ARC REVIEW – Her Wicked Scot (The Highland Warrior Chronicles Book 4), Christina Phillips

#HistoricalRomance #EnemiestoLovers #HighlandRomance #MarriageofConvenience

Blurb

A warrior rumored to have no heart. An ice princess, who has vowed never to love again. A forced marriage that could break them both…

Sent into Pictland to discover the identity of a desperate assassin, Ewan MacKinnon fights his fascination with the aloof princess, Briana. Although he wants nothing more than to take her into his arms, he won’t taint her with the curse that has blighted him all his life.

After her first disastrous marriage, Briana is determined to dedicate her life in service to Pictland and her beloved goddess. But her goddess is elusive, sending only visions of a splintered future–a future that is tied irrevocably to the one man she fears could shatter her heart forever. The enemy of her people, Scots warrior Ewan MacKinnon.

Coerced into a marriage of convenience, Briana and Ewan battle both duty and desire as political intrigue tightens its noose around them. But with the assassin edging ever closer they must forsake the shackles of their past and risk their fragile love for a chance of surviving an ultimate betrayal.

My Review

Delicious Enemies to Lovers Historical Romance with a hint of magic! 5 stars

Christina Phillips weaves a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance full of passion, political powerplay and danger in Her Wicked Scot, number 4 in her Highland Warrior Chronicles.

Highland warrior Ewan MacKinnon and Pictish princess Brianna are unexpectedly thrown together by the political machinations of their time. Scarred by past events in their lives they both have their own internal battles to overcome before they have any chance of their union leading to a HEA. I loved how their relationship unfolds and also how the author portrays the danger swirling around them, a danger that Brianna, touched by the goddess, perceives in visions, visions which she struggles to comprehend but which tie her to Ewan, the enemy of her people. The path to their future is not an easy one.

I enjoyed the undeniable attraction the couple have for each other, illustrated in their words and actions, not to mention the passionate scenes they enjoy together. I particularly loved how protective Ewan is of Brianna and how she, although mistrustful, slowly places her faith in him. The way the author portrays their growing feelings for each other is both realistic and moving. Yet trust is fragile as events and the actions of others test them at critical moments in the story.

Just who is the real Ewan MacKinnon? Can Brianna trust him or will he betray her and her heart? As for Ewan, can he protect Brianna from danger, even if he feels the greatest danger is himself? Just what is the meaning of the goddess’ visions?

I was glued to my Kindle throughout as the story unfolded, enjoying reading about how Brianna and Ewan grew both as individuals and as a couple, against the wider political issues at play. The book can certainly be read as a standalone, as each book in the series feature a different couple, but I feel the reader will gain more from reading the series in order. I am very much looking forward to future books in the series.

Please note, a copy of the book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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*NEW RELEASE & REVIEW* ~ A Governess Should Never…Tempt a Prizefighter (The Governess Chronicles #1), by Emily Windsor

#Sensual #Regency #Romance

The lady and the prizefighter. With scandalous kisses in midnight carriages, tavern visits and dressing as a nefarious footpad, the vocation of governess has never been so exciting… 

Release Date: Monday 9th November 2020

Tropes: A lady governess. A rugged prizefighter. Classes collide.

Tone: Romantic. Humorous. Warm. Poignant.

Blurb

“So tell me, Miss Griffin, why should I employ you as governess?”

A question to rouse fear within the breast of any prospective governess but for Matilda, a lady without references, appropriate brown clothing or any experience with children whatsoever, doubly so.

Yet alone in the world except for a brutish guardian and a malodorous betrothed, Matilda must seek her own future, even if that means employment in the household of a rugged ex-prizefighter with sizeable muscles and doubtless minuscule intellect.

 “Please continue to enlighten me, Miss Griffin.”

Mr Seth Hawkins, owner of famed Boxing Academy, has reached the point of desperation in his search for a governess.

Yet with no other suitable candidates, could this yellow-clad, bespectacled female who seemed to think him a witless dolt with calloused knuckles and no books, teach his daughter the ways of a lady?

 The Lady and the Prizefighter.

One should never judge a man by his well-defined muscles or a lady by her yellow-silk slippers, for beneath both façades lay yearning hearts, shared dreams and a taste for adventure.

With scandalous kisses in midnight carriages, tavern excursions, whifflers, nobblers and dressing as a nefarious footpad on the prowl, the vocation of governess has never been so exciting…

A fun, heart-warming Regency romance, this is the first book in a companion series to the Games of Gentlemen.

This tale contains sensual scenes.

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US: Available on pre-order

UK: Available on pre-order

My Review

A beautifully crafted and uplifting romance ~ 5 stars

I  loved this uplifting Regency Romance, the first book in Emily Windsor’s new series, The Governess Chronicles. It’s warm, witty and sensual and the hero and heroine, are just so perfect for each other, despite initially appearing to have so very little in common.

The ex-prizefighter Seth, a single parent, is finding it extraordinarily difficult to find a suitable governess for his daughter. In steps Matilda, a member of the ton who is masquerading as a governess to escape the nefarious plans of her guardian. Despite appearing to be his opposite in every way and having no experience for the post, he employs her nonetheless. I was smitten with him from this moment on!

Seth has no airs and graces and welcomes Matilda into his small and unconventional household and she soon develops a sense of belonging which has eluded her for so long. As she gets to know her employer she discovers that there is far more to him that she initially thought and she develops a strong sense of admiration for and attraction to him. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue between the couple, which is full of wit, humour and increasing sexual tension as the romance heats up. Seth is a man who will do anything to protect those he cares for and he is beginning to care for Matilda…

As for Matilda, I really felt for her and enjoyed how Seth encouraged her to come out of her shell, have fun and experience life to the full. Both characters are changed for the better by being together, yet can they have a future together when they are from different classes and what of Matilda’s evil guardian who is still hell-bent on marrying her off to another?

There are some highly amusing scenes throughout the book, as the couple go on a series of riotous adventures in London, and I was hugely entertained throughout. The banter between the characters, replete with boxing slang, also added a lot of colour to the read.

This standalone romance is a fabulous start to this series and I recommend it to romance lovers who are looking for a warm, romantic and humorous read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note that a copy of this book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.

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*REVIEW* ~ A Wanton Indescretion (Wild, Wicked and Wanton Book #5), by Natasha Blackthorne

#HistoricalRomance #EroticRomance #AmericanHistoricalRomance

Adult/18+ read

Blurb

What can a scandalous seducer of women teach a governess about life and love?

The dark-eyed, raven-haired governess haunts Mr. Isaac Pierce’s waking and sleeping dreams. And she’s right next door. But the prim and proper young woman rebuffed his attempts to make her his mistress. He has tried to forget her. Yet he can’t. He aches to possess her.

One glance at the tall, gorgeous merchant prince and Miss Abigail Francis finds herself irresistibly attracted to him. The ironclad control over her emotions and expectations had seen her through years filled with deprivation, disappointments and loss, begins to slip away.

A domestic crisis brings them into close, daily contact and she begins to see the man behind the handsome face, gorgeous body and scandalous reputation. When he shares the truth of his greatest loss and grief with her, for the first time, her heart is touched by a man. Now she knows what it is to crave a man as much as she craves air to breathe. But she’d best be careful. Her livelihood and that of those she loves depend on her stern discipline and spotless reputation.

After a life directed by prudence, responsibility and duty, Abigail finds herself questioning her life choices. She is tempted to be indiscreet. Just once. And no one would ever know or be hurt.

But Abigail doesn’t realize that the repercussions of her newfound freedoms might just prove dangerous in a way she least suspects. Who protects the protector?

Scorching Hot Regency Historical Romance
Standalone Within a Series
HEA
Darker Emotional and Psychological Themes

Reader Advisory: A Wanton Indiscretion contains aspects of devastating grief and loss in the backstory.

My Review ~ 5 stars

Moving, sensual & erotic – beautifully done

A Wanton Indiscretion, by Natasha Blackthorne, is a thoroughly emotional, sensual and erotic read. It is the 5th instalment in the author’s Wild, Wicked and Wanton series, but can be read as a standalone.

I just adored that Isaac and Abigail are such opposites when it comes to their characters: Isaac is a handsome philanderer, notorious for his affairs and reviled by many in society despite his wealth. Abigail is a respectable governess who has eschewed marriage and her own children, to instead support her brothers through her job as a governess, their own parents long gone. The scene where Isaac and Abigail first met is pure perfection, sparks flying between them from the off!

It is to the author’s credit that these two people, seemingly so different in their natures, come together over the course of the novel in such a beautiful and moving way. Both are harbouring secrets from their past  – Isaac in particular has a tragic back story. and I loved how each of them slowly revealed themselves to each other as their relationship progresses. For Abigail it is a difficult process as she has her reputation to think about: one step out of line could ruin her in society’s eyes and she could lose all she has dedicated her life to –  there are plenty of people who may notice a potential fall from grace.

I enjoyed reading how single minded Isaac was in his pursuit of Abigail as he slowly breaks down her defences. Will he win this game of seduction and if he does what next for them both? Society’s expectations weigh heavily on them and I was eager for them to find a satisfactory resolution. Abigail is unlike any other woman Isaac has met and his obsession grows to an extent that he must have her. I loved how the domestic crisis brought them into daily contact, bringing to a head their feelings for each other. After refusing to be Isaac’s mistress, Abigail wonders whether a brief indiscretion will hurt. What follows has consequences for them both…

Natasha Blackthorn excels at writing scorching sensual and erotic historical romance that are at the same time deeply psychological, touching on sensitive themes and this read is no exception. The read involves much soul searching as to what they want from life and each other. Emotions are high as both characters need to bare their past hurts to each other in order to find their true selves and each other and being totally transformed by the process. .

Recommended for those who love to read erotic historical romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

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*ARC REVIEW* ~ The Duke of Diamonds, by Emily Windsor

 #NewRelease RegencyRomance

Heat Level: Sensual. Moderate. Tone: Warm. Witty. Romantic. 

Release Date: 2nd April 2020
Length: 70,000 words

 A brusque duke bound by duty. A brazen heroine bound by poverty. Art. Trickery. Friendship. Diamonds. And Cleopatra…

Blurb

A lady intent on deception…
A duke who knows every trick in the book…
A passionate obsession with fiery consequences.

With a coldness to match the diamonds that adorn his cravat, Casper Brook, the eighth Duke of Rothwell, possesses all a nobleman could desire…almost. So when a seductive minx perches upon his desk and claims to know the whereabouts of his one deepest obsession, temptation beckons to uncover all her secrets.

With a boldness to match the red flame of her locks, Miss Evelyn Pearce possesses naught but an ailing young sister and an ebony-black cat…almost. So when she perches upon a duke’s desk and claims to know the whereabouts of his one deepest obsession, temptation beckons to discover all his desires.

Her plan to deceive a duke of ruthless reputation is audacious, but in true society, weren’t all dukes buffle-headed with jovial smiles and far too many acres? Plots unravel, guises fall and deceiving the flawless Duke of Diamonds has sparkling consequences…

My Review ~ Delightful Regency read, full of humour, warmth and romance

5 Stars *****

This new release by Emily Windsor is just the ticket if you are after a feel good romance. Full of wit and charm, it features a handsome duke with a reputation of being cold and brutally efficient in his business dealings, and a desperate woman intent on deceiving him to safeguard the health of her sister and escape poverty.

It has oodles of humour and warmth and the hero and heroine are a perfect fit for each other. I just loved how the hero Casper reacts as soon as he claps eyes on Evelyn –  his well-planned and ordered world is rocked on its axis and starts to unravel…

Although immediately attracted to Evelyn, he is resolved to reveal the truth of the matter but also unmask her true character. In the process he reveals more than he ever expected, not just about Evelyn but himself and others dearest to him in the process.

As for Evelyn, she is by far my favourite Emily Windsor heroine to date! She is no shrinking violet and speaks her mind, her time spent surviving amongst London’s slums giving her even more spunk and backbone. I so sympathised with her situation and how circumstances led to her and her younger sister being in such dire straits. The path she has embarked on, of deceiving a Duke, is not one she is proud of but in the dire circumstances they are in she feels she has no choice.

She is a strong and intelligent woman who is not afraid of going toe to toe with Casper and is selfless in her love and devotion to those she cares for. As the plot evolves she realises that Casper is not the stuffy Duke that she thought him to be.

Can Evelyn go through with her ruse? What will Casper – a man who despises untruths and artifice, do if he realises the extent of her ruse? Will she manage to deceive the Duke and secure a safe and secure future for her and her sister away from London and the dangers that lurk there or will her past catch up with her? I enjoyed both the evolution and the pacing of the plot and the supporting characters added to the drama and general mayhem.

The Duke of Diamonds is a thoroughly well-constructed and delightful Regency caper with a HEA, which I recommend to all lovers of the genre.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, an ARC of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

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