Sweet Rogue of Mine (The Survivors #9) by Shana Galen

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Sweet Rogue of Mine by Shana Galen

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋

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A sharpshooter who’s lost his sight…

When a stray pistol ball from the battlefield took Nash’s sight, it also took his entire identity. He’s retreated to his father’s county home to lick his wounds, but his drinking and isolation have only made things worse. When Nash’s father, a powerful earl, threatens to send Nash to an asylum, his former brothers-in-arms call in one of their own to set Nash back on the right course. Nash fears he’s fallen too far and perhaps ending it all is the best solution. Until he encounters a woman in the garden signing a bawdy tune at the top of her lungs.

An outcast who sees too much…

Prudence Howard has traveled the world with her missionary parents. But after the scandal she caused in Cairo, they’ve foisted her on a vicar in the small town of Milcroft and sailed to the Far East to evangelize without her. Pru doesn’t mean to cause trouble; it’s just that being good is so very hard. When she meets Nash Pope, she’s instantly intrigued. He might be hot-tempered, but he’s handsome and unusual and arouses her interest and passion like no one she’s ever met. He might not know he needs or even wants her help, but Pru has a plan to save him.

Together they glimpse a brighter future.

Nash is bewildered by the unconventional woman who keeps turning up on his doorstep. She tries to teach him night writing, claims a feral peacock is a momentous sign, and makes his toes curl when she kisses him. She refuses to give up on him. But though Nash finds it easy to believe in Pru, can he ever trust himself again? 

When we met Nash in the last book I knew his story was going to be a must-read and it didn’t disappoint. Nash and Pru are very different from each other and exactly what each other needed. There’s heat between them from the moment they meet and she is determined to keep him from being sent away or worse. Their love proves beauty is deeper than what you see because both believed they were ugly and no one would want them.

They brought out the best in each other and protected each other. Anyone around them could see the love and passion between them so it was no surprise when their passion leads to some problems that in the end helped them more. The peacock ties into everything and is a wonderful story.

Pru is full of life, stories, and doesn’t give up on anything or anyone. Her personality will make you smile from the start with the song she is singing and how bouncy she is. She knew what Nash needed wasn’t pity or help, but to take care of himself and deal with what haunted him. Because of the scandal in Cairo, she knew more than other young women and didn’t hide her passion.

Nash has shot a friend, locked himself away, and he fears he’ll hurt those he cares about. He used a gun to protect himself in more ways than one, but Pru made him lose the need for it. The more you learn about him the more you love him and you will be holding your breath when he must face his fears.

The ending was absolutely perfect and left me holding my breath the whole time and then jumping up and down with what happened.

Review: A Scandalous Bargain (The Pretenders #2) by Darcy Burke

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A Scandalous Bargain by Darcy Burke

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋

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Tricked into marriage five years ago, Thomas Devereaux, Lord Rockbourne is suddenly a widower. Rumors abound that his wife’s death may not have been an accident and given the troubling secrets Thomas keeps buried, even he isn’t entirely sure. But when a woman sees what happened, he agrees to accept her help to disguise the facts in exchange for not divulging her suspicious behavior. Their arrangement grows more complicated under the force of a scorching mutual attraction.

Abandoned by her father—a duke—after the death of her mother—his beloved mistress—Beatrix Linley has fought to become a daughter he could be proud of, that he would regret leaving. She becomes the toast of the Season until her penchant for pilfering pretty things threatens to expose the illicit past she needs desperately to remain hidden. Soon the scandal and darkness both Beatrix and Thomas fear comes to light, compelling them to finally face their demons—and potentially driving them apart forever. 

Scandals can lead to amazing things and happy endings. Beatrix and Thomas were meant to meet and what a shocking meeting they had when she saw the fight and his wife’s death. They both are drawn to each other and open up like they’ve known each other for years revealing things they’ve locked away. I loved the friendship that leads to more with them and it seemed like she had always belonged in his home.

They helped each other let go of the past and move forward. All they wanted was to protect their families from more scandal, but the truth of what happened was the only thing that could keep a bigger scandal away. I loved how they slowly revealed things about themselves and how it added to their passion.

Beatrix has only wanted to find her father and becoming a part of her family in some way. She knew if she was seen it would cause scandal, but never thought it would lead to love. I’ve loved her since the first book and was excited to learn more about her and this story didn’t disappoint. She will surprise you at every turn with her skills and way of thinking.

Thomas feels guilty over his wife’s death for many reasons and wants to protect his daughter from knowing about her mother. He needed a friend to show him it wasn’t his fault and give him a second chance at being happy. You’ll fall in love with him as soon as you read how he is with his daughter.

I can’t wait for Rafe’s story and to find out that mystery.

Review: Rebecca (Angel Creek Christmas Brides #15) by Lily Graison

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Rebecca by Lily Graison

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋

Amazon

Rebecca thought this Christmas was going to be another spent in the cold while looking into tinseled windows and dreaming of a life she’d never know. But fate throws her a lifeline when she jumps on a train headed west. When she arrives in Angel Creek, Montana to discover she’s assumed the identity of a mail order bride, she wonders how long it will take her new husband to realize she can’t cook, sew or clean a house properly?

Caleb Reilly bows to mounting pressure from his ailing mother and young daughter and sends away for a wife. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more he regrets the decision—until his new bride steps off the stagecoach. She isn’t what he’d been expecting. Nor does she resemble the woman he corresponded with and Caleb soon realizes Rebecca isn’t who she says she is. Can he trust this stranger with his daughter? And can he trust his own judgement when logic tells him one thing but his hearts begs he do another.

Another heartwarming Christmas time romance. Fate leads her on an adventure that changes her whole life. I love stories like this because one little thing leads to bigger and amazing things. There’s an instant connection between them and nothing can break it even when he realizes she isn’t who she claims to be. I loved how sweet they are and they seem to be perfect for each other and fate brought them together.

Rebecca is someone you just instantly like with her strong and spirited personality. She didn’t plan on getting on that train or pretending to be Diana, but the opportunity was literally handed to her. I loved how she was trying to become what he was expecting, but she had already won his heart.

Caleb wasn’t looking for love when he sent away for a mail-order bride, but something changed inside him the moment he saw her. He knew he loved her no matter who she was. He will melt your heart with how he talks about their wedding.

Review: Snowbound with the Viscount by Shana Galen

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Snowbound with the Viscount by Shana Galen

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋

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The weather outside is frightful….
Holly Farthing is not in the Christmas spirit. As a young widow, the holidays of the past three years have been lonely. When her good friend invites her to a house party, Holly almost declines. Until she learns Viscount Ivy will be in attendance. Ivy was a close friend of Holly’s brother at school, and she’s pined after the new viscount for years. But the Lord Ivy has always treated her like a little sister. Predictably, at the house party, Ivy barely notices Holly. It seems she’s lost her chance to capture his attention and affection…and then snow begins to fall.

But fireside with the viscount is delightful!
Adam Ivy is surprised when Holly arrives at the Dorsey house party alone. He assumed such a lovely young woman would be betrothed by now. Adam is drawn to Holly but unsure if there’s anything more than friendship between them. Then Holly’s future and reputation is plunged into danger, and Adam rushes to the rescue by proposing a false engagement. He’s certain he can straighten the matter out quickly…and then the snow begins to fall.

As the temperatures turn frigid, passions between Holly and Adam simmer. But can Adam prove to Holly that his feelings are anything but false?

I love Christmas time romances because they always have a magical element and this one has that plus a little mystery. I couldn’t put it down because you could tell there was a spark between just waiting to explode. They’ve known each other since they were kids and everyone knows there’s a spark there and her friend uses the house party as the perfect excuse to play matchmaker.

When another guest threatens her in multiple ways the fake engagement is the only way to stall while they figure out if what the man says is true and why. That fake engagement quickly turned to more as they spent more time together. I loved how they fell into acting like a couple without a thought and kept shocking each other. When the truth came out it I wasn’t expecting all of it and loved how that ended.

Holly seems so shy and quiet on the outside, but she’s really a strong and fiery woman. She loved her husband and having her memories of him threatened sent her into a panic, but she wanted the truth and wouldn’t be bullied. I loved how open and honest she was with Adam and that she had to know the truth.

Adam thought he jumped to protect Holly because she’s his friend’s sister, but his heart knew the real reason and it quickly showed when they were alone. I loved that he thought he was just protecting her, but everyone saw the love between them.

ARC Review: The Legend of a Rogue (Part of A Very Highland Holiday Anthology) (Legendary Rogues) by Darcy Burke

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The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke

Available now in the anthology or on it’s own December 1, 2020

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋

anthology – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | The Legend of a Rogue – Amazon | Kobo

Two years ago, storyteller Elspeth Marshall spent a magical afternoon with a handsome stranger. Roy enthralled her with the legend of a mystical sword—almost as much as with his kiss. When she encounters him at a Highland inn, she hears the sword may be real…and that his name isn’t Roy. She determines to find the blade as well as the truth about the enigmatic man she hasn’t been able to forget.

Wounded at Culloden, Tavish Crawford lost his family legacy, a centuries-old sword on the battlefield. Now many people would like to find it, including a villainous secret society and the captivating woman who has remained in his memory. When nefarious forces overtake the inn, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect the sword and the woman who has stolen his heart.

If you love stories about magical treasures you won’t want to miss out on this story! This is the prequel to Darcy’s Legendary Rogues series and goes back to after the battle at Culloden and gives us a story of a sword called Lann Dhearg that flames in battle. Elspeth and Tavish work together to find the sword and protect it from a group that are hunting for treasures like it.

Elspeth has been telling stories of these legendary treasures for years and the story of Lann Dhearg told to her by a stranger leaves her wanting to know more and it and him. I loved that she collected these stories so they wouldn’t be lost forever and how brave she was at all times. She was hurt when he never returned and was shocked to see him two years later going by a different name.

Tavish always meant to go back to Elspeth, but he had to find Lann Dhearg after losing it at Culloden. He knew the sword was powerful and he needed to protect his family’s legacy before it ended up in the wrong hands. I loved the moment he figured out the secret to controlling the sword’s power and when he made it clear he wanted to marry her. Who he really is was a surprise I didn’t see coming and I loved it.

ARC Review: The Bachelor Earl: Includes Bonus Scenes from The Untouchables by Darcy Burke

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The Bachelor Earl by Darcy Burke

Releasing December 1, 2020

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋

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The romantic prequel to the USA Today bestselling series, The Untouchables! This book includes bonus scenes from The Untouchables series featuring many of your favorite characters.

For two years following the death of her beloved husband, Eugenia, the Dowager Duchess of Kendal has grieved and kept to herself. Her cousin is hosting a house party and has persuaded Genie to attend—it’s the perfect opportunity to emerge from mourning. Genie is looking forward to seeing old friends but is shocked when she learns the true purpose of the occasion: to match widowed ladies with widowed and unmarried gentlemen.

Once infatuated with a young Eugenia Aldwick, Edmund Holt, Earl of Satterfield is thrilled when Genie arrives at the matchmaking house party. Mutual attraction sparks between them immediately, however he is in need of a wife who can provide an heir and she is unable to do so. Genie would also dearly love to be a mother after losing her daughter several years before. Can they embrace a second chance at love or will the demands of his title and the pull of her maternal heart prove too strong to ignore?

This is the prequel to Darcy’s Untouchables series and takes you back to a house party where the Duke of Kendal’s (the first Untouchable) stepmother found a second chance at love. I’m a big fan of second chance at love stories and this one doesn’t disappoint.

Genie and Edmund’s story was years in the making and everything brought them together at the perfect time. The scandalous house party allows everyone to be open and free to discover if they have a connection. I loved how scandalous it was especially the scene at the barn. I was holding my breath when she left the party and with events that followed.

Genie made a promise to her husband that she’d try to find happiness again, but she doesn’t think she’ll ever find that same happiness again. She pulled at my heart with the internal battle she had over being attracted to Edmund and then telling him her story. I loved seeing her go from kinda shy to a firecracker with him.

Edmund is a hopeless romantic that wants a love match and his heart has wanted Genie for years. There was no doubting his love for her even from the start because he only had eyes for her. He wasn’t going to let her go and didn’t care about duty. I loved him from the start because he would do anything for her.

Review: The Highlander’s Excellent Adventure (The Survivors #8) by Shana Galen

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The Highlander’s Excellent Adventure by Shana Galen

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋

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Just because they’ve run away…
Ines Neves and Emmeline Wellesley have both run away. Ines hid in a carriage from a tedious suitor, only to find, too late, the carriage had traveled out of London, not just around the block. To make matters worse, the carriage is that of a stranger: a handsome Highlander. Or perhaps a big, strapping Highlander makes matters better? Emmeline Wellesley has had four Seasons and cannot tolerate another. To force her mother to listen to her, she’s run away. But things haven’t gone well. She’s been locked in a closet, had all her money stolen, and somehow adopted a dog. When an old family friend shows up to save her, she doesn’t exactly welcome his help.

Doesn’t mean they don’t want to be found.
Duncan Murray doesn’t know what to make of the Portuguese-speaking woman in his carriage. She refuses to return to London, so he takes her to meet Nash Pope, a so-called friend who speaks Portuguese. On the way, he meets up with former soldier Stratford Fortescue and Stratford’s opinionated distant cousin, Miss Wellesley. The four travel together to Nash’s estate, and that’s when everything goes really wrong. On the run to Scotland, Duncan finds himself increasingly attracted to Ines, even though he knows he can never marry her. Stratford has always wanted Emmeline, but his family secret means he doesn’t deserve her. This excellent adventure might bring the couples together, but only if they manage to elude gun shots, a murderous brother-in-law, a vicious dog, and outlaws.

Two romances in one book are hard to pull off without one getting more attention than the other or you lose track of who’s POV you are reading. But Shana gives both an equal amount of attention and the story flows perfectly! When the POV changes it’s labeled at the start so you don’t lose track. Each couple was perfect for each other and together they all have some adventures that bring them together.

Ines and Duncan are absolutely perfect for each other. Both are incredibly stubborn and have what each other needs to grow and learn about themselves. They are a very very passionate couple and there’s no denying the heat between them. I loved all the ups and downs that lead to the final push of them getting together because I never knew how either one would react to something. His mother will make your jaw drop with how she talks and she’ll shock you in the end.

Ines wants passion, adventure, and danger, but the man her sister wants her to consider is nothing like that. She unknowingly hides away in the carriage of the wild Scot that she’s admired from afar and goes to great lengths to hide who she is. I loved her right away because she saw the chance for an adventure and took it. She didn’t back down from anyone and was willing to risk her heart instead of running from Duncan.

Duncan was shocked to find her in his carriage and wanted her that moment, but his mother’s wishes of an English bride keep him from acting on it. But a man can only hold out so long when the woman is tempting him at every turn and has made it clear how much she wants him too. He needed her to help him rediscover his heart and know somethings aren’t his fault. I’ve loved him from the first time we met him in this series.

Emmaline is tired of being told, what to eat, how to dress and to keep her mouth shut. She has no intention to marry and wants to hide away until she’s firmly on the shelf, but she never expected Stratford to come after her for the reason he did. I loved how determined and outspoken she was because she surprised me at every turn. She would help anyone and anything she could.

Stratford has always been drawn to Emmaline, but a secret has kept him from acting on it until he’s alone with her and she’s how passionate and caring she is. He learns that what he’s been seeking is something he already has in his friends and Emmaline. I loved that he never tried to change her or put her down for speaking her mind.

The ending was perfect and I didn’t want to put it down because both couples were wonderful.

Calling All Contemporary Romance Bloggers!

I’m putting a call out to fellow bloggers. Dawn Brower has a contemporary romance releasing in November and is looking for blogs to be a part of the release tour. ARCs of A Heart Redeemed will be available for those that want to review it as part of the tour.

If you are interested you can sign up using this form and share it with friends.

Review: A Secret Surrender (The Pretenders #1) by Darcy Burke

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you buy a book through my link. There is no extra charge and I use these funds to feed my book addiction. I only post links for books I love.*

A Secret Surrender by Darcy Burke

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋 

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A survivor of the mean streets of London’s East End, Selina Blackwell has learned to be a chameleon, and in her current iteration as a fortune-teller, she’s able to provide a Season for her sister. Only, Madame Sybila can’t be a chaperone, so Selina takes on another identity as the proper Lady Gresham. But when a Bow Street Runner takes too much of an interest in her business, it seems the crimes of her past will finally come to light.

Determined to prove that Madame Sybila is a fraud bent on fleecing London’s elite, Harry Sheffield enlists the help of the alluring Lady Gresham in exchange for introducing her to Society’s best. With his busy career and aspirations for the future, Harry has no time for marriage, but an affair is just right—until he discovers the lady’s disarming secret. Whatever his feelings for her, he can’t ignore who she is and who she’s been. And when she holds the key to the one case he couldn’t solve, he must choose justice or love.

Many secrets, lies, and gritty characters make for a book you can’t put down. I was hooked from the start with their first meeting and the instant attraction between them. This story continues the mystery of “the vicar” from the last book in The Spitfire Society series and it was a twist I never saw coming when it was all revealed.

Selina and Harry are made for each other and everyone can see it, but all the secrets hanging over them could destroy everything between them. I loved how the chemistry between them kept things light and pulled them from darkness when needed. They needed more than an affair and their love helped them find the truth in everything.

Selina has lost her true self over the years after having to do anything to survive and overcome the past. I loved her from the start because she did what she had to but also wanted to make things right and help people. She finally found her true self and the love she deserved.

Harry may come from a completely different upbringing than Selina, but he cares for people and wants justice for a crime that others forgot about. He knew deep down that he couldn’t let her go. I loved him from the start because he cares about those that others don’t seem too.

Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: A Dash of Romance by Paullett Golden

*This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you buy a book through my link. There is no extra charge and I use these funds to feed my book addiction. I only post links for books I love.*

A Dash of Romance by Paullett Golden

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋

Amazon

With quills and fantasies, they write their future.
​
Percival Randall lives an uncomplicated life of luxury, as he likes it. Not even an
ultimatum requiring marriage can tip the scales. A conniving young lady who
compromises his name to force a betrothal, however, is an impediment to happiness Percival must confront.
​
Abigail Walsley dreams of publishing novels rather than marrying dashing heroes. An unexpected proposal and a subsequent Banbury tale tumble her into a betrothal with a man she has never met. Following her dreams proves a challenge with a marriage of inconvenience on the horizon.
  
This is the love story of Percival and Abigail, two dreamers who write their love story one scene at a time.
​
​
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From second chance romances to mistaken identities, experience A Dash of
Romance in this collection of one short novel and fourteen bonus flash
fiction pieces.

What a tangled web a case of mistaken identity, a tall tale, and fake engagement can create. This was my first time reading one of Paullett Golden’s books and it won’t be my last. She weaved romance and self-discovery perfectly together with a dash of humor that I loved. Abbie and Percy and complete opposites from their backgrounds to the lives they have, but when together they are the perfect combination.

You see their love grows slowly page after page and how they grow as themselves and with each other. Their love is a sweet and pure love that draws you in.

Abbie wants nothing more than to write her story of a knight in shining armor, Little did she know that she was describing her own knight. I loved her from the start with how independent she was and that she wasn’t going to be forced to do anything. You can feel her emotions near the end and you want to scream for her.

Percy gives off the vibe of rogue without a care in the world, but you quickly learn he’s not all that he seems. Yes, he’s full of charm, but he’s always honest in what he says and wants. He learned a lot about himself and discovered what he wanted out of life.

You got to love both families and the support and love they give.

Excerpt

“Honored guests of The Tangled Fleece,” Mr. Randall said, his words enunciated, his voice loud and clear. “I have read the sage advice of Mr. Stitch from Sidvale’s prestigious newspaper, and I have taken his words to heart. Mr. Stitch is a wise man, far wiser than myself.”
The crowd mumbled, a hushed buzz circling the room. Abbie sank lower into her chair.
“Although Mr. Stitch’s words were for Miss Lucy, I must heed his advice if I am to prove my affections for a certain young lady who has stolen my heart. I stand before you today, a man struck by Cupid’s arrow. From the moment I first laid eyes on Miss Abigail Walsley, I knew myself affected. There is no cleverer or enchanting woman of my acquaintance. Would my betrothed please join me?”
Heads swiveled. Abbie sank until only her eyes peered over the table.
“Abbie, my darling love?”
She ducked under the table. Boot heels against wood clopped their way to her, louder as they approached until she could see the black sheen. A hand reached beneath the table, palm up. When the floor did not open and swallow her, she heaved a sigh and took his hand. Hoisted to her feet, her first sight was the dimpled smile and hazel eyes of her counterfeit intended. Her
heart flip-flopped. Turning her to face the onlookers, he laced their fingers. “My love for the vicar’s daughter runs so deeply that nothing could tear us asunder.” He gazed down at her, his expression full of doe-eyed, fake love. “My only hope is that we will share the same taste in curtains, for if anything could fell our affection, it would be pink, lacy curtains.”
The crowd erupted in laughter, a few of the patrons sighing with contentment.
If it was the last thing she did, she would bury him in the flower garden.

About the Author

Paullett Golden is a Houston, Texas native who now divides her time between
Northumberland, England and her hometown. She has been a university professor for over 20 years. When an oncologist told her she had three months to live, she decided it was time to fulfill her dream of being a novelist. As a survivor, she focuses her attention on writing. Her debut novel has hit the Amazon bestseller list multiple times and has won literary awards. She loves historical fiction of all kinds as a way to transport us to a
different time and place. All research comes from authentic resources of the era and from scholarly and peer-reviewed articles from researchers specializing in the time period. Though she may take liberties with the fictional aspects, she does aim for the fiction to reflect the mores, culture, laws, and environment of the time. When not writing, she can be found in her butterfly garden or on a race track.

https://www.paullettgolden.com/a-dash-of-romance
Facebook: @paullettgolden
Twitter: @paullettgolden
Instagram: @paullettgolden

Giveaway

July 13-21
Prizes: autographed book of choice from any book in The Enchantresses series;
autographed A Dash of Romance.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e81cec7d5/