Good Earl Gone Bad (Lords of Anarchy #2) by Manda Collins

Lady Hermione Upperton has gone against all convention in being admitted membership into the Lords of Anarchy driving club. The lone female in the club sets out for her first outing with the group when her team gets confiscated by the man who won the horses from Hermione's addicted gambler father. Angered and ashamed of what jut happened out in public and full view of the ton, Hermione's friends accompany her away from the park.

Jasper Fawley, the Earl of Mainwaring doesn't agree with the Lords of Anarchy admitting Hermione into the fold, but his feelings for her are not changed by her admittance. Mainwaring admires the lady with all her spirit ans determination and is quite put off by the incident precipitated by her fool of a father. Jasper has an affection for gaming as well, and his talent at cards is quite amazing, but he is nothing like Hermione's father, who more times than not comes away the loser.

In an attempt to free Hermione from Upperton's downfall, Jasper wins her hand in a game of cards. How will the lady who is so against gambling feel about the wager and finding herself betrothed to a consummate gambler? 

When Lord Saintcrow, the very man who wins the driving team from Upperton is found dead, Lady Hermione finds herself suspect to the murder. Mainwaring will do what he must to protect the woman who is so quickly stealing his heart. Solving the crime and finding the murderer and holding on to his new wife becomes Jasper's quest,

GOOD EARL GONE BAD by Manda Collins is the second tale in the Lords of Anarchy series. This story with it's stubborn Lady Hermione and the honorable Lord Mainwaring is a slow but steady pace to the finish. Once the pawns were quite clear, the story became more of interest and the simmering romance made it a nice ride. 

~KIMBERLY~

A Spirited Affair by Lynn Kerstan

A SPIRITED AFFAIR by Lynn Kerstan is truly an entertaining story. This book was originally released by in 1993 when this reader was not reading romance, so I am very happy it's been re-released as I would have missed this gem.

Since her father's death and the demise of her father's friend and guardian, Jillian Lamb has been doing the best she can for her people, but her best is not enough when her allowance stops and she's being stretched thin. Jillian takes a mail coach to London to confront her careless guardian, The Earl of Coltrane.

When Mark Delacourt, the Earl of Coltrane returns from a rainy but diverting evening on the town, he discovers an odd package on his doorstep. When the package turns out to be a tiny, foul mouthed female who fights her way in the front door, the earl has no idea what he is in for. First, he finds the female is actually a lady, not a child he thought at first. Secondly, he had no idea he had a ward, let alone that he inherited her from his father. Now Mark must make sure that little Miss Lamb is actually who she says she is, and when that comes to fruition, he's at a loss with what to do with her. She isn't particularly pretty, she has a foul mouth and is basically a minx. Oh this is going to be a problem.

Enter the earl's  amazing Aunt Margaret, who after meeting Jillian, decides to take her on by making her into a presentable Miss who can hold her own in front of the ton and hopefully find a husband who will take her off of Mark's hands. But Margaret soon finds that Jillian is not the hopeless case her nephew thinks, for Jillian is certainly hiding quite a bit about her true self. So while the Earl is away, little Miss Lamb gets to play, and when Mark returns to town, he is stunned to find his unruly ward actually holding court and being pursued by more than one gentleman. He thought this is what he wanted, but the little minx grew on him and now he is rather jealous of the attention she is receiving. Oh the fickle man... and so the fun begins.

A SPIRITED AFFAIR by Lynn Kerstan had me intrigued from the first. The story itself is a joy to read, but the rapport between Mark and Jillian is truly a delight. Their dialogue is quick-witted and engaging, I couldn't wait for what would happen next. Finding out that this book was Lynn Kerstan's first had me in awe. This book is very well written and absorbing. Now all I need is to read more from this author!




~KIMBERLY~

JANET'S GUEST REVIEW OF : Brave the Heat (The McGuire Brothers #1) by Sara Humphreys SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!

“The haunting groans of the barn as it was devoured almost sounded like a cry for help. The death wails of a structure engulfed in flames were eerily similar to the cries of a human being. Those were the shrieks and screams that tormented his sleep.”

Gavin McGuire is the fire chief in Old Brookfield. His job is his life. Due to an unfortunate event when he was younger he has dedicated his life to the fire department in his home town. Gavin has two problems which change how his life is going. One, someone is setting suspicious fires in Old Brookfield and his former girlfriend, the love of his life, has returned home.

Jordan McKenna left town fifteen years ago without saying goodbye to anyone. Now she has returned to Old Brookfield with her two daughters, Lily and Grace. When Gavin sees her again, old feelings and questions rise to the surface. Jordan leads Gavin to believe that she has returned home because her father is very ill. That is not the only reason. Her ex-husband Ted was abusive and after years of putting up with his abuse, she found the courage to leave and took the girls back to her home town to start over.

Both Gavin and Jordan have many demons they must put to rest before they can try to start over again. Gavin watched a boyhood friend die in a fire and another friend must now live with scars from the same fire. He suffers from the guilt that he could have done something to save his friend. Gavin is afraid to begin a relationship with Jordan because he is afraid that one day he might go to work and never return. He didn’t want to do that to Jordan and the girls. Gavin knew that Jordan’s father was abusive, but he had no idea how bad it actually was for Jordan and that was the reason she left.  Jordan’s father has dementia and is dying. She is conflicted. He is dying, yet she needs to get a lot of things off of her chest before he does. 

 Finally seeing him, he doesn’t recognize her, he is no longer the evil, abusive man she remembers but a sick, old man. Before he dies, they make their peace. As this conflict is going on between the two of them, Gavin must still find out who is setting fires around town before someone ends up dead.

This is the first book in a new series by author Sara Humphreys. It will focus on the McGuire brothers and the women that capture their hearts. This is Gavin, the eldest McGuire brother, and Jordan’s story. I was drawn in immediately in the prologue with the description of the sounds of a fire expressed by Gavin. Anyone who has been around a fire of a wooden structure would agree with Gavin’s description. We find possible reasons for why Jordan’s father was abusive, even though there was no excuse for it and how Jordan must forgive him in the hopes of moving on with her life. The secondary characters in this story are fantastic. Maddy, Jordan’s oldest friend, is a business woman who is a realtor and owns a flower shop. She finds a place for Jordan and the girls to live and a job for Jordan in the flower shop. Maddy has been dating Rick, a fireman who works with Gavin, for years, but he refuses to make a serious commitment to her. He is married to the job, and not her. It is a dead end relationship. Unfortunately, a tragedy befalls Rick, causing Maddy to make some changes in her life. This story also has a twist. Who was starting the fires in town and why? Just when you think you have it figured out, you are redirected. I loved this story and the author did not disappoint. I always know that when I read a story by Sara Humphreys, I am guaranteed an excellent read. I can’t wait until the next McGuire brother story. I highly recommend this book. 

~ JANET ~

GIVEAWAY ALERT! 

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Lena's Courage (Spirited Hearts Series Book 2) by Ruby Merritt GUEST REVIEW BY JOANN M.

BOOK BLURB:

Six years ago, Lena Schuler fled Cheyenne to escape the man who brutally stole her innocence. Now, believing her attacker has left Cheyenne for good, she's returned to build a life for her and her son.

Attorney Lucas Kline has established a new identity and is making his mark as a trial lawyer in the burgeoning rail town of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Fighting to escape the guilt from his past, he's determined to help shape the emerging territory into a law-abiding state.

When Lena's attacker threatens the security of her son and others in the community, will she find the courage to face him in order protect those she loves? Can she trust Lucas to defend her secret before a township filled with doubt? Or will the guilt from Lucas' past blur the lines between justice and vigilantism?

JOANN'S REVIEW:

A beautiful story about a young woman, 16 year old Lena Schuler. She left her home and family to cover her shame of rape and subsequent pregnancy. She planned to give her baby up for adoption but changed her mind.

After six years she returns to her former home of Cheyenne and to her family. She is dumbfounded to see her rapist has also returned to her town. She meets a young lawyer Lucas Kline who also has many things from his past he is hiding from as well.

This is a love story but in essence it is human triumph over adversity. The aftermath of rape is and was a stigma for the victim which is still unconscionable. Lucas brings the rapist to justice as a result of Lena's testimony.

I like the style of this author very much and I would highly recommend this book for all ages.

~ JOANN M. ~

UNDONE BY HIS KISS by ANABELLE BRYANT THE BLOG EVENT!

A most delicious challenge…

Experience has taught Emily Shaw that men are best avoided, so she’s determined to take her place in society alone and unrestrained by marriage. Renting a room in the heart of London, she establishes a Women’s League to promote equality between the sexes and teach women to be independent.

Jasper St. David isn’t looking for distractions, but he’s fascinated by beautiful, fiercely opinionated Emily when she moves into the office above his. And when he learns of her determination never to succumb to male charms, he can’t help but see it as a challenge! After all, Jasper’s always found nothing more tantalizing than the thrill of the chase...

Buy Links: 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1KpZt25

Nook: http://bit.ly/1IQbcXy

Undone By His Kiss

Excerpt 1

She was a beauty, no doubt. All fluster, indignation and tempting female. Her nose tipped up at the end and the fitting observation caused him to smile. Miss Shaw struck him as a female who turned her nose up on a great many things.

He was an easygoing sort. Why he’d become obsessed with a stranger who appeared as relaxed as a wasp’s nest proved baffling. He had more important subjects to consider and the distraction of a lovely female was the last thing he desired, never mind he’d had trouble chasing her memory from his thoughts all day. Still, she fascinated him for some illogical reason. He’d watched her mouth form every word, captivated by her lips, perfectly heart-shaped, plump and kissable, and instead of comprehending her message, he wondered of the taste of her kiss, the feel of tongue.

Terribly done of him, really. Miss Shaw appeared less than interested. Her back had been rigid, her shoulders squared, yet she really was all soft skin and feminine curves.

Excerpt 2

His mouth found hers with uncompromised precision, lost in the glory of her adamant return. Her fingers slid through the hair at his temples, locking him to her in an expression of eager participation that made his heart pound and his cock ache. She tasted like a dream, an ambrosial combination of feminine sweetness and forbidden fruit, the freedom he yearned for and the divine fantasy he’d conjured, united in the hot slick rub of her tongue against his, the petal-soft press of her mouth against his jaw, his chin, his cheek. She rasped some delicious little noise, a murmur in the back of her throat, an entreaty for him to pleasure her, and he supplicated with fervor, dragging his mouth across her cheekbone to find the delicate shell of her ear where he whispered all the wicked thoughts kept buried in his heart.

She stilled. Perhaps he’d revealed too much, offended her refined gentility. His pulse hammered, while he waited, his breath hard and fast. Then her lips found his, her tongue next with a timid caress of his lower lip, licking, tasting his mouth to continue their kiss until all thought became impossible, obliterated by the thrum of passion and urgency and need. He pressed her against the velvet bolster, his shirt against her dress little barrier to the soft skin she hid beneath. Her fingers twined in the braces at his shoulders, as if lifelines to anchor her, the threat of their passion enough to sweep them away.

He wanted to strip her bare, discover every inch from neck to navel, to tell her she’d answered the silent prayer he hadn’t known lived in his soul. To drive into her delicate honey-sweet sex and make her his alone. He fought the desire with all the strength he owned.

BOOKS BY ANABELLE BRYANT

TEMPEST RISING by Julie Kenner, Episode 1 in the Rising Storm Series

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Julie Kenner's TEMPEST RISING! TEMPEST RISING is Episode 1 in the Rising Storm Series brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. It's out today so grab your copy and pre-order the following episodes in what promises to be an amazing new series!!

Rising Storm Episode 1 (Sept. 24): Julie Kenner’s Tempest Rising Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

 

Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep,

and secrets have the power to destroy...

Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection. But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish. Reading like an on-going drama in the tradition of classic day and night-time soap operas like Dallas, Dynasty, and All My Children, Rising Storm is full of scandal, deceit, romance, passion, and secrets. With 1001 Dark Nights as the “producer,” Julie Kenner and Dee Davis use a television model with each week building on the last to create a storyline that fulfills the promise of a drama-filled soap opera. Joining Kenner and Davis in the “writer’s room” is an incredible group of New York Times bestselling authors such as Lexi Blake, Elisabeth Naughton, Jennifer Probst, Larissa Ione, Rebecca Zanetti and Lisa Mondello who have brought their vision of Storm to life. A serial soap opera containing eight episodes in season one, the season premiere of Rising Storm, TEMPEST RISING, debuts September 24^th with each subsequent episode releasing consecutively this fall.

So get ready. The storm is coming.

About TEMPEST RISING: Episode 1 of the Rising Storm Series Secrets, Sex and Scandals … Welcome to Storm, Texas, where passion runs hot, desire runs deep, and secrets have the power to destroy… Get ready. The storm is coming. Nestled among rolling hills and painted with vibrant wildflowers, the bucolic town of Storm, Texas, seems like nothing short of perfection. But there are secrets beneath the facade. Dark secrets. Powerful secrets. The kind that can destroy lives and tear families apart. The kind that can cut through a town like a tempest, leaving jealousy and destruction in its wake, along with shattered hopes and broken dreams. All it takes is one little thing to shatter that polish. Ginny Moreno didn’t mean to do it, but when she came home to Storm, she brought the tempest with her. And now everyone will be caught in its fury…  

Experience Rising Storm Here…

Rising Storm Episode 1 (Sept. 24): Julie Kenner’s Tempest Rising Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 2 (Oct. 1): Lexi Blake’s White Lightning Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 3 (Oct. 8): Elisabeth Naughton’s Crosswinds Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 4 (Oct. 15): Jennifer Probst’s Dance in the Wind Amazon **iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 5 (Oct. 22): Larissa Ione’s Calm Before the Storm Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 6 (Oct. 29): Rebecca Zanetti’s Take the Storm Amazon **iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 7 (Nov. 5): Lisa Mondello’sWeather the Storm Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

Rising Storm Episode 8 (Nov. 12): Dee Davis’s Thunder Rolls Amazon ** iBooks ** GooglePlay

  Reviews for TEMPEST RISING: “After reading Tempest Rising by Julie Kenner I can honestly say it is everything I loved about those shows from the 80's and more; heart-stopping, twisted, engrossing, captivating, epic all describe this very first episode of Rising Storm. Even better I FELT like I was watching a television mini-series while reading it. Each time the "scene" changed, I held my breath wondering who was up next.”-Slick Reads, Guilty Pleasures Blog

  About Julie Kenner: Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 international bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas, and short stories in a variety of genres. Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” JK writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense, paranormal mommy lit, and, with Rising Storm, small town drama. Her trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries, and her Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series (written as Julie Kenner) has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for the CW Network. A former attorney, JK lives in Central Texas with her husband, two daughters, and several cats. One of her favorite weekend activities is visiting small towns in the Texas Hill Country. Visit Julie Kenner’s website and follow her on:

Rising Storm Website | Facebook |Twitter | 1001 Dark Nights | Rising Storm on Goodreads

     

There is a whole lot going on in the quite aptly named town of Storm, Texas. When the town's own Ginny Moreno is involved in a tragic accident on her way home from college, the lives of so many people change in an instant. 

RISING STORM, the first episode in the TEMPEST RISING series is very much a suspenseful soap opera with all of its twists and turns and machinations. Those who seem to have perfect lives have skeletons in their closets just waiting to be dug up. I really don't want to give anything away because it really has to read read to be savored. I will say that author Julie Kenner has started something very addicting, and waiting for the episodes is going to be a nail-biting experience.

~KIMBERLY~

Duchess Decadence (Furies #3) by Wendy LaCapra

 Author Wendy LaCapra is one of the newer voices in historical romance and she is most definitely one of those voices worth paying attention to. THE FURIES SERIES is a fascinating and entertaining trilogy about three best friends who have stood up for one another through their tragedies and triumphs. This third book, DUCHESS DECADENCE, is emotionally charged with loss and indifference then hope and maturity.

Thea Worthington, the Duchess of Wynchester has been estranged from her husband, Wyn for three years, since the devastating miscarriage she suffered during a stressful time when Wyn truly didn't have the maturity or the wherewithal to understand his young wife's loss. 

Now the mystery of Wyn's long thought deceased brother comes to a head when his sudden resurrection has Thea going into a protective mode of her husband, who she never stopped loving. Her brother-in-law is not all Wyn thinks and Thea's knowledge of what he is capable of will have her doing anything to keep Wyn safe.

It's taken time, but the duke has finally come around to understand he wasn't the husband he should have been when Thea needed him the most. Now he has the chance to have a united family along with the brother he thought was dead. Wyn reconciles with his wife and yearns to have that family, but something is going on around him. Wyn's brother is not the same man he knew and when Thea is around him, she is not herself either. To get to the bottom of these deep seeded issues, Wyn will have to come to the realization that all is not perfect in the land of Wynchester. Thea's determination with the help of her dearest friends and their significant others fuel this emotional mystery. Sometimes it takes a rude awakening for a couple to see just how much they mean to one another, and DUCHESS DECADENCE by Wendy LaCapra has more than shown us this very fact.  

DUCHESS DECADENCE by the very talented Wendy LaCapra is a wonderful story fraught with emotion, action and romance. This second chance at love between Wyn and Thea really tugs at the heart. Watching both Thea and Wyn throughout the FURIES series is a delight and when they finally get to have their day in the sun, it's absolutely perfect. I enjoyed immensely all the characters and their play off one another, the FURIES love for one another and their kinship is endearing. DUCHESS DECADENCE is a great read, one I will definitely read again.

~KIMBERLY~

BOOK OBSESSED CHICKS PUBLISHER SPOTLIGHT ON ~SOURCEBOOKS~ and a GIVEAWAY!

On Friday, September 18th, I had the great fortune of being invited to SOURCEBOOKS for a little tour and a lot of fun by the very awesome marketing phenom, Morgan Doremus. SOURCEBOOKS is one of my favorite publishers with such great authors like Sara Humphreys, Paige Tyler, Grace Burrowes, Julie Ann Walker and Shana Galen, just to name a few. Being able to head down to NYC and visit the home of these authors and the people behind the scenes is really a wonderful experience.

Morgan was so gracious to have me there and introduce me to the wonderful people she works with, including editor Mary Altman who shares my love for historical and Western romance, the lovely Cat Clyne who I have known for a while, Lathea Williams who is a publicity manager and Elissa Erwin an Editorial Assistant. 

I learned that SOURCEBOOKS is not JUST about romance having  little peek into their YA and children's lines as well as keeping a keen eye on those coveted romance shelves around the offices. I honestly was in reader/blogger heaven being able to hang out with these great women and find out a bit about what they do on a daily basis, which is quite a lot. Seeing covers to upcoming books which were just designed and hearing them plan for upcoming conferences aside from their day to day work, is only the tip of the iceberg for these busy ladies.

SOURCEBOOKS Booth at BEA 2015

I truly want to thank SOURCEBOOKS and Morgan Doremus for being so generous with me and with the Book Obsessed Chicks for the annual Beach BBQ. The book donations that were sent for the goody bags were so appreciated by all who attended. SOURCEBOOKS has often been a big draw for me at events like BEA in NYC because of how well the publisher is represented and how much they care about the readers.  I thank the whole office for the wonderful visit and how welcome I felt as soon as I walked though the front door.

Cat Clyne, Morgan Doremus and Mary Altman of SOURCEBOOKS

~KIMBERLY~

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Deceived (The Wicked Woodleys 2) by Jess Michaels

Jess Michaels never fails to do me in with each and every book she writes. DECEIVED the second in the Wicked Woodleys series in no exception with her wonderful writing and her passionate love scenes. 

Evan broke her heart when she was just an impressionable child with stars in her eyes for the handsome boy a few years her senior. The fallout from his betrayal over a decade before still follows Josie Westfall with quips from the ton and has affected her in every facade of her life. Josie so far has done a good job of steering clear of the man who happens to be her best friend's brother. The disappearance Evan's sister Claire has been a tragedy that has hung between she and the family for a few years now.

No matter how many times Evan Hartwell, Lord Woodley attempted to apologize to Josie over the years, his apologies fell onto deaf ears. Josie would never forgive him for the awful things he said when they were younger, and now the prospect of seeing her at his sister Audrey's wedding is leaving a bad taste in his mouth. 

When Josie and her mother come to Audrey's wedding Evan realizes that she is much changed in the years since he has seen her and for some reason, his attraction to her simmers under his skin. Josie still has feelings for Evan, willing them away do no good, only avoidance seems to be key. 

Evan's brother Gabriel, who is also sister Claire's twin is coming to the end of his ropes with need to find his sister. Knowing that Josie and Claire were best of friends, and noticing that Josie still has eyes for Evan, Gabriel devises a plan which will use Josie's attraction to Evan in order to extract information that could lead to Claire's whereabouts. At first Evan is game, but the more time he spends in her company the more he is attracted to Josie.

Their desire for one another ignites to a full flame with Evan and Claire sharing themselves most intimately. Evan knows what he has to do, but marriage isn't what Josie set out for with Evan, especially a marriage without love. But marriage is what will be between Evan and Claire and now Evan must convince his hesitant wife that he did not just marry her for honor. 

Once again author, Jess Michaels has drawn me in to her carefully constructed web and I am always happy to be captured. The mystery of Claire continues and her disappearance creates conflict in the Woodley household. Evan's character comes a long way from the teen who insulted his sister's best friend to the man who yearns to do right by his wife and find his lost sister. Josie also has a lot of growing up to do in this story. Letting go of the past is a difficult thing for someone who always feels people are deceiving and underhanded. I love her and her journey into matrimony... Once again, a great tale by a wonderful author. 

~KIMBERLY~ 

The Scandalous Proposal of Lord Bennett by Raven McAllan

Lady Clarissa Macpherson has no plans to wed. Considering the men available she really has no interest. At a ball she is accosted by a drunken gentleman who seeks have his way with her, only his actions are thwarted by handsome rake, Lord Theodore Bennett. When Lord Bennett and the exasperated Clarissa are found in a room alone and in compromising position, Ben foils the wagging tongues of the ton and insists Clarissa is his betrothed.

An angry and confused Clarissa wants nothing to do with the honor of becoming Ben's lady. She doesn't want to be a trial and force the man into marriage. But like dislike it as she may, in a whirlwind, Clarissa becomes Lady Bennett and the two need to come to terms with each other as a couple. Clarissa insists that this tiger cannot change his stripes and in no time he will be taking up with his mistresses and setting his vows aside. Clarissa however, admittedly doesn't know her groom, because he plans to stay true to his vows, even if he hasn't said so. Unfortunately, after a less than pleasant wedding night which has the groom passing out from too much liquor and the bride still a virgin, this sets the tone for things to come.

Communication is quite an issue with these two, especially with Clarissa constantly taking swipes at the husband who is trying to get through his wife's thick facade. The tit for tat this couple share on a daily basis is tiring and they really must find a way to compromise and become a content married couple.

While THE SCANDALOUS PROPOSAL OF LORD BENNETT by Raven McAllan is an entertaining read, I did find the constant battle between Clarissa and Ben to wear thin. For all his trying to appease his wife, her refusal to see what is clearly in front of her grated on me a bit. I really enjoyed Ben's character very much and in my eyes, the man could do no wrong. My issue was with Clarissa and how I didn't much like her until she showed gumption and went to help her friend. Ms. McAllan's writing is very good and I will read more from her. 

~KIMBERLY~

The Last Chance Christmas Ball by Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne , Patricia Rice , Anne Gracie, Susan King, Cara Elliott

Christmas 1815. Upstairs and downstairs, Holbourne Hall is abuzz with preparations for a grand ball to celebrate the year’s most festive—and romantic—holiday. For at the top of each guest’s wish list is a last chance to find true love before the New Year…

Review of:

 IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER 

by Mary Jo Putney

Captain the Honorable Kimball Stretton went off to war a determined, idealistic handsome man and came back war torn, crippled and scarred. He spends his days locked away from his family and friends, in a tower where no one can see his scars and run away in fear.

Miss Roxanne Hayward fell in love with Kim the minute he invited her to ride his horse with him back when they were children. When she watched Kim go off to war, she was upset. Even though he offered her marriage before he left, Roxie begrudgingly declined thinking that she could be a new wife, then a widow soon after. Now that Kimball is back but hidden away from those who love him and Roxanne is left in a quandary, marry Kim's brother or attempt to rile Kim from his self-imposed exile and fear possible rejection. Of course the unwavering Roxie will do all she can to make Kimball face her and her unending love for him. 

Once again Mary Jo Putney has grabbed my attention and left such an impression with IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER. This story in the Last Chance Christmas Ball anthology is a page turner. Even with this story being a short novella, the characters show so much emotion and the tale is complete. I truly enjoyed this story, as well as the other novellas in this Christmas anthology.

~Kimberly~

Scandal Before Sunrise, Book 1 of The Weekly Scandal by Sabrina Darby

After leaving her London season with shades of scandal on her tail, the notoriously fun-loving Abigail Billings has returned after three years in self imposed exile to find herself a husband. The group of friends she had spent her previous season with cannot reconcile the Abigail of yesteryear to the one they now see. She is much changed from the fun seeking lady who used to laugh and enjoy herself to the demure and staid woman she has become. Abigail has her reasons, and those reasons will guide her to her happily ever after or her unhappy matrimony. Time may be running out for Abigail to marry well before true scandal hits London and leaves her without options.

The Honorable Elliot Jones has returne from war and seeks to live life to the fullest. Not a thought to settling down, he is drawn for some reason to the seemingly prim Abigail Billings by her reputation. After a dance with the lady, he realizes that she is indeed hiding her true self underneath the proper exterior and his is determined to bring out Abigail's true self before she attaches herself to anyone in marriage. The only problem is, for as much as Elliot wants to remain a bachelor, Abigail is getting under his skin to the point where he wants her to wife, but convincing the reformed lady that he is the one for her is quite the journey. 

SCANDAL BEFORE SUNRISE by Sabrina Darby is a novella that was previously in a boxed set. It has been reworked and released on its own. I have to admit I had a difficult time keeping interest in this tale. I kept putting the eReader down and came back to it more than a few times. I didn't connect with the characters as I would have liked to and it wasn't until I was more than 60% of the way through that I began to enjoy the story. I do like Sabrina Darby's books and will definitely read more from this author.

~KIMBERLY~

The Madness of Lord Westfall (The Order of the MUSE #2) by Mia Marlowe

After his family has him committed to a mental institution for his hearing voices, hence deemed "mad", Pierce Langdon, Viscount Westfall has been placed into the custody of  the Duke of Camden. Edward St. James, the Duke of Camden is the founder of the Order of the M.U.S.E. an organization which protects and mentors people with extraordinary gifts, and Pierce Langdon is definitely extraordinary with  his ability to hear the thoughts of those around him. The duke is attempting to teach Pierce to filter those thoughts so he will be able to g out into public and feel normal.

Lady Nora Claremont has had her share of hard knocks in her young life. Married and widowed, the disinherited Nora now lives her life as a renowned courtesan, but she is not all she seems. When Nora meets the baffling Pierce, she is not only confounded by his demeanor, but she is more than curious about who he is. Nora has consigned herself to a life which includes freedom, but also one of loneliness. Her attraction to Pierce is not only a distraction, but one which could lead to more heartache if she isn't careful. Nora is a conundrum that Pierce would like to solve, but he also has secrets that if are revealed, could have him back at Bedlam.

THE MADNESS OF LORD WESTFALL by Mia Marlowe is the second in The Order Of The M.U.S.E. series and sadly I did not red the first before I began this one. I did however go back and grab the first one because THE MADNESS OF LORD WESTFALL was an intriguing and well written book. I had no idea when I began this that it was a paranormal Regency, but I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the story thoroughly. The characters are interesting and engaging. The story, fast paced and fascinating. I am looking forward to the next installment and now have Ms. Marlowe on my auto-buy list. 

~KIMBERLY~

Captivated by a Lady's Charm (Lords of Honor #2) by Christi Caldwell

"No Scandals. No elopements or rushed marriages. You are to be everything and all things proper..."

CAPTIVATED BY A LADY'S CHARM by Christi Caldwell, is a book I set aside everything I was doing and every ARC I was reading to give my full attention, and I am so very glad that I did.

Being a member of the scandalous Tidemore family is a very difficult task indeed when it comes to dealing with the ton. As a family, they are as close a family can be with each loving the other, warts and all. Unfortunately the multiple scandals hang over the heads of the three unwed sisters and Prudence's coming out is destined to be a difficult one with the unscrupulous misses whispering idle chatter within hearing distance. However, Prudence will not be cowed, for ever since she met a certain gentleman outside a London shop, her aspirations have improved.

War hero and new Marquess of St. Cyr, Christian Villiers is in quite a quandary. His estate is three months from ruin and against his better judgement, the only way out of the predicament is to marry a wealthy lady. His requirements are a little off for a man in the market for a wife, for Christian wants no innocent miss with stars in her eyes for the publicly acclaimed hero, he wants a loveless marriage with the sole purpose of saving his mother, sister and a menagerie of household servants who mean more to him that he lets on.  The only problem is, a fascinating lady named Prudence who nowhere fits the mold of the prim and proper ladies of the ton, has captured his attention and thoughts of her threaten to throw him off course.

It takes a waltz for Prudence to realize what she wants, and oh a lady who knows what or whom she wants can be a dangerous creature. With the knowledge her brother, Sin and their mother believe St. Cyr to be a fortune hunting rogue, Prudence uses her common sense to convince herself and those around her that the marquess is what she wants. 

Haunted by the memories from his past, Christian cannot seem to let the light in when it comes to Prudence. She deserves more than the rogue, who even though is hailed as a hero, thinks he is no more than a coward. Pluck and determination along with a large dose of optimism has Prudence seeking out what she wants. The only thing is, she has to convince Christian that he wants her as well. With the weight of what seems like the world on his shoulders, it takes a lot of persuasion for the marquess to see what's in front of him.

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better than the first book in the Lords of Honor series, SEDUCED BY A LADY'S HEART, gifted author, Christi Caldwell has blown me away with CAPTIVATED BY A LADY'S CHARM. There are no words to express how much I enjoyed this book with it's engrossing characters and brilliant storyline. Prudence was not one of my favorite characters in the first book, she was a brat. My how she has matured and become such an enthralling woman. Christan's will to steer clear of this intriguing lady, is in vain because Prudence Tidemore has more resolve in one pinkie, than the whole of London's ton. Christi Caldwell's voice is a powerful one and her tales are meaningful as well as entertaining. I am ashamed to say I only discovered this oh-so-talented writer earlier this Summer, but made quick work of binge reading her library of wonderful stories. Maybe it's just me, that I have connected to Ms. Caldwell's writing so powerfully that this lady can do no wrong, but I don't think that is the case. Christi Caldwell has earned her way to the top of my list of favorite authors and there she will remain. Grab CAPTIVATED BY A LADY'S CHARM and see for yourself. 

~KIMBERLY~ 

Spotlight on TRINITY BLACIO with a Giveaway

Today we have a treat for all, with the lovely Trinity Blacio. I had the pleasure of first meeting Trinity at my first Lori Foster's RAGT in Ohio some years back and I am proud to call her friend.

She has a new book out this week, 

LAYING CLAIM TO THE SOUL

from the FANTASY ALIVE SERIES. I wanted to wish her a successful release day, but also introduce her to those of you who don't know her well, with a quickfire Q&A.

1.       Morning, noon or night?

Morning

2.       How do you like your steak?

Medium well

3.       Last film that you saw?

               Lucy

4.       TV Show?

Flip or Flop

5.       If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Scotland or Ireland

6.       What was breakfast today?

Scrambled Eggs, with cheese and ham.

7.       Favorite cuisine?

Greek

8.       What kind of car do you drive?

Chevy Malibu

9.       Favorite clothing accessory?

Purse

10.   Weapon of choice?

Shotgun

11.   Gemstone?

Firestone

12.   Sport?

Football

13.   Nickname?

Sue

14.   Pets?

2 cats

15.   Alcoholic beverage?

Whiskey and Coke

16.   Color?

Red

17.   Pet peeve?

Lying, I hate when people lie.

18.   Flower?

Roses

19.   The one thing you can’t live without?

Laptop

20.   Last words?

 Treat others as you would like to be treated.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

BOOKSTRAND

RIVERDALE AVENUE BOOKS (PUBLISHER)

BARNES AND NOBLE

They say that everyone wants adventure in their lives, but Tabatha is the complete opposite, she craves normalcy. Yet Tabby is the one who has someone trying to kill her and everything she loves.

Throw in a wolf shifter, a demon, and a dragon-alien enforcer patrolling this sector of the universe, is enough to send her running for cover. .

Then one of her best friends, Shannon, turns out to be some kind of god with too much power. Yea, normal would be good. Tabby is so not prepared the handle this.

- See more at: http://trinityblacio.com/#sthash.Obe1UkPV.dpuf

website: http://trinityblacio.com

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/trinityblacio

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trinity-Blacio/96394356778?ref=settings

Facebook Event Party on the 10:

https://www.facebook.com/events/813048562144913/

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/trinityblacio/

GIVEAWAY ALERT!
KINDLY LEAVE A COMMENT AND FOLLOW MS. BLACIO OVER AT AMAZON FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A KINDLE... PLEASE LEAVE IN YOUR COMMENTS HERE THAT YOU FOLLOWED ON AMAZON....
WINNER WILL BE PICKED 9/11/15

http://www.amazon.com/Trinity-Blacio/e/B0039ALIO0/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1440796097&sr=8-2-ent