Review: In Bed With a Rogue by Samantha Grace

He's the Talk of the Town
The whole town is tittering about Baron Sebastian Thorne having been jilted at the altar. Every move he makes ends up in the gossip columns. Tired of being the butt of everyone's jokes, Sebastian vows to restore his family's reputation no matter what it takes.

She's the Toast of the Ton
Feted by the crème of society, the beautiful widow Lady Prestwick is a vision of all that is proper. But Helena is no angel, and when Sebastian uncovers her dark secret, he's quick to press his advantage. In order to keep her hard-won good name, Helen will have to make a deal with the devil. But she's got some tricks up her sleeves to keep this notorious rogue on his toes...

What a truly heartbreaking and heartwarming story of secrets and familial love and devotion. Helena, Lady Prestwick has a reputation as a very proper woman and she will use that reputation to help her keep her deep, dark secret. Baron Sebastian Thorne's reputation is in shreds but he is determined to win over society for the sake of his younger sister. Witnessing these two interact was a treat, they both have so much love for their family and have such deep feelings for one another. I loved how this story moved beyond the upper classes and gave details of some various different classes at this time. The details were beautifully woven in the story without distracting from the entertainment and the flow of the story. I enjoyed meeting so many of the characters in this story and am hoping to catch up with them again in some new adventures. It has been days since I completed reading this story and 

yet I find myself still thinking about it and smiling.

Review: Why Lords Lose Their Hearts by Manda Collins

THE TRUTH COULD RUIN HER

In Manda Collins's Why Lords Lose Their Hearts, Perdita, the widowed Duchess of Ormonde, keeps a dangerous secret—the truth of how her brutish husband died. But a mysterious avenger seems to know it, too, and when anonymous threats turn into public attacks, there’s only one friend she can turn to for help—her husband’s former secretary, Lord Archer Lisle. The man who witnessed her every heartache. The kind of man whose love she can only dream of …

WILL HIS LOVE SAVE HER?

The youngest of the Duke of Pemberton’s five sons, Lord Archer Lisle is used to waiting his turn. For years, he could only stand by, seething, as Perdita suffered at the hands of her husband, but now she’s under threat from another source—one who will stop at nothing to make her pay for the late duke’s death. But the good-natured Archer can be dangerous when crossed—and he’ll do anything to keep the woman he’s adored for so long safe in his arms…

Once again Manda Collins provides intrigue and romance in a fabulous historical setting. and once again her story is loaded with fantastic characters headed by an engaging lead couple. And once again backdrop of an amazingly serious situation is woven seamlessly throughout the story but does not add a dark depressing note, rather I once again found myself buoyed by the attitudes and optimism of the women forced to deal with brutish men. Perdita is such a strong heroine and I couldn't help but feel a connection to her and a genuine curiosity upon meeting her in a previous story. Archer's devotion to Perdita won me over from the beginning. Here is an intelligent, strong, capable man who will stop at nothing to keep the woman he loves safe. How could he not win me and the woman of his dreams? I find myself once again highly recommending a Manda Collins book!

Review: His Every Need by Terri L. Austin

Allie Campbell is determined to take care of her family, no matter the cost.  But when her father loses their home to British tycoon Trevor Blake, Allie finds herself forced to plead for more time to pay off the loan... and if she has to use her own body as collateral, then so be it.

Trevor isn't moved by Allie's story.  But when Allie impulsively offers to do anything to keep the house, he's intrigued enough to raise the stakes; for the next two months, she must cater to his every need, no matter how depraved.  To his amazement, she agrees.

Allie has no intention of enjoying her time with the arrogant, domineering Brit, but it doesn't take long before he's got her aching for his touch--and he'll do whatever it takes to make her beg....

I was pleasantly surprised with this interesting adventure that has surprises of human nature at every turn. There were lots of unusual emotional issues and how they were handled was great.  I liked that there were several subplots going on and it kept you very interested. 

Allie was shown as a giving person, but was she giving too much for her family that didn't seem to care. Trevor a Brit was standoffish at first, but it was great to see how he broke that down when he realized just what Allie was willing to give and give up for her family.

An intriguing story of family dynamics and how they work everything out.

Review: Behind The Scandal by M.A. Stacie

Sent to the family ranch to overcome his addiction, Taylor Reese is angry and hurt. Feeling rejected by his father and brother, Taylor throws himself into ranch life to help him forget.  He struggles with his addiction though refuses help.  However, it isn't long before the stark realization of how much his life has spiraled out of control hits him hard.  He begins to question every aspect of his life, the confusion leaving him floundering and looking for something, or someone, to cling to.

Libby Karlin is cautious, wary of Taylor's presence.  His brutal honesty and lack of respect claw at her composure.  Her dark past makes her reluctant to let anyone near her family, but when Taylor strikes up a friendship with her son, Libby finds herself drawn to the sadness within him.. His experiences are no secret to her.  She sees where his world turned upside down and offers him a helping hand.  Her own secrets stay buried, locked away until a knock on her door has her gasping for breath.

Libby's fear paralyzes her as she comes face to face with her demons.  Knowing she couldn't hide forever doesn't help her situation yet determined to stay strong, she battles for a way out.

Could dealing with their past really give them a future?

I thought that M.A. Stacie was terrific in her novel of drug addiction, abuse and overcoming horrible obstacles.  The compassion shown in helping people instead of ignoring them is a lesson many need to know.

I really enjoyed how Taylor fought off his addiction and became friends with Libby's son, even though he wasn't used to children and was going through his own hell.  Libby let in Taylor even though her past made it hard for her to trust again. Then she was willing to do everything to keep her son safe.

Review: The Game and the Governess by Kate Noble

Trading Places meets Pride and Prejudice in this sexy, saucy romance—first in a new series from the author of YouTube sensation The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.

Three friends. One Wager. Winner takes all.

The Earl—‘Lucky Ned’ Ashby. Pompous, preening, certain that he is beloved by everyone.
The Miller—John Turner. Proud, forced to work as the Earl’s secretary, their relationship growing ever more strained. 
The Doctor—Rhys Gray. Practical, peace-loving, but caught in the middle of two warring friends.

Their wager is simple: By trading places with John Turner and convincing someone to fall in love with him, Ned plans to prove it’s him the world adores, not his money. Turner plans to prove him wrong.

But no one planned on Phoebe Baker, the unassuming governess who would fall into their trap, and turn everything on its head…

It almost pains me to write this review as Kate Noble is one of my favorite Regency authors and while this story was as skillfully written as all the previous I have read I just could not feel anything for the hero. Okay well that isn't quite true, I disliked him and while I have read plenty of stories where the hero starts off needing redemption I could not get over his grandiosity. I fully expected him to be somewhat arrogant, haughty and even a tad pretentious but he was just too much so. I  could not forgive him the wager and the carefree way he decided to hurt some unknown woman to simply win it. Phoebe Baker was an appealing heroine, in an unfortunate situation and yet she was able to smile and find a niche for herself. While I did not find this book as entertaining as the previous I have read by this author it is still a solid read and a good way to while away a cozy evening.

Review: Rogue with a Brogue by Suzanne Enoch

A ROGUE FOR EVERY LADY

London, 1817: Stuck in a Mayfair ballroom thanks to his lovestruck brother, highlander Arran MacLawry wants nothing but a bit of　distraction from an arranged betrothal—and a clever　auburn-haired lass in a vixen’s mask promises just that...until he discovers that she’s the granddaughter of the Campbell, chief of　clan　MacLawry’s longtime rival. Despite their families’ grudging truce, falling for fiery Mary Campbell is a notion too outlandish even for this Highlander…

THE THRILL OF THE FORBIDDEN

Raised on tales of savage MacLawrys, Mary is stunned to realize the impressively strapping man in the fox’s mask is one of them. Surely the enemy shouldn’t have such a broad chest, and such a seductive brogue? Not that her curiosity matters—any dalliance between them is strictly forbidden, and she’s promised to another. But with the crackling spark between them ready to ignite, love is worth every risk…in Rogue with a Brogue by Suzanne Enoch.

I freely admit that I have a huge weakness for sexy Scots and let me tell you, Suzanne Enoch definitely knows her Scottish men! And let me say she has a good few in this book. This story with its take on forbidden love kept me turning the pages late into the night and it was worth my lost hours of sleep. Arran MacLawry is not your typical Regency hero and readers and the heroine are happy about that. Honestly I don't think my heart could swell so much as it did when he was chasing the unwanted visitor in his brother's house. I'm still smiling over the entire incident. Mary Campbell might not have been raised in the Highlands but she has all the fiery qualities associated with the region and I appreciated them as much as MacLawry did. I cannot wait to read a follow up story containing these characters as I'm sure there are so many more adventures to be had.

Review: A Winter Wedding by Amanda Forester

This adventurous duke...
The Duke of Marchford requires a suitable bride, but catching spies for the Foreign Office takes up most of his time. Not wanting to face another London season as an eligible man, he employs the notorious Madame X to find him a match.

Has met his match
Miss Penelope Rose knows the rules of marriage among members of the ton better than most. Her own unsuccessful attempts at matrimony did not stop her from becoming London's most exclusive matchmaker. Marchford proves to be a difficult client, but as he draws on her social expertise to help him flush out a dangerous traitor, they find that falling in love may be the riskiest adventure of all.

This is the kind of Regency romance I love to read and I cannot say thank you enough to this fabulous author!  You know how sometimes all you really want is a book that leaves you smiling, well this is one of those stories. Miss Penelope Rose is a fantastic heroine, she's so intelligent and so strong and yet at the heart of it all she is a young woman in love and who cannot relate to that? The Duke of Marchford is a formidable man who Penelope believes is far above her reach when it comes to romance but that doesn't mean she cannot help him out where and when he needs it. I love that their relationship is already so solid and yet neither one seems to notice until they delve further into the mystery. The interaction between the two is just so authentic and the historic details and descriptions enhance the authenticity. The supporting characters add a depth to the story and provide insight into the lead couple while advancing the story without forcing anything. What a fantastic Sunday afternoon read and I'm looking forward to reading many more by this talented author.

Review:Blood Gold by Ashley Nemer

Ever wonder how the Algulas were created, how their rituals came to be? In Blood White you get to read the novella Blood Gold. In which you learn how all this has come to be. Plus there are small treats like interviews, deleted scenes from the Blood Series Trilogy and other things.

Being an active reader of this series I have had a privilage to review each and every one. The more I read, the more I wondered what was going on in the head of author Ashley Nemer. The character's storyline were so descriptive that you were truly able to see in your minds eye what was written on the page. With all the questions that kept poping in my head about certain things, Blood White and Gold answered them all. And it still leaves me to wonder what is to come. This series is one of a kind, and I have felt honored to be able to read them all as well as get to know Ashley as a writer and as a person.

Review: Long, Hot Texas Summer by Carolyn Brown

A sassy redhead with an axe to grind…

After catching her husband kissing another woman in the barn, Loretta Sullivan Bailey left Lonesome Canyon Ranch and swore she’d never come back. But when her daughter threatens to drop out of college to become a rancher’s wife, Loretta refuses to let her baby make the same mistake she did. She returns to the ranch, determined to get her daughter back in school by the summer’s end…and resolute on ignoring her feelings for her ex-husband.

A bullheaded but oh so sexy cowboy…

A cowboy from his hat to his boots, ruggedly handsome rancher Jackson Bailey is none too pleased that his feisty—and gorgeous—ex-wife has suddenly shown up seventeen years after their divorce. But despite all their fighting and fussing, the two stubborn former lovers soon discover that old flames burn the hottest. Can they finally put aside their differences and find happiness together…forever?

Okay, it's true I have a weakness for sassy redheaded heroines, must be because I feel such an affinity with them. I can't say as if Loretta and I had anything in common besides our hair colour. I have to say I don't know where this woman got the strength to walk away from her sweet and sexy first love. I'll be honest I chose this book by the author's name alone, She just has the most wonderful way of spinning tales of larger-than-life cowboys and the women they love. So I didn't even read the blurb and if I had I probably would have passed it up because I am not a fan of stories about lovers being reunited, especially if they have been previously married to one another. But I got an absolutely wonderful story that was fair with both parties of the failed relationship and left me feeling happy and after all that's what a good romance should do for a reader. The supporting characters and the setting made this hot Texas read a fantastic choice for every season.

Review: How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries.

The third deliciously sexy novel in the New York Times bestselling Duke’s Men historical romance series, featuring an investigator who sets out to find gypsies—and unexpectedly finds love.

Investigator Tristan Bonnaud has one aim in life—to make sure that his half-brother George can’t ever ruin his life again. So when the pesky Lady Zoe Keane, the daughter of the Earl of Olivier, shows up demanding that the Duke’s Men find a mysterious gypsy woman, he seizes the opportunity to also hunt for a gypsy friend who knows secrets about George. Tristan doesn’t expect to uncover Lady Zoe’s family secrets, as well…or end up falling for the woman who will risk all to discover the truth.

Investigators, thieves, liars and gypsies, oh my! What more could you ask for when it comes to the exploits of some highly compelling aristocrats? I thoroughly enjoy historical romances by Ms. Jefferies and I'm surprised that I've not read the previous two books in the Duke's Men series but after reading about the adventures of Lady Zoe and Tristan I'm definitely going to remedy that. This was not a truly traditional Regency romance but it was definitely an engaging and enjoyable escapade. Zoe's American cousin entertained me to no end with his blunt speech and candid attitude, he left me smirking quite frequently. I loved the combination of Tristan and Zoe as they truly did seemed destined to be together. The chemistry between these two is undeniable and the reader gets to witness it firsthand almost immediately. I highly recommend this story if you are looking for a romantic journey complete with a memorable cast of characters and unusual situations.

Review: How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less by Elizabeth Michels

"I want to know you, to understand anything at all about you, because you are the most maddening lady I have ever encountered."

He's the perfect gentleman...
After years hidden away from the mockery of the Ton, proud Andrew Clifton, Lord Amberstall, is finally ready to face Society again. But when his horse is injured on the road to London, Andrew finds himself literally thrown at the feet of the beautiful, infuriating, and undeniably eccentric Katie Moore.

...she's anything but a lady.
Katie always preferred the stables to society, so when she was badly injured in a riding accident, she was more than happy to retreat to the countryside and give up the marriage mart for good. She never expected an infuriatingly proper lord to come tumbling into her life-and she certainly never expected to find herself wondering what it would be like to rejoin the world at his side. They couldn't be more different, and soon Andrew and Katie find themselves at odds about everything but the growing passion between them...and a keen awareness of a threat that may end their unconventional romance before it has even begun.

I didn't think anything could make me feel differently about Lord Amberstall after meeting him in a previous book but Elizabeth Michels proves first impressions are not always accurate. Andrew Clifton is not quite the proud man I remember from his previous appearance and while he still has his pompous moments he soon became one of my favourite heroes. Now Katie made a much more positive impression on me in another previous story and I can't believe these were the two the author chose to put these two together. What a wonderful couple and I'm so glad she saw something I didn't. This was a wonderful adventure and it was fantastic catching up with some former acquaintances. There is no need to read the previous books to understand this story, however once you do read this one I know you'll be as big a fan as I am and you'll want to run out and get your hands on all this author's previous books.

Release: Sweet Surprise by Candis Terry + Giveaway

Synopsis: Playing naughty or nice . . .

Fiona Wilder knows all about falling in lust. Love? That's another story. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, the single mom and cupcake shop owner is focused on walking the straight and narrow. But trouble has a way of finding her. And this time it comes in the form of a smoking hot firefighter who knows all the delicious ways to ignite her bad-girl fuse.

Can lead to heartbreak . . .

Firefighter Mike Halsey learned long ago that playing with fire just gets you burned. He's put his demons behind him, and if there's one line he won't cross, it's getting involved with his best friend's ex. But when fate throws him in the path of the beautiful, strong, and off-limits Fiona, will he be able to fight their attraction? Or will he willingly go down in flames?

Or a sweet surprise!

Excerpt: "Fiona swallowed. Something warm and forbidden swirled in the pit of her stomach, then wound its way into her heart and other vital parts of her body. In the old days she’d tug him closer and take what she wanted. But this was a new day. A new Fiona. A more responsible Fiona who, unfortunately, couldn’t seem to get this man off her mind. “Then maybe this won’t work out.” She eased her hand from his and instantly missed the fire in his touch. “Maybe.” Those broad shoulders beneath that fresh cotton T-shirt lifted in a nonchalant shrug. “I’m willing to give it a shot if you are.” Give what a shot, she wanted to ask. The actual work? Or the sexual tension that ignited between them like gasoline and matches? A sigh expanded her chest. “If you’re going to work for me there can’t be any flirting. Or touching.” His smile widened to a grin. “It’ll be a pleasure working under you.” Oh boy."-- Candis Terry, Sweet Surprise

About the Author: Candis Terry was born and raised near the sunny beaches of Southern California and now makes her home on an Idaho farm. She's experienced life in such diverse ways as working in a Hollywood recording studio to scooping up road apples left by her daughter's rodeo queening horse to working as a graphic designer. Only one thing has remained constant: Candis' passion for writing stories about relationships, the push and pull in the search for love, and the security one finds in their own happily ever after. Though her stories are set in small towns, Candis' wish is to give each of her characters a great big memorable love story rich with quirky characters, tons of fun, and a happy ending.
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Review: Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen

Her name is Bonde, Jane Bonde...

A beautiful and eligible member of the ton, Jane has more than a few secrets: she's one of the Crown's most elite agents. She may be deadly, but she doesn't know a thing about fashion, flirtation, or love...until Dominic Griffyn shakes up her carefully stirred world and asks her to be his bride. He's exactly the kind of man she's not looking for. And he's dangerous, because falling into his arms is so much more satisfying than saving England from her enemies.
 
Tall, dark, and tortured, Dominic Griffyn is haunted by demons from his past. When his stepfather insists that he marry, Dominic allows himself to hope that the beautiful but mysterious Miss Bonde might help him forget his troubles. As they grow closer, it's clear that there's more to Jane than danger. She might be just what his neglected heart needs.

I freely admit to not being a big fan of James Bond movies and books but I love Regency romances and I found the idea intriguing. I'm so happy I chose to read this book as it was a fabulous adventure loaded with some deeply serious subject matter but entertained immensely. Jane Bonde is a fantastic heroine, a lady all women can admire for her abilities and her faults. Dominic is as unconventional as the heroine and they are destined for one another. This couple is so absorbing, their individual histories engrossing. This wasn't the typical Regency romance I enjoy so much and yet I was far from disappointed. I loved the grittiness of it, the rough adventure, the stark realness set in such a cheerful setting. The details in the spy game was fascinating and I enjoyed meeting the interesting cast of characters, some were so much more endearing than others but they were all enticing in their own way. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something not only entertaining but unusual.

Review: Apart At The Seams by Melissa Ford

Readers met and loved Arianna Quinn in Life from Scratch and again in Measure of Love, where she was the loyal best girlfriend every woman wants. Yet even then, Arianna's sensible single life hid a not-so-sensible secret--she was falling for her best friend's brother. Now, in Apart at the Seams, Arianna faces choices she never expected...

She had Mr. Right all sewn up, until Mr. Wonderful came along. Ethan is smart, funny, kind, gentle, great with Beckett, Arianna Quinn's toddler son, a fantastic lover, and finally ready to settle down to a teaching job in Manhattan after years of nomadic work as a freelance photographer.  Plus he's the brother of Arianna's matchmaking best friend, Rachel.

He's a truly special man, and the time seems right for him to move in to Arianna's apartment. But then he utters the "m" word.  Mariiage. Even knowing that Arianna never wants to walk down the aisle.

Arianna is on the verge of a promotion at her fashion industry job.  Suddenly her career is the central focus of her life--and into that focus walks Noah, a worldly, funny, sophisticated and very successful writer for an award-winning television show. Their instant rapport leads to a design opportunity for Arianna and a friendship that slowly threatens the nomds she and Ethan hold dear.

I thought the book was very well written with lots of humor, romance and information about the fashion industry. This is great to read and learn about the fashion industry and all the struggles and rewards for all the hard work involved.  Also the personal struggle with which man would be best for her and her son is well written and believable.  I am now going to read the authors other books.

The parts I liked best were showing the fashion industry and how the different jobs are done and interact with each other. Also the struggle to get ahead.  The funny times when Adrianna met Noah and their blossoming friendship were great.  Also the actions of her young child were sweet.