Evangeline and Hardley fell in love at a young age, and right when they were ready to elope and get married, Evangeline's mother sold her into marriage to a man who treated her like a slave in every way. Now its been five years, she has a young son who has never known his real father but Evangeline is determined to make sure she sees Hardley once again even though she feels hurt that he never tried finding her. Hardley, has no idea of the horrors that Evangeline suffered. He believed that she made her own choice is marrying another man even though she professed her love for him. He has spent five years with the hurt and betrayal of that day when all his dreams and his love for her were crushed. But then these two meet when their mutual friends set them up at a dinner party. In the process of hashing out the past and trying to deal with new circumstances there is a killer on the loose, a woman who wants all members the libertine scholars killed because of acts committed against her by their fathers.
Plot and Story Line
oh yes I have such love for this author, and she adds some unique elements to a era that is overdone by many and she definitely stands out from the crowd. I love her writing and her love stories she pens and this story was no different. Now I hadn't read the previous book (although I do have it collecting dust on my kindle), so I was uncertain if I would be a bit loss. And not really, I was more curious about what had happened in the previous book of course, but it didn't detract my enjoyment of this one. However, I do recommend at least reading the first couple of books, as there are certain elements to the plot that will make more sense if you do. "so read at your own risk or suffer the consequences of confusion". What I did find most wonderful about this book was the actual romance between Evangeline and Hardley. We see a prologue of what they were like when they were young and in love before everything fell apart. Then we see how they have changed over the five years. And some of the changes aren't positive. Both are wary of each other especially, and hurting in different ways.
"Love" was a scary word---easy to spell, easy to define, easy to say, but very difficult to believe. When you found love, you had to have faith it was reciprocated. She prayed he would love her enough...
There were some heart felt moments in this book though that I found a bit heart breaking. These two were torn apart unwillingly from each other because of greed and I just savored every moment seeing them find their way back to each other. It was interesting to see how events played out in this book, and we do get a bit of a teaser involving our next and I think last couple of the series. I do feel that as far as the "suspense" points of the series plot is slowly drawing to a close and I have a feeling book six is going to keep us on the edge of our seats for sure!!! I have no clue what Evan's has planned, but if its anything like the previous books I have had a chance to read so far I am super stoked to find out.
The Cover
Oh I could gush over this cover all day and not get enough of it. It's so pretty I could put it on my wall just to look at it. I love the purple tones and sexy dip here!!!
Overall View
A Taste Of Seduction is a well written romance that adds intrigue, mystery and suspense within every chapter. It will excite, delight and intrigue you to the end of love and passion and true test of will!!! SUPERB
In Kingdom Of Moonlight we have a story that follows soon after "Dream Island". Our heroine Kassandra has an opportunity to travel with her brother to England. Which is where we meet our hero Royce. Now Royce was once held prisoner by some rogues on the island, and now works for the King Regent. They share some chemistry and journey back to the Island, and Royce will have a chance for justice to be served. However there is a sacrifice....Kassandra. Kassandra has certain 'gifts' and she is forced to make a difficult choice which will have to be the love she has searched for and may have to give up.
In this heart wrenching romance we have a story of sacrifice and devotion and desire. Of two people that learn the true meaning of love and all the good and the bad that comes with it. I had a simply wonderful time discovering these two characters on a deeper level and seeing their journey to finding their happy ever after and its not a easy one. But a full belly satisfying romance guaranteed to take notice!!! BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Dragonblade Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Loved By The Lyon is the first that I have read from this author and as this book was novella length (which I didn't know when I started reading it) this review will probably be slightly shortly than I normally put out on this site. I was drawn to this one when I saw it on Netgalley, because quite frankly anything with "marriage" in a trope I will be gravitated towards. And I have been really curious about this author for quite some time and I just wanted to be able to focus on this book because the blurb just sounded so fascinating. And once upon reading this one, I was captivated by this story. I really wish the length had been longer because I fell hard for this pairing and their story. The set up of the story was interesting in that we see the hero seeking marriage with a heiress to take care of his siblings and the heroine is the sister of his best friend who was killed in the war. Great chemistry and build up. Of course, it was way shorter in length so one does need to take that into account here. But such a charming and delightful regency romance and is also part of the KU if you are looking for that. :)
Katherine St John is the daughter of a Earl, George St John. Even though her father is the Earl, she takes care of everyone and everything at home. When she finds out that her sister plans on eloping with a fortune hunter, she dresses in a maid uniform and goes chasing after her, not knowing what would befall her and take her away from all that she loves. Prince Dimitri Petrovich Alexandrov of Russis, comes to England to bring his willful sister home after causing scandal. However during his time in England, in a carriage he see's a young woman that captures his attention. She is unlike anything he has ever pictured before, and desires her. So he has his right hand man, Vladimir bring her to his apartments. When Katherine is kidnapped off of the streets, gagged and bound she is absolutely furious. She is then brought to the Dimitri's room, and is told that she is there at his request for his pleasure. Katherine is of course enraged, as any Earl's impressionable daughter would be right? She is then taken after a night of passion all of it by a aphrodisiac drug, she is then placed on his ship and they set sail. She tries to escape while there is land in sight, but to no avail she was not that lucky. Dimitri, was planning on leaving Katherine in England, however when she threatened to tell the authorites and threatened the Czar he decided to take drastic measures. He knew that until the Czar left England, Katherine would have to be taken to Russia for the time being. Where upon a sensual passion between the captor and the slave flare up and is all consuming and turns into love.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Secret Fire. Its been a few years since I have read it, and I am glad that I could get my hands on it once more. Its one of those that you can read over and over and never get tired of. Of course, since I haven't read it in so long, I enjoyed mostly just seeing the characters interact and how the plot thickens and how it grew more a more intriguing as the story went on. You have Katherine, who is a daughter of a Earl and is outraged of being a slave to the handsome yet arrogant man. Katherine is strong willed, opinionated, courageous and I loved how she always stands up to her captors. Katherine is having to always defend herself and her abilities, due to her being raised as a lady. However there is one small problem, Dimitri doesn't believe her. Russians, as portrayed in the book, are very reliant upon first impressions. So his first impression of her being a maid, keeps him denying the fact that she was raised as a Earl's daughter, and the consequences of him kidnapping her. Everyone else around them, seems to see her being one, with her arrogance and bearing is one due to someone raised in such a society. Dimitri although his title in Russia is "Prince" is really the same rank as Katherine. However he doesn't realize until too late his mistake. Here goes a journey that will take the reader to the sensuality side of Russia, and the thrilling adventure and passion that will ride with you until the very end. I liked most things about this book, the only thing that kinda was half frustrating but will make you laugh, is Dimitri's insistence that she is just a simple maid that must of learned everything from books or some such nonsense. I mean, I thought it was obsurd throughout the whole book and that he didn't believe it until he thought it was too late. Other than that I truly enjoyed re reading Secret Fire, it was filled with all the romance, passion, strong characterization and good plot that I love reading. It drew me into the story and I could hardly put it down. I have to say that Johanna Lindsey is one of my favorite historical romance authors, because she portrays the time and scenic surroundings so well as well as the emotions that the characters are feeling. Its very provoking emotionally, and I would recommend this read to anyone who loves this genre and this author!!
The Cameron and the MacDonnell Clan have been enemies for generations. Sabrina Cameron was tormented when she was young by none other than the Morgan MacDonnell. She hasn't seen him in years, when she comes to face him once more when his father came to make truce between the two clans. To Sabrina, Morgan has changed much, apart from him still calling her "brat" he is a strong, handsome and virile man that stirs up a hidden sensuality she didn't even know she really had. When his father is killed by someone unknown, all truce is called off. Events occur in which Morgan ends up in the dungeon and is released when he agree's to marry Sabrina as a truce between the two clans. Sabrina is horrified when her father announces her future marriage to Morgan. Sabrina feels betrayed by her father, since she is his only daughter and has dreamed of a love that her parents share. But she agree's because she knows that she honestly has no choice in the matter. At first their relationship is withdrawn and cold, since they see each other as enemies of a sort. Morgan believes someone from the Cameron clan murdered his father, yet it is very hard for him to hate Sabrina. She stirs a fire within his body and heart that he can't deny.
I truly enjoyed reading this one, albeit a bit different than other books that I have read from her. I fell in love with both characters, it was a enjoyable read. You have Morgan who after his father's death has become chief of his clan, responsible for however few there are. When he spent time as a young lad with the Cameron's he wanted Sabrina to hate him so she wouldn't see how much he truly liked her. Now that they are both grown up, Morgan can no longer deny his true feelings for her. Sabrina, although tormented by Morgan as a young girl, could never hate him no matter how hard she tried. She just was able to sense something about it, and her heart softened toward him. Now as she see's him a handsome man that takes her breath away with his kisses, she utterly wants him despite the fact that she was forced into the marriage. Even though they fight are argue constantly, so do they kiss and carress and she finds a way into his guarded heart. There were certain parts about this book that I didn't like toward the end, the story just didn't flow as well, at least for me, but at the very end is started to turn around as it was for the rest of the book. It had deep strong characters that were well portrayed, I wish that the surrounding scenes were better described, but other than a couple of things, I truly enjoyed reading it. It had a deep emotion to it, and a plot that just thickens the more you get into it.
Return of the Rogue is a story that I had totally forgotten about that was on my TBR wishlist. I was reminded of this by Jenn at The Book Refuge (YouTube) and her love for the series brought me back to my own love and affection of this author and why I wanted to read her more and this series has definitely been on my list. So I read this one as the week long readathon for historical romance and I was very delighted to do so. Highlander historical romance is probably one of my favorites to read and I had a blast discovering the depths of this author's lovely writing once again and this wonderful family I fell so hard for.
So Return of the Rogue is the first installment of the "Sinclare Brothers" series and this book features our two leading roles: Honora Tannach is entering into an arranged marriage that was arranged when she was young. But right when she is about to marry the man she thinks she is supposed to marry....her fiancee's older brother returns from being held captive and now she will marry Cavan Sinclare due to the writ of the contract she is destined to marry the heir and oldest born. Cavan has just returned from barely escaping from being held captive and tortured alongside with his brother but Cavan wasn't able to take his brother with him and they were separated and feels guilty for what he had to do and is determined to find him no matter the cost. The marriage between Cavan and Honora starts off with a big rocky start, but as they learn to build a trust in each other, it starts to smooth over, but will their enemies break a hold of their powerful love?
Return of the Rogue is a fantastic book that I had a blast while reading and while its not my favorite of this author, I couldn't seem to get enough of this book or the angst between this pair here. Its a story that builds within its plot and the author did a superb job in crafting a story that keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. The romance that we see between Cavan and Honora is an interesting one. I do love a good arranged marriage, but these two are almost complete strangers on their wedding day. So seeing them work through that awardness and find a balance was one of my favorite aspects. Honora is wonderful with Cavan and really knowing when to fight her battles and when to back down. I liked that she didn't push Cavan too far especially as he has some PTSD from being held captive and tortured. The romantic affair between them is what is really beautiful to see. Because Honora wants a husband and is determined she can be a good wife to him. Cavan is very occupied with finding his brother no matter what, so I definitely loved seeing a love happen between these two especially with the outer conflicts causing some drama within their relationship.
The family dynamics of the Sinclare family was delicious and I had a blast with it. I just couldn't get enough of their banter and their fun interactions together. The strong bond between these brothers are so fun and definitely got a kick out of seeing them work through it all. And seeing the close kit relationship between them was just beautiful. I was heartbroken in parts of this story (due to certain plot points that I don't want to spoil) but I appreciated seeing them be a strong support for each other through it all.
Overall I found Return of the Rogue to be a fantastic story that won my heart in every way that matters....a highlander romance that features a beautiful setting, strong family bonds, and a love to applaud.
Helen and Magnus fell in love with they were both young, but their familes are rivals and enemies. They family trusts the other. Magnus once gave his heart to Helen, but she chose her family over him, and so he turned his back and didn't look back even though there will always be a place for Helen in his heart. Magnus then joins the Highland Guard, a elite force of men that aid in Robert Bruce and his campaign. Now Magnus has come to a wedding of one of his closest friends, but then is shocked to discover the woman he has always loved, is the woman to marry his closest friend and comrade. Helen is torn between her past and future, and has no idea where Magnus fits. She has loved him since she was a teenager, but she had to make a difficult choice...her family needed her or her father might have died, or go with Magnus and never see her family again. She has regretted the way she hurt Magnus, but now she has a chance to redeem them both, and find a love with a man that could save her heart, body and soul...
The Saint is the fifth book in this Highland Guard series by Monica McCarty. Now if any of you have yet to read Monica McCarty you are missing out on a adventure of a lifetime. The Saint is Magnus's story, and what a story...I just loved it. It begins with seeing the scene that broke these two up in the first place. Then it jumps to the betrothal and wedding...and well these two could match fireworks to light up the whole sky. Both Magnus and Helen are very passionate. Magnus, is a warrior and a able fighter, and fierce in his passions. He knows that he can never have a future with Helen, but he doesn't realize how determined Helen will be in her pursuit of him. Helen is now a widow, but there is one man she aches to be hers, the bold Magnus MacKay. When Magnus and Helen are put together again, and surrounded by danger and trying to protect the King, they can't resist the passion. I love the way that Helen pursues Magnus. She is bold and not afraid of his temper and cold nature toward her. Helen knows that she made a mistake all those years ago, and she is determined to prove to him how much she loves him and would choose him.
The characters in this story were wonderful and everything you look forward to in a romance. Magnus, is alpha with a sword and kilt. Magnus is brooding, stubborn, and possessive. He is very resistant to Helen having any part of his life. But boy can he kiss, I almost had a stroke when reading some of the more heated scenes. Helen, is the type of heroine that seems human, normal and very easy to relate to. As I was reading I couldn't help but say 'oh I recognize that about myself'. She has made some mistakes, and at first you can't understand her decision. But the more you read through the story, you many qualities where you begin to like her more and more. Helen is a fighter, she doesn't give up easy, and I cheered her on from the moment she starts to fight for Magnus, even though Magnus is more stubborn than a mule.
This was such a wonderful story, with a tremendous plot, and characters to capture you. The Saint is a tale of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of true love in the midst of turmoil, traitors and danger. EXCITEMENT WITH EACH PAGE!!!
Mairi Sinclair is a very independent and strong willed, and when she goes to hear a lecture that only "men" are allowed to see she is outraged. She then meets Logan Harrison, who is temptation itself, but even he refuses her entry. So she declares war on the Lord Provost, which is practically suicidal considering practically everyone in the city of Edinburgh worships the ground he walks on. Mairi is editor of a newspaper, and practically has spent years building up its reputation hiding herself behind her brothers name. Now she is determined to see that women get the same rights as the men including the right to vote. Logan Harrison is on a hunt for a wife, someone that would be a advantage for his career, and could be be diplomatic, but all thoughts of a wife go out the window when he meets this fiery temptress that makes him want to kiss her soundless. Mairi and Logan are verbal enemies, but are magic in the bedchamber, and soon will either be able to resist the love that is just waiting for them to embrace?
The Witch of Clan Sinclair is the second installment in this most recent series by Karen Ranney. I haven't read a ton of her books, but every time I have read her I have fallen in love with every one of her stories. Plus I really loved this cover, so gorgeous, don't you agree? I have enjoyed the setting of this latest series of the Clan Sinclair. It is set more in the regency period, but is set in Scotland which I can't resist. I have a fascination with the country and its people. The year is 1872, and it begins with seeing a instant connection between Mairi and Logan. From the first chapter there are sparks in the air, without either of them talking much. I love the way these two are connected from the beginning. I felt like the story picks up quickly from the beginning, which is refreshing since that doesn't happen too often, especially with historical romances. However with this story I felt like the story started off with a quick pace that compels the reader to read more.
The plot was ongoing, and didn't seem to slow down much. Although there were periods where I felt the steadiness of the story took stops, and I felt like the flow of the story could have been a bit more consistent. I felt like a yo yo at times, and at times I was fully into the story and a couple other times I would have to force myself to keep reading. I don't know if it was just me or the way the story was written, but I couldn't have a full grasp on the story as I would have liked. I will say I thoroughly loved this story and it was fun seeing characters from the first book as well.
The characters in the story were so different from each other, but in the end they matched perfectly. Logan is a politician, and is out to further his ambitions in the political arena. Logan is much loved by the people because of some reforms he has set to accomplish, but he never has thought about women's rights, he just figures they are content to marry and have many babies right? Mairi has a brother that has always encouraged her to go after her dreams. She has spent more time and effort on the newspaper than anything else. It is her passion and she loves writing and sharing ideas with others. From the moment she meets Logan she realizes that she wants to focus her energy and time now to women's rights. When she practically attacks Logan in written form, her newspaper takes the brunt and soon she starts to realize how sensitive this subject is. Mairi goes about things with full purpose and full speed without thinking things through. At times I loved how rash she is and how passionate she can be with her ideas, which tends to get her into trouble. Logan is more logical and rational, but he can't resist his attraction to Mairi. Their relationship is full of strife and struggles, and plenty of verbal wars. At the same time we see how much these two care for each other, and as you progress more into the story you see how they compliment each other, in ways that only cement their relationship.
Overall a fun and witty historical romance that won my heart from the very beginning. This author has created a story full of zest and passion and a tale to steal your heart!!! MAGNIFICENT!!
Summary Gillian was just a child when her home was attacked, and her sister disappeared, and her father murdered in front of her, and the Baron Alfred took over and sent her away to her uncle up to northern England. Now its been ten years and she has been called back to the Baron, who wants to know the location of a box that belonged to King John, and thinks that the family still has possession over it. When she plans a escape with a child, Alec, who falls down a gorge, and she rescues him, they are caught by Baron’s men, and in order to protect the boy, Gillian is severely beaten. And they escape knowing if she doesn’t find the box or her sister the Baron will kill her uncle, a man that is her only family, and was like her own father and raised her, and she will do anything to save him. Gillian and Alec make their way to Scotland, to Brodick Buchanan, who is Alec’s protector and close friend to Alec’s father. Gillian and Brodick are drawn together by circumstances, and even though her life is in England, and she must return there, her heart belongs to a fierce Scot who would protect her at all costs…but will it be enough?
The Hero Brodick Buchanan is now laird over th Buchanan’s who are known as heathens among the Scots. Brodick, once wanted a English lass, but when he and his friend Ramsey when to England in search of some sweet passionate lasses, they found none that they liked and were both used. Ever since he made a promise to himself that he would never marry a English lass only a Scottish lass. But when he hears of a woman claiming to be his bride, he is intrigued, and finds himself drawn to Gillian, who is so different from any other woman he has ever known. Brodick is a hoot for a hero….he is one of the most fiercest Scots, and always wearing a scowl, most women fear him, but not Gillian. His character is quite amusing, because he is used to issuing commands and having them obeyed and no protests allowed, I loved his stubbornness, strength, and ways he manages Gillan.
The Heroine Gillian has only known pain and grief, she loved her family, but when she witnesses her father being killed right in front of her, her life changed. Gillian as a child, was quiet and kept to herself, and had nightmares. As a woman, she has grown into herself, and is self assured and confident. She stands up to the Baron, and doesn’t let him weaken her resolve. She is protective of those innocent and those she loves most. She is patient with Alec (who is a child with endless questions and she never loses her temper…so bravo) She stands her own ground again Brodick, and isn’t afraid to disobey or disregard his rules he sets down. She is determined to save her uncle, no matter the risk to herself.
Plot and Story Line For quite some time I have been wanted to re read Julie Garwood’s historical romances. Now of all the authors that write historical romance, Julie Garwood is at the top. Its been years, so I decided to download the audio version, and the narration was amazing and did the accent quite wonderfully. (And as a side note its on sale at Audible for $3.49–which is quite a bargain so I recommend heading over there while the price is so low.) Ransom is the second book in series, and I recommend if you haven’t read this series yet, you might want to read Secret first since it’s a bit connected to Ransom. The story begins with some background information on our heroine, we see her as a child and a bit traumatized as well from what she witnesses. My heart just went out to her, but then we skip ahead and see her as a woman, and her character was so endearing. She is one of those heroines that accepts what has been dealt to her, but she also stands on her own and fights for what is right. Then we get an added element of a side character, Alec. And for those who have read Secret Alec is Ian and Judith’s son. And what a precocious child he is, and one of my favorite side characters I have ever read. I love the way that Gillian is with him, protects him and even though her uncle is at risk, will return him home as her first priority. And there were so many moments in this story that were charming. What I loved most about this story was the development of characters and seeing the various changes unravel in the plot that keeps the reader engaged. We also have a side love story of Ramsey and Bridgid…and oh Bridgid…just loved her. What I loved most about her character, is that she will only marry one man…the man she loves, but he has to stop “being stupid” before she will even agree. I love her bluntness and how true to herself she is, and holds nothing back. She is brave and bold and I admired that quite a bit and she brought a bit of fresh air to the story. This just might be one of my favorite books from this author, I am sure I read it ages ago when I first started reading romance, but I just don’t remember this one, but now I have decided it’s definitely going to be considered a re listen to. I would recommend it to anyone that loves a tender and fierce love story. A must read for any romance lover–HIGHEST PRIORITY!!!
The Cover Now there are two covers for this book, the paper version and the audio version. I like both, but I like the audio version a bit more, since it connects with the setting of the story a bit more.
Overall View Ransom is a treasure of charming characters, thrilling plot, quick-witted humor, a tale of love and brings a spicy fresh quality to it, a engrossing read that will have you stunned from beginning to end!! A RICH AND A TRUE DELIGHT!!
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