TITLE: The Other Lady Vanishes
SERIES #: Burning Cove #2
CHARACTERS: Adelaide & Jake
AUTHOR: Amanda Quick
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/08/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Knew Too Much sweeps readers back to 1930s California–where the most dazzling of illusions can’t hide the darkest secrets…
After escaping from a private sanitarium, Adelaide Blake arrives in Burning Cove, California, desperate to start over. Working at an herbal tea shop puts her on the radar of those who frequent the seaside resort town: Hollywood movers and shakers always in need of hangover cures and tonics. One such customer is Jake Truett, a recently widowed businessman in town for a therapeutic rest. But unbeknownst to Adelaide, his exhaustion is just a cover.
In Burning Cove, no one is who they seem. Behind facades of glamour and power hide drug dealers, gangsters, and grifters. Into this make-believe world comes psychic to the stars Madame Zolanda. Adelaide and Jake know better than to fall for her kind of con. But when the medium becomes a victim of her own dire prediction and is killed, they’ll be drawn into a murky world of duplicity and misdirection.
Neither Adelaide or Jake can predict that in the shadowy underground they’ll find connections to the woman Adelaide used to be–and uncover the specter of a killer who’s been real all along…
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I just love the works of Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz. Staying old school she keeps her alias’ when she writes her historical romance. I prefer her writing in current time to be honest.
This is the second in the series and I suggest you read the first one first. The asylum was interesting. The romance was just ok. I had a hard time with the background characters in this book and I think that took away from the story a bit.
I have to say being a fan of Krentz/Quick I rate her books based on her own writings and this was just not as high as most.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Three Reckless Wishes
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #10
CHARACTERS: Luc de Moutier & Isabelle Laurent
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: October 10, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale, “Three Wishes”, the erotically charged finale in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series…
Luc de Moutier, Marquis of Fontenay, is haunted by the writings of a dead woman. He is the subject of her romantic interest. Obsessed with her journals, he can’t stop thinking about the sweetly sensual words of the late Isabelle Laurent. Though he’d never noticed her watching him from afar, he now compares every woman to the innocent enchantress who invades his thoughts and most erotic dreams…
The old Isabelle is dead. Sought after by the most powerful men in the realm, Isabelle has her choice of wealthy lovers. Her only goals are to provide for her young son, and to maintain the ruse of her demise. Three reckless wishes led her down the path she now walks. And there is no turning back. Only in her anonymously published books and with her son does she let down her guard. Charming and witty, she dons her social mask each day, her performance flawless until the very man of her long-held private fantasies walks into her life—and shakes the foundations of her carefully crafted world.
When Luc meets the beautiful courtesan, she captures his fascination and ignites an untamable hunger. He’s determined to know the woman behind the façade. To deliciously decimate her defenses, show her true passion and the pleasure of complete abandon and surrender. Soon he discovers books written in a style all too familiar to him…and that the past and dark secrets can’t stay hidden forever.
Warning: The book is a full length historical, with a carnally-gifted hero, and the woman he can’t get enough of
REVIEW:
Isabelle Laurent only goals are to keep her son and her secret safe. With that she has transformed herself into Courtesan Juliette Carre. Juliette will never let anyone take advantage her they way they did of Isabelle.
Luc de Moutier has finally regained his place in society by getting his money back, his title back and his reputation back. But there is one thing missing from his life. But it is something out of reach because the thing he desires has passed on.
I enjoyed Isabelle and Luc’s. They are so perfect for each other. It is a little sad that it took so long for them to finally find their happy ending but so worth the journey!
Another wonderful story from Ms. DiPasqua! Sadly this looks like the end of the Fiery Tales Series! This has been such a wonder series filled with wonderful stories of love, loss and redemption.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. DiPasqua has store for us in her next series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lila DiPasqua in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Bellewether
CHARACTERS: Charley and Lydia
AUTHOR: Susanna Kearsley
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Some houses seem to want to hold their secrets.
It’s 1759 and the world is at war, pulling the North American colonies of Britain and France into the conflict. The times are complicated, as are the loyalties of many New York merchants who have secretly been trading with the French for years, defying Britain’s colonial laws in a game growing ever more treacherous.
When captured French officers are brought to Long Island to be billeted in private homes on their parole of honour, it upends the lives of the Wilde family—deeply involved in the treasonous trade and already divided by war.
Lydia Wilde, struggling to keep the peace in her fracturing family following her mother’s death, has little time or kindness to spare for her unwanted guests. French-Canadian lieutenant Jean-Philippe de Sabran has little desire to be there. But by the war’s end they’ll both learn love, honour, and duty can form tangled bonds that are not broken easily.
Their doomed romance becomes a local legend, told and re-told through the years until the present day, when conflict of a different kind brings Charley Van Hoek to Long Island to be the new curator of the Wilde House Museum.
Charley doesn’t believe in ghosts. But as she starts to delve into the history of Lydia and her French officer, it becomes clear that the Wilde House holds more than just secrets, and Charley discovers the legend might not have been telling the whole story…or the whole truth.
REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a sweet ghost story mixing the past and the present. Charley moves to her family hometown and soon is absorbed in the story of Lydia and the love she had for her Civil War officer. But when She starts to learn the story first hand Charley discovers more than she expected.
I really enjoyed this story. I will say sometimes it was a bit long and I would look to see how much longer it was but then something would happen and bam I was right back into the story.
If you are a fan of Somewhere In Time or The Two Worlds of Jenny Logan you will love this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Highland Conquest
SERIES #: The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #2
CHARACTERS: Lachlan & Amber
AUTHOR: Alyson McLayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
HE WAS LOOKING FOR VENGEANCE
Laird Lachlan MacKay never planned on leading his clan, but when his older brother was murdered, he was left with no choice. His vow to avenge his brother has led him to the MacPherson clan—and their bewitching healer, Amber.
INSTEAD HE FOUND HER
Amber MacPherson is desperate. Dressed as a boy to escape her clan’s treacherous leader, she runs right into Lachlan—who orders her detained. At first she causes him nothing but frustration, especially when she blackmails him into helping her clan. But when she’s threatened by the same man who murdered his brother, Lachlan will do whatever it takes to keep her safe—and by his side.
REVIEW:
After reading the first in the series I knew I would want to read them all. The Highlanders are well in a word… yummy! There is something about a Scottish Highlander. If you haven’t been a fan of the genre you will be after reading the first two books of this series.
What I enjoy about this series is the fact that the guys are alpha but the women are strong as well. In this case Amber is a healer. She is confident and willing to do anything to be free of the her captor. The guys are worth reading about as well.
Something about this genre is exciting and makes me want to hop a plane to check out the Scottish hills (and men).
You will not want to miss this story/series if you love the genre. And if you want to try out the genre for the first time this is a great book to make you a fan.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Tomorrow The Glory
CHARACTERS: Kendall & Brent
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/28/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A historical romance by Heather Graham, writing as Shannon Drake.
THE WOMAN
She is Kendall Moore—a spirited southern belle as proud as she is beautiful, driven by a cruel marriage-bed betrayal to risk her life in a dangerous gamble for freedom . . .
THE MAN
He is Brent McClain—the Confederate agent who meets Kendall aboard the warship Jenni-Lyn, and loses his heart in a single, searing night of passion . . .
THE GLORY
But war and treachery soon tear them apart—Brent into raging battle, Kendall into desperate flight from a scorned husband’s white-hot vengeance. They live only for the promise of tomorrow—and a love that will burn forever in both their hearts.
REVIEW:
Re-release from under the name Shannon Drake. This is a historical civil war romance. Graham/Drake has an unbelievable way of writing that pulls you right in. You want to crawl into the book and visit the location she is writing about.
The tension between the couple is wonderful and difficult at the same time. I picked the story because of the author being Graham but I truly enjoyed this story. I am not a huge civil war romance fan but this was a great story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Scot Beds His Wife
SERIES #: Victorian Rebels #5
CHARACTERS: Gavin & Samantha
AUTHOR: Kerrigan Byrne
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Scot Beds His Wife is the next lush, captivating Victorian romance in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne.
They’re rebels, scoundrels, and blackguards—dark, dashing men on the wrong side of the law. But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster.
Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is a notorious Highlander and an unrelenting Lothario who uses his slightly menacing charm to get what he wants—including too many women married to other men. But now, Gavin wants to put his shady past behind him…more or less. When a fiery lass who is the heiress to the land he wishes to possess drops into his lap, he sees a perfectly delicious opportunity…
A marriage most convenient
Samantha Masters has come back to Scotland, in a pair of trousers, and with a whole world of dangerous secrets from her time spent in the Wild West trailing behind her. Her only hope of protection is to marry—and to do so quickly. Gavin is only too willing to provide that service for someone he finds so disturbingly irresistible. But even as danger approaches, what begins as a scandalous proposition slowly turns into an all-consuming passion. And Gavin discovers that he will do whatever is necessary to keep the woman he has claimed as his own…
REVIEW:
The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne is the highly original, romantic and tumultuous tale of a brawny Scottish Highlander and a sharp-shooting American outlaw. I’ve never read anything remotely similar and, after being at first astonished at the inherent dichotomies, I found myself utterly mesmerized. This is the first book I’ve ever read by Kerrigan Byrne. Even though it is the fifth installment in the author’s Victorian Rebels series, it works quite well as a stand alone read.
The Scot Beds His Wife is the story of Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, and Samantha “Sam” Masters. The story opens literally with a bang amidst a train robbery in the American Wild West. Sam is on that train and working as an accomplice to an outlaw gang consisting of her husband and his brothers. She has been in conversation with and befriended a woman, Alison Ross, in her rail car. Something goes terribly wrong and gunshots ring out. The next thing Sam knows is that her husband is holding a gun to her new friend’s head saying that she must die. Something in Sam rebels and she kills him instead, saving Alison’s life.
Grateful to Sam for saving her life, Alison offers Sam sanctuary in Scotland at an estate that Alison inherited but that she doesn’t want. To make this work, Sam will need to assume Alison’s identity. Given that Sam’s looking at either hanging from a noose or being captured and tortured by her husband’s brothers for her complicity, she acquiesces. Alison has only one condition: that Sam keep her Scotland inheritance from falling into the hands of the MacKenzie clan.
Brawny Highlander Gavin Thorne has fostered a womanizing reputation as a coping mechanism for his dark childhood as demonic Hamish MacKenzie’s middle son. He wants nothing more than to sever his connection with the MacKenzies. To that end, he covets Scottish heiress Alison Ross’ lands as they would give him the financial means to cut his MacKenzie ties once and for all. When he learns that the heiress is arriving in Scotland to finally claim her inheritance, he devises a plan to coax her into accepting his generous offer for her lands by sweeping her off her feet with his manly wiles. To his surprise, he finds that Sam is impervious to his charms.
Sam’s childhood was no cakewalk. The upside of Sam’s hard upbringing was that Sam became talented with animal husbandry and the myriad other skills needed to operate a ranch – talents which come in mighty handy as she takes control of Alison Ross’s estate. Sam is deceitful and a part of me wanted to penalize her for lying especially when she continues her subterfuge even as she develops feelings for Gavin. But, I could not.
At first, the two main characters seem to be polar opposites albeit with strong chemistry. But, as the story progresses, it soon becomes apparent to everyone but them that they actually had much in common and, indeed, they bring out the best in each other. Would betrayals and deceit circumvent any chance they have to find long-lasting happiness? You’ll have to read this lively tale to find out!
This action-packed romance is painted with gloriously vivid imagery and packed with passion, danger and humor. Nail-biting suspenseful moments abound! While the plausibility of a sexy Highlander and an Annie Oakley American meeting and falling in love seems ludicrous, the author makes their story conceivable. If you enjoy well-plotted historical romances that will give your heart-strings a major workout, I’d encourage you to check out The Scot Beds His Wife!
Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of the blog tour.
TITLE: Lie Down In Roses
CHARACTERS: Genevieve & Tristan
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/29/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The willful Lady Genevieve would do anything to save her beloved Edenby Castle–even if she had to share the name and the bed of her most treacherous foe, Lord Tristan. They were born to be enemies and destined to be lovers–players in a perilous game of intrigue and passion where the price was one woman’s innocence and the prize was one man’s heart.
REVIEW:
This a re-release from Shannon Drake, the name Heather Graham used for her historical romance. The original story is from 1988.
This was not one of my favorite books by Drake/Graham. It is a true “Bodice Ripper” as the saying goes. The Hero is cruel and heartless in my opinion. I never ended up liking him. The Heroine is just too weak.
The story kept me interested but I am not sure why. I really just didn’t find myself liking much of anyone in this story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Blue Heaven, Black Night
CHARACTERS: Elise & Bryan
AUTHOR: Heather Graham
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/30/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THE DREAM
The living image of a knight’s dream, Elise conceals a shocking secret: she is the illegitimate daughter of Henry II.
THE BLACK KNIGHT
A fierce and magnificent warrior, Sir Bryan Stede follows no law but his own . . . until he beholds the exquisite Elise.
Duty keeps her his reluctant prisoner. Fate will transform her into his cherished bride. Despite everything between heaven and hell that will come between them . . .
REVIEW:
This is a re-release under Shannon Drake from 1995. And while it may sound weird when talking about a historical romance this story is dated. There are a few things in the book that if written now would make a woman’s spidey senses go nuts like rape and just all around women being less than, if you know what I mean.
Now that being said, the story is good and as always Graham’s writing keeps you interested. She is one of the few I still read historical romance for.
I think you just need to give it a read and accept it for what it is. A dated historical romance.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: Mr. Ridley
SERIES #: The Whipping Society #1
CHARACTERS: Mr. Ridley & Miss Watkins
AUTHOR: Delilah Marvelle
PUBLICATION DATE: February 26, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
LEATHER. CIGARS. ROPE. COCA. SEX.
Meet Mr. Ridley.
BOOK 1 of 3, all roped together by one man and one woman bent one twisted passion: making the other writhe.
LONDON, ENGLAND – 1830
Criminals fear the iron fist of justice he delivers. Scotland Yard will do anything to get their hands on his mind. Whilst women? They crawl in the hope of becoming his. But only one woman is about to hold his career and his body and his mind hostage.
Jemdanee (Kumar) Lillian Watkins is a botanical savant from India who ends up getting arrested for a crime she didn’t commit. Only one man believes her: Mr. Ridley. Drawn to him and the rope he knots in her presence, she quickly realizes this regimented dark hero hides nothing but his passion.
Themes include Dark humor, BDSM, mystery, and romance.
“I can be as stubborn as you. I will tap the window until it cracks and if you still refuse to open that window despite my beak bleeding…” She held up her bandaged hand. “Then I swear unto you, Ridley, I will make you bleed in turn and I will make you crawl. For you cannot make us both suffer for the bond we have found in each other.”
—————————————————————————————————————–
PLEASE NOTE: Unlike most historical romances where the hero & heroine’s attraction and love for each other stops at a mere one book, this full length book is the beginning of many (Full length book episodes!) following the highly charged, erotic saga of a couple through the rise and fall and storms of their relationship. Every book is tied up in own way.
BOOK 1, Mr. Ridley (Available now!)
BOOK 2, The Devil is French (Pre-Order Now, Available 4/28/17)
BOOK 3, Reborn (Available 6/28/2017, with Pre-Order Available when second book hits)
REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts What a wonderful start to a new series for Ms. Marvelle. I am already excited for the next two installments in this series.
Jemdanee is not your typical heroine. She is a lot younger then I had expected her to be. But boy howdy is she tough. She knows what she wants in life and is not afraid to stand up for it. Even if it gets her into a very awkward situation.
Mr. Ridley… Where to begin with him. He is everything you think of when you think of talk, dark and mysterious. A mystery that you want so badly to solve. I really liked him. Although I really wanted to punch him multiple times during the book.
But these two together!! Fireworks!!! There will also be tears. I definitely shed a few tears. But I have faith the Ms. Marvelle knows what she is doing by killing a bit of my soul in this story. 😉
Until next time Mr. Ridley…..
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Delilah Marvelle Productions in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: Taming Her Forbidden Earl
SERIES #: Lady Lancaster Garden Society #1
CHARACTERS: Hannah & William
AUTHOR: Catherine Hemmerling
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/02/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Everyone knows William Bredon, the earl of Pembroke, has a reputation as a captivating rogue, determined to never marry until his duty to produce an heir requires it. So when he invites Lady Hannah Rochester to dance, Hannah vows to keep her distance. But the undeniably gorgeous William, with his dark humor and seductive gaze, draws her in nonetheless.
Of course, Lady Hannah is not completely what she seems, either. A member of the dowager Lady Lancaster’s Garden Society, she secretly spends her days solving mysteries and uncovering intrigues, and when she brings William into the fold, a sinister plot develops that brings the two closer together. William’s protective nature ensures he remains by Hannah’s side, but he will not surrender his anti-marriage stance.
Can intrigue, passion, and maybe even a little bit of scandal reform the most notorious of rakes?
REVIEW:
I have mostly given up on historical romance. I am not sure why I even requested this one from NetGalley but I did so I read it. It is cute. The ladies of the garden society are young and fun. Each of the characters, upfront or background, are delightful. Each one sticks out on their own.
Hannah is a good character who is outspoken and just a strong woman. William is typical historical Earl. He is protective and a gentleman set in the world of the Ton.
Any fan of historical romance will enjoy this.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Lovely Duckling
SERIES #: Fiery Tales #8
CHARACTERS: Joseph d’Alumbert & Emilie de Sarron
AUTHOR: Lila DiPasqua
PUBLICATION DATE: December 9, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Inspired by the tale of The Ugly Duckling, a hot historical romance novella from the acclaimed Fiery Tales series.
Reputed for his carnal skills, notorious rake, Joseph d’Alumbert, prefers amorous encounters without any sort of emotional entanglement—until a most unique lady stirs tender feelings . . . and hot desire.
Emilie de Sarron suffered burns to her body as an infant, and keeps her scars—and her heart—well hidden. But Joseph is determined to peel away her inhibitions, one slow, sensuous kiss at a time, to reveal the beautiful swan inside…
***Can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Originally published in THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED anthology.
REVIEW:
As always Ms. DiPasqua does a wonderful job of taking a fairytale that we all know & love and turning & twisting into a Fiery Tale!! I enjoyed this story of Joseph and Emilie. It was so sweet to see the lengths that Joseph went to for Emilie. I would have like to see Emilie make Joseph grovel just a tad bit more. But this was still a great story. And always I love the history lesson that Lila gives us with each book.
The Ugly Duckling can easily be read as a stand alone, but you should check out all of the other Fiery Tale stories.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lila DiPasqua in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
TITLE: The Trouble With Honor
SERIES #: The Cabot Sisters #1
CHARACTERS: Honor & George
AUTHOR: Julia London
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/25/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Desperate times call for daring measures as Honor Cabot, the eldest stepdaughter of the wealthy Earl of Beckington, awaits her family’s ruin. Upon the earl’s death she and her sisters stand to lose the luxury of their grand home – and their place on the pedestal of society – to their stepbrother and his social-climbing fiancée. Forced to act quickly, Honor makes a devil’s bargain with the only rogue in London who can seduce her stepbrother’s fiancée out of the Cabots’ lives for good.
An illegitimate son of a duke, George Easton was born of scandal and grows his fortune through dangerous risks. But now he and Honor are dabbling in a perilous dance of seduction that puts her reputation and his jaded heart on the line. And as unexpected desire threatens to change the rules of their secret game, the stakes may become too high even for a notorious gambler and a determined, free-spirited debutante to handle.
REVIEW:
Named after a virtue, as all the Cabot Sisters are, Honor’s name is apropo to her character. She honors those she loves but also herself. She is not afraid to go after what she wants no matter if it is right in the eyes of the ton.
It has been a while since I read a historical romance and I am glad I started back up with this one. It was a wonderful read filled with adventure and love. I enjoyed the character of Honor. She is so strong and independent but at the same time takes on so much responsibility to others. George in interesting too. While there is something about him he doesn’t really seem to be on the winning side of life but some how he is written in a way the reader wants him to succeed.
If you are a fan of historical romance then you will not want to miss the start of this new series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
TITLE: The Other Lady Vanishes
TITLE: Three Reckless Wishes
TITLE: Bellewether
TITLE: Highland Conquest
TITLE: Tomorrow The Glory
TITLE: The Scot Beds His Wife
TITLE: Lie Down In Roses
TITLE: Blue Heaven, Black Night
TITLE: Mr. Ridley
TITLE: Taming Her Forbidden Earl
TITLE: The Lovely Duckling
