Spotlight on Collette Cameron and ‘Passion and Plunder’!

BOOK BLURB: Would you sacrifice everything for the person you love, knowing you can never be together?

A desperate Scottish lady

Lydia Farnsworth—the sole surviving heir to the Laird of Tornbury Fortress—has lost nearly everyone she loves. Now her father lies on his deathbed. And as if this isn’t dire enough, he’s invited men from the surrounding area to a warrior’s contest—the winner to claim Lydia as his bride.

A Scotsman dueling with his past

Alasdair McTavish, son of Craiglocky Keep’s war chief, is a seasoned warrior in his own right. So when he’s sent to Tornbury to train the Farnsworth soldiers, he’s more than equal to the task.

A danger unseen

When a dangerous adversary makes a move against Lydia, a dastardly scheme comes to light, and Alasdair realizes only he can protect Lydia.

BUY LINKS: Amazon 

GIVEAWAY

One digital set of books 1-4 in the Highland Heather series,

a beautiful scarf

and 2 $25 Amazon Gift Cards

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EXCERPT:

A few feet inside the room, Lydia spun around and planted her hands on her hips. “Pray tell me, what you’re doing? Why are you so upset and acting like a savage? I but spoke the truth. I’m not your responsibility.”

Alasdair leaned against the door, his eyes hooded, and an almost predatory demeanor about his large form. His lips twitched with her last fiery declaration, but he kept stoically silent.

His untamed hair hanging nearly to his shoulders, golden stubble shadowing his face’s chiseled planes, and an unfathomable, wild glint in his steely azure eyes, accented his Viking ancestry. All he needed was a battle-axe and round shield to complete the image of a fierce, marauding Norseman.

And she wouldn’t mind all that much if he’d laid siege to Tornbury.

She feared he’d already done so with her heart.

Oh, the plundering hadn’t been the overwhelming bedeviling of senses as Flynn’s had.

No, Alasdair’s onslaught had been a subtle, insidious seduction, snaring her before she even realized she’d been led into a trap.

He smiled then, that charming, tempting bending of his strong mouth which, despite her pique, towed at her reluctant heartstrings and sent a frisson of excitement coursing through her pores.

His absurdly broad shoulders and marbled muscles appealed to her femininity. Why must he be so deliciously masculine?

Still, he owed her an explanation for lugging her into the drawing room like an errant child.

“Well?” Widening her eyes, she leaned forward a mite, demanding an explanation, irritated at his highhandedness and her wanton response. “What, you’ve nothing to say now? After you dragged me in here, like a crazed, uncivilized barbarian?”

REVIEW: This is book five in Highland Heather Romancing a Scot series but it can definitely be read as a standalone.

The first word that came to my mind as I read the last page was WOW! This story was chalk full of wow’s. The setting of Scottish Highlands was wow; the heroine’s strength and bravery is wow and the hero is to die for, so wow for him as well.

As usual, Ms. Cameron gives us an intriguing plot, and coupled with a fast pace and great characterization, this story was vastly entertaining as well as heartwarming. I adored the main characters and thoroughly enjoyed their road to happily ever after. The chemistry between the two was electric!

If you’re a fan of kilted men that speak with a burr, this story is for you. If you’re a fan of Scottish Highlands, you’ll let Ms. Cameron take you there. Her wonderful prose and descriptive story telling will enchant you.

Melanie for b2b

Gift copy provided by the author for an honest review

AUTHOR BIO: Bestselling, award-winning author, COLLETTE CAMERON pens Scottish and Regency historicals featuring rogues, rapscallions, rakes, and the intelligent, intrepid damsels who reform them.

Mother to three, Collette admits to a quirky sense of humor, enjoys inspiring quotes, and anything cobalt blue. A self-confessed Cadbury chocoholic, she lives in Oregon with her miniature dachshunds.

You’ll always find dogs, birds, occasionally naughty humor, and a dash of inspiration in her sweet-to-spicy timeless romances.

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Spotlight on Elizabeth Keysian and ‘Unmasking the Earl’!

BOOK BLURB: Devastated by the disappearance of his sister, the Earl of Stranraer has gone to extraordinary lengths to find the notorious rake responsible, and enters his household incognito to wreak his vengeance. But his enemy has an unexpected protector—the innocent but headstrong Miss Cassandra Blythe.

Cassie is determined to learn the art of seduction. But she is blindsided by her body’s thrilling response to the wrong man—a mysterious servant who shows up at the most inauspicious moments to spoil her lessons in love with warnings of her imminent ruin. When she learns the handsome servant’s identity and the reason for his deception, she resolves to help Stranraer, but only if he abandons his vow to destroy his enemy.

The earl is sorely tempted to give the meddlesome beauty a lesson in seduction she’ll never forget. But she turns the tables, and he gets his own lesson in forgiveness…and love.

BUY LINKS: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo /

GIVEAWAY

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EXCERPT:

Beyond the curved walls and dome of his jail, village life continued. He had heard a coach arrive, empty, fill, and leave again. There’d been the heavy hooves of horses pulling wagons, the screeching of jackdaws, and the clack clack clack of pigeon wings. Now he could hear soft feminine voices, growing louder as they approached.

“I understand some poor wretch was cast into the Blind House last night,” one woman said.

Ned ground his teeth. Yes. That would be him. He didn’t care for being called a poor wretch.

“Does that happen often?” the other woman enquired.

“Not too often. They are usually let go the following day. It’s assumed they’ve learned their lesson…or sobered up. There’s the pillory for repeat offenders, of course,” answered the first voice.

“How dreadful,” exclaimed the second.

Ned’s ears pricked up. That voice. Had he heard it before?

“Achilles Marsh, our constable, is meticulous in carrying out his duties. He owns a full set of Parish Law and can quote you chapter and verse.”

Ned scowled, distracted by the name of his persecutor. Achilles Marsh. He would remember that name.

“If you stand on this stone here, you can peep in,” the first woman informed her companion.

“Heavens, no. I don’t wish to revel in some stranger’s misfortune.”

Ned felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He did know that voice. All too well.

He leaped up and went as close to the bars as his chains would allow.

“Miss Blythe? I am quite certain I ordered you to go home and stay out of trouble,” he called.

There was a strangled noise from outside, then, after a bout of scrabbling, a bonneted head appeared silhouetted against the sky.

“My l— er, Ned? Is that really you?”

He ground out, “Miss Blythe. What are you doing here?”

As if he didn’t know.

After a guilt-laden pause, she said, “I’m here to visit my friend, Mrs. Fiennes. I believe I mentioned she lives in Aston.”

He was proud of how he kept his temper. Quod erat demonstrandum. He could control it. “You travelled alone?”

“I came with my maid, Ella. Not Wycherley, if that’s what you’re asking,” she said, with obvious affront.

He heard the first voice ask, “Is this one of the people you were asking about?” A second shadow obscured the opening. “Good afternoon!”

Ned groaned inwardly. As if it wasn’t bad enough for Cassie to see him in this mortifying situation.

Both heads disappeared amid a muffled discussion. Ned’s chains clanked dismally as he scrubbed his face with his hands. Could this day get any worse?

REVIEW: This is the second story in Wayward in Wessex series and not reading the first story, I can safely say that I had no trouble following this one. I don’t think it’s necessary for you to read the first one either in order to understand the goings on in here.

If you love lighthearted and romp romances, this one will fit the bill to a tee! There’s a lot going on here with lots and lots of characters that are fun and funny. I enjoyed the characterization of both leads and their interaction was fun. I also found the setting of the countryside appealing and refreshing.

This is a perfect story to lighten the rainy day afternoon.

Melanie for b2b

Gift copy provided by the publisher for an honest review

AUTHOR BIO: Elizabeth first started writing fiction when she was eight, encouraged to do so by her Head Teacher father, who needed something to keep her quiet during school holidays. Her favorite topics were mermaids, ghosts, Norman knights and quests, and she illustrated and decorated her own books. She emerged from the world of her imagination to read History at the University of London, after which she spent many years working as an archaeologist and artifact illustrator. She then became a primary school teacher, after which she moved to museum education work, and display and collections management.

Elizabeth has been involved in Medieval, Tudor, and English Civil War re-enactment and has enjoyed sword-play and traditional archery, excelling in neither. She lived for seven years on a Knights Templar estate in Essex where she pursued her interest in historical textiles, cookery and medicine. She loves anything to do with the past, and still looks down holes in the ground to see if there’s anything archaeological in them. There generally isn’t.

She has written fifteen historical romances since moving to the West of England in 1997, the landscape and history of which have inspired the “Wayward in Wessex” series. Book #1 in the series, “Distracting the Duke”, has recently been published by Entangled Publishing.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

“Always True to Her (Emerson Book 2)” by Maureen Driscoll #Spotlight

One of my favorite authors blogs about some of her favorite things. Maureen shares her personal insights on books from two of her series, The Kellingtons and The Emersons.
Also, THREE random commenters will win ebooks each day this week! Good times!
Check it out!

Nesie's Place

Historical Romance Month continues this week on Nesie’s Place with the work of author Maureen Driscoll in the spotlight! Maureen shares her personal insights on books from two of her series, The Kellingtons and The Emersons. Also, THREE random commenters will win ebooks each day this week! Good times!

This is from the second series I did, about the Emerson family.  The Kellingtons are rich.  The Emersons start out poor and they remain that way through (most of) five books.  That did not go over too well with some readers.  And this book got the most hate, though it’s probably my favorite.

For me, it’s fun to think of the fantasy where the rich guy comes in, loves you truly and sweeps you off your feet while showering you with money (basically all the Kellington books, except Lizzie’s husband is also rich and titled).  But for me, there’s something…

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‘The Bride’ by Julie Garwood

STORY: By the king’s edict, Alec Kincaid, mightiest of the Scottish lairds, must take an English bride. And Jamie the youngest daughter of Baron Jamison, is his choice. From his first glimpse of the proud and beautiful English lady, Alec felt a burning hunger stir within him. This was a woman worthy of his fearless warrior’s spirit. And he aches to touch her, tame her, possess her…forever.

But with the wedding vows, Jamie pledges her own secret oath: She will never surrender her love to this Highland barbarian. He was everything her heart warned her against — an arrogant, brooding scoundrel whose rough good looks and seductive embrace fire her blood. But when strange accidents begin to threaten Jamie’s life and an old rumor that Alec killed his first wife spreads anew, something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer her senses.

REVIEW: I read this book decades ago [this is the first book in Lairds’ Fiancées series] and thought to revisit it once more but in audio. Let me say this up front. My love of romance started with Jude Deveraux and Julie Garwood so I’m a huge fan. However, sometimes what has been written and read decades ago, can be quite different from reading it today. I’m so happy to report that this story was even better today than years ago. I loved everything about it, especially Rosalyn Landor. She made the words written come alive. Her accent was spot on, be it English or Scotts.

As for characters, all were three dimensional and complex, especially the heroine, Jamie.  Her sweetness and lovability was contagious. You can’t help but like this self-deprecating and self-sacrificing character. She was adorable.

On the other hand, I had some doubts about Alec. At the start of the story we see a lot of arrogance, but as the story develops, we get to know him better and to like him more. He was strong yet caring of his clan and especially of his English wife. Wonderful Alpha male with some sensitive beta hero characteristics.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun and funny medieval romance. The author made me believe in these two and their story. I was vested in them but the mystery within made me a bit antsy. Thank God it all worked out!

Years after it’s written, this story still stands strong. Highly recommending!

Melanie for b2b

‘The Rogue of Islay Isle’ by Heather McCollum

STORY: Cullen Duffie, a Highland warrior and charming rogue, is the new chief of Clan MacDonald. Determined to prove he’s not his father, Cullen works to secure his clan against the English. When a woman washes onto Islay’s shores, Cullen protects her from his uncles’ schemes.

Waking up not knowing who she is or where she comes from, Madeleine is at the mercy of the man who found her. Unable to speak from the swelling around her throat from a rope tether, she learns as much as she can about the new world around her and the powerful, sword-wielding Highlander who has sworn to protect her.

Through dreams and flashes of her past, Madeleine begins to rebuild her memories. But the more she recalls about the horror she escaped, the more she realizes the jeopardy she is bringing to Islay, Clan MacDonald and the Highlander who has captured her heart.

REVIEW: This is book two in Highland Isles series, and not having read the first book I can safely say that regardless of the fact, I thought this story can stand on its own.

What I liked the best in this story were the main characters. I thought they were charming and intriguing. I also found it fast moving and filled with action and the mystery surrounding the heroine kept me glued to the story.

I actually liked their instant attraction and enjoyed their road to happily ever after.

This story is for all of you Outlander fans. It’ll fill in Droughtlander perfectly! It will have you sighing from page one.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

‘The Cat’s Meow’ by Stacey Kennedy

STORY: When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby, an enchantress, is determined to discover who is behind the odd deaths. But being a witch gifted by the Goddess won’t protect her from the talented warlock the Coven sends to assist her. Kale weaves a spell more powerful than any she’s ever seen–and he’s sexy as sin. But why he’s even needed for such a simple mission is beyond her.

While having some muscle around can’t hurt her investigation, fighting her growing attraction for Kale is worse than a hex, especially considering she knows he—and their Coven—are hiding something from her. When she turns up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats, though, the elusive warlock isn’t the her only concern. She now has a political rebellion on her hands, too. And when the truth about who she really is begins to surface, the only person Libby can trust is herself.

REVIEW: Once in a while I meander off to a genre I hardly read because I like the blurb, or a cover, or both, as is with this story.

I have to say this wasn’t bad, but it left me confused and disappointed by the end of it. Characters lacked in development and the plot was predictable. The pace however had me finishing this in two sittings because it moved the story to its inevitable conclusion.

If you’re in a  fan of paranormal romances, I think you might like it, but be warned. This romance lacks that most important ingredient: chemistry.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

Spotlight on ‘The Dukes of Vauxhall’ Anthology!

BOOK BLURB: Four dukes. Two balls. One prizefight.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens will never be the same.

After England’s victory in the Battle of Waterloo, the Prince Regent arranges a series of lavish celebrations at London’s notorious Vauxhall Gardens. The royal festivities bring together the rich and the desperate, the criminal and the lordly…and allow four very different dukes to find the love of a lifetime.

A proper viscount is kidnapped by a duke of the criminal underworld, only to encounter a mysterious woman from his past. A retired prizefighter, once known as the Duke of the Ring, stakes his reputation on a scrappy young boxer for the sake of a long-lost love. A traveler who inherited a dukedom needs a tightrope dancer’s help with a fake engagement that just might turn real. And the buccaneer son of a royal duke goes hunting for a respectable, highborn wife to salvage his scandalous reputation.

Let the pleasures begin…

BUY LINKS: Amazon / B&N /

Taken by the Duke TEASER:

“He followed her into the grotto, sitting beside her when she situated herself on the bench. The waterfall behind them was small enough that they didn’t have to raise their voices to be heard, but it would muffle their words and keep sound from carrying.

Kate turned to him as soon as he sat. “Do you know how close to death you are?”

Too late, Henry caught the glint of the knife in her hand.”

Fighting For His Lady TEASER:

“She stared over at the tiny window that overlooked the London streets. Then, their father had been otherwise busy schooling an altogether different fighter than his son. A man fleet of foot and fast of fist had earned her father’s admiration, and that had seen Samuel forgotten… until it was altogether too late. Apprentice gone, father ill, and just like that, all of Samuel’s hopes for lessons were gone as swiftly as that wicked fighter had entered and gone out of their lives.”

The Prodigal Duke TEASER:

“Before she could protest, he shrugged out of his coat, draping the heavy wool around her shoulders. This left him in shirt-sleeves and a waistcoat, which state of undress seemed to bother him not at all. And indeed, if one were to strip off random articles of clothing without censure, Vauxhall would be the place.”

The Buccaneer Duke TEASER:

“There was a man staring at her, and with an intensity she felt in the pit of her stomach. He was big and broad-shouldered and looked rather menacing, even though he lounged informally, one booted foot propped up on the rail in front of him. His hair was dark and cut ruthlessly short, and a scar ran down the side of his face. Starkly garbed in unadorned black, but for a snowy white cravat and a gold hoop that dangled from one ear, he resembled nothing so much as a pirate. A dramatically handsome, even elegant, pirate.”

GIVEAWAY

Four Books, One Winner

 

My Fair Princess by Vanessa Kelly

Schooling the Duke by Christi Caldwell

The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen

A Gentleman’s Game by Theresa Romain

 

Print or digital, reader’s choice. Open international.

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REVIEW: There was no way I was going to miss reading this anthology. It’s written by some of todays best names in historical romance. I’m a fan of all four women that have written it and it’s no surprise I liked all four stories. All four tales have a common thread, and while it isn’t necessary to read them in order, I think you’ll enjoy the stories much more if you read them in order.

I have to say that despite the short length of each story, these authors are way to good and gave us three dimensional characters, complex plots and plenty of chemistry between the leads. If you’ve never read any of these fantastic authors, please consider getting this anthology and  get acquainted with them. You won’t regret it.

If you’re a fan of one or all four of these authors, I guarantee you’ll have a few hours of unmitigated fun reading this collection of stories.

Taken by the Duke – Shana Galen

As this story opens the common thread of Prince Regent’s birthday and Battle of Waterloo celebration at Vauxhall Gardens, we find Henry, newly minted Viscount Bexley put in charge of organizing the festivities.

Shana Galen had managed to capture my attention with this unique and intriguing heroine, while developing a vastly entertaining plot. I enjoyed these two characters and loved their journey to their happily ever after. Hope you will too.

Fighting For His Lady –  Christi Caldwell

I’m always apprehensive when authors decide to pair two leads that come from vastly different backgrounds. To have a son of a duke fall in love with a commoner didn’t happen that often, so I always have to suspend my imagination and pray the author would find a way to make the story believable and plausible.

Christi Caldwell did a great job of having me believe this second chance at romance story and I loved every character she introduced me to, but especially the heroine. It was about time this young woman found her hero.

The Prodigal Duke – Theresa Romain

Theresa Romain is one of those authors that manages to surprise me every time I read her new book. I’m still getting used to her writing voice and that’s a good thing. I like it when she keeps me guessing as she did in this complex and wonderful telling of reconnecting two people that are meant to be together but the road to their happiness just seams to be harder then they deserve.

I know you’ll love this one!

The Buccaneer Duke – Vanessa Kelly

When it comes to complex plots and well rounded characters, this author delivers every time. She plots her stories very carefully and gives her characters plenty of flaws and a lot of baggage, but by the end of the tale, you’ll find yourself well satisfied.

In this story, I found myself drawn to both leads and I honestly didn’t know how these two would pull off their happily ever after. There were too many obstacles to their happiness, but I should have had more faith in this author 😉

By the time I read the fourth and final tale, I was very happy with all the endings and wasn’t surprised that the authors managed to interweave all stories with ease.

Listen, these women know their craft and I for one am happy they’re sharing it with me.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

AUTHOR BIOS:  Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Kirkus says of her books, “The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Bookreviews calls her books ” lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those  years were spent working in Houston’s inner city. Now she writes full time. She’s happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Christi Caldwell, USA TODAY Bestselling author, blames Judith McNaught’s “Whitney, My Love!” for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!

Christi makes her home in southern Connecticut where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, chasing around her feisty six-year-old son and caring for her twin princesses in training!

SOCIAL MEDIA: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Theresa Romain is the bestselling author of historical romances, including the Matchmaker trilogy, the Holiday Pleasures series, the Royal Rewards series, and the Romance of the Turf trilogy. Praised as “one of the rising stars of Regency historical romance” (Booklist), she has received a starred review from Booklist and was a 2016 RITA® finalist. A member of Romance Writers of America® and its Regency specialty chapter The Beau Monde, Theresa is hard at work on her next novel from her home in the Midwest.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Named by Booklist as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance,” bestselling author Vanessa Kelly‘s books have been nominated for awards in a number of contests. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Maggie Medallion for historical romance. With a Master’s Degree in English Literature, Vanessa is known for developing vibrant Regency settings, appealing characters, and witty storylines that captivate readers. You can visit her on the web at vanessakellyauthor.com.

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