Review: A Reputation for Notoriety by Diane Gaston

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Debby

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The natural son of the licentious Lord Westleigh, John “Rhys” Rhysdale had no choice but to find a way to make a living. Using cards, he was able to earn enough to get himself off the streets. And now he owns his own gaming establishment. Calling it the Masquerade Club, patrons can come disguised should they so wish, allowing ladies to gamble and not be recognized. Lady Celia Gale, soon known as Madame Fortune, takes advantage of the masks and comes to gamble. Rhys is intrigued by her and she tempts him to do things he has never done before. Soon the two match wits with cards and kisses and the winner is love. But Rhys finds she is part of the hated aristocracy and the game takes a different turn.

So many children were born to the aristocracy that suffered through no fault of their own and often through no fault of their mother. Rhys was one of those children. Abandoned at an early age, he learned quickly how to survive. Celia had some of the same issues but her route took her down a different path. She still had much to over come and she, too, knew cards were her only chance. They matched each other perfectly in the card room but outside, she was from one side and he the other. How will this affect their love? Pick up the delightful tale, A Reputation for Notoriety by Diane Gaston and be prepared to be amazed by another look at life during this era. Diane Gaston always pens books sure to entertain.

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Review: The Texas Ranger’s Daughter by Jenna Kernan

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Amelia

Though the eastern section of America was becoming more civilized in the latter part of the 1800’s, there was still much lawlessness if one traveled farther west. Jenna Kernan shows what can happen when an unsuspecting woman needs to be rescued by a man from much different social standings. In her compelling historical romance, the true worth of a hero can be proved by his behavior and not from his humble beginnings.

When Laurie Bender is kidnapped by an outlaw gang, she dreads what might possibly happen to her as she has heard about the cruelty of these men. After another man joins the group, she initially thinks her situation is just getting worse. What she did not know is that her father who is a Texas Ranger sent the man to get her away from certain peril.

Since Boon was once a member of the gang, he is allowed to come into their camp without being shot. Laurie senses there is something not quite as ruthless about the newcomer, yet she questions his motives when he makes her kiss him. He can tell she is exceptional in countless ways, yet he also knows there is a vast difference in the way they have been brought up. Boon knows he can fantasize about having a woman like Laurie in his life, yet he also realizes there is no way someone fashionable like her can be in his future, even if he can get her safely back to her father.

Historical facts, from clothing descriptions to word usage to locale, make THE TEXAS RANGER’S DAUGHTER believable and totally enjoyable. Jenna Kernan skillfully transports the reader to the time when Texas was often a dangerous place to live, and the threats could come from numerous sources. The cold-hearted outlaws in this story are unfeeling and care only for themselves, and the circumstances which Laurie has to face are certainly unsettling. Though she has been raised to be a lady in the last few years, her childhood teachings help her throughout the ordeal and during her rescue. I was just as shocked as Boon when she uses some of the practices taught to her by her father, as she at first appears to be someone much more pampered. I like when a woman is able to help take care of herself when trouble arrives, and Laurie was not a helpless female who just stood by and completely relied on a male to keep her safe. Although she is in her late teens, she has not had much experience in the world and this leads to some mistaken ideas that cause current dilemmas. Boon is unlike many of the typical men found in western stories, as his upbringing makes many of his viewpoints very dissimilar from others in this era. His desire for a more productive life is definitely admirable, and his distress when hopes are dashed is movingly poignant. Folks often had to act like an adult at an earlier age during this time period than happens today, and Ms. Kernan gives several examples of this occurring with Boon and Laurie. The sexual exploration between them is sometimes uncertain yet always sincere, as they both have much to learn about this special time shared by two people. Jenna Kernan has created an entertaining historical novel with THE TEXAS RANGER’S DAUGHTER.

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Review: Forbidden Jewel of India – Louise Allen

Posted on March 22, 2013 by juliemt

A sumptuously written tale simmering with exotic splendor illicit desires and secret passions, Forbidden Jewel of India is an enthralling and engrossing historical romance from the immensely gifted pen of award-winning author Louise Allen!

Anusha Laurens has spent most of her life sheltered and cossetted in her uncle’s luxurious palace in Rajasthan. The illegitimate daughter of an Indian princess and an English nobleman, Anusha still bears the scars of her father’s devastating betrayal. Anusha has never managed to forgive her father for sending her mother to an early grave nor has she managed to forget the heartbreaking pain which she had to endure when she had been forced to leave the only home she had never known and seek shelter in her uncle’s palace. Anusha had vowed never to have anything more to do with the father who had so brutally abandoned her ever again. However, when her life is placed in imminent danger, Anusha realizes that her only chance of survival is if she consents to travelling halfway across India to her father’s house in Calcutta. Swallowing her pride is not something which the proud Anusha finds easy to do – and indeed the journey to Calcutta is made even more challenging when she encounters the man charged with protecting her: the devastatingly handsome Major Nicholas Herriard!

There is absolutely nothing that Nicholas would not do for the man who had rescued him from the brink of despair and given him a reason to live: Sir George Laurens. Anusha’s father had treated him like his own and made him the strong, intelligent and dependable man he is today. Nicholas had felt honoured and privileged when the man he respected most in the world had asked him to bring his beloved daughter to safety. However, Nicholas hadn’t counted on how aggravating and infuriating Anusha Laurens could be – nor had he imagined that he would find himself attracted to her…

With danger lurking round every corner, Anusha and Nicholas must keep their wits about them if they are to survive and reach their destination. Although the two of them had resolved to keep their feelings for one another firmly under wraps, resistance quickly proves futile. Surrendering to temptation might have been inevitable, but does Anusha and Nicholas’ love stand a chance of surviving when there is so much standing in their way?

Forbidden Jewel of India continues to assert Louise Allen’s standing as one of the most exceptional writers of historical romance writing today. Daring, innovative and wonderfully passionate, this sublimely romantic tale of forbidden love sweeps readers away to an exquisitely rendered and fabulously recreated eighteenth century India. Expertly melding her meticulous historical knowledge with her astounding storytelling prowess, Louise Allen has written a dramatic, dazzling and engrossing historical romance which I couldn’t bear to put down!

Atmospheric, captivating and simply breath-taking, Forbidden Jewel of India is a powerful historical romance readers will never forget!

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Review: Snowbound Wedding Wishes – Louise Allen, Lucy Ashford and Joanna Fulford

Posted on March 22, 2013 by juliemt

Snowbound Wedding Wishes is a delightful collection of three charming Regency novellas from popular authors Louise Allen, Lucy Ashford and Joanna Fulford.

Multi award-winning author Louise Allen starts things off with An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe, a magical tale of renewal, redemption and the healing power of love.

After five years spent on the front line fighting for his country, the time has come for Major Hugo Travers, Earl of Burnham, to return to England and find a suitable bride – it’s just a shame the hardened soldier would sooner be on the battlefield than at a society ball being forced to endure the inane chatter of a fatuous debutante! Having been invited to a family Christmas gathering, Hugo is already dreading his friends and family’s less than subtle probing into his private life. But unbeknownst to Hugo, fate has got other things in store for him…

A snowstorm leaves Hugo trapped and exposed in the Chiltern valley miles away from his destination. When he knocks on the door of an alehouse hoping for a bed for the night, Hugo is taken aback when the door is opened by the most beautiful woman he has ever seen: the widowed alewife Emilia Weston.

Hugo awakens in Emilia feelings which she thought long-buried. But how can she possibly contemplate a future with him when Hugo’s presence in her life is temporary? Will a Christmas miracle propel Hugo and Emilia into one another’s arms? Or will the cold light of day destroy their burgeoning happiness?

In An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe, the talented Louise Allen has penned a heart-warming story that sparkles with hope, humour and heart. Wonderfully written, immensely compelling and sublimely romantic, An Earl Beneath the Mistletoe is another triumph for this terrific writer of historical romance!

The second story in this anthology, Twelfth Night Proposal, is a poignant and intriguing tale from the gifted pen of fast rising historical romance star Lucy Ashford.

Theo Dalbury wasn’t exactly overjoyed when he was informed that he had inherited a country estate in rural Derbyshire. Theo is more at home in the sophisticated ball rooms of London than in the wild open spaces of the countryside. Staying on at his new estate is certainly not an option for Theo, but his initial plans for a quick visit to Derbyshire quickly fall by the wayside when he claps eyes on a pretty country girl called Jenna…

The more time Theo spends with Jenna, the more he finds himself falling in love with this beautiful, resourceful and astonishingly brave country girl. But before Theo can claim the woman who has captured his heart, he must first confront his past and allow old wounds to heal.

Will Theo and Jenna get the happy ending they both so richly deserve? Or will they continue to let fear prevent them from reaching out for another chance at love?

Lucy Ashford ticks all the right boxes with this moving, tender and highly enjoyable Regency novella. Twelfth Night Proposal is a beguiling, seductive and heart-warming tale with a fantastic heroine, a swoon-worthy hero and plenty of engaging emotional romantic drama that will keep readers mesmerized from beginning to end!

The anthology ends on a high note with Joanna Fulford’s spellbinding story of sacrifice, salvation and second chances, Christmas at Oakhurst Manor.

Vivien Hastings is looking forward to spending a quiet and peaceful Christmas at Oakhurst Manor. However, Vivien’s plans for a tranquil Yuletide are immediately dashed when she realizes that she is going to be spending Christmas with the one man she has never quite managed to forget: Max Calderwood.

Vivien has never got over Max’s devastating betrayal. Although she had tried so hard to vanquish him from her heart, Vivien is dismayed when long-buried feelings and suppressed emotions come rushing back to the fore. But are Vivien and Max ready to let bygones be bygones and to put their heart on the line for a second time? Or will they continue to let the past to come between them?

Joanna Fulford has penned an emotional, compelling and powerful romantic story that brought a tear to my eye! Plumbing the depths of the human heart with sensitivity, depth and aplomb, this fantastic writer of historical romance has written a spectacular Regency novella readers will not easily forget!

Readers are in for a treat with this marvellous collection of sparkling Regency short stories! Enjoyable, engrossing and unmissable, Snowbound Wedding Wishes deserves a place on keeper shelves everywhere!

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Review: The Last de Burgh by Deborah Simmons

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Debby

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Even though Emery Montbard is destined for the convent, she knows only she can help her brother. Calling upon his chivalry, Emery, now dressed as a boy, enlists the aid of Nicholas de Burgh. Nicholas comes from a proud family and his code of honor requires him to help her. But her disguise cannot hide who she is and Nicholas begins to question her identity. Nicholas, though, has his own secret, one he wants hidden from everyone.

Secrets and greed seem to be the name of the game in The Last de Burgh. Deborah Simmons is a master at combining intrigue with history. The Crusades resulted in more problem than they could handle. In this story, one injustice is resolved while at the same time, another major problem is solved. Beautifully written, The Last de Burgh by Deborah Simmons clearly illustrates how wrongs can only be righted through influence and honor. At the same time, we have an amazing romance to add to our collection. How can you go wrong with The Last de Burgh by Deborah Simmons? The answer – you can’t.

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