The Hunter and the Heiress by Claire Delacroix-a review

The Hunter and the Heiress (Blood Brothers 2) by Claire Delacroix-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 15, 2022

Nothing could be further from Amaury de Vries’ expectations than being compelled to join a company of mercenaries in the wilds of Scotland, much less one led by his notorious half-brother. He chafes to return to his former life of privilege and knows a wealthy bride will allow him to regain his stolen legacy. Elizabeth is a prize unexpected—beautiful and an heiress—and when she is abducted by barbarians, Amaury’s path is clear. He may not be the sole contender for the lady’s hand, but he knows himself to be the best one—and he will use whatever means necessary to seal his triumphant claim.

All Elizabeth D’Acron desires is to wed for love, but her inheritance has made her both a pawn and a prize. Caught between warring chieftains, her defiance blossoms—she chooses instead to flee with Amaury and make a marriage of convenience, hoping her trust in the gallant knight is not misplaced. She does not expect the beguiling fire awakened by Amaury’s touch, much less his unexpected conquest of her heart, and she dares to hope that true love has found a way.

But Elizabeth’s legacy is not so readily claimed—when Amaury’s plan is revealed, she is shattered to learn that her chivalrous husband is no different from other men. Recognizing that the true prize is his lady wife, Amaury rejoins the company of mercenaries and leads the battl to ensure Elizabeth’s freedom, whatever the cost to himself. Can these two lovers overcome the wounds of the past to build a future together? Or will the secret behind Elizabeth’s inheritance destroy any such hope forever?

••••••

REVIEW:THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS is the second instalment in Claire Delacroix’s adult BLOOD BROTHERS historical, medieval romance series focusing on half-brothers Maximilian, Amaury and Rafael. This is hunter and knight Amaury de Vries, and former heiress Elizabeth d’Acron’s story line. THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amaury and Elizabeth) THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS follows in the aftermath of Amaury’s estranged uncle’s demise, wherein our hero will discover the truth about his family history. Meeting Elizabeth d’Acron, friend and ‘sister of the heart’ to his half-brother Maximilian’s wife Alys Armstrong, stirred something deep within our story line hero but Amaury found himself rescuer and protector when Elizabeth fell victim to a kidnapping, in response to her need to escape an arrange marriage. Returning Elizabeth to her ‘betrothed’ felt all kinds of wrong, and in the aftermath of her wedding and subsequent spiral out of control, Amaury and Elizabeth went on the run, in the wake of threats against Elizabeth’s kin. All was not well upon Elizabeth’s return home, a home and village she no longer recognized, as her uncle who laid claim to the inherited lands failed to look after the people in charge. What ensues is the building relationship between Amaury and Elizabeth as our couple struggle to regain a foothold of the family land, and the potential fall-out as Amaury must prove he is worthy of our story line heroine, a woman who is worth more than he could have ever imagined.

The relationship between Amaury and Elizabeth begins in book one THE WOLF AND THE WITCH, a story where Elizabeth and her ‘sisters’ are accused of being witches. Elizabeth was in hiding, refusing to marry a man she did not love, and Amaury , desperate for coin, captures our heroine, in an effort to return her to her future husband. Elizabeth is a strong willed, self-sufficient heroine with feminist type beliefs before her time. Always hoping to marry for love and not duty, Elizabeth is constantly at odds with Amaury’s ‘old-fashioned but era specific beliefs’ about women and men. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but mostly implied, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of energetic, and colorful secondary and supporting characters, most of whom have questionable morals and attitudes towards women, money, ownership and $ex. We are introduced to Elizabeth’s estranged Uncle James, as well as several suitors who believe Elizabeth is their’s for the taking.

THE HUNTER AND THE HEIRESS is a detailed and intriguing story of power and betrayal, vengeance and determination, love and honor. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive and spirited although Amaury refuses to admit there is any chance of a future with our story line heroine; the characters are startling and intense.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE WOLF AND THE WITCH

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith – a Review

Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play

 

Description
Peregrine Ashby, Earl of Rutland

A gentleman.
A reluctant aristocrat.
Desperate to avoid marriage.

Peregrine Ashby, the newly and unexpectedly titled Earl of Rutland, is muddling through the affairs of becoming a suddenly wealthy and titled man of means. The last thing he wants to worry about is a finding a wife. After the disaster of his parents’ loveless marriage, he’s sworn off wife-hunting.

But when he stumbles quite literally into a mysterious beauty wearing a mask at a ball who begs for his help he can’t deny her. Her request? Make love to her beneath the stars and save her from a terrible marriage herself. After the magic of the night is over and the mysterious beauty has vanished, he remains haunted by her and what might have been…

Sabrina Talleyrand flees her home when she learns her brother has sold her in marriage to a foul man. Knowing the one thing that will stop the marriage is no longer being a virgin, she seduces the first man at a masked ball that attracts her attention. But making love to the handsome dark haired stranger with amber colored eyes has left her changed in more ways than one…

 

 

Review:

Escaping the Earl by Lauren Smith is the 16th book in her League of Rogues series. This book starts with a young woman seeking help in escaping a marriage that she does not want and a man with a title and commitments he didn’t ask for! 

Peregrine is so confused with running his new title and everything that comes with it! He certainly doesn’t want to find a wife at the moment! 

Sabrina needs a man! Any man will do, except the man her family want her to marry! She needs to get rid of her virginity! If she does that, then the horrid man claiming her have in marriage won’t want “used goods”! Donning a mask, she is determined to attend a ball and become a “fallen woman” 

Both Peregrine and Sabrina fall for one another both literally and figuratively. And spending a magical evening together they both wonder about the other, but as masks were worn to this ball, neither know who they are! But it doesn’t stop them from thinking about each other. 

And when she takes up employment with a lovely man with a cute daughter, Sabrina breaths a huge sigh of relief. Her life will continue as a nanny to the lovely family that has taken her in. 

Peregrine on the other have is still wondering about the mysterious young lady he had a midnight tryst with. And so when he encounters her months later he is surprised that she’s only a nanny and not some lady! But he’s going to peruse her and maybe get what he’s been dreaming about for months. 

A historical romance with a slight twist. Most historical books I’ve read have the young woman hanging onto her virginity until either marriage or the right man. But this one has her seeking to just give it away to the first man! And usually the man is an arrogant bore or a rogue, but Peregrine is neither. 

This is the first book in this series I’ve read, and I’ll definitely go back and visit the League of Rogues Series at some point. But I have read other books by this author and I’ve been thoroughly entertained. 

Plenty of angst and a little steam for this book. Both it’s not a marriage Peregrine offers Sabrina, it’s a role of mistress! His parents marriage was a disaster and so he’s never going to fall into that trap. 

Sabrina is heartbroken! She wants a family with Peregrine, she’s given him her body and heart. What’s a girl to do? Luckily the family that have taken her in can supply the answer and they leave the town and Peregrine be find! 

It’s a shortish book with plenty going on. But you’ll want to know if Peregrine and Sabrina find a HEA, or will she fall for Rafe and his lovely daughter…..

Your going to have to find that out for yourself. ? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

Share

Betting on a Duke’s Heart by Royaline Sing -a Review

Betting on a Duke’s Heart by Royaline Sing -a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

Description:
Aetius White, the Duke of Saxton, couldn’t save his father, but he’ll be damned if he won’t save the man’s dream. He’ll acquire a Triple Crown–winning horse at any cost, even marriage. Luckily, the lovely lady in mind loves challenges as much as he. Certainly he can win her heart without losing his own…

Hell will freeze over before Miss Dina Campbell agrees to marry a horse-mad man who wants her dowry of a prize stallion, no matter what her father wants. The duke may be handsome, but he’ll have to prove he is a suitable match for her before she’ll even consider the offer. And there’s no way this love-averse man will ever succeed with the wager that she has planned…

 

Review:

Betting on a Duke’s Heart begins with Dina Campbell checking her appearance before descending the stairs to meet yet another suitor whom she does not want.  She, as always, has tried to make herself as unattractive as possible.  When she enters the room to meet Aetius White, the Duke of Saxton, she is astonished when he tells her “…you are to be the Duchess of Saxton”.  She immediately tells him that she is not, but she is even more surprised when she is told that her father has already agreed to the marriage.  Dina is even more put out when Aetius basically tells her this is the way of it and he’ll be back in touch.

Dina knew of the Duke and knew well his love of horses, but it galled her that her horse was what he wanted and not her.  She didn’t want to be anyone’s second.

Aetius finds himself intrigued by Dina.  But his first priority is to win the Triple Crown which he can do if he marries her and is able to use her prized horse.  What he does not count on is that just as he is determined to marry her, she is just as determined to not marry.  What neither count on is the growing attraction between them and how to handle it. 

Betting on a Duke’s Heart is a nicely written story.  Dina is a strong and independent woman, albeit a little naïve at times.  Aetius is your typical male who was only marrying to further his personal endeavors.  I did enjoy some of the banter between the two of them. However, there was so much about horses (breeding and all!) that it almost overwhelmed the story.  Do not get me wrong.  Horses are part of the plot, but breeding in detail? I also enjoyed getting to explore a little of Dina’s mixed heritage.  Overall, even though I found Betting on a Duke’s Heart a little slow, it was an enjoyable read.  If you’re a fan of the genre, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as well.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The Bluestocking Duchess by Julia Justiss- Review & Giveaway

The Bluestocking Duchess (Heirs in Waiting 1) by Julia Justiss- Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

The Bluestocking Duchess
Heirs in Waiting #1
by Julia Justiss
Release Date: February 23, 2021
Genre: adult, historical, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK:Release Date February 23, 2021

Her good friend…

Is suddenly a duke’s heir!

Miss Jocelyn Sudderfeld is working at Edge Hall, indulging her love of translating ancient texts with her librarian father—and evading the need to marry! She’s always enjoyed a teasing friendship with estate manager Mr. Alex Cheverton. Until he unexpectedly becomes the duke’s heir. Now his first duty is to marry a suitable debutante, not consort with an earnest bluestocking like her… So where does that leave their friendship?

•••••••••

REVIEW: Jocelyn and Alex have been friends for what seems like forever, and Jocelyn has had a crush on Alex for just as long, but all that is coming to an end!!

Alex is about to become heir to Edge Hall and become Duke of Farisdeen. Well, he’s being groomed to take that position, being estate manager for his cousin the Duke was enough for Alex, and getting to tease Jocelyn is a bonus. But being asked (well commanded) to become the heir to the Farisdeen estate and title is a great honour. So why isn’t Alex happier?

Jocelyn translates manuscripts from Ancient Greek into English. That makes her too smart for this period of time (ladies should be doing needlepoint and taking tea with other ladies) she loves working with her father and brother, but the most frustrating thing about working with her family, is that her brother is being credited with her work! But it’s a work of love for Jocelyn, so she just has to put up with it!

Sharing a chaste kiss changed their friendship, both have agreed that nothing would change, and how can it when Jocelyn is promised to another (a friend of her brother) it’s not a love match, but he’s promised Jocelyn she can continue her “work” of helping her father and brother with the Greek manuscripts. So she is spoken for, and he is in line to become the next Duke of Farisdeen, but neither can forget the kiss…..And when his uncle finds out!! Then that’s where the trouble begins, Alex is threatened with being disinherited, and Jocelyn is harassed to give up both her work and her friendship with Alex!!

Can Alex and Jocelyn really be together? Or will the duties that have been pushed upon Alex break this couple up?

It’s hard for us to imagine not being able to chose our own life, to find our own path, but women of that era had no such liberties, married off usually not for love, but for political gain! And for a woman to hold an intellectual conversation just wasn’t done!! And sometimes the men of title didn’t have it much better either! Finding the right wife didn’t necessarily mean the best for you, it meant continuing the line with people of the same standing!

Lots of rules, and tons of etiquette to learn!!

It’s a lovely book to read if your looking for a gentle romance, a small amount of angst and chaste kisses and smouldering looks.

Copy supplied for review

?Reviewed by Julie

 

West Sussex, late February 1834If his Oxford friends could see him now…they might not think so highly of his choice of profession. Not that he’d really had one.
With a sigh of annoyance, Alex Cheverton, estate manager of Edge Hall, the Duke of Farisdeen’s principal country property, got down on hands and knees and crawled under his desk to retrieve his waistcoat button. Castigating himself for putting off the task of repairing it, he backed out carefully, not wanting to compound his annoyance by banging his head on the desk.
Rising back to his feet, he stared at the offending button. Might as well leave the correspondence on his desk and tend to it now. Besides, he’d been craving a hot cup of tea since returning to his office after the chill of inspecting the stable block and the State Rooms the staff had just finished cleaning.
Button in hand, he walked out of his office and headed down the corridor to another of the smaller, private family rooms located, like his office, in a separate wing that backed onto and mirrored the U-shaped formal entry wing of Edge Hall. A moment later, he reached the sitting room, appreciating as he entered the warmth emanating from the fire on the hearth and the sunlight streaming through the window.
He shared this pleasant space with a handful of staff whose birth, like his, elevated them above congregating in the servant’s hall, yet was not sufficiently grand to entitle them to use the State Apartments or the sumptuous salons, bedchambers and anterooms reserved for the Duke. Soon after taking up his post, he’d had a small stove added to the fireplace in the room so that he could prepare tea for himself whenever he wished, without having to send to the kitchen. With wine in the decanter on the sideboard, a tin beside it containing the bread and cheese Cook sent up daily with his breakfast, he had sustenance to keep him going throughout the day.
The sideboard also contained an assortment of everyday necessities like needles, thread, scissors and thimbles.
He’d fixed the tea, taken a seat at the long table before the hearth, threaded a needle and bent over to begin his chore when a disturbance in the air of the room, followed by the wafting of rose perfume, announced a new arrival. Jocelyn, he thought, his senses stirring.
“Ah, you’ve heated the kettle, I see,” the newcomer said.
“Yes. There should be enough hot water left to make tea for you and your brother, if you’d like.” Distracted by her presence, he looked up to smile at her—and jabbed himself in the thumb.
Giving an undignified yelp, he rubbed at the spot of blood on his finger, not wanting to drip it onto the waistcoat.
“What’s this? Have you injured yourself?” she asked, walking over to the table. “Let me see.”
“I think I’ll live,” he said, holding up the finger for her inspection.
She took a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped off his finger.
The pain of the pinprick forgotten, he savored the touch of her hands, acutely sensitive to the brush of fabric over his finger, the subtle scent of roses that clung to her. Guiltily aware that he shouldn’t be noticing it.
“Yes, you’ll do,” she said, releasing his hand. “Speaking of ‘do,’ whatever were you attempting here? “ She peered down at the thread, scissors, and waistcoat laid before him on the table. “Sewing on a button?”
“How very acute you are.”
“It’s my superior education. It allows me to rapidly evaluate a situation and discern the most salient points,” she tossed back, her beautiful dark eyes dancing.
He could stare into them forever, Alex thought. But of course, he wouldn’t. Trading barbs with Jocelyn Sudderfeld, the lovely, intelligent sister of the Duke’s librarian, who over the six years he’d worked here had grown from exuberant youngster into desirable young lady almost before he noticed it, was all he would allow himself. Especially now that he could no longer ignore how attractive her tall, graceful figure, gamin face, and fascinating eyes had become.
Fortunately, even if she didn’t view him merely as another pesky older brother, she was promised to another—or as close to promised as made no difference.
“Which begs the point,” she was saying, “of why the lofty estate manager of Edge Hall, cousin to the Duke of Farisdeen himself, is lowering himself to perform such a mundane task. Any number of housemaids could do it for you. Mary, in particular, would be delighted to be of assistance.”
“Which, if your understanding were as acute as you seem to think it, you would realize is exactly why I did not ask her—or any of the others.”
“Oh, my—has she turned love-sick, too? Well, what can a gentleman like you expect, when he is handsome, charming, intelligent—and cousin to a duke?”
“He expects to tread a very careful path away from love-sick housemaids,” Alex said with asperity, drawing a laugh from Jocelyn. “Although a little more respect from the sister of His Grace’s librarian wouldn’t come amiss.”
“Ah, but I’m not a lovesick housemaid.”
“No, you’re just an outspoken bluestocking whom I vainly hoped would have matured from the mannerless brat I encountered when I arrived six years ago”
“Perhaps, but a talented, outspoken mannerless brat,” she returned. “In fact, despite your cruel aspersions, which would have me bursting into tears, had I any sensibility, which fortunately I do not, I am still magnanimous enough to sew on that button for you. Can’t have you bleeding all over the parlor. If you’ll hand me the waistcoat and thread?”
Saying that, she seated herself at the table and held out her hand.
Quite happy to turn the task over to someone whom he didn’t have to worry about trying to sneak into his bed—much as he might welcome such a shocking but highly unlikely invasion from her—he offered her the threaded needle and handed over the waistcoat. “Are you sure you are able to sew on a button? Writing down your brother’s Greek translations all day doesn’t exactly qualify you as a seamstress.”
“Perhaps not, but since both he and Papa seem to shed buttons as freely as dogs do their winter coats in spring, I’ve plenty of practice doing that, too. You might cease insulting me and make me a cup of tea instead, while I mend your button. Preparing tea, I know you are competent to handle. Despite your lack of expertise with needle and thread, you’re not entirely the useless, idle cousin-of-the-Duke you were when you first arrived.”
“I’ll be happy to fix you’re a cup, if you will cease the cousin-of-the-Duke harassment. Since I am, as you very well know, merely the son of a country gentleman, just as you are. Only my father was content to occupy himself on his modest estate, rather than embrace scholarship, as your father and brother have.”
“If it earns me a hot cup of tea, I suppose I can desist.” Abandoning her teasing for a more normal tone, she asked, “How are the repairs going on the stable block?”
“Slowly,” he replied as he extracted tea leaves from the tin, put them into a pot and poured simmering water over them. “Although the local stone used in the original construction is a beautiful color, it doesn’t last well. There is chipping and cracking on almost every one of the carved cornices. Now that we’re reasonably sure there will be no further frost to exacerbate the cracks, the mason thinks he can start on it. But he expects it will be a lengthy and extensive project.”
“No riding with the hunt for you, then,” she said, pausing to accept a steaming cup.
“No, alas. Not that I ride with them often, anyway.”
“I know they are always pleased to welcome you when you do. And the Duke’s hunters do require exercise.”
“They do indeed. In fact, I’m planning to make a circuit of the tenant farms on the west side of the estate tomorrow, to inspect for any winter damage to cottages and barns and make sure the farmers have sufficient equipment and seed. All the weather indications promise it will be a fine, sunny day. Would you and Miss Morrison like to ride with me?”
“Emily is still tending her Papa as he recovers from a putrid cold, but I’ll send a note and ask her. Speaking for myself, I’d be delighted to ride. As long as I can choose which of the Duke’s hunters I get to exercise.”
“Knowing you, it will be the most skittish and ungovernable one in the stable,” Alex said.
“No, just the fastest. After all, the hunters do need to be galloped to keep up their stamina. So they can give the Duke and his guests a good run, if he should bring a party down to hunt. Do you think he will?”
“Since he’s waited this late, I doubt he’ll come now. He’s been attending a house party in the north with some political associates, and with Parliament to reconvene soon, I don’t think he’ll come all the way to Sussex before heading back to London. All is in readiness, of course, if he should turn up. I just looked through the State Rooms, and they are immaculate—not that I expected anything less. Still, I told Simons to pass my compliments on to the staff.”
“They have all been working like Trojans, getting the house ready. Farisdeen usually does come to Edge Hall to hunt before Parliament reconvenes. I imagine some will be disappointed to miss having the excitement of a grand party visit the house. You, I expect, will not.”
Alex laughed. “Disappointed not to add the work of housing, feeding and entertaining the Duke and a hunting party of anywhere from ten to fifty guests for several weeks, while at the same time helping the tenants prepare for spring planting and supervising the never-ending task of repairs and upkeep on the Hall, the stables, all the other outbuildings, and the tenant cottages? Not one bit. Though I expect that means I shall receive instructions shortly to meet the Duke in London and give him my spring report there.”
“Papa will be disappointed. He’d hoped to show His Grace all the progress Virgil and I—well, Virgil–has made on the translation of the Euripides tragedies. With the Duke of Portland having commissioned a new set of Aristotle translations from his chaplain, Reverend Owen, Papa knew Farisdeen hoped to have Virgil complete his work first.”
“Winning the first-to-the-finish competition among patrons sponsoring the translation of Greek classics into English?”
“Something like that. Just as well that His Grace won’t descend on us. Virgil is much happier with his nose buried in Greek text than he is presenting a report to the Duke–a prospect which always sends him into a state of high anxiety.”
“Speaking with Farisdeen often has that effect on people,” Alex said drily. “If Virgil is in such a hurry to finish, will he allow you to ride tomorrow?”
Jocelyn laughed, a delightful tinkling sound that always made Alex smile. “You must realize that ‘finish’ is a relative term. I doubt either Virgil—or the Duke of Portland’s chaplain—have any expectation of completing their projects for years yet. I think my brother can spare having me here to record his pristine words for an afternoon. Besides, I can tell him I’ll be helping Reverend Morrison by checking on his parishioners while he is laid up. ” She angled her head up at him, her dark eyes dancing. “Despite being mounted on the Duke’s fastest hunter, I promise not to outrace you…too often.”
“Only if you also promise not to sulk if I outrace you.”
“Easily done—since there’s little chance of that happening.”
Alex laughed, as she meant him to. Sometimes, when she challenged him to a gallop or to a game of chess, she seemed once again the vibrant, saucy girl who’d shocked him when he first arrived by riding the feistiest horse in the Duke’s stables—clad in her brother’s breeches. Unconventional, outspoken, endlessly curious about everything around her.
Her manners had improved—and she no longer rode about in breeches. But sometimes he’d catch a whiff of her rose perfume…or a glimpse of her in profile, her lushly rounded figure definitely no longer that of a child.
It had certainly been easier when he could think of her only as an engaging brat. But despite the temptation she presented, even if it were possible, he wasn’t sure he’d opt to return her to her girlish state of six years ago–and thereby forfeit the pleasure of appreciating the beauty and allure that both enticed and bedeviled him.
Fortunately for the maintenance of his control and good character, she lived with her little family in the Dower House. No chance of running into her in her night rail as she came down to the kitchen to prepare her wakeful father a glass of warm milk. He saw her only in the public rooms at Edge Hall, or out riding and walking the fields and farms, often with her friend Miss Morrison, the vicar’s daughter, accompanying them.
Tomorrow, he could rely on her desire to outrace him and her delight in meeting with the tenants, as well as the presence of Miss Morrison, to reinforce his control over the annoying amorous impulses she seemed to inspire in him of late.
Not that he really needed any help to avoid crossing the lines of propriety. After the searing experience in his late teens that had seen him secretly engaged and then summarily rejected by the young lady’s father, he’d become very good at reining in both unruly emotions and amorous impulses.
Besides which, though they might both be offspring of obscure country gentlemen, lowly members of the gentry whom the ton in London might consider beneath notice, he was a gentleman, and she was a lady. He liked and respected her too much to abuse her trust.
No matter how much her beauty and spirit might speak to him.
“There!” she said, pulling him from his thoughts as she held up his waistcoat. “Button firmly reattached. With, I’ll have you note, perfect, fine, even stitches of which even your Mama would approve.”
He took the garment, a shock of awareness zinging through him as, for a moment, their fingers touched.
Maybe it would be better if she were to regress to being a saucy sixteen-year old, he thought with a sigh.
“Very fine stitchery,” he said, recovering his wits. “My Mama, a notable needlewoman, would approve.”
“Mine was, too,” Jocelyn said, her teasing look fading and a distant expression coming over her face. “She was so patient, teaching me, restless and irritated as I often was with the lessons. She knew I’d far rather be with Papa in his study, learning Greek and Latin and French and Italian, than sewing samplers and practicing embroidery.”
“She despaired of having so unnatural a daughter?” he teased.
“No, she was proud of Papa’s scholarship, proud enough to defy her family and marry him in the teeth of their disapproval. A Randall of Innisbrook should have done much better for herself than to wed a former Oxford don whose chief goal in life was finding a patron to support his translation projects. She was pleased that I shared his interests, pleased that my aptitude for languages allowed me to assist him.”
“You copied out the translations for him, even before you began doing it for your brother, didn’t you?”
“Yes. It began as an exercise, when he was teaching me Greek. Then, when he developed rheumatism in his hands and writing became difficult, he found that I was able to take down his words as quickly and accurately as he could dictate them. So I was already quite accomplished by the time he passed the work on to my brother.”
“Still an unusual occupation for a female.”
She grinned. “Ah, but I am a very unusual female. Now, if I am to go riding tomorrow, I’d better get that tea for my brother and get back to work. Shall we meet at the stables around one? Emily can meet us there.”
“One would be fine. I need to work on the ledgers in the morning.”
“I’ll have the Dower House Cook make us up some provisions,” she said as she added more tea leaves to the pot and poured in some additional hot water. “If the tenants don’t press too much food and drink upon us, we can picnic on top of Trethfort Hill. If it is as fine and sunny as you claim it will be, we’ll get a wonderful view over the South Downs, from Edge Hall village all the way to Charleton.”
Extracting a tray from a drawer in the sideboard, she put her cup and saucer on it, added another set and the teapot, then poured a bit of milk into the cups. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“Shall I carry the tray to the library for you?”
“Thank you, but I can manage. You’d better get back to your reports. Besides, it wouldn’t do to have His Magnificence, the Duke’s cousin, carrying a tea tray like a lackey.”
“Minx!” he threw at her as, laughing, she hefted the tray and walked out of the room.
She was set to marry a curate, a friend of her brother’s from university, once the young man secured a living sufficient to support her, he knew. Alex wondered how this lively, intelligent, unusual lady who loved galloping hunters and spending her days transcribing ancient Greek would fare as a vicar’s wife serving a small rural parish. Where hunters, and scholarship, were likely to be thin on the ground.
He would certainly miss her when she did marry. That liveliness and intelligence and her always-unexpected view of the world brightened his days as much as her beauty attracted him. Her brother was polite enough, but not even his doting sister would describe him as “lively,” and her father, though a fine gentleman, was rather garrulous, with a tendency to ramble on and on about his work. Except when the Duke was in residence, bringing along his secretary, like Alex a gentleman from a modest but respected family, Alex had no other company of his station.
He knew he was welcome to visit the Squire and the handful of gentry families who lived in the area. But as a bachelor—the Duke had made his remaining unmarried for at least ten years a condition of his employment, a restriction, after his previous unpleasant experience, Alex had embraced–he couldn’t return the hospitality. And since that stricture was not generally known, neither did he wish to visit any of the local families with marriageable daughters with enough frequency as to give rise to any marital expectations.
Should he be foolish enough to wed, thereby forfeiting his position, the small competence he thus far managed to save from the salary the Duke paid him wouldn’t allow him to support an independent household. While he knew his father would receive him and his bride back at Wynborne, he’d witnessed first-hand with his younger sister’s marriage how unpleasant it could be to have a wife and a mother-in-law under the same roof. Nor did he want to add to his father’s burdens the necessity of supporting both him and a wife. Removing the drain of his expenses from the family purse had been the main reason he’d accepted the estate manager’s job to begin with.
All of which meant he attended only the celebratory events or holidays for which the whole neighborhood was invited. Dinner or cards with the Sudderfelds provided the majority of his evening entertainment, and with Jocelyn the most dynamic member of her family, life after she married and left Edge Hall would lose much of its sparkle.
For now, he thought as he doffed his coat, shrugged on his repaired waistcoat, then replaced the outer garment, he would continue to enjoy her company—and hope that her vicar took his time finding a living.

 


 

Award-winning historical romance author Julia Justiss has written more than thirty-five novels and novellas set in the English Regency and the Texas Hill Country.

A voracious reader who began jotting down plot ideas for Nancy Drew novels in her third grade spiral, Julia has published poetry and worked as a business journalist.

She and her husband live in East Texas, where she continues to craft the stories she loves. Check her website for details about her books, chat with her on social media, and follow her on Bookbub and Amazon to receive notices about her latest releases. For special subscriber giveaways, discounted books, character sketches and more, sign up for her newsletter at:

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h7r3n5

Website: www.juliajustiss.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliajustiss
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaJustissAuthor
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/juliajustiss/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julia-justiss
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliajustissauthor/
Amazon Author: https://amzn.to/2RK34RO
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/63842.Julia_Justiss

Julia Justiss  is graciously offering an ecopy / paper copy (US only) of THE BLUESTOCKING DUCHESS  to TWO lucky commenters 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. Please LIKE & follow Julia Justiss on Facebook

4. Please Follow Julia Justiss on Goodreads

5. Please LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

9. Giveaway -> ebook is  international: ebook or hard copy for US only.

10. Giveaway runs from March 6-11, 2021

Share

Lady Lilias and the Devil in Plaid by Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

Lady Lilias and the Devil in Plaid (Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts #2) by Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

Lady Lilias and the Devil in Plaid
Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts #2
by Julie Johnstone
Genre: adult, historical, romance
Release Date: October 30, 2020

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2020

Free-spirited Lilias Honeyfield has a secret. She’s certain the rich and powerful Duke of Greybourne is meant to be hers. He just needs to reappear in her life and stop denying his love for her before she’s forced to wed another. Though it’s been seven years, she has never forgotten the beautiful but tormented man hiding behind the mask of moody boy, nor does she believe she imagined the searing passion between them. But the day Nash Steele finally returns to Town, the rogue destroys her hope by claiming he never returned her affection.

Nash Steele is haunted by his mistakes and the memories of the impetuous, headstrong beauty who breached his heart and soothed his soul years ago. But innocent Lilias was never meant to be his. And if he ever doubts it, he reminds himself of the tragic accident he caused soon after they met. His life is now, and will always be, one of penance. Unable to have the one woman he wants, the easiest thing to do is to flee. So when duty eventually forces him home, he intends to keep his distance from the ravishing creature. Yet when danger threatens her, he cannot sit by and allow her to be harmed. Every moment in her presence is sweet torture, and soon the need he has kept caged for years refuses to be contained any longer.

Swept together by burning desire but ensnared in a tangle of secrets and guilt, Lilias and Nash must fight to turn tragedy into triumph and the past that threatens to destroy them into the very thing that heals their hearts.

••••••••

REVIEW:Lady Lilias and the Devil in Plaid is the second novel in this series. It’s the story of Lady Lilias Honeyfield and Nash Steele, Duke of Greyborne.

They met as children/teenagers in Cotswolds, England. Lilias, Owen, and Nash became friends. It started when she and Owen (Earl of Blackwood and future Marquess of Craven) were crossing the River Eye on a log. Lilias was barefoot and wanting to show Owen a special spot she liked. Nash was standing near the bridge, watching. He saw her fall in and dove in to help. She was panicked and ended up breaking his nose with a kick, but he managed to get them out of the water, while Owen watched from the bank. Owen tried to be protective of Lilias, but she was having none of it. She was determined to make Nash their friend. He told them no more than his first name and left them, trying to keep to himself.

Nash was still reeling from his twin brother’s death a year earlier. He had always been told to let his brother Thomas win and to protect him. Thomas was born with weak lungs and a twisted leg. He was smaller than Nash, so his parents task Nash with trying to make Thomas feel better. Which got to be a little much, so one winter day Nash rebelled when Helen, their doctor’s daughter, was visiting and flirting with him. He kissed her, knowing Thomas liked her. Thomas got angry and charged out on the ice to stop Nash and fell through the ice. Nash dove in and tried to save Thomas but couldn’t find him in the murky freezing water. Nash now carries the idea that he doesn’t deserve to be happy…

That’s the very basic setup. There is so much more to this backstory, but I love the details and you really need to read all that happened for yourself.

Nash goes away to school, and only remains in contact with Owen. He feels he has no right to feel the way he does about Lilias and that Owen would be better for her. Over time, Owen tells him Lilias doesn’t ask about him and that she’s told Owen she loves him. Not just exaggerations but outright lies. Seven years later the inevitable begins when Nash comes home.

Julie Johnstone has created a wonderful story of such heartache and yet hope. The first novel in this series was wonderful and this one follows that path. The characters are unique, and each has much in their background to make their actions logical. It’s a wonderful tale of the times and yet shows the heartfelt stirrings of what a woman (and sometimes the men) sacrificed to their society. The conversations are rich and fun. The circumstances are interesting and add real depth to the storyline when the main characters find out much of what their parents were going through as well. It’s a fabulous read and I simply cannot wait for the next in this series.

Click HERE for Georgianna’s review of book one LADY GUINEVERE AND THE ROGUE WITH A BROGUE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

Julie Johnstone is graciously offering an ebook copy of LADY LILIAS AND THE DEVIL IN PLAID 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.

IMPORTANT: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please CLICK on the title, and it should take you directly to the post.

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

3. Follow Julie Johnstone 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 is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from November 8-13, 2020

Share

Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue by Julie Johnstone

Lady Guinevere and the Rogue with a Brogue (Scottish Scoundrels: Ensnared Hearts #1) by Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway


Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /B&N Paper /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2020

Five years ago he humiliated her. Five years ago she betrayed him. And when fate forces them together once more, they’ll discover what burns hotter—vengeance or desire.

Lady Guinevere Darlington has spent the last five years trying to forget the beautiful rogue who stole her heart and then crushed it under his shiny black hessian. Humiliated by the blighter with the unforgettable brogue and left to weather the wagging tongues of the ton alone, she started a secret society that delivers justice to ill-intentioned rakes, and she managed to avoid having to wed—until now. But while her time is up, her determination is not. If she must take a husband, she’ll do so on her own terms. She has a plan, and a possible candidate, until the Scot she once loved returns to London and throws her life into salacious turmoil yet again.

Asher Talbot, the newly minted Duke of Carrington, has nearly perfected his ability to repress memories of the stunning, stubborn lass who long ago captivated him with her innocent charm, then slayed him with her duplicity. He channeled his anger into continuing to build the distillery empire he started when he thought he was a by-blow. But now his company is in danger, and he intends to secure his inheritance to save it, even if it requires pursuing the perfidious enchantress he disavowed. True reconciliation is not part of his plot, but hints of the Guinevere he thought he knew leave him questioning everything.

When fate, fortune, and a cunning scheme bring these two together, their mutual attempts to torture each other ignite the dormant desire between them. But secrets surround them, and they’ll have to unravel each one before the love they glimpsed is lost forever.

••••••

REVIEW: This historical romance is set in Kensington, England 1837.

This is the story of Lady Guinevere Darlington and Asher, the new Duke of Carrington, and what a story it is.

While I won’t give away the story, I can tell you what I loved about it and why I think it’s such a marvelous read.

It’s quickly paced, from the very beginning. The two main characters have met before, in fact they pretty much fell in in love. However, many others conspired for their own ends and the beginning love ended in Asher marrying one of Guinevere’s friends Elizabeth. Neither has discovered the conspiracies that kept them apart. Fate, not to be undone, changed the playing field. Elizabeth died in childbirth and Asher inherited his grandfather’s title if he marries one of three women. Yes, Guinevere is on the list. And the game is afoot!

Asher’s distillery is in financial straits and he needs the money he will inherit if he marries on of the three women his grandfather wants. Guinevere is still heartbroken over the last romance they had and is reluctant to be hurt yet again. Other conspiracies still abound.

Here’s what I really loved about this intricate and beautifully written tale. The plot is well done with many unusual twists. The characters are unique and have deep hurts and fears of their own. The banter and conversations are incredible and fun. The villains are not necessarily extremely evil, just working toward their own ends, but throwing some real monkey wrenches into the love story.

The interactions between the two main characters is most beguiling. You want to sit them down and explain a few things to them…

In all, I found it a very entertaining read and I highly recommend you give it a read. It’d most unusual and hard to put down, so be prepared to read it all at once, I had to!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Follow: Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter

Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

Julie Johnstone is graciously offering an ebook copy of LADY GUINEVERE AND THE ROGUE WITH THE BROGUE to ONE (1) 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.

IMPORTANT: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please CLICK on the title, and it should take you directly to the post.

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

3. Follow Julie Johnstone 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 is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from September 12-16, 2020

Share

Silver-Tongued Devil by Lorelei James-Review tour

Silver-Tongued Devil (Rough Riders .5) by Lorelei James-Review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Apple / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 9, 2020

Their love story sparked a brushfire that grew into the legacy of Lorelei James’s Rough Riders series. This standalone historical romance is a prequel to the McKay family saga.

The West doesn’t get much wilder than Silas McKay. He’s earned his cowboy reputation not just as a rancher, but as a brawling card sharp who’s short on cash but long on charm. And just as soon as he claps eyes on the pretty new schoolteacher? Well, Dinah Thompson is about to discover what courtin’s like McKay-style—sweet, hot and passionate.

Luckily, Dinah’s got the sass and sense to stand up to Silas’s shenanigans. She relocated to rural Wyoming to teach and become a self-reliant woman, not to spend her nights dreaming about that blue-eyed rogue and his ranchwork honed-body. But Silas McKay’s powerful appeal and tempting promises convince Dinah to recklessly go all in with him.

When Silas’s long-standing rivalry with Zeke West puts Dinah, Silas and his twin brother Jonas in danger, each one is forced to make difficult decisions about taking a chance to build their legacy . . . and a love that transcends time.

••••••••••

REVIEW: SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL is the prequel story line in Lorelei James’ adult ROUGH RIDERS erotic, romance series. SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL follows two relationships: rancher Silas McKay and school teacher Dinah Thompson, as well as Sheriff Jonas McKay, and madam Ruby Redmond. SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL can be read as a stand alone as it reveals the background and history of the McKay-West ongoing feud.

Told from several third person perspectives (Silas, Dinah, Jonas and Ruby) SILVER –TONGUED DEVIL follows the relationship between : rancher Silas McKay and school teacher Dinah Thompson, as well as Sheriff Jonas McKay, and madam Ruby Redmond. The year is 1897, and Silas McKay, cattle rancher, has fallen in love with the town’s schoolteacher/ doctor’s assistant. Numerous fights with Zeke West have landed Silas in the doctor’s office where our heroine is front and center in an effort to help with Silas’ many injuries but threats by Zeke West, directed at Dinah, find Silas upping his game, claiming Dinah as his own.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Jonas McKay has fallen in love with madam Ruby Redmond but as the local law enforcement Jonas has had to keep his relationship with Ruby on the down low. Another fight will ensue wherein Dinah is once again threatened by Zeke West, and in this, the McKay brothers will have to face a different future when the law is forced to take action against our leading hero.

SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and revenge; of jealousy and envy, of power and control. Lorelei James pulls the reader into an historical romance that focuses on twin brothers Silas and Jonas McKay, as their encounters and battles with the West brothers set the tone and a lifelong animosity between two families who hated one another for something that happened over a century earlier. The premise is entertaining and revealing; the romances are passionate and intense; the characters are stubborn, colorful and energetic but I take issue with the use of a certain four-letter word I do not like in my romance storylines.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA TodayBestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances. Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

From Lorelei: “Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter |  Newsletter Sign Up | 

 

Share

Hideaway (Safe Havens #4) by Sandy James-a review

Hideaway (Safe Havens #4) by Sandy James-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 14, 2020

In the wake of her father’s murder, Kayla Backer fled New York City and created a new life for herself in the Montana territory. As housekeeper and friend to Drew Pearson and Gideon Young, she has chosen a beautiful spot on their farm to build her own house—her first true home.

Once a respected cattle drive foreman, Drake Meyers lost his job after the payroll he was entrusted with was stolen. Drowning in alcohol and self-pity, he has nowhere left to turn until his skill as a builder lands him a job building Kayla’s house.

When Drew and Gideon travel to Missoula to assist Drew’s widowed mother, Kayla and Drake are left to cope with the treacherous Montana winter alone. Now Kayla must help Drake overcome his alcohol dependency and learn that his life has value, and that he is worthy of her love.

Then her past comes calling

••••••••

REVIEW: HIDEAWAY is the fourth instalment in Sandy James’ adult SAFE HAVENS historical, romance series set in White Pines, Montana. This is Kayla Backer, and Drake Meyers’ story line. HIDEAWAY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Drake was first introduced in book three Redeemed.

Told from dual third person perspectives ( Kayla and Drake) HIDEAWAY follows the building relationship and romance between former cattle driver foreman Drake Meyers, and housekeeper Kayla Backer. Months earlier Drake Meyers lost everything including his reputation when the payroll he was entrusted to deliver was stolen. Fast forward to present day wherein Drake’s reputation continues to deteriorate as his drunken escapades precede his introduction to our story line heroine. Kayla Backer wants a house of her own but when Drew Pearson and Gideon Young, the young men with whom she is currently living, must return to Missoula to help their mother, Drake is hired to ‘assist’ Kayla with building her future home. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kayla and Drake, and the potential fall-out as Kayla’s past comes looking for revenge.

Kayla Backer is on the run; hiding out in White Pines, Montana but her past has been desperately looking to even a score, and Kayla is determined to run again. Approximately one year earlier, Kayla’s life was destroyed when her father was murdered, and the people responsible are hoping to end her life, as well. Drake Meyers is unable to let go of the anger that has resulted in his life spiralling out of control. Working for and with Kayla Backer, gives Drake hopes for a future, until Kayla’s past threatens everything and more.

The relationship between Kayla and Drake begins acrimoniously as Drake continues to drink to excess. Having suffered enough, Kayla forces Drake to get clean, and in doing so realizes there is more to Drake than the bottom of a bottle. As our couple endure the winter weather of White Pines, Montana, Kayla is drawn to Drake, a man who believes he is not worthy of love or affection. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Ty Bishop and Cassandra Shay (Runaway #2), Caleb Young and Sara Fuller (Redeemed 3), Caleb’s brother Gideon and his partner Drew Pearson, as well as newcomer Brigit Ryan, Marshal Matthew Riley; Gregory Carrington, his mother Chantal, and Chantal’s right hand man Otto.

HIDEAWAY is a story of family, discrimination, retribution and revenge; a story of one man’s struggle to move on from the past, and one woman’s battle between head and heart. The premise is engaging and intriguing; the romance is captivating; the characters are energetic, colorful, broken but recovering.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of books 1-3 of the Safe Havens series

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Share