ARC Reviews

30/11/2021

Hunter's Hope (Vampire Motorcycle Club #2) by Alyssa Day. Paranormal Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Hunter Evans risked his life again and again as a firefighter until the night he died saving a child...only to be reborn as a vampire. Now the man who lived his life as the quintessential “nice guy” must find a way to conquer the deadly urges that threaten to turn him feral. When his own actions put a beautiful woman in danger, he vows to protect her…even from himself.

Alice Darlington has a secret of her own: she sees ghosts. She thought she’d done a good job of keeping it under wraps—until now. A terrible threat from her past is hunting her down in order to use her power for dark purposes. Now she’s on the run and doesn't know who to trust or where to go.

When Hunter and Alice team up to battle the dangers coming at them from all sides, they’re forced to rely on each other. But Hunter doesn’t know how long he can keep the beast inside him away from the woman it craves…


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Firefighter Hunter Evans was saved from certain death when a friend Turned him into a vampire.  He's still learning to cope with all the changes and the thirst that brings.  He's always been a good guy and doesn't want that to change. It's going to be more difficult than he can imagine. 
Alice Darlington runs an animal rescue centre.  She's always been able to communicate with them and any ghosts who need her help. Her power has brought her a lot of trouble in the past. She can't avoid those who need her. Ghosts especially can be persistent. 
There are evil warlocks around that will kill to possess extra powers or just to control a territory. 
This is a very exciting paranormal romance filled with great characters, Vampires, Wolf shifters, ghosts an Angel and a very special little demon. Charlie is adorable. There is a lot of fun as well as bloody battles.  The girls night in was especially fun.  I want friends like them. 
The relationships between the vampires means the series is best read in order, but each book can be enjoyed on it's own.
 I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. 
Really Great Fun. 


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Alyssa Day is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author with more than a million books sold, including the Vampire Motorcycle Club, Warriors of Poseidon and Cardinal Witches paranormal romance series and the Tiger’s Eye Mysteries paranormal mystery series. Throughout her seventeen-year writing career, she has won many awards for her fiction, which include Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award for outstanding romance fiction, and the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Paranormal Romance Novel of 2012. A former trial lawyer and frequent speaker, Alyssa is also a past president of Romance Writers of America. She also writes comedy and nonfiction as Alesia Holliday

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19/11/2021

A Governess of Prodigious Skill (The Governess Bureau #4) by Emily E.K. Murdoch. Historical Romance, Release & ARC Review.

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When a governess of prodigious skill is required, there is only one place the nobility of England go: the Governess Bureau.

Miss Helena Patrick is not a governess. At least, not really. The famed and celebrated actress is a little down on her luck, and grasps the chance to masquerade as a governess until better luck comes around. Worse luck for her, she’s stuck out in the country with a master who is afraid to leave his house with a wife who died but no one will speak of, his sister who mysteriously disappears whenever anyone wants her, and a brother who…A brother who absolutely should not be kissing her. Especially as he’s a duke.

Oscar Fernsby, Duke of Kilerth, only planned to visit his brother for a few weeks. Prove the man was fine, then return to London to continue his anonymous bare knuckle boxing fights. Until a woman he thinks he recognizes but cannot place turns up at his brother’s house, blackmails him into silence, and distracts him with her beauty and strange skills.

Because this Helena, the governess, is strange. More at home with a sword in her hand than chalk, Oscar knows that something isn’t quite right. The only way to discover her secrets is to get close to her. What a shame.

Everyone at the Old Abbey has secrets, but it will take a governess of prodigious skill to discover them all—and keep her own a secret…

This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.


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Miss Helena Patrick is a very skilled actress,  but finds herself out of work and a home. The Governess Bureau offers an opportunity. 
Our heroine finds herself in a very unusual household.  One full of fears and secrets,  her own just one of them.  The people in the household are all very good-hearted and love each other despite the difficulties. 
Oscar Fernsby,  Duke of Kilerth has put his life on hold to help his brother.  A terrible accident caused a lot of lives to change.  Getting back to anywhere near normal will be hard. 
Our hero may be a Duke but somethings even he can't control. 
An emotional and fun-filled historical romance with fabulous characters.  
This book is part of a series based around the Governess Bureau.  Each one can be read on it's own.  I'm starting to feel sorry for Miss Clarke,  her ladies are not keeping to her rules.  That's what makes the whole series fun.  
Very entertaining story.  


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Welcome! I love to read and write sweet and steamy historical romance, and if you love falling in love then you've come to the right place.

Enjoy my sweet romances written as Emily Murdoch, and my steamy romances as Emily E K Murdoch.

A SPRINGTIDE MEETING is currently free!

I am a historian and writer, and have a varied career to date: from examining medieval manuscripts to designing museum exhibitions, to working as a researcher for the BBC to working for the National Trust.

My books range from England 1050 to Texas 1848, and I can't wait for you to fall in love with my heroes and heroines!

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18/11/2021

Destiny with a Duke (Dukes Done Wrong #5) by Alexa Aston. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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A vicar trying to save his own soul. A widow who yearns for children. A darkness that can only be dispelled with the healing power of love . . .

William Finchley carries a secret from childhood which he has never shared with anyone, not even his closest friends. When his brother commits suicide, Finch becomes the new Duke of Sommersby. He attends his first Season with no plans to ever wed—until he meets Lady Pemberton, an optimistic, brave widow.

Victoria Samuel, Lady Pemberton, returns to Polite Society after a year of mourning a husband who was murdered by a whore. She yearns for children, which is the only reason she faces the gossiping ton, hoping to find a husband of good character.

Finch and Victoria are drawn to each other but Finch believes he is too broken and undeserving of love, even after he weds Victoria and then abandons her. Only when the mother he believes betrayed him shares with Finch how he should take a chance on the healing power of love does Finch decide to let his heart speak to Victoria.

Will Finch’s courageous actions win Victoria back—or will she reject him, plunging him into eternal darkness?

Find the answer in Destiny with a Duke, Book 5 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.

Series Order:
Book #1: Discouraging the Duke
Book #2: Deflecting the Duke
Book #3: Disrupting the Duke
Book #4: Delighting the Duke
Book #5: Destiny with a Duke
 

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Lady Victoria Pemberton finds herself a widow after the murder of her husband.  Her marriage was not a happy one but the circumstances of his death will affect her life for a very long time.  Our heroine is hoping for a new husband and maybe children when she rejoined society.  
William Finchley had a terrible childhood until he joined the Turner Academy and found four other boys who would become brothers of his heart.  The Turner Terrors all lived together until the others joined the military and he became a vicar. 
Our hero has never come to terms with his past and until he does he will never heal.  
This is a very emotional historical romance with fabulous characters. 
I have loved every one of the books in this series.  All the "Terrors" have their own book, so each can be read on it's own.  I would however recommend reading the series in order just because you will meet the others in all the books.  
A marvelous series.  
I loved it.  


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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. 


Connect with Alexa:
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16/11/2021

The Lady and Her Quill (The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea #1) by Ruth A. Casie. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Her mind kept telling her to stop loving him, but her heart couldn’t let him go.

Renowned author Lady Alicia Hartley has lost her muse after a bad review. She blames it all on the author JC Melrose. A chance encounter with a handsome, witty Justin Caulfield has her heart racing, and her muse seemingly back. Is he her savior or her worst nightmare?

He didn’t see the turbulent ocean. He was too busy dealing with a different tempest.

The recently retired Captain Justin Caulfield is facing his own demons. As gifted author JC Melrose, his stories honor men who died at the hand of one man. His only focus is to avenge their deaths, that is, until he meets and falls in love with Lady Alicia.

The two authors take on a writing challenge based on a story of stolen gold taken from the newspaper headlines all to determine the better writer. While researching the story, Lady Alicia is captured by the thieves’ ringleader. Can Lady Alicia turn this mystery into an award-winning story? Can Justin save his real-life heroine?

Can they both overcome their own challenges for a happily ever after?


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Lady Alicia Hartley is a successful author. She has written  several books and is convinced that she can now get a better deal from her publisher. Unfortunately her tempestuous nature gets the better of her after a less than flattering review compares her to another author. 
Captain Justin Caulfield is using his own writing to exorcise his war time demons, putting his and his men's actions into a fictional setting. Although his books are very popular, especially with men,  his female characters are not as strong. 
It's very easy to get involved with our characters feelings in this historical romance.  Both are right and wrong, and when they realize that the excitement and adventure really starts.  
An unusual and fun filled start to a new series that I for one will definitely be reading more of.  
Great fun. 


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Ruth A. Casie is a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling action-adventure time-travel romance about strong empowered women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. Her Druid Knight novels have both finaled in the NJRW Golden Leaf contest. Writing with the Timeless Scribes, Ruth also writes contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and international bank product and marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing romance.





15/11/2021

Her Forbidden Highlander Husband (Clan MacKinlay #3) by Allison B. Hanson. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Liam MacKinlay is certain that when he asks for Evelyn Stewart’s hand in marriage, the third time’s the charm. For hasn’t he risen to war chief of the clan MacKinlay, a seasoned warrior, and an honored member of the clan that took him in as a child? But once again, her father denies Liam the lass he lost his heart to years ago.

Daughter of the Laird of the Stewart clan, Evelyn is expected to perform her daughter’s duty, including marry for the better of the clan…. even if that’s against her will. But upon learning her father plans to trade her to an unknown clan in exchange for cattle, she will do almost anything to escape the future set out before her— including running away and marrying Liam MacKinlay.

Liam’s discovering that beneath Evelyn’s sweet disposition is an iron will to match any warrior. But now their marriage may start a war between the clans and Liam must fight for his new wife and his family. Even if it means raising his sword against those he calls “kin”…
 

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Evelyn Stewart always thought she was the loved daughter of the Laird.  That was until a few years ago.  Now all she's worth is a herd of cattle . There is no way she can submit to marrying a stranger just to please her father. 
Liam MacKinlay is now the war chief of his clan. Perhaps that will help him win the approval of the father of the woman he dreams of making his wife. 
Our hero has dreamt all his life of having a loving family to call his own.  Real life doesn't usually live up to our dreams.  He has faced a lot of heartache, now he must accept what he gets. 
Our heroine knows she is worthless.  She just needs a safe place to live.  
A very emotional historical romance filled with as many giggles as tears.  This book is part of a series involving this Clan,  where the children are multiplying almost as quickly as the bunnies.  Each book can be read on it's own, but as a series it's better to read in order. 
Great fun. 


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One very early morning, Allison B. Hanson woke up with a conversation going on in her head. It wasn't so much a dream as it was being forced awake by her imagination. Unable to go back to sleep, she gave up, went to the computer, and began writing. Years later it still hasn't stopped. Allison lives near Hershey, Pennsylvania. Her contemporary romances include paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery suspense. She enjoys candy immensely, as well as long motorcycle rides and reading.


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14/11/2021

Unkissable Knight by Anna Markland. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Dervenn de Roure is a celebrated hero of the Battle of Hastings, the same conflict that left Victorine de Toeni orphaned and facing poverty when her father’s wealth is inherited by a distant male cousin. She must marry to survive. Dervenn's scarred face bears testimony to his sacrifice, but the haughty Victorine cannot overlook the fact he is a Breton, not a Norman.

As Yuletide celebrations progress, it might take the scheming of an unlikely matchmaker like William the Conqueror to make her see Dervenn is the man she needs.

Originally published in the Under the Kissing Bough anthology

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It's the end of the year 1066 William is King and he is busy rewarding those he feels deserve it most with land in Britain and marriages. 
After the deaths of her father and brothers,  Victorine de Toeni and several other orphaned Ladies are taken under the guardianship of King William.  He will find worthy husbands for them. 
Battle scarred Sir Dervenn de Roure is escorting the orphans to William.  He knows that he can have one of them as a wife, but will not force anyone to look at his ugly face everyday. 
In this medieval romance we have an entitled and arrogant heroine and a sensitive and intelligent hero.  
A lovely look into the lives of our characters and what could be the beginning of a dynasty.  
A very enjoyable story.  


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I’m a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. I write medieval romance about family honour, ancestry, and roots. My novels are intimate love stories full of passion and adventure.

Passion conquers whatever obstacles a hostile medieval world can throw in its path. My page-turning adventures have earned me a place on Amazon’s All-Star list.

Besides writing, I have two addictions-crosswords and genealogy, probably the reason I love research. I am a fool for cats. My husband is an entrepreneur who is fond of boasting he’s never had a job.

I live on Canada’s scenic west coast now, but I was born and raised in the UK and I love breathing life into the history of my homeland.








02/11/2021

Slow and Steady Wins the Earl (Earls Are Wild #3) by Anna Markland. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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He’s a stickler for rules; she’s never been good at following them.

Book 3 in award winning author Anna Markland's Earls are Wild series is here!!

Patsy Crompton, the Earl of Farnworth’s beloved stepdaughter, is now a young lady headed for her first London season. It will be a different life from the one she’s used to in the north of England. She’s looking forward to the experiences that are a rite of passage for debutantes. But she’s in no hurry to find a husband—until she waltzes with Nicolai Morgan-Lloyd, Earl of Ainsworth.

Nicolai has inherited his Russian mother’s coloring but none of her flamboyant personality. In fact, he’s known as a stickler for rules. If there’s one thing Patsy has never been good at, it’s following rules. He's an expert on fine art. She's a thoroughbred horseracing aficionado.

Their unlikely friendship lands them in the clutches of a gang intent on stealing a priceless Russian artefact that once belonged to Catherine the Great.


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Lady Patricia Crompton has travelled down to London to have her season.  She doesn't care if she finds a husband. She just wants to have fun,  and experience all the entertainment the city has to offer. 
Nikolai Morgan-Lloyd ,Earl of Ainsworth is known to his friends as a stick in the mud and someone who always follows the rules. His mother on the other hand is very flamboyant and proud of her Russian heritage. 
Patsy is impulsive and tends to speak before she thinks.  Her mischievous streak is not always appreciated. 
Nikolai soon discovers he has a hidden liking for mischief that he has never noticed before.  
This is a fun-filled historical romance with great characters.  The descriptions of the art, the racing and Astley's hippodrome are so realistic and fascinating I could see them.  There is a little danger and an adventure.  
This is the third book in the series but easily read on it's own. We do get to meet some of our friends from the previous books.  
Great fun,  I loved it.  


AMAZON:US * AMAZON:UK * AMAZON:ES



I’m a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. I write medieval romance about family honour, ancestry, and roots. My novels are intimate love stories full of passion and adventure.

Passion conquers whatever obstacles a hostile medieval world can throw in its path. My page-turning adventures have earned me a place on Amazon’s All-Star list.

Besides writing, I have two addictions-crosswords and genealogy, probably the reason I love research. I am a fool for cats. My husband is an entrepreneur who is fond of boasting he’s never had a job.

I live on Canada’s scenic west coast now, but I was born and raised in the UK and I love breathing life into the history of my homeland.







A Noble Betrayal (Brotherhood of the Border #1) by Cecelia Mecca. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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“I would protect you from your own father, from the king of England himself. If only I could trust you.”

Forced to marry the daughter—and would-be secret agent—of King Edward’s closest advisor as a consequence of His Majesty’s growing distrust of his family, Lord Waryn has a plan for his new bride. Install the spy in a little-used estate and turn his attention back to where it belongs—his family.

Lady Phillipa is given a simple but nonnegotiable task: report back any questionable activity by her new husband’s family, whom the king suspects of having ties to William Wallace. When Phillipa develops unexpected feelings toward Haydn, she’s forced to decide between her newfound loyalty to her husband, or defying the most powerful man in England.

Thirty years after the Border Series ends, a new saga of family, loyalty, and love along the turbulent Anglo-Scottish border begins. If you like sprawling families, enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn spicy romances, put A Noble Betrayal on the top of your reading list.
 

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Lord Hayden Waryn lives on the border of England and Scotland.  Like many of his neighbours he has family on both sides.  The English King is suspicious and decides to force a marriage between Lord Waryn and an advisor's daughter.  Hayden knows she will be a spy. 
Lady Phillipa is just as unhappy about the marriage, but daughters have no choice but to obey without question. 
Our characters set out on a long and interesting journey full of discoveries.  Trust is a very difficult thing to give a stranger. 
Great characters and lots of emotional moments.  
I loved it.  


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Cecelia Mecca is the author of steamy historical romance that transports readers to the middle ages. A former English teacher, Cecelia combines two of her passions, romance novels and the middle ages, transporting readers to an admittedly romanticized time of knights and castles. Her first series, set along the Anglo-Scottish border in 13th century Northumbria, turned Cecelia from educator to full-time author. Readers love the Border Series for its focus on well-developed characters and their steamy relationships leading to satisfying happily ever afters. Cecelia lives in Northeast, Pennsylvania with her husband and two young children where she can be found either planning a Disney trip, watching period dramas or convincing her children to watch Star Wars. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor.