A Duke is Never Enough by Darcy Burke-a review

A Duke is Never Enough (Spitfire Society #3) by Darcy Burke-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2020

Notorious rake Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley, is gracing the gossip pages for a new reason: the rumors he may have murdered his swindling cousin. His quest for answers regarding his cousin’s death leads him to an incomparable self-declared spinster, and he is—for the first time—beguiled beyond reason. Neither is what the other wants, and yet their intense mutual infatuation is inescapable.

After abandoning her philandering betrothed at the altar, Phoebe Lennox fled from London only to return an heiress who refuses to follow the ton’s rules. She won’t risk a relationship of any kind—until she meets the notorious Marquess of Ripley. Swept into his seductive embrace, her resolve falters in the face of a pleasure she never anticipated. But when the truth about Marcus and the murder come to light, Phoebe could lose everything she holds dear, including a love for all time.

••••••••

REVIEW: A Duke is Never Enough is book two of the Spitfire Society by Darcy Burke. This is a wonderful add to her new series.

This is a historical romance and features some characters from the Untouchables series. This is the story of Marcus Raleigh, Marquess of Ripley (Rip) and Phoebe Lennox.
Marcus is a bit of a rake. His reputation is a bit more than he deserves, but he has had quite a few ladies in his life. Phoebe, if you remember from previous novels, left her betrothed, Laurence Sainsbury, at the alter and left London. However, her aunt left her a fortune and she declared herself independent and helped form the Spitfire Society. She is a self-proclaimed spinster and not looking for a husband.

When Marcus confronts his cousin, Archibald Drobbit, for swindling people (Graham, the Duke of Halstead from previous novels) a fight ensues and before he runs away, Drobbit throws a rock at Marcus’s head wounding him slightly. This was a public display Marcus hadn’t wanted to have. He rides away on his horse but is bleeding and he stops to clean himself up. A lovely young woman rides up on a horse and helps him. He’s intrigued by her and wants to see her again, but she won’t give him her name. He has the handkerchief she used, and he promises to return it tomorrow. She doubts he can find out who she is that quickly. Bets are made and the adventure begins.

This is a thoroughly intriguing novel with lots of great conversations, adventure, danger, and of course sizzzzzling romance. I don’t do spoilers, and nobody does romance like Darcy Burke! Don’t miss it!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Never Have I Ever
A Duke Is Never Enough

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna

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How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne-Review & Giveaway

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS
Devil You Know #1
by Kerrigan Byrne
Release Date: August 27, 2019
Genre: adult, historical, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2019

These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees…

Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.

LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.

••••••••••

REVIEW: Have to admit it, I’m not a fan of “How to” titles unless their instruction books. However, that said, don’t let the title fool you. This book is a rollercoaster of action, romance, wit, and enchanting characters. It starts with a band and just keeps coming!

I won’t spoil the plot or storyline for you but let me tell you I was up until 5:00 am reading because it was just that good!

This is the marvelous adventure of Lady Alexandra, daughter to the Earl of Bentham and Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke of Redmayne.

The set up of this book is as entangled as the plot and storyline itself. It begins with rape and murder and continues to build action throughout the book! How you say? Well, this is a must read it yourself to be enjoyed. Let me at least tell you the story is very well written and told with such patience. The main characters are good but have flaws. The villains are so very well described and completely evil. The secondary characters are endearing and enchanting. The whole cast of this book are entertaining and keep the action lively.

Is there romance? OH YEAH! It’s slow at first but builds with the story and becomes the hottest stuff I’ve read in a good while.

The only spoiler I will give you is that the book begins with the heroine getting raped at the hands of the schoolmaster. If you have issues with reading that, this might not be for you. I thought author Kerrigan Byrne handled it very sensitively and the subsequent way her life formed, much like I’d expect. I thought it was very well written and handled. Poignant and brave.

If books were like stocks, this one would be blue chip! Do yourself a great favor and grab a copy but be warned, you may lose sleep by not being able to put it down. I certainly couldn’t.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Q: What inspired you to write How to Love a Duke in Ten Days?

A:  I’ve always been one of those women who have enjoyed fierce female friendships. I think that soulmates, even for heterosexual women, can be just as necessary with other women as with men, and a real hero must not just love and respect you, but also your tribe. I wanted to write a series where historical heroines could truly have it all, education, dreams, businesses, wealth, genius, revenge, hot sex, AND true love. Where the sacrifices were made on their behalf instead by them, and where their heroes learn to lift them up in all ways, heal their pains, calm their fears, become their best friends, and protect them with what I hope is a great balance between alpha hotness and progressive sensitivity.

Q: Is there one thing you would like readers to take away from this story?

A: That’s tough because I packed a lot in there! I would say the one thing from this book, specifically, is that happiness is attainable against the odds, even when overcoming the worst that people can do to one another. Even though I’m a grown up and a cynic, I still like to write books that remind me that true love conquers all, because that love can come from so many people.

Q: Can you describe your typical day writing this book?

A: This book was especially difficult for me to write, so I spent a great deal of time in my bathrobe. I would get up, my fantastic husband would make me coffee, I’d call my critique partner and we’d do a bit of brainstorming, and I’d write and rewrite for hours, stress, cry, throw things, walk the dog, eat, snack, eat some more, facebook way too much, and then finish under word count, binge a tv show or a book until I stared at the ceiling into the wee hours. Oh, and there was drinking in there at regular intervals.

Glamorous, I know!

Q: Describe the hero and heroine of How to Love a Duke in Ten Days in three words each.

A: The Duke of Redmayne:          Wary. Wounded. Wicked.

      Lady Alexandra Lane:             Brave. Brilliant. Beautiful.     

Q: What is the one thing that the heroine, Alexandra, can’t live without?

A: She cannot live without her two dearest friends in the entire world, Miss Cecelia Teague, and Lady Francesca Cavendish. They literally buried a body for her, and would defend her to the death.

Q: What was your hardest scene to write in How to Love a Duke in Ten Days? Your favorite?

A: As with many (most) of my novels, the prologues are the hardest to write, and read, I suspect. Usually I take the characters to the very edge of their breaking point, often times pushing them over so they have what seems like insurmountable conflicts to overcome both internally and externally. So, for this book, Alexandra’s assault was the most difficult thing to get through, and boy did I enjoy being able to help Piers put her back together, because he was just the perfect hero for her. Tender, empathetic, a good sense of humor, and a large dose of protective alphaness.

Q: Why do you write historical romance? 

A:  I’ve always romanticized the past. I can’t help it. I love the pace and the aesthetic, the gowns and the suits and the manners and the manors. I love to do historical research and it’s so fun to see how much we are influenced by the past and how, even though so much has changed through the centuries, people really haven’t. Also, it’s fun to play with language, mystery, and sex in a time when a scandal was still possible. *wink.

Q: Is there another particular author that inspires you or that you enjoy reading? 

A: There is a LIST! I would say in historical romance, though, it’s always always Lisa Kleypas. She has a grasp on the characterization of historical folks that I can never hope to attain. I’m just in awe of her every word.

Q: Where do you go or what resources do you use to make sure your novels are historically correct? 

A: I love to find books about a time period at B&N or my local bookshops. I go to Harper’s Bazaar for fashion, and a slew of Victorian references for the time period. I do read blogs and sometimes consult with historians and experts.

Q: Did you learn anything surprising while researching for this novel?

A: Many things! I learned how truly difficult it was to attain an education as a woman as little as a hundred years ago. It’s really incredible how far we’ve come in a century.

Q: What do you do when faced with writer’s block, if you ever are? 

A: Oh man. I often am. I usually try to shake it loose with a brainstorming conversation with a few friends I have who always seem to be able to unstick me. I rely heavily on the creativity of others as well as my own.

Q: How did you feel the first time you realized one of your books was a big success? 

A: I didn’t believe it. It seems surreal every time I truly realize that a story I wrote entertained another human. Let alone more than one. I’m like… they paid to read it? WHAT?

Q: What’s next for the Devil You Know series?

A: I’m especially excited for the next book ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED because it’s about Alexandra’s best friend the curvy vicar’s daughter, Cecelia Teague. She inherits London’s most infamous and successful brothel, and one imposing, surly Scottish enemy along with it. She and Lord Ramsay, the Lord Chief Justice with an axe to grind against her establishment, can’t be in a room together without the sparks flying. I can’t think about this book without smiling.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A: I hope you enjoy this trio of roguish redheads as much as I enjoyed writing them!

 

Chapter One

Maynemouth, Devonshire, 1890 Ten years later

Alexander,
Accept the invitation to Castle Redmayne. I’m in danger. I need you.

—Frank

Alexandra Lane had spent the entire train ride from Lon- don to Devonshire meticulously pondering those fourteen words for two separate reasons.
The first, she had been unable to stop fretting for Fran- cesca, who tended to give more than the appropriate amount of context. The terse, vague note Alexandra now held was more of a warning than the message contained therein.
The second, she could no longer afford a first-class, pri- vate railcar, and had, for the last several tense hours, been forced to share her vestibule face-to-face with a rough- featured, stocky man with shoulders made for labor.
Alone.

26 kerrigan byrne
He’d attempted polite conversation at first, which she’d rebuffed with equal civility by feigning interest in her cor- respondence. By now, however, they were both painfully aware she needn’t take four stops to read two letters.
It was terribly rude, she knew. Her carpetbag remained clutched in her fist the entire time, except when her hand would wander into its depths to palm the tiny pistol she always carried. The sounds of the other passengers in ad- joining vestibules didn’t make her feel safer, per se.
But she knew they would hear her scream, and that pro- vided some relief.
For a woman who’d spent a great deal of the last ten years in the company of men, she’d thought these painful moments would have relented by now.
Alas, she’d become a mistress of manipulating a situa- tion so, even if she had to endure the company of men without a female companion, there would be more than one man. In the circles she tended to frequent, people be- haved when in company.
It had worked thus far.
Alexandra braced herself against the slowing of the train, breathing a silent prayer of relief that they’d finally arrived. She’d been terrified that if she’d glanced up once, she’d be forced into conversation with her unwanted com- panion.
Rain wept against the coach window, and the shadows of the tears painted macabre little serpents on the conflict- ing documents in her hands. One, a wedding invitation. The other, Francesca’s alarming note.
A month past, she’d have wagered her entire inheritance against Francesca Cavendish’s being the first of the Red Rogues to capitulate to the bonds of matrimony.
A month past, she’d assumed she’d had an inheritance to wager.

HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS 27
Their little society had seemed destined to live up to the promise they’d once made as young, disenchanted girls to never marry.
Until the invitation to an engagement masquerade— given by the Duke of Redmayne—had arrived the same day of her friend’s cryptic and startling note.
The invitation had been equally as ambiguous, stating that the future duchess of Redmayne would be unveiled, as it were, at the ball. Included in Alexandra’s particular envelope was a request for her to attend as a bridesmaid.
The subsequent plea for help from Francesca—Frank— had arrived in a tiny envelope with the Red Rogue seal they’d commissioned some years prior.
Alexandra hadn’t even known Francesca had returned from her romps about the Continent. Last she’d heard, the countess had been in Morocco, doing reconnaissance of some sort. Nothing in her letters had mentioned a suitor. Not a serious one, in any case. Certainly not a duke.
Francesca had a talent for mischief and a tendency to interpret danger as mere adventure.
So, what could possibly frighten her fearless friend?
Marriage, obviously, Alexandra thought with a smirk.
A risky venture, to be sure.

From How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. Copyright © 2019 by Kerrigan Byrne and reprinted with permission from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

Whether she’s writing about Celtic Druids, Victorian bad boys, or brash Irish FBI Agents, USA Today bestseller Kerrigan Byrne uses her borderline-obsessive passion for history, her extensive Celtic ancestry, and her love of Shakespeare in every book. She lives at the base of the Rocky Mountains with her handsome husband and three lovely teenage girls, but dreams of settling on the Pacific Coast. Her Victorian Rebels novels include The Highwayman and The Highlander.

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One Night of Temptation by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

One Night of Temptation (Wicked Dukes Club #6) by Darcy Burke-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2019

Meet the unforgettable men of London’s most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough…

Faced with a marriage she can’t abide, Lady Penelope Wakefield takes drastic measures to preserve her freedom. Her brilliant plan is foolproof until a sexy but imperious rector “rescues” her.

Rector Hugh Tarleton has no patience for the Society philanthropists who seek to bestow their pity—and not much else—on his oppressed flock in one of London’s worst neighborhoods. When the daughter of a marquess is kidnapped and brought to the rookery, he vows to protect her, but the temptation to surrender to their mutual desire will certainly ruin them both.

•••••••••

REVIEW: This wickedly wonderful story is another in the Wicked Dukes Club by author Darcy Burke. If you are familiar with this series, you will find it refreshingly romantic with appearances by some of the familiar characters in this very well written series.

This is the story of Lady Penelope Wakefield and Rector Hugh Tarleton.

Lady Penelope is the daughter of the Marquess of Bamber. She’s just turned twenty-one and has not gotten an offer of marriage, so her father has begun the process of bethrothal to the Earl of Findon, a man old enough to be her grandfather. She’s determined to escape her fate, so she hires someone to pretend to kidnap her. She figures if she stays out overnight, she’ll be ruined, and the marriage will be off.

Hugh Tarleton is a rector in St. Giles parish, a rough and tumble area. He’s not exactly the picture of what you think of as a “man of the cloth”. He’s handsome, large build, and very muscled. He’s also gentle, patient, and honorable.

Hugh sees her being kidnapped for real, and steps in to protect her. When she explains her problem and what happened, he decides to help her as much as possible. The more time they spend together, the more they fall in love.

That’s the setup. Of course, there’s much more, but I don’t want to spoil the story for you. Grab a copy and curl up for a wonderful and heart throbbing read. Author Darcy Burke has added this truly marvelous love story to her Wicked Dukes series, you don’t want to miss it!

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One Night for Seduction
One Night of Surrender
One Night of Passion
One Night of Scandal
One Night to Remember
One Night of Temptation

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

 

She shot a glance in his direction. “Who is the right person? For you.”
He ignored the desire pooling in his belly. The possibility he’d imagined a moment ago took root. He was incredibly drawn to her, and with each passing moment, the connection between them grew stronger. Did she feel that too? “I would like a wife who, above all, wants to help others, particularly those who are unable to help themselves. She should be intelligent, warmhearted, and, if it’s not too much to ask, in possession of a fine wit.”
“Why would that be too much to ask?”
He shrugged. “I am often told I should laugh more. A wife with a sense of humor would undoubtedly help with that.”
“Who tells you that?” she asked.
“Tom—my curate. My housekeeper. My sisters.”
“Not your brothers?”
“They wouldn’t dare. They laugh less than I do.” He smirked, especially as he tried to think of Gabriel, his eldest brother, so much as chuckling.
“I’m trying to think back, and I don’t recall you laughing today. Maybe a chuckle, but nothing more.”
“I did laugh.” He cocked his head to the side. “You, however, genuinely laughed when we discussed Maisie and Joseph.” The memory of that warm sound teased a smile to his lips.
Her eyes glowed with something that might have been merriment. “It was your sarcasm.”
“Sarcasm was the primary form of humor in my house growing up.”
“Mine didn’t have any humor, sarcastic or otherwise.” She looked toward the window, then shot him a quick look. “That wasn’t sarcasm, by the way, but I can see where you might think it was.”
No, he didn’t think that. She’d drawn a troublesome picture of her family.
He moved the conversation back to where they’d been. “I told you about the wife I’m looking for. What are your requirements for a husband?”
“Kindness.” 


 

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

Ready to WIN?

USA Todaybestselling author Darcy Burke and New York Timesbestselling author Erica Ridley are teaming up to bring you a brand new series of six fun, sexy historical romances: the Wicked Dukes Club!

To celebrate, we’re giving away WINNER’S CHOICE of any six (6) books in our backlist: Three (3) from Darcy, and three (3) from Erica in the format of your choice! (Paperback or ebook)

You can have your pick from Darcy Burke’s Untouchables series, Legendary Rogues series, and Secrets & Scandals series, and from Erica Ridley’s Dukes of War series, Rogues to Riches series, or 12 Dukes of Christmas series.

Just enter HERE for your chance to win!

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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One Night of Scandal by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

One Night of Scandal (The Wicked Dukes Club) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

ONE NIGHT OF SCANDAL
The Wicked Dukes Club #4
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Genre: historical romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2019

Meet the unforgettable men of London’s most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough…

Jack Barrett is an ambitious member of parliament with no time or desire for a wife. When he catches the Duke of Eastleigh’s sister sneaking inside one of London’s private gentlemen’s clubs, he’s shocked—and dangerously charmed—and assumes the role of protector, only to discover she has the means to destroy him.

Social pariah Lady Viola Fairfax masquerades as a man to pen a column in a popular women’s magazine. When she stumbles upon a brewing scandal that implicates a prominent MP, she seizes the chance to establish herself as a real journalist. However, the infuriating and intoxicating man may not be the radical he’s purported to be, and the more time they spend together, the more she risks the one thing she’s sworn never to do: fall in love.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Another magnificently crafted story of historical romance with the emphasis on romance.

One Night of Scandal is the story of Jack Barrett, wealthy and ambitious member of parliament and Lady Viola Fairfax (sister to the Duke of Eastleigh) a lovely but adventurous and independent woman who masquerades as a man, named Tavistock, to get information for her column in a woman’s magazine.

Once Barrett sees Viola’s disguise, he can’t believe no one else notices that she’s actually a woman. He takes it upon himself to be her protector as she investigates a rumor that a Member of Parliament helped the rebels to attack the prince regent.

The romance builds slowly, and the action is unique and interesting. You’ll love reading the way the author takes you on their adventure through danger and intrigue, while building their attraction and romance. One Night of Scandal is a well-paced and very well-written story in this marvelous series.

Grab a copy of this wonderful book and curl=up with the adventure.

Wicked Dukes Club Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One Night For Seduction
One Night of Surrender
One Night of Passion
One Night of Scandal

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna

Viola’s gaze kept straying to Mr. Barrett, who stood with a few other gentlemen near the table with the bottle of sand. Garbed in a perfectly tailored black coat with black breeches and a midnight-blue waistcoat, he presented an intimidating and alluring figure. She couldn’t seem to stop glancing in his direction.
He didn’t appear to be aware of her presence, not after looking right at her and walking away. Was he purposely ignoring her? It was probably for the best. And yet, she was vaguely annoyed.
“Pardon me,” she murmured before making her way slowly to the table next to the one where Mr. Barrett stood. She picked up a shell and held it to her ear.
“Do you hear the ocean?”
She turned her head to see Mr. Barrett had moved next to her. Not that she’d needed to turn to see who it was—she recognized the deep, seductive timbre of his voice.
Seductive?
“Yes.” She handed him the shell.
He put it to his ear, and a half smile tilted his lips. Viola’s chest tightened in reaction. “It’s magic,” he said before replacing the shell on the table.
“It’s actually the noise from the room gathering in the shell and bouncing back to your ear.” Why had she said that? Magic sounded rather charming.
He chuckled. “I know what it is. But I like to think it’s the ocean. I haven’t been there in some time.”
“I haven’t either.”
“I love its vastness and the never-ending rush of waves over the shore. It makes me think of how complicated and yet simple our world can be.”
“That’s rather contradictory,” she said, picking up a rock that had been smoothed by the waves he spoke of.
“Life is full of contradictions, wouldn’t you say, LadyViola?” He was referring to her disguise as Tavistock. She suppressed the urge to smile.
“It can be, yes. So this is why you couldn’t meet tonight?” she asked quietly.
“Yes. And it seems you weren’t available either.”
She put the rock back down and moved around the table so they could put some distance between themselves and other guests. “I hadn’t planned to come tonight, but then decided it was worth trying to learn anything I could about our…project.”
He nodded twice, slowly. “Yes, our project. We should perhaps develop a strategy for tomorrow night. I will ensure Pennington will be there.”
“Excellent, I do think he is our best hope for delving deeper into things. We need to find out how he heard this rumor.”
“Agreed. He typically likes to talk, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Viola didn’t disagree, but she wouldn’t leave things to chance alone. “And if he’s being closemouthed, we’ll pour ale down his throat until he speaks.”
Mr. Barrett’s dark eyes widened very briefly. “You wish to get him drunk?” He kept his voice low.
Viola lifted a shoulder. “If we must.”
“Diabolical,” he said. “I like it. Tell me, Lady Viola, have you ever been drunk? It seems as though you must have, given your frequent visits to the Wicked Duke.”
“I am careful not to overimbibe. Indeed, I rarely finish an entire mug of Colehaven’s marvelous ale.” She shook her head with regret. “It’s a crime.”
He laughed. “Indeed.”
“To answer your question, yes. I have been drunk.” She narrowed her eyes at him, but not in anger or disgust. “That is not a question you should ask a lady.”
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I should have said, ‘Tell me, Tavistock, have you ever been drunk?’” His eyes glowed with mirth, and she felt herself responding to his good humor.
She angled her head to a saucy tilt. “No.”
“So you’ve been drunk as Lady Viola, not as Tavistock.” He studied her intently, and her toes had the audacity to curl in her slippers. “Fascinating.”
“Only once—just to see what it was like.”
“You are a woman dedicated to investigation, it seems.”
She was more than impressed with his estimation. She was…flattered. “That is an excellent way to describe me.” She tried to think of how she would describe him and wasn’t sure. Not yet. But they’d be spending plenty of time together, probably. Unless they unraveled the entire mystery tomorrow night.
She realized she didn’t particularly want to. It might be fun to be on the hunt with Mr. Barrett.

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

Connect:

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One Night Of Surrender by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

One Night of Surrender (Wicked Dukes Club #2) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 30 2019

After one passionate night a decade ago, Valentine Fairfax, Duke of Eastleigh, never forgot Isabelle, the intelligent, witty and forbidden daughter of a head of college at Oxford. However, since suffering a disastrous marriage to an unfaithful wife, the duke has vowed never to succumb to temptation again. Until the day he discovers his friend’s governess is the one woman who still haunts his dreams.

Once penniless, Isabelle Cortland has finally saved enough money to finance a school for impoverished girls. But when a chance encounter rekindles buried desires, Isabelle knows she can’t be a duke’s mistress and a headmistress at the same time. No longer a naïve girl, Isabelle won’t repeat the past. Not even for one night of surrender…

•••••••••

REVIEW:Darcy’s done it again! One Night of Surrender, this installment of the Wicked Duke’s Club is entertaining and unforgettable.

In a youthful night of passion, ten years prior, Valentine Fairfax, Duke of Eastleigh and Isabelle Cortland, daughter of an Oxford professor, shared a love that marked each other’s soul for the rest of their lives.

Ten years later, both having married other people and lost those spouses to death, found themselves crossing paths again. Valentine’s unfaithful wife left him single again but with a fear of ever falling in love again. Isabelle’s unhappy marriage ended with the death of both her father and her gambling husband. However, she takes solace in her singleness, loving the freedom of making her own decisions and hopes to start a school for girls. Love, for her too, seems unlikely.

Currently, Isabelle is a governess with a passion for teaching the girls in her charge different languages and serious science and mathematics, great but not the norm for girls of the time period. Valentine a widow whose unfaithful wife died along with the child, has been healing and taking care of his duty and sister. He’s getting pressure to remarry and produce an heir by his grandmother.

When Isabelle’s employer, Lord Barkley and his family need a place to stay while their house renovations are being finished, he asks his friend Duke Eastleigh if he can help. Isabelle is so afraid for anyone to find out about her past with Eastleigh, she hopes she can avoid crossing his path. However, fate has other plans!

When Valentine discovers who Barkley’s governess is, he begins to dream of the woman who left her mark on his ten years earlier
Author Burke makes this wonderfully entertaining tale of fated lovers a great and rocky ride. A wonderful addition to this great series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

 

She opened the door and sucked in a breath. “Val.”
Garbed in the immaculately tailored suit of clothing he’d worn to dinner, he grinned, and her entire body heated in response. “You do remember my name.”
“You shouldn’t be here.” That was all she managed to get out before he pushed past her and strode into the room.
He frowned as he surveyed the chamber. “This is very small.”
“You act as though you’ve never been up here.”
“Not never, but not in some time.” He straightened and gave her a decisive nod. “I’ll move you downstairs.”
Closer to him. That was a terrible notion. “No, you won’t.”
He took a step toward her, the frown returning. “A governess isn’t a servant.”
“Nor is she a member of the family.” Footsteps on the stairs filled her with alarm. “You need to go. You can’t be in here.”
He rotated his head, presenting his ear toward the door and took another step forward. “Is someone coming?”
“Yes,” she hissed.
“Then I can’t very well leave. I’d walk right by whomever it is.” He sounded utterly unconcerned.
Isabelle closed the door with a firm click. Then she spun around to glare at him. “Are you trying to get me tossed out?”
“I would never toss you out. And no, I’m not trying to have your employment terminated. Though I will say I never imagined I’d see you as a governess.” His gaze dipped over her as if he were assessing what he had seen her as—and she didn’t want to know.
Too aware of his lingering attention and the fact that she wore only a night rail covered with a rather thin dressing gown, she crossed her arms across her chest and gave him a cool stare. “You need to go.”
“And I shall. Soon. After we…talk.” He looked around the room once more, and his gaze settled on the diminutive chair situated in the corner next to her miniscule nightstand.
“We have nothing to talk about,” Isabelle said.
He moved to the chair and sat down. “Come now, after a decade, there is plenty to discuss. I could sit here with you all night.”
All night. They’d done that once. But they hadn’t been sitting. Or talking. Well, there had been some talking. And some sitting…of sorts. She blushed at the memory.
He gave her a sly look. “What are you thinking about?” 


 

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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Devil’s Daughter by Lisa Kleypas – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Devil’s Daughter by Lisa Kleypas – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Although beautiful young widow Phoebe, Lady Clare, has never met West Ravenel, she knows one thing for certain: he’s a mean, rotten bully. Back in boarding school, he made her late husband’s life a misery, and she’ll never forgive him for it. But when Phoebe attends a family wedding, she encounters a dashing and impossibly charming stranger who sends a fire-and-ice jolt of attraction through her. And then he introduces himself…as none other than West Ravenel.

West is a man with a tarnished past. No apologies, no excuses. However, from the moment he meets Phoebe, West is consumed by irresistible desire…not to mention the bitter awareness that a woman like her is far out of his reach. What West doesn’t bargain on is that Phoebe is no straitlaced aristocratic lady. She’s the daughter of a strong-willed wallflower who long ago eloped with Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent—the most devilishly wicked rake in England.

Before long, Phoebe sets out to seduce the man who has awakened her fiery nature and shown her unimaginable pleasure. Will their overwhelming passion be enough to overcome the obstacles of the past?

Only the devil’s daughter knows…

 

Review:

Devil’s Daughter by Lisa Kleypas is the 5th book in her The Ravenels series. I have not read the previous 4 books in this series, but this book did read well as a standalone.  However, this is my first book by Lisa Kleypas, and I absolutely adored Devil’s Daughter.  I will be going back to read the earlier books, and start reading more of Ms. Kleypas.

We meet Phoebe (Lady Clare), our heroine, at the start, as she prepares to go with her entire family to the Ravenel estate to attend a wedding, she does not look forward to meeting West Ravenel. Phoebe remembers all too well the stories about West that he is a bully, having been told so by her now deceased husband, Henry.  She is determined to avoid him at all costs.  It has been a few years since, Henry died, and with two young sons, Phoebe knows she needs to consider marrying again, and looks to her husband’s cousin (Edward), who helps run the estate.  But Sebastian, her father, insists that Edward is not worthy of her, and he is concerned about her land, and how it is fallen on hard times.

West Ravenel, our hero, lives at home at his family’s estate, and takes an active interest in the land.  West has led a tarnished reckless life, with his reputation following him.  He seems settled helping his brother run the estate, but feels he can never become involved in any permanent relationship with a woman, especially since he cannot trust himself.  But then he meets the beautiful Phoebe. When Phoebe meets a handsome stranger, who she immediately feels that attraction; but to her shock, she learn he is the infamous West Ravenel.  

At dinner, she is forced to sit next to West, and despite his attempt to find another spot, since he sees her discomfort, Phoebe tells him to sit and not make a fuss.  In a short time, she will learn that he is not the boy who tortured her husband years before, and is an intelligent, kind man who will go out of his way to help her look at her finances and teach her how to fix her land.  He warns her about the person running the land for her, and she needs to have someone else look at the records.

Slowly, Phoebe begins to become closer to West, and soon they are both falling hard for each other.  The chemistry between them was sparkling hot; but Phoebe also sees how West thinks little of himself, feeling unworthy of someone like her.

What follows is a wonderful sweet story, as Phoebe after watching West with her two sons, and how sweet and caring he is with her, that he is the man for her.  She also knows that despite his feelings for her, he is determined to for her to find a man worthy of her.  When West comes to visit her estate, at her request, to help look over the finances, and make recommendations to fix her lands, they both act on their lustful feelings.  Phoebe will need to find a way to convince West that he is worthy of her.  But will she be able to get through to West?

This is my first novel by Lisa Kleypas, as I do not read a lot of historical romances, though I do read a few favorites.  I have to say I loved her writing.  So many times when reading this story, I broke into a smile at some of the humorous banter between West and Phoebe, as well as the fun West had with the two boys.  

Devil’s Daughter was a wonderful heartwarming story, a fantastic couple, and fabulous secondary characters.  I loved both Phoebe and West. I loved how Sebastian stepped up to help them.  I will be reading more of Lisa Kleypas going forward.  I suggest you read this book, and Lisa Kleypas.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas graduated from Wellesley College with a political science degree. She’s a RITA award-winning author of both historical romance and contemporary women’s fiction. She lives in Washington State with her husband Gregory and their two children.

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Lisa Kleypas publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of DEVIL’S DAUGHTER to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Captivating the Scoundrel (Legendary Rogues #4) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

Captivating the Scoundrel (Legendary Rogues #4) by Darcy Burke-Review & Excerpt Tour

CAPTIVATING THE SCOUNDREL
Legendary Rogues #4
by Darcy Burke
Release Date: January 29, 2019.
Genre: adult, historical, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 29,2019

Daphne Foliot has always known she’ll be married off to a man who, like her, descended from one of King Arthur’s fabled knights. That doesn’t mean she wants to be, even if it is her beloved father’s wish. Raised without a mother, she owes everything to the man who encouraged and funded her education and supports her dream of becoming the first female member of the Order of the Round Table. But when she suspects her chosen husband is a traitor to the Order, she plans to expose his treachery, regardless of their extraordinary mutual attraction.

Heir to the thirteen treasures of Britain, Gideon Kersey vows to do anything to protect his family’s legacy from a secret society bent on exploiting the items for personal gain, including marry a woman he doesn’t love. Except she ignites a passion he was certain died with his first wife, and when the truth behind the Order’s objectives threatens everything Daphne knows, Gideon must fight to save her—and any future they hope to share.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Captivating the Scoundrel is a captivating story of ancient artifacts from King Arthur and his round table. It is also a wonderful romance between unlikely lovers. It’s interesting, well written, and extremely hard to put down. It’s set in August of 1819, Glastonbury.

Daphne Foliot is the daughter of Timothy Foliot. Her father is a member of the Order of the Round Table, but he’s a devious and dangerous man. However, she’s not aware of the truly evil man her father is.

Gideon Kersey, Earl of Stratton (almost) is a descendent of Gareth (a knight of King Arthur’s). Gideon has been raised by his father, an immoral man who wanted his son to become like him. Gideon did as his father during his youth but came to understand how immoral and wrong his father was. He changed his lifestyle and searched for a good woman. He met and married Rose. A lovely woman, but she died in a horseback accident, along with their unborn son. Gideon believes he has much to make up for but has some good friends who know the honorable man he is.

Gideon is helping Timothy Foliot find the Thirteen Treasures of King Arthur, but he realizes Timothy is an evil man bent on his own desires. He pretends to help him in order to find protect the treasures. To prove his loyalty to Foliot, Gideon promises to marry his daughter Daphne.

That’s the very basic setup, there is, of course, much more in the details but I don’t do spoilers. This is a story you must read for yourself. If you love building romance, dangerous quests, moves and counter moves this story is for you. It’s well written, exciting, heart warming and heart breaking all at the same time. The road to true love is fraught with many obstacles and they’re well twined together by author Darcy Burke.

Grab a copy and get ready for a wild ride!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

 

Daphne took the opportunity to peruse the bookshelves in case something spectacular leapt out at her—such as the name Anarawd. As if Bowen would keep such a valuable item out in the open or that it would be so clearly labeled.
Instead, what leapt at her was the stoic Earl of Stratton. Well, not leapt, precisely, but he did approach her. “You look as though you’d like to spend the next week in here with Rhys’s books.”
She pivoted toward him. “I would, in fact. I see your interest is similar.” She inclined her head toward the book in his hand. His forefinger was inserted between the pages to keep his place. “What are you reading?”
“Just an old poem.”
“Is that like Cate’s ‘old sword’?” The words fell out of her mouth before she could censor herself. “Pardon me,” she murmured, turning from him and edging away along the bookshelf.
“Are you suggesting this book and Cate’s artifact are more than what we say?”
She shrugged. “I find with antiquarians, you can never be quite certain they speak the truth.” She cast him a cautious look, thinking she should probably stop talking entirely. Better still, she should take her leave before she said something truly regretful.
He surprised her by chuckling. “You are, of course, correct. But this really is just an old poem.” He opened the tome and showed it to her. It was written in Middle English.
“‘Pierce the Ploughman’s Crede,’” she said, recognizing the lines.
“Very good. Tell me, if I pull a random text from the shelf and read a few lines, will you be able to guess what it is?”
That sounded like a terribly fun game. And she wanted to play it—with him. Her heart picked up speed. “Probably.”
“Astonishing,” he whispered. 


 

Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of hot, action-packed historical and sexy, emotional contemporary romance. A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, and three Bengal cats. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/darcyburke, or like her Facebook page,www.facebook.com/DarcyBurkeFans.

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Highland Defender (Renegade Scots #2) by Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

Highland Defender (Renegade Scots #2) by Julie Johnstone-Review & Giveaway

HIGHLAND DEFENDER
Renegade Scots #2
by Julie Johnstone
Release Date: December 26, 2018
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 26, 2018

To protect herself, she’ll deny her powers. To save her, he’ll break every rule he’s vowed to live by.

Lillianna de Burgh knows all about the legend surrounding the women in her family—that true love awakens the gift of sight within them. But given the horrific betrayals the power has brought her ancestors, she wants no part in true love or the supposed gift. Avoiding her fate seems simple enough since men have proven time and again that they wish to use her, not cherish her, even her own kin. Thankfully, when she flees England to escape her evil uncle, she finds herself in the company of a seemingly hard-hearted Highlander who thinks the legend nothing more than a myth. As they travel together, she comes to discover that behind his cold facade lies a fierce and honorable protector, whose mere touch ignites the passion within her. Yet, the more she tries to resist it, the more she seems to fall.

Renowned Highland warrior Angus MacLorh lives by three principles: put country above self, protect family at all cost, and never become entangled with a lass—not again. So when his future king needs him to accompany the far-too-lovely Lillianna to safety, Angus agrees, confident he can keep her at a distance, as he does all women. Yet the gentle, fiercely determined lady intrigues and tempts him at every turn, and when his greatest enemy captures her, he finds himself breaking all his rules to save her.

As the fight for the Scottish throne embroils Lillianna and Angus deep in danger, enemies near and far hunt them threatening their very lives. When the truth of the legend finally comes to light, can a lady determined to escape her destiny and a Highlander bent on facing his future alone overcome the barriers they’ve created and trust in their hearts to lay claim to the most glorious of love?

••••••••

REVIEW: Highland Defender is the second book in this new series by author Julie Johnstone, and what a series it’s becoming. Well written, imaginative, and twisty! I loved the first book Outlaw King and this one is a wonderful continuation of it.

This is the story of Lilliana de Burgh and Angus MacLorh. Lilliana is the cousin of Elizabeth de Burgh, wife to Robert the Bruce. Angus is Laird to his own clan and friend and follower of Robert. Robert and Angus are pretending to be loyal to Edward, King of England, while organizing the Scots to rebellion.

Angus has sworn never to fall in love again. He doesn’t mind a roll in the hay, but only with a woman who expects nothing else. He was distracted by a scheming woman once, and his father died as a result. His mother followed her husband in death soon after. The woman betrayed him, and her father attacked his castle and killed his father while he rode to protect her. He swore never to let his focus fade from his duty ever again and for years has kept that oath.

Lilliana is the legendary daughter of the seer of the MacLeod clan. She’s the focus of a legend that has men trying to use her powers or win her heart to get those powers. She has sworn never to fall in love or marry for that matter. Her father and uncle have tried to use her to get her powers and are still trying. To do so, they must find the amulet of legend that will awaken those powers or make her fall in love to awaken them.

Robert has asked Angus to take a message to his men in Ettrick Forest, that the King’s men are coming. He also tasked Angus with escorting Lilliana to Scotland and the Macleod clan. They must travel together for a long time to do this. The wonderful experience of learning about each other along with the denied, but mutual attraction makes this trip intriguing and fun. It is, however, also dangerous.

That’s the basic setup. Author Julie Johnstone has written another thrilling tale of the highlands that will entice you into this world. It’s a wonderful and exciting read that I loved! It’s full of danger, sensual and growing love, and even a bit of magic. I urge you to begin and continue this series…quite a ride!

Click HERE to read Georgie / Julie’s dual review of book on OUTLAW KING.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

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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 Johstone is graciously offering an ebook copy of HIGHLAND DEFENDER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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