Mills and Boon/Harlequin Publsiher Reviews/Book Features
Forbidden To The Highland Laird by Sarah Mallory | #Review #ForbiddenToTheHighlandLaird #LairdsOfArdvarrick | @SarahMRomance @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello, Sunshines, I hope you are all well on this sunny Sunday! I am super excited to be sharing my review of the utterly gorgeous (and that’s just the cover) new book; Forbidden to the Highland Laird by Sarah Mallory. I can’t wait to share this book with you all, be prepared for babble! Firstly, I want to say thank you to Sarah for the advance reader copy. Now. lets have a look at this book.
Forbidden to the Highland Laird by Sarah Mallory
Series: Lairds of Ardvarrick
Genre: Historical Romance, Scottish Romance
Publisher: Mills & Boon/Harlequin Books
Release Date: 1st December, 2020.
A Scottish beauty
Lures the Laird to sin!
Exchanging elegant society balls for clan wars, Logan Rathmore has returned to Scotland as the new Laird of Ardvarrick. Peace is within grasp when he meets musician Ailsa McInnis from a rival clan.
Her stubborn pride and innocence fascinate him—but with her now under his protection, he must do nothing to abuse her trust.
The fragile peace is dependent on his being able to resist the forbidden temptation she presents…
***
Review
My, oh my! Oh, my! Oh, my!!
I could go on, but you get the drift of my initial feeling of this magical book…..In other words, I adore every page!
Firstly, I have to mention the cover, isn’t it glorious? The art department has once again smashed it with the detail, that cover model is exactly how I imagined Ailsa as I was reading, the cover Logan is a wee bit of kilter for me, but I can see a lot of the chemistry that shimmers between Logan and Ailsa throughout the story on the cover. It’s beautiful!!
This is the first book in the brand new Lairds of Ardvarrick series, It’s a beautiful, sensual and captivating, emotional and heart-warming. It’s a brilliant start to I can see is going to be a captivating series. Plus, this is also Sarah Mallory’s first Highlander romance, something which in my humble opinion is long overdue and equally well worth the wait, and easily has become one of my favourites.
Hmmm, I think, I say that about every Sarah Mallory book I read. But, I do love her work and this is what happens when you have a top-notch author, who is at the very peak of her game, you fall in love with each and every book. Sarah has really put so much into this book, the research gone into the history of the era, the setting’s right down to the clothes, the music and of course the stunning Castle Ardvarrick – I was completely whisked out of my chair to the atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful Scottish highlands.
I really liked how Logan and Ailsa slowly get to know each other, it’s not; boom straight to bed, their romance blossoms beautifully, each page they become closer and closer. I absolutely love the little things he does to put her at ease, to draw her closer into his light, shows her that there is kindness and that she is valued, proves to her that she can be happy. Dancing in the moonlight, reading her poetry …my goodness I fell under his spell just like Ailsa….except for me, it was way sooner, I was a swooning and melting mess.
But, then again I have always loved a Scotsman..;-)
Unusually for a Harlequin/Mills and Boon, there is quite a large cast of character’s, we have Logan’s clan, Ailsa and her clan, villains, unruly cousins, but instead of being inundated with characters popping up left right and centre and never knowing who is who and where they belong. Each character has a place and they each make an impact onto the story, there are one or two which I would love to see have a story of their own.
I loved Ailsa’s passion for her music, even though I do think she has been a little groomed in her beliefs about this ‘curse’ all to make her more biddable and compliant to what her family want. My heart went out to her, she is lonely and sheltered, she has so much love coursing through her and so far her only outlet for that has been through her music, and then out of the mist comes walking a; fall to your knee’s, swoon-some (Is that a word??) charismatic, charming, protective handsome chap, who bestows a gift on her that no one ever has; kindness….plus, the sexiest tilting smile which would make any women go weak at the knee’s….all he was missing was a kilt 😉
This is an intriguing story, going from the back blurb alone you would think it’s a basic enemy to lovers type, but as always with Sarah Mallory, there is more to the tale then that, if you have read any of Sarah’s books you will know she likes to mix thing’s up, she likes to add sneaky little twists and additional elements that bring the story to life and makes you keep flicking through the pages and this is no different. There is a lot going on, various subplots, family myths, clan wars, villains and right in the midst of such turmoil are two lonely, passionate and likeable people all of which entwine together to create a highly enjoyable love story with a twist.
I loved it, I cannot recommend it enough, it may not have as many kilted rough-around-the-edges highlanders as I would have liked but luscious Logan soon worked his Scottish magic.
Link
A Lady For Lord Randall (Brides of Waterloo #1) by Sarah Mallory | #Review #ALadyForLordRandall #BridesOfWaterloo #OffTheBookShelf | @SarahMRomance @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello, Sunshines, I am super excited to be sharing my review of another book which has been sitting on my bookshelf for way too long, plus another book by one of my favourite authors; A Lady For Lord Randall by Sarah Mallory. I adored this book as soon as I set eyes on the cover, I can’t wait to share this gorgeous book with you all.
Plus, do visit the blog over the weekend as I have two more Sarah Mallory books to share with you before that take a look at this beauty!
A Lady For Lord Randall by Sarah Mallory
Series: Brides of Waterloo
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Mills & Boon, Harlequin Books
Format: ebook, paperback
In a time of war…
Mary Endacott has no intention of ever surrendering to a man, especially when she meets stubborn yet infuriatingly handsome Lord Randall! But with a major battle fast approaching, normal rules dissolve, and Mary gives herself to him.
…can true love survive?
Justin is renowned for his authority on the battlefield, but Mary is a challenge of a whole new kind! He’s determined to seize every moment of happiness while he can, but when the fighting commences, will the promise of Mary’s kiss be enough to keep him safe?
***
Review
Firstly, Look at that cover!!! #TripleSigh
Isn’t it wonderful? And to be perfectly honest it was that cover which caught my attention, I fell in love with it and it is what made me pick up the book in the first place, closely followed by the fact that it is written by one of my all-time favourite authors.
Seriously though, if you read my reviews, then you will have a fair idea about why I was so taken with this book. For those who have just joined my ramblings (hello, and welcome) then; Its the handsome, grizzled chap in uniform….honestly, gets me every time. I blame a childhood of watching far too much Sharpe…other kids had posters of 90’s pop stars on their bedroom wall, I had Sean Bean in THAT uniform side by side with Jon Bon Jovi 😉
I think, I may have trailed a little off course there, honestly, you don’t want to hear about my childhood bedroom walls life’s story, you want to hear about this gorgeous, gorgeous book…and another thing, why is it I have only just discovered the Brides of Waterloo series?
Where has this book been hiding?
It’s true I walk around with my eyes closed, no wonder I walk into things…LOL!
So this is apart of a trilogy which was written to commemorate the 200th year anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, I’ve not read the other books in this series, but that didn’t impede in my enjoyment of the book, I would say you can read these easily as a stand-alone. I will definitely be reading the other two books as soon as I am able to.
During the Battle of Waterloo, we have a couple who are made for each other and yet have been pulled apart and not just by the war, Mary isn’t your stereotypical little miss, she isn’t a wilting wallflower by any means. She is strong-willed, free-thinking and like her parents goes against all conventions of society. She is determined not to follow the other ladies of the ton and find a husband, she has other more important things on her mind, most importantly her school for young ladies, but then into her life struts the peacocking, handsome, seductive, dashing, charming, arrogant, rich and rascally Lord Randall and no matter what her mind tells her rapidly beating heart is saying something completely different, but which will win?
Well, if it were me I would throwing myself at the feet of the handsome soldier, waiting to be ravished 😉
There’s aren’t enough words for just how wonderful Justin is, and easily one of my favourite heroes to date; handsome, proud, intelligent, caring, loyal and yet there is a certain vulnerability hidden beneath that oh, so sexy titled confident exterior….Gawd, he is just fabulous!! Is it wrong to say I hated Mary just a little? Because once he set eyes on that free-thinking young miss he was lost to all, he is intrigued by her, he wants her deep down in his soul but she doesn’t make life easy for him…poor Justin, even if at times he did act like an arse, but still he wanted her and only her.
Yup, I will admit of being jealous of a character 😉
I really like how Justin’s little command is called; Randall’s Rogues, which is basically what it says on the tin, here we have a battalion of Rogues, of ruff and ready men who make the enemy shiver in fear, and women….well, they shiver too but in an entirely different way. Again, Randall’s Rogues reminds me of Sharpe’s Chosen Men; a group of misfits, of rebels who are damn fine soldier’s. Such a shame our Randall’s Rogues aren’t in green 😉
Honestly, I do have an obsession with a certain green uniform!!
Sarah Mallory is easily one of the finest historical romance authors around, time and time again she creates beauty with her words, but personally speaking I think she outdid herself with this one (even though there have been many books after this, many of which I have loved) but this one is easily my favourite to date. I love the story, the setting, the chemistry between Mary and Justin, the exquisite attention to detail and I especially love rascally, ravishing, rugged Randall…my goodness, how much do I love him?
A Lady for Lord Randall is an exceptionally great historical romance, it’s beautifully written from start to finish. It’s meticulously researched which makes the entirety of the story realistic and engaging, it pulls the reader right into the centre of each scene. You can almost smell the gunpowder, you feel the urgency of the moment, the drama, the tension, the love and lust.
Link
A Forbidden Liaison with Miss Grant by Marguerite Kaye | #Review #AForbiddenLiasonWithMissGrant | @MargueriteKaye @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello, sunshines, thank you for stopping by! Today I have the huge pleasure to be sharing my review of; A Forbidden Liaison With Miss Grant by Marguerite Kaye. Firstly, I wish to say thank you to Marguerite for my advanced reader’s copy.
A Forbidden Liaison with Mis Grant by Marguerite Kaye
Genre: Historical Romance / Publisher: Mills and Boon, Harlequin / Release Date: 20 August 2020
An unexpected encounter…
Will change everything!
Self-made gentleman and widower Grayson Maddox has devoted himself to his children and business, leaving no time for pleasure. Until he has an impulsive, thrillingly sensual encounter with lady’s companion Miss Constance Grant! Their passion gives Grayson hope of a happiness he never thought he’d feel again. But there’s still much in both their pasts to confront before they can turn their forbidden liaison into a new beginning…
I cannot begin to say how much I loved this book, I have read a fair few of Marguerite Kaye’s books over the last few years and I have loved each one, but this is easily the best yet, it has so much in it I love and there is so much I could say, but I really don’t want to give away any spoilers so, this will most likely end up being a long-winded babble-fest.
I loved the instant attraction, the chemistry between Constance and Grayson is heated, sexual, sizzling and so captivating and yet after their first illicit tryst they can’t seem to see that they are meant to be together – I felt like climbing into the book and banging their heads together.
I loved the plot, I really won’t say too much about that, other then the back blurb really doesn’t do it justice, there is so much more going on then a little romping in inns, but I will say that it’s not all that it seems with Royal visits and the awful Scottish clearances – which was very shocking to read, this is far from the stereotypical historical romance, it will keep you turning the pages with lightning speed that’s for sure.
The cover, just how amazing is that cover? Neither look like Constance and Grayson, well not to me, but each reader to their own right? But I love it! It’s eye-catching, it’s got a real simple elegance and relevant to the characters, that they are a little older and it’s just so darn pretty. A massive thumbs up for the art department, is it just me or are the M&B/Harlequin covers getting prettier with every new book?
The hero, I am never shy in proclaiming my love of hard-working ordinary folk and Grayson is exactly that! Some people go google-eyed for cravats, aristocratic titles and royal’s, for me it will always be a working man, a man who isn’t ashamed of getting his hand dirty. A man who has done and is used to hard graft and never shies away from it and isn’t ashamed that he has scars and calloused hands. A man who is morally good with his workers and those around him. A man who has worked his socks off to be in the position he is in and this is Grayson, he is every bit the decent human being we all need in our lives and I absolutely adore him. He is a good man, a good boss, and a good father….plus he is a sexy as hell man in his prime, who know exactly what he wants. 😉
It is so nice to have a more mature couple in the centre of a romance, both think that they are way past their prime and heading at full pelt speed for their dotage, and both think that they will never find love at their time of life and that one thought comes across with both of them so beautifully and when they do find someone who loves them for exactly who they are, its a beautiful and enlightening moment. When they realise that just because they aren’t in their twenties and have pasts and responsibilities that they can find love, have fun, they can have a great time between the sheets and they can act compulsively is like a light switching on and they really shine. For, me that realisation is such an integral part of the entire book, and as always Marguerite Kaye has done the astounding job at really grabbing your heart and emotions.
I absolutely love how this starts, the first meeting between Constance and Grayson is full of absolute lust and a yearning to cast off their wears, throw caution to the wind and do something that would in today’s standards seem a little risqué – jumping into bed with a stranger you met on the docks literally within minutes. But, my, oh my it works, it really works. From that moment on these two are cemented into your mind, who would have thought we would be in store for some bedroom action from the get-go, there is no mulling about for these two, straight to the action no hanging around and I really love it!
Constance is such a wonderful character, she has seen some pretty awful things and she has big opinions on a variety of subjects – I can’t say too much as it would give away too much about the plot, but those thoughts and opinion’s play a major role in the story. She thinks she is very much on the shelf, she can’t imagine that a man like Grason would look twice at her. But, he sees her for who she is, yes there may have conflicting views at times but they really work brilliantly together.
Overall a wonderful and immersive read, which hold the reader’s attention and ignites the imagination from page one. The writing is as ever flawless, fabulously constructed characters and a fresh and original plot. A great read, one which I cannot recommend more!
Oh, one more thing; do read the historical note at the back, Marguerite always pulls all she has discovered about the subject’s covered in her books into a fascinating quick read which is always very insightful. One thing I did notice about this book is that Marguerite has really pushed the boat out with her historic detail and fact, her knowledge of the era is beyond compare, she has so deftly entwined real historical events with an authentic fictional love story, which makes for compelling reading.
Revelations of His Runaway Bride by Kali Anthony |#Review #RevelationsOfHisRunawayBride | @KaliAAnthony @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello, Sunshines, Today I have the great pleasure to be sharing my review of; Revelations of his Runaway Bride by Kali Anthony. Firstly, I want to say thank you to Kali for my complimentary copy.
Revelations of his Runaway Bride by Kali Anthony
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Publisher: Mills and Boon, Harlequin / Release Date: 25th June 2020
She was ready to flee…
Then passion beckoned.
From the moment Thea Lambros is forced to walk down the aisle toward Christo Callas, her only thought is escape. After all, this reluctant bride is a mere pawn in her father’s dangerous game.
But when coolly brilliant Christo interrupts her getaway, Thea meets her electrifying match. Pairing her resilient spirit with his unwavering strength, her new husband unleashes an unexpected fire within her. Thea feared she was trading one jailer for another. But what if Christo is the man to finally set this caged bird free?
Well, what on earth can I say about this?
This is easily one of the finest and original debut’s I have read for a while, and even more one of the best Harlequin Present’s that has passed through my fingers in…well probably since I discovered this line. Kali Anthony has really made her mark on this little reviewer, I loved her classy yet edgy writing style which really hooked me.
I will be perfectly honest and say that the Present’s line for M&B/Harlequin has always been a little hit and miss with me. I have read quite a few, as I am a sucker for a Mills and Boon/Harlequin Romance and I have enjoyed them, but – and really this is no disrespect the authors of Presents – I have never been taken to the starry heights of absolute love for the line that I am for others such as the historicals or true loves…So sorry!
And then along came a debut author with a completely different story, which turned my head!
There is something very different about this, the overall feel of it screams to me more adventure romance than your stereotypical Presents. I can’t explain it but this has a real grown-up, fresh new age feel about it. There is a lot of love for this book, but that’s not what I first thought. At first, I thought; OK, it’s another arranged marriage style trope where they soon fall in love and find that; yes we are made for each other. Well, that was soon dismissed before I had finished the first chapter, there is a real edginess of it, especially that of the heroine who is such a marvel and not at all what I expected. Yes, she has been forced to marry this cool as a cucumber sex-god, but that doesn’t mean she is going to make life easy for either of them.
I really enjoyed the tug of war going on between Thea and Christo, theirs is a marriage not wanted but needed and they both have opinions on just how this marriage of theirs is going to be. I love the passion that sizzles between them, they may not be the best of friends – at first – but they certainly heat up a room and that’s without speaking, that fire in his glorious eyes really sent my overactive imagination into overdrive 😉
Yet, I do think Christo was overshadowed by Thea, this was all about her (which in respect to parts of the plot, it is) this is her story to tell and Christo will have to do as he is told and stand in the corner growling until needed. There were times where poor Christo was just decoration – sinfully sexy, broodingly cool and passionate decoration, but a decoration non-the-less. Which is the only negative thing I will say about it, I would have liked a little more of Christo – and no, not just his passionate come to bed part gaze. Minds out of the gutter!
What I particularly liked about this is the multi-layered and complex plot, there is a lot going on which keeps you guessing as to what direction the story will go. True for some die-hard Presents readers who know this line inside out will probably say that there is too much going on. That there are too many subplots, too many characters, not enough actual communication between the two leads and too much angst and unfinished drama,…..fair enough. That is another person’s opinion, but this is my review and my blog and I will say exactly what I think – in the process I will probably become vilified by loyal and passionate Presents fans – but in my opinion; Kali Anthony is the breath of fresh air and new blood that this line has needed, she has smashed it, she has moved the Presents goal posts.
This is a brilliantly and hugely enjoyable debut, she has thrown the rulebook out of the window and made her own rules and in the process has done a cracking job at bringing a fabulous, gripping and ultimately romantic story to the world. I cannot wait to see what Kali has in store for us next!
Overall, a passionate and original love story, if your want a few hours of fairytale-esque escapism then look no further.
The Silk Merchant’s Convenient Wife by Elisabeth Hobbes | #Review #TheSilkMerchantsConvenientWife | @ElisabethHobbes @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello, sunshines, Today, I have the massive pleasure to be sharing my review of the gorgeous; The Silk Merchant’s Convenient Wife by Elisabeth Hobbes, I can’t wait to share this book with you all. First, I want to say thank you to Elisabeth for my advanced reader copy.
The Silk Merchant’s Convenient Wife by Elisabeth Hobbes
Genre: Victorian, Historical Romance / Publisher: Mills and Boon, Harlequin / Release Date; 20th August 2020
An inconvenient passion…
His parents’ loveless relationship has left silk merchant Jonathan Harcourt suspicious of marriage. But in order to expand his mill and have an heir, he must marry his neighbour Aurelia Upford. Even more surprising than finding himself with a clever, beautiful society wife is the unexpected passion that flares between them, and the unsettling emotions it leads to. Sharing a bed was part of their arrangement, but can Jonathan risk sharing his heart, too?
I am a big fan of Elisabeth Hobbes work, she is such an accomplished and gifted storyteller, she never fails to enthral the reader with clever words, knowledge and meticulous research – honestly, her medieval’s are in a league of their own – and her fist Victorian is just as rich and vibrant as the others.
I love the setting within the silk industry, Elisabeth doesn’t make that way of life all happy and prosperous, she gives a real and clear picture of life within the industry, the good and bad, I personally found the mention of the dreaded ‘millers lung’ (which is pretty much the same as the miner’s lung for those who don’t know, you breathe in the fibres and over time they destroy the lungs) very touching and gives light into one of the many illnesses that befell those who worked in the industry.
I have to say that I was taken with this book even before reading it, that cover is so striking it actually made me think of one of my all-time favourite drama’s North and South, and from that moment on every single time Johnathon was in a scene I had this image of Richard Armitage’s; Mr Thornton in my head. I was just waiting for ‘that’ kissing scene if there is I’m not going to spoil it for you, you will just have to pop to the shops and pick up a copy, but I will say that this does lead us down a merry path never knowing in which direction you will turn.
Johnathan is such a likeable chap, there is a touch of scandal in his past in the way he and his mother ended up living in Macclesfield, and why a nobleman would be working in a silk factory. I really, really like and respect Jonathan, anyone who follows the blog will know my utter love of a self-made man, and even though our boy isn’t working-class, he has worked damn hard to be where he is. He has pushed and fought for everything he now holds dear he can hold his head high for all he has achieved and that alone made me fall head over heels for this aspiring man. But, he isn’t just all stuffy cravats and starched collars he is a real hottie, sexy, suave, gentle, clever – even though I did get a sense of a bit of a ruthless edge, imaginative, a bit blunt and never minces his words (another reason I like him) and he is very, very passionate – I know what your thinking, get your minds out of the gutter 😉 no, he is passionate in that way, but more about his work and making the factory and the business the best it can be. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, he genuinely cares for his workers and for the poor, plus – and this is very important – he has a brilliant wit, it’s rare and hidden away under his cold factory boss exterior, but there are moments when you see that curving of the lips. It’s like I said, he is Mr Thornton…sigh!
Witnessing what happened to his parent’s marriage really impacted how he sees marriage to be, he doesn’t want to end up in the same position, which is one of the reason’s he is so against the idea of marriage. But he knows that he really needs a son and heir to carry on once he’s gone and to have that he needs a wife, which is where our lovely Aurelia (honestly, I would love to know how you actually pronounce her name, I’m hopeless with names)
Aurelia has a bit of a black mark against her, after a scandal which made the family move, she has got this black sheep sort of aura about her, deep down, I think her family do think she is to blame for their misfortune and as such she feels guilty and ashamed. She is a naïve, quiet and unassuming little thing that just needs a little love. She is content that her marriage will be one of convenience and not love, so once she starts seeing her new husband in a completely new, devastatingly tantalising light she is shocked at how much of her wants him, but she won’t love him, she is determined not to spoil anything and stick to the agreement ….yeah, right, there is only so long you can hold back from jumping on gorgeous Jonathan, he is way too tempting.
I adore the little touches of Jonathan’s and Aurelia’s personality’s which really brought them alive, such as Jonathan with his diary, it’s such a simple thing but I loved that little detail, whenever something of import happened he would write in it. It’s such an everyday thing to do, I mean haven’t we all had, or have got a diary?
I did think that the first couple of chapters after Jonathon and his mother flee their home, in the beginning, were a little slow in pace, which was a little surprising at first as I am so used to Elisabeth really hyping up the tension from the start in her previous books, It’s just me I think, I am becoming way too fussy. Once Aurelia and Jonathon married and they started to attempt to wade through the uneven waters of married life, then everything that I personally felt was lacking in the start fell into place. But despite my initial thoughts the gentler approach worked well with Jonathon and Aurelia’s story, they aren’t the kind of couple who need lots of fuss and huge showy scenes, they capture the attention and the imagination all on their own.
I thought their relationship developed beautifully throughout the book, there an instant bubbling of chemistry that takes them both off guard and that soon develops from chaste longing to unrepented love and lust. It’s not boom straight into bed, even when married the first bedroom scenes are quick and straight to the point, but there is a constant spark, an undercurrent of frustration as their feelings grow stronger.
The Silk Merchant’s Convenient Wife is a beautifully written captivating love story, full of gentle passion, richly textured detail and a misty like a longing that envelopes you as you read. The plot takes you on a steady journey, with a few surprises thrown in to keep you guessing. The characters are perfect for each other, they may seem a little chalk and cheese at first but once together you know that they were made for each other.
The Return of the Disappearing Duke by Lara Temple | #Review #TheReturnOfTheDisappearingDuke | @laratemple1 @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello Sunshines, I have the huge pleasure to be sharing my review of the amazing; Return of the Disappearing Duke by Lara Temple, I am so excited to be sharing my review with you all, but first I want to say thank you to Lara for my advance reader copy.
Return of the Disappearing Duke by Lara Temple
Genre: Historical Romance / Publisher: Mills and Boon, Harlequin / Release Date: 20th August 2020
A scarred mercenary…
Or the Disappearing Duke of Greybourne?
Rafe has spent years running from his true identity. He’s a lone wolf, living far from aristocratic England and his violent father. Then unconventional Cleopatra Osbourne requests his protection as she crosses the Egyptian desert. In Cleo he discovers a fellow outcast—and a fierce desire! Cleo must return to London, and here lies Rafe’s dilemma—because following his heart means claiming the title he’s avoided for so long!
Oh, my! Oh, my! Oh, my!!
How am I possibly going to string a sentence together and actually write a review for something that is perfect?
The story is stunningly perfect!
The characters are super perfection!
The writing is as always beyond perfection!
The setting is beautifully perfect!
As I have said, how do you write a review for something that is…yes, you guessed it; perfect?
I will admit that I wasn’t overawed with the previous book; Edge’s story, which I always feel terrible at admitting when it comes to Lara’s books, but I will never be anything but honest in my reviews. I did enjoy it hugely but poor Edge just didn’t have the wow factor I am used to. That makes me sound so fussy! Yet saying that the minute Rafe appeared I just knew he would be something very special, I have been very impatiently awaiting this story, it seems like an age since we had that first glimpse of him but my goodness it was well worth the wait.
Boy, oh, boy! Was this story worth the wait, or what?
There is just something about Rafe which really makes you fall in love with him, obviously being a mercenary he is rough, solid, strong, ruthless, predatory the sort of man who you want by your side and also fear as to how far this battle-hardened warrior will go. Yet, the other side to him is a real surprise, he is caring, gentle, fragile, world-weary, lonely, passionate, his vulnerability and his jaded view of the world breaks your heart, you want to wrap in a big bear hug – even though he would be the one doing the bear hugging especially with those amazing arms…Ooooh, don’t get me started on how much I love his arms…those large, muscular scarred arms….sigh!!! Once you know his past, you completely understand why he is the way he is, Rafe has been made into the hardened jaded man before us by an event many years ago, one that is as shocking as it is sad and one that he has been running from all his life.
I adore Cleo, she is a marvellous woman and the perfect partner for strong and silent Rafe. Her stubborn, strong-willed and sassiness is the perfect partner for his rough edginess, add into her kind, caring and compassionate nature is a balm to his fractured soul. All she wants deep down is to the right thing, she has had not your average upbringing being dragged from pillar to post as her father finds yet another way to make money through none too legal or moral means. She is resourceful, intelligent and brave and in need of help which is when she meets Rafe. It’s a good job she has a smart head when she finds herself under the protection of the sexiest mercenary you will ever meet, a man who can make you drop to your knees with just a glance. She needs all her smarts and her well-versed back-chat. What she can’t protect herself from is how her heart beats a rapid tattoo whenever he is around, his rare smiles make her goes weary weak and her head is full of foggy lust.
Hmmm, I may have just been talking about myself there! 😉
Cleo and Rafe are the perfect couple! They match each other so beautifully, they bounce off each other when bickering, their banter is some of the best I’ve read…good jolly, can they banter? I love it, they fling tarts remarks at one another as much as they mercilessly flirt. The chemistry is sexy, heated, passionate, the air crackles around them and the more they try to ignore their feelings the more intense it becomes.
I absolutely adore that we are once again in Egypt, I do have a soft spot for Egyptian history – then again, who doesn’t? Lara has really upped the ante with the Egyptian history and culture, I loved every scene, whether they were in the hot and dusty desert starring up at the darkened star-studded sky or deeply immersed into a little market town. I absolutely loved joining Rafe and Cleo on their journey as they made their way to Cairo and then Alexandria…even if at the time I did feel as though I was a spare wheel when they were having a few private moments together. What makes the book really stand out for me, is Lara’s knowledge of the era and the country, each scene is a masterpiece of historical writing, you become fully immersed into 19th century Egyptian life; the sights, aroma’s sounds, the clothing, what they ate, riding the camel’s the beautiful scenery it is all so rich in vivid detail.
I thin you may have guessed how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I loved the plot which is whirlwind of passion and adventure, the characters are superbly created. It’s grab’s hold of your imagination and takes you on a misty and dreamlike adventure of love and hope. This is Lara Temple at her very best, she is the dominant queen of the regency romance!
Redeeming Her Viking Warrior (Sons of Sigurd #4) by Jenni Fletcher | #Review #RedeemingHerVikingWarrior #SonsOfSigurd | @JenniAuthor @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello, Sunshines, Thank you for stopping by, I have the huge pleasure to be sharing my review of the incredible; Redeeming Her Viking Warrior by Jenni Fletcher, I am so excited to share this amazing book with you all. Firstly, I want to say thank you to Jenni for the advanced reader copy, now let me tell you all about this very special book, I hope you love at much as I do!
Redeeming Her Viking Warrior by Jenni Fletcher
Series: Sons of Sigurd / Genre: Viking, Historical Romance / Publisher: Mills and Boon, Harlequin / Release Date: 20th August 2020
He’s sworn celibacy…
Until he gets vengeance!
Danr Sigurdsson is indebted to the captivating, mysterious healer living alone in the wilderness who carefully tends his wounds. Consumed with anguish over the massacre that killed his family, Danr has sworn not to touch another woman until he finds those responsible. So resisting Sissa should be easy, but as they search for the truth, fighting their mutual attraction becomes the hardest battle…
Before I start with my incessant waffle, I just want to say a massive thank you to Jenni Fletcher for writing such an astounding and magical book. Danr and Sissa will stay locked away in my heart for many, many years to come, I read this book and instantly felt so much happiness and love for the story, the characters and of course the gifted author.
Have you ever felt so incredibly connected to a character that you feel as though you know them as actual people? There is a finest shimmering thread pulling you into their world and you think; oh my giddy aunt I love this women and yet at the same time you are completely green with envy that this incredible character is living out your very dream of living in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but dogs (or in Sissa’s case wolves) for company, and a sinfully handsome, yet complicated Viking chopping wood in the background.
OK, that’s it, I’m going to live in the woods 😉
But, honestly, though, there is something very magical about this book, I can’t quite put it into words just how much I love this book, I have read all of Jenni Fletcher’s books, and loved them from day one, she is one of the most gifted authors around, with each new book I am always bowled over with her clever and beautiful stories, but this one is very special. Jenni Fletcher has just set a whole new standard for how historical romances should be written,
This was such a hard review to write, there is so much I wanted to say about this beautiful book and yet even the slightest wrong word would give a whole load of spoilers and that is one thing that I refuse to do, so I’ll just write a bit of babble and hopefully, it will look review-ish.
Sissa and Danr are perfect! These two are easily my favourite couple out of all the historical romances I’ve read, and believe me there has been a few over the years, these two have stolen the crown for the favourite couple. There is a certain weariness between them, she distrusts all men especially warriors and he is easily the most dangerous she has ever come across, yet she can’t hide the fact that she is hugely attractive to the large rugged beast which has fallen into her lap, he stirs her blood to boil – especially with his incessant talking, I thought I was a natterbox, this man puts me to shame if talking was an Olympic sport; then he would win gold. I do love a talkative man though, it’s such a normal trait and yet we see it so little in books.
Sissa is easily one of the most mystical and mysterious character’s you will ever meet, there is an otherworldly aura about her that draws you to her. I love her simplistic look on life and how she lives, she is highly intelligent and independent, she is fierce and loyal with a kind and caring heart, but beneath that unmovable mask there lies pain and vulnerability, she has a past and secrets. The more you learn about her the more you like her and are inspired by her, she is an incredible woman, life hasn’t been a bed of roses for her, it is such a joy seeing as she opens up and allows Danr close.
Danr….Oh, my!! He is…well, what can I say?
Danr is everything you would expect a Viking to be; strong, sexy, fierce, powerful, handsome, glorious blue eyes, amazing arms…oh, my those arms! I may have died and gone to muscled arm heaven with him…sigh! Yet, there is another side to this man then what is on display….oh aye, he is mighty fine to look at and he has a notorious reputation, but this stud has a compassion side too, he really feels things. He is full of guilt, remorse and shame over what he believes to be his fault – I can’t go too much into it, as it would spoil the story – he wants revenge and redemption, he wants the truth and find the people who brutally murdered his family.
Another thing that I absolutely love about this is the cover…I mean, come on, have you seen it? It’s stunning and what’s more, the cover model’s really looked like how I imagined Danr and Sissa to look, they are perfect…I would have loved to see a wolf or two though.
Redeeming her Viking Warrior is the fourth book in the Son’s of Sigurd series, I have read the second book; Falling for her Viking Captive by Harper St. George which is amazing, you don’t need to read them in order as these books are very much stand-alone stories. A little insider info though, Danr from this book and Rurik from Viking captive are twin brothers, both brothers mention their twin but only as a background to their own story.
This book as you may have guessed from this long-winded post is utterly magical, the story is simply perfect, I honestly can’t say enough good things about it, it’s a mesmerising and beautiful story which is full of love and second chances. I love the start, it opens with a memorable bang and the intensity of the story doesn’t slow, the moment Danr and Sissa meet you instantly know that these two are going to be something special, they are both wary and taken back by the crackling tension that hovers around them like a low early morning mist.
Overall, it’s in one word; Perfect!!
Falling for Her Viking Captive (Sons of Sigurd #2) by Harper St George | #Review #FallingForHerVikingCaptive #SonsOfSigurd | @HarperStGeorge @MillsandBoon @HarlequinBooks
Hello, Sunshines, I have the massive pleasure to be sharing my review of the fabulous; Falling for her Viking Captive by Harper St. George. I can’t wait to share this with you all, but first thank you to Harper for my complimentary copy, now on to the book.
Capturing the Viking Warrior by Harper St. George
Series: Sons of Sigurd / Genre: Viking, Historical Romance / Publisher: Mills and Boon, Harlequin / Release Date: 16th April 2020
In her cellar…
Lady Annis must stop Viking Rurik Sigurdsson from discovering the truth about his family’s death. Her only solution is to imprison him. But as the ruggedly handsome Viking starts to charm his way out of his cell and into her heart, can she be sure he’s not still intent on vengeance—or perhaps an unexpected alliance is the solution?
Oh, my giddy aunt!!!! I love it, talk about wow factor, this beauty has it all…
Hot, sexy, rugged Vikings – check!
Enemies to lovers trope – check!
Secrets and deception – check!
Fiery and intelligent heroine – check!
Revenge subplot – check!
This. Book. Is. Too. Damn. Good. For. Words!!
That is it, that’s all, I can say. I honestly don’t have the words to fully describe how much I love this book….do, you think I could get away with a load of gifs as a review?
I have said it before, and I am going to unashamedly say it again, Harper St George is the queen of the Viking romance, she is in a whole league of her own her stories are the most intoxicatingly compelling, emotionally raw, enticingly rugged and supremely romantic. There are dangers, excitement and brutal passion – and that is just the heroes 😉 – you are ensnared and thrown across the large shoulder of a rampaging Viking, taken off kicking and screaming, only to never want to return home again because you have become accustomed to being ravaged…Deep #DoubleSigh!!
Oh, Gawd, I’m babbling again – someone stop me please, but I can’t help it. This is what Harper’s books do to me, from the very page you are whisked away to a land of feisty dagger-wielding heroines and gruff, ruthless sexy-as-hell heroes.
Harper St. George, I bow down to your excellence, I am forever grateful for all your glorious heroes – I mean stories 😉 and this is easily the best yet….even though, I do keep saying that with every new book.
I suppose I had best make an attempt at a review, other than bombarding you all with cringe-worthy waffle – honestly, I embarrass myself sometimes.
Falling for Her Viking Captive is the second book in the whole new; Sons of Sigurd series, this is completely different to any other series in the fact that each book is written by a different author and each book is a stand-alone the only connection is that each of the books follows a different brother. I love this concept of bringing together a bunch of amazing authors and have them write a series, it not only brings beautiful stories to the world, but it allows readers to discover new authors. I do love it when Mills and Boon/Harlequin put together these multi-author series, I do hope there will be more to come in the future.
I’ve not read the first book ‘Stolen by the Viking’ something I plan to rectify as soon as possible, not that it’s necessary as I read this pretty much as a stand-alone, Harper St George has this brilliant knack of importing whatever information about the previous storylines you need into her story so that you get the full picture.
After the brutal assignation of his father and some of their kin; Rurik is all out for revenge, he wants answers and then some vengeful violence, but more than that he wants answers – who killed his father and attacked their village? He soon finds himself kidnapped by the person who may have all the answers, Lady Annis has secrets, as well as trying to hide them she also wants peace and for her people to be safe, so when the sexy and mysterious warrior turns up asking questions she knows he is going to be trouble. So, she does what anyone would do she drug’s him, take him hostage – which at one time does mean being tied to her bed – but Annis may be over her head as this man won’t simply lie back and allow his incarceration.
Anyone who follows the blog will know of my huge love of the enemies to lovers trope, I can never get enough of those passionate and deadly exchanges between a warring couple, I love Rurik and Annis, they are a wonderfully compelling couple. They bounce off each other, they both fight for command, they throw barbed words at each other. There is a serious and emotional side to their relationship; both have pasts and both distrust the other and yet they both have a seething passion, there is an inexplicable sizzle and raw pent-up lust which hangs in the air around them.
Rurik…ah, Rurik!!! I am in love, he is a multi-layered, huge beast of a man. Warrior, a powerful man of steel who is out for revenge. Yet below that hardened and ruthless exterior, there is a gentle and compassionate man and at times he has got a brilliant dry wit….when he asks Annis if she has a habit of kidnapping men from inns and tying them to her bed, had me spluttering into my tea with laughter.
But this is far more than just two scarred people from opposite sides falling in love, there are some real heart-wrenching moments. This is what Harper St. George does best, she builds the tension right to the climactic finale, secrets and lies are revealed and both Annis and Rurik must try and manoeuvre their way through the torrential storm of emotions that swirls around them both, and find a way to see past what is revealed to finally have the happiness they both deserve.
As you may have guessed, I absolutely adored this book!! The story is enthralling, it steals you away and leaves you in a dream-like state of longing. With intrigue, fiery passion, tension, brilliantly created character’s, dazzling chemistry and rich atmospheric detail, this book is just perfect, Harper St. George has outdone herself with this beautiful jewel.
#Review | Captivated by Her Parisian Billionaire by Andrea Bolter #CaptivatedByHerParisianBillionaire @andrea_bolter @HarlequinBooks @MillsandBoon
Hello, Sunshines, I have the huge pleasure to be sharing my review of; Captivated by Her Parisian Billionaire by Andrea Bolter. I can’t wait to share this gorgeous book with you all, I hope you love it as much as I do.
Captivated by Her Parisian Billionaire by Andrea Bolter
Genre: Contemporary, True Love, Romance / Publisher: Mills and Boon, Harlequin / Format: ebook, Print
Paris already has Cinderella’s heart…
Can the billionaire steal it?
Interior designer Zoe wouldn’t put her heart on the line for anything like she would for Paris! Practically penniless, her only chance of staying is convincing buttoned-up billionaire Jules to hire her. But how can she work with a man who finds her joie de vivre so infuriating? Until one uncharacteristically impulsive kiss later Zoe realizes Jules isn’t as immune to her charm as he’d have her believe…
Can I first mention that cover??? Ouh, la la!! Is that super hot or what, my goodness that cover model is sizzling, he’s not how I imagined Jules whilst reading, but hey who cares when you have this hottie sitting so prettily beside my bed….hmmm?? That didn’t exactly come across as I would have liked and now I sound a little perverse, I think it’s best I talk about the book instead of what I have beside my bed 😉
I am pretty late Andrea’s Bolter’s writing, having only discovered her a couple of years ago, but from that first book I was completely hooked with her stories and this is easily my all-time favourite to date. I do love romances set in Paris, I can’t describe it but to me, they always seem so magical and fairy-tale like and that is what Andrea does best, she takes a stereotypical fairy- tale such as Cinderella and turns it into something more chic and trendy and dare I say it…even more romantic, and this is exactly what she has done here.
Personally, I think that the Parisian setting is the star attraction, it enthuses an already sizzling romance into something else, I love the descriptions of the city, the sights smells and experiencing Paris through both of Jukes and Zoe’s eyes. As you may have gathered I love the setting, the Parisian scene is charming and vivid.
This is a typical ‘Cinderella’ tale, we have down on her luck Zoe, who is an out of work Interior designer, out of money, out of luck and almost out o hope of being able to stay in the city she loves with her whole heart; Paris. Then along comes her knight in shining armour in the form of billionaire businessman; Jules a man who has been running away for far too long. Neither are looking for love, neither are wanting any attachments, but neither can deny that there is a shimmer in the atmosphere a crackle whenever the other is around – even if she is a wee bit too cheery for the likes of our very important and refined Jules, in fact, he finds her downright irritating and Zoe, as much as she finds him hugely sexy – I totally agree with her there, he is smoking!!! – there is something very serious about him, but no matter her own thoughts, she needs the job he has offered her if she is to be able to stay in her much-loved city. Only her desire for him may lead to her own downfall.
I liked Zoe, her character spoke volumes to me, and I think many could relate to her in some way. She is a grafter, she is passionate and compassionate, she has a big heart and even bigger dreams. I like her cheerful nature, she has seen tough times but she always seemed to me that she always looked for the bright side.
Jules isn’t really a complex man, he is a man of simple ideas and wants. There is an undercurrent of loneliness about him, he has spent so many years running away – but what was he running from? – and now he has no choice but to make his home in Paris again, he has his plan’s and they don’t involve love….but as we all know in fair-tales, love doesn’t take no for an answer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s the perfect little escapism. The Cinderella-esque story is pretty much what you see is what you get, but with sexy Parisian charisma. The setting is the perfect romantic setting, you cannot go wrong with Paris and the characters are really fun, flirty and so likeable. The only flaw is the ending, personally, I thought it was a little stunted and abrupt the way the story came to the end, I would have liked a little more to it, but overall it was a satisfying jaunt to happily ever after…..and now I’m off to gaze longingly at that glorious cover…sigh!!
This was a complimentary copy via the author, which I voluntarily reviewed. Thank you, Andrea. x
#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
***
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
***
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
***
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.
