Release Day Blitz + Teatime and Books Review ~ A Gentleman Never Surrenders - A Sins and Scandals Novel by Lauren Smith

Cover Designer: Elizabeth Turner

Release Date: September 12, 2017

Synopsis

Love is worth a little scandal. Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren't a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune---luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady's chilly heart, it's Owen. Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton's most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar . . . Yet the more time she spends with her new husband, the more Milly starts to wonder if the marriage she never wanted may be the best thing that's ever happened to her. Now it's up to Owen to convince Milly that what started as a mistake is anything but---and that every night with him will be more wonderfully scandalous than the last.

A dynamite 5 Teacups for A Gentleman Never Surrenders by Lauren Smith. Oh, my gosh, this story took my breath away! I was drawn into it right from the first paragraph and kept captive the whole way through! Smith's writing style is so enchanting and eloquent, she brings the characters to life through her prose. Also, such a deeply passionate book, one can't help but fall in love with Owen and be drawn to Milly as she begins to open her heart to Owen and fall in love. Truly an amazing tale and one to be added to every historical romance fanatic's library!

About the Author

Lauren Smith is an Oklahoma attorney by day, author by night who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Connect with Lauren

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Passion and Plunder - Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series by Collette Cameron

Passion and Plunder

Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series

by

Bestselling Author Collette Cameron

Collette Cameron has done it again! This series just keeps getting better! All of Cameron's leading ladies are strong women, but our h in this tale exudes strength and courage! The plot is very thick in this tale and takes the reader on many twists and turns. Excellent historical accuracy and deep characterization. As always, Cameron adds a bit of humor to her tales. If you like a strong female role and a deeply romantic and passionate couple, then I highly recommend Passion and Plunder!

Review ~ The Perks of Loving A Scoundrel - The Seduction Diaries by Jennifer McQuiston

The Perks of Loving A Scoundrel

The Seduction Diaries

By 

Jennifer McQuiston

Reviewed on October 7, 2016

Oh this is such a wonderful, on the edge of your seat book that you will not be able to put down! I absolutely loved The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston.

We first meet timid and shy Mary Channing, who has lived her life in the country and lived her life through books. Miss Channing is a book worm to a T and she does not have time for nor desire romance. She’s avoided London and having a Season, that is until she’s summoned to her sister’s home in London to act as chaperone during her last days of pregnancy. Bored already and striving to avoid the noisiness of the London high life, Mary seeks refuge in the garden with a good book. However, she’s soon greatly and ghastly interrupted by a gentleman, a very drunken one, who’s urinating all over the roses.  Shocked and appalled, Mary quite literally squeaks out her disgust to the man who happens to be one of London’s most notorious scoundrel’s; Geoffrey Westmore, who is quite taken by this shy creature reading in her nightgown.

Later these two meet again when at a literary reading, where Mary has the opportunity to meet some of her favorite authors, such as Dickens. However, she’s so terribly nervous and uncomfortable that she seeks solace in the library down the hall. Seeing this lady in blue, Geoffrey heads off in her direction in hopes of a naughty library tryst. However, he’s met by a very shy yet beautiful, Miss Channing who peaks his interest and stirs his insides. He soon realizes she’s the lady from the garden and she has really no desire to be in his presence. Soon they hear tapping at the door and Geoffrey hides them behind the curtain and clamps a hand over Mary’s mouth. He thinks it’s a couple also interested in a tryst. However, to their surprise it’s a foursome who are plotting to assassinate someone and with what little they gained, they know a duke is involved. In order to keep Mary quiet, Geoffrey kisses her and his hands begin to wander only to be surprised out of their little game of seduction when the door opens and standing there with his sister are guests and the authors.

The next day, Geoffrey goes to Mary to do the honorable thing by offering his hand in marriage, however, Mary refuses. She’s more interested in discovering and solving the assignation attempt. She thrusts at him a list of possible scenarios and whose life could be in jeopardy. Reluctantly at first, he does agree to attempt to solve this mystery. Soon the two are on a feverish quest to solve the mystery and save the day. Can the two stop the assignation from happening? In the midst of solving an impending crime, will the two solve their own dilemma and give into their passions?

This is my first book of Jennifer McQuiston and I’m am now a huge fan! This book is filled with passion, mystery, intrigue and yes splashes of humor throughout. If you love a good history romance and are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, you’ll love this book!

**Thanks to Avon/HarperCollins for gifting me a copy of this book for an honest review**

Teatime and Books Review ~ A Scot in the Dark - Scandal & Scoundrel: Book II by Sarah MacLean

Teatime and Books Review

A Scot in the Dark

Scandal & Scoundrel: Book II

By

Sarah MacLean

HarperCollins Publisher

Reviewed on August 30, 2016

A deeply passionate, sensual and a scorcher of a read! A Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLean will knock you off your feet with every page turn.

We are first met by Lillian Hargrove who is completely and utterly humiliated and ruined in the eyes of the ton, thanks to a very sneaky and conniving artist. Lillian had sat for a nude that she thought was for the eyes of the artist, and the love of her life, only. However, he betrayed her trust and is now threatening to show the painting to all of London in a matter of a few days.

Having been informed by his solicitor, Alec, The Duke of Warnick made a mad dash from Scotland to England. Arriving at one of his many residences, he finally finds Lady Hargrove. She’s shocked to see a large Scottish man at her doorstep, quite literally knocking down her door, and even more surprised to learn that he is her guardian. He’s there to help her in regards her scandalous situation. At first he’s set on her marrying the artist. However, after meeting up with the arrogant artist in a local pub and learning more about the situation and seeing how arrogant and careless this man is. He changes his mind and wants nothing but to protect Lillian.

He comes to a solution, that in order to save Lillian’s reputation, she should marry a titled man and put the scandal to rest. However, Lillian wants nothing to do with marriage, she wants to run away and escape the scandal and start her life anew. An inheritance is due on her next birthday and that is exactly what she intends to do. However, Alec still insists she get married and tries his best to pair her with a decent English Lord.

In the end, nether of their plans works as they soon find themselves falling in love. However, they are both battling internal demons from their pasts that threaten them falling in love with anyone or each other. Will they ever be able to love? More importantly, will they open up and admit their true feelings for each other before it’s too late?

This is my first book of Sarah MacLean’s and I must say I’ve become a huge fan. Wow, what an amazing writer, she can weave a tale so deep and toss in so many twists and turns that the readers’ find surprises on just about every page.  The passion and sensuality between the H and h just ignites. I really fell in love with Alec and Lillian, and both had some pretty intense struggles in their lives to overcome and one couldn’t help but have a soft spot in their heart for them. MacLean writes some wonderful minor characters, too, that help move the story along. This is definitely one book you’ll want to add to your library. A well deserving High 5 Stars!

**Thanks to HarperCollins Publishers for gifting me a copy of this book for an honest review**

This Earl is on Fire - This Season's Original Series: Book 2 by Vivienne Lorret

Teatime and Books Review

This Earl is on Fire

This Season’s Original Series: Book 2

By

USA Today Bestselling Author

Vivienne Lorret

Reviewed on August 12, 2016

Vivienne Lorret’s This Season’s Original Series just gets better and better. I’m totally addicted to this series and can’t wait for the next book! This Earl is on Fire is a captivatingly, deeply passionate, roller coaster of a read. This story is well deserving of 5 stars.

We are first met by the Pimm’s family who open their door to find a man slumped on their stoop. He’s been horribly beaten up and unconscious. The Pimm’s, with the help of their butler, drag him inside. Their daughter Adeline is taken by him and feels a deep sorrow for this poor soul at her door step. After bandaging him up and settling him into their guest room, Adeline visits with him and tries to help settle his pillow and after he awakens tries to give him a drink of water. It’s the sound of Adeline’s voice that gives him any relief from pain. Adeline soon learns that the gentleman in her families care is Liam Cavanaugh, the Earl of Wolford.

Once Liam learns that Adeline is a debutante he instantly pushes away from her, for he fears getting suckered into marrying her and he wants nothing to do with marriage. He’s avoided it successfully for many years now. Adeline, however, also does not have marriage on her mind. She and her family have come from the countryside and her parents would love for her to find her mate, however, Adeline just wants adventure. Her whole life she’s spent trapped in her bed due to her deformed shortened leg and she wants to experience what life has to offer.

However, she had no idea that she’d find adventure in the form of a dashingly handsome and scandalous Earl, nor did he bargain on finding this quiet country lady so captivating and begin to feel his heart drawn to her. Will Liam open up his heart to the beautiful Adeline? Will Adeline find not only adventure but love too?

Lorret’s writing is impeccable, she keeps the reader attached from the first page. The characters are well developed and well-rounded, I felt that I could relate to these characters and soon just fell in love with Adeline and Liam. The plot is filled with twists and turns and the scenery makes one feel as if they are really there. A truly remarkable read that is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend this book and this whole series! This whole series is on fire!

Why Dukes Fall In Love - A Dukes Behaving Badly Novel by Megan Frampton

Why Dukes Fall In Love?

A Dukes Behaving Badly Novel

By

Megan Frampton

Reviewed on August 4, 2016

This is absolutely one of the most witty and sensual romantic tales of the year! A definite high 5 stars for Megan Frampton’s Why Dukes Fall In Love?! From the first page I could not put this book down, it is so addicting!

We first meet Edwina Cheltam at her friend Caroline’s employment agency. Edwina is recently widowed and her husband let her penniless and she’s been struggling ever since to make ends meet. Her friend finds her employment as a secretary to Lord Michael, the Duke of Hadlow. He is expecting, yet another inexperienced and unintelligent man when to his surprise he’s met with a beautiful and very intelligent woman. He not only takes Edwina under his employ, he also welcomes her little six-year-old daughter into his home as well. He shocks himself for his brash decisions, it is entirely not like him! It isn’t long before Edwina and her little girl charm the likes out of this arrogant and absolutely gorgeous duke.

Michael has always prided himself on his composure and absolute control over every situation that life has handed him. He’s also kept himself away from marriage for his thirty-four years of life and plans to keep it that way. That is until Edwina comes into his life and quite literally knocks him off his arrogant aristocratic feet. Will Michael give in to his growing love for this common yet beautiful and witty woman and her little girl? Or will he end up alone for the rest of his days?

This is my first book of Megan Frampton’s and I must admit, I’m an absolute diehard fan now! I can’t wait to read more from this very talented and creative author. This story is just filled with imagination and wit, and oh so steamy! I highly recommend this book!

**Thank You Avon Books (A HarperCollins Imprint) for giving me a copy of this book for an honest review**

Temptations of a Wallflower - The Wicked Quills of London #3 by Eva Leigh

Temptations of a Wallflower

The Wicked Quills of London #3

By: Eva Leigh

Reviewed on May 5, 2015

Absolutely one of the most wonderful reads of the year! A dynamic high 5 stars for Temptations of a Wallflower by Eva Leigh. This story kept me attached and up all hours reading from the first page!

We first meet Jeremy, a country Vicar who’s been asked to undertake a very special mission and find out who this Lady of Dubious Quality is, she’s the author of the most sensual, passionate erotic novels out there that have captivated the ton. Jeremy is tasked with finding this author out and shutting him or her down.

Lady Sarah Frampton known as the Watching Wallflower to society is a quiet, shy lady who’d much prefer being curled up with a book or writing a book than hunting for husbands. However, her mother is insistent that she find a husband and drags her to a garden party. Here she hides herself away in a little nook that’s got just what she desires, a writing desk. She brings out her quill and paper and begins daydreaming until her mother finds her and drags her out. While at the party she is introduced to the host’s nephew, the holy yet dashingly handsome, Vicar Jeremey Cleland. She and Jeremy have a stroll through the gardens and to Sara’s surprise she can’t help but find herself taken by this country vicar and finding her imagination going wild with stories. Jeremy too finds himself taken by the shy yet beautiful Lady. There’s just one problem, he’s far below her rank in society’s eyes. Also, Sarah holds a very dark and deep secret… she is Lady of Dubious Quality, she is the one who pens these steamy erotic reads… the one who Jeremy is on the lookout for… Will Lady Sarah finally give in and find a husband? Will the true identity behind these steamy reads be revealed? Will Jeremy find her out?

This series just keeps getting better and better and Eva Leigh’s writing is just phenomenal and this story is pure genius! I absolutely fell in love with our shy yet very sensual Sarah. Her character just comes alive on the pages and what a perfect character, one so backward and shy and one who wants nothing to do with a husband and the marriage bed, yet inside her lives this very steamy and sensual imagination… and one that is not at all shy in the ways of the marriage bed! I loved that she’s a writer and has this very vivid and wild imagination. I also loved Jeremy’s character, he too is one so shy and his passions and sensuality are hidden by the cloth yet it’s soon to be sparked! Excellent storyline and plot and one that is filled with suspense and thrill! I absolutely loved this book and I can’t wait to read more! I highly suggest this whole series, you won’t be disappointed!

How to Manage a Marquess by Sally MacKenzie

How to Manage a Marquess

By

Sally MacKenzie

Reviewed on May 5, 2016

I give this book a 4 star rating. The reason being, although a lovely story, it ran a tad slow and I must admit it took me a bit to get into the story. We start off meeting a young lad, Nate the Marquess of Haywood, whose mother is dying and he’s promised her that he will protect his cousin, the future Duke, from the curse of Isabelle Dorring. So the only way for Nate to keep his cousin safe is to help him remain single. As the youths grow into young gentleman, those proves harder than it seems and the Duke is beginning to take a liking to women and they too of him.

Next we meet Miss Anne Davenport and she wants nothing to do with marriage and men, she wants to live in the Spinster House, only there’s one problem, her friend Cat has claimed the house and refuses to leave. The lovely Cat has also become smitten with the dashingly beautiful and single Marquess, the future Duke. So Anne strives to get her friend Cat and the Duke together and on the road to marriage and therefore Cat will no longer be a spinster and therefore have to give up the spinster house. Only one problem stands in the way of Anne’s mission, the gorgeous and charming yet persistent Nate, who wants to protect his cousin from the curse and therefore does all he can to keep Cat from him and keep Marquess single. Anne also begins to find herself falling for this Marquess and he too finds himself smitten with her. Will Cat continue to keep Anne from moving into the Spinster House or will another reason keep her from her dream?

The writing is well done and historically accurate. It was just a tad slow in the beginning but otherwise a wonderful read!

One Dangerous Desire - Accidental Heirs by Christy Carlyle

One Dangerous Desire (Accidental Heirs)

By

Christy Carlyle

Reviewed on April 28, 2016

I give this a 5 stars. This was a lovely historical romance and quite well written, there is a lot of suspense and intrigue throughout. A deeply enchanting love story that is rich in passion and classic romance. It is high in its historical accuracy and is a lovely plot. Christy Carlyle has done a lovely job with this book and I intend to go back and read all of the books in this series!

Six Degrees of Scandal - Scandalous #4 by Caroline Linden

Six Degrees of Scandal

Scandalous #4

By

Caroline Linden

Reviewed on April 7, 2016

Six Degrees of Scandal by Caroline Linden is a historical, romance, and mystery all in one amazing tale! This is not your typical historical romance with ballrooms and frilly gowns and the Ton at every turn of the pages. No, this is a thrill ride filled with intrigue and suspense and yes, tons of passion.

First we see the Herbert family in church and their daughter, Olivia is taken by a young boy, James Weston. However, according to Olivia’s parents, the Weston’s are not good enough for her, because they do not come from money. That soon changes when the Herbert’s learn of the Weston’s having recently bought the largest manor house in the area. Now Olivia and her sister are permitted to play and visit the Weston’s. Upon her visits, she becomes fast friends with James’ (Jamie as he’s known to friends and family) sisters and James himself. Jamie is often away on trips with his father and upon his return from one particular trip, he meets with Olivia at their spot by the creek. They are both now grown some years and they go for a swim and soon end up in each other’s arms. They make love for the first time and both declare their love for one another and he asks her to marry him. However, he wishes to wait one year in order to save some money.

Olivia is over-joyed and is awaiting for Jamie to make the announcement to his family, however, Jamie does not make this announcement and instead heads off on a business venture with his father. Olivia is doubting his love for her and if he ever truly meant to marry her. The Herbert family have come into debt and much of their belongings have had to be sold.  Olivia’s father is desperate for some money, and after having learned of Olivia’s love-making with Jamie, matches her up with a Henry Townsend. Much to Olivia’s reluctance and dismay, she marries Henry and when Jamie returns, he’s shocked that Olivia has taken a husband. He wanted her for himself, however, she didn’t think he wanted her and therefore breaks ties with him, she knows she must bury the love she feels for him.

Two years later, Henry dies and leaves Olivia penniless. She has a journal of his that is filled with mysterious and nonsense markings. So she heads to London to seek out his solicitor and gather his remaining papers. However, the solicitor informs her that he has burned all of Henry’s remaining documents and Olivia is floored. An acquaintance of Henry’s a Lord Clary was after her and harassing her and she knew the mystery behind the wasted money and Clary lied in those papers. She leaves the solicitors and is walking the long distance back to the fishing cabin she’s rented, when someone comes upon her from behind and in her haste and fear she slams him in the arm with a shovel. To her dismay and shock, it’s Jamie and he’s come to help her. He’s learned from his sister Penelope (who was also almost harmed by Clary, she was almost thrown overboard) of Olivia’s adventure and he wants to help her and get this Clary fellow for trying to harm his sister.

Olivia explains everything to Jamie and shows him Henry’s Journal. So James and Olivia venture off to get Clary and find the answers to Henry’s financial mysteries. An amazing adventure and journey awaits them and with each turn of the pages. Surprises abound throughout the story and the mystery just thickens.

Truly a wonderful story that will leave you on the edge of your seat awaiting what comes next. This is my first book of Caroline Linden’s and I must say I was expecting your typical historical romance, but I was pleasantly surprised and taken on quite the journey as she weaves her tale of mystery and suspense. I absolutely loved this book and praise to Ms. Linden for creating such a masterpiece of mystery and suspense, yet filled with historical accuracy and deep love and passion. If you love a good historical romance and a good mystery, this is the book for you!

**I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review**

Her One True Love by Rachel Brimble

Her One True Love

By

Rachel Brimble

Reviewed on April 1, 2016

Her One True Love by Rachel Brimble is such a powerful and deeply passionate romance. A story of heartache and love lost but yet love finds the two birds again in a most unusual way. We are first met by Jane and her sister taking a walk through the woods of their small village town. They run into Matthew Cleaves whom Jane has secretly loved for some time. However, Matthew gave his heart to another and married two years ago leaving Jane heartbroken and hopeless. Now, Matthew is the heartbroken one, having been left by his wife who cheated on him and he walks through the town in such a somber state. Jane still hopes he'll confess his love for her but alas, he does not on that day in the woods. On that day, Jane finally makes up her mind to head to Bath and start her life anew without Matthew Cleaves and move on in hopes of finding her one true love just as her sister had. So off to Bath she goes into a whole new life... but will her heart find another one true love? Or will the dashingly beautiful Matthew Cleaves regain his place in society and realize who he's truly loved all along?

This is my first book to read from author Rachel Brimble and I must say I'm very impressed. Her writing style is beautiful and has a poetic flow to it. In Her One True Love, she weaves a tale of deep woe and sorrow yet romance and an undying love captures her characters and the story takes on a whole new meaning. I highly recommend this book for any romantic at heart!

The Forbidden - The Untouchables #1 by Darcy Burke

The Forbidden Duke

The Untouchables #1

By

Darcy Burke

Reviewed on March 31, 2016

The Forbidden Duke by Darcy Burke is such a breathtaking read, filled with vivid history, passion, loss and yes, romance. Lots of romance. A wonderful 5 star read that will make a great addition to anyone’s library.

We start off by seeing spinster, Eleanor Lockhart meeting with her father and being informed that he’s lost it all. He has nothing left to provide her with and she must find new accommodations. Eleanor at first is at a loss of what to do, she been banished by family and many friends due to an incident that occurred several years prior. She was caught in a passionate kiss with a rake which ruined her name and life in society.  The only thing she could do is become a ladies companion. She’s soon hired by Lady Satterfield, who immediately falls in love with the young woman. Here, Eleanor meets the dashing, yet dark and mysterious Forbidden Duke or so his nickname goes. Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal who just happens to be Lady Satterfield’s step-son and the one who is responsible for Eleanor’s fall from grace some years prior, no, he’s not the man in question. However, it was he who influenced his friends to go about acting rakish and ruining innocent misses. Titus soon finds himself smitten with the lovely Miss Eleanor and he soon finds himself drawn to helping her and she too begins to fall for the dark and mysterious duke. Can Titus help Miss Eleanor regain her rightful name in society? Will he express his love and finally settle down and wed the lovely miss?

This is my first book of Darcy Burke’s and I must say I am now a huge fan. Her writing style is impeccable and she weaves such a deep and vivid tale that just captures the reader and draws them back in time to the elegant ballrooms, the afternoon teas of the ton and of course into the passionate lives of the characters. Her characters spring to life on the pages and one can’t help but fall in love. This is a wonderful read and I can’t wait see what to come next in this amazing series of The Untouchables.

**I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review**

Three Weeks to Wed - The Worthingtons by Ella Quinn

Three Weeks To Wed (The Worthingtons)

By

Ella Quinn

Reviewed on March 29, 2016

Release Day!

Three Week to Wed (The Worthingtons) by Ella Quinn is truly a masterpiece and a series that you will want to watch out for and add to your library! A definite high 5 stars!

We start off in a little inn where Lady Grace Carpenter has had to stop due to the impending rain. She’s resting in the inn’s parlour when a gentleman enters. Mattheus (Matt), Earl of Worthington has also been stopped by the rains and at the inn finds a delightful young lady whom he shares dinner with and later the two end up in a rendezvous. Grace gave into her desires as she feels she will never get married and therefore never experience the touch of a man because she’s the guardian of her seven brothers and sisters and therefore has accepted a life of singlehood.

However, upon this night of love and passion, Matt falls madly in love with “His Love” as he calls her and when he returns to London, he can’t get her out of his mind and goes in search of her. Grace comes to London to see her sister Charlotte’s come-out season and she learns the Worthington is also there for the season as his sister is coming out as well. She does all she can to avoid him, however she runs into him at a gathering and here again she falls into his arms and is enraptured by their love-making.

Worthington loves Grace dearly and can’t see his life without her, he goes the next morning to seek her hand. Only to his surprise, he’s met with seven children and Grace confesses to him why she can’t marry him. However, he’s relentless and with the help of the children, eleven now in total counting his four sisters. He expresses his love and pleads for Grace to become his wife. Will Grace open her heart and become Matt’s wife? Will these two combine and create one big beautiful family?

Quinn weaves a beautiful tale of love and deep passion between two remarkable people and her writing style is impeccable. Her characters just draw the reader in and welcome them into their lives and home. The twists and turns they all go through takes the reader on quite the ride. Quinn is truly a lady of words and weaves such a tale that is so vivid, the reader can’t help but feel as if they are right there, feeling, hearing and tasting it all. Three Weeks to Wed is a masterpiece and tells of the deep love and faith of this beautiful family. One can’t help but fall in love with the Worthingtons. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

**I received a copy of the book from the author for an honest review**

The Road to Winterhill by Gloria Gay

The Road to Winterhill

By

Gloria Gay

Reviewed on March 18, 2016

The Road to Winterhill by Gloria Gay is truly a 5 Star read, one that you will not be able to put down! I absolutely loved this story and felt drawn into it from the first paragraph. Our heroine of the story Belinda Presleigh is conned by her mother into a scheme involving Richard Branston, Earl of Berrington. Lord Berrington is drawn into the wine cellar by his mistress or so he thought, but instead and to his surprise he sees Belinda Presleigh. He goes back up the stairs and finds the door locked. Belinda at that moment knows her mother was behind this. She and Lord Berrington are stuck in the cellar throughout the night and to the Tons surprise are found the next morning. Lord Berrington, doing the honorable thing offers his hand to Belinda and she accepts. Belinda truly has been in love with Lord Berrington most all of her life but never let him know. She’s a very shy young woman and drowns herself in the written word and taking leisurely walks.

Her older sister was the beauty of the family and such high hopes were held that she’d become a great heiress. Her family was staying in London to prepare for her first season and the girl became very ill and shortly after died. Now all they had left was Belinda, who was not a striking beauty, rather plain and backward. However, she is their only hope to regain their position among the Ton and Society. So her mother focuses all her attentions on Belinda and when she learns of Belinda’s love for Lord Berrington, she creates a scheme that will assure the match must be made.

Lord Berrington and Belinda head from London to Winterhill, his country estate. Once at the estate, Belinda is greatly mistreated by Lord Berrington’s sister-in-law and his sister and the only friend Belinda has is her maid. It isn’t long before Lord Berrington heads back to London, leaving his new bride alone in the home to learn how to be the proper Countess and running Winterhill as promised by his sister-in-law. However, to his shock, his sister-in-law horribly mistreats Belinda and treats her as an outcast. While Lord Berrington is in London, he starts to realize the first stirrings of love for Belinda and he rushes home but a horror awaits his return. Will Belinda ever win Lord Berrington’s heart and love? Or will she be content to just live with the fact that she has loved him or will she be able to express that love?

Truly a wonderful story that will keep you awake all hours turning the pages! This story is filled with love, passion and a lot of suspense!

The Groom Wore Plaid - Highland Weddings by Gayle Callen

The Groom Wore Plaid: Highland Weddings

By

Gayle Callen

Reviewed on March 11, 2016

A wonderful story and I give it a 4 Stars! Maggie McCallum see's things in her dreams and they often come true. She saw the death of her dear friend and love, Owen Duff. THe McCallum's and Duff's have been warring clans for some time and it is felt that a match between the two would bring peace to the clans. So Maggie and Owen are betrothed, however, Maggie is at first against it because due to a dream she has had she knows Owen's life is in danger and his clan is in jeopardy. She relentlessly tries to call the marriage off but Owen will have none of it, He is deeply in love with Maggie and desires her in so many ways. Will the two end up in wedded bliss? Will Maggie be able to get through to Owen and save his and his clans lives?

This story has a wonderful concept behind it but I must admit it has some flow issues in parts where the plot does not make complete sense to the reader. I feel that needs to be further developed. Otherwise, the story is awesome, the characters are very strong and well developed. If you enjoy a good highlander story, this is a good one!

Defying the Earl - Regency Charms: Book 1 by Annabelle Bryant

Defying The Earl (Regency Charms, Book 1)

By

Annabelle Bryant

Reviewed on March 7, 2016

5 Teacups

Defying the Earl by Annabelle Bryant is a High 5 Star Read. This lovely tale will capture the hearts of historical romance lovers all around.

Wilhelmina Montgomery has come up with a clever way to help her sister get more treatments. Her sister, Livie, and her parents were in a terrible accident some years before. Her parents died and Livie was badly hurt, she became unable to walk. Live and Wilhelmina live with their aunt Kate and Livie’s treatments for her legs have become very costly and Wilhelmina come up with a plan to be a matchmaker and help bring couples who truly love one another together.  While browsing in the bookstore, Wilhelmina comes upon Lady Brigby who wants to see her son Leonard matched up with the one he truly desires, Lady Fiona. So Wilhelmina is on her way to matchmaking and bringing in some money to help pay for Livie’s treatments.

Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood is in need of a way to make money quick. He and his brother are in dire straits. His father the former Earl squandered their savings and now his brother Jasper has gambled and partied what remained of their savings and inheritance and now creditors are hounding on their door and they are in fear of losing their manor in the country. So the two come up with a plan to be matchbreakers in order to recoup what they’ve lost. He meets with Lord Rigby who wants nothing more than to see his son not fall in love with Lord Noble’s daughter, Fiona. Leonard Rigby has been smitten with Lady Fiona and truly desires her, so it is up to Valerian to break the two up.

Through a series of circumstances and rather humorous meetings, Lord Valerian and Lady Wilhelmina keep running into one another and neither has any knowledge of what the other has been up to. Through their matchmaking and matchbreaking schemes they both find themselves falling for one another. Valerian invites Wilhelmina to Kirby’s Place, his manor in the country and opens up to her about his impoverished situation and also bears his heart and expresses just how in love he is with her. Will Wilhelmina accept Valerian as poor as he is? Will she too open and give her heart to him? What will become of their matchmaking and matchbreaking schemes?

Annabelle Bryant weaves a beautiful tale of love, romance and yes schemes and humor all around. The scenery and plot are vivid and deep. Each character is well developed and the reader can’t help but fall in love with each one. I can’t wait to read the next in this wonderful series! This is truly a wonderful book that will make a great addition to your library.