Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of SECRETS AND SUITORS by Joanna Barker

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of SECRETS AND SUITORS by Joanna Barker, published October 1, 2019.

Blurb for SECRETS AND SUITORS:

Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora's father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded.


Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora's feelings once again rush unbearably close to the surface. Determined to save what is left of their friendship, Nora ignores her own heart and allows herself to be swept up in the London Season, soon finding herself the object of two very different gentlemen's affections. Though she should be thrilled, both men come with a glaring fault: neither is the one man who holds her heart.

But there is much more at stake than heartbreak. When long-kept secrets are laid bare, Nora must face the fears that have plagued her all her life and decide what true love is worth.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

Nora Hamilton, age 21, and the eldest daughter of Baron and Baroness Denford, is attending a ball but wishing she could hide. Nora is shy and feels uncomfortable in these situations. Mr. Weston, who is in line to inherit a barony, is quite taken by Nora, but she just wants to be away from him.

The only man who interests Nora is James Allen, her neighbor and good friend. He has just returned from his family’s sugar plantation in Jamaica. They have been friends from the time she was a little girl and promised to never have any secrets from one another. Nora loves James but fears that he does not feel the same. Unfortunately, her father does not approve of her friendship with James.

Nora’s younger sister, Susanna, is looking forward to her debut and loves to hear all about the soirees that Nora attends.

Nora’s father tells her that Mr. Weston wants to marry her and he insists that she accept. She finally agrees, but only after she and Susanna have a season together in London. In addition, her younger brother, Ralph, gets to go to London too so she can show him the London sights he wants to see.

When Nora falls ill, her family is very worried about her and it takes quite a while for her to recover as it left her very weak. Then she learns a family secret that her parents have been hiding from her that is very sad. But opening up about it brings healing and family unity. What about James? Will Nora still be forced to marry Mr. Weston and leave behind the man she truly loves?

Yet another totally delightful book by Joanna Barker. I love her stories. They are complex and bring in several plots that tie together perfectly. I know readers will love this story!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

SECRETS AND SUITORS by Joanna Barker, Covenant Communications, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

Unwrapping a Cover Reveal for JOSEPH, book three in the Risking Love series by Callie Carmen w/Excerpt

JOSEPH

the Risking Love series – Book 3

Callie Carmen

Available for pre-order now at only 99¢

**price will go up on release day, November 14, 2019**
at
Amazon

Violet had experienced a lot of loss in her life. She wasn't sure if she could ever trust love again. That was until she fell for Joseph. The problem was he belonged to her friend, Bella. Could Violet risk her friendship over a man? If she did break that friendship, would it destroy her relationship with her closest girlfriends forever?

If Violet risked her heart again and had a night of uncontrolled passion, would he abandon her like the others she had loved? Or would Joseph be her salvation?

JOSEPH is the third novel in the Risking Love series.

The stories chart a group of friends through life and love.

These steamy stories will have you laughing, crying, and have your heart racing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  

EXCERPT:

Violet

At the back of the church, I stood in the receiving line greeting all of the guests. “Violet, sei troppo bella.” I had to smile at Bella because she was always throwing out Italian hand gestures or words and we’d gotten pretty good at knowing what most of them meant, and in this case, she thought I looked beautiful. “At the reception, us girls would have to be sure to make time to hit the dance floor together.”

“Thank you, and as always, Bella, you look beautiful, too. I can’t wait to hit the dance floor with you and our other friends. Especially since I don’t have a date for this event.”

She leaned in and whispered, “Then you’ll probably have a lot more fun than me.” She slightly nodded her head to the right toward Joseph.

I grimaced. Clearly, she was over him. Thank goodness for that. Maybe if something happened between Joseph and me, I’d be able to salvage my relationship with Bella. God, I hoped so. It was important I talk with her about my feelings for Joseph as soon as possible. I wanted to be honest and upfront with her and let her know I wanted to be with him. Hopefully, she’d approve, but if she didn’t I had to follow my heart. She hugged me, then moved on to the next person in line.

I turned back to greet the next guest, and it was Joseph. He pulled me in for a hug, kissed my cheek, then whispered in my ear, “Sorry to hear that you don’t have a date. The single men will be lining up to dance with you.” His breath on my neck caused me to shiver, and I felt my nipples change into tight pebbled points. “Please save a slow dance for me.”

A nod was all I could muster to confirm that I would indeed save him a dance. When I looked down, I saw that my nipples looked like two missiles ready to launch. How embarrassing.

His eyes had followed mine to my breasts, and the sound of his elongated hiss shot through my body, ending at my clit. We lifted our gazes, and our eyes met. I saw that his were dilated and flashes of light were shooting through them like sparklers that would be lit later tonight at the Memorial Day weekend fireworks celebration.

Thank heavens, he kissed my cheek again and quickly moved on down the line. After that encounter, the rest of the guests who came through the line were a blur because my mind had moved on to fantasies of being wrapped in his arms on the dance floor. I felt like a character in one of the romance novels I like to read.

                                           ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

I started in the book business as a bookstore manager which was the perfect place for me since I was an avid reader. After two years, I moved to the corporate office as a buyer and eventually became a senior book buyer. This was a rewarding career that I loved.

Along the way, I decided to become a stay home Mom. I couldn't give up working around books altogether. I volunteered to run the book fairs in our small farm town, six per year. At the same time, I started and ran for five years, A Child Oasis Company, with the sole purpose of placing a small book library in the homes of all the needy children in the nearby city. As my children became teens, I found I needed more in my personal life than the volunteer Mom for the schools. I sat down at the computer one day and Patrick, book one of the Risking Love series, was born. Book two, Nicolas is now available and receiving five star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Joseph book is now available for preorder. My latest publication adventure is Dream Catcher which is a short story as part of the Mystic Desire Anthology.

I am lucky that I found my soul mate and married him. Like my characters, I am a firm believer in true love and love at first sight.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub | Goodreads

And be sure to check out Callie’s other books in this series.

PATRICK, book one by Callie Carmen

NICOLAS, book two by Callie Carmen

Unwrapping a Request of a Favor for a Friend - Open Your Heart

Greetings everyone!

I would like to ask a favor of my wonderful readers. A dear blogger friend of mine has fallen on hard times and has been living on the streets since May. Her partner is on dialysis, and so the shelters claim they won’t take them in because of legal obligation if he should get an infection. The various social programs have denied them repeatedly, and winter is coming.

If everyone who reads this gives even the cost of a Starbucks specialty drink, they can get a couple of weeks inside until something comes through for them. Please read Gaele’s plea and think about how fortunate you are to have a roof over your head and food on your table. This is a situation that can happen to anyone. Our society will assist addicts and the mentally unstable but won’t help a couple who has neither of these problems but are simply down on their luck.

People are always saying they wish they could do more. This is just a little thing you can do and it would mean the world to two people who just need a helping hand. Thank you, and God Bless.

   Gaele at I am, Indeed.

Unwrapping a Guest Review of WHEN THE MARQUESS WAS MINE, a Wagers of Sin novel by Caroline Linden

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of WHEN THE MARQUESS WAS MINE, a Wagers of Sin novel by Caroline Linden, published September 24, 2019.

Blurb for WHEN THE MARQUESS WAS MINE:

In the game of love…

Georgiana Lucas despises the arrogant and cruel Marquess of Westmorland even before learning that he's won the deed to her friend Kitty's home in a card game. Still, Georgiana assures Kitty the marquess wouldn't possibly come all the way to Derbyshire to throw them out—until he shows up, bloody and unconscious. Fearing that Kitty would rather see him die, Georgiana blurts out that he's her fiancé. She'll nurse the hateful man back to health and make him vow to leave and never return. The man who wakes up, though, is nothing like the heartless rogue Georgiana thought she knew…

You have to risk it all

He wakes up with no memory of being assaulted—or of who he is. The bewitching beauty tending him so devotedly calls him Rob and claims she's his fiancée even as she avoids his touch. Though he can't remember how he won her hand, he's now determined to win her heart. But as his memory returns and the truth is revealed, Rob must decide if the game is up—or if he'll take a chance on a love that defies all odds.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

1819

A group of men are out carousing and gambling one night when one of them, Sir Charles Winston, decides to wager his house. Even though the others tell him he cannot wager property, he insists and yes, he loses it to Robert (Rob) Churchill-Gray, the Marquess of Westmorland, son of the Duke of Rowland.

Georgiana Lucas is visiting in the Derbyshire countryside with her friend, Lady Kitty Winston, of Osbourne House. Charles writes to his wife, Kitty, saying he played cards and a disaster may fall upon them. He tells them that should Westmorland visit, do not allow him to come in. Charles does not elaborate further.

Rob is visited by his solicitor who has delivered a dressing down sent by his mother who is fed up with his appalling behavior of drinking, gambling, and carousing. She is also upset when she learned that he had swindled Charles Winston out of his property. Evidently, this is the story that Charles has been passing around. While knowing this is untrue, Rob decides to head to Osbourne House to settle the matter. On the way, his coach is stopped and he is attacked by highwaymen, and he is left for dead.

Georgiana and her groom are out riding when they see a body in the road. They rush over to help and manage to bring the unconscious and bloody man back to Osbourne House. Although Georgiana recognizes him as Westmorland, she tells everyone that he is Sterling, her fiancé, who had come to visit. With lots of wounds on his head, Rob does not remember who he is. Georgiana takes over his care and strives to keep others from him so his true identity does not become known to the Winston family who would probably throw him out.

When he has healed enough, they both leave and return to their homes, but not before they have fallen in love with one another. Can there be a future for them? Can she break free of Sterling and not have her brother try to stop her?

I liked this story. The awful secret her brother and others are hiding was shocking yet both Georgiana and Rob bravely and creatively found a way to beat him and others at their own game. Well done!!

Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

WHEN THE MARQUESS WAS MINE, a Wagers of Sin novel by Caroline Linden, Avon Books, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of the anthology, SEDUCTION ON A SNOWY NIGHT, featuring stories by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that by publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of SEDUCTION ON A SNOWY NIGHT, an anthology featuring stories by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney, published September 24, 2019.

Blurbs for SEDUCTION ON A SNOWY NIGHT:

This winter, steal away with the reigning queens of Regency Romance...plus one or two dukes, one heiress, and one headstrong beauty—to a surprise snow storm, the comfort of a blazing fire, and the heat of a lover's kisses...

A CHRISTMAS ABDUCTION by Madeline Hunter

Caroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to insure his undivided attention. Yet once in close quarters, she finds herself beholden to their smoldering connection.

A PERFECT MATCH by Sabrina Jeffries

Whisked away from a wintry ball by a commanding colonel, Cassandra Isles struggles with her feelings for Lord Heywood. For he is a man sworn to marry only for money—and Cass is an heiress who will accept nothing less than love.

ONE WICKED WINTER’S NIGHT by Mary Jo Putney

Dressed as a veiled princess, Lady Diana Lawrence is shocked to discover that the mysterious corsair who tempts her away from the costume ball is the duke she once loved and lost. Now ensconced with Castleton at a remote lodge, will she surrender to the passion still burning hotly between them?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

“A Christmas Abduction” by Madeline Hunter

Adam Prescott, Baron Thornhill, 27, is riding atop a stagecoach heading to his cousin’s home for a week. While waiting at a coaching inn for a change of horses, he is abducted at gunpoint by a woman named Caroline (Dunham) and a man named Jason. They take him to a nice home that he recognizes as Crestview Park. The place is a struggling horse farm. Caroline accuses Adam of seducing and impregnating her sister which he vehemently denies. When her sister arrives she admits that she lied and the father is a married man.

Adam is impressed with how hard Caroline is working to keep the horse farm going and steps in to help. Spending time together, of course, sparks an attraction. Can there be a future for them?

I just didn’t care for this story. For Adam to allow himself to remain “captive” by this group made no sense at all. I’m sure he felt sorry for her but I can’t see him dropping his plans and hanging around.


“A Perfect Match” by Sabrina Jeffries

Yorkshire - December 1808

Welbourne Manor is the venue for a Christmas ball. Miss Cassandra (Cass) Isles, 22, is attending the ball and is sweltering with the number of people. She needs some fresh air. However, she tries to make sure that Captain Lionel Malet is not trying to find her cousin, Katherine (Kitty) Nickman, 18. As the youngest son of a viscount, Malet should be a catch, but he has repulsed Cass. In addition, Kitty has a very nice dowry that he would like to get his hands on. Both Kitty and Cass are heiresses.

While taking some air on the terrace and looking for Kitty, Cass encounters a man who introduces himself as Colonel Lord Heywood Wolfe who is bringing a message from Kitty’s brother, Douglas. It appears that Captain Malet truly is after marrying Kitty and plans to abduct her and take her to Gretna Green. So, Lord Heywood rescues both Cass and Kitty by taking them in his carriage and explains that he is saving Kitty from Malet. Haywood is in need of marrying an heiress himself. Even though he is more physically drawn to Cass, he knows he must marry an heiress which Cass says she is not. He takes them to the home of his mother where they are preparing for Christmas and he finds himself falling in love with Cass. Will they be able to find a future together?

This is a pretty good story. Cass loves Kitty, is very protective of her, and does not want someone to take advantage of her. She does feel something for Heywood but is still afraid that someone may take advantage of her. I liked his family and the way they all welcomed the two young ladies into their homes and their lives.

“Winter Night” by Mary Jo Putney

Bombay India - Summer 1816

Lady Diana Lawrence, is enjoying the cool of early morning. Today, she is missing her England she left 7 years ago. She has just received a letter from her niece, Lady Aurora (Rory) Lawrence Vance. Rory has married a man who had spent years at sea and is now settling on an estate in England. Rory’s letter to her aunt Diana has asked her to return to England and live with her. She is expecting and wants to name the baby after her. Diana can sell her books of travel she has written over the years.

London - December 1816

Back in London, Diana is happy to be with Rory and her family. Diana is only 30-years-old. They are discussing hosting a masked ball for Christmas.

Anthony Raines, the fifth Duke of Castleton, has declared that he has no interest in attending the masked ball. However, his sisters, Julia and Athena, convince him to go. That night, Diana and Rory do a special Indian dance that the attendees love. Afterward, Anthony asks Diana to dance and when they remove their masks, they recognize one another. They had had a flirtation before and when he proposed, Diana fled to India. She was 5 years older than he was and he was not of legal age. His father threatened her if she stayed. Now, the family is urging him to court her. Is there a future for them after all these years?

This is a good story that I certainly enjoyed. I didn’t mention the part about the interesting cats. This was a big draw as I love cats!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

SEDUCTION ON A SNOWY NIGHT, an anthology by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries, and Mary Jo Putney, Kensington Books, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of HEIRESS GONE WILD, a Dear Lady Truelove novel by Laura Lee Guhrke

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of HEIRESS GONE WILD, a Dear Lady Truelove novel by Laura Lee Guhrke, published September 24, 2019.

Blurb for HEIRESS GONE WILD:

Dear Lady Truelove,

My ward is driving me crazy. I have to marry her off and get her out of my life. There's just one problem…

When Jonathan Deverill promised a dying friend he'd be guardian to the man's daughter, he envisioned a girl in pigtails and pinafores, a child he could leave behind in some finishing school. Problem is, his ward is actually a fully-grown, defiant beauty whose longing for romance threatens to make his guardianship a living hell.

New York heiress Marjorie McGann wants a London season and a titled husband who can help her spend the Yankee millions she's inherited, and she thinks her new British guardian is the perfect person to help her find him. But Jonathan has no intention of letting his friend's fortune be squandered. Under his watchful, protective eye, Marjorie finds romance hard to come by...until one fateful night when her own guardian's devastating kisses makes her wonder if the greatest romance of all might be right in front of her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Connie’s Review:

Jonathan Deverill is in the office of the headmistress of the Forsythe Academy in New York to inform Miss Marjorie McGann, 20, of her father’s death at a sanatorium in Colorado. Jonathan and her father had been long-time friends and business partners.

Jonathan was raised in London but came to America to seek his fortune. He is Marjorie’s legal guardian and after he meets with her, he plans to visit London briefly, and then travel to South Africa.

The headmistress feels that Majorie should be with Jonathan’s sisters in London, one of whom is a duchess, and another a viscountess. When meeting Marjorie, Jonathan is surprised to find a beautiful young woman who is now a teacher at the school.

Marjorie is insistent that he take her to London with him. Many of her school friends have gone there seeking titled husbands. She is now a very wealthy young woman and knows that her wealth will attract a highly titled husband. Jonathan wants Marjorie to remain at the Academy especially as she is still in mourning. She tells him that she has not seen her father in many years even after promising her that he would return someday and he didn’t, so mourning for him is unnecessary. When Jonathan returns from South Africa he will then take her to London for a season. Oh, but she has other plans. She wants to go to London with him now and live her life as she wants.

When he leaves her at the academy, he feels he has impressed upon her that she must stay a little longer, however when she shows up in his room on board the ship to London, he is surprised. She informs him that she had saved her money and bought a ticket. She is proving herself to be a very stubborn young lady who knows her own mind.

Onboard, he sees where some charlatans are trying to take advantage of her naivety so he keeps a sharp eye on her. Finally in London, Marjorie is welcomed by Jonathan’s family and introduced to the ways of the ton. As they spend more time together, there is definitely an attraction between them, but Majorie knows he has wanderlust and she refuses to marry a man that will leave her just like her father did. Is there any compromise for them?

I liked the story itself but can’t say that the ending was what I was expecting or hoping it to be. I guess that if two people want to be together, one of them has to bend.

Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

HEIRESS GONE WILD, a Dear Lady Truelove novel by Laura Lee Guhrke, Avon Books, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Review of HOT WINTER NIGHTS, a Heartbreaker Bay novel by Jill Shalvis

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. In an attempt to make up for my neglect, I have been offering up guest reviews for you to enjoy by my dear friend, Connie Fischer. I hope you have been following them.

However, today I am actually sharing a review of mine of a book I actually got to read albeit a couple of months ago…yay! – HOT WINTER NIGHTS, a Heartbreaker Bay novel by Jill Shalvis.

***print copy provided to me by the publisher but I am sharing an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for HOT WINTER NIGHTS:

Who needs mistletoe?

Most people wouldn't think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn't most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she's been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that — but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once...

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don't mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he's shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly's brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can't believe he's drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who's the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he's ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he's been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Review:

After being shot on the job, Lucas Knight is eager to get back to work but his boss is being stubborn about it. Still on painkillers, he makes the mistake of mixing whiskey with them and when he wakes in the morning, he discovers himself in bed with the one person who has always been off limits to him—his best friend's little sister, Molly Malone. Worst of all, he doesn’t remember anything—at all.

The brunette was still in his bed.

At the bright light flooding the room, she gasped and sat straight up, clutching the sheet to her chin, her hair a wild cloud around her face.

And not a stranger’s face either.

Molly’s face.

Molly was in his bed and first thought was oh shit. His second thought tumbled right on the heels of that—he was going to die today, after all, slowly and painfully.

So now Lucas has to worry about Joe finding out he spent the night with his little sister while trying to resist her with the added trouble caused because Archer has put him on babysitting duty to watch over Molly as she attempts to help out some elderly elves who claim Santa Claus is a crook. All of this throws them together in far too close proximity. Yes, he begins to feel his life is quickly coming to an end.

Molly Malone has worked for Hunt Investigations for some time now and wants to do more than fetch coffee, answer the phone, do paperwork, and get patted on the head by her brother, her boss, as well as the sexy Lucas Knight and told to run along. She wants to be out there solving crimes and bringing in the bad guy. She’s been watching, learning, and training in self-defense not only because she needs it but it helps her compensate for the pain and numbness in her leg which could be unpredictable and a hindrance. When she broached a case she wanted to work to Archer, he shot her down and to make matters worse, her brother backed him instead of supporting her. So, she decides to work the case off the books and without their help. When Lucas suddenly volunteers to assist her, she wonders if he has ulterior motives but decides something is better than nothing as long as she’s in charge.

I always enjoy Jill Shalvis’s take on people, their pain and conflicts, whether obvious or hidden, because her characters are so three dimensional they could easily be my friends. Lucas and Molly are two such characters. They are both suffering physical pain but each has their own personal pain which they’ve buried deep and are not willing to show to anyone—yet. I love how each of them gains the strength to finally open up from each other. I especially appreciated how Lucas came to Molly’s defense and supported her as the excellent investigator he discovers her to be…even at the risk of turning his best friend and partner against him. That’s a good man.

HOT WINTER NIGHTS is book six in the Heartbreaker Bay series and I know I’m a tad out of order but that’s okay because each reads very well on its own. As usual, the banter is excellent, the sexual tension palpable, and the happily ever after so satisfying don’t be surprised if it brings a happy tear to your eye. I even surprised myself reading a Christmas themed book in the heat of summer. I usually have to be in the mood for holiday-themed stories, but it really was less about Christmas and more about Lucas and Molly getting naughty and nice.

I highly recommend reading HOT WINTER NIGHTS by Jill Shalvis and if you haven’t delved into the wonderful friendships in the Heartbreaker Bay series yet—please do! I think this is her best ever series.

Happy Reading Everyone!!

HOT WINTER NIGHTS, a Heartbreaker Bay novel by Jill Shalvis, Avon Books, available now in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.  

Unwrapping a review of TO WED AN HEIRESS, an All For Love novel by Karen Ranney

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. In an attempt to make up for my neglect, I have been offering up guest reviews for you to enjoy by my dear friend, Connie Fischer. I hope you have been following them.

However, today I am actually sharing a review of mine of a book I actually got to read recently…yay! – TO WED AN HEIRESS, an All For Love novel by Karen Ranney.

***purchased for my own reading but I am sharing an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for TO WED AN HEIRESS:

Rebellion drove Mercy Rutherford to Scotland to escape the possessive grip of her fiancé. But it’s fate that lands her in the crumbling highlands castle of Lennox Caitheart. A dreamer with visions of inventing airships, he’s most certainly mad. Handsome beyond words, he’s also causing an irresistible flutter in her stomach beyond reason. When Gregory arrives to see their arranged marriage to its bitter end, Mercy desperately turns to Lennox with an offer of her fortune—and her hand in marriage.

The Earl of Morton has a reputation for being a daredevil eccentric, but even he is hesitant to engage in such a rash proposition—no matter how utterly beguiled he is by the wildly independent American heiress. And yet, with so much at stake, how can he possibly say no? But when their unconventional union grows into a passionate and inseparable love, more than Gregory’s obsession threatens them. Now, Lennox and Mercy will have to risk more than their hearts to save it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My Review:

Nearly killed by a strange flying contraption upon her arrival in Scotland, Mercy Rutherford was wishing she was back home and safe preparing to do the mundane things of which her life consisted until she made the decision to travel to visit her mother’s Scottish relatives. The inventor of this strange flying boat with sails comes to their rescue when the carriage crashes and she and her maid are injured. She is intrigued by him and him by her until he learns who she is and his sudden change in attitude leaves her bewildered. It isn’t until she arrives at her great uncle’s home and her grandmother basically tells her to go back to where she came from and don’t let the door hit her in the butt on the way out that she learns the problem. Claiming she can’t travel until her maid’s injury is healed, she knows as soon as Ruthie is well, they would return home. In the meantime, her aunt welcomes her well enough and soon she learns Lennox Caitheart, the Earl of Morton is the last of his clan after the death of his brother in a carriage accident which also took Mercy’s cousin. Now she understands the bitter blood between these two families—although, her grandmother doesn’t seem to like anyone.

Before his brother died, Lennox was studying to be a doctor. But with the death of his brother, he became the earl so he left school and returned home only to discover the Macrorys had interfered with several business deals which the former earl had established, and now he was penniless. Worse, the family’s rundown castle was now his to support as well. Feeling life had dealt him a raw deal he had become pretty much a hermit and was attempting to support his family’s estate by selling his inventions. 

Now caught in the middle of a feud, Mercy and Lennox are inexplicably drawn to each other and their banter is even chuckle-worthy at times, even as the antics of Mercy’s family are enough to make anyone crazy. Both stubborn yet passionate about their lives, their freedoms, and rather about each other, neither Lennox nor Mercy will openly admit it. However, when Mercy’s not going to take no for an answer fiancé, Gregory shows up, Mercy knows she’s running out of time. But she does have a solution. She proposes a deal with Lennox—she provides the money he needs to get back on his feet if he marries her. When his pride gets in the way and he refuses, she feels defeated and with her father coming to Scotland, she knows she will have no choice but to return home and marry Gregory even though she knows her happiness lies with Lennox. Will Lennox change his mind? Will he put aside his pride and realize what a gift in Mercy he is losing?

Passionate, headstrong, proud, and wanting more from life than what they are getting, Lennox and Mercy are perfect for each other. Like Romeo and Juliet, they love each other despite their families. This story features some truly likable characters doing their best to survive some rather despicable ones with some secondary characters doing their best to push these two together. There is emotion galore, a few laughs, great banter, some steam, definitely family drama, and a grand romantic gesture which brings them a happily ever after.

I highly recommend TO WED AN HEIRESS by Karen Ranney if you like a strong-minded heroine caught between a rock and hard place but desperately trying to dig her way out, and a hero with a huge heart you just can’t help but fall in love with while wanting to knock him upside the head for being so stubborn. Although part of a series, this story can easily be read as a standalone but well worth the read. Plus…if you hurry, it’s currently on sale for a discounted price. Yay!

Happy Reading Everyone!!

TO WED AN HEIRESS, an All For Love novel by Karen Ranney, Avon Books, available now in print, ebook, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks. 

Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of THE MERRY VISCOUNT, a Widow's Brew novel by Sally MacKenzie

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of THE MERRY VISCOUNT, a Widow’s Brew novel by Sally MacKenzie, published September 24, 2019.

Blurb for THE MERRY VISCOUNT:

The “fallen” ladies of Puddledon Manor’s Benevolent Home are determined to rise above scandal—and forge a sparkling new future operating their own brewery and alehouse…

With Christmas around the corner, Miss Caroline Anderson hoped to persuade a London tavern owner to carry the Home’s Widow’s Brew—only to discover the dastard was more interested in her ankles than her ale! To her further annoyance, her stagecoach back to Little Puddledon is waylaid by louts and a snow-covered ditch. Amid a nasty storm, Caro seeks shelter at a nearby estate—only to be greeted by Viscount Oakland, aka Nick, her brother’s childhood friend—and her schoolgirl crush. Now he’s the half-dressed host of what is clearly a holiday bacchanal. Still, his house is irresistibly warm.

Ever the free spirit, Nick has invited the wilder gentleman of the ton, and an assortment of London’s lightskirts, to celebrate Christmas in a more traditional, pagan fashion. So he’s surprised to find Caro at his door. Now, with a blizzard raging, he must take her in—despite his fear she won’t take to his guests, and worse, upend his party. But she may surprise him—and upend his life.

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Connie’s Review:

Caroline (Caro) Anderson is traveling in the snow on a stagecoach heading back to the Benevolent Home for the Maintenance and Support of Spinsters, Widows, and Abandoned Women and their Unfortunate Children located in Little Puddledon. She had traveled to London hoping to encourage Mr. Harris, owner of the Drunken Sheep to purchase Widow’s Brew which she and the other residents of the Home produce. It has been well-received and if she can send more of it, they will not be under the threat of their patron, the Duke of Grainger. It is difficult to be a woman in business as so many men try to put their hands on her.

On the drive, they pick up another couple of passengers, a mother and her young son. Once onboard, the mother shows she also has a newborn daughter with her. But a broken axle brings the coach to a halt.

Luckily, it happens near the home of Nicholas (Nick) St. John, Viscount Oakland, age 32, and sometimes called Lord Devil. It just so happens he is hosting a Christmas orgy for some of his friends, which has quickly become a bore to him. When Caro and the others knock on the door, Nick is shock to see a young woman with a baby requesting help for the people in the disabled coach.

Nick had inherited his title and home from his uncle whom he despised. The man had been mean and cold to him. Now, Nick doesn’t really know where things are in the large mansion he has inherited as he was never allowed in certain areas.

Nick and Caro had been childhood friends as he played with her brothers. However, she no longer has contact with her family. At one time, Caro had had a crush on Nick, but she has since put all that aside to concentrate on selling the ale they brew. Now that she realizes that trying to supply ale to far away London would be impossible, she asks for Nick’s help.

As they spend more days together, they want to give in to their attraction to one another, until Nick learns that Cleo had been violated as a young woman and along with being skittish of men, is afraid of sex. Ah, but Nick is a good teacher, so will he be able to guide her to happiness for both of them?

As always, Sally MacKenzie has written a thoughtful, sexy, and humorous novel that readers will enjoy. Well done!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THE MERRY VISCOUNT, a Widow’s Brew novel by Sally MacKenzie, Zebra Books, available now in ebook, print, and audio at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.