The Bachelor Bargain (Secrets, Scandals, and Spies #1) by Maddison Michaels. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Bachelors, beware. For those who keep secrets and prey on the innocent, you will be exposed, with all your dirty little secrets laid bare to one and all. You have been warned...

Lady Olivia Haliford has had enough. Tired of seeing women lose their reputations, futures, and sometimes even their lives to scandal while the men walk free, she is ready to take back power and stand up for women everywhere. Along with her two closest friends, she plans to start an anonymous publication dedicated to dishing the dirt and exposing the secrets of society’s most eligible bachelors. But in order to do so, she will have to make a deal with the devil...

Sebastian Colver, known as the Bastard of Baker Street, is feared throughout London as the city’s most notorious gambling den owner and undisputed king of the underground. His life is nothing but darkness and danger, so he is shocked when the petite lady gracing his doorstep seems anything but frightened of him. He agrees to be a silent partner in the publishing of the Gazette if she will use her connections to sponsor his sister and launch her into Society and away from his dark world.

But exposing the secrets of the rich and powerful can be dangerous. Almost as dangerous as a lady falling in love with the king of the underground.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lady Olivia Haliford has just attended the funeral of one of her dearest friends.  Her friend is dead because a disreputable man took advantage of her. 

This type of man always get away with whatever they want to do.  It's time somebody stopped them,  and she has an idea how. 

Livie knows she will never marry because of her disability, but she can give her life purpose.  With a little help from an unlikely source she will dish out justice. 

Sebastian Colver has fought his way up through the worst streets of London.  He is now known to be one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in town.  He has one very strict rule in his streets, and that is nobody must harm a woman in any way. 

A business proposition from a very unusual Lady stirs interest from more than just the money-making part of his brain. 

This is a fabulous book that I couldn't put down.  Danger and intrigue on nearly every page.  Lots of excitement and wonderful characters.  Strong and opinionated women and ruthless but caring men.  It is set in Victoria's England and featuring some of the new inventions of the time,  like trains and telephones. 

This is the start of a series and I'm hooked.  I will definitely be reading the rest, and I think I might have guessed the next heroine.  

Fantastic story,  I loved it. 

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Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was 14 years old, Maddison Michaels is a prolific reader and writer of romantic suspense and historical fiction. She gets her daily dose of suspense from prosecuting real life villains in the Courts.

A member of the RWA and RWA Australia, Maddison is as passionate about her writing as she is about her other two loves; her family and her cups of tea. Luckily she gets a healthy dash of romance married to her wonderful husband and her exercise regime is kept on track by her six-year-old daughter, who ensures Maddison is kept very busy chasing her around.

Maddison’s historical novels are her way of time traveling back to Victorian London to experience a cornucopia of intrigue, romance and debauchery all from the comfort of her living room! 

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Workhouse Waif by Elizabeth Keysian. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Only courage and spirit can help Bella survive life in a Victorian workhouse. Fleeing the abuse that she suffered there, the beautiful outcast hopes her new life in a factory town can provide the esteem and affection she craves. Torn between the worlds of masters and workers, Bella falls for the enigmatic Jack, but their relationship shatters when his true identity is revealed. In a desperate bid to revive her love, Jack unearths Bella's past, with tragic consequences.

After a devastating fire, a secret emerges that seals Bella's fate, and that of everyone and everything she holds dear.
Fans of Catherine Cookson and Victorian historical romances will love this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bella has spent her whole life fighting for everything in the workhouse.  Bullying from some of the other girls often sparks her hair trigger temper and gets her into trouble.  The only person who tries to help is the teacher, who knows Bella could better herself with a little help.

Jack is the factory owner's son and enjoys working there tinkering with the machinery. A misunderstanding with the new school teacher will make him rethink his attitude about Class in society. 

A family secret will change everyone's lives but is that good or bad.  

Unusual and very entertaining.

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Elizabeth Keysian is an English archaeologist, teacher and museum curator. She first started writing "long stories" when her headmaster father needed something to keep her quiet during school summer holidays. In her teenage years she produced angst-ridden poetry, slightly disturbing sketches for an amateur dramatics group and even her own magazine, to the mixed delight and consternation of her friends.

After completing her History degree, Elizabeth joined an English Civil War re-enactment group, messed about with the Middle Ages and finally settled to an enjoyable reconstruction of Tudor Daily Life at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk.
Her imagination was further inspired by living for seven years on a Knights Templar estate, with a garage full of skeletons, a resident ghost and a moat teeming with newts. She now lives near Bath with her partner and cats.
Elizabeth likes to keep her historical novels atmospheric and authentic, with both tears and laughter along the way. She loves to hear from readers.

Want to catch up on her latest releases and giveaways?

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Snifter Of Death (The Bloodstone Series #2) by Chris Karlsen. Historical Suspense/Romance. Release, Excerpt & ARC Review

SNIFTER OF DEATH

The Bloodstone Series, Book 2
by Chris Karlsen

The Highlander Who Loved Me (Highland Hearts #1) by Tara Kingston. Release Day & ARC Review.

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 He may be her fiercest ally…or a scoundrel waiting to betray her.

Johanna Templeton is on a life-and-death quest. Swept into an intrigue that rivals the tales she pens, she joins forces with a Highland rogue to find the treasure that will save her kidnapped niece—a prize the Scot seeks for reasons that have nothing to do with ransom. Engaging the Highlander in a sizzling battle of the sexes, Johanna shields her heart. 

Connor MacMasters, spy for Queen Victoria, is a man on a mission—keep a legendary gemstone from an evil man. Trailing an American novelist who holds the key to the treasure should’ve been simple, but Johanna awakens feelings he’d long thought dead. Torn between duty and desire, he wants her in his bed, but loving her would be a fool’s game. Blasted shame his heart doesn’t agree.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a wonderful Victorian,  adventure romance. 
Miss Johanna Templeton is an American and an author.  She came to London to care for her dying sister and her daughter.  Now her brother in law and niece have disappeared while on holiday in Scotland, and a ransom has been demanded. 
Connor MacMasters is following the associate of a known smuggler of antiquities.  She is putting herself in grave danger dealing with unscrupulous people.  He needs to put a stop to what she is doing. 
This is an absolutely fascinating story.  Our frustrated heroine is trying to deal with a man who insists he knows best.  She doesn't trust him, because he is hiding something.  Our hero has his own agenda and reasons for the way he is bullying her. 
The characters are fun and at times maddening.  A book you will not be able to put down once you start.  I loved it. 

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KOBO

Award-winning author Tara Kingston writes historical romance laced with intrigue, danger, and adventures of the heart. A Southern-belle-out-of-water in a quaint Pennsylvania town, she lives her own love story with her real-life hero and a pair of deceptively innocent-looking kitties in a cozy Victorian. The mother of two sons, Tara’s a former librarian whose love of books is evident in her popping-at-the-seams bookcases. It goes without saying that Tara’s husband is thankful for the invention of digital books, thereby eliminating the need for yet another set of shelves. When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner, Tara enjoys movie nights, cycling, hiking, DIY projects, collecting dolls, and cheering on her favorite football team.

Please stop by Tara’s website at www.tarakingston.com for information on her upcoming releases and periodic updates on her life as a belle out of water in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

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Trifling Favors. (The Redcakes #7) By Heather Hiestand. ARC Review.

The sweetest treat is a kiss... Greggory Redcake's plate is full. Widowed young and left with two small children, the manager of the Kensington location of the illustrious tea shop is besieged on all sides between the bakery and family matters. If only his remarkably efficient shop assistant, Betsy Popham, could manage his home life, too! But Greggory can't linger on thoughts of Betsy's fetching smile when a dead body is discovered in the bakery...

Betsy has no time for romance, not even with the delectable Mr. Redcake, whose kisses are all too unforgettable. Haunted by a specter from her family's past, Betsy is terrified that the man blackmailing her has turned to deadly violence. Yet the only way to save her position--and possibly her life--is to accept Greggory's help as their delicious attraction sweetens into the tantalizing promise of true love...

Betsy Popham is an unusual Victorian miss. She has a very well paid job as assistant manager of Redcake's Kensington tea shop and emporium.  She lives with her father, and they have big secret.  Her mother was a convicted and executed murderess. Her father took it on himself to look after the victim's family. That is why although they both work very hard they have very little money. When the secret threatens to come to light it will affect everyone around them.
Greggory Redcake is the owner of the Kensington branch of Redcake's.  He is a widower with very young twins. He is a progressive man who knows that women can be intelligent and hold positions of responsibility.  Betsy is a great help to his business as an assistant manager.
Our poor heroine is a very strong and intelligent woman, but she has got so much working against her. Our hero is hard working and protective of all the people he feels responsible for.
A very good murder/mystery with so many suspects there is no way for us humble readers to guess who done it.
It is part of a series but easily read as a stand alone. I enjoyed every page.

Heather Hiestand was born in Illinois, but her family migrated west before she started school. Since then she has claimed Washington State as home, except for a few years in California. She wrote her first story at age seven and went on to major in creative writing at the University of Washington. Her first published fiction was a mystery short story, but since then it has been all about the many flavors of romance. Heather’s first published romance short story was set in the Victorian period and she continues to return, fascinated by the rapid changes of the nineteenth century. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she is a bestseller at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. With her husband and son, she makes her home in a small town and supposedly works out of her tiny office, though she mostly writes in her easy chair in the living room. She also writes as Anh Leod.

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His Wicked Wish (Cinderella Sisterhood) by Olivia Drake. ARC Review.

MARRIAGE TO A NOBLEMAN? NOT IN HER WILDEST DREAMS. . .


The daughter of a disgraced woman and a common actor, Madelyn Swann has been shunned by the nobility. No proper lady would traipse about on a Covent Garden stage, let alone sell herself at auction to the highest bidder. So why in heaven’s name would Nathan Atwood, Viscount Rowley, make a generous offer for her hand?

Turns out Maddy is exactly the type of woman Nathan wants as his wife. Finally, he can embarrass his snobbish and cruel father, the Earl of Gilmore—and scandalize London society—with his beautiful, unsuitable bride. Then he’ll depart England forever and leave his wife behind. Having secret plans of her own, Maddy is happy to play the role … only to find that enjoying her husband’s seduction requires no acting whatsoever. But as she falls madly in love with Nathan, can she persuade him to stay with her for always? 

Nathan Atwood has returned to England after a ten year absence.  He only came back because he believed his father dead. Now he has learned instead that he is the heir. He wants nothing more than to anger his father, now that he must put up with it. What better way than marriage to a most unsuitable woman.
Madelyn Swann is an actress who has decided to leave the stage behind and start a new lifestyle.  The key to that has to be a wealthy protector. She organises an auction with herself as the mistress of the highest bidder.
Our hero has spent ten years in the far east making his fortune. He carries a lot of anger and a secret  that colours his relationships.
Our heroine has kept a big secret, and the idea of being able to mix with the ton means she will have the opportunity to do what she has always wanted.
A Victorian romance with lots of fun and a few saucy sex scenes. The characters are well written and easy to fall in love with.  This is part of a series of stand alone stories with a Cinderella theme and a godmother that helps things along. I really enjoyed this lighthearted read.

Shortly after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, Olivia Drake sold her first novel two weeks after sending it to a publisher. She now lives in Texas in a cozy cottage with a feisty cat, a loving husband, and two wonderful daughters who still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal. 

Many of you already know Olivia as Barbara Dawson Smith, author of 24 historical romance novels. She is a New York Times bestseller and winner of numerous honors, including the Golden Heart Award and the coveted Rita Award for excellence in the historical romance genre.

Website *Goodreads * Twitter *Facebook

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Dueling With The Duke. (The Brotherhood Of The Sword) by Robyn De Hart. ARC Review.

England, 1838

Gabriel Campbell, Duke of Lynford never intended to carry that title, but when his reckless brother gets himself killed in a duel over a woman, Gabe has no choice. Now he’s sworn off love, blaming the woman that broke his brother’s heart and led to his untimely death.

Lilith Crisp, Lady Thornton, knew from a young age that pretty girls grow up and get married off to the highest bidder. Being paraded around London as her husband’s trophy has taught her some unique skills and now she can manipulate any man for his darkest secrets.

Gabriel's position in the Brotherhood of the Sword leads him directly to Lilith’s door. For Gabe, Lilith is the one woman he’s always wanted, and Lilith is now forced to deal with a man who seems immune to her charms. But a secret about Lilith’s niece brings them together to face a danger that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of England’s Crown. Resisting Lilith is getting more and more difficult and Gabe finally recognizes that he can’t keep blaming her for his brother’s fate. Finding love means forgiving the past and that might be the one thing they simply can’t do… 

This is a historical, romantic suspense,  set in early Victorian times.
Gabriel Campbell the Duke of Lynford is part of the Brotherhood.  They are like a secret service tasked to protect the young queen. A man has been shot while attempting to assassinate Victoria. Now the Brotherhood must investigate because it's unlikely he was working alone. The best place to start is with his wife. A woman Gabriel already has good reason to hate.
Lady Lilith Thornton has been used by her domineering husband for years. Now she must grab her hidden nest egg and her niece and run.
An intriguing mystery that grabs you on the first page. Full of action , suspense and danger. Our hero is nursing a broken heart that no one knows about. Now he is battling with his honour and his conscience.
Our heroine has a low opinion of herself, but grasps her chance at freedom until her niece's life is on the line.
I loved every page.

National Bestselling author, Robyn DeHart’s novels have appeared in the top bestselling romance and historical romance lists. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages. Her historical romantic adventure series, The Legend Hunters, were not only bestsellers, but also award-winners, snagging a Reader’s Crown and a Reviewer’s Choice award. She had three releases in 2013 and 2014 will see four more, all set in the popular historical romance Regency and Victorian eras. 

Known for her “strong dialogue and characters that leap off the page” (RT Bookclub) and her “sizzling romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been featured in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. A popular writing instructor, she has given speeches at writing conferences in Los Angeles, DC, New York, Dallas, Nashville and Toronto, among many others.

When not writing, you can find Robyn hanging out with her family, husband (The Professor) a university professor of Political Science and their two ridiculously beautiful and smart daughters, Busybee and Babybee as well as two spoiled-rotten cats. They live in the hill country of Texas where it’s hot eight months of the year, but those big blue skies make it worth it. 

You can find Robyn online in a variety of places. 
Sign up for Robyn’s newsletter www.robyndehart.com/newsletter/ 
Robyn’s website www.robyndehart.com 
Robyn on Twitter twitter.com/RobynDeHart 
Robyn on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Robyn-DeHart-H... 
Robyn on Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/288853.... 

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Dangerous Kisses.(Guild Of Hybrids) By Alice Lake. Victorian/Historical Romance ARC Review.

Miss Lavinia Halls is a member of the Guild of Hybrids, a secret society dedicated to helping women in need. When faced with a terrified new client, Lavinia declares that her client’s fiancé must pay for his sins. The fact that she can’t take her eyes off the man’s kissable lips only spurs her resolve to bring her assignment to a quick conclusion.

Eric Yorke, Viscount Mathieson, wishes nothing more than to distance himself from his treacherous fiancée, but in his quest to do so, he finds himself trapped in the clutches of the unconventional Miss Halls. The delectable yet annoyingly persistent woman seems intent on ruining his life no matter how much he tries to thwart her attempts.

Her efforts to seek and destroy meet their match in his determination to foil her plans, until their struggles collide in a scandal of enormous proportions. Fated together, they must overcome ruin, danger and heartbreak. Will they be able to survive their past or is their future together doomed? 

What a marvellous debut Historical novel. Very well written with full fledged characters, and an intriguing story. 

Lavinia Halls is a very unusual Victorian Miss. She, along with her aunt and sister belong to the Guild of Hybrids. The guild is dedicated to helping women who are in trouble. Their methods are unorthodox and not always strictly legal. The members are all mixed race and have a variety of special talents.
Lavinia's latest client wants a way to escape her engagement to a man who she claims is unsavoury. 
Eric Yorke,  Viscount Mathieson has told his fiancee that he will not marry her, but will allow her to say the decision was hers. She is taking a long time to announce it.
This is a fascinating story that caught me on the first page. The various ways our heroine uses just her words to accomplish her goals proves there is very little an intelligent woman can't do, IF she keeps her mind on the job.  Our heroine's  family is so much fun. The possibilities for this Guild is endless. I felt quite sorry for our innocent hero. He doesn't stand a chance against such a formidable woman. Or does he?. 
Really very good fun, and I can´t wait to read Larissa´s story. 

Alice Lake’s interest in the unusual is reflected in the stories she puts down on paper. Along with her passion for romance and 19th century history, she is a champion for women’s rights. Who said women had no voice, no say and no choice during Victorian times? According to Alice, they had all that and more. They could teach and build, fight and heal, and do so many other things not traditionally deemed proper.

Alice is an unusual case herself. She grew up in three countries and on two continents. Suffering from a lack of cultural identity, she borrows whatever traditions suit her. Nothing is rigid and fluidity encompasses her world. This philosophy of open-mindedness spills into her writing, making for unexpected romance stories.

Alice also writes contemporary romance under the name Mila Rossi.

When she's not writing, she's beating her husband at whatever they're currently competing over, or chasing her girl around the house.


Visit her at www.milarossi.com and www.aliceinengland.weebly.com, or check out her books on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/alake1935/

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