Thursday, September 14, 2023

Book Spotlight: The Lady and the Rogue by Ruth A. Casie



Ruth A. Casie, a USA Today Best-selling author, has released the third standalone Regency romance novel in the Return of Ladies of Sommer by the Sea series. Come check out an excerpt of THE LADY AND THE ROGUE and celebrate with us! Be sure to enter the giveaway.

The Lady and the Rogue



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Feisty and passionate. He’ll enjoy making her fall in love with him…or die trying.

In the shadowy depths of London, Lady Euphemia Brandt, a renowned concert pianist, is mistaken by an English nobleman for his intended rendezvous. She defends herself, losing her reticule in the process. Reluctantly, she takes coins from her attacker and secures a carriage home. Their eyes lock, and they share a searing kiss, altering their lives forever.

At an affair honoring the Prime Minister, Euphemia discovers that the rogue who accosted her is a much sought-after, wealthy member of society. Struggling to resist his attraction, she battles memories of their kiss.

Cayden Whitford, the Duke of Thornton, seeking a woman with vital information, mistakes Euphemia for his contact and is surprised by her swift blow and the ensuing kiss. Intrigued, he vows to find her. At a dinner party, Thornton leans she is the daughter of a trusted advisor and masquerades as a suitor to discover her allegiance.

As Thornton unravels Euphemia’s wit, logic, and passion, his initial mission falters. He’s fallen in love with her.

About the Author

RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author of historical swashbuckling action-adventures and contemporary romance with enough action to keep you turning pages. Her stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international bank where she was a product/marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now-writing romance. She hopes her stories become your favorite adventures.

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Read an Excerpt

“This is our second dance, Your Grace. Do you care about gossip?”

The dance started.

“Not at all. And you, my lady? Do you care about gossip?”

He led her through the steps with a strong yet gentle hand.

“I won’t be here long enough to take notice. To the ton, the gossip is only fun if they can watch their target squirm. I’d rather not be their source of entertainment. You, on the other hand, will have to endure it for weeks.”

He laughed as he spun her around. To him, the discomfort would be worth it.

With her in his arms, a spark grew into a flame that drew him closer to her with every step and every turn. Though he maintained the expected propriety, it was clear to anyone who cared to look that something was happening. An attraction that threatened to ignite into something… explosive.

Effie remained stoic, ice-queen-like. But her very stillness accentuated the tension between them. When she finally gazed into his eyes, she was caught in his web of desire, and he didn’t allow her a way out.

As the music came to an end, she was left breathless and flushed. The intense passion that had shone in her eyes was gone, replaced by her usual detached and aloof manner. Thornton wondered if he would need to constantly play music to keep her fiery desire alive, to melt away the icy barrier she erected around herself.

He escorted her off the dance floor and settled her with her mother.

“Thank you, Lady Euphemia. You made an ordinary waltz quite exciting.” He focused on her mother. “Thank you, ma’am, for an enjoyable evening.”

“Are you leaving so soon, Your Grace?” The duchess gave him a pained look, then glanced at Effie.

“Yes, I’m afraid so. I have things to prepare for an early morning meeting.”

He took his leave, letting Effie believe she’d won, but she didn’t know how persistent he could be.

As he reached the door across the room, he felt a sudden tug on his sleeve. Glancing to his right, he saw that it was Lady Euphemia. He was surprised when she tucked her arm in his.

“What are you up to, Thornton? You danced with me twice this evening. You assisted me with the challenge. You have the entire room whispering.”

He stopped and faced her. “What would you like me to do?” He glanced over her head at the people that filled the ballroom. “I can make an announcement that you are very much available.”

She pulled him out of the room. “You wouldn’t dare.”

They arrived at the door. “Mr. Gregory, His Grace’s carriage, please.”

The butler went outside to call up his carriage.

“No. I wouldn’t. I’ll think of a way to protect you.”

He saw his carriage coming into the drive. He pulled Effie into his arms and kissed her. He had wanted to do it since he spotted her hours ago.

He found her lips even softer than he had remembered, with a sweet and fresh taste. He allowed himself to deeply kiss her, passionate yet gentle, savoring every moment before finally pulling away. They stood staring into each other’s eyes, breathing heavily, the air thick with longing and desire.

“Something to remember me by,” he whispered in her ear.

He stepped back. The passion was back in Effie’s eyes. That’s the way he wanted to remember her. Effie. He kissed the tip of her nose and was gone.

 

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Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Book Review: Captured by a Laird by Margaret Mallory


Title: Captured by a Laird
Author: Margaret Mallory
Series The Douglas Legacy #1
Publisher: Createspace
Pub Date: Sept. 15th, 2014




THE DOUGLAS LEGACY
The Douglas sisters, beauties all, are valuable pawns in their family's bitter struggle to control the Scottish Crown. But when powerful enemies threaten, each Douglas lass will find she must face them alone.

CAPTURED BY A LAIRD
Haunted by his father's violent death, David Hume, the new laird of Wedderburn, sets out to make his name so feared that no one will dare harm his family again. The treacherous ally who played on his father's weakness is dead and beyond David's vengeance, but his castle and young widow are ripe for the taking. The moment David lays eyes on the dark-haired beauty defending her wee daughters, however, he knows this frail-looking lass is the one person who could bring him to his knees.

Wed at thirteen to a man who tried daily to break her spirit, Lady Alison Douglas is looking forward to a long widowhood. But when the fearsome warrior known as the Beast of Wedderburn storms her gates, she finds herself, once again, forced to wed a stranger. Alison is only a pawn to serve his vengeance, so why does this dark warrior arouse such fiery passion and an unwelcome longing in her heart?

                                         Review

I was very excited to read this book and start this series.  It was very well written for it being self published, although it was a very quick read.  Probably because I was so invested in it I couldn't wait to see what happened next.  It was interesting to read that the characters were real and actually did live in that century, and actually did have a good marriage (hopefully). I was very excited to read the next book in this series, but then I read the blurb.  And the plot seemed very much like the plot of this book. that I had just read.  I wasn't into reading the same story, albeit with different characters.
Oh well.  I'm glad I read this book at least.  It reminded me very much of Maya Banks and her highlander series.  I so miss Maya Banks, and wonder what happened to her.  I might read more Mallory.  Not sure though.


Monday, October 28, 2019

Xmas blog tour: The Christmas Dare by Lori Wilde


The Christmas Dare
by Lori Wilde
Series
Twilight, Texas
Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance
PublisherAvon Books
Publication Date
October 22, 2019
Purchase Your Copy Today!
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A jilted-at-the-altar bride reunites with her high school sweetheart in Lori Wilde’s sensational new Twilight, Texas Christmas novel.
Kelsey James always played by the rules and look where it got her—dumped and half-drunk in a poofy white dress, her Christmas wedding ruined. Then her best friend talks her into going on her “honeymoon” anyway, daring her to a “Christmas of Yes.”  It’s about time she lets loose a little, so Kelsey agrees to say “yes” to fun, to romance, and to adventure! And adventure leads her right smack into the arms of sexy Noah MacGregor.
Noah’s never one to say no to a risk—from leading his NBA team to victory to making Christmas cookies in Twilight, he’s up to the challenge! But a lot has gone on since they were teenagers, and he knows he has to take his time to make Kelsey dare to believe that what they feel is more than just the holiday magic that’s in the air . . .



 Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of THE CHRISTMAS DARE by Lori Wilde, we're giving away a paperback copy The Christmas Key by Lori Wilde to one lucky winner!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy The Christmas Key by Lori Wilde. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Books.  Giveaway ends 11/4/2019 @ 11:59pm EST.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!


About Lori Wilde


A fifth generation Texan, LORI WILDE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 82 works of fiction. She’s a three-time nominee of the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA award and has won numerous other awards. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Christian University, and a certificate in forensics.
She is also a certified Hatha yoga instructor, and runs a yoga/creativity retreat for artists at Epiphany Orchards in Weatherford, Texas, the Cutting Horse Capital of the World.
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Thursday, October 17, 2019

Release Day: Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella


Title: Christmas Shopaholic
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Publication: Bantam Press ( Penguin Books)
Pub Date: Oct 15th
Pgs: 384


Celebrate Christmas with the ultimate Shopaholic!

The brilliant laugh-out-loud festive novel from the Number One bestselling author.

Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) adores Christmas. It's always the same – Mum and Dad hosting, carols playing, Mum pretending she made the Christmas pudding, and the next-door neighbours coming round for sherry in their terrible festive jumpers.

And now it's even easier with online bargain-shopping sites – if you spend enough you even get free delivery. Sorted!

But this year looks set to be different. Unable to resist the draw of craft beer and smashed avocado, Becky's parents are moving to ultra-trendy Shoreditch and have asked Becky if she'll host Christmas this year. What could possibly go wrong?

With sister Jess demanding a vegan turkey, husband Luke determined that he just wants aftershave again, and little Minnie insisting on a very specific picnic hamper – surely Becky can manage all this, as well as the surprise appearance of an old boyfriend and his pushy new girlfriend, whose motives are far from clear . . .

Will chaos ensue, or will Becky manage to bring comfort and joy to Christmas?

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

New Release Spotlight: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Meyes

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Title: The Giver of Stars
Author: Jojo Meyes
Publication: Pamela Dorman Books ( Penguin)
Pub: Date: Oct. 8
Pgs. 400 Hardcover

Set in Depression-era America, a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women and their remarkable journey through the mountains of Kentucky and beyond, from the author of Me Before You and The Peacock Emporium .

Alice Wright marries handsome American Bennett Van Cleve hoping to escape her stifling life in England. But small-town Kentucky quickly proves equally claustrophobic, especially living alongside her overbearing father-in-law. So when a call goes out for a team of women to deliver books as part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s new traveling library, Alice signs on enthusiastically.

The leader, and soon Alice’s greatest ally, is Margery, a smart-talking, self-sufficient woman who’s never asked a man’s permission for anything. They will be joined by three other singular women who become known as the Horseback Librarians of Kentucky.

What happens to them—and to the men they love—becomes a classic drama of loyalty, justice, humanity and passion. Though they face all kinds of dangers, they’re committed to their job—bringing books to people who have never had any, sharing the gift of learning that will change their lives.

Based on a true story rooted in America’s past, The Giver of Stars is unparalleled in its scope. At times funny, at others heartbreaking, this is a richly rewarding novel of women’s friendship, of true love, and of what happens when we reach beyond our grasp for the great beyond.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Xmas book Spotlight: Christmas in Harmony Harbor by Debbie Mason


Title: Christmas in Harmony Harbor (#9)
Author: Debbie Mason
Publication: Forever
Date Published: Oct. 1st




Evangeline Christmas will do anything to save her year-round Christmas store, Holiday House, when high-powered real-estate developer Caine Elliot uses his money and influence to push through his competing property next door. When her last desperate attempt to stop him fails, she gambles everything on a proposition she prays the handsome, blue-eyed player can't refuse.


Caine agrees to Evie's bargain because how hard can it be to fulfill three wishes on the Angel Tree at Holiday House? The wishes have him reliving the Christmases of his past and taking part in the holiday festivities of Christmas present. But just when he begins to believe Evie might be his Christmas future, dark secrets from his past are revealed.


Will the last wish on the Angel Tree be enough to give Caine and Evie the happy ending they deserve?

Monday, October 7, 2019

Blog Tour + Extras: How to Capture a Duke by Tina Gabrielle


Lady Olivia, the youngest sister of the Earl of Castleton, has no patience for the boring gentlemen of aristocratic society. She longs for a more adventurous life like the ladies who visit the Raven Club. But her plans are thwarted when her family drags her to a country house party to meet the elusive Duke of Keswick.
Tristan Cameron, the Duke of Keswick, finds Olivia in his stables. She believes him to be the stable master, and he doesn’t dissuade her of the notion. He has no interest in entertaining one of the spoiled, self-indulgent ladies who’ve invaded his home. Except, Olivia is neither of those things, and their shared kiss during a ride results in combustible passion.
And a potential scandal.
Olivia is relieved when the handsome stable master comes to her aid as her alibi, but that relief fades to anger when she suddenly finds herself betrothed to the harsh, foul-tempered duke.
Tristan believes he’s been trapped by a scheming, title-seeking lady. To make matters worse, she’s utterly captivating. He plans on leaving her behind in the country immediately after their vows, but Tristan soon finds himself battling temptation and Olivia’s stubborn determination to be the Duchess he doesn’t believe he deserves...

Excerpt

HOW TO CAPTURE A DUKE
A Raven Club Novel
Copyright © 2019 by Tina Gabrielle




 HOW TO CAPTURE A DUKE
A Raven Club Novel
Copyright © 2019 by Tina Gabrielle



Anger bubbled inside Olivia, and she pushed back her chair and stood. “I’ve attended the Raven Club before, and if I choose to wager at one of the gaming tables with your cousin, I will do so. He is amicable and cordial, and I enjoyed his company this afternoon.”
Tristan’s expression turned fierce. “Just how much did you enjoy his visit?”
“Don’t be absurd.”
A dark shadow crossed his features. “I saw the way he looked at you. I saw, and I didn’t like it.”
Olivia’s breath stalled in her throat. Could he be jealous? But why? He didn’t want her, didn’t trust her. He had no right to be jealous, to prevent her from socializing with whom she wished, only to look at her as possessively as he did now.
He reached for a piece of hair that had escaped her pins and wrapped it around his finger. “My cousin is right. You are a beautiful woman.”
Tristan thought her beautiful? Her heart tripped in her chest. If he wasn’t standing so close, if the scent of his shaving soap didn’t tease her senses, and if she didn’t long to trace the breadth of his shoulders with her fingers, it would be much easier to maintain her cool facade. 
“Tristan, I—”
“Have you thought of our kiss the day we went riding?”
The question took her off guard. Had she thought of it? Yes, she had. Too much. The look in his dark eyes told her he was thinking of it right now. His gaze lowered to her mouth, and she licked her suddenly dry lips.
“I want to kiss you again. Now. If you don’t want it, then tell me to leave.”
Tell him to leave?
Olivia’s lips parted, but no words came out. Her eyes lowered to his mouth, to the firm lips that she knew firsthand could be tantalizingly soft. Curiosity bubbled inside her. Their stolen kiss in the country had been sweet and seductive and had left her longing for more. 
Would it be the same?
As if reading her thoughts, his gaze darkened, and he reached for her. She showed no resistance and met him halfway.

About the Book

How to Capture a Dukeby Tina Gabrielle
SeriesRaven Club
GenreAdult
Historical Romance
PublisherEntangled Scandalous
Publication DateOctober 14, 2019
Purchase Your Copy Today!
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Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of HOW TO CAPTURE A DUKE by Tina Gabrielle, we're giving away a paperback copy of How to Best a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle to one lucky winner!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to internationally. One winner will receive a paperback copy of How to Best a Marquess by Tina Gabrielle. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Entangled Publishing.  Giveaway ends 11/6/2019 @ 11:59pm EST.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Author ChitChat


 How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I’m working on a new historical romance. The heroine is multicultural and comes from an Armenian, Greek and Lebanese family. Just like me!

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I do a lot of research on the Regency period. I’m a member of the Beau Monde chapter of Romance Writers of America and they are a wealth of information. I enjoy research and love to read nonfiction books on the period. For my Regency Barrister series, I used my own experiences as an attorney in the courtroom. For “How to Capture a Duke,” I also recalled my speech therapy sessions as a child. I think real life experiences help enrich a book.

How many hours a day do you write?
I try to write each day, but this doesn’t always happen. I’m a mother of two girls, a wife, a sister and a friend. I have learned to be flexible. I’ve also learned to write in the car during soccer or swim team practice. Every word adds up.

What was your hardest scene to write?
My hero in “How to Capture a Duke” has a bit of a stutter. The hardest scenes to write were when he recalls being bullied as a child at boarding school. It was hard because I recall having speech difficulties as a child. Other difficult scenes to write were when he rejects treatment. But wonderful scenes are when he gets the help he needs and accomplishes his lifelong goal of arguing on behalf of a bill in Parliament that helps wounded soldiers. 

By the way, did you know Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, James Earl Jones, and Nicole Kidman (just to name a few) struggled with stuttering? This book means a lot to me and I hope it inspires others. 

What is your favorite childhood book?
Beauty and the Beast.

Does your family support your career as a writer?
Yes, I’m very fortunate to have a supportive husband and two girls. I couldn’t do it without them.





About Tina Gabrielle


Best-selling author TINA GABRIELLE is an attorney and mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away. She is the author of adventurous Regency historical romances for Entangled Publishing and Kensington Books. Tina also writes best-selling cozy mysteries as Tina Kashian for Kensington Books. 
Publisher’s Weekly calls her Regency Barrister’s series, “Well-matched lovers…witty comradely repartee.” Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, Lady Of Scandal, was nominated as best first historical by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina lives in New Jersey and is married to her own hero and is blessed with two daughters. She loves to hear from readers. Visit her website to learn about upcoming releases, join her newsletter, and enter free monthly contests at www.tinagabrielle.com
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