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The Virgin and the Viscount by Robyn Dehart – a Review

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The Virgin and the Viscount by Robyn Dehart – a Review

 

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Description: 
As a Lady of Virtue, Matilda Brooks swears to reform the most despicable man of her acquaintance, her brother-in-law, Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook. Well he may not be the most despicable, but he is certainly arrogant, flirtatious, and entirely too charming. To make matters worse, he has the irritating tendency to poke fun of her and rile her emotions as no other man does. However, when she confronts him, he laughs off her concern about his slothful ways. 

But when a carriage accident forces Sullivan to play knight to Tilly’s damsel, his unexpected act of chivalry ends up costing them both their freedom. Her compromised reputation and his honorable declaration forces them into a marriage neither of them wants. Which is most inconvenient, given that she has sworn to despise him forever.

 

 

Review: 

The Virgin and the Viscount by Robyn Dehart is the 4th book in the Lords of Vice series.

Matilda is in love with her soon to be brother- in-law! She has ever first since setting eyes upon him, and for a while she thought he might love her, but her sister set her cap for Tilly’s beau…… and now they are to be wed!! But she needs to tell him one time how she truly feels before she loses him forever….. 

Sullivan is what we like to call a scoundrel and a cad, nowadays a bad boy! He teases and torments “freckles” as he constantly calls Matilda. His sister-in-law hasn’t left his thoughts since first meeting her. He’s fascinated by her and likes to tease her whenever possible. And now he’s aware of how she loved his brother he’s going to use it to his gain! 

Fourth book in the series, I’ve not read any other the previous books, and I don’t think I missed anything. 

I thought Matilda/Tilly was delightful. So fresh and innocent, but a wicked sense of humour. Sullivan is not your normal cad, he is really quite nice and reading how he’s enamoured with Tilly is lovely to read. And when they both get caught in a situation, Sullivan does the only thing he can think of, marriage!!!! 

But Tilly doesn’t have the confidence her sister has and thinks Sullivan is just being chivalrous. Spending time with Tilly is just torture, he’s falling for her, but is she falling for him or the fact he’s her lost love’s brother? 

The only thing a little annoying was the fact Sullivan and Matilda just couldn’t express their feelings earlier, and we get just a little too much angst. 

But it is a nice way of spending a few hours. I recommend this book if you are a lover of historical romance, although it’s a little racier than your normal historical romance. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Romance is My Day Job by Patience Bloom – a Review

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Romance is My Day Job by Patience Bloom – a Review

Romance is My Day JobLinks to order Romance is My Day Job:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Who knows the ins and outs of romance better than a Harlequin editor? A surprising and exhilarating look into Patience Bloom’s unexpected real-life love story.

At some point, we’ve all wished romance could be more like fiction. Patience Bloom certainly did, many times over. As a teen she fell in love with Harlequin novels and imagined her life would turn out just like the heroines’ on the page: That shy guy she had a crush on wouldn’t just take her out—he’d sweep her off her feet with witty banter, quiet charm, and a secret life as a rock star. Not exactly her reality, but Bloom kept reading books that fed her reveries.

Years later she moved to New York and found her dream job, editing romances for Harlequin. Every day, her romantic fantasies came true—on paper. Bloom became an expert when it came to fictional love stories, editing amazing books and learning everything she could about the romance business. But her dating life remained uninspired. She nearly gave up on love.

Then one day a real-life chance at romance made her wonder if what she’d been writing and editing all those years might be true. A Facebook message from a high school friend, Sam, sparked a relationship with more promise than she’d had in years. But Sam lived thousands of miles away—they hadn’t seen each other in more than twenty years. Was it worth the risk?

Finally, Bloom learned: Love and romance can conquer all

Review:

Ever wonder what people who edit romance books at places like Harlequin do in their personal lives?  Wonder no more…  Patience Bloom  has written a memoir of her personal life and romances while comparing them to her heroes and heroines in the books she reads and edits.

This a witty, sometimes comic, sometimes tragic tale of one woman’s real life romances while looking for “Mr. Right”.  From high school to college and on to her adult life, Patience has privileged us with her tales and recollections of searching for that one “true” love.

This is a wonderful look at those romances through her eyes.  She has changed the names, of course…duh!  Her perceptions and expectations begin at childlike and grow as she goes through her wonderful story.  It’s not all fun and giggles, there is damage and heartbreak.  I think most women can relate to both her fantasies and realities.  It’s well written, and makes a delightful get away, especially with a couple of glasses of wine! LOL.  Oh, maybe a few tissues on-hand isn’t a bad idea as well.

It’s an inspiring tale of finding your heart’s partner just when you probably would give up!  Isn’t that great timing?  Though most men fall sort on the comparison to our literary heroes, it’s great to know that the search is still there, as well as the hope.

Get your favorite beverage, some tissues, and curl-up and have a wonderful time while Patience entertains you with her fantastic imagination and sense of humor.  Enjoy, I did!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

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Anne Elizabeth – Once a Seal – Interview, Review and Giveaway

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Anne Elizabeth – Once a Seal – Interview and Review

Once a Seal
Navy Seals (Book 2)
by Anne Elizabeth
Released: November 5, 2013Once a SealLinks to order Once a Seal: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

 

Review

Description:
It’s going to take a SEAL’s strength to make this marriage work

Every woman dreams of marrying the perfect man-handsome, thoughtful, strong, and sensitive -and Aria Kavanagh believes she’s found the ultimate hero in Chief Petty Officer Daniel McCullum. But being a U.S. Navy SEAL wife is a serious challenge, especially when the missions are putting more than their love in the line of fire. Can they jump the hurdles and handle the daily rigors without falling apart? Or will the pressures attached to the handsome uniform have them both questioning if their dedication is worth it? Every moment matters when the only thing that truly lasts is love.

 

Review:

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Once A Seal by Anne Elizabeth can be classified as a contemporary romance.  This is the first time I have read a book by this author and I have to say she shows promise.  Her story held absolute realistic characters and a extremely realistic storyline.  I totally related to this story on a personal level having served many years in the Canadian Forces myself, and I often found myself nodding in agreement, cringing as I read about a civilian trying to adapt to the regimented life of military members and praying that this marriage between our main characters will survive all the stress.

Our story starts off with a bang.  Our leading lady Aria is on a beach, in her wedding gown, eager for her soon to be hubby (that would be our main man Dan) to arrive via helicopter.  As much as I would of loved to believe this was romantic, it was far from it.  Dan is a Navy SEAL who is time crunched after completing a mission.  Though he was late to his own wedding he marries Aria and off they go to start their life together.

While honeymooning near the base, Dan is called away to tackle some military tasks and immediately Aria is thrown into life as a military wife.  After only having known Dan a few weeks prior to marriage, she is shocked to find all the things she needs to know to be a successful military wife.  It seems Dan explains things on the fly just expecting Aria to comply and accept her new life.  I was completely overwhelmed for her.

While trying to adjust to military life, Aria begins to get upset at how little Dan is home and how she is required to do all on her own (all meaning set up house, adapt to military life and even attend military wives functions).  Throw in unplanned guardianship of her younger brother who after much lose is rebelling, Aria is scarcely keeping it together and often is  questioning if she should of married Dan.  Dan on the other hand seems to think that Aria will conform without complaint like a good little military wife.  Add present dangers for them both due to Dan’s occupation, and both healing from troubled pasts, it’s no surprise when things start to fall apart between these two.

Okay … so as I mentioned earlier, this is an absolute realistic story.  I was impressed with the little details that Anne Elizabeth included with regards to military protocol.  Clearly she has either served, has been a spouse of a service member and/or has friends who serve.  She also dove into some action scenes of Dan and his fellow SEAL’s engaged in dangerous missions.  The camaraderie of SEAL brother’s and SEAL wives was evident as well.  I will say though that this book tended to drag a little.  I became bored a few times while reading prolonged descriptions that really could of been edited out.  I think that disturbed the natural flow of the story.

So, the big question is.  Does Aria have what it takes to be a SEAL wife?  Can she adjust and will Dan understand that she needs time to understand all the protocols, rules and his frequent absence?  What is Dan willing to risk to keep Aria?  You’ll have to check it out for yourself …LOL

HAPPY READING!

Review by Rachel

Copy provided by Publisher

Interview-RED

Anne, we at the Reading Café would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. 

TRC:  Can you please tell us about yourself?

Anne:  I’m a Navy wife, a step-mother, a grandmother, a romance writer, a columnist, and a comic creator. I have a BS in Business and A MS in Communications from Boston University. I am a member of the Author’s Guild and RWA as well as a regular presenter at RT Book Lovers Convention. My contemporary romance is for adults and focuses on Spec Ops and Navy SEALS, and my paranormal comics are geared toward teens. I like the outdoors and we have an exuberant yellow Lab.

TRC:  When and how did you first become interested in writing?

Anne:  Books have intrigued from the time I was a child. My mother tells a story about me…that I learned to read at age three so I could put my own stories into books. Unfortunately, it took me a little longer to learn to write.

TRC:  Once a Seal, which was released last week, is your second book about Navy Seals.  Is this a series about Navy Seals, or are they standalones?

Anne:  Each book is about a different Team, but several of the characters are reoccuring. For those that enjoy continuity, I believe they’ll enjoy the link; and those that prefer standalones, readers can pick up a book and start from anywhere.

Once a SealTRC:  Can you please give us a brief description of Once a Seal?

Anne:  Book Blurb: Every woman dreams of marrying the perfect man-handsome, thoughtful, strong, and sensitive -and Aria Kavanagh believes she’s found the ultimate hero in Petty Officer Second Class Daniel McCullum. But being a U.S. Navy SEAL wife is a serious challenge, especially when the missions are putting more than their love in the line of fire. Can they jump the hurdles and handle the daily rigors without falling apart? Or will the pressures attached to the handsome uniform have them both questioning if their dedication is worth it? Every moment matters when the only thing that truly lasts is love.

TRC: As a Navy wife, did you find it easier to use your life experience for the background of this premise?  Did you still find yourself still having to do research on Navy Seals?

Anne: I always do research. Even if I am pulling information from my own life, I want to make sure I am not making generalizations that are unfounded. So, I conduct interviews with other wives and SEALS. I will even check secondary research such as military case histories, if they are de-classified. My main goal is to represent and support the SEAL community in a positive light.

TRC:  You write Military Romance, Contemporary Romance and Spicy Romance.  Do you have a preference?   Is there any other genre you have a desire to write?

Anne: I love it all! If I could, I would write in all of the genres. Each time I change from spicy to contemporary, it stretches me to think in new directions.

TRC:  Can you please tell us what you working on now?

Anne: I am editing the third book of my SEAL series and editing my script for the fourth graphic novel of the PULSE series as well as two short comics. I enjoy having a job that lets me bring my dog to the office each day and no one minds if I wear pajamas or jeans or a business suit.

TRC:  What is your writing process?  Do you have a favorite place or time you like to write? What are the challenges or difficulties that you found in your writing career?

Anne: Since I am a monthly columnist for RT Book Reviews magazine on comics, manga, and graphic novels as well as a romance writer and comic creator, I have to write every day. My deadlines are mapped out on a giant calendar and to stay on-time, I work each day until I achieve my goal. There are times this schedule can be grueling and there are times that I’m so fulfilled that I cannot stop smiling.

TRC:  You have created a number of Teen Comics.  Can you please tell us about this other part of your career, and how you came to do this?

Anne: I’ve always adored comics. I began the PULSE OF POWER project when I was in high school and kept adding novel-length manuscripts and short stories to the series. When…years ago, I won a contest that Laurell K Hamilton was running and won an opportunity to be in a comic book. I met the publishers and when they found out I was a writer they asked me to pitch a project…and the rest is history. 🙂

TRC:  On your Website, I see that you enjoy doing dangerous sports such as jumping out of an airplane or flying a glider.  Have you always been this adventurous?

Anne: Yes. I was always the child with scrapped knees and elbows from all of my daredevil activities. As an adult, I have more opportunities to experience things. It’s a serious bummer when I end up on crutches!

TRC: Do you make your heroines the same?

Anne: Heavens, no! Each heroine and hero is different. They are well-rounded individuals with different tastes in food, music, clothes, etc. I like mixing things up, because it keeps me intrigued with them, too.

LIGHTNING ROUND:

FAVORITE FOOD Bananas

FAVORITE DESSERT Chocolate 🙂

MILK OR DARK CHOCOLATE  Both!

FAVORITE ACTOR (TV OR MOVIES)  John Lithgow

FAVORITE LITERARY CHARACTER (not your own) The Cat (from The Cat in The Hat)

DOG OR CAT?  Dog.

TRC:  Thank you, Anne for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with ONCE A SEAL.  Keep us informed about your upcoming releases. We look forward to working with you again.

Anne:  Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to chat with your readers on The Reading Café! HOOYAH!!!~AE

About the authoranne elizabethAnne Elizabeth is a published author, comic creator, and the monthly columnist for RT BOOK REVIEWS on the topic of comics, manga, and graphic novels. She was awarded the LA Banks Warrior Woman Award at the RT Book Lovers Convention in 2013. She has a BS in Business and a MS in Communications from Boston University and is a member of the Author’s Guild; Romance Writers of America; and a regular presenter at the RT BOOK LOVERS Convention. AE has published multicultural and romantic fiction with Atria/Simon & Schuster, Highland Press, and Sourcebooks and graphic novels with Dynamite Entertainment and Sea Lion Books LLC. AE grew up in Greenwich, CT, and currently lives in the mountains above San Diego with her husband, a retired Navy SEAL. In her free time, she is also a serious Amelia Earhart who is always on the hunt for a new adventure. Most recently, she jumped from an airplane and flew a glider. Her motto is “Live boldly.”

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

 

giveaway

Anne and her publisher have graciously offered to give one lucky member of The Reading Café a paper copy of Once a Seal.

1.  Please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open U.S. Only

4.  Contests runs from November 14, to November 17, 2013

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The Collector by Victoria Scott – a Review

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The Collector by Victoria Scott – a Review

The Collector

Links to order The Collector: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

The Collector by Victoria Scott is her first book in her new Dante Walker series.

Dante Walker is a cocky, arrogant,  selfish soul collector.  His mission is to claim the souls of the earth’s less than stellar humanity.

Dante is called upon by The Boss Man (Lucifer) and is told to collect the soul of one Charlie Cooper and to do it any way possible.  He has ten days to accomplish this goal.  Dante is on it – but little did he know that by taking on this mission his world would change forever, and not in the way he expected.

Charlie is young, innocent and pure of heart.  Her intentions are always for the good of others.  Charlie lives her life by the rules.  Stays within the bounderies of what is acceptable and never does anything to get into trouble.  That’s about to change.

Upon meeting Charlie – Dante wonders what is so special about her.  She is not the least bit attractive, she walks with a limp, she’s that girl in school that never gets noticed, that you never give a second thought about.  But she has her friends Blue and Annabelle and her loyalties to them run deep.  What could The Boss Man possibly want with her soul?  And at what lengths will Dante go to claim it?

I must admit that at the start of this book – I despised Dante, did not like him one ounce.  Even though he is young and extremely attractive – I found his attitude and demeanor off-putting.  To the point that I did not want him near Charlie and almost didn’t want to finish the book.  But it was this strange range of emotions that Dante brought out in me that made me continue reading and push forward and I am extremely happy that I did.   I ended up coming to adore Dante and the relationship he shared with Charlie and her friends.  While clearly his intentions were not real in the beginning – watching him grow into the character he became was heart warming. To watch him form relationships with others that he had never had in his life before was endearing.  I will even admit that in the end – Dante even made me cry!

This book is filled with teen angst, turmoil, tragedy and love. It is heart warming, gut-wrenching and satisfying.

The ending was not at all what I was expecting and the few loose ends leaves you wanting more.  I look forward to the next installment of Dante!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Racing With the Wind by Regan Walker – a Review

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Racing With the Wind by Regan Walker – a Review

Racing with the Wind by Regan Walker is the first book in her Agents of the Crown Trilogy.

Description:
The intrepid daughter of an earl leaves Regency London for the Parisian court of Louis XVIII, where she finds adventure, mystery, and above all, love.

THE NIGHTHAWK
Hugh Redgrave, marquess of Ormond, was warned. Prinny had dubbed Lady Mary Campbell “the Swan,” but no ordinary man could clip her wings. She was a bluestocking hellion, an ill-advised match by every account. Luckily, he sought no bride. His work lay on the continent, where he’d become legend by stealing war secrets from Boney. And yet, his memories of Lady Mary riding her stallion were a thorn in his mind. He was the son of a duke and in the service of the Prince Regent…and he would not be whole until he had won her hand.

THE SWAN
It was unheard of for a Regency debutante to postpone her first season, yet Lady Mary had done just that. Far more interested in politics than a husband, she had no time for foolishness or frippery. Already she had assisted her statesman uncle in Paris, and she swore to return to the court of Louis XVIII no matter the danger. Like her black stallion, Midnight, she would always run free. Only the truest heart would race beside her.

Review:
Racing with the Wind takes place in England and France.  Napoleon (Boney) has been overthrown in France and Lady Mary’s uncle Adrian, Lord Baynes, is an integral part of the Prince Regent’s (Prinny’s) diplomatic force that travels abroad to ensure England’s place in world affairs.  Lady Mary’s father died when she was a child and her uncle has been more of a father figure than an uncle.   And she is more than interested in the political climate than she is in attending balls and galas in order to find a husband.  She does give in and attends a gathering where Hugh Redgrave catches her eye, and she catches his.  And, they both have reputations.  She as a hellion who won’t be told what to do, and he as a rake.

Hugh, who also works for the Prince Regent, goes to see Lord Baynes and is fascinated to see a woman riding a black stallion astride and in breeches…… Lady Mary.  Hugh meets with Lord Baynes and is invited to join then for lunch.  When Mary enters the room, she is surprised to see Marquess Redgrave sitting at their table.  They all make polite conversation, which grates on the Lady’s nerves, so she steers the conversation to politics.  Hugh is totally taken aback to see that Lady Mary is very knowledgeable in the political climate of England and France and is even more surprised to learn that she has accompanied her uncle to Paris on a diplomatic mission and was actually involved.  And, somehow, he knows his life will never be the same.

Once Lady Mary and her uncle Adrian arrive in France, she is caught up in political intrigue and the social scene in Paris.  Unbeknownst to her, Hugh Redgrave is in Paris as well.  Once she sees him, things start to happen quickly.  Mary is instrumental in helping gather information against those that would want Napoleon reinstated as ruler of France.  And Hugh is bound and determined to help keep Lady Mary safe.  Little did he know what a job that would be.

This was a wonderfully written story.  There is political intrigue, romance and a bit of mystery.  The descriptions of England and France were refreshing and not overdone.  And what a wonderful character Lady Mary was to read about.  She was determined to be her own person in a time where that sort of thing was frowned upon, but she never wavered from her convictions.  And Hugh Redgrave was the perfect companion for her. 

I have to say that if it were left up to me to read this book based on the description, I probably would not have picked it.  Thank God the author sent it and I had agreed to review it.  The story is intriguing from the beginning and it only grows from there.  There were times when I wasn’t sure who was the good guy and who was the bad guy and times when I could not turn the pages fast enough.  This book grabbed me and didn’t let go.  I loved this book so much that I contacted the author when I found out that it was book 1 in a trilogy and had to know when the next came out.  She was very gracious and humored me.  The next book in the trilogy, AGAINST THE WIND, should be out sometime around the end of this year, to be followed up by WIND RAVEN some time next year.  The next books are definitely on my MUST READ list.  I don’t really know what genre this series would fall in.  Historical romance, mystery…………  But I do know what category it falls in:  GREAT READ!!!

 Reviewed by Vickie    

Copy provided by Author

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