Love with a Notorious Rake (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #3) by Karyn Gerrard

Title: Love with a Notorious Rake (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #3) by 

Author: Karyn Gerrard 

Source: NetGalley

Genre: Historical romance 

Length: 

Rating: 5

Sexual: 4

Reviewed by: Laurie 

He's as dangerous as he is irresistible...

The heir to his family's fortune, Aidan Wollstonecraft is ready to put his prodigal ways in the past and prove himself worthy of his illustrious name. Going undercover in a factory to expose the wretched working conditions, Aidan believes his noble act will lead him to a better future. Until he's reunited with the sweet beauty who saw him through his darkest days. Cristyn Bevan stirs him like no other woman before. Makes him yearn to claim her, despite the damning curse that dooms any Wollstonecraft wife to an all-too-early death...

To fall for Aidan would be her undoing. Yet, something about the blue-blooded scoundrel draws Cristyn to him like a moth to a deadly flame. Is it a desire to heal him that keeps the lovely nurse close? Or her secret hope that somehow, some way, Aidan can let go of his dark past and see the light—and the love—waiting for him? 

This book is an emotional roller coaster that will take you into our past and even present working conditions.

First off I want to say kudos to the author for the amount of research that she had to have put into writing this book. People tend to think child labor was thousands of years ago, but it really wasn’t and even in the 1920’s America corporations was still using child labor and even today several countries including China still uses child labor so keep that in mind while you are paying for cheap goods.

I have loved Cristyn’s character since I first meet her, I knew she was a strong willed and minded woman of her time and she just proves this in hers and Aidan’s story.  These two go into horrible working conditions to help those that don’t have the means to help themselves and before you know it they are working together to fight for those less fortunate, this is true romance at its best.

Warning this story is not for the faint of heart if you love kids, but for those of you who buy cheap goods, you really need to read this to find out what real child labor is all about and this is why I look high and low for made in the USA or any country goods that don't have child labor and I will pay more for these goods because of things such as this.

I recommend this to everyone, you need to remember our past and present in child labor and you get a good romance story along with it. 

Romance Book Review of Scandal with a Sinful Scot (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #2) by Karyn Gerrard

Title: Scandal with a Sinful Scot (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall #2)  Karyn Gerrard 
Author: Karyn Gerrard 

Source: NetGalley

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Lenght: Novel

Reviewed by: Laurie

Rating: 3
Sexual: 3

“You must lock away your heart at all costs.”

Falling in love was the darkest moment of Garrett Wollstonecraft’s privileged youth, even as he and Abigail Hughes shared a blissful summer of passionate promise. Sworn to keep Abigail safe from the curse plaguing generations of Wollstonecraft men, Garrett sacrificed his future happiness. Now, fourteen years after he lost his heart, Abigail reenters his life. But the woman who arrives unannounced at his ancestral manor is very different from the sheltered girl Garrett once knew.

The widow of a country doctor, Abigail can’t forgive Garrett for his cruel rejection. Yet she can no longer keep the truth from him—a secret that could have resulted in her ruin. But as the embers of desire reignite, and Abigail and Garrett slowly rebuild trust, a malicious enemy plots against them. Is their love strong enough to break free from the sins of the past—and to end the tragic cycle that consigns Garrett to a life of loneliness?

I enjoyed the first two books in Karyn Garrard Men of Wollstonecraft Hall series, but this one fell short for me, but again you can’t love them all.

I am just going to pull the bandage right off and get right into this books drawback. The first and biggest drawback for me was both Garrett and Abigail cannot seem to forgive each other and so this means these two keep bring up the same thing that broke them up so many years ago and it got to be dreadful reading it time and time again. The other drawback for me was, I felt like these two never really rekindled that spark to reconnect. After years of separation she brings herself to face him and then before you know it, they were hopping like rabbits I just didn’t feel the connection that would bring them together after all of the years, especially with the fact both Garrett and Abigail, has such a hard time getting over the fact of Garrett just dumping and that she never came running to him all those years ago. The last downside for me is I really wished this series would focus a bit more on the curse that is on the family, and how they are going to find out how to solve the curse for these men.

This story does give you a glimpse into future books with other characters in the story so, you have something to look forward to, I know I am looking forward to the next book. 

Marriage with a Proper Stranger (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall, #1) by Karyn Gerrard

Title: Marriage with a Proper Stranger (Men of Wollstonecraft Hall, #1)  
Author: Karyn Gerrard 
Genre: Historical romance 
Source: Netgalley 
Lenght: Novel
Review by: Laurie 
Rating: 5
Sexual rating: 4

“Build a wall about your heart.”

Riordan Wollstonecraft labors under the heavy burden of his forebears. For generations, a curse has followed the dashing young men of his family, guaranteeing the women they love an untimely death. The youngest grandson of the Earl of Wollstonecraft Hall, charismatic Riordan is quietly resigned to his fate, an educator who devotes his life to good works, and ignores any longing for something more.

Widowed and penniless, Lady Sabrina Lakeside is desperate to avoid a second forced betrothal—this time to an aged marquess. Her chance encounter with Riordan leads her to an impulsive offer: a temporary marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. His agreement is as surprising as it is welcome. Before long, Riordan’s keen intellect and kind words have Sabrina rethinking her plans of a union in name only. But her new husband is holding something back. Will giving in to their tantalizing passion lead her only to further heartache . . . or could it be the first step toward healing them both?

Who knew a temporary marriage of convenience could be sexy, dangerous and yet fun!  

When Lady Sabrina offers a marriage of convenience to the schoolmaster Riordan she wasn’t expecting to truly find a husband, all she wanted was an escape, she also has no clue what her father has done behind the scenes that come back to haunt her.

I really enjoyed both Sabrina and Riordan, their sparks flew off the pages as they both unravel each other’s hidden mysteries. You also get a peek at other great characters that will be in future books.

I recommend this to any historical romance lover out there that wants a different twist. 

An Earl by Any Other Name by Lauren Smith ~ Release Blitz and Giveaway

AN EARL BY ANY OTHER NAME by Lauren Smith 

(August 1, 2017; Forever Yours eBook; $1.99; Sins and Scandals series Book 1)

An earl in the streets, a rogue in the sheets . . .

Leopold Graham, Lord Hampton, was never a man to let propriety stand in the way of his pursuit of pleasure. Hedonism is his only desire in life---until his father's death saddles him with debts that threaten to bankrupt the entire family. Now the only thing that stands between him and utter ruin is marriage to a proper, and preferably wealthy, young lady.

Ivy Leighton is no sweet English rose. Perhaps it's her gypsy roots, but she would rather make a spectacle of her independent spirit than sit quietly on the sidelines. If that means that the only place she'll ever have in society is firmly on the shelf, then so be it. But when Ivy runs into the handsome, rakish Leo who's looking for a respectable, well-bred wife, she can't stop thinking about the troubles they can get into. Now she just has to convince him that a life with her is really what he needs.

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About the Author

LAUREN SMITH, winner of the 2014 Historical International Digital Award, attended Oklahoma State University, where she earned a B.A. in both history and political science. Drawn to paintings and museums, Lauren is obsessed with antiques and satisfies her fascination with history by writing and exploring exotic, ancient lands. She is currently an attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Whiter Pastures by Xina Marie Uhl ~ Cover Reveal

Whiter Pastures
Xina Marie Uhl
Publication date: July 5th 2017
Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance

A romantic novelette in the Icebound series, an ongoing collection of polar delights.
Behold dogsleds and penguins. Howling winds and cold, pitiless wastes. This is Antarctica, where the intrepid inhabitants of the frozen ends of the earth battle the terrain, and each other, to find love—in a past much like that of the early 1900s. 

Reluctant spinster Florance Barton fled to the British Antarctic base to escape a scandalous love affair, among other things. Amidst the handful of other women there, Florance is the perfect chambermaid, meek, mild, and forgettable. No one has a clue that she’s also a novice spy. 

When handsome young Handy McHanagan arrives at the base, he sets everyone agog. He’s charming, artistic, and … an accomplished gardener. His arrival may just be a mistake on the part of naval command. Or is it something more sinister? 

Because killer seals and subzero ice storms and aren’t the only danger in Antarctica: a enemy spy is on the loose. Florance has been ordered to choose between queen and country and her heart. Because penguin is off the menu now–and murder is its replacement.

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Author Bio:
Author Xina Marie Uhl lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and assorted furry and scaly pets. The setting of her first novel, NECROPOLIS, has been heavily influenced by her interest in ancient history. She holds both a BA and an MA in history. In addition to fiction writing, she teaches college history courses and writes educational materials. When she isn’t reading and writing, she enjoys hiking, photography, and planning new travel adventures.

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Historical Hellions Box Set - Release Day Blast and Giveaway

From bluestockings to scandalous heiresses, these strong-willed, unconventional historical romance heroines don’t let anything stand in their way when it comes to love and happily ever after.

Out April 11th – Historical Hellions Box Set – Featuring seven novellas and novels from award-winning and bestselling authors

Title: Historical Hellions: Seven Historical Romances

Author: Elizabeth Essex, Christina McKnight, Erica Monroe, Lila DiPasqua, Eileen Richards, Madeline Martin and Christy Carlyle

Genre: Historical Romance (Regency, Victorian, Scottish, Highland, French)

Release Date: April 11, 2017

The Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth Essex

Independent, politically-minded heiress Elizabeth Paxton has never wanted to marry, but longs for the freedom afforded to widows. The last thing she wants is dangerously attractive Captain Jameson Marlowe as a husband.

The Thief Steals Her Earl by Christina McKnight

The Earl of Cartwright is determined to find out who stole from his family. When he finds out the thief is the woman he’s fallen in love with, he must choose between duty and love.

Secrets in Scarlet by Erica Monroe

When a bluestocking with a scandalous past meets an idealistic sergeant, sparks fly as they work to solve a murder...but her secrets may lead to their undoing.

Sleeping Beau by Lila DiPasqua

Inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty—a scorching hot historical romance novella from the Fiery Tales series. One sleeping rake, one scorching kiss, one night of unforgettable passion... 

The Art of Seduction by Eileen Richards

A spinster finds freedom as a theatre set painter until a chance meeting with the marquis who broke her heart has her questioning what she wants for her future.

The Madam’s Highlander by Madeline Martin

What’s the madam of a successful bawdy house in Edinburgh to do when she finds one of the English supported Black Watch soldiers needing to desert his post? She helps him, of course – but there’s a high price to pay.

Reckless Wager by Christy Carlyle

Victorian propriety and passions collide when a beautiful widow makes a wager with a wounded police detective bent on solving the Ripper mystery.

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The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis by Christina McKnight ~ Book Spotlight and Giveaway

Courtship was never so scandalous

Out Feb 21st – Regency Romance, The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis by Christina McKnight, book two in the Craven House series.

Title: The Mistress Enchants Her Marquis

Series: Craven House (Book Two)

Author: Christina McKnight

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

Release Date: February 21, 2017

COURTSHIP WAS NEVER SO SCANDALOUS

The grandson of an unconventional marquis and son of a notorious woman, Elijah Watson, Marquis of Ridgefeld, has spent most of his life outside of London. His atypical upbringing has left him longing for roots and a traditional family life, and he’s determined to live his life above reproach. When he meets Miss Samantha Pengarden, he believes he’s found the woman he wants to marry—except she has other far more sensual ideas for him.

Known throughout the ton as the illegitimate rebellious daughter of London’s disreputable Craven House Madame, Samantha has never had to face the world without her shy twin by her side—until now. Her sister’s marriage and the return of her blackguard father leaves her alone and adrift. When Elijah agrees to escort her to the town’s most infamous establishments, she thinks she’s finally found a man with a taste for scandal and a knowledge of matters of the flesh.

But she never counted on Elijah being so honorable. When Samantha is listed as the mistress of the Marquis of Ridgefeld in White’s betting book, her reputation is in ruins—and only Elijah can save her. Can two total opposites come together for a love certain to last a lifetime?

Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Haven’t started the series yet?
The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Book One) is on sale for just 99cents!

Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Author Bio:
Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

You can visit her online at the following places: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Follow the tour and #enter to #win one of 5 paperback copies of The Thief Steals Her Earl (Craven House Book One)

Feb 20^th
I Love Romance – Review
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Spotlight
Life, Books, & Loves – Spotlight
What Is That Book About – Spotlight
Caitlyn Lynch, Author – Review
Jen's Reading Obsession – Spotlight
It's All About the Romance – Spotlight
Sour Puss Reviews – Spotlight
Books, Dreams, Life - Spotlight

Feb 21^st
Lisa's Loves (Books of Course) – Spotlight
Bitten by Romance – Spotlight
Making It Happen – Spotlight
Rainne’s Ramblings - Spotlight

Feb 22^nd
Barbara's Book Blog – Spotlight
Home of A.L. Kessler – Spotlight
Yah Gotta Read This – Spotlight
Reese’s Reviews – Spotlight
OMG Reads - Spotlight

Feb 23^rd
WTF Are You Reading? – Review
The Avid Reader – Spotlight
Warrior Woman Winmill – Review
Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm – Spotlight
Celticlady's Reviews – Spotlight
Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Guest Post
Romance Reviews Today - Spotlight
Becky on Books - Spotlight

Feb 24^th
The Sassy Book Lover – Interview
Twinsie Talk - Review
Sportochick's Musings – Review
Kimmie Sue's Book Review – Review
The Romantic Fanatic – Spotlight
Rising Indies United - Spotlight

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Between the Devil and the Duke by Kelly Bowen ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

Title: Between the Devil and the Duke

Author: Kelly Bowen

On Sale: January 31, 2017

Series: A Season for Scandal, #3

Publisher: Forever

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Price: $5.99 USD

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Their love was always in the cards.

He should have thrown her out. But when club owner Alexander Lavoie catches a mysterious blonde counting cards at his vingt-et-un table, he's more intrigued than angry. He has to see more of this beauty-in his club, in his office, in his bed. But first he'll have to devise a proposition she can't turn down.

Gossip said he was an assassin. Common sense told her to stay away. But Angelique Archer was desperate, and Lavoie's club offered a surefire way to make quick money-until she got caught. Instead of throwing her out though, the devil offers her a deal: come work for him. Refusing him means facing starvation, but with a man so sinfully handsome and fiercely protective, keeping things professional might prove impossible . . .

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Excerpt:

“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in a job?”

“A job?” Angelique was aware she was repeating him like a half-wit, but she couldn’t seem to wrap her head around the last minute of conversation.

 “Yes.” Lavoie leaned forward slightly.

“Ladies don’t have jobs.” Angelique tried to put some conviction into that statement, knowing it was what she was supposed to say. Such knowledge had been drilled into her since she was old enough to walk. Ladies grew up and married well and became wives who lived out their lives in genteel comfort. They did not partake in industry. Or gambling.

At least they didn’t until they did not marry at all, much less well, and their parents died, their family fortune went missing, and their newly titled brother couldn’t stay sober long enough to look for it. Then ladies did what they had to do to hold their families together.

She glanced up at him, but her sharp reply, like everything else, had only seemed to amuse him.

“A strange thing to say for a lady who already treats my vingt-et-un table as her personal place of business.” Lavoie’s lip had curled, his scar making it look more like a smirk than a smile.

She looked away, despising the truth in his assessment. “I do no such thing. Ladies don’t have jobs,” she repeated, though it was a pitiable attempt at her defense.

“Ladies don’t have jobs that people know about,” he countered.

“What? What does that mean?” Angelique’s eyes snapped back to his.

Lavoie moved out from behind his desk and leaned back against the front of it. He crossed his booted feet casually, never taking his eyes off her. “It means, my lady, that once you stop pretending to be aghast, and you understand that I offer the potential to earn more money in a single night than you will earn in three at the card tables, you might wish to reconsider. I wish you to deal a high-stakes vingt-et-un table that can accommodate at least six players who will be playing against the house and not each other. Who will be playing against you.”

Angelique was at a loss for words.

“I don’t need to have your answer now,” he said, tipping his head. “You know where to find me. I will pay you for your time, of course, and you will also receive a percentage of whatever you—my club—wins. I promise that your identity will remain concealed. And unlike the men you have had to endure thus far at the tables, I promise that I won’t touch your breasts. And anyone else in my club who might attempt to do so in the future will answer to me.”

She felt her face heat all over again, even as another hail of unwanted thrills crackled through her like a summer storm.

“Tell me you’ll think about it,” Lavoie prompted.

“Very well.” The shock was wearing off, and Angelique was trying her best to collect her scattered thoughts. She’d be an idiot to deny him outright. She didn’t trust him entirely, but her current situation didn’t leave her many choices. And she couldn’t deny that his offer, like the man himself, was more than a little…intriguing. Exciting. Fascinating.

Lavoie pushed himself off the desk, coming to stand directly in front of her. His eyes skimmed over her hair, her mask, her gown, as if he was evaluating—admiring—what he saw. “With a mind such as yours, I think you would be brilliant,” he murmured. “I think that you and I would make splendid partners.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Bowen grew up in Manitoba, Canada. She attended the University of Manitoba and earned a Master of Science degree in veterinary physiology and endocrinology. But it was Kelly's infatuation with history and a weakness for a good love story that led her down the path of historical romance.  When she is not writing, she seizes every opportunity to explore ruins and battlefields.

Currently, Kelly lives in Winnipeg with her husband and two boys, all of whom are wonderfully patient with the writing process.  Except, that is, when they need a goalie for street hockey.

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Undeniable by Gayle Eden

Title: Undeniable

Author: Gayle Eden
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 200 pages
Publisher: Air Castle Books
Release Date: September 21, 2010
Source: Freebie
Rating: 2
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Sensual Regency Romance from Gayle Eden Free book

I don't remember why I picked up this book - maybe it was a blind "Freebie click." But I could have done without.

Let's start with the good though. Gayle Eden starts with two great characters and a good set up. Our hero is a barely legitimized bastard that society looks down on and he's trying to prove himself. Our heroine is a bit jaded and almost on the shelf miss that just wants the freedom to do what she wants.

They have a marriage of convenience and mutual purpose. Both content to live their own lives apart from each other for the most part. But the story after this point was very un-memorable. I had to read through some other reviews to jog my memory just a few days later.

Outside of the storyline, this book needs a good proofreader and historical editor. Scenes go from drinking tea to coffee, and I'm pretty sure some of the terms and language used wasn't true to the time.

I'd recommend taking a pass on this one.

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A Night of Forever by Bronwen Evans ~ Review

Title: A Night of Forever (The Disgraced Lords #6)
Author: Bronwen Evans
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 240 pages
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: October 26, 2016
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Distrust is no match for desire as a proper young miss and a self-professed rogue hunt down a murderer in this thrilling Disgraced Lords novel from the USA Today bestselling author of A Kiss of Lies and A Taste of Seduction.

Arend Aubury trusts no one besides his fellow Libertine Scholars. After his family escaped from France, penniless and persecuted, only the Scholars took him in. So when the stepdaughter of the villainess who has been plotting against them approaches Arend with allegations against their enemy, he suspects a double cross. Yet Isobel is a tantalizing prize, with lips as sweet as champagne and skin as creamy as Camembert. Is she a feast for the senses—or a bitter trap?

Lady Isobel Thompson dreams of marrying an honorable gentleman with a spotless reputation, a trait that Arend seems to lack completely. But Isobel believes that her stepmother is responsible for her father’s death, and only Arend has the skills to uncover the truth. As a cover, Arend suggests a fake betrothal—and soon Isobel finds herself forgetting that their courtship is a ploy. He’s so different from the man of her fantasies, and yet he’s so terribly handsome, so dangerously intoxicating—and all Isobel wants is more.

A Night of Forever takes us further into the events of Arend's kidnapping - which we see from others' perspectives in the previous book. It did take me a few moments to find my place in the timeline, but once I was settled I really enjoyed the story.  Although, knowing part of the outcome did make it a bit less suspenseful for me.

Lady Isabel is the step-daughter of the woman the Libertine Scholars believe is trying to ruin and kill them. How could she not know what is going on when she is right in the middle of it all? Arend is determined to prove her collusion and is willing to take some rather extreme measures to do so. But or course this backfires, and he finds himself deeply intrigued by the lady.

There is a lot of action, and even though I knew how it was going to end already, there were a couple surprises along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed Lady Isobel. She had a quick wit and was fiercely loyal once she deemed you worthy of her trust.

I wasn't as fond as Arend, he's never been my favorite of the Libertine Scholars. A bit too roguish for my tastes - and too much of a blackguard to really seem like the hero. In fact, he's the one in need of rescue a few times. I'm all for a damsel rescuing her hero, but that isn't the case. In fact, she's rescued by someone entirely different (I hope he finds love) that I liked much better than Arend.

A great addition to the story of the Libertine Scholars, and sort of an end. There's still more to come and I can't wait to read it. As a series, it is near the top of my list for great reads.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**

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The Disgraced Lords

Kiss of Lies #1
A Promise of More #2

A Touch of Passion #3
A Whisper of Desire #4
A Taste of Seduction #5