ARC Reviews

Showing posts with label Violetta Rand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Violetta Rand. Show all posts

03/12/2020

How to Fool a Duke (The Husband Dilemma #1) by Mary Lancaster, Violetta Rand. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Young women in need of second chances find sympathy and assistance with the enigmatic Lady Whitmore in her seaside castle and village. The ultimate goal: to find husbands for these rejected ladies of the ton. Yet, not every young woman is motivated by the same emotions, for some of these ladies possess rakish hearts that can only be tamed by true love.

Her voice is pure, her motives wicked.

Lady Sarah Merrington will never forget being spurned by the duke she was supposed to marry. After all, that is the very reason she finds herself as a personal guest to the enigmatic Lady Whitmore in her village on the coast, a place of sanctuary where a lady might learn new accomplishments and, perhaps, the necessary skills to charm the elites of society. And Sarah is determined to reinvent herself so she can seek satisfaction, if not a bit of feminine revenge against the Duke of Vexen.

Leonard Blackmore, the Duke of Vexen, is invited to host a charitable event in a place he's never heard of before and by a lady he's never met. Pleased by the opportunity, he accepts the invitation only to find his gracious hostess, Lady Whitmore, is not only a fellow patron to the arts but provides second chances to young ladies who simply need a helping hand. Unexpectedly, the duke meets a beautiful woman who sings like an angel. He swears he's seen her before but can't quite remember where or when. It doesn't matter, for she's captured his deep interest, and he always gets what he wants.

Sarah can't believe her duke has arrived, giving her the chance to fulfill her dream for revenge. But the more she's around him, the more she admires and likes him. And it's only a matter of time before he realizes who she is.

Will Sarah take advantage of the perfect opportunity to fool her duke, or will she forgive and forget in order to give love a second chance?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Lady Sarah Merrington was humiliated by a prospective husband. Even though she really had behaved childishly, she doesn't accept any fault.  Now our heroine is staying in a village where everyone minds their own business and the Lady who owns the castle and village encourages learning of all sorts.  
Leonard Blackmore,  the Duke of Vexen is a man with a passion for archeology and a patron of the arts.  An invitation to an area that could be rich in Viking treasures tempts him.  
A lovely historical romance with lots of secrets being revealed by our fascinating characters. 
 This is the first in a new series and I'm looking forward to reading more.  
I loved it.  


AMAZON.US * AMAZON.UK * AMAZON.ES



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.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub


Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter






17/01/2020

Duke of Decadence (Lords of Hedonism #1) by Violetta Rand. Historical Romance ARC Review.

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Welcome to Book One in the original rock gods and bad boys of Regency series - men of talent, of divine inspiration, of passion, and of torment. If there were guitars to be smashed in hotel rooms, these gentlemen would have been at the forefront. Groupies? Yes. Bad behavior? Absolutely. But in the end, love rules the day and the soul is satisfied. Indulge in unexpected stories and unexpected adventure in the first, the best, and the only LORDS OF HEDONISM series...

Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate, is handsome, wealthy, and hedonistic to a fault. Gifted with the voice of a siren that can inflame the tamest of London debutantes, he has just returned to London after a year-long tour. Although he spent a considerable amount of time in the beds of beautiful ladies, he longs for the familiar and sedate — and perhaps even a woman of his very own.

Lady Julia Castle, the only child of the Duke of Hampstead, has no interest in overbearing, spoiled lords—especially ones who pretend to be famous and greatly desired. She’s a dedicated intellectual with ambitions to become a respected philanthropist, so when Alonzo Farrington runs into her at a book shop and claims to be a duke, she immediately doubts him. What man of the ton would act as he does? When he invites her to a private performance, she reluctantly accepts only to discover that he is indeed a duke and a famous Verdi baritone.

Unimpressed by his fame, Julia admits to herself that any woman would be thrilled to be seduced by such a man and with her father pressuring her to marry—Julia is now desperate to find a husband she can tolerate. Could Alonzo be that husband even though he goes against everything she's fought so hard to resist? It may be a decision that costs her greatly, for once she and the duke are alone, she's at his mercy.

Or, so he believes...

A Lord of Hedonism may have met his match.

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Lords of Hedonism
Book 1 - Duke of Decadence
Book 2 - Earl of Excess
Book 3 - Prince of Pleasure

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Alonso Farrington,  the Duke of Pridegate has got everything, money,  looks a title and a voice that is a gift from god.  He often sings opera all over Europe.  He literally has young women and their mammas trying to tear the clothes of his back.  Still there is something more he wants.  
Lady Julia Castle is a very independent and intelligent young woman.  Her father is a Duke and he really wants her to get married,  but she thinks all the men in the "ton" are wastrels . She has very radical views about the way they treat those not as fortunate.  
This is a very amusing story with wonderful characters.  Our hero is a Rock God of his time and our heroine is not impressed. Lots of fun for this first book in the series and I can't wait to read the rest.  
I loved it.


AMAZON.US * AMAZON.UK * AMAZON.ES



Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter




01/11/2019

The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Brides: (A Gothic Regency Historical Romance collection) by Collected Authors. My REview.



When doors creak and ghostly whispers are heard in the midnight hour, this stunning collection of Gothic Regency Historical Romance is sure to leave you breathless with Poe-inspired, romantic dreams…

Welcome to the All-Hallows’ Brides collection. Seven of your favorite Historical Romance authors have come together for a collection of never-before published stories that will give you a chill, a thrill, and have you reading them again and again. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, you’ve never seen a collection like this by some of the biggest names in Historical Romance.

The title of each story is named for their 'Bride':

Emma by Kathryn Le Veque
Aislin by Meara Platt
Sarah by Scarlett Scott
Madeleine by Mary Lancaster
Beth by Maggi Andersen
Hyacinth by Chasity Bowlin
Eleanor by Sydney Jane Baily
Cora by Mary Wine


So, grab your candle and lock your door, and settle down to read this smashing collection of darkly-tinged romantic tales with unforgettable heroes and magnificent ladies. Romance has never been so daring… or so Gothic.

And if you hear a knock on your door… don’t answer it.

Unless you are prepared to welcome a wandering wraith in a tattered wedding gown…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



A great set of stories. Some spooky some not but all really well worth reading. 

Emma,

by Kathryn LeVeque. 

☆☆☆☆☆

This might be a shorter story than usual from this author but it's still a wonderful one. 
It starts in the present time with characters that just might have met in a previous life. 
We go back in time to the traumatic time when our careless hero and unfortunate heroine first met. 
I would love this to have been fleshed out to a full length book but I loved it anyway. 
****************************

Aislin, 

By Meara Platt.

☆☆☆☆☆

William has lived as the pirate Lucifer for the last three years,  with very little memory of what happened before. Now however he has been having dreams of a woman who is obviously special to him.  So it's back to the place he hopes to find her for him. 
Aislin is apparently a very dangerous woman to know.  Her father holds a lot of power in the smuggling community,  and if anyone threatens what is his they have a tendency to dissapear forever. 
An action packed story with danger from all sides.  Both our characters are strong and possibly a bit too brave. The mystery they have to solve while not knowing who is on which side gives us a lot of excitement and a few giggles. 
I loved it. 
****************************

Sarah,

By Scarlett Scott. 

☆☆☆☆☆

Lady Sarah Bolingbroke is determined to have revenge for herself and her sister from the man who destroyed them both.  A masked ball seems like the perfect opportunity.  
Phillip the Earl of Markham gave up on love a few years ago when he was tricked but had a lucky escape. 
This is a lovely story that shows us that not everything we are told is true,  and sometimes it's those closest to us that lie the most.  Great characters that are easy to love,  and a mischievous story line.  
Good fun.  
**********************************

Madeline. 

By Mary Lancaster.  
☆☆☆☆☆

Miss Madeline Deare has returned to England to be with her brother after the death of her father.  Her brother seems intent on taking her to see as many unattached men as he can,  even though she's told him she not interested in marriage.  
Mr Robert Usher has been a soldier for years but has now returned home. It's not a particularly happy place.  The whole family has a reputation for being slightly crazy,  maybe it's true.  Maybe it's someone with evil intentions.  
A nice dark romance, with a damaged hero and a heroine with a good and strong heart.  
I always enjoy the "spooky" touch in this authors books.  
Loved it.  
**********************************

Beth, 

By Maggi Andersen. 
✰✰✰✰✰

Beth Harrismith was hoping to go to her first ball with her sister,  but a family emergency changes everything.  Little do they know there is mischief afoot.  
Marcus Neyland has been asked to keep an eye on friend's sister in law.  What starts as a pleasant evening turns into a race for a young girl's safety. 
A fast paced adventure with great characters.  
**********************************

Hyacinth, 

By Chastity Bowlin. 
★★★★★

Hyacinth is a companion to Lady Arabella and accompaning her on a visit to her cousin.  A near tragedy will put her in the arms of her host. 
Ian Blake Lord of Dumbarton knows his mother and cousin are matchmaking but that does help the way he feels.  
Really good fun.  

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

Eleanor,  

by Sydney Jane Baily. 
★★★★★

Miss Eleanor Blackwood is staying with friends on the way to visit her sister.  There are lots of great memories and friends to see.  Including the handsome Grayson O'Connor. 
A lovely Gothic romance full of fun and adventure.  
Obviously part of a very good series. 
**********************************

Raven, 

By Violetta Rand. 
☆☆☆☆

James the Earl of Darkmoor has been morning the loss of his love for five years.  She vanished one night and he has never been able to put her out of his heart.  Maybe this anniversary will be easier, and he can move on.  
A very short spooky story.  
**********************************


AMAZON:US * AMAZON:UK



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

Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.

WEBSITE *   TWITTER * FACEBOOK * GOODREADS 
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Amazon bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, and one TV-loving dog.

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

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.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub

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

Maggi Andersen wrote her first book for publication after gaining a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives with her husband, a retired lawyer in an historic country town near Sydney, Australia. She wrote her first adventure story at 8 years old. Her novels are still adventure stories, but also seductive romances. Georgette Heyer and Victoria Holt among others, inspired her Regencies and she also writes contemporary romantic suspense, darker, Victorian mysteries and young adult novels.

Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books, IFAW and Youth off the Streets.

 Website * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

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

Chasity Bowlin lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency. 

Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic. 

If you'd like to know more, please sign up for Chasity's newsletter at the link below: 
https://www.subscribepage.com/a6k1e7


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

Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17. Thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism. During her career while continuing to write stories, she has been a copy editor, cat snuggler, proof reader, production editor, mother of two, website developer, indexer, and dog walker, among other things literary and not. 

While writing historical romance, she firmly believes in crafting happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Born and raised in California, she currently resides in New England with her family—human, feline, and canine.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter * BookBub

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Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

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




09/02/2019

Unyielding (Highlands Forever #3) by Violetta Rand. Historical Romance ARC Review.

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The long-awaited third book in the Highlands Forever series is here! Adventure and romance abound in this stunning new tale set in the heart of the highlands. Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited! 


Betrayed by his father, Prince Kuresh earns his Highland name (Kai MacKay) and position as captain of the guard through loyal service and unshakable love for his new homeland. But now that he has found happiness in a new place, there’s only one thing he needs to feel complete, the heart of fiery Miran MacKay. 

Miran MacKay is fiercely independent and has lived life on her own terms, until she is forced to accept her noble birth and act like a lady. But wearing pretty gowns doesn’t mean she’s changed on the inside. 

Familiar with heartbreak and loneliness, Miran is unwilling to risk her love on a dark-eyed heathen from a foreign land her cousin the laird wants her to marry. At least that’s what she tells everyone, but secretly, she wants everything Kai offers her. 

Will a trip across the northern Highlands in winter draw Kai and Miran together, the undeniable heat between them thawing her frosty heart, or will fate separate them when an unknown enemy with a long-standing grudge threatens the life of the man Miran has grown to love? 


Highlands Forever series
Unbreakable
Undeniable
Unyielding
 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Prince Kuresh was given into slavery by his father in Constantinople many years ago.  Now he has made a new life in the highlands.  There is only one thing he needs now,  a wife. Unfortunately the one he wants doesn't know her place,  and is extremely disobedient. 
Miran MacKay has agreed to move with her cousin and his wife to make a new branch of the MacKay clan.  The only thing  that is upsetting her is her cousin's captain of the guard.  He is arrogant and thinks all women are below him. 
This is an amusing adventure through the highlands,  with two people with very different views on the world.  They are both products of their upbringing. 
The characters are great fun.  This is part of a series but can be read alone.  If you want to read the very good series , it's best read in order. 
I loved it. 


AMAZON:US * AMAZON:UK


Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter




27/07/2018

Undeniable (Highlands Forever Book 2) by Violetta Rand. Historical Romance Release & ARC review.

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Read the long-awaited Book Two in the Highlands Forever series, UNDENIABLE! Purchase, or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Jamie MacKay has spent a lifetime serving as the right hand to the Laird of the MacKays. Now that he possesses his ancestral home again, he has his own plans for the future, including the ambition to start a new branch of the MacKays.

Lady Helen Sutherland has lived to please her father and honor the family name. But when her sire forces her into a betrothal with a man who is a known murderer, she finally finds the courage to say no.

Helen flees to the one place where she knows she’ll find sanctuary and the love of a best friend. But there’s a price to pay for her newly found freedom—the threat her father, the Earl of Sutherland, will use his influence and power to get her back and the red-headed warrior she meets in the MacKay great hall the night she arrives. No man has ever looked at her the way he does—to the depths of her soul.

Will fate play a cruel trick on Jamie and Helen, letting them find each other only to be torn apart, or will Highland courage inspire them to fight for true love?

Highlands Forever Series
Unbreakable
Undeniable
Unyielding (coming September 2018)
 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Jamie MacKay has just settled his Laird's affairs in Istanbul,  and is on his way home to the highlands.  He has thoroughly enjoyed all the benefits of the mysterious land,  but longs for home. 
Helen Sutherland has run away from home.  Her father is trying to make her marry a monster.  There is only one place she can run to,  the home of the only friend she has. 
Our heroine is risking many lives by hiding from her father. 
There is an uneasy peace between the clans involved but that can easily be broken. 
Our hero is settled as his cousin's right hand man,  but that doesn't stop him from defying him occasionally. 
A lovely highland romance with characters that are easy to love.  Quite a few surprises for them and us.  This is part of a series that follows each book,  but you can easily read it as on it's own.  I think I see where the series is going next and can't wait to read more. 


AMAZON:US  * AMAZON:UK * AMAZON:ES


Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter




11/01/2018

Unbreakable (Highlands Forever #1) by Violetta Rand. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.


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Sworn to forget his past….

Alex MacKay has roamed the world as a mercenary, trying to forget his shattered past. But when he’s summoned by his brother to defend clan lands, the very man who betrayed him and married the woman he loved, he’s surprised to learn that the spirited Keely not only abandoned his brother on their wedding night, but never returned.

Sworn to embrace a new future…

Keely Oliphant fled home on her wedding night and sought refuge among the Sutherlands, the enemies of her clan. Years later, ready to make amends for her past, Keely braves returning to her family.

But nothing is the same, and Keely is forced to face the new MacKay laird—Alex—the man she once loved.

Alex refuses to forgive her, but demands she honor their years-old betrothal. The MacKays need an heir.

Facing yet another marriage she doesn’t want, Keely tries to resist Alex’s loveless seduction.

But as time passes, old feelings are rekindled.

Will Alex finally admit he wants a second chance at love, or will he once again deny fate when the Sutherlands claim his marriage to Keely is invalid and try to force her back to Dunrobin Castle to marry the earl's youngest son?
 

๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ


Alex MacKay has been selling his sword and living a hedonistic life in Constantinople. So he is not pleased with his brother begging him to come home to the highlands.  There is nothing there for him anymore only had memories if what he lost. 
Keely abandoned her new husband five years ago, but now it's time to make amends.  Going back to the clan she betrayed could be very dangerous. 
A clan at war with a neighbour and suffering the death of their Laird is not an easy or happy place to be. 
Our hero has let his past dictate his life  but now must face up to the future and responsibilities he never wanted.  Our heroine is paying for her sins of the past.  Nobody is going to make it easy for her. 
An intense and emotional story with fabulous,  and unusual characters.  This is the first book in a new series, so I'm sure we will meet many of the characters again.  I thoroughly enjoyed it. 


Amazon.US * Amazon.UK * Amazon.ES


Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.

Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.

Website * Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter