ARC Reviews

Showing posts with label Medieval. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Medieval. Show all posts

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐


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.








28/10/2021

The Dark Conqueror (Battle Lords of de Velt #5) by Kathryn Le Veque . Medieval Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Titan Medieval Houses go head to head in this sweeping and poignant Medieval Romance!

When the House of de Lohr (Rise of the Defender) and the House of de Velt (The Dark Lord) come together through their children, anything can happen—and anything does!


Cassian de Velt came to foster with Christopher de Lohr at a young age. From nearly the first day he arrived at Lioncross Abbey Castle, his gaze was drawn to Brielle de Lohr, Christopher’s second eldest daughter. As children, they shared a friendship that was strong and innocent—enjoying the same things, having the same sense of humor. All of the things that made a strong friendship develop into a love that could not be broken.

Unfortunately, they were only teenagers when Cassian asked Brielle to run away with him so they could be married. That lapse in judgement brought the wrath of Brielle’s father and Cassian was banished. Ashamed and angered, Cassian refused to return home to his family, instead, finding a lucrative position with the elderly Earl of Colchester. When the earl suffers a reversal of fortune at the hands of the king, Cassian is out of a job.

He finds his calling—and his fortune—on the tournament circuit as the knight known as The Dark Conqueror.

Cassian always hoped to build his fortune, and his reputation, and return for Brielle. That has been his one goal. Ten years later, he returns for her, rich and powerful. Brielle is thrilled to see him again, for in all those years, she never married. She refused to entertain suitors. But Cassian returns with a secret, something he won’t speak of, something Brielle only becomes aware of through his odd behavior. When Brielle’s sister, a former spy for William Marshal, begins to probe, an astonishing story begins to emerge. What was thought to be a secret is really, in truth, a duty.

To another woman.

Will Cassian’s duty to one woman be enough to prevent the marriage to the only woman he’s ever loved?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Cassius De Velt and Brielle De Lohr have been in love since they met as children.  Everyone knows they will eventually marry, but their fathers insist they must wait.  
That decision doesn't go down well with our emotional hero.  Devastating news a few months later turns his world upside down and he hates himself. 
Our heroine will have life changing matters to face herself.  Luckily she has a large and loving family to lean on.  
This medieval romance will have you reaching for a big box of tissues in more than one place.  Our author knows how to make us feel all the emotions of her characters.  We giggle over the silliness and cry at the sadness.  I have read so many of her books that the characters feel like a huge family I go back to visit time and time again.  Although we often meet characters from other books,  no two books are even remotely similar. We get fresh adventures everytime.  I don't even bother to read the blurb for her books. I just automatically buy them,  because I know I will love it.  
Great book as always.  
I loved it.  


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Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.



08/09/2021

Lord of Forever (Lords of the Borders #3) by Mary Gillgannon. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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An ambitious English knight. A beautiful Welshwoman. A few fateful moments in a hidden forest glade spark a love passionate love. But is it strong enough to survive violent rivalries, deadly politics and two cunning, scheming royals?

As the second son of a minor baron, English knight Nicholas Breutel will never inherit the family lands. But he vows to rise high and someday control a castle. His ambitions go awry when he captures a young Welsh warrior who turns out to be a beautiful woman.

Cristyn ferch Hywel is certain the terrifying knight looming over her intends to rape or murder her. She’s astonished when he treats her with courtesy and concern. And even more surprised by the sense of connection she feels growing between them.

Nicholas yearns to protect Cristyn, but as a knight in the garrison at Carwent Castle, there is little he can do but involve himself in the negotiations for her ransom. Then the Welsh double-cross the negotiators and Nicholas ends up a hostage himself.

While Nicholas languishes in a Welsh prison, Cristyn becomes a pawn in the plans of Llywelyn ap Ioworth, the most powerful prince in Wales. It will take the king’s degree, a violent battle, a risky escape and a desperate journey before the two lovers will have any hope of fulfilling their dreams and knowing a forever love.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Sir Nicholas Breutel is an ambitious man.  As a second son it's up to him to find a way to improve his status.  He is prepared to take every opportunity.  The Welsh border will give him that chance. 
Cristyn ferch Hywel lost her original betrothed and is now at the mercy of the strained politics in Wales.  With her countrymen always fighting between themselves nowhere seems safe.  
When kings or princes are plotting power struggles,  the ordinary men and women are just pawns to be used as they please.  
This is a medieval romance with lovely characters that take really unexpected risks at the most dangerous places.  
This is part of a series but each book can easily be read alone. 
I loved it.  


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I write romance novels set in the dark ages, medieval and English Regency time periods and fantasy and historical novels with Celtic influences. My books have been published in Russia, China, the Netherlands and Germany. I was raised in the Midwest but I’ve lived in Wyoming for over thirty years. I work at a public library where I have the enviable job of ordering adult fiction. I’m married and have two grown children, When not working or writing, I enjoy gardening, traveling and reading, of course!

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22/04/2021

The Dark Spawn (Battle Lords of de Velt #4) by Kathryn Le Veque. Action / Adventure / Historical Romance. Release & ARC Review.

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The son of The Dark Lord joins forces with the Executioner Knights to bring you the Medieval Romance you’ve been waiting for. It’s a no-holds barred, dark and passionate romance where the rules don’t apply.

Prepare to enter the Darkness...


Coleby de Velt is the firstborn son of the notorious Dark Lord, Ajax de Velt. He grew up idolizing his father—and knowing all about his history—and he has his father's dark streak. That makes him a perfect agent for William Marshal and the Executioner Knights. As William Marshal himself says—'Tis better to be at the Devil's right hand than in his path...' And Coleby is definitely the Devil.

He's the spawn of The Dark Lord and everything that goes with it.

When Coleby falls for an unusual woman, it’s with his whole heart. He doesn’t know how to do anything half-measure—and he doesn’t know how to protect himself. Lady Corisande “Cori” de Bourges, an accomplished woman of considerable talent, has bewitched him and for a sweet moment in time, Coleby experiences something he’s never known before—a blooming love and a calm to his restless soul he can’t begin to describe. He believes he has finally found happiness. Perhaps the darkness has finally met with the light.

Until the Scots attack and Cori is captured.

Unfortunately for the Scots, The Dark Spawn is unleashed. Coleby will stop at nothing to rescue his beloved Cori, but when he finally regains her with surprising ease, a horrible truth is revealed.

All is not as it seems.

Can Coleby forgive the unforgivable? Or will The Dark Spawn’s heart turn cold?

(Note: This is a dark romance with elements of Medieval brutality, as is expected in the Battle Lords of de Velt series. There is an unconventional love story with unconventional elements, but as always, a satisfying HEA.)


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Coleby de Velt is one of The Marshal's spys and has been working at the Scottish court. Now the time has come to use the intelligence he and his men have gained.  A huge battle will be coming soon. 
As the son of the most vicious Knight England has ever known Cole lives up to the family name,  but he also has a much softer side with those he loves. 
Lady Corisande de Bourges has been the running the castle with her father since her mother's death.  Her duties will soon put her in great danger,  but not before she a visitor changes her outlook. She is an incredibly strong and brave woman who will sacrifice herself for others. 
An all action historical romance,  full of great characters.  Some we have met before and some new.  The battles are terrifying and realistic.  
As usual our author has given us a book to really get our teeth into.  It will grab you on the first page and you will not be able to put it down.  So many old friends from other books meet up here, but it is still a book you can read on it's own without spoiling any others. 
This is an author that I will buy automatically without even reading the blurbs. 
Great book.  I loved it. 


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Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.





13/12/2019

The Best Is Yet To Be (de Wolfe Pack Book 15) by Kathryn Le Veque. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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The story every Le Veque reader has been waiting for...

Paris de Norville (The Wolfe) and Jemma Scott Hage (The Wolfe) find love in their sunset years... with each other?!

It seems like an impossible suggestion. Paris and Jemma first met in The Wolfe, in a fiery explosion of temper and taunting - her temper mostly because he was taunting. Handsome and arrogant in his youth, Paris was a powerful knight, second in command to the great William de Wolfe, and found great sport in taunting a Scots captive named Jemma Scott.

Pretty, green-eyed Jemma was the oil to his water. The fire to his ice. Perhaps the sparks that flew between them at first were those of attraction, but soon another knight had Jemma’s attention and Paris was relegated to a role of both friend and tormenter. He affectionately called her 'banshee' and what she called him is not fit for delicate ears.

It was a like/hate relationship for the ages.

The years passed and Paris married Jemma’s cousin, Caladora. They had a wonderful marriage but sickness took Caladora from him and Jemma lost her beloved husband, Kieran.

Missing Kieran, and missing Caladora, now it is Paris and Jemma again in their twilight years as the sparks that flew between them so long ago are rekindled.

Find out how sweet and romantic love the second time can be as two widowers discover that life is worth living again… with each other. Love can be passionate and powerful, no matter what the age.

“Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be…”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Paris is really struggling with his life as a widower.  Although he has his children and grandchildren there is a huge hole in his heart.  He is just so lonely.
Jemma just sits and watches life go by.  Her husband died years ago,  now it's just her children and grandchildren that give her a purpose.  
This is a very emotional story about the changes that life and love can bring to all of us.  You will need the tissues,  but will also have some giggles.  Family can have very different opinions on what their parents should and shouldn't do.  
Really good fun.


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KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY's HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD'Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine. She is also quintuple nominee (a record!) for the prestigious RONE awards for 2016.
Kathryn's Medieval Romance novels have been called 'detailed', 'highly romantic', and 'character-rich'. She crafts great adventures of love, battles, passion, and romance in the High Middle Ages. More than that, she writes for both women AND men - an unusual crossover for a romance author - and Kathryn has many male readers who enjoy her stories because of the male perspective, the action, and the adventure.

Kathryn loves to hear from her readers.

Connect with Kathryn:



06/10/2019

Nunnery Brides (A Medieval Romance Collection) by Kathryn Le Veque. Historical Romance My Review.

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Never judge a bride by her habit...

Nothing speaks more strongly of romance than a woman resigned to facing a life a religious servitude suddenly finding herself with a suitor… and a soulmate.

Medieval Historical Romance has never been more surprising, intense, or sexy. In this four-book collection, you’ll discover the good, the very bad, and the passionate of knights and their nunnery brides. This is a spectacular collection for all lovers of Historical Romance – loves, and couples, such as these transcend all genres.

Want to be ‘in love’ with love? This collection is for you!

This bundle includes:

Dark Steel – a new duke and his nunnery bride discover subversion, politics, and each other in this memorable tale.

Nighthawk – de Wolfe’s greatest son finds an abducted postulate - and his destiny - in this sweeping romantic epic.

By The Unholy Hand – Assassins find themselves in the position of preventing the death of a king with the help of a novice nun in this can’t-put-down romantic feast.

Devil’s Dominion – A brutal knight bent on revenge for the death of his family raids an abbey for a hostage… and finds love instead of hatred.

Read this limited-edition collection for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dark Steel.

Sir Dane de Russe is forced to make a promise to a dying man.  The man was the Duke of Shrewsbury,  and he wants Dane to protect his daughter and his Dukedom. There is only one way that is acceptable.
Lady Grier de Lara has spent the last fourteen years shut away in a convent,  always believing she will eventually become a nun.  The news that she is an heiress and about to be married doesn't go down well.
Our honourable and battle hardened warrior never dreamt he would reach these dizzy heights.  Our neglected and nervous heroine is in for a very steep learning curve.
There is an unstable man that will cause everyone heartache.
I managed to get through this story with only a little cry. A marvellous love story, that you can't help but get involved in.  The characters are as usual fantastic it's great to meet the families of our heroes from previous books.  Our author always manages to bring something fresh to each book.
I have read lots of her books and loved all of them.  I am eagerly waiting for the next one. 

NightHawke

Sir Patrick de Wolfe is the commander of Berwick castle.  He has been told a band of Scottish rievers have attacked nearby and taken a captive. This rescue will be no problem.  The problems start afterwards.  His actions could cause trouble for the whole family with the church and the King.
Brighton de Favereux was a bastard, left at the priory as an infant.  Why would anyone want to abduct her now?.
A wonderful story full of adventure, danger and deep love. There are huge battles and soft family moments.  Our larger than life hero is the sort of the man any woman would want.  Even if he is a tiny bit arrogant.  Our sweet heroine is scared and confused,  with good reason.  The de Wolfe family and their connections will be familiar to anyone who has read this author's work before.  They are all wonderfully strong and well written characters.  It is always a pleasure to visit with them.  I loved every page,  as usual. 

By The Unholy Hand.

Sir Maxton of Loxbeare is one of England's most skilled Knights.  Since the end of the Crusades he and his friends have been mercenaries,  sometimes taking jobs nobody else could do.  However there is a line he will not cross.
Lady Andressa du Bose has been sent to a convent by her Aunt , so the woman can use her inheritance.  The convent has an evil Mother Superior. Her nuns live in constant fear and hunger.
This is a fantastic book,  absolutely filled with political intrigue,  danger and great characters.  Our hero is not a good man but he seems to be growing a conscience. Our terrified heroine seems timid,  but has got nerves of steel.
I won't say too much more about the plot because I don't want to spoil it for you.  Just know that before you start reading you should make sure you lock everybody out and make yourself comfortable,  because you will NOT be able to put it down.  I was awake until 1:30am to finish it.
I loved every page and can't wait to read the next in the series. 

Devil´s Dominion.


The sins of the father are definitely a burden for the children in this story.
Our "hero" is a particularly nasty man.  He is copying the pattern of the man who tore his family and everything he knew from him when he was a small child.  It's taken him twenty-five years to be strong enough.  Nothing will stop him now.
Lady Allaston De Velt decided when she was twelve to become a nun,  but fate it seems has other ideas.  She has heard the tales of her father's past deeds but now she will see for herself the consequences of them.
How our author get us to feel sorry for the "monsters" some of her heroes are is a wonder in itself.  She gives us a lot of gory details that some might find hard to read,  but are essential to the story.  It is an emotional story especially near the end.  Families can give us the greatest heartbreak and the greatest joy.  We get both here.  We also meet up with quite a few heroes from other books by this author,  but not with details that would spoil their books if you haven't read them yet.
I bought a boxed set with this the only book of the four that I didn't already have.  It was more than worth it.  The set is called "The Nunnery Brides" and they are all great full length books.
This author has never disappointed me and I have read over thirty of her books in the last several years.  I buy them now without even reading the blurb because I know I will love it.  But I do have to check my records to see if I already have it because she's changed her covers for much nicer ones,  so I sometimes think it's one that escaped me.


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KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY's HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD'Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine. She is also quintuple nominee (a record!) for the prestigious RONE awards for 2016.
Kathryn's Medieval Romance novels have been called 'detailed', 'highly romantic', and 'character-rich'. She crafts great adventures of love, battles, passion, and romance in the High Middle Ages. More than that, she writes for both women AND men - an unusual crossover for a romance author - and Kathryn has many male readers who enjoy her stories because of the male perspective, the action, and the adventure.

Kathryn loves to hear from her readers.

Connect with Kathryn:



12/09/2019

How To Wed A Wild Lass: A Medieval Scottish Duet by Kathryn Le Veque & Emma Prince. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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It’s a wild adventure on the border between Scotland and England as twin brothers search for the perfect bride… and end up finding perfect mayhem, madness, and seduction instead! 

Falcon de la Haye was born to be the Earl of Drumburgh. There’s only one problem—so was his twin brother, River. A midwife’s mix-up at their birth has left their clan’s leadership in question. Their father has the perfect solution: whichever of his wayward sons can find a bride first shall be named the next Earl.

But brides don’t come fast… or easily, as Falcon and River will soon discover…


The Jewel’s Embrace by Kathryn Le Veque

River de la Haye is determined to be the next Earl of Drumburgh. Frustrated, and ambitious, River abducts his own uncle because the man has heard of women greatly in need of husbands and he needs the man’s guidance to find these legendary – and desperate – females.

But the predator is about to become the prey.

In the remote borders between Scotland and England, a widow and her three daughters live. Having hardly seen men in their lifetimes, the women capture River when he comes calling. Three big, tough, and strong women hold him captive, demanding that he choose one of them to wed, and River has no desire to pick any one of them. As desperate as he is, he’s not that desperate. But when the youngest daughter, Emerald, finally makes herself known, River realizes he has indeed found his bride… if they can both manage to survive the jealousy of her sisters.

It’s a rollicking adventure in the remote borderlands!


The Siren’s Kiss by Emma Prince

Falcon de la Haye takes to the seas, hell-bent on beating his brother to England in search of a bonny and biddable bride. But fate has other plans. A devastating storm leaves Falcon stranded on a remote island under the care of a mysterious healer.

With an iron will to match Falcon’s, Maerwynn insists on treating him before he sets out once more. But when duty calls, can Falcon leave her behind, or will he succumb to his siren’s kiss?

Is passion stronger than duty?


Don't miss these bodacious border romances!
 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


The Jewels Embrace.

By Kathryn le Veque,

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  


River de la Haye is one of twins.  They have no idea which one was born first so to settle the issue of which will inherit the Earldom their father has set them a contest.  Whoever marries first gets everything.  The brothers love each other but really enjoy competing against each other. 
I'm not going to tell you anything about Emerald because that will spoil a surprise in the book. 
This is so much fun.  Our hero thinks he has the perfect idea.  Oh boy!  is he wrong.  I absolutely love all the characters,  even the sisters.  Although it's only a short story it's still well worth the five stars. 

****************************

The Siren's Kiss.

By Emma Prince.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Falcon de la Haye is one of twins who has to find a wife before his brother to inherit the Earldom.
He decides to go by sea to Carlisle but that turns out to be a bad idea. 
He ends up on a tiny island with only one inhabitant. 
Maerwynn is a healer for a small village but she lives alone on the island just off shore since the death of her grandmother.
Not everyone is as thankful to this selfless healer as our hero,  and even he really doesn't want to be there.  His impatience to win his inheritance and her determination that he not move until she says so cause some upheaval for them both. 
A very entertaing story with wonderful characters. 

****************************
Both of the twins will learn what is most important in life. Which one will gain the Earldom? 
You will definitely have a good time finding out. 
Great fun. 


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KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY's HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD'Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine. She is also quintuple nominee (a record!) for the prestigious RONE awards for 2016.
Kathryn's Medieval Romance novels have been called 'detailed', 'highly romantic', and 'character-rich'. She crafts great adventures of love, battles, passion, and romance in the High Middle Ages. More than that, she writes for both women AND men - an unusual crossover for a romance author - and Kathryn has many male readers who enjoy her stories because of the male perspective, the action, and the adventure.

Kathryn loves to hear from her readers.

Connect with Kathryn:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

****************************************************************

Emma Prince is the bestselling author of steamy historical romances jam-packed with adventure, conflict, and of course love! Emma grew up in drizzly Seattle, but traded her rain boots for sunglasses when she and her husband moved to the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Emma spent several years in academia, both as a graduate student and an instructor of college-level English and Humanities courses. She always savored what she calls her fun books—normally historical romances—on breaks or vacations. But as she began looking for the next chapter in her life, she wondered if perhaps her passion could turn into a career. Ever since then, she's been reading and writing books that celebrate happily ever afters! Emma has completed the Sinclair Brothers Trilogy, a series of books set in medieval Scotland, during the harrowing Wars for Independence. In the Viking Lore series, she delved into the rich history of the Viking conquests. Now she is returning to medieval Scotland for a new series on historical Highland bodyguards! Emma loves to connect with readers and writers—sign up for her newsletter and get all the latest on current and future projects, plus sales and giveaway alerts. Happy reading!

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