Review: The Bride Prize: Allan’s Miscellany 1839 by Sandra Schwab

Goodreads Blurb

It’s 1839, and Lord Eglinton’s tournament in Scotland is the most anticipated event of the year: he and some of his noble friends will don medieval armor and joust like knights of old.

Does this mean a revival of true chivalry? Miss Florence Marsh thinks it might.

Or is the tournament mere tomfoolery and the greatest folly of the century? Mr. Robert Beaton thinks it is.

But when Flo and Robbie meet at Eglinton Park, they’ll soon learn that a dash of romance can make the greatest differences look rather small and that true love might find you in the most unlikely place.

If only Robbie wasn’t working for that scandalous new magazine Allan’s Miscellany! If only Flo’s father didn’t detest the periodical press!

And if only they had remembered to bring an umbrella!

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Such a sweet little book. I enjoyed the romance in this novel. There is so much chivalry that has been mostly gone in our current century. Truly enjoyed how two characters from different backgrounds were able to fall in love in just one day. My heart melted when Miss Florence saw her picture painted in the magazine. Mr. Robert drew her with such delicacy and grandeur. She couldn’t believe she made such an impression. I enjoy Mr. Robert, when he was trying to keep her dry from the rain and puddles. Truly, a man doesn’t need a title to be loving and caring.

Author Biography

Sandra Schwab has been delighting readers with her unusual historical romances since 2005. She particularly likes the quirky bits of history, so in her books, you’ll find Roman pet eels, Regency gentlemen with green hair, and medieval tournaments in Victorian Britain. She writes both m/m and m/f historicals – happy endings always guaranteed!

She lives in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with a sketchbook, a ukulele (well, more than one), and an ever-expanding library.

Review: Mad for the Plaid by Karen Hawkins

Goodreads Blurb

Nikolai Romanovin, a royal prince of Oxenburg, has travelled to the deepest wilds of Scotland to rescue his grandmother the Grand Duchess, who was abducted while visiting an old friend in the Highlands. Wanting to avoid an international incident, Nik plans to quietly slip into enemy territory disguised as a groom at Castle Cromartie. But his plans go awry when he falls under the cool gray gaze of the laird’s daughter.

Pragmatic and clever, Mairi MacKenzie has been left in charge of the family estate and her unruly grandmother in her father’s absence. Something about the new groom catches her eyes, and makes her think he’s not who he pretends to be—and even more shockingly, stirs her senses. Is it his obviously educated manners? His arrogant, non-servant-like presence? It’s certainly not his towering, powerful form, or slumberous, inviting green eyes!

After confronting the imposter and learning the truth, Mairi agrees to help Nik—for she, too, understands difficult relatives and would do anything for family. Soon their secret partnership leads to growing respect, searing kisses, and then something far more perilous. And when their quest turns dangerous, Mairi and Nik must discover this unknown enemy while facing the dangerous demands of their own unruly hearts.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I loved that this book started off with letters back and forth with Prince Nikolai and Lady Ailsa. It was great to see how annoyed they were with each other without them meeting in person. I loved that Lady Ailsa was a character who was strong-willed, determined, and a fighter. I’m not sure that in this time period, a woman can run a castle, especially without being wed. The story was charming. Loved that I got to see a happily ever after since the story brought betrayal even from within a trusted protector.

Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond books are a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible.

Review: Kissing the Highlander by Victoria Roberts, Vonda Sinclair, Eliza Knight, Terry Spear, and Will Blair

Goodreads Blurb

Lady Sorcha Barclay fled her brother-in-law’s castle because of his unwanted advances. An awe-inspiring circle of standing stones captures her attention and she captures the attention of the laird who owns the land.

Laird Ronan Daziel takes Sorcha to his castle to protect her and give her a home. Before long, he wants much more. He’s duty-bound to take a wife whose clan wishes an alliance with his. So why does he long to have something more? Everyone loves the lass as much as he does. But he has pledged his loyalty to his clan. Taking Sorcha to wife could lead to battle on several fronts. How can he wed another when she stole his heart from the first moment he laid eyes on her near the ancient standing stones on his lands?

The Highlander’s Charm by Eliza Knight

They should be enemies… But passion and love know no bounds.

Returning from battle to England, Samuel de Mowbray discovers that his two younger sisters have been stolen by Highlanders. Determined to save them from vicious warriors, he convinces the king to send him north. While there, he discovers that his loyalties are wavering and that a headstrong, feisty lass could destroy everything he believes.

Catriona Buchanan must travel north to ask for help in saving her brother and ridding her castle of brutal English knights. Unfortunately, to do so, she must trust in the thing she mistrusts the most—an Englishman. Minute by minute, the man who should be her enemy breaks down her defenses. There is something different about him and she can’t help but be captivated by Samuel, and his steamy kisses.

Heart of Stone by Willa Blair

Riding home after two years away, Gavan MacNabb encounters a lass and her deerhound in a moonlit circle of standing stones. Little does he know the garland of bluebells she weaves and the spell she sings will change the course of his life.

Marsali Murray doesn’t really believe the old wives’ tale that making a chain of bluebells by the standing stones under a waxing moon will bring true love, but she’s desperate to try anything to escape the boring, everlasting sameness of her life.

Gavan has already seen much of the world denied to Marsali. He’s ready to settle down. She is eager to spread her wings. Can they find what they need with each other?

Kilts and Kisses by Victoria Roberts

Since the deaths of her parents, Ceana Gunn has lived in the shadow of her uncle and his family. She wants nothing more than to see her clan the way it was when her father was still laird. But her uncle has other ideas. Ceana soon discovers that the only refuge to be found is in the last place she expects—the arms of her enemy.

Luthais MacKay wants to be left alone. His only interest is training his prized hawks. He certainly doesn’t have time to listen to the petty squabbling of his clan when his father travels to Edinburgh and leaves him in charge. But when Luthais discovers a mysterious woman on his lands, he’s determined to unravel her secrets…one layer at a time.

My Captive Highlander by Vonda Sinclair

Can unexpected passion and a little ancient magic turn enemies into lovers?

During a fierce storm on the west coast of Scotland, Shamus MacKenzie barely survives a galley wreck only to be captured and held for ransom by the enemy MacDonalds. Aided by the gift of second sight, Maili MacDonald, sister of the ruthless chief, senses the handsome, dark-haired stranger will somehow be important in her life. Compelled to help him, she insists on providing him food and a healer to see to his injuries. She knows she is daft to fall in love with this captivating warrior after one forbidden kiss but cannot help herself. With each visit from Maili, Shamus finds his thoughts consumed by the enchanting lass. Can he convince her to help him escape the dungeon and prevent the impending battle between the two clans?

My Review: Rated 5 out if 5 stars

This was a master piece. Each author worked very hard to make an anthology that would leave all readers breathless. Ronan and Sorcha’s story was captivating. She was fierce and had the power to escape from her family because of her sister’s husband, who tried to advance on her. Ronan was the perfect gentleman who protected her and gave her shelter.

Samuel, in pursuit of saving his sister from Highlanders he decides to assist Catriona from being violated by an English man who wasn’t going to be showing her any mercy. She fled with him and trusted that he would protect her. She was strong-willed to be able to escape the castle without notice. I’m glad that love over came background.

Marsali was searching for a husband and believed that if she cast a spell at the standing stones, her one true love would fall in love and marry. Corrie, her deerhound, knew from the moment she said Gavan that he was going to be her husband. Was happy to see another strong will woman who went against her father’s wishes and made a decision to stay at Gavan’s castle in the hope that her spell worked. Happy he saw that she was the right woman to marry instead of the women that awaited his return home. I’m glad Marsali didn’t let her father manipulate who she must marry.

Truly loved the story between Luthais and Ceana. Loved that her cousin didn’t get here way. Ceana and her sister Anna deserved so much more. To have your parents gone and not knowing who murdered them was just hurtful. They were treated like they weren’t family in their own home. I should have suspected that there Uncle coould be so dispicable. I am happy that Sorcha did the right thing and let her cousin find her happiness.

The story that bothered me the most was the story of Shamus and Maili. It was just heartbreaking to have an innocent man treated so horribly for just being from the clan that was the enemy. Was so happy that Maili helped Shamus by feeding him and trying to escape back to his family. Was so pissed off when they got caught, and Maili got punched by her brother. Was glad that his life was ended by the man who loved her the most.Was happy that they got to get married and her older brother wasn’t against it.

I truly enjoyed all five stories. They were captivating from the very beginning. Each story had a strong heroine who followed her gut feeling regardless of being truly afraid of the circumstances. I enjoy all the ravishing love scenes. Each character had strong feelings once they spent time with each other. You don’t want to miss this amazing read by this amazing Highland Writers.

Author Biography

Award-winning author Victoria Roberts writes Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was the recipient of the 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice award for Best Medieval Historical Romance for X MARKS THE SCOT, as well as the 2014 BTS Book Reviews Red Carpet award for Best Historical and Best Book of the Year for MY HIGHLAND SPY.

Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, several local chapters, in addition to being a contributing author to the online magazine CELTIC GUIDE.

Victoria resides in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty two years and their two beautiful children–not to mention one spoiled dog. When she’s not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she’s dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun. Please visit Victoria at VictoriaRobertsAuthor.com.

Review: Highland Wolf Pact by Selena Kitt

Goodreads Blurb

Sibyl Blackthorne isn’t afraid of anything–except maybe being sold into marriage to a man she doesn’t love. A man she’s never even met. A man who, by reputation, is one of Scotland’s cruelest lairds in over a century.

But what choice does she have, with her father dead and her uncle now married to his brother’s widow, putting him in charge of not only the Blackthorne fortune, but Sibyl’s future as well?

Then her betrothed turns out to actually be far worse than his reputation, so headstrong Sibyl decides life as a peasant, or even death, would be preferable to a future with such a despicable man, and makes plans to run away.

On an organized hunt for wolves–or, as the Scots call them, wulvers–Sybil escapes her fiancé’s clutches, only to find she’s run into something far more untamed and dangerous in the middle of the woods.

When a big, brawny, long-haired man, who only speaks to her in Gaelic and calls himself Raife, simply picks her up and carries her off with him into the Scottish wild, Sibyl knows she’s in trouble.

When he takes her to a place no human has ever been, she knows she’s gone over the edge.

And when he, at last, marks her as his own, she discovers that only one wild heart can claim another.

Note To Readers: This is the extended version with over 10K words of new material and a BONUS epilogue and preview of the SEQUEL.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was an amazing read. I love books that have action and romance. The heroine was very independent, strong, a healer, brave, and risked her life before she risked the people who protected her. Sibyl had some balls by defending herself from that retched Alistair. He definitely got what he deserved. A gentleman doesn’t treat women like property. My heart was at the edge a number of times during this book. I was so nervous for her when she let the wolf out of the cage. I couldn’t possibly find the courage to do such a thing, let alone be in a cave with a wolf pact. Raife was half a wolf/half man who protected Sibyl from the very beginning of the book. Love struck him the moment he saw her. Sibyl was trained by her father to be brave and taught her how to use weapons, hunting and shooting. Sibyl was annoyed that Raife won’t let her out of the cave and let her wander around. She felt like a prisoner, but she got closer to everyone and truly cared for their safety and hospitality. The romance between Raife and Sibyl was a little ruff at the beginning since she would freely flirt and kiss him, but he would not tickle her fancy. Wolfs when they find their mate, they mate for life. He didn’t just want to have a fling. I was so annoyed by her uncle, what an evil man. Selfless and cold heart-ed. He only cared about money and pleasing the king. Selena can write some really hot and spicy sex scenes. Be sure to pick this book up. You don’t want to miss this awesome book. Thanks, Selena, for letting me review early.

Author Biography

Selena Kitt is a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and award-winning author of erotic and romance fiction. She is one of the highest selling erotic writers in the business with over two million books sold!

Her writing embodies everything from the spicy to the scandalous, but watch out-this kitty also has sharp claws and her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

When she’s not pawing away at her keyboard, Selena runs an innovative publishing company (www.excessica.com) and bookstore (www.excitica.com), as well as two erotica and erotic romance promotion companies (www.excitesteam.com and www.excitespice.com) and is now head of the Erotica Readers and Writers Association (www.erotica-readers.com).

Her books EcoErotica (2009), The Real Mother Goose (2010) and Heidi and the Kaiser (2011) were all Epic Award Finalists. Her only gay male romance, Second Chance, won the Epic Award in Erotica in 2011. Her story, Connections, was one of the runners-up for the 2006 Rauxa Prize, given annually to an erotic short story of “exceptional literary quality.”

She can be reached on her website at www.selenakitt.com

Review: The Runaway Highlander by R.L. Syme

Goodreads Blurb

Anne de Cheyne has a choice. She can play the dutiful daughter and allow her mother to sell her to a greasy English sheriff, or she can take control of her own life and find her own match. After a frightening run-in with her promised husband reveals a dark secret, she makes a desperate choice. Flight.

Aedan Donne needs easy money and no-questions-asked. When Milene de Cheyne offers him enough to pay all debts, requests complete silence, and pays half up front, just for a simple recovery, he can’t believe his luck… until he meets his mark. Anne’s beauty and passion ignite something Aedan can’t ignore, even as she leaves him in the dust. Suddenly, he finds himself wanting to capture the runaway Highland lady for himself.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I won this book on GoodReads. From the very beginning, the story grasped my attention. The storyline felt like Beauty and the Beast, loving each other without knowing they loved each other. A man with a face that is frightened of others, but she saw his beauty regardless of the scar. I was very disappointed that the Sheriff got his way, but I was glad when his end came. I was very happy that Aedan got to save his sister and his love.

Author Biography

R.L. Syme is a USA Today best-selling author. She writes mysteries and cozy mysteries, as well as nonfiction. R.L. grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries passed on by her grandmother.

Review: A Darcy Christmas by Amanda Grange, Sharon Lathan, and Carolyn Eberhart

Goodreads Blurb

“Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Wish You a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”

Share in the magic of the season in these three warm and wonderful holiday novellas from bestselling authors.

Christmas Present
by Amanda Grange

A Darcy Christmas
by Sharon Lathan

Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol
by Carolyn Eberhart

From two bestselling and a debut author comes heartwarming Christmas tales sure to delight Jane Austen fans.

From Amanda Grange, the bestselling author of Mr. Darcy’s Diary and Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, Christmas finds the Darcy’s celebrating the holiday with preparations for a ball, but the festivities are interrupted by the arrival of a very special gift… Ever sensual and romantic, Sharon Lathan highlights everything that’s best and most precious in the celebrations of the holiday season. After a quarter of a century together, Darcy and Elizabeth reminisce… Jane Austen meets Charles Dickens! Carol Eberhart’s Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol finds Darcy encountering ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show him his life if pride keeps him from his one true love.

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of Mr. Darcy, then this is a must-read. This book consists of three holiday stories: Christmas Present, A Darcy Christmas, and Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Carol. I enjoyed reading further into Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s future together. Each story gave holiday vibes and endless romance between the two characters. This book spread victorian holiday cheer for all.

Cover Reveal: The Bachelor Betrayal by Maddison Michaels

BOOK DETAILS:
The Bachelor Betrayal
by Maddison Michaels
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: February 14, 2022
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

Synopsis:

Gazette insiders tell us there was an unchaperoned encounter between a certain deliciously mysterious earl and a flame-haired lady who’s rumored to keep daggers hidden within her skirts. Things are about to get dangerously scandalous in Maddison Michaels’ next Secret, Scandal, and Spies release.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59784381-the-bachelor-betrayal

AUTHOR BIO:

RUBY award-winning author MADDISON MICHAELS writes sexy history with a dash of mystery! Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager, Maddison loves reading and writing historical romance.

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! Oh, and she always starts her day with a cup of liquid gold… coffee (just quietly, she’s addicted to the stuff)!

Author links:
https://twitter.com/MMichaelsAuthor

https://maddisonmichaels.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MaddisonMichaelsAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/maddisonmichaelsauthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17367583.Maddison_Michaels

Cover Reveal: To Covet a Countess by Sapna Bhog

BOOK DETAILS:
To Covet a Countess
by Sapna Bhog
Published by: Entangled Scandalous
Publication date: November 18th 2021
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

Synopsis:

Explore unexpected and forbidden love in Sapna Bhog’s upcoming release.

Description TBA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59085678-to-covet-a-countess

AUTHOR BIO:

Sapna Bhog is an author from India who writes contemporary and historical novels. As a self-proclaimed die-hard romantic, her books are filled with swoon-worthy heroes and feisty heroines who clash all the time, but do get their happy ever after. Sapna has always surrounded herself with books and when she is not writing she is reading. Originally from Dubai, she now lives in Western India with her husband, kids and a Siberian Husky. She loves to hear from readers. So do give her a shout if you’ve read any of her books.

Author links:

https://www.facebook.com/sapnawrites/

https://twitter.com/sapnawrites

https://www.instagram.com/sapnawrites/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16080981.Sapna_Bhog

https://gmail.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=783dd7e3949d57e5b8aa3eeac&id=eda4682674

Cover Reveal: One Night With an Earl by Tina Gabrielle

BOOK DETAILS:
One Night With an Earl
by Tina Gabrielle
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: October 18th 2021
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

Synopsis:

Ana Gardner is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. She’s no stranger to fake identities, having posed as a chaperone since the scandal that destroyed her titled family. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice.

Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing…and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn.

The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.

Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants…and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59055519-one-night-with-an-earl
Pre-order:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zOhPqE

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-night-with-an-earl-tina-gabrielle/1140208736?ean=9781649372390

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/one-night-with-an-earl/id1587707658

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/one-night-with-an-earl-3

AUTHOR BIO:

Best-selling author Tina Gabrielle is an attorney and former mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away. She is the author of adventurous Regency historical romances for Kensington and Entangled Publishing. She also writes cozy mysteries as Tina Kashian.

Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, “Lady Of Scandal,” was nominated as best first historical romance by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina loves to hear from readers. Please visit her website to learn about upcoming releases and to join her newsletter and enter to win free monthly contests and giveaways. www.tinagabrielle.com
Author links:

http://www.tinagabrielle.com/

https://tinagabrielle.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3473d6956b88804b4b451c7a3&id=7313a92a95

https://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielle

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2896614.Tina_Gabrielle

Cover Reveal: Much Ado About Dukes Eva Devon

BOOK DETAILS:
Much Ado About Dukes
by Eva Devon
(Never a Wallflower, #2)
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: January 25th 2022
Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

Synopsis:

The matchmakers’ playbook goes out the window in this bold Regency romance that’s Emma meets 10 Things I Hate About You from USA Today bestselling author Eva Devon.

Each book in the Never a Wallflower series is STANDALONE:
* The Spinster and the Rake
* Much Ado About Dukes
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58673090-much-ado-about-dukes
Pre-order: Amazon: https://amzn.to/2X8aF3l

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/much-ado-about-dukes-eva-devon/1139361401?ean=9781649371409

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/much-ado-about-dukes/id1579335754

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/much-ado-about-dukes

Google play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Much_Ado_About_Dukes?id=OAg7EAAAQBAJ&hl=en_US&gl=US

AUTHOR BIO:

USATODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Eva Devon, was raised on literary fiction, but quite accidentally and thankfully, she was introduced to romance one Christmas by Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory novella, The Present. A romance addict was born. She devoured every single Lindsey novel within a few months and moved on to contemporary and paranormal with gusto. Now, she loves to write her own roguish dukes, alpha males and the heroines who tame them. She loves to hear from her readers. So please pen her a note! evadevonauthor@gmail.com
Author links:

https://twitter.com/evadevonauthor

https://evadevonromance.com/

https://www.instagram.com/evadevonauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1489341377764647/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8333263.Eva_Devon