November 18, 2014 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ To Avenge Her Highland Warrior (#3 in the Highland Fae Chronicles), by Samantha Holt

Sensual Captor/Captive Highland Romance

Containing a sprinkling of faery magic!

Book Blurb

Lorna lost everything to war. Her home, her wealth… her lover. And now she wants revenge. When her hasty plan throws her at the mercy of her enemy’s men, she holds little hope of returning to her kin and fears death is around the corner. But could her salvation lie in the arms of her dark captor? Logan has little time to be dealing with a stubborn noble woman. His orders are to prepare for war. His laird—the man he owes his life to—intends to join forces with the Norse and bring a battle to Scotland that will see the fate of the country forever changed. Scarred, and with no memory of his past, Logan is determined to forge a new future for himself as well as prove his loyalty to the laird. But the beautiful lass has him questioning his previous life and his goals. When she starts claiming he once loved her, he knows he’s being manipulated and she’s taking advantage of his memory loss. So why is it so hard to resist the idea of having once been her lover? With the threat of impending war—a battle that promises to bring slaughter to her family—can Lorna persuade Logan to believe her, and is the bitter man he’s become even worth saving? Whatever the outcome of the battle, a certain interfering faery is resolved to see fate back on its correct path. And that means forcing Lorna and Logan together—no matter their differences.

My Review

Captor/Captive Romance with a Torn and Tortured Hero

Sensual Historical Romance (with a sprinkling of faery magic….)

To Avenge Her Highland Warrior, the third and final book in Samantha Holt’s Highland Fae Chronicles is a sensual and heart rending captor/captive romance. It can be read as a ‘standalone’, although I do however, highly recommend the whole series (check out the links below).

The novel is a combustible mix of revenge, passion and redemption, sprinkled with a little fairy magic and I loved it! It contains a dark, torn and tortured alpha hero and a strong and vulnerable heroine who belong together, but who fate has torn apart.

The faery Tiele, determined to put this wrong to right, has a battle royal on her hands to reconcile these two lovers due to events that have transpired. Her task is all the more difficult for she has sworn off the direct use of her powers, as the use of such magic in the past has resulted in unforeseen consequences.

As soon as the book opens I was drawn in – the heroine Lorna, who is widowed, is in dire straits, captive in the bowels of her former home that was brutally wrestled from her by her brother-in-law. Having failed in her mission to kill this usurper she now awaits his punishment. Imagine her surprise and relief when she finds that the man in charge of the keep whilst its master is absent is none other than Logan, the man who once loved her, the man who she had rejected and believed slain in the battle for her home.

Yet there is no happy reunion between the couple as this man is a far cry from the Logan who adored her. Instead he is a cold and distant stranger, his memory erased by the injuries he sustained during battle. He views his captive as little more than the spoilt and manipulative woman his Laird tells him she is, and he does not recall how he once loved his former mistress from afar. Whatever Lorna says she cannot help him remember or trust her enough to believe her – he views whatever she says as lies, designed to save her own skin.

Although attraction between them simmers, Logan is determined not to betray his Laird and succumb to this woman. However, he slowly comes to respect her combination of strength and vulnerability and becomes torn once he finds out what his Laird’s plans for his captive may entail. There are scenes aplenty of sexual tension, frustrated passion and love making which brings them ever closer, but not close enough, as Logan fights the connection that exists between them. Will he act to save her? Will he remember their love before it is too late? Even if he does, can Lorna accept him for the man he has become and forgive him for what he has put her through?

I so felt for both these characters in this book! Lorna had lost so much, yet she is strong and resilient in terrible circumstances, especially as the very man who should have been her saviour is now her gaoler and is a stranger to her. She is fearful for her own future and that of Logan, who seems lost to her and her emotions oscillate between hope and despair. Logan is as tortured a hero as they come and is torn between loyalty to his Laird and what he is beginning to feel for the captive. I also enjoyed the supporting characters in the tale, especially Lorna’s self-serving brother-in-law, whose actions added tension to the plot and of course Tiele whose presence and antics contributed to some humorous moments to the plot in her efforts to save the day.

All in all, I found it a sensual, heart stopping and entertaining read and a great conclusion to the Highland Fae Chronicles.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for a fair and honest review.

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Read our Reviews of other books in the Highland Fae Chronicles

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart, book 1

To Dream of a Highlander, book 2

October 24, 2014 by Tina Williams

DOUBLE COVER REVEAL ~ Tempting His Mistress and Once Upon a Rake, by Samantha Holt

Today I’m delighted to share not one but two cover reveals for Samantha Holt’s upcoming Victorian Romances, Tempting His Mistress and Once Upon A Rake! Scroll down to read the book blurb. Tina 🙂

Tempting His Mistress

Coming November 10th

Book Synopsis

What could possibly induce a woman to follow in the footsteps of her mother and further sully her reputation by becoming a mistress?

Lilly Claremont is well used to being at the centre of gossip. Being the illegitimate child of a rich businessman never failed to titillate the gossips and while she cared little about the wagging tongues she never intended to reinforce their opinions of her by ruining herself completely.

But it seems Lord Hawksley is determined to make the fascinating Lilly his mistress…

Evan has no doubt her bold tongue and beautiful body could keep him entertained for some time. Captivated by her, he must find a way to burn through his desire for her. He cannot marry a woman of such social standing so why not make her his mistress?

After the murder of her father, Lilly is searching for answers and they lead her directly to Lord Hawksley. But will they also lead her to his bed…?

Once Upon a Rake

Coming November 24^th

Book Synopsis

In Victorian England, little Ellie Browning swiftly discovered happy endings did not exist, and rakes were simply rakes. When the man she had adored for years kissed her and left her heartbroken, she resolved to put any dreams of fairy tales aside.

Seven years later, the widowed Eleanor, Countess of Hawthorne, has returned to England after years of travelling with a few ideas in mind. Firstly, she will continue to be the refined, elegant woman she has learned to be—or at least she shall try her best—and secondly, she will make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate than her. A fine opportunity presents itself when she discovers she is now a part owner of a cotton mill.

But the owner of the mill and the very same rake who had hurt her, has no desire to let a woman interfere with his business, let alone little Ellie Browning. After one of Lucian’s mills succumbed to fire, he’s fighting to save the other and continue his father’s legacy of fine business decisions and accruing wealth.

However, after a series of accidents, it becomes clear someone wishes the mill to close. But who, and why? Forced together to investigate the incidents, they must get past their shared history if they want to save the business.

If only the growing attraction between them did not prove such a distraction. With things heating up between them, it becomes clear that they are both at risk of getting burned…

October 12, 2014 by Tina Williams

~REVIEW~ Lady Beauchamp’s Proposal, Amy Rose Bennett

*TOP READ*

Gothic Inspired Regency Noir par excellence

Erotic Historical Romance 18+

Book Blurb

A runaway countess finds love when she least expects it…but she can’t hide from her past forever.

Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp, fears for her life. When she discovers her dissolute and long-estranged husband has syphilis—and he wants to beget an heir no matter the cost—she flees to a remote part of Scotland to begin a new life as the widowed governess, Mrs. Beth Eliott at Eilean Tor Castle.

When Mrs. Eliott unexpectedly arrives on his doorstep, the reclusive and recently widowed Marquess of Rothsburgh is both irritated and intrigued. No longer in need of a governess—his young daughter now resides with his sister’s family in Edinburgh—he proposes the beautiful widow fill a position of a different kind…

Torn between staying true to her marriage vows and her wanton attraction to the devilishly handsome marquess, Elizabeth struggles against the temptation to become his mistress. But living a lie is not easy when you have fallen in love. And secrets always have a way of coming out…

My Review

Gothic Inspired Regency Noir par excellence!

Erotic Historical Romance 18+

I LOVED this powerful and emotionally charged dark and angst ridden Regency romance – it is full of secrets and suspense and brimming with raw sensuality and has a real taste of the gothic about it. It is an excellent Regency Noir read and if you enjoy books by authors such as Anna Campbell and Anne Stuart you will also revel in reading Lady Beauchamp’s Proposal, a deliciously dark, dangerous and erotic foray into this genre. The author, Amy Rose Bennett, is one to watch.

The hero James, the Marquess of Rothsburgh, holed up in his castle in the wilds of Scotland, is truly mouth-watering! A loner, with an undeserved misanthropic reputation. He is emotionally scarred not only by his time spent in the army, but also by the death of his wife. He is also unconventional and I just loved it when he decides that he wants to make the heroine his and embarks on his seduction…. The scenes between them positively smoulder, at first with sexual tension and then ignite the pages with intense, graphic and passionate scenes. The author is skilled at writing lovemaking scenes which are simultaneously romantic and erotic.

The heroine, Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp, is exceedingly brave and resourceful, fleeing to Scotland in the guise of a widowed governess to save her life. Her fear of the threat her husband Hugh poses to her very life is palpable. The last thing she expects to encounter in her flight is a real hottie of a man who will tempt her beyond all reason. Does she honour her marriage vows of should she grab her chance of happiness however brief once it presents itself? She desperately wants to conceal her secret, fearing for her life and future yet James, the object of her affection has been deceived by others in the past may find her lies unforgiveable.

There are a number of super plot twists and some truly painful and heartrending scenes and the HEA for this couple seems so elusive. I did shed some tears before the denouement, which I found wholly satisfying. I also really admired how Amy Rose Bennett included subjects which are often taboo in romance novels – infidelity and syphilis and the realistic way they were dealt with in terms of the impact they had on the individuals concerned. I recommend this to readers who are looking for a thought provoking and wholly entertaining historical romance which has plenty of heat.

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

Published by Secret Cravings Publishing

Cover design by Dawne Dominique

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22907824-lady-beauchamp-s-proposal

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October 3, 2014 by Tina Williams

RELEASE TOUR for Perilous Risk, Regency Risks, Book #3, by Natasha Blackthorne

We are SO pleased to be participating in the release tour for Natasha Blackthorne’s Perilous Risk. You will not want to miss reading the blurb and an excerpt (18+) for this super smexy erotic romance! You can also find out about the super giveaway and the Facebook Party on 3rd and 4th October. Tina ❤

Novel Length ~ Part of a series but may be read as standalone.

For Adults 18 years of age or older only.

Blurb

Heartbroken and disillusioned, Rebecca Howland is done with all men. Especially noblemen. Past a certain age, she knows her previous life of carnal indulgence and grand adventure is over. Or so she thinks. Back at home, whilst working in her family’s shop, a moment of compassion entangles her in an old battle between two powerful, bitter enemies. A commoner, Rebecca finds herself falsely accused of a heinous act by a vicious member of the aristocracy. In grave peril, she turns to the one man she thinks can help her.

Stephen Drake, now inexplicably Baron Drake, has always desired Rebecca. When she turns to him, he vows to protect her at all costs, especially from the dangerous life he lives. The stakes are high and time is running out for her … and for him as well. Stephen finds himself driven to ruthless actions that threaten to kill the fragile bond between them.

Years ago, Rebecca forbade herself to love Stephen Drake. Now he’s back, no longer the young man she remembers but a dark and dangerous stranger. When he demands a fortnight of her complete submission in return for his protection, his sexual dominance ignites carnal passion that makes her feel alive like never before. But … dare she trust a man with too many secrets?

Excerpt

(For Adults 18 years of age or older only.)

She opened her mouth to deny him.

He brought his mouth down on hers, cutting off her protest. He thrust into her mouth, the taste of his hot, wet tongue more fiery than the best whisky. She shook, not with fear but with anticipation for the next stroke of his tongue against hers.

It came and delicious shudders quaked through her. Another stroke and another. Ruthlessly, he gripped her head and angled it, thrusting deeper. Taking her breath. Sucking her very soul and taking everything.

She didn’t care.

Every inch of his long, lean body pressed hers. She could feel the whipcord strength of his powerful muscles. Could feel his trembling as though he were holding back his ardour. His erection throbbed against her stomach, huge and hard. Heated.

A feeling of letting go, as though a tremendous weight had suddenly lifted from her. As though she’d been waiting forever for this moment. Tenderness burst within her. Her limbs went weak. Her fists unfurled and she grasped his shoulders, learning his feel, breathing in his scent, glorying in his taste, his strength, his forcefulness.

Her Stephen.

If she could, she would simply melt into him. She clung desperately to his hard body, surrendering herself wholly.

He tore his mouth from hers.

She cried out in protest.

He swept her up into his arms then lowered her. Her backside touched the table and the rickety wooden frame groaned and creaked.

He swooped down on her then gripped her chin in his large hand, gently yet firmly holding her in place. His eyes bore into hers, predatory, determined. “Now, tell me that you don’t know me.”

©Copyright Natasha Blackthorne 2014

Giveaway

Entry -Form

Tour Home Page

http://herdingauthors.blogspot.com/2014/10/perilous-risk-release-week-tour-oct-3rd.html

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA

Facebook Party

To join in on the fun and festivities to celebrate the release of Perilous Risk, pop over to Facebook and join the event.

Event Link–https://www.facebook.com/events/364048373749201/

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October 2, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR, REVIEW & GIVEAWAY ~ Devil’s Return (Allan’s Miscellany #4)

I LOVED this sparkling, original and emotionally intense Victorian romance. Devil’s Return is the first work I’ve sampled by Sandra Schwab and after reading it I’m eager to become acquainted with her backlist and future works. Scroll down to read the blurb for this novella and read my review. Tina 🙂

Devil’s Return
by Sandra Schwab
Allan’s Miscellany #4
Publication Date: August 15, 2014
Genres: Historical, Romance

Synopsis

Seven years ago Fran and Alex were very much in love. Yet because Alex was only a younger son with no prospects to speak of, Fran’s family pressured her into breaking the engagement and marrying a rich, titled man instead. Filled with bitterness, Alex left England for the New World.

Now he is back, more dangerous and more cynical than ever before. He has found fame and fortune as an adventurer, traveling the world from America to the Near East and writing about his travels for Allan’s Miscellany. He has come to London to drum up interest for his friend’s archeological excavations. Soon, he finds himself the darling of London society, admired by men, wooed by women.

Fate has not been so kind to Fran. After a disastrous marriage, which has left her with deep emotional and physical scars, she is widowed and now lives in genteel poverty.

By chance, Alex and Fran’s paths cross again. They have both changed so much, and past betrayals and past hurts still divide them. So surely there can be no second chance for their love…

My Review

Sparkling, Original and Emotionally Intense!

Oh My! What an emotionally gripping Victorian Romance! The novella was a pure delight to read and I’m now eager to become acquainted with Sandra Schwab’s backlist and future works.

Devil’s Return is book #4 in the Allan’s Miscellany series and the tale gives the hero Alex and the heroine Fran a second chance at love – before I go any further a box of tissues is an absolute must! My heart went out to them both – Fran, compelled by her family to walk away from Alex and marry an older man and Alex, a younger son with little prospects, who felt so rejected that he went abroad. Yet after seven years their fortunes have changed. Alex, the ‘devil’ of the title is a most eligible (not to mention sexy) gentleman, who has London at his feet after having his adventures and accounts of archaeological discoveries shared in the Allan’s Miscellany. After unexpectedly meeting Fran in London he is shocked at how she has changed and although initially determined to resist the pull she still exerts on him, fate has other ideas…..

Fran by contrast is now an impoverished widow, nursing many scars, physical and emotional, which we learn about as the plot evolves. Although I suspected some of what had occurred I admit I cried buckets when Alex found out the truth and more so when he confronted Fran with his knowledge. Bravo to the author for such an original and engaging plot, which I will not divulge any further in this review as it would spoil the read. Suffice to say that Fran has great fortitude and is a heroine who thoroughly deserves a HEA.

The novella is a far cry from doom and gloom however. It veritably fizzes with sparkling wit and repartee amongst the Victorian intelligentsia. Indeed, it makes for a totally charming, highly original and entertaining read. It is full of fascinating characters, whose own stories and romances I am eager to read about. I strongly recommend it to all readers who love romance.

I was given a copy of this novella for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

About the Author

Award-winning author Sandra Schwab started writing her first novel when she was seven years old. Thirty-odd years later, telling stories is still her greatest passion, even though by now she has exchanged her pink fountain pen of old for a black computer keyboard. Since the release of her debut novel in 2005, she has enchanted readers worldwide with her unusual historical romances.

She holds a PhD in English literature and lives in Frankfurt am Main / Germany with a sketchbook, a sewing machine, and an ever-expanding library. Her new series about the fictional magazine Allan’s Miscellany combines her academic research on Victorian periodicals with her love for story-telling.

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October 1, 2014 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW ~ The Red Wolf’s Prize (Medieval Warriors #1) by Regan Walker

A Rollicking Medieval Romance! TOP READ

Historical romance fans will just ADORE this new novel by Regan Walker, released today. I love all of the books that I’ve read by this author but can honestly sat that this is amongst her best! Tina 🙂

Book Blurb

“Medieval romance at its best!” –Virginia Henley, NY Times bestselling author.

HE WOULD NOT BE DENIED HIS PRIZE

Sir Renaud de Pierrepont, the Norman knight known as the Red Wolf for the beast he slayed with his bare hands, hoped to gain lands with his sword. A year after the Conquest, King William rewards his favored knight with Talisand, the lands of an English thegn slain at Hastings, and orders him to wed the heiress that goes with them, Lady Serena.

SHE WOULD LOVE HIM AGAINST HER WILL

Serena wants nothing to do with the fierce warrior to whom she has been unwillingly given, the knight who may have killed her father. When she learns the Red Wolf is coming to claim her, she dyes her flaxen hair brown and flees, disguised as a servant, determined to one day regain her lands. But her escape goes awry and she is brought back to live among her people, though not unnoticed by the new Norman lord.

Deprived of his promised bride, the Red Wolf turns his attention to the comely servant girl hoping to woo her to his bed. But the wench resists, claiming she hates all Normans.

As the passion between them rises, Serena wonders, can she deny the Norman her body? Or her heart?

My Review

A Rollicking Medieval Romance!

A fantastic read, full of passion, deceit and adventure! Regan Walker has once again excelled herself with yet another memorable historical romance, this time set in the medieval period. Following his invasion of England William stamps his authority on his new vassals by confiscating lands from English thegns, gifting them to his loyal knights and constructing castles to intimidate and control.

Sir Renaud de Peirrepont is gifted the demesne of Talisand and its lady Serena as his bride. I loved this knight, known as the Red Wolf. He has a fearsome reputation on the battlefield but a strong desire for peace and to put down roots in this new land. However, Serena despises the Normans who are busy subjugating her people. Indeed, her own father fell at Hastings and her brother has fled. She is a brave and resourceful woman and I loved how she disguises herself as a servant in an attempt to escape her fate, and even when she is captured and returns to Talisand manages to keep her real identity a secret. Renaud is drawn to her and there are many scenes where he tries to woo her to his bed, a privilege that others would jump at, but she denies him. Such scenes are filled with sexual tension as Serena is equally attracted to Renaud. In fact the more she finds out about this man the more she grows to respect him and it becomes harder to resist.

Renaud is furious that his bride has escaped him and is also one frustrated man, his own personal code preventing him from taking his servant by force. She enchants, challenges and perplexes him at the same time. With a castle to build, William requesting his services in battle, a missing bride and a woman who will not submit to his charms, Renaud has his work cut out and I did sympathise with him. Yet how will he react once he discovers Serena’s ruse? Will she submit her body and heart to him or will she once again deceive him and seek to escape? How will she react when he takes up arms against her people? There are also other players with their own agenda and the couple have a mountain to climb before their HEA can be reached.

This truly is a ripping, page-turning yarn with a hero and heroine who are just perfect together. There is also a superb cast of secondary characters, Renaud’s fellow knights, Cassandra, Serena’s handmaiden, Maugris, Renaud’s wise counsellor and Rhodri the Welsh bard to name a few. Real life historical figures such as William and English earls also play a part and I am looking forward to the other novels planned in the series.

A must read for fans of historical romance, especially those who love medieval romances.

An advanced reader copy of this novel was given to me for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Buy Links

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September 9, 2014 by Tina Williams

Review of HER VENGEFUL SCOT (HIGHLAND WARRIOR CHRONICLES #2), by Christina Phillips

Magical and Mesmerising TOP READ

Erotic Historical Romance, with Paranormal Elements: Adult Read

Book Synopsis

Publication Date: July 4, 2014

Word/Page count: 83,000 words

Ordered to remain in Pictland, Cameron MacNeil fights the lust that consumes him whenever he encounters the aloof princess, Elise. Not only is she a cursed Pict, she’s married to the man responsible for his sister’s death. In order to avenge his sister, he must destroy the woman he wants most.

Despite her reputation, Elise has no interest in men until she meets Cameron. Lacking the famed Scots charm, his blunt ways enchant her and he ignites a passion in her she thought long dead. When she is freed from her difficult marriage, Elise places her trust in the tough warrior who stole her heart.

Bound by blood oaths, the only way Cam can protect Elise from political schemes is to make her his bride. When Elise discovers the truth of her husband’s death, she wonders if everything she knew about Cam was a lie. All she can do is trust that her goddess was right and Cameron is her true love.

A Romantica® historical erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

My Review

Magical and Mesmerising!

Erotic Historical Romance, with Paranormal Elements: Adult Read

Christina Phillips once again combines the bloodshed, brutality and political intrigue of ninth century Scotland with lush sensuality and eroticism. This read also contains some of my favourite themes in romance – enemies to lovers and revenge!

In Her Vengeful Scot, book #2 in the Highland Warrior Chronicles, Scots warrior Cameron MacNeil fights a losing battle with the attraction he feels for the Pictish Princess Elise. Although Cameron despises the Picts, he finds it impossible not to fall for Elise, who surprises him at every turn. Despite his oath to those he serves, not to shed Pictish blood, he is determined to avenge the death of his sister, a death brought about by none other than Elise’s own husband. Fate quickly hands him the opportunity for vengeance and Elise finds herself a widow.

Yet a widowed Pictish princess is vulnerable to the political machinations of the Scottish king, to whom Cam owes fealty. He is compelled to marry her, the woman who he cares for deeply, but who is ignorant of his sins against her. How will Elise react when she realises his duplicity and that he is not the honourable man she unwittingly believes him to be?

Christina Phillips’ heroes and heroines are all so different but they are all credible, complex and sympathetic individuals and in the case of the heroes drop dead gorgeous! The author’s way of writing is truly sublime and once again I experienced all the emotions, the hopes and fears and yes the desire, lust and love the hero and heroine have for one another!

I ADORE the man that is Cameron MacNeil. The death of his sister many years ago at the hands of Elise’s husband has rendered him bitter and taciturn, one whose gruff demeanour often causes offence, as does his plain speaking. Despite his hatred for the Picts, I loved how against his better intentions he fell for Elise and throughout the tale his affection, love and concern for her motivated his actions. Elise is both a strong and a vulnerable heroine. Her first marriage was far from a love match and until Cameron she has sought the attentions of no man, merely indulging in a little harmless courtly flirtation.

When her goddess Bride singles Cameron out to her she places her trust in him, a man who has also stolen her heart. After the demise of her husband she consents to his marriage proposal, whilst concealing her own secrets. Yet Elise senses that all is not well and much will be revealed before this couple have a chance of their HEA.

There is a lot of sexual tension and passion between the main couple in this novel and as you would expect from an erotic read some sumptuous and sizzling love making scenes. These scenes are truly beautiful, sensual and erotic and effortlessly portray the characters’ emotions with not only their words but also every glance, touch and breath they take.

As with Her Savage Scot #1 in the series, I loved how the book contains a mystical element, through the connection Elise has to her goddess Bride and the old religion, where women played an important role, at a time when Christianity was on the ascendant. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, Her Defiant Scot, where another unsuspecting Scots warrior is fated to fall in love with a Pictish princess determined to save their beloved land from the savage invaders.

I strongly recommend this book to readers who like their historical romances to sizzle with erotic love making scenes, alpha males, strong heroines and have a page turning plot and romance!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this novel was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Buy links:

Amazon US Amazon UK Ellora’s Cave

Connect with the Author

Website – Newsletter – Twitter – Goodreads –Facebook

Link to my review of Her Savage Scot #1 in the Highland Warrior Chronicles

For my reviews of TAINTED and BETRAYED in The Forbidden series (also by Christina Phillips and set in Romano-Celtic Britain) click on the links below:
TAINTED BETRAYED

August 21, 2014 by Caroline Barker

The Medea Complex by Rachel Florence Roberts REVIEW

****BASED ON A TRUE STORY***

1885. Anne Stanbury – Committed to a lunatic asylum, having been deemed insane and therefore unfit to stand trial for the crime of which she is indicted. But is all as it seems?

Edgar Stanbury – the grieving husband and father who is torn between helping his confined wife recover her sanity, and seeking revenge on the woman who ruined his life.

Dr George Savage – the well respected psychiatrist, and chief medical officer of Bethlem Royal Hospital. Ultimately, he holds Anne’s future wholly in his hands.

The Medea Complex tells the story of a misunderstood woman suffering from insanity in an era when mental illnesses’ were all too often misdiagnosed and mistreated. A deep and riveting psychological thriller set within an historical context, packed full of twists and turns, The Medea Complex explores the nature of the human psyche: what possesses us, drives us, and how love, passion, and hope for the future can drive us to insanity.

REVIEW

Set in the nineteenth century, based on a true story and real life characters of the time, The Medea Complex covers genres from an historical psychological thriller leading to an historical mystery thriller. The story holds a fascinating rawness and realistic storyline, following a new mother and her mental state since the birth of her child, how she reacts and copes to treatments and the people surrounding her and leaves the reader wondering if her husband remained in love with her or sought revenge for the situation she has left him in.

After killing her young infant son, Lady Anne Stanbury is committed to Bethlehem Hospital, deemed insane and therefore escapes the legal procedure of being sentenced (if found guilty). Anne is confused and believes she is being held for ransom by criminals as she cannot remember anything in regard to her husband and deceased child. And during this time the reader has an insight into how Anne is treated at the hospital by it’s members of staff.

The story opens up very dark, moody and a little depressing considering the main focus on a woman unable to cope with her young to the point she ends his life and ultimately is losing her mind. And yet, the author has made it so gripping and intense that it draws the reader in, making it such a pleasure to read. It is informative of the time, well-researched and yet written for a reader to follow the characters and storyline with ease, leaving a desire to read more.

Another area that intrigued me was the way in which the author tells the story from many perspectives; Lady Anne, Doctor George Savage, Edgar Stanbury (Anne’s husband), Lord Damsbridge (Anne’s father) and Beatrix Fortier (Anne’s maid and companion). This allows the reader to understand and perhaps empathise with the characters, their mindset and their actions.

Once the reader is aware of the situation that Lady Anne Stanbury is in the story goes on to focus on the many conflicts that all of the characters battle. Initially we are aware that Anne has conflicting memories and confusion of where she is, why she is there and what she remembers before entering the Bethlehem Hospital.

Doctor Savage is trying his best to carry out his work on the hope of curing Anne, whilst using the occasional method that Lord Damsbridge, Anne’s father, doesn’t approve of for his daughter. However, Lord Damsbridge funds the hospital thousands of pounds and wants his daughter treated in a specific manner. He can be a little threatening towards Doctor Savage, leaving the doctor the option to either follow or disobey his orders.

I love this maze of objectives and emotion that Rachel Florence Roberts has weaved into the story. It makes the story in many ways have more than one central character, bringing the reader close to all of them and trying to work out constantly what choices they will make and how they will execute their plans.

As the story unfolds past the first few chapters the reader begins to realise that Lady Anne’s husband, Edgar Stanbury was from a poor background. He has married into nobility and yet with no son and Anne in hospital he has no hold of Asquith Manor or the wealth that Lord Damsbridge could pass onto the male heir of Anne’s. To stay, Edgar needs Anne cured and another son to be born to claim the lifestyle for himself. Edgar also battles his confusion of whether he loves or hates his wife. Does he blame her tremendously for their sons death and long for revenge or does he love her and hopes for a better future with her?

Last but certainly not least is Beatrix who doesn’t take kindly to Edgar. The staff feel that he wants them fired and that his presence is purely for financial gain due to his background but as Asquith Manor is not his home yet she feels safe for now and uses her time to look out for Lady Anne.

In the latter half of the novel it becomes more an historical thriller/mystery, as opposed to psychological, with the reader constantly guessing what has taken place, who was involved, whether sanity had a role to play or not and there are many twists with nothing left unanswered at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this read regardless of its dark subject matter. It certainly opens eyes to all standpoints involved. And I cannot emphasize enough just how well-researched, understood and written about this era is in this story. It is a real stand-out and will not leave your mind in a hurry.

A copy of The Medea Complex was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

The Medea Complex is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

July 30, 2014 by Tina Williams

~SNOW IN JULY~ by Kim Iverson Headlee ~ Excerpt, Spotlight and Giveaways!

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Snow in July
AUTHOR – Kim Iverson Headlee
GENRE – Young Adult Paranormal Historical Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – July 2014
LENTH (Pages/# Words) – 386 pages/94K words
PUBLISHER – Pendragon Cove Press
COVER DESIGNER – Natasha Brown

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre has been granted what every man wants: a rich English estate in exchange for his valiant service at the Battle of Hastings. To claim this reward, the Norman knight must wed the estate’s Saxon heiress. Most men would leap at such an opportunity, but for Alain, who broke his vow to his dying mother by failing to protect his youngest brother in battle, it means facing more easily broken vows. But when rumors of rampant thievery, dangerous beasts, and sorcery plaguing a neighboring estate reach his ears, nothing will make him shirk duty to king and country when people’s lives stand at risk. He assumes the guise of a squire to scout the land, its problems, and its lady.

Lady Kendra of Edgarburh has been granted what no woman wants: a forced marriage to an enemy who may be kith or kin to the man who murdered her beloved brother. Compounding her anguish is her failure to awaken the miraculous healing gift bequeathed by their late mother in time to save his life. Although with his dying breath, he made her promise to seek happiness above all, Kendra vows that she shall find neither comfort nor love in the arms of a Norman…unless it snows in July.

Alain is smitten by Lady Kendra from the first moment of their meeting; Kendra feels the forbidden allure of the handsome and courtly Norman “squire.” But a growing evil overshadows everyone, invoking dark forces and ensnaring Kendra in a plot to overthrow the king Alain is oath-bound to serve. Kendra and Alain face a battle unlike any other as their honor, their love, their lives, and even their very souls lie in the balance.

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE US – AMAZON KINDLE CA – AMAZON KINDLE UK
AMAZON PAPERBACK – BARNES & NOBLES NOOK – BARNES & NOBLES PAPERBACK
SMASHWORDS – ITUNES – GOODREADS
SHELFARI

EXCERPT

FIFTEEN THOUSAND MEN and horses writhed across the valley below, appearing as toys in a children’s game.

Many might consider war a game, but Sir Robert Alain de Bellencombre, knight of Normandy bound to the service of Duke William and commander of a unit in the cavalry reserves, did not number among their ranks.

Edward the Confessor, King of England via his Saxon father but Norman by his mother, was dead. This battle, raging near the coastal hamlet called Hastings, would decide the right of one man to wear the English crown: William the Norman, acknowledged by Pope Alexander to be Edward’s lawful successor; or Harold the Saxon, brother of Edward’s wife, the man alleged to be Edward’s deathbed choice.

Stroking his war horse’s glossy charcoal neck to calm her, Alain pondered Harold’s claim. It had to be true. This many men would not sacrifice their lives for a lie. Yet the vast majority of Harold’s supporters were Saxons harboring no wish to bear the Norman yoke. Perhaps such men might be desperate enough to fight for a lie that promised to restore Saxon rule.

A trumpet blared. He signaled his men forward, couched his lance, and spurred Chou to send her careening into the melee.

Harold’s shield wall, which had seemed impregnable, began to crumble under the onslaught of Alain’s unit, hastened by the desertion of men who no doubt decided they weren’t quite so willing to die. Their lord stood exposed just long enough for a Norman archer to sight his mark. Harold fell, screaming and clutching an arrow that protruded from one eye.

Harold’s supporters closed ranks around him, blocking Alain’s view and giving him more than enough to do as the Saxons redoubled their efforts to guard their lord’s body.

A familiar whirl of colors caught Alain’s attention. The saffron leopard prowling on a green field—Étienne! A Saxon knight, with a blue arm and fist blazing defiance across his gray shield, bore down upon Étienne with leveled lance. Étienne tumbled from his horse. He scrambled to his feet and retrieved his sword, putting it to good use on the Saxons surrounding him, although the knight who’d unhorsed him had already ridden in search of other targets.

Lance long since discarded and sword now rising and falling with fatal precision, Alain surged to reach his brother’s side. Protection of her youngest son had been their dying mother’s wish, and he had sworn on his own life to keep Étienne safe.

Before he could close the distance, another Saxon knight fought past Étienne’s guard to thrust a war-knife into his throat. Through the visor the knight’s eyes gleamed with startling, fathomless malice. Alain could only watch in stunned disbelief as he laid his hand upon Étienne’s chest for a few moments. Uttering a soul-freezing howl, the Saxon yanked out his seax and disappeared into the press with Étienne’s shield, denying Alain vengeance.

Shame and grief rent his heart asunder.

He had failed the two he loved most; failed them so utterly that he could never beg their forgiveness in this lifetime.

Pain slammed into his shoulder, toppling him from the saddle. Étienne’s body broke his fall. He tried to roll clear, but a spear through his chest pinned him to Étienne. His gut convulsed, and bile burned his throat. Blinding agony killed his struggle to free himself. Death’s stench invaded his nostrils.

He closed his eyes and waited for his final journey to begin.

Snow in July - Book Spine

AUTHOR BIO

Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, and assorted wildlife. People & creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins — the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-20th century — seem to be sticking around for a while yet.

Kim is a Seattle native (when she used to live in the Metro DC area, she loved telling people she was from “the other Washington”) and a direct descendent of 20th-century Russian nobility. Her grandmother was a childhood friend of the doomed Grand Duchess Anastasia, and the romantic yet tragic story of how Lydia escaped Communist Russia with the aid of her American husband will most certainly one day fuel one of Kim’s novels. Another novel in the queue will involve her husband’s ancestor, the 7th-century proto-Viking king of the Swedish colony in Russia.

For the time being, however, Kim has plenty of work to do in creating her projected 8-book Arthurian series, The Dragon’s Dove Chronicles, and other novels under her new imprint, Pendragon Cove Press. She also writes romantic historical fiction under the pseudonym “Kimberly Iverson.”

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK
TWITTER – GOOGLE+ – PINTEREST
GOODREADS – SHELFARI – LINKEDIN – YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Video Interview

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

• Ebook copies of Snow in July

(MOBI/Kindle file-EPUB/B&N file-or sent as a gift via Amazon.com/BN.com)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GOODREADS GIVEAWAY

• 10 Autographed copies (US residents only) of the print edition

via Goodreads (scheduled to run July 1-31, 2014)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GOODREADS GIVEAWAY

Tour Organized By

July 23, 2014 by Tina Williams

Spotlight on The Warrior Queen # 1 in The Guinevere Trilogy by Lavinia Collins

Guinevere’s Story

The Warrior Queen is the debut novel of Lavinia Collins. It is a historical/fantasy romance set in Arthurian Britain, published by Not So Noble Books.

Since childhood I have been fascinated by the Arthurian legends. I am not alone in this as there have been many books, films and television programmes which have time after time re-interpreted the story of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, his fellow knights and the quest for the Holy Grail.

The tale is rich in mystery, archetypes and moral and religious metaphors. I am also torn by the tangled relationships of what I consider the greatest tale of all time, in particular the love triangle between Guinevere, Arthur and Lancelot. Not to mention the magical power struggle between Merlin, Mordred and Morgana and the notion of chivalry represented by the Knights of the Round Table.

It is rare however, for the events to be portrayed through the eyes of Guinevere and I was therefore fascinated to learn of Lavinia Collins’ The Guinevere Trilogy, comprising The Warrior Queen, A Champion’s Duty and The Day of Destiny. I am looking forward to reading and reviewing The Warrior Queen soon, but wanted to share the cover and book blurb with you, kindly provided by the author, and provide the links.

Book Blurb

‘The Warrior Queen’ is the first instalment of ‘The Guinevere Trilogy’, a new series of eBooks that reimagines the famous story of Queen Guinevere for a modern audience.

When her people’s army is destroyed in the war with King Arthur, Guinevere is horrified to discover that her conqueror has demanded to have her as his bride. She arrives at Camelot angry and resentful, but quickly finds that the king who defeated her people in battle is not the brute she expected. Slowly, she gains a fragile happiness in her new home, but this is threatened when war comes again.

When her life is saved on the battlefield by a mysterious French knight, Guinevere finds herself caught between desire and duty, the longing for happiness in the new life she has, and her desire to be free and follow her heart.

This original re-imagining of a much-loved legend gives readers a new Guinevere; passionate, headstrong and fiercely independent. An immersive adventure through Arthurian legend, steeped in magic, passion and intrigue, this book won’t disappoint, ‘The Warrior Queen’ retells the classic narrative through the eyes of a queen determined to escape the bounds her society has placed on her, determined not to be ruled by the men who surround her, and determined to be master of her own destiny.