Natasha reviews My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts

TITLE: My Highland Spy
SERIES #: Highland Spies #1
CHARACTERS: Ruairi & Ravenna
AUTHOR: Victoria Roberts
PUBLICATION DATE: 9/2/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This Highland Laird won’t bow to the Crown
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do—he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep
But this lady spy might make him…
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator
If she doesn’t betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

REVIEW:
I really enjoyed this story. It took a bit for me to get into it, but toward the end I couldn’t put it down. Ravenna is smart, sassy and just the right amount of defiant. Ruairi never stood a chance. I really enjoyed him as a character as well. He was strong, protective and understanding all rolled into one overpowering laird. I loved how much time the author gave us to get to know the two characters together. She didn’t rush things and hope it was believable. We were able to grow with the characters together. Their interactions were comical and high spirited. As were all of the supporting characters. I love Torquil, he is just the sweetest little boy, and I so hope we get a story for Fagan. His sense of humor and interactions with Grace were priceless! I’m happy I gave this author a try and will definitely be reading more from her in the future.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 26, 2014August 17, 2014

Natasha reviews Lord Of Vengeance by Lara Adrian

TITLE: Lord of Vengeance
CHARACTERS: Gunnar & Raina
AUTHOR: Lara Adrian as Tina St. John
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/11/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon|B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Taken captive by Gunnar Rutledge, a dark knight sworn to destroy her father, Raina d’Bussy must teach forgiveness to a man who knows no mercy and lives only to exact revenge on his enemy. But time in Gunnar’s keep stirs an unwanted passion in Raina, and something far more perilous, when she finds herself falling in love with the one man she should never desire.
For Gunnar, vengeance is all that matters. He seeks the ultimate price from his enemy’s beautiful young daughter, claiming Raina as his hostage. But the proud beauty defies him at every turn, tempting him like no other. Setting out to break Raina’s glorious spirit, Gunnar instead finds himself bewitched by her goodness, her strength. Can he seize the justice he is due without losing Raina forever?

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts I’m torn with this book. I absolutely love Lara Adrian and wanted to give a try to the stories she wrote as Tina St. John, so I started with the stand alone book Lord of Vengeance. Unfortunately the book started off really slowly, and I almost put it down multiple times. Raina and Gunnar did not have as much interaction as I would’ve liked in the beginning half of the book. It literally took 17 chapters before they had a full conversation, which was frustrating to me. However, from that point forward the story took on a lot of momentum and I couldn’t wait to finish. Such treachery took place that threw everything into turmoil and it was a very intense second half. I ended up really enjoying the story, especially Raina and Gunnar together. Gunnar is a very special soul and I am happy we got to see the sweet side of him.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 19, 2014August 15, 2014

Spotlight & Excerpt from My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts

I’m happy to be here at Books-n-Kisses, the second stop on the My Highland Spy Teaser Tour! Thanks for having me.

My Highland Spy is the first book in my new Highland Spies’ series, and I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. We left off yesterday with Ravenna being in The Devil’s Tavern. Let’s see what other trouble she can get herself into.

My Highland Spy

This Highland Laird won’t bow to the Crown
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do-he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.

But this lady spy might make him…
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.

If she doesn’t betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

Chapter One (excerpt 2):

The establishment was notorious for housing smugglers, cutthroats, thieves, and pirates. If Lord Cobham was meeting anyone here to further promote his illicit behavior, she was going to find out.

Without warning, Ravenna was roughly pulled down onto a lap. The man’s breath reeked of ale and he smiled, fingering her locks.

“This place keeps getting better and better. I haven’t seen you here before.” He lowered his head and sniffed down her body. “Mmm…you smell of lavender.”

She didn’t think it wise to tell the man what he smelled like so she politely nodded. When she tried to stand, he pulled her back down and held her with a firm grip.

“Let me tell you a little secret.” He lowered his voice and leaned forward. “I think you are by far my favorite.” His hand encircled her breast, and it took all of Ravenna’s might not to slap him. And that’s when she looked up and noticed the men.

Dear God.

Lord Cobham was walking straight toward her. She hastily glanced to Cobham’s right and saw Charles Paget. What was he doing here? She couldn’t risk being spotted, so she did the first thing that came to mind. She turned in the lap of the man who held her and brought his lips to hers.

The man’s comrades cheered him on, and his hands roamed all over Ravenna in places they shouldn’t. She had to endure quite a repulsive kiss and felt as though she needed a cloth to wipe away the slobber that had escaped the man’s lips. How she despised this part of the masquerade! Only when she was confident that the two men had departed did she dare pull back, attempting not to think about the bile that rose in the back of her throat.

She placed her finger to the man’s lips. “I have something for you. I’ll be right back.” When the man nodded, as she knew he would, she made her escape to the back room. She didn’t want to spend another moment in that place. Grabbing her cloak from the corner, she bolted out the door.

She did not look back.

What was Lord Cobham doing with Charles Paget? She thought Paget was still in Paris. No matter, she would simply give the information to her uncle. She wrapped her cloak tighter around herself as the cool breeze whipped her cheeks. She walked with long, purposeful strides, clutching the dagger in her pocket. She didn’t like walking the streets of London by herself, let alone by the docks in the darkened hours of the night. One of these days her luck was going to run out. She prayed it was not at this moment.

Her uncle’s carriage waiting at the end of the dimly lit street was a welcome sight. George climbed down upon her approach and extended his hand. He was a large man with graying hair at the temples and stood well over six feet tall. He always aided her when she needed protection from places like the Devil’s Tavern.

“Lady Walsingham, did you find what you were looking for?”

“Thankfully, yes.”

“Home, my lady?”

“Yes, please.”

Ravenna climbed into the coach and breathed a sigh of relief. She sat back, closed her tired eyes, and fell asleep to the gentle, rhythmic movement of the carriage and the sound of clomping hoofbeats. When the carriage suddenly stopped, she was jolted awake.

“My lady, we have arrived.”

She took George’s hand and climbed down. “Thank you. Could you please ask my uncle to pay me a visit on the morrow?”

He nodded. “Of course. Have a pleasant evening, Lady Walsingham.”

*****

What the people are saying:

“An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.” —Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master

“Roberts’ newest features a surprise-laden, quick-paced plot, replete with unconventional and fiercely independent characters. Her lyrical prose grabs readers’ attention, and the high level of emotional tension simply adds to the depth of the story. This book begs to be read and reread.” —RT Book Reviews

A little about Victoria:

Victoria Roberts writes sexy, award-winning Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. Prior to ever picking up a single romance novel, she penned her first young adult novella at 16 years old. Who knew her leather-studded motorcycle hero would trade in his ride and emerge as a kilt wearing Highlander wielding a broadsword? Victoria lives with her husband and their two beautiful children in western Pennsylvania. Visit her at Website | Facebook| Goodreads|

*****

Sourcebooks will give away one copy of My Highland Spy to a lucky commenter (US and Canada only, please.)

To enter please tell Victoria the name your favorite spy movie.

Follow the whole tour here:

8/18 – The Reading Café

8/19 – Books-n-Kisses

8/20 – Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

8/21 – Long and Short Reviews

8/22 – From The TBR Pile

8/25 – SOS Aloha Book Blog

8/26 – The Bookish Babe

8/27 – Fresh Fiction

8/28 – Harlequin Junkie

8/29 – Urban Girl Reader

August 12, 2014August 10, 2014

Kimberly reviews What A Lady Craves by Ashlyn Macnamara

TITLE: What A Lady Craves
SERIES #: The Eton Boys Trilogy #1
CHARACTERS: Henrietta & Alexander
AUTHOR: Ashlyn Macnamara
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/12/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Henrietta Upperton is about to marry Alexander Sanford, when he rushes off to India to salvage his family’s fortune. Then comes the devastating news that he has wed another. Eight agonizing years later, a storm washes Alexander ashore—injured, widowed, and hunted—and one glimpse of his ruggedly handsome face reawakens the desire Henrietta thought she had buried deep inside. Her body still yearns for his touch, but she’s determined not let him wound her again . . . not this time.
For Alexander, honor always comes first. But only now does he realize that when given the choice between two virtuous deeds, he picked the wrong one. On the run with his life in tatters and a pair of daughters in tow, Alexander burns for Henrietta. He knows he does not deserve forgiveness. And yet he longs to wrap his arms around her warm body once again. What’s more, he is sure the lady craves the same.

REVIEW:
I had the hardest time with this book. I really never cared about either of the main characters. Alexander is just a jerk who thinks he does everything for honor and even when he hurts others with his actions he doesn’t see it as dishonor. And Henrietta just seems desperate or something. Why she would allow Alexander back into her life I have no clue.
I started off feeling saddened for Henrietta but right off the bat she keeps the box from Alexander when he has lost everything and I guess I never recovered for her keeping it from him. Mind you I never liked Alexander either. I really just wanted to slap them both and tell them to leave each other alone and never talk again. But I guess they deserve each other if they are willing to get back together after everything that has happened.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

July 31, 2014July 30, 2014

Spotlight feature of Tempted by His Touch box set

A boxed set with ten sizzling historical romances from ten bestselling historical romance authors. Fall in love with fabulous tales of intrigue, suspense, wit, and passion featuring dukes, rogues, alpha heroes…and the women who can’t resist them. JUST 99 CENTS from July 27 – Sept. 21—then it disappears FOREVER!

Scoundrel Ever After by Darcy Burke – Once upon a time there was a very bad boy who met a very nice girl….

Lady of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle – Educating a man in the art of love takes time. Lots of it.

Sonata for a Scoundrel by Anthea Lawson – Passion and secrets simmer against the glittering backdrop of 19th century musical celebrity.

To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield by Bronwen Evans – What’s a lady to do when a notorious rake wins her estate in a game of cards?

Undone by Lila DiPasqua – One steamy, emotionally charged retelling of Rapunzel…Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning…

The Problem with Seduction by Emma Locke – Elizabeth Spencer needs a man. She doesn’t need to like him—because while she needs a man, she doesn’t particularly want one.

A Dangerous Invitation by Erica Monroe – Daniel O’Reilly returns to win back Kate Morgan’s heart and prove he’s innocent of murder.

Once Upon a Duke by Eva Devon – A widow looking to get seduced. A duke more than willing to oblige.

Great & Unfortunate Desires by Gina Danna – A marquis with a guilty past takes a bride in a world where love is fatal.

Dark Surrender By Erica Ridley – Trapped in darkness…. Their passion burns bright!

How about a little peek into ONCE UPON A DUKE

Everything is going swimmingly for Kathryn Darrell. She’s got an annuity of a hundred thousand a year, her lecherous-heart breaking husband has had the good graces to pop off, and best of all, she has her freedom—something she has every intention of reveling in to the fullest. And who better to revel with than Ryder Blake, the infamous Duke of Darkwell?

Excerpt from Eva Devon’s ONCE UPON A DUKE (Used with permission © Eva Devon 2014)

If she could only get him alone, perhaps they could truly talk again and more. It was so strange. There were many men here tonight, but only the duke’s presence awakened her excitement.

She glanced towards the hallway. “Your touch is quite provocative,” she said, in a low tone. “Particularly your mouth,” she added, amazed at her own wanton words.

Her comment met with stony silence, and she took a small step forward, determined not to let him send her off again. “This time, I intend to return the favor.”

About Darcy Burke:

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her devoted husband, their two great kids, and two Bengal cats. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. She’s also a fair-weather runner, and her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

Find out more about Darcy and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

About Bronwen Evans:

USA Today Bestselling Author Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes.

Her debut Regency romance, Invitation to Ruin won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2012, and was an RT Reviewers’ Choice Nominee Best First Historical 2011. Her first self-published novella, To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield, was a FINALIST in the Kindle Book Review Indie Romance Book of the Year 201,2 and a finalist in the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Historical 2013. Her first contemporary released December 2012, The Reluctant Wife, won the RomCon Readers’ Crown Best Category 2013.

Find out more about Bronwen and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads| Newsletter: sign up at the top of Bronwen’s website

About Lila DiPasqua:

Lila DiPasqua is a multi-published, national bestselling author of historical romance with heat. Her novels are published by Penguin/Berkley, as well as having self-published works.

She is best known for her critically acclaimed Fiery Tales series. Her books have been featured on Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs.

She lives with her husband and three children in Canada and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after.

Find out more about Lila and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter: sign up on the sidebar of Lila’s website

About Delilah Marvelle:

Delilah Marvelle is the winner of the Reviewer’s Choice for Best Sensual Historical Romance of the Year and had Booklist name her historical romance ‘Forever and a Day’ one of the TOP 10 Romances of the year. When she isn’t writing, she’s digging through inappropriate research books that include anything in history having to do with courtesans, brothels, sexual contraptions that were never properly used and other fascinating forms of dirty history that didn’t make it into college textbooks. She includes all of her research in her books to ensure countless hours of entertainment and continues to take pride in knowing more about dirty history than most people feel comfortable with.

Find out more about Delilah and her books here: Website |Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

About Erica Ridley:

Erica Ridley learned to read when she was three, which was about the same time she decided to be a writer when she grew up.

She is the author of three Gothic romances, Too Wicked to Kiss, Too Sinful to Deny and Dark Surrender, the vampire romance “Never Been Bitten” in the paranormal romance anthology Born To Bite, contemporary paranormal romances Charmed and Midwinter Magic, and the holiday fantasy romance Let It Snow.

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.

Find out more about Erica and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

About Emma Locke:

Emma Locke is a writer and engineer living in the Pacific Northwest, where she loves hiking with her dog, hot yoga and riding out the annual 330 days of rain. Hiking and yoga give her time to plot, the lack of sun makes for perfect writing weather, and as for her day job, the dichotomy seems to work: her analytic side ensures her passionate, satisfying love stories don’t mulch under her bed, and her author side forces her to keep writing more.

Find out more about Emma and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter: sign up at the bottom of Emma’s website

About Gina Danna:

Gina has spent the better part of her life reading. History has been her love and she spent numerous hours devouring historical romance stories, dreaming of writing one of her own. Years later, after receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in History, writing academic research papers and writing for museum programs and events, she finally found the time to write her own stories of historical romantic fiction.

Now, under the supervision of her three dogs and three cats, she writes amid a library of research books, with her only true break away is to spend time with her other life long dream – her Arabian horse – with him, her muse can play.

Find out more about Gina and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About Erica Monroe:

Erica Monroe is a bestselling author of emotional, suspenseful romance. Though she has a Bachelor’s degree in writing, she’s been a secretary, a barista, and a retail assistant. Now Erica spends her days crafting lovable rogues and feisty heroines for her historical and new adult series. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina, and the Beau Monde Regency Romance chapter. When not writing, she is a chronic TV watcher, sci-fi junkie, lover of pit bulls, and shoe fashionista. She lives in the suburbs of North Carolina with her husband, two dogs, and a cat.

Find out more about Erica and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter: sign up on Erica’s website sidebar

About Eva Devon:

Author of sexy and laugh out loud funny Regencies, I’m also Maire Claremont, creator of dark and angsty Victorians!

Find out more about Eva and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter

About Anthea Lawson:

Anthea Lawson, called “a new star of Historical Romance” by Booklist, has won readers with her combination of spicy love scenes and elegant prose. Her first novel, PASSIONATE, was a Best First Book finalist in the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA awards.

Anthea also writes award-winning YA Urban Fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp.

Find out more about Anthea and her books here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodread | Newsletter

Follow the whole tour HERE

*****

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Grand prize: iPad Mini (16GB) with surprise bonus print books [Open to US/CA]

a Rafflecopter giveaway

July 31, 2014July 27, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Fall Of Lady Grace by Julia London

TITLE: The Fall of Lady Grace
SERIES #: Cabot Sisters #2
CHARACTERS: Grace & Geoffrey
AUTHOR: Julia London
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A plan born of desperation…
Once the toast of society, Grace Cabot and her sisters now await the shame of losing high status and fine luxuries upon the death of the Earl of Beckington. The dire circumstances are inevitable unless, of course, Grace’s wicked plot to seduce a wealthy viscount into marriage goes off without a single hitch. But once a stolen embrace with the wrong man leads her to be discovered in the arms of Geoffrey, the Earl of Merryton, her plan takes a most unexpected—and scorching—twist.
…and altered by passion.
Governed by routine and ruled by duty, Jeffrey had no desire for a wife before he succumbed to Grace’s temptation. Though his golden-haired, in-name-only bride is the definition of disorder, he can’t resist wanting her in every way. But once her secrets meet his, society might consider their lives to be ruined beyond repair…while Geoffrey might just see it as a new beginning.

REVIEW:
I had a bit of a hard time with this story. The story is interesting but I never really felt a connection between the characters. Jeffrey has a form of OCD and while understandable it just gets irritating. And he has these issues with what he feels sexually and I know this is set in historical times but he is only into light BDSM, not torture. I never warmed up to Grace either. I liked her in the first in the series but not much in this one.

That being said the main story is good. The writing is different in the way that Julia London writes but done well.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

July 29, 2014July 27, 2014

Kimberly reviews Mastering The Marquess by Lavania Kent

TITLE: Mastering The Marquess
SERIES #: Bound and Determined #1
CHARACTERS: Louisa & Geoffrey
AUTHOR: Lavania Kent
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/29/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One night of fierce passion and unbound pleasure leaves two strangers craving much more in Lavinia Kent’s sumptuous novel of sensual discovery.
The time has come for the widow Louisa, Lady Brookingston, to move on, but she refuses to remarry at the cost of shaming her late husband’s memory. Their six years together were wedded bliss—even if a war injury prevented him from fulfilling his marital duties. Only one woman can help Louisa: Madame Rouge, the discreet proprietress of a club where London’s elite explore their wildest fantasies.
Geoffrey, the Marquess of Swanston, has no intention of agreeing to deflower an anonymous virgin. But when Madame Rouge tempts him with the absolute power he’ll have over a woman who knows nothing of carnal delights, he’s intrigued. Control is the one thing he cannot resist—and control is what he loses during his night with the blindfolded beauty. He longs to take her further, to leave his mark upon her perfect behind, but the mystery woman refuses to see him again. Instead Geoffrey reluctantly agrees to take a wife, the widow of his dear friend, Lord Brookingston—fating them both to a wicked surprise.
Mastering the Marquess is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

REVIEW:
Ok so I had a really hard time with this book. Not because it wasn’t interesting because the main part of the story was and even the first section of their meeting and the sexual part of the story was interesting. The problem is first how can two people who had sex with only a blindfold between them not know that the person they run into at a party is the same person? I mean is she the female version of Superman. Put on glasses/blindfold and they are a completely different person? I mean her hair is very distinct and what about the voice? It honestly bugged me too much to enjoy the story.

But the thing is I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed their connection. I enjoyed the writing of the story just not the storyline per se. Maybe someone else can get passed the ridiculousness of the unknowing but I couldn’t. Will I read the next in the series? Sure because I liked the idea and the writing but I really hope the next couple is not as naive as these two are.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

June 9, 2014June 9, 2014

Natasha reviews Knight Of Love by Catherine LaRoche

TITLE: Knight of Love
CHARACTERS: Lenora & Wolfram
AUTHOR: Catherine LaRoche
PUBLICATION DATE: 6/9/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In this saucy romance, an English lady turns the damsel-in-distress tale on its head as she escapes her malicious fiancé and fights for both her life and that of the lustful rebel that has become her protector.

Lady Lenora Trevelyan, a naïve yet stubborn young lady born to the highest noble houses of England and Germany, finds herself betrothed to the brutal Prince Kurt von Rotenburg-Gruselstadt cruelly. But after she is cruelly bruised and flogged by her fiancé, she decides to take the reins of her fate. In the midst of a German revolution, Lenora escapes Kurt’s iron fist and embarks home to England. She quickly finds herself in the hands of a rebel group and their robust, gentle, and handsome leader, Wolfram von Wolfsbach und Ravensworth, the English Earl of Ravensworth.

Lenora struggles to deny the passion she feels towards the frustratingly chivalrous Earl but her desire for him continues to bloom. Wolfram hungers nothing other than to fight for democracy and civil rights in uniting Germany and to protect what he assumes is his damsel in distress. Through nights of immeasurable pleasure, Lenora and Wolfram learn that their passion is no match for the revolutionary chaos that ensues. And when Lenora discovers that her protector’s life is threatened, she must risk everything to save her Knight of Love.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Wow, so many things going through my mind about this book. I still can’t decide on my feelings, so I’ll just concede to them all. I fell in love with Lenora very early on in the book when in she said, “…don’t let me fall. I don’t want them to see me fall.” I knew instantly that this was an incredibly strong character who would never be swayed by anyone else save herself. I wish I’d known how true that really was! Lenora did not pull any punches, especially when it came to Wolfram! That naïve, sweet, hopeful man. He did not understand what he was getting into when she walked into his life. I will say, a pretty traumatic event happened to cement these two together and I found it VERY difficult to get past that throughout the book. I was convinced I would not be able to look past this to let myself enjoy the book. However, Wolfram and Lenora turned things around for each other and I was pleased with the outcome of this book. I’d definitely read more by this author!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 27, 2014May 17, 2014

Interview & Giveaway with Gina Conkle

Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have first time guest Gina Conkle on the blog today to talk about her newest release.

Gina, can you please share with us a little about yourself

First, thank you for letting me be part of Books-n-Kisses.

I write Viking and Georgian romance with a softly sensual side, which stems from my history nerd-ness. Our family’s big news is we’re moving to the mid-west this summer. My husband grew up in Ohio, but my boys and I have never lived in snow. This will be an adventure!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Pretty much, yes. I read Gone with the Wind in 5^th grade and subsequently wrote a story called ‘The Girl Who Stopped World War III.’ That could be pre-teen hormone drama setting in, or I was bound to write someday.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I can write just about anywhere. I prefer quiet or some music with my laptop, but I’ve had great productivity with a spiral bound notebook in airports, planes, restaurants, and doctor’s offices.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

Meet the Earl at Midnight is a loose spin on Beauty and the Beast with my “beast” (Edward) quite happy as a recluse, but he needs a woman. He strikes a midnight bargain with Lydia that changes in the light of day with distracting chemistry and secrets revealed.

Edward’s passion for science and Lydia’s passion for art rule their lives until they find each other. The crux of their love story comes to decisions and sacrifices. Both have to answer the question: What do you truly want?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I needed a break from the Norse hammers in my head! I write Viking romance as well but this character kept showing up covered from head to toe in leather with a tricorn hat pulled low. So, I started writing him and in walked Lydia.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I’m almost done with The Lady Meets Her Match (April, 2015). This is book 2 in the Midnight Meetings series and tells the tale of Cyrus, a self-made man dubbed England’s King of Commerce. Sparks fly at a masked ball between Cyrus and a mysterious woman named Claire. She flees at midnight, leaving a shoe behind…a common brown shoe. But, Claire is one Cinderella who doesn’t want her shoe back.

At the same time I’m deep into Norse Fire, book 2 in my Norse series (Dec., 2014). This story features Brand a rough-souled, lone wolf warrior who must work with a feisty slave to save the kingdom. Then comes book 3, Norse Wolf, with Addis, a bad boy Viking who finds himself at the mercy of a tender-hearted healer (Mar. 2015).

As you might’ve guessed there’s a lot of juggling lately.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

Josie Litton (a pseudonym for Maura Seger). She’s a lyrical and prolific writer. Her book Dream of Me is my all-time #1 top favorite book.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Write everyday. Make it a habit.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I want to hike Hadrian’s Wall. Badly.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

My reward for getting certain tasks done is to buy Julie Brannagh’s Blitzing Emily and Christina Dodd’s Just the Way You Are.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Kelly, thanks again for hosting me on your blog. The questions were fun.

Learn more about Gina here:

It’s going to take a Beast to tame this Beauty

Enigma Earl. The Phantom of London. That’s what the gossip pages call Lord Edward Greenwich, a mysterious nobleman who doesn’t show his face in London Society. With a reputation like that, no wonder Lydia Montgomery is horrified to be dragged from bed and packed off to live with him to save her mother from penury.

While Lydia has received all of the training a lady should endure, she’s decidedly un-ladylike. She despises her corset and isn’t interested in marriage. She’d prefer to remain unmarried and spend her time improving her art. But if she wants a chance at happiness, she’ll have to set aside her fear of the earl and discover the man hiding behind the beast.

Will Edward and Lydia’s greatest discovery be each other before time runs out?

Book 1 in the series Midnight Meetings

*****

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

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May 26, 2014May 15, 2014

Kimberly reviews The Twelve Kingdoms: Mark of the Tala by Jeffe Kennedy

TITLE: The Twelve Kingdoms: Mark of the Tala
SERIES #: Twelve Kingdoms #1
CHARACTERS: Andi & Rayfe
AUTHOR: Jeffe Kennedy
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Queen Of The Unknown
The tales tell of three sisters, daughters of the high king. The eldest, a valiant warrior-woman, heir to the kingdom. The youngest, the sweet beauty with her Prince Charming. No one says much about the middle princess, Andromeda. Andi, the other one.
Andi doesn’t mind being invisible. She enjoys the company of her horse more than court, and she has a way of blending into the shadows. Until the day she meets a strange man riding, who keeps company with wolves and ravens, who rules a land of shapeshifters and demons. A country she’d thought was no more than legend–until he claims her as its queen.
In a moment everything changes: Her father, the wise king, becomes a warlord, suspicious and strategic. Whispers call her dead mother a traitor and a witch. Andi doesn’t know if her own instincts can be trusted, as visions appear to her and her body begins to rebel.
For Andi, the time to learn her true nature has come. . .

REVIEW:
This is a combination of Narnia, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings… sorta. This is nothing like what I have read from Kennedy before. It really has a mix of paranormal and also historical. And while it has romance this is not the erotica that Jeffe Kennedy is known for.

I really enjoyed it. So much happens that it is hard to put down. This is mainly Andi’s story but Rayfe is delightful. I wish we had seen more of him but since there is more coming in the series I hope we get a better feel for him.

If you enjoy the paranormal world of Narnia, etc then you will enjoy this story very much.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 26, 2014April 17, 2014

Delilah Marvelle’s The School of Gallantry Series

Mistress of Pleasure

School of Gallantry #1

REAL PLEASURE CAN’T BE TAKEN.

Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle de Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother’s school in London where gentlemen receive instruction—in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain independent, free from men and the shackles of marriage. But when Maybelle lays eyes on Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford, at a soir e, and hears of his scandalous reputation, she decides he’s the perfect person for her to have a tryst with no strings attached.

IT MUST BE GIVEN.

Unbridled passion has again muddied Edmund Worthington’s family name. After his very public dalliance with the strikingly beautiful and sensual Maybelle, his mother insists he marry her. But much to the Duke’s surprise, Maybelle scoffs at his proposal. Never has he encountered such a brazen—and maddeningly irresistible—woman. But when Maybelle’s grandmother falls ill, forcing Maybelle to take over the operation of her school, Edmund devises a plan to make her his. He enrolls in the school, where no one other than Maybelle must give him expert lessons in carnal pleasure.

*****

Lord of Pleasure

School of Gallantry #2

DESPERATE TIMES…

It’s been months since Lady Charlotte Chartwell’s philandering husband met his untimely end at the hands of an angry mistress. But as miserable as he made Charlotte in life, his death proves to be an even harsher blow. For not a farthing of his fortune or estate have passed on to her, and as a ruined widow, she is destitute, penniless and utterly without hope.

LEAD TO DESPERATE PLEASURES…

Then, as Charlotte is considering the worst, a man steps into her carriage. His intentions are quite indecent at first, but the more he learns about her, the more an unfamiliar—and undesirable—emotion creeps over him. Could it be compassion? Never! For this is Alexander Baxendale, third Earl of Hawksford. He is known throughout the ton as the Lord of Pleasure, dedicated to passion, ruthless in his pursuit of sensual gratification. Yet never in all his exploits has he met a woman who could intrigue him as Charlotte does. Can this mysterious beauty make him hang up his title and see to her pleasure alone?

*****

Lady of Pleasure

School of Gallantry #3

Educating one’s self in the art of love takes time…

Lady Caroline Arabella Starling has been in love with her older brother’s best friend, Caldwell, since she was thirteen. Unfortunately, too many things keep getting in the way of proving her love. Her four younger sisters, her mother, her brother, all of society and the man she loves himself. But where there is a will, there is a way, and Caroline is about to redefine not only respectability but true love.

Ronan Henry Dearborn, the fourth Marquess of Caldwell, lives to see himself through Caroline’s eyes but knows he is leading a life unworthy of her or her dreams. He will do anything to keep her from learning the truth about himself and his past, including keeping her at a distance. But when he and Caroline get tangled in a situation neither of them can get out of, the only way to create a happily-ever-after between them is to take up the advice of a French courtesan who re-educates them both in the art of love.

*****

Romancing Lady Stone

School of Gallantry #3.5

He believes in destiny. She just wants to survive it…

At forty, Lady Cecilia Evangeline Stone thinks she has everything a woman could ever want. A title, a fortune, and four children who make her proud. After a marriage of convenience that was anything but convenient, she has no desire to complicate her life by including a man in it again. When her eldest son announces his engagement to a Russian actress in Saint Petersburg, Cecilia sets out to do what any good mother would do: stop the wedding. Unfortunately, destiny has other plans.

Konstantin Alexie Levin never considered himself to be a villain. In fact, he considers himself to be a Russian gentleman. Having grown up in a refined and well-educated family that embraced criminal life to avoid debtor’s prison, the only thing preventing him from knowing happiness is the rest of the world. Everything changes, however, when Konstantin is given a chance to start life anew and travel to London to collect an unexpected reward for saving a man’s life. To his surprise, he is about to become a hero at midnight to a beautiful aristocrat who desperately needs his help. The problem is…he wants to do more than save Lady Stone. He wants to make the woman his, all his.

WARNING: This book is Rated Double S (Sweaty & Sinful) and contains strong language and sexual content which may cause respectable people to swoon

*****

Night of Pleasure

School of Gallantry #4

An arranged marriage is daunting, but not as daunting as seducing a spouse whose passions you do not understand…

Derek Charles Holbrook, Viscount Banfield, knew his fate since he was seventeen when his father announced his union to the beautiful but mysterious American girl by the name of Miss Grey. To protect the troubled estate, Derek submits to his father’s wishes, not realizing he’s about to entangle himself in a hell of a lot more than marriage.

Miss Clementine Henrietta Grey may be worth millions, but not a single coin has ever bought her a smidge of happiness. When she marries the charasmatic and dashing Viscount Banfield, whose only strife in life appears to be the uneven seams in his coat, she finds that siring the heir he wants requires far more than her heart is prepared to give.

Unable to seduce his overly-serious and reluctant wife, Derek realizes his dreams of creating a loving family has turned into a nightmare. But with the unexpected assistance of a retired courtesan and her outrageous school, Derek and Clementine discover that passion is a language spoken not just from the body, but from the mind, heart and soul.

WARNING: This book is Rated Double S (Sweaty & Sinful) and contains strong language and sexual content which may cause respectable people to swoon.

This quirky, sexy and scandalous Regency/Victorian Historical Romance is part of a series.
THE SCHOOL OF GALLANTRY SERIES:
Book 1, Mistress of Pleasure
Book 2, Lord of Pleasure
Book 3, Lady of Pleasure
Book 3.5, Romancing Lady Stone
Book 4, Night of Pleasure
Book 5, Master of Pleasure

April 21, 2014April 22, 2014

Kimberly reviews How To Lose A Duke in Ten Day by Kate McKinley

TITLE: How To Lose A Duke in Ten Day
SERIES #: What Happens in Scotland #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa & Lucas
AUTHOR: Kate McKinley
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/21/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucas Alexander, the ninth Duke of Arlington, is a man who gets what he wants. So when he sees the alluring Miss Pippa Welby from across a crowded ballroom, he vows to make her his. But the bold and spirited Pippa has sworn never to marry into the haute ton. Now Lucas must win her the only way he knows how—one wicked kiss at a time.

The daughter of a wealthy tradesman, Pippa has been sneered at by the upper echelons her entire life. So when the duke arrives on her doorstep with an invitation to her own engagement ball—to him—in ten days, Pippa hatches a daring plan. She must lose the duke before the ball, or risk losing her own heart.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Based on the name I am sure anyone can guess the synopsis of the story. Just take the movie by a similar name and set it in historical times and make the man a Duke and yep for the most part you got it right.

This is a sweet story and a quick read with less than 100 pages. The characters are well formed and connect well. The spitfire between them is endearing. I had a couple of problems with it though. **Possible spoilers: First Lucas never really admits his feelings for her. Second she acquiesces to what he wants way too easily. And third I really don’t understand why the series name talks about Scotland when the couple is in London.** But again it is a sweet quick read and if you like historicals you should enjoy this one too.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.