ARC Reviews

31/08/2021

Unmasking the Hero (Pleasure Garden #1) by Mary Lancaster. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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“He is the core of all my hate—and all my love.”

Welcome to book 1 in the the exciting new series from
 USA Today Bestselling author Mary Lancaster.


Two years ago, the charismatic young Earl of Wenning abandoned his bride on their wedding night, leaving her to face the humiliation and inevitable suspicion of guilt alone, while he pursued his diplomatic ambitions abroad.

But the resilient Grace refused to crumble. Setting aside her bewildered grief, she has become a fashionable socialite living on the edge of scandal, surrounded by male admirers. Now, she awaits her husband’s return with a little revenge in mind.

However, a foolish wager has caused her to lose his wedding gift during a masquerade ball at the infamous Maida Pleasure Gardens, and she is worried it could be used against her. And, by the time Wenning comes home, she has befriended a mysterious stranger she met at Maida whom she believes might just serve as her means of revenge.

The earl and the countess circle each other in a wary, dangerous dance where either might win—or ruin what’s left of their marriage. Meanwhile, a more deadly enemy stalks them.

Can the couple rise above the past and unite before death parts them forever?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Lady Grace Wenning has spent the last two years showing a cheerful face to society.  Her husband, who she thought loved her,  abandoned her the day after the wedding.  Now he is due home from assignment in China,  and she has no intention of changing her life for him. 
Oliver,  the Earl of Wenning has had two years to brood over the letter that ruined his marriage.  He's finding no evidence that it could possibly be true. Maybe it's time to find out just who his wife really is.  
This is a fabulous historical romance that is fun and quite sad at the same time. Plenty of secrets and underhanded people set around a slightly disreputable venue. We have lots of great characters in this new series.  I'm sure we are going to have lots of fun with them all.  
Great fun. 


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Mary Lancaster's first love was historical fiction. Since then she has grown to love coffee, chocolate, red wine and black and white films - simultaneously where possible. She hates housework.

As a direct consequence of the first love, she studied history at St. Andrews University, after which she worked variously as editorial assistant, researcher and librarian. Although she has always written stories for her own entertainment, she began to make serious efforts toward publication in order to distract herself from a job she disliked. She now writes full time at her seaside home in Scotland, which she shares with her husband and three children.

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26/08/2021

The Prizefighter's Hart (Headstrong Harts #4) by Emily Royal . Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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A spinster. A prizefighter. A marriage of convenience. This bout can’t end well.

Plain, prim, and beyond marriageable age, Dorothea Hart is resigned to the life of a spinster aunt. But she yearns for a family of her own, and is hopelessly attracted to the ‘Mighty Oak’—a prizefighter renowned for his prowess—who stirs previously unknown passions in her.

Widower Griffin Oake made his fortune in the ring—but he can’t buy respectability, or a footing in society for his daughter. After a disastrous first marriage, he has no wish to wed again, but is looking to employ a genteel woman to chaperone the rebellious teenager—preferably the plainest, dullest woman in London.

When Dorothea is publicly compromised, she’s pushed into a marriage of convenience with the object of her infatuation. Exiled to the country, with a husband who avoids her, and a stepdaughter determined to defy her, Dorothea’s dream of a loving family seems further away than ever… and she begins to suspect that Griffin’s first wife’s death was not an accident.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Miss Dorothea Hart has fallen into the role of spinster aunt. Since her brother made his fortune and moved the family to London,  he concentrated on finding husbands for his more marriageable sisters.  Dorothea was already considered on the shelf. None of that stops her tender heart wishing for a loving family of her own. 
Widower Griffin Oake has literally fought his way to wealth.  Now he can afford to give his rebellious daughter the life he wants her to have.  His problem is to find a real lady to work for a savage like him. 
This is an exciting historical romance filled with repressed passions. Both our lead characters hide their true selves behind a hard shell.  The world of bare knuckle fights holds many risks for all involved. Respectable society looks down on anyone who is different. 
Although this is part of a series which should be read in order,  each book can be read on it's own. 
A fascinating story. 


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Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, England and has always had a passion for romance and hot alpha males in need of redemption. After graduating from Oxford and enjoying a brief dream of becoming an airline pilot she started a career in financial services to indulge her love of mathematics.

She now lives in rural Scotland with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. She re-ignited her love of romance when she joined the Romantic Novelists' Association.

When not working on algebra, writing or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and can often be found wandering in the Highlands of Scotland looking for inspiration.

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24/08/2021

Rogue Wolf (SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #12) by Paige Tyler. Paranormal Romantic Suspense Release & ARC Review.

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There's been a wicked attraction between SWAT werewolf Trey Duncan and medical examiner Samantha Mills since the two met, but Trey's never worked up the nerve to ask her out. So when Samantha says she wants to cash in the favor Trey owes her for a date, it seems like the perfect time to confess his true feelings. But the trouble with wolves is that they're never far from danger, and this time Trey is going up against a monster the likes of which his Dallas SWAT team has never seen... This time it's going to take everything Trey and Samantha have to crack the case and protect each other. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Trey Duncan is one of a very special SWAT team in Dallas,  the whole team is made up of werewolves.  He has fancied one of the medical examiners for a while now,  but hasn't had the nerve to ask her out.  A particularly nasty serial killer is on the loose.  It's going to take more than ordinary cops to catch this one.  
Samantha Mills has noticed some unusual happenings whenever one particular SWAT team are called in.  Her curiosity just might ruin a budding friendship.  
This is an action packed paranormal romantic suspense.  We have some great characters, some of them you will have met in previous books in the series . You don't have to have read the others to enjoy this one,  but it will tempt you to go and get some of them.  The villians in this book are very scary and difficult for even someone with a werewolf's strength to overcome. 
Very exciting,  I loved it.  


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Paige Tyler is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance. She and her very own military hero (also known as her husband) live on the beautiful Florida coast with their adorable fur baby (also known as their dog). Paige graduated with a degree in education, but decided to pursue her passion and write books about hunky alpha males and the kick-butt heroines who fall in love with them.




Taming the Scot (Scots of Honor #3) by Eliza Knight. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Highland war heroes rebuilding their lives grapple with ladies forging their own paths—who will win?

Regency Scotland comes alive in the vibrant and sexy new SCOTS OF HONOR series by USA TODAY bestselling author Eliza Knight. Scottish military heroes, who want nothing more than to lay low after the ravages of war in 19th century France, find their Highland homecomings vastly contradict their simple desires. Especially when they meet the feisty lasses who are tenacious enough to take them on, and show them just what they’ve been missing out of life. In battle they can’t be beaten, but in love, they all find the ultimate surrender.

Back from the war, Captain Euan Irvine of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and heir to the Laird of Drum, learns of his grandfather’s death...and the will stipulating whichever grandson produces an heir first will inherit his title and properties. Except that this is a race of which Euan wants no part. Marriage and heir producing is better left to the gentleman in society. He is not distinguished, and he is far from proper. Euan’s a rough and tumble warrior still seething with bitterness from the horrors of war and the men he lost. Under pressure from his clan to save them from being led by his vile cousin, Euan reluctantly agrees to enter the marriage mart. Strategizing for the quickest win, Euan decides to hire a governess to help polish him for marriage, and for his new role as Laird.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Miss Bronwen Holmes is running for her life from people that her father owed money to.  She knows these men killed her parents and what they want from her is not going to happen if she can escape. 
Captain Euan Irving has been looking after his six sisters since he was fourteen years old. Now everything could be taken away from them by a clause in his grandfather's will. 
An exciting and action packed historical romance with fabulous characters.  Our heroine is a terrified young woman who has never had anyone but herself to rely on. Our hero is used to taking care of those he loves.  A wicked villain or some loving family members will decide what the outcome will be.  
This is part of a series but a stand alone story within it. 
Great fun. 


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Eliza Knight is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of sizzling historical romance and time-travel erotic romance. Under the name E. Knight, she pens riveting historical fiction. She runs the award-winning blog, History Undressed. When not reading, writing and researching, she likes to cuddle up in front of a warm fire with her own knight in shining armor. 





Deflecting the Duke (Dukes Done Wrong #2) by Alexa Aston. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Welcome to the new world from Alexa Aston—Dukes Done Wrong.

Accused of something they never did. Five boys banished from their homes in disgrace, to the place where they find the brothers of their heart—and build new family ties that will last a lifetime.

An angry army spy who becomes a reluctant duke. A virgin widow who seeks a husband who will give her children. An attraction that leads to passion... and love...


Wyatt Stanton served as a spy for Wellington until he receives word of his brother’s death. Reluctantly, he returns to England as the Duke of Amesbury and to Amberwood, a place he once loved and was banished from after his brother falsely accused Wyatt of burning down the family stables with over two dozen horses inside. His soul seared by war, the man who lived for danger must now become a member of Polite Society and find himself a duchess so he has an heir.

Meadow Grant’s father sold her to Lord Selfridge so he could pay his gambling debts. Selfridge collects beautiful things, and Meadow is the most beautiful girl of the Season. Once he possessed her, Selfridge lost interest and moved on to other things. Now a widow, the resilient Meadow is ready to make her own choice this time and find a husband who yearns for children as much as she does. Though attracted to the Duke of Amesbury, he is far too arrogant and conceited for her tastes, even if he does kiss well.

Wyatt is bored with all the younger women on the Marriage Mart, but he believes the beautiful and more mature Lady Selfridge fits his idea of a suitable duchess. The fact that he is attracted to her and she gets along well with his friends only confirms she is the one. Meadow wants to be courted, though, and Wyatt is up to the challenge, relentless in his pursuit, even liking how Meadow makes him work to earn her favor.

Though neither looks for love, will the reckless Wyatt and spitfire Meadow realize love has found them and will flourish, given the chance?

Find the answer in
 Deflecting the Duke, Book 2 in Dukes Done Wrong.

Each book in Dukes Done Wrong is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free in Kindle Unlimited.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



After being sent away from his home as a boy,  Wyatt Stanton made the Army his life serving as a spy in the war. Now he has inherited the title of Duke of Amesbury,  something he never expected to happen.  He knows how short life can be so decides he needs to marry and get an heir soon. 
Lady Meadow Sterling was just possession to her husband.  Once he bought her from her gambler father, he ignored her. Now as a widow it's time to make her own decisions. 
Our heroine's legacy from her husband is going to place her in grave danger.  Our hero is impulsive and a little arrogant,  but with a bit of help from his friends can change many lives. 
A very entertaining, slightly sexy historical romance.  The characters are great fun,  some of whom you might have met in the previous book in this series.  You can read this on it's own but it will tempt you to read the rest. 
Great fun


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Alexa Aston’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love.

She is the author of The Knights of Honor, a medieval romance series that takes place in 14th century England during the reign of Edward III and centers on the de Montfort family. Each romance focuses on the code of chivalry that bound knights of this era.

A native Texan, Alexa lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and can’t get enough of Fixer Upper or Game of Thrones. Alexa also writes romantic suspense, western historical, and standalone medieval novels as Lauren Linwood. 


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Highland Thief (The Sons of Gregor MacLeod #5) by Alyson McLayne. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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When a Highland laird makes a promise, nothing can stand in his way...

No one ever accused Kerr Macalister of being a nice man. Everyone would agree, however, that when he makes up his mind about something, no one will change it. Which is why everyone knows Isobel MacKinnon will end up his wife.

Isobel spent most of her childhood in love with the tall, dark, and deadly sexy Scot. It wasn't until she was fifteen and failed to entice Kerr into kissing her, that things turned sour. Now, Kerr is the one trying to entice her.

But Isobel knows how to hold a grudge and won't be swayed unless he proves his love. So she tricks him into believing she's eloping with another man. Kerr responds by kidnapping her to a remote cabin in the Highlands where both love and danger lurk...

Will this Highlander's fate be to finally have the woman of his dreams?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Kerr Macalister made up his mind a few years ago that the sister of his friend and Foster brother will be his wife.  Unfortunately she has other ideas. There has been a lot of trouble for all the Foster brothers in recent years.  Now it seems to be coming to a head. Our hero is a true Highland warrior with a tragic past.  
Isobel MacKinnon is well known in her Clan for playing tricks and settling scores. Kerr humiliated her years ago and she hasn't finished with her revenge.  Our heroine is intelligent and is frustrated over not being allowed  to use her talents to help the Clan,  just because she's a girl. 
This is an action packed historical romance with lots of danger and laughs. We meet lots of great characters along the way.  Even the animals are special.  
This book is part of a series but easily read on it's own.  If like me you've missed some of the others, you will definitely want to go and buy them as well. 
Great fun.  


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Alyson McLayne is a mom of twins and an award-winning writer of contemporary, historical and paranormal romance. She’s also a dog lover and cat servant with a serious stash of dark chocolate. After getting her degree in theater at the University of Alberta, she promptly moved to the West Coast of Canada where she worked in film for several years and met her prop master husband.

Alyson has been nominated for several Romance Writers of America contests, including The Golden Heart, The Golden Pen, The Orange Rose, Great Expectations, The Molly’s and The Winter Rose.

Her debut historical romance, Highland Promise, will be published by Sourcebooks in October, 2017. Highland Promise is the first of five books in The Sons of Gregor MacLeod series. Highland Conquest will come out in February, 2018.

Alyson and her family reside in Vancouver with their sweet but troublesome chocolate lab puppy named Jasper.

Hitched to the Gunslinger by Michelle McLean. Historical / Western Romance, Release & ARC Review.

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Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.

Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.

When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement.

His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.

Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible.

But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself.

There goes his peace and quiet...
 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



All Gray "Quick shot" Woodson wants is somewhere to get peace and quiet.  As a gunslinger,  everywhere he goes,  someone wants to prove they're better than him. He's determined to retire and not kill anymore.  He travels with just his guns and a lazy horse with a very stubborn mind of her own. 
Mercy has just buried her father.  She doesn't believe for one minute that his death was an accident because of the problems they've had from a neighbour.  She's capable of looking after herself but sees an opportunity in the appearance of someone who seems to scare all the men in town. 
This historical,  western romance is full of humour.  Although there are some deadly gunfights and awful bullying,  the overall feel of this is fun.  The horse alone will have you giggling. The townsfolk are a very interesting bunch,  with hopefully more stories to share.  You will be drawn in to the lives of all our characters from the first to last page.  Nobody is spectacularly beautiful or rich,  all have secrets that they would prefer kept quiet.  Maybe not ordinary folk though.  
I look forward to reading more stories about this town.  
Lots of fun. 


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Michelle McLean grew up in California and has lived everywhere from the deserts of Utah to the tropical beaches of Hawaii to the gorgeous forests of the east coast. The oldest of five children, she is generally an organized mess with crazy eclectic tastes. She has a B.S. in History, a M.A. in English, an insatiable love of books, and more weird quirks than she’d like to admit.

Michelle’s a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl who secretly wishes she could run around town in a big, poofy dress from the 1600s and hopes to someday be able to get away with crazy stuff like that by chalking it up to her eccentric writer personality. She’s addicted to chocolate and goldfish crackers and occasionally writes by hand just so she can hear the scratchy sound of her favorite gel pen on a sheet of paper. Her husband also swears she has conversations with herself, but she and the voices in her head heartily disagree.

Her non-writing hobbies include playing piano, cross-stitching (well, it’s been awhile…she’s been meaning to take that up again), and decorating cakes. Mostly though, if she’s not editing, reading, or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found in a quiet corner (assuming school is in session occupying her little angels) working on her next book.

In addition to her husband and two awesome kids, she also has two amazing stepkids and one beyond-adorable step-grandson. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two kidlets, an insanely hyper dog, and three very spoiled cats.

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23/08/2021

The Rake of Hearts (The Games of Gentlemen #2) by Emily Windsor. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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When the heart is afire…
By his own admission, Lord Ernest Brook is a rake. With sapphire gaze, sinfully handsome looks and a duke for a brother, the pleasures of London have come with ease…apart from one.
Ever since the gauntlet of her first wintry dismissal was thrown, the widowed Hebe Lock has stirred his deepest desires, but just what would it take to woo such a woman?

Sparks will fly.
Hebe Locke has vowed to never again fall for a scoundrel after her brief marriage to one left her broken and haunted.
Now she finds comfort with paintbrush and canvas, but as a female artist in a male world, commissions are as rare as a ballroom without rakes.

A castle of enchantment.
As the heat of late summer warms the land, an ancient, moated castle plays host to a widow and a rake, both concealing passions contrary to their reputations.
But as Lord Ernest awakens Hebe’s desire and thaws her frozen emotions, can she hold true to her vow?
Or can this rake win the one heart he yearns for?

Sensual Regency romance with warmth and wit, this tale also includes a disreputable aunt with a secondary love story, Cotswold country fairs, sinful masquerades and...a goat.
 


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Widow Hebe Locke is starting to enjoy life again,  but she still suffers nightmares and her heart is sorely wounded. Our heroine shields herself with an icy demeanor. Her art is what she really enjoys.  
Lord Ernest Brooke has a reputation as a rake and London society has thoroughly embraced him.  Even though he's having a good time his heart is in the countryside with his horses. 
This is a beautiful historical romance where our author paints a picture just as well with her words as our heroine with her sketches. The characters both young and old are lots of fun.  A wonderful trip into the bucolic charms of life in the country. 
I loved it. 


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Emily grew up in the north of England on a diet of historical romance and classical mythology.
Unfortunately, you couldn’t study Georgian slang or the Regency London Season, so she did the next best thing and gained a degree in Classics and History instead. This ‘led’ to an eight-year stint in engineering. 
Having left city life, she now lives in a dilapidated farmhouse in the country where her days are spent writing, fixing the leaky roof, battling the endless vegetation and finding pictures of well-tied cravats.

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