Giveaways
#Review | The Rebel Heiress And The Knight by Melissa Oliver #TheRebelHeiressAndTheknight #BookGiveaway @melissaoauthor @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello, Sunshines, I have the massive pleasure to be sharing my review of this amazing book with you all today; the Rebel Heiress and the Knight by Melissa Oliver, plus I have an exclusive two-book giveaway which I hope everyone will enter and share. For all of you medieval romance lovers out there, I know you will love this one as much as I do.
The Rebel Heiress and the Knight by Melissa Oliver
Genre: Historical, Medieval Romance / Publisher: Mills and Boon, Harlequin / Release: 1st July 2020
She must marry the knight
By order of the king!
Widow Eleanor of Tallany Castle knows her people are broken by the taxes demanded by King John. So when she’s ordered to marry Hugh de Villiers, a knight loyal to the king, she’s furious—even if he is handsome!
As gallant Hugh begins to heal the scars of Eleanor’s abusive first marriage, she’s even more determined to keep her secret: she is the outlaw the king wants to send to the gallows!
Goodreads / Amazon
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I have been so excited about this book, from the moment I saw the beautiful cover I knew that this was a book which I not only need to read but one which I would love and happily re-read for many years to come. Yes, I did get all that from the cover, which just goes to show that the old adage of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ isn’t always correct!
This is one of my whole time favourite tropes; Enemies to Lovers, and easily right up there with the best, if you love the greatness of Elisabeth Hobbes and Nicole Locke, then this is the book you absolutely need to read. Eleanor and Hugh are an amazing couple, there is a lot of animosity between them in the beginning, especially from Eleanor, but once you get to know her and her past you totally understand her feelings toward the other sex, especially when she is forced to marry them – no matter how disarmingly charming and charismatic he may be. Our Eleanor has been through the mill with her previous marriage, she has suffered and had her own trauma’s but when she was widowed she had the freedom to actually be able to live and be happy.
Eleanor is a proud, feisty, caring and loyal woman who sees what is happening within the country and she doesn’t like it, she has this pretty ruthless side that will do all in her power to help – even if the one she has sided with isn’t that of the King…and her new husband!
So when a whole troop of the King’s fiercest Knights, led by the bravest, hardest of them all, turn up with a missive that will change her life, she is not happy, but she is stubborn and resilient enough to give as good as she gets. She has a viperous intelligent tongue and she is not afraid to use it when necessary, even if it does get her in trouble at times for talking before thinking and for judging harshly before knowing a person, but there
Hugh would rather be with a sword in hand, with his men fighting a bloody and dangerous battle, than having to sweet talk a fire breathing woman to open the gates so he can deliver a message from his King. What he didn’t expect was to be forced to marry the very woman who looks at him as though he were the very devil, a woman he soon learns has far more secrets then he could expect. But no matter the circumstances of their union, or who she is and where her alliances lay he can’ help but feel the stirrings of lust, want and
How much do I love Hugh?
Oh, boy it feels as though this gallant, proud, stubborn, passionate, funny, clever and sexy as hell, green-eyed man, was written for me. For those who follow the blog will know that I go crazy for a green-eyed hero, and this gorgeous heartthrob and pin me with that emerald gaze then throw me over his huge shoulders anytime he wants…Gawd, he is fabulous, heroic, brave, strong, determined, handsome, gruff, brooding, sensual and yet he has a slight vulnerability in the fact he doesn’t trust women too much yet oddly enough for the times he does respect them…he really is wonderful…sigh, those green, green eyes!! Definitely an appropriate time for a #DoubleSwoon
This book is exquisite, there really is no other words for it. The story is a good old fashioned enemies to lovers with an edge, the story is original, the characters are brilliantly created with real depth which makes them memorable and hugely likeable. I love the attention to detail, even though this is very much character-driven each scene really showcases the era. I love Eleanor and Hugh, they really are the shining stars, their battle of wills, their wit and humour, their banter and their falling into passionate love is addictive and engaging.
This is one of the finest debuts I have read! Melissa Oliver is a rare jewel, her writing is a breath of fresh air she is a gift to the historical romance genre, I can guarantee that we are going to be witness to some great things from this wonderful lady.
The story takes the reader on a heart-stopping, passionate, exciting and at times mysterious journey, the writing is flawless; I cannot say one single negative thing about this; everything from the cover to the beautiful and mesmerizing words within is perfection.
Overall, a brilliant debut from an author who I know will have a long shining career!
This was an Arc copy via the author, which I voluntarily reviewed, thank you, Melissa. X
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About the Author
Growing up in Richmond-upon- Thames, Melissa Oliver used to walk past the Harlequin Mills and Boon offices as a teen and wistfully sigh that one day her dream of writing for them would come true. Amazingly, it finally has and now she can bring all those stories onto the pages of her books. Melissa lives in south-west London with her gorgeous husband and equally gorgeous daughters, who share her passion for castles, palaces and all things historical.
You can keep up to date with Melissa on Twitter @melissaoauthor and Facebook @melissaoliverauthor
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Giveaway
So you have read all about this amazing book, how would you like to win a copy for yourself?
We have two copies of The Rebel Heiress and the Knight up for grab’s, to be in for a chance to winning just answer the question below.
Who is your favourite Knight?
(This can be from Film, TV, Book or even real life, it’s entirely down to you)
You have four ways to enter; either comment below, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. You are more than welcome to comment on all which would be four entries and don’t forget to share the social media posts which would count as extra entries.
Terms and Conditions.
- Open Internationally.
- Only comments on the specified posts will be counted.
- Giveaway closes 28th June 2020, 10pm GMT.
- You must be 18 years, or older to enter.
- Two winners will be drawn, one book each, winner’s will have 48 hours to claim the prize or a new winner will be chosen.
#BlogTour | Of Darkness And Light (Soli Hansen Mysteries #1) by Heidi Eljarbo #OfDarknessAndLight #Review #HFVBTBlogTours @HeidiEljarbo @hfvbt
Hello, Sunshines, I have the huge pleasure to be today’s stop on this amazing blog tour for; Of Darkness and Light by Heidi Eljarbo, and I am super excited to be sharing my review of this brilliant book with you all. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Of Darkness and Light by Heidi Eljarbo
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Series: Soli Hansen Mysteries, #1
Genre: Historical Mystery
In this first book of a new historical mystery series, a young art historian faces a tough choice in German-occupied Norway.
“Artful prose and at a pace that makes for a can’t-put-down, first-class literary voyage.”–Melissa Dalton-Bradford, bestselling author of Global Mom
Oslo, 1944. Soli Hansen’s passion for art history is and always has been a way of life for her. While she spends her days working in an art shop, WWII is taking its toll on everyone. Apprehensive of the consequences, Soli avoids becoming entangled in the war resistance efforts. She closes her eyes in hopes the enemy will retreat and leave her beautiful country for good.
But when a woman is found dead in the alley alongside the art shop and a painting from the last auction goes missing, Soli is thrown into the thickest of the fray involving both Nazi art theft and the Norwegian resistance.
Once Soli finds her courage, there’s no turning back. Her personal life is turned upside-down with danger, lies, spying, and an incredible discovery.
In this dual timeline novel, Heidi Eljarbo paints a vivid picture of what people are willing to do in desperate times. With unforgettable characters and rich historical details, Of Darkness and Light will keep the reader mesmerized until the last satisfying page.
Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, Katherine Neville, and Kate Mosse.
Available on Amazon
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Praise for Of Darkness and Light
“Interspersing love, hope, and courage, the participants are drawn together in mysterious paths.“Pauline Isaksen, bestselling author of Dying for Justice
“Of Darkness and Light will reel you in and keep you hooked until the end.“ Mette Barfelt, bestselling author of The Solvik Series
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Full confession time, before reading this I had never read any of Heidi Eljarbo’s work before, even though I have read some really great things, this is the first and I am so pleased that I got the opportunity to be introduced to this hugely talented author’s work, through this incredible book, plus start a whole new series in the process. I can’t wait to read more from Heidi and judging by this beauty this series is going to be a corker!
I loved the sound of this book from the start, I was completely hooked and intrigued by the back blurb and the fact it was likened to one of my whole time favourite historical fiction/timeslip authors; Kate Mosse and I knew that I needed to read this book, and I am so happy to say that I was no disappointed.
I am a big fan of the ww2 era, I think everyone knows about how the Nazi’s used to steal precious art as they moved around and I am fascinated by the people who were trying to stop that from happening and by the people who were trying to retrieve the stolen art and return it. Once you start reading more about that aspect it is hugely fascinating and it is apart of history that still is relevant today as there are thousands upon thousands of stolen pieces of art that were never recovered. But what I wasn’t aware of was Norway’s involvement in the war and its history, and this book really captures all of that and makes the reader want to learn more about Norway’s long and intriguing past.
This is a split timeline novel, the majority is set during 1944, Norway and then at times we jump even further back with a glimpse into Malta; 1600. I am a fan of the split/dual timeline and this is brilliantly crafted. Each timeline is vivid and rich in detail and history, the story doesn’t jump and leap about making it difficult to follow but it flows smoothly, the move from 1944 to 1600 and back again is flawlessly done. My particular favourite part has to be the part set in 1944, there is just something about that era and that aspect of the story that really captures the attention.
Heidi Eljarbo has a brilliant way with words, her writing is engaging and illuminating, every scene leaps out at you and you become full drawn into the story.
I loved that this isn’t your stereotypical WW2 novel, yes there is danger, secrets, lies and the resistance hiding in the shadows, but with the addition of a murder mystery and brief leap back in time to the 1600s then this becomes a real feast for the senses.
Overall a brilliant introduction into this fine authors work, I loved it and I cannot wait to see what comes next in this brilliant new series.
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About the Author
Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of Catching a Witch. She grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren–so far–in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.
Their favourite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter. Heidi’s favourites are family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.
If you would like to know more, please visit Heidi’s website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, May 12
Review at Passages to the Past
Thursday, May 14
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Friday, May 15
Feature at What Is That Book About
Monday, May 18
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, May 19
Feature at Reading is My Remedy
Thursday, May 21
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Friday, May 22
Feature at Hopewell’s Public Library of Life
Monday, May 25
Review at Foals, Fiction, and Filligree
Tuesday, May 26
Feature at Books and Backroads
Thursday, May 28
Feature at Bookworlder
Monday, June 1
Review at History + Fiction + Adirondack Spirit
Tuesday, June 2
Interview at Jorie Loves A Story
Wednesday, June 3
Review at Jessica Belmont
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
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Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away one copy of Of Darkness and Light in paperback! To enter, please use the Gleam form here – Of Darkness and Light
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
#BlogTour | the Night Is Done by Sheila Myers #TheNightIsDone #GuestPost #Giveaway #HFVBTBlogTours @hfvbt
Hello Sunshines, I hope you are all safe and well?! I have an epic post for you all today, I have the huge pleasure to be today’s stop on this amazing blog tour for: The Night Is Done by Sheila Myers. Not only will I be sharing this gorgeous book with you all, but I have a wonderful guest post by Sheila which is a brilliant read, and there is a chance to win a copy of The Night is Done. As always grab that cuppa and enjoy!
The Night is Done by Sheila Myers
Publication Date: August 11, 2017
Format: eBook & Paperback; 260 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Durant Family Saga, Book Three
William and Ella Durant, heirs to a bygone fortune, are recounting the events that led to the Durant family downfall during the Gilded Age. In 1931 William returns to visit the estate he once possessed in the Adirondacks to speak with the current owner, copper magnate Harold Hochschild, who is writing a history of the region and wants to include a biography of William. Simultaneously, Ella is visiting with an old family friend and former lover, Poultney Bigelow, journalist with Harpers Magazine, who talks her into telling her own story. William recounts the height of his glory, after his father’s death in 1885 when he takes control of the Adirondack railroad assets, travels the world in his yacht and dines with future kings. However, his fortune takes a turn during the Financial Panic of 1893 and amid accusations of adultery and cruelty. Ella’s tale begins when she returned from living abroad to launch a lawsuit against her brother for her fair share of the Durant inheritance. The court provides a stage for the siblings to tear each other’s reputation apart: William for his devious business practices and failure to steward the Durant land holdings, and Ella for her unconventional lifestyle. Based on actual events, and historic figures, The Night is Done is a tale about the life-altering power of revenge, greed and passion.
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | Draft2Digital
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Praise
“Myers writes with skill and has chosen well in deeply researching the Durant saga, which remarkably parallels Greek tragedy. It’s a truly engrossing story, and Myers does it justice.” – Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
“Myers satisfyingly concludes her historical trilogy set in the Gilded Age by presenting the detailed downfall of ruthless real estate mogul William West Durant; his exasperated wife, Janet; and his estranged sister, Ella. In 1931, the penniless Durant recounts his tragic life. After inheriting his father’s vast wealth and interest in the Adirondack Railroad, William immediately begins to make bad investments. He squanders money on yachts, panders to princes, and builds mansions he can’t afford to run, all while hiding assets from Ella. She sues him for her rightful inheritance and tries to overcome discrimination to become a novelist. Meanwhile, Janet, verbally abused and infantilized by William, begins an affair with her doctor. Myers expertly depicts a precarious era soaked in vicious gossip, stained reputations, and ostentatiousness. Readers will enjoy the historical details that bring this Gilded Age soap opera to life.” – Publishers Weekly
“While the covers of Myers’s trilogy are done in subdued pastels, the pages inside flash with forbidden romance and a family torn apart by greed.” – Betsy Keepes, The Adirondack Explorer
“The trilogy of the Durant family is capped by the fascinating final volume, The Night is Done. In a vein of nostalgia, the story ends in William West Durant’s last years and closes out a saga of tragic proportions as the vast Durant wealth and privilege is reduced to impoverished circumstances.” – Harvey H. Kaiser, author, Great Camps of the Adirondacks
“The builders of the first “Great Camps,” the Durant family defined the Adirondack experience during the Gilded Age. Sheila Myer’s trilogy of novels chronicling their saga combines great historical research with compelling writing. The Night is Done is the capstone novel of the saga and takes the story to the end of the Durant fortune where bankruptcy and retribution dominate the family’s relations. The book is a great read for those interested in American history or the Durants.” – Garet D. Livermore, Exec Director, Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks
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Guest Post
Doc Durant and Hell from Hell on Wheels by Sheila Myers
Doctor Thomas C. Durant (Doc Durant), one of the men who forged the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s, is a colorful historical figure. Newspaper accounts and diaries left behind by men who knew him describe him as ferocious looking, tall, dark, and patrician. Although he had trained as a doctor, he eventually turned to business. His specialty, like many tycoons of the time, was in trade and rail. It is no wonder that AMC made a television series about these men called Hell on Wheels.
Durant was a complex man who had many admirers and just as many who both feared and loathed him. He had frequent run-ins with the workers on the Union Pacific, mostly Irish immigrants, who often threatened to strike if they were not paid on time. He was reviled by colleagues, some of whom left the company in protest, others who got him kicked off the Union Pacific Board after the line was finished in 1869. And he made enemies of his rivals, especially Collis P. Huntington, who was head of the Central Pacific Railroad. Both men were competing for government funds based on the miles of track laid.
Like Huntington, Doc Durant knew how to influence people that mattered, persuading members of Congress and others to invest in the Transcontinental and Union Pacific. In 1866 he orchestrated a large gathering of dignitaries and newsmen at the 100th Meridian in Nebraska to showcase the accomplishments of the Union Pacific. In his grand style, Doc Durant managed to pull off an enormous publicity stunt. The guests were brought in by rail, set up in encampments on the plains, fed and entertained. Durant paid the Pawnee Indians to put on a mock show of attacking the railroad and fighting the Sioux.
His lavish spending back home in New York was also legendary. A biographical piece in the New York Tribune in 1869 reports he frequently entertained people on his yacht Idler at the New York Yacht Club.
I have seen him entertain a party of ladies and gentlemen upon it, for the entire forenoon as if he had not a care in the world beyond the comfort of his guests. And at one o’clock say nonchalantly: “Well good-bye, I must go ashore. I have a million dollars to pay before three o’clock. Have your sail out and don’t return until you are ready.”
The Tribune had other flattering things to say about Doc Durant, including that he worked as hard as a galley slave.
There were times he could not have told whether the next turn of the wheel would make him or lose him a million dollars but the great work never flagged.
When the Transcontinental Railroad was officially complete with the joining of Central Pacific and Union Pacific lines at Promontory Summit, Utah in 1869, Durant turned his attention east where he owned a substantial amount of land. In the 1860s forests cut over and abandoned by lumber companies in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State were being sold off at tax sales for a mere five cents an acre. Durant instructed his lawyers to attend the sales and managed to accumulate over ½ million acres. The land was tax free as long as Durant promised to build a railroad and make infrastructure improvements. But by the financial panic of 1873, an economic depression left Durant land rich and cash poor, and he was having a hard time finding investors.
He had other problems as well. In 1872 it came to light that while building the Transcontinental, Durant had set up a contracting firm called Crédit Mobilier to handle the construction, putting himself and his cronies in charge. Government investigators claimed that his company had over-charged the U.S. Government millions of dollars for building the Transcontinental. He somehow escaped prosecution but his reputation was severely tarnished.
When he finally called his family home from England to attend to business in the States, his son, William, who had never had to deal with his father’s tyranny growing up, was suddenly in his shadow. William recalls his father as autocratic and hard to work for, as the two attempted to build a railroad empire that would take people from New York City into the Adirondack interior and on to Canada.
They were successful in bringing a line from Saratoga to North Creek, NY but never to Canada and when Doc Durant died in 1885 he left his family without a will and creditors looking for their pay-out. There were several lawsuits against Doc Durant from former investors in both the Transcontinental and Adirondack Railway Company. William was left to unravel his father’s unscrupulous and tangled financial dealings as well as a railroad company in disrepair and major debt.
What the Adirondack Railway Company did have however was land, and lots of it. It was around this time that Collis P. Huntington, befriended his old enemy’s son, becoming a board member of the Adirondack Railway Company. His business acumen and advice must have been welcomed by William who never questioned Huntington’s motives. Using questionable business practices that would have made his father proud, William managed to sell off the Railway Company but keep most of the land. Ironically, Huntington’s influence over William may have led to his undoing. But in the end, it was William’s sister Ella who sued William for an accounting of the family fortune and brought to public light the family legacy of unscrupulous business dealings.
Find out more about the fictional lives of the Durants in the Durant Family Saga by Sheila Myers.
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About the Author
Sheila Myers is a Professor in Upstate New York and an award-winning author of four novels. When she’s not teaching, she spends her spare time writing and enjoying the outdoors. Her essays and short stories have appeared in the Adirondack Life Magazine, History News Network, Crossing Genres, and Women Writers Women’s Books blog.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, April 20
Review at Passages to the Past
Thursday, April 23
Feature at I’m Into Books
Monday, April 27
Guest Post at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Wednesday, April 29
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books
Friday, May 1
Review at History + Fiction + Adirondack Spirit
Monday, May 4
Interview at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, May 6
Review at Books and Zebras
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Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 6 signed copies of The Night is Done! To enter, please use the Gleam form here – The Night is Done
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US & UK only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
#GuestPost and #Review | Her Dark Knight’s Redemption (Lovers and Legends #8) by Nicole Locke #HerDarkKnightsRedemption #LoversandLegends #Giveaway @NicoleLockeNews @MillsandBoons @HarlequinBooks
Hello Sunshines! Have I got an amazing, epic post for you all today, not only am I sharing my review of the brilliant Her Dark Knight’s Redemption (be prepared for waffle), but I also have an exclusive guest post by Nicole where she will be introducing us all to that brutishly handsome Knight himself, not only that but I have teamed up with Nicole to bring you the most amazing giveaway – really it’s a doozy and not to be missed! Honestly, I’m sure it’s not healthy to be this excited…So settle back, grab that cuppa and enjoy!
‘This man was shadow and night…
He was Darkness.’
Homeless Aliette is saved from punishment for stealing by a mysterious knight. This stranger informs her that to stay alive she must claim his child as her own. She should fear the knight’s power, and yet it’s clear there’s more good to this man than he’s prepared to show. Can she break down the barriers of the tortured knight she calls Darkness…?
Oh, my! Oh, my! Oh, my! Nicole Locke, you have out completely outdone yourself!! You have well and truly cemented yourself as the best Medieval Romance Author!! This is – well, I honestly don’t have the words to fully describe the wealth of emotion that is swimming through me at the moment. There are words that I could brandish about to describe just how extraordinarily good this book is; such as amazing, flawless, stunning, inspiring, beautiful, dark, delicious, deadly, gorgeous, sexy – Hmmm, I may have just described the delectable hero there! – but honestly, this is just too damn good, that my little brain can’t handle it. I am a wreck, I am a simmering cauldron of emotion!
I love how different this is from the other books in the series, it is far darker then what I have read before from Nicole, and the sexual chemistry between Aliette and Reynold is like sparks shooting from a blazing fire, it’s sizzlingly hot, there may not be a lot of bedroom action but the attraction between our couple is instant, the air crackles like thunder and lightening around them as they both are consumed with lust for the other. Every scene is full of heated glances and a tingling tension that even the reader can feel running down their backs and then there is this beautiful sweetness between them, times where he is human his love of reading and teaching her to read made me not only swoon but fall in love with him that little bit more.
Reynold – those who have been following this series may remember him from ‘The Knights Scarred Maiden’ and if you’re like me then you would have been avidly awaiting his story and oh my!! I cannot begin to express how much I adore this dangerously dark and deadly man, you know me I do love a bad boy especially one who not only needs to learn to love and trust but needs love to unfreeze his frozen heart…Sigh! Honestly, this lone wolf is a menace, how am I ever to look at another hero again? I am ruined, who wants a clean-shaven goody-two-shoes when there is a dark knight with a nice backside lurking in the shadows?
Hmmm, it seems my waffling and lurid thoughts have well and truly taken over this review, I have just realised that I haven’t actually said anything about the book…stop perving on Reynold and get on with the review!!!
Reynold is wealthy, powerful, manipulative, dangerous with a hunger for vengeance and blood, in some way another he has been playing deadly games with his enemies for as long as he can remember, a game that continues and one that he is determined to win whatever the costs – that is until a little surprise lands in his lap, in the form of a scrawny little girl by the name of Grace who the strange women who arrive with her claims is his, being the super cynical and menacing creature that he is, he has to stop himself from killing the old woman on the spot as he doesn’t trust or believe a word she says. But he soon learns the truth, and little Grace finds herself in the care of her broodingly handsome predator of a father. In the care of a man who has a hardened fragile heart and too many secrets and shadows.
Now he has Grace in his care, what is he going to do with her? His lifestyle of devilment and games isn’t the place for a baby, plus he knows that the moment anyone of his enemies finds out about her, she will be in huge danger – something that our cunning plotter will not hear of – especially if his family learn how quickly she has become his Achilles heel.
Oh, I have to mention that scene when Aliette meets him and he is holding Grace close to his well-formed chest…sigh that could melt any heart!
Our heroine Aliette is currently homeless, she is a really good young woman, she is resilient and a survivor. She has taken under her wing an elderly couple who have found themselves in difficulty and a young thief; Gabriel, the four of them have become a little family. Being abandoned by her birth family many years ago, Aliette knows more than most the importance of sticking together to survive. It is because of young Gabriel that puts Aliette into the sphere of our brutally gorgeous mastermind, she is taken from the street and thrust into the calculating gaze of Reynold. She is the answer to his problem of what to do with Grace, and he will damn well make sure that Aliette complies with his scheme.
Aliette can’t trust the seething cauldron of danger that is standing looking at her as though she were a piece of meat, she is unnerved by him and incredibly attune to her primal womanly feelings for him, she is instantly attracted to him but not enough to tell him who she is or anything about herself of her life, and especially not about her little family who depends on her. No matter how much she demands he release her he refuses instead offers her a pretty odd position in his household.
I won’t say too much, but throughout the book, we are kept on this constant dizzying will they open up to each other or won’t they, it is mesmerising and ….well too damn good!
As it says in the authors note, this is a turning in direction to the Lovers and Legends series, and I am really loving where this is going, and cannot wait for more especially mesmerizing mercenary Knight; Louvre, now he is a man that I really can’t wait to get to know – you know me I have a one-track mind and you all know that I was drawn to the rougher and rugged heroes, which explains why I was so taken with Reynold. But Louve, I feel will be different, he has that ferocious and dangerous side, But I think there is something else simmering beneath the surface.
I love the really dark and brooding feel of this book, like the hero it has a really different feel to it then the other’s in the series, it is a lot edgier then Nicole’s other work and I utterly love the new direction her writing and this series is going in. Anyone who knows me knows that more Gothic feel romances are my Achilles heel I love the brooding and the dangerous feeling that you really can only get from a well written Gothic, historical romance and this is easily the finest I have read. From that first chapter when we meet the darkness himself you know you are going to be in for a real deadly threat. Every page is like walking along a spiders web to get to the finale, to your Knight but along the way you are unsure if at any moment you are going to either fall to your doom or be captured by the spider in search of her dinner.
This will probably sound a wee bit odd, but at times I was so wrapped up in the story that I forgot I was reading a romance. Usually, you know that the characters are going to have their happily ever after, and all will be well once they have got past their own issues, but here the question of whether or not they would actually allow the other in was constant, it kept me glued. I was completely taken in with them, I loved getting to know Aliette and Reynold as individuals and as a couple, they are fabulous!
I think you may be able to guess how much I loved this book, I could keep whittling on and on about how amazing, seductive, tantalizing this book is, but I really don’t want to sound like a broken record, I’ll just finish with – Read This Book!!!
This was an Arc copy via the author, which I voluntarily reviewed, thank you, Nicole, massive apologies for how late this review is.
Her Dark Knight’s Redemption is available now, do go and grab a copy!
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Link
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Exclusive Guest Post
Top Ten Things About Reynold of Warstone by Nicole Locke
- He’s hot, and the writer who wrote about him couldn’t put it in the story often enough for her liking.
- He’s actually in three of the Lovers and Legends series, and she’s writing about him in her current novel as well…just to prove her point she thinks he’s hot.
- He’s a villain in pretty much all the stories whether the reader knows it or not. The entire series of #LoversandLegends has been a game to him. However, in Her Dark Knight, he gets to be a lover and a legend (lol).
- Reynold knows torture. Not only can he dish it out, but he’s got this really evil mother who likes her sons to prove their loyalty to her by holding their left hand over an open flame. This scar in his hand is why the heroine, Helissent, in The Knight’s Scarred Maiden thought she could talk some sense into him to not be so villainy (he’s scarred, she’s scarred…they could share). Of course, he wouldn’t bond with some gentle baker who lusted after his enemy, but can’t blame a woman for trying.
- He’s got three brothers. He’s glad one of them was killed (saved him the mess and made him wealthier). He’s making plans to kill the other two. After all, it’s them again him…and he’s far too arrogant to think anyone else deserves to live more than him.
- He speaks several languages and loves to read anything he can get his hands on. If he can’t find something, he has books commissioned for him. His favourite book is Tales of Odysseus. If asked, he’ll tell you he likes the adventures, but in truth, the part that intrigues him is Odysseus’ need to return to Penelope and Penelope’s devotion to Odysseus. His parents would kill each other if given the chance, but something of this tale makes him long for something other than the games he plays.
- He waits in shadows and darkness. It’s all part of his game so he can observe his next prey without being observed. It often surprises and unnerves people, but the writer thinks the habit is part of his charm.
- He’s really rich. He’s inherited a ton, stolen even more and he’s stashed the money all over England and France. Some of his cache is in Mei Solis, the home of Nicholas and Matilda from Reclaimed by the Knight. He spreads his coins around so that he’s never without in case his brothers’ back him in a corner.
- There truly was only ever going to be one heroine for a man like him: Aliette. She’s uneducated (but loves stories). Doesn’t have a family (so she’s adopted people..a little tidbit she keeps as a secret). Doesn’t have coin or food or truly any proper clothing. In fact, she lives on the streets. And one thing she cannot stand is waiting. Who has time for dilly dallying or games?
- So when Reynold captures Aliette and blackmails her to play his game? He doesn’t stand a chance of winning. Good thing he’s so cute.
***
About the Author
Nicole discovered her first romance novel in a closet, where her grandmother, the godmother in the romance black market, was hiding hundreds. Knowing her grandmother wouldn’t approve, Nicole hid in the closet to read them. It was only a matter of time before she was found out and given an offer she couldn’t refuse: enjoy them, but out in the living room please. Oh, and if she could go to the store and get a few more…. A few more? Nicole got two jobs.
Inexplicably, Nicole stopped reading romances (she blames her handsome university English professor, who she was trying and failing to impress). So she didn’t discover them again until, at work, where another black market book swap occurred. Instead of swapping for another forgettable book, Nicole chose a romance (which she still reads).
Needless to say, she didn’t return to work (good thing it was after 5:00 pm) and she didn’t immediately return home either. At that moment, she insists Etta James was singing “At Last”. It was only natural she’d start writing romances as well.
Currently, she lives in Seattle with her two completely opposite children, who if not for their birth certificates and their red hair, she’d argue they weren’t related, and her husband, who if not for his red hair, would have returned them.
Website / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads / Facebook
***
Giveaway
I have the most amazing Giveaway for your all, Nicole has so generously donated a print copy of Her Dark Knights Redemption and a pair of Odyssey Book Earrings – which, I have a pair of these earrings and they are absolutely gorgeous – for one lucky winner!
How to Enter?
To be in for a chance of winning this amazing prize, then just tell me who your favourite Badboy/Lovable Rogue is (This can be from a book, tv or film) Mine is below, to some, it isn’t a surprise, as always pictures and gifs are welcome!
The giveaway is not only open here, but across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook too, same rules apply; just like the giveaway post and comment with your answer. (Each post you comment on is a separate entry, eg; If you comment here and on all the social media posts then that is four entries) Sharing is also hugely appreciated, but not mandatory.
Finally, Good Luck my Sunshines!
*T&C’s – Closing date is Wednesday 15th January at 9pm GMT, the winner will be chosen at random and will be announced shortly after, the winner will be contacted directly by myself whether that be by email or DM via Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. This Giveaway belongs to Chicks, Rogues and Scandals and it is not sponsored or endorsed. Giveaway Open Internationally.
#BookBlast | The Turncoat Letters by Kelly Lyman #TheTurncoatLetters #HFVBTBlogtour @kellylyman @HFVBT
Hello Sunshines, I have the huge pleasure to be today’s stop on this brilliant blog tour for; The Turncoat Letters by Kelly Lyman. Not only will I be telling you all about this fabulous book, but there is a chance for you to win an ebook copy of it, so sit back, grab a cuppa and enjoy.
The Turncoat Letters by Kelly Lyman
Publication Date: November 19, 2019
Publisher: Blue Tulip Publishing
Format: eBook & Paperback; 357 Pages
Series: Rebels of the Revolution, Book #2
Genre: Historical Romance
From Kelly Lyman, comes a duet filled with intrigue, suspense and heat. The adventures bring to life the time of the American Revolution.
The truth always comes out in the end. If you have the courage to discover it.
From the moment Nora Bishop meet Alex Foster, her life was turned upside down. Though their marriage was brought on by necessity, they have found a common ground of honesty, respect, and friendship. She has grown to depend on and love him. And he her.
But both Alex and Nora have their part to play in the war, and those parts could tear their new marriage apart.
Secretly, they meet when they can, but as Nora gets deeper undercover by pretending to be a single woman and a loyalist, Alex is faced with watching other men, specifically the dashing Captain Budley, give his new bride unwanted attention.
Nora must play her part as a single woman. Alex must play his part as a simple acquaintance without showing his jealousy or they’ll both be caught and hung for treason. With their marriage made by necessity and being slowly built on trust, will they survive or will their relationship turn out to be as false as the role Nora plays for the British?
Available on Amazon
***
About the Author
Kelly Lyman is a dreamer, a planner, and a doer. Her favorite mantra is: “Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention.” She writes adult historical romance and YA paranormal/fantasy. She has a degree in education from West Chester University and taught 5th grade before deciding to stay home full time. She loves, loves, loves history and can usually be found daydreaming about people who lived centuries ago…that is, when she’s not taking care of her four kids. Traveling to Scotland, England, and Ireland are on her bucket list. Skydiving is not. She’s mildly obsessed with mint chocolate chip ice cream, peanut butter M&MS, drinking coffee (cream only), and thinks chips and salsa is a perfectly acceptable dinner option. Her favorite color is green and if she could, she would sit on the beach and read all day long.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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Book Blast Schedule
Monday, November 25
Lost_in_a_book_reviewer
Tuesday, November 26
Rose is Reading
Wednesday, November 27
Liberty’s Literary Loves
Friday, November 29
The Lit Bitch
Carole’s Ramblings
What Is That Book About
Saturday, November 30
Reading is My Remedy
Sunday, December 1
Passages to the Past
Monday, December 2
@ya.its.lit
Tuesday, December 3
Jessica Belmont
Thursday, December 5
Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Books In Their Natural Habitat
***
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away eBooks of The Petticoat Letters and The Turncoat Letters to one winner! To enter, please use the Gleam form here – The Turncoat Letters
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on December 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
#BlogTour | Katherine Tudor Duchess by Tony Riches #KatherineTudorDuchess #Excerpt #HFVBTBlogtours @tonyriches @hfvbt
Hello Sunshines, I have the huge pleasure to be todays stop on this brilliant blog tour for; Katherine Tudor Duchess by Tony Riches. Not only have I got an amazing exclusive excerpt – which I know you will love, I definitely do, plus there is a chance for you all to win a copy of this amazing book. So settle in, grab a cuppa and enjoy.
Katherine Tudor Duchess by Tony Riches
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Publisher: Preseli Press
eBook & Paperback; 328 pages
Series: The Brandon Trilogy, Book 3
Genre: Historical Fiction
Attractive, wealthy and influential, Katherine Willoughby is one of the most unusual ladies of the Tudor court. A favourite of King Henry VIII, Katherine knows all his six wives, his daughters Mary and Elizabeth, and his son Edward, as well as being related by marriage to Lady Jane Grey.
She marries Tudor knight, Sir Charles Brandon, and becomes Duchess of Suffolk at the age of fourteen. Her Spanish mother, Maria de Salinas, is Queen Catherine of Aragon’s lady in waiting, so it is a challenging time for them all when King Henry marries the enigmatic Anne Boleyn.
Following Anne’s dramatic downfall, the short reign of young Catherine Howard, and the tragic death of Jane Seymour, Katherine’s young sons are tutored with the future king, Prince Edward, and become his friends.
Katherine and Charles Brandon are chosen to welcome Anna of Cleves as she arrives in England. When the royal marriage is annulled, Katherine’s good friend, Catherine Parr becomes the king’s sixth wife, and they work to promote religious reform.
When King Edward dies, his Catholic sister Mary is crowned queen and Katherine’s Protestant faith puts her family in great danger – from which there seems no escape.
Katherine’s remarkable true story continues the epic tale of the rise of the Tudors, which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy and concludes with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Amazon UK | Amazon US
***
Exclusive Excerpt
Cromwell stood and removed his hat as she entered. He gave Katherine a graceful bow. ‘My lady. Your visit is timely.’ He gestured towards a seat by the fireside and occupied the chair opposite, dismissing the dour servant who’d escorted her.
Katherine felt her instinctive unease return, but sat, arranging the folds of her gown with unnecessary care, as she had when she was a girl. She glanced across at his desk, covered with a dark-green cloth and piled high with legal papers, tied with coloured ribbons. Hardly a monastery or abbey had escaped his attention, and she guessed they were title deeds.
He must be one of the richest men in England, yet there was little sign of it in his austere study. Clean-shaven with a hard, round face, he seemed to have no neck under his double chin. He wore a plain black robe with a sable collar, the only clue to his wealth a thick gold ring with a blue-green stone on his index finger.
Cromwell’s eyes narrowed as he seemed to read her mind. ‘The king is pleased with you, duchess.’ He spoke softly, his tone friendly, but held the silence, an old trick.
Katherine sensed she was being tested. Charles told her Cromwell personally interrogated his prisoners in the Tower of London. She resisted a shudder at the thought.
‘King Henry should make a progress to the north. It would be good for the people there to see him, Master Cromwell.’
Cromwell nodded. ‘All in good time.’ He studied her, as if making a judgement, his forehead creased in his familiar frown. ‘I asked you to see me because, with your husband’s help, we are dealing with the rebellion – but it’s all for nothing if we cannot win the hearts and minds of our own courtiers and clerics.’
‘What could I do?’ Her mind raced. This was not the discussion she’d expected. She had mixed feelings about Thomas Cromwell, yet the thought of taking an active part in the reforms appealed to her.
‘The king grows impatient with religious ignorance, and has authorised me to commission a new Bible, to be printed in English.’ He looked pleased with himself. ‘As Vicar General, I am directing the clergy to set up a copy of this new Bible in a convenient place within their church, where their parishioners may read it.’
Katherine had heard the rumours. ‘I look forward to reading this new Bible, and will ensure every parish in Lincolnshire has a copy, although I’m not sure how else I can assist you, Master Cromwell.’
‘The king is surrounded by the late queen’s ladies, all Catholics, however much they might deny it.’ He gave her a meaningful look, as if sharing a confidence. ‘Even some of the king’s advisors do their best to undermine our work to promote the true faith.’
‘Who?’ She tried to read Cromwell’s expression and failed. His leathery face was as impassive as a statue, yet she found herself warming to this strange but powerful man.
‘Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, for one.’ Cromwell scowled. ‘Gardiner pretends to support the king’s reforms, yet awaits his chance to undermine them.’
Katherine frowned. She’d seen Bishop Gardiner at state occasions. A large man with deep-set eyes and a permanent frown, he bore some old grudge against her husband, so they rarely spoke.
‘I thought he shared our belief in the need for reform…’
‘As does the king. He trusts Bishop Gardiner, and takes his counsel.’
Katherine shook her head. ‘I don’t see what I can do.’
‘The king will listen to you, my lady. There might be an opportunity to place a seed of doubt in his mind.’
She stared at him for a moment before replying. She knew how easily the wheel of fortune could turn. Bishop Gardiner could find himself locked up in the Tower, or worse, if Thomas Cromwell had his way. She would have no part in Cromwell’s schemes if it meant someone’s blood on her hands.
‘I see little of the king, Master Cromwell.’
‘That can change, my lady, but I need your trust.’ He gave her a questioning look. ‘Do you trust me, duchess?’
‘I—’ Katherine felt herself blushing. She’d not forgotten how Charles was forced to witness the young lawyer, Robert Aske, hanged in chains to die on the walls of York Castle.
Cromwell held up a hand. ‘I’m aware of my reputation in the north.’ He sat in silence for a moment, seemingly lost in his thoughts, then looked across at her. ‘I had a wife once – Elizabeth. She and my beautiful daughters were taken on the same day by the sweating sickness.’ Rare emotion choked his voice.
‘I’m so sorry—’
‘I’m not asking for your sympathy, my lady. I miss my family, and pray for them every day, but am fortunate to have my son, Gregory. You will have seen him, no doubt? He carried a banner at the late queen’s funeral. He’s married to Lady Elizabeth Seymour.’
‘Of course.’ Katherine allowed herself a small lie, for Thomas Cromwell’s sake. She remembered the queen’s niece, but had paid no attention to the banner carriers.
Cromwell smiled for the first time. ‘You will not be surprised to learn the search has begun for a new queen. Whoever she might be, I need to be sure she is supportive of the reforms, and hope you will help me ensure her ladies are chosen well.’
***
About the Author
Tony Riches is a full-time writer and lives with his wife in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. After several successful non-fiction books, Tony turned to novel writing and wrote ‘Queen Sacrifice’, set in 10th century Wales, followed by ‘The Shell’, a thriller set in present day Kenya. A specialist in the history of the early Tudors, he is best known for his Tudor Trilogy. Tony’s other international best sellers include ‘Warwick ~ The Man Behind the Wars of the Roses’ and ‘The Secret Diary of Eleanor Cobham’.
For more information please visit Tony’s website and his blog The Writing Desk. He can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
***
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, November 18
Excerpt at Short Book and Scribes
Tuesday, November 19
Guest Post at On the Tudor Trail
Wednesday, November 20
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Thursday, November 21
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Feature at View from the Birdhouse
Friday, November 22
Feature at Cover To Cover Cafe
Monday, November 25
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, November 26
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads
Wednesday, November 27
Review at Passages to the Past
Thursday, November 28
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Monday, December 2
Review at book frolic
Review at History + Fiction + Spirit
Tuesday, December 3
Review at Nursebookie
Wednesday, December 4
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Thursday, December 5
Review at Donna’s Book Blog
Review at Curling up by the Fire
Friday, December 6
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Review at A Darn Good Read
***
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away two paperbacks of Katherine-Tudor Duchess by Tony Riches! To enter, please use the Gleam form here Katherine Tudor Duchess
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on December 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
#BookBlast & #Giveaway | Vikings Anthology by Ashe Barker, Lily Harlem, Felicity Brandon, Gianna Simone, Vanessa Brooks, Sassa Daniels, Sky Purington, Emmanuelle de Maupassant and Jane Burrelli
NINE CONQUERING REASONS TO SURRENDER
Filled with action and suspense, this summer’s hottest beach read comes in the shape of Vikings!
Battle-hardened and broad-chested, with arms strong enough to sweep you off your feet, these warriors are pure muscle, with shoulders built for carrying you to bed.
Congratulations to the nine authors who’ve created this shared-world series of supreme alpha hotness: Ashe Barker, Lily Harlem, Felicity Brandon, Gianna Simone, Vanessa Brooks, Sassa Daniels, Sky Purington, Emmanuelle de Maupassant and Jane Burrelli.
A tiny Scottish settlement at the mercy of its enemies.
A harrowing bargain struck for nine fearful and reluctant brides.
Delivered into Viking hands, the brides of Achnaryrie now belong to their conquering masters but, as wedding nights bring surrender to duty, will fierce lovers also surrender their hearts?
The Highland wilderness is savage, life is perilous, and the future uncertain, but each Viking has sworn protection, and there are no lengths to which a man will not go to safeguard the woman he loves.
Against the forbidding backdrop of medieval Scotland, join these indomitable heroes and intrepid heroines as they discover that the raging storms of fear and passion can transform into enduring devotion.
***
This delicious set of all-new Viking romances is available for a limited time at the heavily discounted prices of 99p/99c; Here
What are other readers saying? Find out on Goodreads: Here
‘Hot alpha vikings, strong feisty brides and steamy sex; what’s not to love?’
‘I couldn’t stop reading’
‘Caught my attention immediately’
‘The world building is phenomenal’
***
Giveaway
To celebrate all this alpha hotness, there’s also a gorgeous Giftcard giveaway, to be in for a chance two $50 Giftcards plus a goodie basket enter at Love Book Daily/Alpha Warriors
Happy Reading
#BlogTour : #Review Mr One-Night Stand by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52 – Exclusive Extract & #Giveaway #MrOneNightStand #DoYouDare @MillsandBoon #MillsandBoonsInsiders
Hello my lovelies, I have the huge pleasure to be the next stop on this fantastic blog tour. I am so excited to be sharing my review of Mr One Night Stand by the very lovely Rachael Stewart, plus I have an exclusive extract to whet your appetite, and on top of all that, I have an exclusive to Mills and Boon copy of Mr One Night Stand to giveaway to one very lucky winner – you may have seen the gorgeous black books popping up all over social media, Yep, I have a spare, Phew! So, grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy.
About The Book
One night only.
Just think of the possibilities…
The second she sees Mr Oh-So-Delicious, Jennifer Hayes knows she needs one night of crazy. No names, no strings, no rules. Except that Jennifer’s naughty one-nighter is actually Marcus Wright—her new business partner! Now they’re mixing business with all kinds of pleasure. But when it comes to falling in love her sexy Mr Wright is either Mr Wrong or the best mistake of her life…
Mr One Night Stand is to be released on the 21st February, and can be found at Amazon
***
Exclusive Extract
Her breathe caught, a peculiar awareness taking hold.
He sat at a table beside the glass wall. A great seat from which to enjoy the far-reaching cityscape below, although his eyes showed no interest in the vista. No, they were well and truly pinned on her, projecting an intensity that had her skin prickling with such thrill.
Hell, she wanted to stride straight over – the urge was almost making her do just that – but sense prevailed. Tony wanted her. Hopefully he could explain away his crazy behaviour, and put her mind at rest over the future.
Giving a small sigh, she headed for the bar. A drink – that was what she needed. Anything to take the edge off.
Slipping on to the bar stool, she crossed her legs and replaced her clutch with the leather-clad drinks menu.
“Good evening, Miss Hayes, what can I get you?” She looked up to find Darren, the head bar tender, approaching with a smile, his hands busy drying off a glass. She returned his smile easily and scanned the list, honing in on a Vodka Martini and figured that had to be strong enough.
He cocked an eyebrow when she made her request, “Shaken, not stirred madame?” his Scottish-accented Bond impression had her laughing, and the sound was alien to her eyes. It had to be weeks – months, even – since she had a proper giggle. Maybe she was the one in need of a good shake, never mind the drink.
He knew her too well. She didn’t do spirits. A spritzer was her usual drink of choice. But a spritzer just wasn’t going to cut it. Nit tonight. It wasn’t just Tony, it was her concern of her mother too. She was getting worse and there was nothing Jennifer could do to stop it.
Her heart fluttered painfully and she pushed the thought aside. Not now!
“Sounds perfect,” she said, flipping open her and retrieving her mobile to check if Tony had at least messaged. But shed not eve lit the screen before her eyes sidled away drawn to the brooding silhouette not twelve feet away.
He was tall – she could tell that even though his body folded deep into the bucket seat. The ankle of one leg casually rested atop the knee of the other. The designer cut f his dark suit and tan leather shoes spoke money. Although whether he had any was an entirely different matter. She’d learned tat quickly enough in the city. People only had to dress to impress and it attracted wealth like bees to honey.
But there was something in the broad set of his shoulder’s, accentuated as they were by this tailored jacket, and the confident air in his relaxed poise that had her certain he was all about the front.
And what a front…
Her eyes drifted upwards. The crisp white shirt say smoothly over his torso, no hint of spread. Then they drifted higher, to the last fastened button of his open collar and the hint of dark hair curling there.
Her pulse skipped, her mouth watered, and her eyes snapped back to her phone. Not now!
Seriously, what was wrong with her? Was she that desperate to get laid? That fed up with her trusty vibrator that her body was putting up a fight? Truth was, there was no time in her life for that complication. Mr Dildo didn’t talk back, didn’t require care and affection. He didn’t require time that she didn’t have.
Between dashing back and forth between London and Yorkshire each weekend to be with her family she was all out of that.
But one night, though. Think of the possibilities…
Heat simmered low in her belly as she activated her phone scree. No notifications. She fired off a brief ‘Where are you?’ Message and placed the device back on the bar, her heighten awareness picking on movement from the man’s direction. She watched him crook his finger to the blonde waitress hovering nearby and an inexplicable pull ripped through her.
Christ, he was reeling her in too.
She nibbled the inside of her lip, drinking in his rakishly long dark hair, chiselled set of his jaw that softened delectably with his easy grin. And then there were his eyes – so compelling. She couldn’t make out the colour, but there was something about them, something deliciously sinful…
Her tummy contracted with a barrage of heat, and in that second she knew she wanted to leave with him. That she wanted one night of crazy. No names, no real talk, just wild, no-holds-barred sex.
Could she do it? Hell, would he?
***
My, oh, my!! What a book! Ms Stewart has been cutting her teeth with saucy, sexy romances for a while now, but what surprised me most is that this is her debut Mills and Boon Dare novel. And what a debut! The quality of this is astounding, I can see a shining long and successful writing career ahead of her. This is – and I am rather embarrassed to say – first full length novel I have read by her, why is this? I don’t have an answer to that, only I must have been living in a Historical focused bubble for the best part of a year. But, that will change. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.
I am a late-comer to Dare books, after only reading my first this year – again living in a bubble, so when I got offered to participate in this blog tour, I did jump at the chance as fast as I could. And I am so pleased that I did, as this is fabulous!
When Jennifer has to attend a business meeting, she is rather more peeved at her boss Tony not only because he does tend to use and lay a n awful lot on her shoulders. But mainly by the fact that he doesn’t even appear to meet her as promised, he was supposed to do all the introductions with the man who has bought into their business; a Mr Marcus Wright. Jennifer is frustrated – in mores way then one, she has had enough of how lax Tony is being lately and she is in an emotional state worrying about her ill mother. So when she sees the sinfully attractive man sitting in the airport, she has only one thing on her mind – and it has nothing to do with business meeting and corporate partners, it has everything to do with a partner in a completely different sense.
She makes it very clear to the stud in the suit that she only wishes for one night, one night of no strings and good old-fashioned – and may be a bit of new-fashioned – sex. But what she doesn’t realise that she has just gone and had the night of her life with not any old random from the airport lounge, but her new business partner; the enigmatic Marcus Wright!
Now she knows the truth, can she really go on as thought nothing happened? Can she forget what they did with each other, how he made her feel sexy and special and how she melted him with a mere smile? Or should she do what is said never to be done, and mix business with a whole load of pleasure?
What really appealed to me about ‘Mr One-Night Stand’ was just how real and relatable the two lead character’s are, I sometimes find it difficult to relate or even like character’s who like nothing more than to sip champagne while wearing a cat-walk named suit, people who do nothing but complain about breaking nails and not being able to jet off on holiday. Those people – I hate to admit it, irritate me. I am more of a fan or very real character’s who have actually lived and understand the world; which is Marcus and Jennifer down to a tee. Yes, they are both powerful and wealthy individuals who have forged their way into their world with hard graft, but beneath their cool masks of powerful business magnets they are very complex and fascinating people, especially Jennifer.
I so related to certain aspects of Jennifer’s life, she spoke to me, I understood her far better than I do most character’s. Her need for her own life, her career, to protect and look after her family. The fact that she has an ailing parent at home and her guilt at not being able to be there all the time and help spoke volumes about her to me. She is an amazing women who has fought for what she has, she has toiled and worked her arse off to get to where she is, and I really admire her for that. She is a strong, independent, no-nonsense woman who knows what she wants….and she wants Marcus!
Overall, this is hot! Fiery, sexy, raunchy, spicy, steaming-up-the-windows hot. A great twisty plot that will keep the reader hooked and engaged, but the real pull of this has to be the character’s. They are wonderfully developed, each one real and with their own back story which makes you sit up even further to pay attention. Jennifer and Marcus don’t iust steam up the page, they burn the book right out of your hand. Their attraction for one and other is instant, it’s sizzlingly hot – and this is before they proceed to the bedroom, once there…well, phew pass me the ice ;-) The writing is solid, it’s stylish and flowing, it’s very easy to become fully absorbed into the story, I got a real sense that Ms Stewart has put her heart into this book and I for one cannot wait to read more from her.
If you like your romances very hot, then this is the book you need to read, even if erotic romances aren’t your bread and butter then I would say give it a go as there is far more to this then just a good old fashion romp between the sheets.
This was an Arc copy via the publisher in exchange for an honest review as apart o this blog tour, thanks you Sanjana and the Mills and Boon Insiders team.
About The Author
Rachael adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press.
She’s been writing since she could put pen to paper as the stacks of scrawled on A4 sheets in her loft will attest to, and the lovingly bound short stories that her father would run off at work and proudly share out with his colleagues. Thinking it was a pipe dream to be published one day, she pursued a sensible career in business but she was really play-acting, achieving the appropriate degree and spending many years in the corporate world where she never truly belonged. Always happiest when she was sat at her laptop in the quiet hours tapping out a story or two. And so here she is, a published author, her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.
A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she’s not glued to her laptop, she’s wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.
Rachael loves hearing from her readers, why not check out the links below.
Twitter / Website / Facebook / Amazon / Goodreads
***
I was so lucky to be sent two proof copies – you know the gorgeous black one’s which really do look amazing! – of Mr One Night Stand. One to review (Which I am ashamed to say, does look a little worse for wear now – or in other words, it looks loved.) and a spare. I so want to share this saucy and amazing book with you all, so I am giving away my spare copy plus I will throw in a selection of tea’s and chocolate for you to enjoy while reading.
How do I enter? I hear you ask.
Just comment below telling me who makes your pulse race that bit faster? Mine is below and for those who know me, it isn’t a surpise 😉
The giveaway is open across Twitter and Facebook too, same rules apply; just like the giveaway post/s and comment with your answer. (Each post you comment on is a separate entry, eg; If you comment here, Twitter and Facebook you have three chances to win.)
Good Luck, my lovelies!
*T&C’s – Closing date is 26th February at 9pm GMT, the winner will be chosen at random and will be announced shortly after, winner will be contacted directly by myself whether that be by email or DM via Twitter or Facebook. This Giveaway belongs to me and it is not sponsored or endorsed by anyone. Open to UK only, sorry!
Release Day Blitz of Lord Stanton’s Last Mistress by Lara Temple; Exclusive Interview & Giveaway
I have the greatest pleasure of welcoming Historical Romance author; Lara Temple back to Chicks Rogues and Scandal’s for a very special release day post. I have a very insightful chat with lovely Lara, plus an exclusive giveaway.
About Lara
When I was fifteen I found a very grubby copy of Georgette Heyer’s Faro’s Daughter in an equally grubby book store. Several blissful hours later I emerged, blinking, into the light of day completely in love with Max Ravenscar and with Regency Romance.
But the love remained one-sided as I progressed through various fascinating but completely unrelated careers in finance and high tech until my mother gave me a firm shove by entering one my many drawer-directed novels into Harlequin’s annual writing contest. To my shocked surprise I not only made it to the top ten but Harlequin commissioned me to write five Regency romances.
I write strong, sexy, and suspenseful regency romances about complex individuals who give no quarter but deliver plenty of passion.
Like every (or most) writers, I would love to hear from you about books (not only mine) and history and whatever you find that makes you love this period and genre.
I live with my husband and two children who are very good about my taking over the kitchen table for my writing (so I can look out over the garden and dream). I love to travel (especially to places steeped in history) and hike and read as many books as possible (which just about sums up my dream vacation).
I recently went back to look for that grubby crowded little bookstore but couldn’t quite remember around what corner it was…hopefully it is still there and another girl is in the corner by the window, reading and dreaming…
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon
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About the Book
Now he can’t resist her!
A Wild Lords and Innocent Ladies story: Lord Stanton’s stay on the island of Illiakos is shrouded in memories of fever and his mysterious nurse. Years later, an Illiakan royal visit to Stanton Hall reveals the princess’s chaperon Christina James is the woman who saved his life! Alexander is a master of control, but Christina makes him long to unleash the sinful side he’s buried…and unlock her passionate nature too!
Lord Stanton’s Last Mistress can be found at Amazon
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Interview
Frankie Hi Lara, Welcome back to Chicks, Rogues and Scandals! It’s so good to have you visit again.
Lara Hi Frankie, it is lovely to be here again, thanks so much for inviting me!
Frankie For those that don’t know you, can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?
Lara I’m Lara Temple and I write strong and sexy Regency romances for Harlequin/Mills & Boon. I’ve written stories for as long as I can remember but I never thought I’d actually become a published author and I’m still pretty new to the romance writing world. I was so lucky – I entered the Harlequin SYTYCW contest and was shocked to discover I not only reached the finals but I was offered a contract! It was an amazing experience and the beginning of a real romance with writing…
Frankie When you first sit-down to start a new book, do you work from a well drafted plan, or do you just go with the flow and hope for the best?
Lara I’m a definite panster with a hint of plotter. Part of what I love about writing is not quite knowing what my characters will to do next – some of my best scenes (I think) were a complete surprise to me, and sometimes I wonder where they came from! It’s like I sometimes look at my kids and am a little dumbfounded at how amazing they are (when they aren’t driving me up a wall, of course) and I wonder – could they possibly have come from me? But now that I write professionally there is always a point in my writing when I stop and take stock – when the story and characters are strong enough already to stand up to criticism and then I sit down and write an outline and begin to see what is working and what isn’t and then I go back to some more (now informed) pantsing.
Frankie As you’re a Historical Romance writer, I have to ask this crucial question; Who is your all time favourite Hero and Heroine?
Lara I always cringe when I have to choose just one story – I feel I’m cheating on all my other loves! But at the moment I have to say John Thornton and Margaret Hale from North and South. I’m writing about a dark and serious Highland Duke and John Thornton keeps buzzing around in my brain. I loved the book and the series almost equally – they both brought together romance, history, and social commentary in a beautiful and vivid way. Both the hero and heroine went through a full emotional journey and they truly earned their HEAs. I adore them.
Frankie Totally agree, I love their story. *Swoon* How do you decide which characters will take centre stage and which will be more background extras?
Lara That’s an interesting question! I love writing secondary characters even through there is not much room for them in 75,000 words. Often they shove their way onto the stage as I’m writing and I have to rein them in so they don’t take up too much space. But they are so important to give depth not just to the story, but also to the hero and heroine. For example, in my latest book, Lord Stanton’s Last Mistress, Alex’s aunt and Christina’s adoptive family help me show just how loyal and warm my damaged hero and heroine are. They are part of who Alex and Christina. I can’t imagine telling the story without them? The same goes for the animals that often find their way into the stories and even some inanimate objects or scenery. For example, Alex finds calm and expresses himself through wood carvings – they can be found throughout the house and Christina unknowingly connects to Alex through them. So they’re in the background, but also an integral part of the my hero and heroine…
Frankie That is so very fascinating, and I do love that side of Stanton. Do you have a favourite book, that you can read and re-read over and over again?
Lara I have a few but probably I am most faithful to my collection of Georgette Heyers – I’ve had them since I was a teenager and somehow they have managed to survive all my moves and travels. I particularly adore Sylvester and The Grand Sophy – two utterly different heroines but like all Heyer heroines they are unique and powerful characters and so worthy of being loved. Sometimes I think I might not have become a romance writer if I hadn’t come across Heyer’s books.
Frankie Which do you enjoy writing most, a series or a one off/standalone?
Lara I love series because they allow me to develop different nuances in characters. They are like a kaleidoscope – in each consecutive book I get to see a different aspect of the other characters and so when I reach their turn, they are more complex (which means more challenging but also much more rewarding for me). Right now I’m working on two series – one is my one and is called the Sinful Sinclairs (if you’ve read Lord Stanton you know his scandalous mother’s family is called Sinclair and this is about siblings, love letters, and uncovering the value of family).
The other series I am writing with three other Harlequin Mills&Boon authors (Janice Preston, Elizabeth Hobbes, and Nicole Locke) and it is a Highland romance series that goes back through time following two families. I’m writing the Regency book and absolutely loving it – I adore the setting (my first Highlander) but mostly I love collaborating with these amazing, talented ladies!
Frankie Oh, wow! Loving the sound of all this, I can’t wait to meet the Sinclairs and your Highland collaboration sounds so good. I have a last question, that’s just for fun.
If you won the lottery what is the first thing you would do with your winnings?
Lara Oh, I’m boring. I’d probably first help my mother and brothers and put money way for my kids. But THEN I would take my kids and husband on a long leisurely trip around Italy and probably eat far too much pasta and ice cream but come up with marvellous ideas for more books. I’d also forget about my other job and spend more time writing – that would be marvellous!
Frankie That sounds marvellous! Before, I let you go, I have something a little different. If you could ask your readers one question what would it be? And I will try and answer it.
Lara This is hard. Although I read romance, I would really like to get into the mind of more readers’ heads and ask what are the three key things they find make a perfect historical romance (so I can see if I’m heading in the right direction).
Frankie I will do my best to answer, the three key things that I find make a perfect historical romance are:
- Atmosphere! – I love it when reading historical romances where the story is charged with feeling and you become so absorbed into the mood and tone of the era that it feels very real. Which includes the environment, and surroundings it all adds to the overall feel of the story.
- Realism! – The best thing about reading historical romance has got to be getting to know the characters as people, understanding their actions and getting to know their history. By knowing them, you can connect with them and I love that.
- Dialogue! – The key to a great romance is the to-ing and fro-ing between the hero and heroine, whether they start out as enemies and do nothing but argue or have been friends for life and are always teasing. For me there needs to be great bantering between them, everything from witty, fun and playful to snippy, naughty and gruff.
Frankie Thank you so much, Lara for chatting with me again, its always pleasure.
Lara It’s always a pleasure chatting with you, Frankie. Thanks so much for having me on your blog and I’m looking forward to reading more about your own amazing writing project based on your family’s history!
Frankie Thank you, so kind of you to say.
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Giveaway
I have the most amazing giveaway, Lara has very generously donated signed copies of the brilliant Wild Lords and Innocent Ladies series to be given away to one very lucky winner. That is THREE SIGNED BOOKS!!!
!!!This series is amazing, by the way!!!
All you have to do is answer the very simple question, as Lara and myself have been chatting about heroes and heroines, the question is;
Who is your favourite Hero and Heroine?
This can be TV or Books or both, Lara has shared hers, mine is Heathcliffe and Cathy, so what yours?
Comment below, or on Twitter and Facebook
*Giveaway if open Internationally, closing date is 6th June 9pm GMT. Giveaway is open on here, Facebook and Twitter. Winner will be contacted by myself.
Tempting The Laird (Highland Grooms #5) By Julia London, Review & Giveaway
Mystery and desire cloak the Scottish Highlands
Unruly. Unmarried. Unapologetic. Catriona Mackenzie’s reputation precedes her everywhere she goes. Her beloved late aunt Zelda taught Cat to live out loud and speak her mind, and that’s exactly what she does when Zelda’s legacy—a refuge for women in need—comes under fire. When her quest puts her in the path of the disturbingly mysterious Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, Cat is soon caught up in the provocative rumors surrounding the dark duke. Never one to retreat, Cat boldly goes where no one else has dared for answers.
Shrouded in secrets, a hostage of lies, Hamlin must endure the fear and suspicion of those who believe he is a murderer. The sudden disappearance of his wife and the truth he keeps silent are a risk to his chances at earning a coveted parliamentary seat. But he’s kept his affairs tightly held until a woman with sparkling eyes and brazen determination appears unexpectedly in his life. Deadly allegations might be his downfall, but his unleashed passion could be the duke’s ultimate undoing.
My View
Oh, my word! This is incredibly good! I have been a fan of Julia London’s work for ages now and I have been avidly reading this ‘Highland Grooms’ series with relish but this, I have to say is the best of the series, so far. I will admit that the last book; Aulay’s story didn’t live up to the previous book’s, after reading Rabbie’s and Cailean’s stories I didn’t think that this series could get any better and along come Catriona and Hamlin.
After her auntie Zelda’s death, Catriona is left to run Kishorn Abbey on her own, for it is in fact a refuge for women who for whatever reason need a safe place to turn to. Catriona has had a lot to deal with, she was by her auntie Zelda’s side through her illness and slowly she withdrew from society and public life and now she is practically a shell of what she used to be. To an extent that her family are worried, she is drinking heavily, unsociable and severely unhappy. She maybe proud of her spinsterhood and the fact that she doesn’t want or need a man in her life, deep down she is lonely.
Which is why they plot against her and send her to recuperate at her uncle Knox’s, Catriona doesn’t intend to spend her days lounging about she fully intends to get her wealthy English uncle’s support to help save Kishorn Abbey from being taken by the crown. But her well laid out plan’s soon take a turn when she meets the mysterious and devilishly handsome Duke of Montrose. As soon as she sees him across the Inn for the first time in years she feels alive and intrigued by something.
From the onset of meeting Catriona, you see straight way that there is a darkness hanging over her head, London has wonderful job with Catriona’s depression in the first part she hasn’t gone over done it but in those few moment’s you can get a glimpse of Catriona’s state of mind and she isn’t a happy woman. She tries to show to the world she is content but deep down she is a crying wreck.
Hamlin Graham is living under a dark and heavy cloud, of secrets, lies and scandal after the disappearance of his wife all of society think’s that Hamlin murdered her. He has lived with that hanging over his head, it has tarnished his reputation blackened his good name and now driven him to live a lonely and isolated life. It would all be well and good if he didn’t have his hopes set on gaining his seat in Parliament, after all Scotland were only allowed a handful of seats and he wanted one. He had plans to help and he could only do that once he gained that seat. But the scandal in his past and the secret he holds close to his heart are standing in his way.
That is until he meets feisty, determined kindred spirit; Catriona. Who brings the sunshine back into his dark life and makes his once dead heart begin to beat again. Catriona is the only one that knows Hamlin wouldn’t have killed his wife, he may be a huge, brawny and monosyllabic man but he she sees the goodness, she knows beneath that rude persona there lies a gentle, sensitive man.
Oh, my goodness, what a stud! Hamlin is soooo swoon-worthy, he ruggedly handsome. Kind, generous, dark and brooding. Plus, he is very good with his hands in more ways than just welding a hammer to fix his own roof, he isn’t your stereotypical duke. Part man part devil and when he looks at Catriona with those dark/black soulful eyes you melt. He is dark uncivilised and equally as sad as Catriona, they are a match made in heaven!
I love that first chapter where all the Mackenzie clan are all together after Zelda’s death, their closeness and protectiveness to one and other is so heart-warming. This is why I love this family so much, they maybe brutish men in kilts and fierce women with great mind, but they are also hugely supportive of each other and a wonderful family.
Just want to say that I am so intrigued by Nichol Bain who is Hamlin’s secretary. He is a mysterious young man, he has many secrets hidden behind those green eyes and I do hope that he will get a story of his own. He is quite a man I would love to know more about him.
This really is so good, wonderful storyline that keeps you hooked, and keeps you turning those pages to find out what happens’. Character’s that are engaging, intriguing and it’s a joy to watch as their relationship blossoms and their personal characters develop.
As I said in the beginning of the review, this is the best of the series, it’s thrilling, romantic, sexy with two of the best character’s. London has outdone herself with this, it is perfection!
This was an ARC copy via the Author’s PA in exchange for an honest review.
Tempting The Laird is to be released 26th June and can be pre-ordered at Amazon.
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GIVEAWAY CLOSED
I have a wonderful and exclusive to Chicks Rogues and Scandals Giveaway, to be in for a chance to win some exclusive Julia London swag then just answer the question below.
As the Highland Grooms is set in Scotland, what is your favourite thing about Scotland?
It can be anything, from food, clothes, the highlands or something Scottish from TV, mine has got to be Outlander 😉 what’s yours?
This giveaway will be open on here and on the Chicks, Rogues and Scandals Facebook Page which means you have the chance to put your name into the hat twice.
(Eg: Comment on this post -1 entry / Comment & Like Facebook post – 1 entry)
Good luck everyone!
*Unfortunately, giveaway is only opened to US and UK, Giveaway closes on 31st May at midnight GMT. Winner will be announced as soon as possible after closing date.
