THE EARL NEXT DOOR ~ Amelia Grey ~ Review

THE HIGHLANDER'S GIFT ~ Eliza Knight ~ Excerpt/Giveaway

THE DUKE OF RUIN ~ Darcy Burke ~ Release Blitz

THE HEIRESS'S DECEPTION ~ Christi Caldwell ~ New Release

The Heiress's Deception by Christi Caldwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series has gotten better and better! But alas, this is the last book. :(

In this story we get a glimpse into Calum's tortured past, and the 9 year old girl who unwittingly helped his family to survive. Through an act of betrayal, they are parted, never to see each other again.....

I loved Eve. She was kind, gracious and strong even though she had a horrible life after her parents passed. She took a life changing experience and used it for good. (My eyes may have leaked a little)
Calum has always stood out to me in the other books. There was something about him that really caught my attention. Christi did not let me down with his story. I'm ecstatic he got his HEA with someone worthy of him!

I received a review copy for Celtic Dragon Book Reviews. All opinions are my own.

View all my reviews

EVERSONG ~ Donna Grant ~ New Release

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant “skillfully melds history and legend” (RT Book Reviews) in a brand new series – The Kindred.

Grab your copy Today!

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✦Add to Goodreads→ https://dgrant.co/2lTiEhg

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant “skillfully melds history and legend” (RT Book Reviews) in a brand new series – The Kindred.

To live in the light, they hunt in the dark…

Unparalleled in beauty and daring, Leoma has been raised with a single-minded focus—to wipe out corrupt witches. But when her new target leads her to a discovery that unveils a graver plan from the Coven, she doesn’t hesitate to follow. Yet, she’s not the only one on the hunt. And the sexy, infuriating man who crosses her path could prove to be a distraction—something she’s never encountered before.

Honor and family mean everything to Braith. When his life is turned upside down by the murder of his ward and heir without cause or reason, he has no choice but to turn to vengeance. Until a stunning, dangerous woman continues to thwart his efforts at every turn. Now, he must battle not only his need for revenge but his desire for the female, as well.

ABOUT DONNA GRANT

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae. She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

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HIGHLAND RUSE ~ Madeline Martin ~ New Release Review

Title: HIGHLAND RUSE

Author: Madeline Martin

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: November 14, 2017

Publisher: Diversion Books

Series: Mercenary Maidens # 2

Format: Digital eBook / Print

Print ISBN: 1635761573

ASIN: B075YFTP1N

Kaid MacLeod couldn’t protect his clan from an unimaginable slaughter that killed his father and took the lives of many of his people. Wracked with guilt, he knows retaliation will only bring more death, but his clan thirsts for revenge and all seems lost…until Kaid discovers his nemesis’s betrothed will be traveling through Scotland. Abducting this innocent woman will give him the leverage he desperately needs to end the continuing massacres and bring peace to his clan. Though he is loath to do so, it's the least bloody solution he can see. 

Delilah Canterbury has been striving to make her own way for a long time. One of many children, with no money or noble blood to fall back on, Delilah dreamt of joining the court of King James. After her beauty earned her one tender night with the king, he spurned her on a whim, causing her to lose not just her chance at a better life, but her reputation. In dire straits, her life was saved when she was taken in by a group of female spies and taught their deadly skills. Now, testing her prowess, she is disguised as Lady Elizabeth, daughter of a well-known noble, betrothed of a Scottish laird, and a target in the war between clans. 

Kidnapped by Kaid, Delilah's mission as a decoy is near completion, but when she finds herself attracted to the very man she's supposed to deceive, will Delilah lose control and risk her very life in the process? Will finding out who Delilah really is be Kaid's undoing, and that of his entire clan? 

4.5*

An amazing follow-up to Highland Spy! I would've devoured this book in one sitting if I didn't have to work. :insert angry face: It has plenty of action, suspense and romance. The chemistry between Kaid and Delilah kept me entranced.

Delilah is an awesome warrior princess, I wanna be like her when I grow up! I felt for her in the beginning of the story but she recovers and much better things await her.

Kaid is wonderful caring, admirable, gallant, resolute.. I could go on and on! And he does what he has to do for his clan.

I'd recommend this story to anyone that reads Scottish Medievals, without any reservations. It's an awesome read!

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Madeline Martin is a USA TODAY Bestselling author of Scottish set historical romance. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her two daughters (AKA OldestMinion and YoungestMinion) and Mr. Awesome. 

She loves animals in sweaters, cat videos, wine and Nutella. Check out her FB page on any given Friday to see what great new book she's giving away by one of her fellow authors. 

She also loves connecting with her readers, so feel free to follow her on any one of her social media platforms, or send her a message.

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The Governess Who Captured His Heart ~ Sophie Barnes ~ New Release/Excerpt/Giveaway

The Governess Who Captured His Heart

The Honorable Scoundrelsby Sophie Barnes
  Publication Date: November 7, 2017
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance

Temptations or Priorities…?

 Determined to help her oldest sister make ends meet, Louise Potter accepts a governess position in the northern part of England. If this means accompanying an older gentleman on his travels, then she will. There’s only one problem: Louise is about to discover that her travelling companion is not the elderly man she expected, but rather seduction itself… Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage with his niece’s newly hired employee. But the matron he expected to find at his door is instead a beautiful young woman, one he knows he can’t travel alone with. After all, he’s going to visit his brother who is pressuring him to marry and produce a Langley heir–or be cut off from inheritance. When he confides in Louise, together they form a plan. But the closer they become, the more temptation beckons… Until finally a choice must be made: Love or money? Or is it possible to have both?

Lowering the letter she’d been reading, Louise Potter held the expensive sheet of paper between her fingers and glanced at both of her sisters in turn. “I have been accepted for the position. Lady Channing would like me to start immediately.”

“That is what you wish to do, is it not?” Josephine asked. At six and twenty, she was two years older than Louise and six years older than their youngest sister, Eve.

“It certainly is a welcome opportunity.” With the townhouse serving as their only inheritance, and Josephine working hard to make ends meet for all of them, Louise wanted to find a way to help her older sister. As a result, she now had the chance of becoming a governess to three young children. “My only regret is I shall miss Christmas with the two of you.”

“Perhaps the countess will allow you to see us on that particular day?” Eve suggested.

Louise bit her lip. Her employment would require a major move, which was something she hadn’t yet mentioned to either of her sisters. “I’m afraid not. If I’m lucky, I shall be able to come to Town during the spring and part of the summer while the Season is underway. Otherwise, most of my time will be spent near Whitehaven.”

Her sisters stared at her. “I forget where that is,” Eve finally said.

“I believe it is in the north,” Josephine told her.

Louise nodded. “It is indeed.”

Eve’s mouth dropped open. “But then we shall never see you again!”

“As I mentioned, I might return to Town once Parliament opens and the Radcliffe family chooses to relocate to their London home.” She paused to consider their unhappy faces. “Unless I decline the offer and remain here. I can do so if you are loath to see me go.”

“No.” Josephine quickly smiled, though the effort did appear slightly strenuous. “You have been given the chance to accept respectable employment with a highly regarded aristocratic family. Neither of us will stand in your way.”

“Are you certain?” Louise was beginning to doubt her own resolve.

Travelling north had seemed like a grand adventure until she’d told her sisters about it. They’d never been apart before, and since their father’s death, they’d been especially dependent upon each other, not only to get through the grief, but also to find a way forward in the following whirlwind of chaos.

Louise’s grandfather had been the third son of an earl. As such, he’d gone into law and had eventually, upon his death, left his thriving practice to his son. But he had not been as skilled a barrister as his father, nor did he have a head for the business. After he lost a  string of cases, clients had chosen to seek counsel elsewhere. As time had progressed and the funds had dwindled, the larger houses had been sold and the meeker residence where Louise and her sisters now lived had been purchased instead. But even this house would be lost to Louise and her sisters unless a decent income could be secured. Especially since their uncle, the current Earl of Priorsbridge, had neglected to take on his responsibility as their guardian.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for you,” Josephine said. Meeting Louise’s gaze, she did not need to say the money her work would produce could ease their concerns. Instead, she asked a practical question. “When do you intend to leave?”

“Tomorrow.” Knowing how surprising this comment was, Louise hastened to say, “The countess has offered conveyance if I do. It seems her uncle, Lord Alistair, will be travelling up then as well, so it has been suggested we go together for practical reasons.”

“I suppose doing so would provide you with a better carriage for such a long journey,” Josephine said. “But is it wise for you to travel alone with a man whom you’ve never met before?”

Louise made a face. “At my age?” She shook her head. “You know as well as I that I am almost as firmly on the shelf as you are. And since I am not a young lady with marriageable prospects but rather a soon to-be-governess, I dare say no one will think much about it. Not to mention this uncle must be at least fifty years old considering the countess’s age.”

“How can you possibly know her age?” Eve asked. “It doesn’t seem like the sort of thing she would share in her letter to you.”

“Quite right,” Louise told her, “but her eldest son is eleven, so I can make an intelligent guess.”

“I suppose that is true,” Josephine murmured. “Which means you’re probably right about Lord Alistair. Besides, I doubt the countess would suggest his escort unless she was sure you’d be safe in his presence.”

Louise agreed. “It is settled then?”

“I believe so.” Josephine said.

Her remark propelled Louise to hug both her sisters. She then hurried on through to her room and pulled her valise out from under the bed. It was time for her to start packing.

                                                           ###

Enjoying a last minute brandy in his study, Alistair Clay Hedgewick, considered his niece’s request to bring her new governess with him to Whitehaven. He groaned at the prospect of it–of having to spend a week with a middle-aged spinster instead of alone in his own company as he’d been expecting. Dreading it, he took another sip of his drink. It was a bit early in the day to be imbibing, but under the circumstances he felt he needed the fortification before setting out in another half hour.

He glanced toward the clock on the fireplace mantle. An hour had passed since he’d sent his carriage to collect her, so she should be arriving at any moment. A knock sounded at the door, and Alistair called for his butler to enter.

“My lord,” Mr. Fox said while maids and footmen scurried around behind him, gathering last minute items in need of packing. “Miss Potter has arrived. Would you like me to show her in?”

Alistair considered the question. He could hardly say no, could he? It was tempting since doing so would allow him that extra half hour of peace before embarking on a journey that would force him to stay on his best behavior. Taking his shoes off and relaxing his feet would not be possible. Nor would sleeping, since he had no desire to snore in her presence. In fact, he was giving up a great deal of comfort for a woman he’d never met and did not care about.

“Very well,” he sighed, before downing the rest of his drink and rising. He might as well meet his travelling companion, he reasoned, since it was the polite thing to do. Like it or not, he always strove to do what was right and play the part of the well-mannered gentleman, no matter how impractical or aggravating it could be. His behavior, however, reflected not only on him but on his entire family, and being called to task by his brother was something he always tried to avoid.

Mr. Fox returned. “Miss Potter,” he said, before stepping aside so a slim woman, wearing a grey gown and a matching pelisse, could enter. On her head, she wore a straw bonnet beneath which he was able to spy a golden display of neatly combed hair. But what shocked him the most was her face, because it did not belong to the middle-aged, rotund matron he’d envisioned, but rather to the angelic youthfulness of a woman in her prime. More than that, she was the perfect picture of beauty, her delicate features lending an elegance even the highest ranking ladies of society lacked. Her eyes, he noted, were a bright glow of hazel while her lips, parting now with undeniable surprise, were the sort men dreamed of in their wickedest fantasies.

Aware he was staring, he gathered his wits, schooled his features, and stepped toward her. “Miss Potter, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

She gaped at him. “Are you Lord Alistair?”

“The one and only.”

She shook her head. “You can’t be.” Glancing around as if seeking another gentleman, she gradually returned her gaze to him when none was to be found. “You…you…” Waving her hands as if hoping to fashion the necessary words, she finally blurted, “You are twenty years younger than you ought to be!”

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

 

 Born in Denmark, Sophie has spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor’s degree from Parson’s School of design, but most impressive of all – she’s been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses. While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion – writing. When she’s not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. She currently lives on the East Coast.

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THE HIGHLANDER'S CRUSADER BRIDE ~ Cathy & DD MacRae New Release/Review/Giveaway

Born in the Holy Lands only a few years after the Third Crusade, half-Armenian, half-Scot Arbela MacLean is a true daughter of the desert, beautiful and untamed. Trained to be a warrior to avoid her gentle mother’s fate, Arbela has honed her skills with Turkish bow and arrow, sword and throwing darts—and dreads the day her father choses a man for her to marry.

After more than thirty years in the Holy Land, Donal MacLean, Baron of Batroun, is recalled to Scotland, the last son available to take up leadership of clan MacLean. He brings with him knights, treasure, trade—and a daughter of marriageable age.

Caelen MacKern, known as the Bull of the Highlands, is cynical about women. His first marriage formed an alliance, and he did not grieve when his spoiled, immature bride passed away. He has agreed to marry again—against his better judgement—for the men, means and coin to recover from a devastating pestilence that all but wiped out his clan.

More than a little resentful at finding himself forced to remarry, Caelen’s proposal to Donal MacLean’s headstrong daughter nevertheless piques her interest. Each will receive what they want most from life—the ability to live as they please without interference from a meddling spouse. But their marriage of indifference will soon change to one of passion that neither Arbela nor Caelen could have predicted.

AMAZON

4*

Setting: The Holy Land, County of Tripoli

Late Fall 1221 AD

This story gives you a glimpse of what it might’ve been like for young brave female that learned how to take care of herself in the 13th century. She has knowledge and resources and isn’t afraid to use them.

Arbela MacLean is smarter and more cunning than your average lass. She has a tender side as well. She loves her father and twin brother fiercely. Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Alex.

Caelen MacKern wasn’t an over the top alpha. He admits his mistakes and learns from them. He’s humble and doesn’t let his guard down.

THE HIGHLANDER'S CRUSADE BRIDE held my attention thoroughly and completely. It’s a wonderful mix of history, culture and slow burn romance. Definitely a page-turner!

Cathy MacRae lives on the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains where she and her husband read, write, and tend the garden—with the help of the dogs, of course.

You can visit with her on facebook, or read her blogs and learn about her books at www.cathymacraeauthor.com. Drop her a line—she loves to hear from readers!

***

DD MacRae enjoys bringing history to life and considers research one of the best things about writing a story! With more than 35 years of martial arts training, DD also brings breath-taking action to the tales.

You can connect with DD through www.cathymacraeauthor.com. It’s always exciting to hear from readers!

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SAVAGE OF THE SEA ~ Eliza Knight ~ Excerpt/Giveaway/Review

USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight is back with the first in an all new swashbucklingseries, Pirates of Britannia: Lords of the Sea. SAVAGE OF THE SEA features a daring piratebrotherhood, high-seas adventures, and unforgettable romance...

Title: Savage of the Sea 

Author: Eliza Knight 

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: October 26, 2017

Publisher: Knight Media, LLC

Series: Pirates of Britannia: Lords of the Sea

Format: Print & Digital

When Highland pirate prince, Shaw “Savage” MacDougall was invited to a deadly feast, he didn’t know that saving a wee lass would forever change his future.

Lady Jane Lindsey, widowed at a young age, seeks refuge from her departed husband’s vengeful enemies. For five years, she’s held a secret that could cost her everything, including her life. When her safety is compromised, she reaches out to the only man who’s protected her in the past, and offers him a bounty he cannot refuse.

Shaw’s life is perfect. Whisky, women and mayhem. He wants for nothing—until Lady Jane presents a treasure he’d never considered possessing. Is he willing to risk his lethal reputation in order to save a lass he barely knows, again? Will she trust a pirate to see their arrangement through to the end? And what happens when perilous battles turn to sinful kisses? Who will save them from each other?

An excerpt from SAVAGE OF THE SEA

Copyright © Eliza Knight 2017

No more of a coherent thought other than she’d never been kissed like this before went through Jane’s mind. She should slap him, push him away, at the very least demand to be put back on her own feet and a good measure of space put between them. 

But she did none of those things. Instead, she found herself winding her arms around his neck, parting her lips and sighing against his demanding lips. The spicy-salty scent of him surrounded her, doing something wild to her senses. Suddenly every part of her felt alive with a tingling fire that only seemed ready to burn hotter.

Parting her lips seemed to be a wicked invitation, for as soon as she had done it, his devious tongue swept along the open seam causing her to gasp.

Oh, sweet heavens, but that felt even more divine. Just that little lick sent a jolt rushing through her. And before she could catch her wits from it, he’d done it again, and again, and then her own tongue was reaching forward to test it out. She touched the tip of her tongue to his and could have been struck by lightning, so massive was the force of current that went rushing through her.

This was wicked, oh, so very wicked. And yet, she couldn’t make herself stop.

And did she have to? She’d given herself to this man. Had agreed to share his bed in exchange for him vowing she was his, a marriage that may end up being a total sham for all she knew. But that didn’t change the fact that she’d agreed to it, that in order to be saved from Livingstone, to keep the rightful king safe, she had invited this pirate to lay claim to her.

Lay claim to her, he was. There could be no doubt about it, the way he owned her body at that moment. She couldn’t move. He had her completely enthralled. Completely captivated. Intoxicated.

It was he who pulled away first. He who stared into her bemused eyes with a satisfied expression that she would have found overly irritating if she wasn’t so busy trying to find her bearings.

Shaw set her down on her feet and grinned at her as though he’d plucked a tart straight from her fingers and devoured it.

“I hope that satisfies your need,” she murmured, “for sealing deals.”

He chuckled then, a sound that caressed her nerves, but did very little in the way of calming her. In fact, it did quite the opposite. She licked her lips, trying to avoid looking at his mouth as she wanted him to very much kiss her once more. He might have set her down on her feet, but she was barely standing on her own. Every line in her body reached for him, wanting more of what he’d just given her.

“That was just a taste, love, of what satisfies, but not nearly enough.”

“Shall we do it again then?” she asked in challenge, then felt the heat rush to her face for having spoken so boldly.

Shaw’s darkened gaze swept over her, bold and devilish, and right along with it her body quivered. He wanted her. And she… wanted him.

“Oh, sweet Jane, we shall do it again many more times.”

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I recently started throwing pirate books into my reading mix so when I saw that one of my favorite authors, Eliza Knight, was releasing a pirate story how could I possibly resist? Not a chance! And as usual she pens an adventurous, gripping and fast-paced tale with amazing, well-written characters. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer!

The characters are brilliantly written and have fantastic chemistry. I felt it from the start. Lady Jane Lindsay is not your ordinary heroine. She knows what she wants from the get-go, although going into hiding delays that just a bit. She’s intelligent, sophisticated and bold without being arrogant. I really liked her!

Shaw “Savage” MacDougall is more gentlemanly than any pirate should be, although he’d never admit it. He has a reputation to uphold! I totally fell in love with him.

The secondary characters are just as fascinating and have definitely piqued my interest. I’m anxiously awaiting Constantine’s story, Leader of Titans by Kathryn Le Veque followed by Thor’s story, The Sea Devil by Eliza Knight.

Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty sizzling historical, time-travel and contemporary romance novels. Under the name E. Knight, she pens rip-your- heart-out historical fiction. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses and two very naughty puppies.

Connect with Eliza at: 

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One (1) lucky winner will receive a Celtic jewelry box plus a signed print copy of  SAVAGE OF THE SEA! 

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New Release Review ~ A GHOSTLY TALE OF FORBIDDEN LOVE ~ Madeline Martin

A Ghostly Tale of Forbidden Love by Madeline Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Banff, Scotland 1604

This story is exciting from the first paragraph. It's part mystery, suspense and romance and a fantastic read for a rainy day. I loved their meetings on the stairs! Soooo romantic. Well done, Ms Madeline, well done.

Senara is no helpless lass, by any means. And she is quite humble, I really liked her.
Gavin is... well... an honorable Medieval Laird. And Scottish. 'Nuff said.

I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own.

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New Release Review ~ CAUGHT by the SCOT ~ Karen Hawkins

When the dark Duke of Hamilton loses his beloved wife, he heeds her dying wish that he make certain her three brothers marry well for she fears they are all headed to ruin. Heartsick, the Duke approaches the task with a heavy hand, ordering the three brothers to marry within three months or forego their inheritance.

The middle brother, the dashing Conner Douglas, is not about to give up his independence, but he knows marriage doesn't always mean one must change, does it? If anything, being married to a pliable sort of female would give him even more opportunity to seduce the married women of the ton. So he heads straight for the most pliable female he knows - a childhood acquaintance and now mousy spinster, the English born and bred Miss Theodora Cumberbatch-Snowe.

Conner is so certain Theodora will joyously agree to marry him, that he takes his time traveling to her house and has only one month to secure her hand and marry. Yet when he arrives at her parents' house he discovers that Theodora has just run away with a local landowner—a farmer, no less! Unknown to Conner, Theodora has been wildly, passionately in love with him for years. But she's accepted that he sees her only as a friend. Unable to sit forever in her parents' front parlor and wait for what will never happen, Theodora decided to marry someone comfortable in the hopes they might at least become good partners.

Unaware of Theodora's feelings, Conner isn't about to let 'the perfect wife' get away so easily. But as Conner seduces Theodora, his own feelings stir. And after surviving a trip of mishaps and traps, he discovers that he can't image her marrying anyone but him.

Caught by the Scot by Karen Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caught by the Scot is an excellent read! It's a light, fun and entertaining story. (After the first few paragraphs)

Karen Hawkins is a master at mixing humor and romance with a dash of drama.  She’s right up there with Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas in my book. This story is a fantastic start to her new series and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own.