way below stairs when her young Irish assistant is murdered.

Intent on discovering who killed the helpless kitchen maid, Kat turns to the ever-capable Daniel McAdam, who is certainly much more than the charming delivery man he pretends to be. Along with the assistance of Lord Rankin’s unconventional sister-in-law and a mathematical genius, Kat and Daniel discover that the household murder was the barest tip of a plot rife with danger and treason—one that’s a threat to Queen Victoria herself.

 

Review:

Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley is the 1st book in her new The Below Stairs Mystery series.  Though Ashley writes in many different genres, this was the first time I was going to read a Victorian style mystery.  What I enjoyed the most about this mystery was that it spent a lot of time in a mansion, which had a wonderful feel of ‘Downton Abbey’, with the normal household staffing with housekeeper, cooks, house steward, maids, footman, valet, butlers, etc. 

Kat Holloway, our heroine, is a well known cook, who takes a job in household of the Rankin family, after her recent job ended when her employers moved.   She is a smart, confident, independent, a strong heroine, who immediately shows her strength to the household staff, even to the master of the house, Lord Rankin.   Kat, who is just around 30 years of age,  is also very loyal and protective of those she works with, and will stand up for them.  Before the next day begins, she discovers the dead body of her assistant, and a murder investigation will begin.

Daniel McAdam, our hero, is not a member of the household, but he is a friend (future love interest) of Kat, and when she decides to investigate, it will be Daniel who will step in to help her.  Daniel is sort of a mystery man; one who cares for Kat, and she slowly for him, but one who seems to have different disguises.  Who is Daniel McAdam?  He can look like a gentleman; a servant, a spy or is he with the police. Either way, he is one of the good guys, and very protective of Kat.  Daniel also has a young son, who was a nice added element.  Kat has her own secret, with a daughter, Grace that lives with a friend, since Kat cannot take care of her, having to work all the time to pay the bills. 

As they investigate the murder, Daniel with help from Kat, and two other very good secondary  characters begin to realize that this murder was a cover-up of a higher complex crime that could go as high as the safety of the Queen.   There were a number of situations where their lives were in danger.

The mystery was good, but the background, with all those secondary characters (especially Lady Cynthia and Daniel’s friend) made this a very good read.  I did like Kat and Daniel together and as a team.  I expect we will see more romance between them in future books.  If you enjoy Victorian stories, with a mystery theme, a Downton Abbey background, two very good leading characters and very well written by Jennifer Ashley, I suggest you start this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Giveaway

Jennifer Ashley’s publisher, is graciously offering a paper copy of DEATH BELOW STAIRS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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

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

3. LIKE Jennifer Ashley on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from January 11- 15, 2018

 

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

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

 

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DESCRIPTION

The best gifts come wrapped in a kilt…

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

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

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

 

giveaway

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

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open USA/Canada only

8. Giveaway runs from December 4 – 8, 2017

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A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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DESCRIPTION
Love is worth a little scandal.

Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren’t a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune—luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady’s chilly heart, it’s Owen. 

Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton’s most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar . . . 

Yet the more time she spends with her new husband, the more Milly starts to wonder if the marriage she never wanted may be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. Now it’s up to Owen to convince Milly that what started as a mistake is anything but—and that every night with him will be more wonderfully scandalous than the last.

 

 

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH I LOVED THIS READ! 🙂

I love it when two characters who were never suppose to be, never wanted to be, become absolutely should be, and currently ARE!  Sometimes the things you least expect to be the best thing for you become just that!  The BEST thing for you! 

A Gentleman Never Surrender is the second book in Lauren Smith‘s historical romance “Sins and Scandals” series.  I did review the first book of this series at The Reading Cafe and while you don’t NEED to read the first one, these are not long reads so do yourself a favour and pick it up so this story can have more of an impact on you.

Our leading guy is Owen Hadley.  He’s a rogue, known for being a rogue, not the kind of man that any respectable woman wishes to be partnered with.  He is also in dire need of a wife and one with a fortune would be preferable.  He is smart, witty, charming but not in the “ew, get away from me” manner.  He owns his mistakes and does all he can to correct them.

Milly!  Oh our leading lady Milly!  She makes me happy, and is one of my fave characters that Lauren has ever created (I am a huge fan of hers and have read most if not all of her books so far).  Milly is largely misunderstood, but it’s because she wants to be.  She is not interested in marriage market approach to her future, she wants to fall in love and have a true committed relationship.  She comes across cold, uninterested, somewhat of a stick in the mud BUT she is none of these.  She is actually a sweet sweet lady with a very large beautiful heart.  She is the kind of person (and I guess I love her so much because I can relate) who loves big and hurts big.  No half way with her!

Owen accidentally compromises Milly.  He is set out to compromise someone (bad Owen .. I get why you did it, but bad Owen ..lol) and although Milly was not his intended lady, she ends up being the lady who now has to marry a man she doesn’t love.  She is not happy!  Owen does all he can to be a good husband to Milly knowing it’s his fault she is in this situation.  Before we know it, these two form a friendship and find themselves completely falling in love.  This is a story of two wrongs making a right!

Of course the way Lauren writes this story is more compelling and teasing than the quick overview I have given it.  I loved that this story was more focused on the actual relationship rather than external side stories.  I thoroughly enjoyed this couple, and found their moments together sweet, sassy and seducing.  They both ended up with what they wanted, they just had to take the long road to get there!

Fantastic story again Lauren Smith, keep them coming!

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 (Amazon or B&N) and a signed paper copy of a book of your choice from Lauren’s backlist (Sins and Scandal not included)  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Lauren Smith on Facebook

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

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from September 12 to 16, 2017

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The Importance of Being Scandalous by Kimberly Bell – a Review

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The Importance of Being Scandalous by Kimberly Bell – a Review

 

The Importance of Being ScandalousAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
A horse race in trousers on Rotten Row. Visiting a gaming hall in a dress that would make her mother faint. Sneaking an invitation to a masquerade ball attended by only the wickedest, most debauched members of society…

None of these things are scaring off bookish but strong-willed Amelia Bishop’s stuffy, egotistical fiancé.

The only thing left is to entice childhood friend Nicholas Wakefield into a truly engagement-ending scandal. The Wakefields are the height of propriety, and Nicholas’s parents have made it clear a wife from the neighboring Bishop family would be unacceptable…

But Nicholas would give up his family and his fortune if Amelia would ever see him as more than just a childhood friend. He’ll go along with her scheme, even if it means ruining them both, because he’s got a plan that will change her mind about him being merely the boy next door. 

Review:

I quite enjoyed The Importance of Being Scandalous by Kimberly Bell.  Ms. Bell set the stage for the adventures of Amelia and Nicholas from the very beginning and these two characters just ran away with the story.  Amelia and Nicholas were also well matched with the secondary characters of Amelia’s sister Julia and Nicholas’ friend Jasper.  These two characters were a hoot to have around, and there was never a dull moment when they were in scenes with the other characters.  Let’s just say everyone needs a Julia and Jasper in their lives.  I really enjoyed how they supported the main couple, but at the same time provided backstory and furthering of the plot line for Amelia and Nicholas.  The Importance of Being Scandalous was fast paced, cheeky and fun.  I couldn’t help but LoL many times at Amelia and her sister as they plotted ways to get Amelia out of her engagement to that horrid excuse for a man Embry.  Him I did not like from the first scene he was in.  He’s just one of those males that I find sketchy and give me the creeps.  Personally I couldn’t wait for him to either call off the engagement, or mysteriously disappear suddenly. 

The romance between Amelia and Nicholas is sweet and seductive, yet set up nicely with no rush or preamble.  She lets the characters explore these underlying feelings they’ve always had for each other, and come to the realization that they’ve been in love from their first meeting as teenagers.  When Amelia finally realizes she’s been in love with Nicholas since forever it’s like she’s been kicked in the head from her horse.  I was waiting anxiously for this revelation to dawn on her and if it wasn’t for her sister Julia, who knows if she ever would’ve come to this conclusion on her own.  Well maybe by the time she was in her senior years, lol!!  Nicholas and Amelia are  well suited and this allowed for the romance to blossom, the chemistry and anticipation to build to a boiling point for when the two finally do submit to temptation.  Even then, that dolt Embry won’t call off the engagement. He’ll go to any lengths to keep Amelia, even plotting with Amelia’s mother to ferret her away to another country where he can marry her at sea and force her to be his.  The ensuing scenes with Amelia, Julia, Nicholas, Jasper and his twin sister are fast paced and comical as they race against time to get away from Embry so Amelia and Nicholas can escape to Scotland to be secretly married. 

As I said earlier, The Importance of Being Scandalous is fast paced, cheeky and fun.  It’s full of LoL moments between the sisters, as well as best friends Nicholas and Jasper.  The characters are lively, well developed and carry the story with ease, keeping the reader entertained from beginning to end.  If historical romance, with a good dose of scandalous behaviour is your cup of tea, then look no further then Kimberly Bell’s The Importance of Being Scandalous. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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