Tag Archives: vulnerable-heroine

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*ARC REVIEW* ~ Marquess to a Flame, Rules of the Rogue book 3, by Emily Windsor

#sensual #regency #romance #historicalromance

A London rogue with a winter’s heart… A Cornish lady with a glimpse of spring…. Seasons collide & passions flame as the seducer becomes the seduced.

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

Release Date: 30th January 2019

Blurb

A winter’s heart…

“Debonair, handsome and with a devil’s smile. How could any woman resist?”

The Marquess of Winterbourne has long been guided by his Rules of the Rogue, but as emissary for the Crown, his next mission will break every single one. Sent to the wilds of Cornwall to beguile secrets from a country miss, the last thing this rogue expects is to unearth his own buried heart.
A taste of spring…

“A rogue and a fribble. How could any woman succumb?”

Miss Tamsyn Penrose remains far from impressed by charming London scoundrel Lord Winterbourne, preferring a wild gallop over the moors to flashing black eyes and fulsome flattery. But as danger lurks and prejudice ebbs, she uncovers a complex man who awakens her hidden strength and arouses her forgotten fire.
Seasons collide…

Desire sparks and passion flares in this Cornish land of cove and tor. Can Tamsyn step from the shadow of her past? And will Jack Winterbourne tear up the rules for a woman who maddens his senses and thaws his heart?

A sensual Regency Romance with warmth and wit, this story also includes a fusty valet with a secondary love story, picnics, swordplay, peacocks and…piskies.

My Review ~ 5 stars

Witty and Suspenseful 

I loved this witty and suspenseful Regency Romance, penned by Emily Windsor. In it, the quintessential London rake, Jack Winterbourne, is brought to his knees by a country miss, Tamsyn Penrose. We met Jack in previous books in the series and I have been eagerly awaiting his story as he appeared to be a rogue beyond redemption! Although it is not necessary to read the other books in the series, I’d urge you to do so as they are equally as enthralling as this one.

I loved both the hero and heroine. Indeed, I went through the whole gamut of emotions when reading this novel – a number of scenes had me recoiling in horror, whilst others had me laughing and crying with laughter – the antics of Jack, Tamsyn and the cast of supporting characters kept me entertained throughout. The read contains a secondary romance between Jack’s valet and Tamsyn’s companion and this added to my enjoyment.

The book refers to moving events from both Jack and Tamsyn’s past, events which have shaped their characters. The author does an excellent job of illustrating how both the hero and heroine need to overcome their inner conflicts to ensure their HEA. It is not an easy path but throughout the read I was rooting for them to be together, although at times I did want to shake them and give them a good talking to!

Emily Windsor skilfully weaves romance coupled with sparkling and witty dialogue with danger and suspense which kept me guessing throughout. Will Jack and Tamsyn overcome issues from their past and take a chance on love before it’s too late? Will dangers from Tamsyn’s past come back to ruin her future happiness? Can a rogue’s heart finally thaw?

All in all a super read for fans of sensual Regency Romance which contains wit, charm and romance in spades. Thoroughly recommended.

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.

Buy Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

https://www.amazon.com/author/emilywindsor

https://facebook.com/AuthorEmilyWindsor

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*REVIEW* ~ Her Bastard Bridegroom, by Alice Coldbreath

#medieval #fantasy #romance

A Sweet and Steamy Adult Read

hbb

Book Blurb

Lady Linnet Cadwallader has been raised a helpless invalid in her own castle. Brought up to believe she will ‘never make old bones’ she lives a quiet and lonely existence, hiding away her excessive freckles and red hair from a world that believes her to be hideously misshapen and ugly.

Until one day her uncle arranges a marriage of convenience for her, a marriage in name only with a young puppet groom… but Sir Roland does not show up. In his place turns up his bastard-born brother Mason Vawdrey. And dark, forceful Mason is no-one’s puppet.

Things are about to get interesting at Cadwallader Castle. And Linnet is about to discover that maybe a golden leopardess does not need to change her glorious spots.

This is a full length novel of over 80,000 words. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.

My Review

Loved it – A Delightfully Sweet and Steamy Treat! ~ 5 stars

I came across this read whilst noodling on Amazon and downloaded it as the plot line – vulnerable heroine marries bad boy alpha male really appealed to me. I’m so so glad I did, as I now have another favourite author to read!

Her Bastard Bridegroom is a sweet and steamy read set in a Medieval landscape. Whilst the hero Mason truly is the dark and brooding bastard in the book’s title, and Linnet regards herself as an unattractive young lady destined for an early grave, nothing is what it first seems – this book is a romance after all! Both hero and heroine are just what each other needs and their relationship frees them from their past and leads the to discover truths about themselves that they did not know existed. What starts of as a marriage of convenience with the hero making no bones about marrying the heroine for her riches soon develops into something more. Yet there are those in Linnet’s and his own family who are far from happy about their unexpected union and they gather in the wings…

Mason is a loveable rogue of a man. He is renowned for his dark ways and freely admits that he does not have a romantic bone in his body. I liked that he is totally honest with Linnet and leaves her under no illusions that what he wants from her is her dowry and an heir or two so that his offspring can secure a title. Yet this great beast of a man has never met a woman quite like Linnet, so unspoiled and innocent. Despite his first impressions he is in for a huge surprise as his new wife also has a strong character and can match him in and out of the bedroom. Talking of bedroom there are many steamy scenes inside and outside of the chamber and the authors graphic depictions of their lovemaking positively sizzle!

As for Linnet. despite Mason’s reputation, she is undaunted and is liberated by her marriage as never before in her life. I loved how her character came into its own with the developing plot and how Mason, despite his gruff ways and his insistence to himself and others that this marriage was for his convenience only, falls hard for his wife.

Mason’s half-brother Oswald, so different in character, is a perfect foil for Mason, often acting as his conscience and along with many other supporting characters make for an entertaining and often humorous read. I loved how the story developed and was very satisfied with its outcome.

Recommended for fans of historical/fantasy romance who like a romantic and steamy read.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Purchase Links

Amazon US  Amazon UK

Author Links

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32388550-her-bastard-bridegroom

 

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**RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW** – Tainted (#4 in the Druid Chronicles), by Christina Phillips

#erotic #historical #romance

A real treat for fans of historical romance set in Roman Britain!

We are thrilled to be part of the release blitz for Christina Phillips’ erotic historical romance TAINTED. Set in Roman Britain and previously published in 2013, the book, containing a timeless love story between a Druid warrior and a Roman Patrician, has now been re-launched with a beautiful new cover. This enemies to lovers romance is an emotional and heart rending read, full of erotic and sensual scenes and contains plenty of suspense as the lovers struggle for their HEA against all the odds. It is a riveting read which is highly recommended. 🙂

bk4-tainted-large

A dangerous love Rome will never allow…

Driven by the knowledge he failed to protect his king, Druid warrior Gawain abandons his gods and vows to destroy the Roman invaders by any means possible.

Nothing and no one is more important than protecting his fellow Druids from the enemy until he meets the beautiful Roman patrician, Antonia. She is everything he’s never wanted in a woman, yet she fascinates him like no other. Despite the danger of discovery he embarks on an illicit liaison with her, determined to uncover the reason for the infinite sorrow that haunts her eyes.

Newly arrived in Britannia from Rome, Antonia is inexplicably drawn to the cold, tough Celt. His touch stirs a passion she long thought died at the hands of her brutal former husband and his unexpected tenderness thaws her frozen heart. But she hides a deadly secret that could be her undoing, and knows her growing feelings for him can lead nowhere. Yet when a shadow from her past threatens her future Antonia is torn between the Empire of her birth and betraying Gawain, the man she’s grown to love.

Previously published in 2013

Tainted is the fourth book in The Druid Chronicles and this time I mixed it up a little. The hero is a tough Celtic warrior we first met in Forbidden, and although at the time I didn’t know if I’d write his book, readers were keen to find out what happened to him. And so was I! But it was hard to find the perfect heroine for him, until Antonia appeared.

A beautiful Roman noblewoman, she’s nothing like he first assumes and what starts out as a fleeting affair soon develops into something much deeper, and deadlier, for them both.

Read Chapter One

My Review

Historical Erotic Romance 18+

Lush Eroticism and a Riveting Romance – 5 stars

Tainted is bursting with lush eroticism and riveting romance. The tale is set in ancient Britain and features a love between a sexy Celtic warrior and a Roman aristocrat, whose combination of strength and vulnerability melts his heart. The novel also has paranormal elements, befitting of a time when both Romans and Druids communed with their respective gods.

The patrician Antonia, recently divorced, has left Rome and journeys to Britain with her merchant father. Antonia is relieved to have left her brutal marriage far behind her. As soon as she catches sight of Gawain, whom has featured in earlier novels in the series, instant mutual attraction flares between them. Gawain blatantly parades his lust for Antonia and his intention to bed her, whilst at the same time making known his disdain for Rome and all it represents. Although Antonia tries to hide her attraction, she finds it impossible to maintain her apparent disinterest. She decides that there is no reason not to encourage this man, whom she is very much attracted to, and embark on a short term affair, where she can hopefully put the bad memories of her marriage behind her.

For Gawain’s part he is determined to possess this woman, just as he has the bodies of many a Roman aristocrat. However, Antonia is different – she has no husband with her whose secrets he wishes to uncover in his quest to bring down the Roman oppressors as a good Druid warrior should. Nevertheless he determines to slake his lust on her before moving to pastures new.

Gawain, well practised in the erotic arts, inducts Antonia into sensual pleasures beyond her wildest dreams, a far cry from her experience of the marriage bed. His seduction includes sexual acts that she has only heard spoken of in whispers by her erstwhile friends in Rome. The lovemaking scenes are very hot indeed! The couple very soon begin to share more than physical pleasure and develop strong emotional bonds, which grow into mutual respect and a deep love.  As with all of Christina Phillips’ novels that I have read in this series, their developing romance is beautiful to behold. Both Gawain and Antonia however have their own secrets and when a figure from Antonia’s past reappears in her life and Rome’s determination to destroy the Druids comes to the fore, their budding romance is threatened by violence and treachery. There is also an unexpected plot twist, which i did not see coming, which added to the pleasure of the read.

I loved the characters of both Gawain and Antonia. Gawain is portrayed as a strong and honourable individual, committed to the path of the Druid warrior, to repel and destroy the Roman invaders, whom he despises. He feels as if he has failed his Celtic God Lugus, as he was unable to prevent the treachery which resulted in the King Caratacus being captured and taken to Rome, an episode which also resulted in the execution of the other Druid warriors loyal to the king. Gawain feels less honourable because he managed to escape their fate. He is a considerate and inventive lover and I found him to be a irresistible, just as Antonia does!

On the surface Antonia is the perfect reserved Roman aristocrat, but she has been made to feel wanting by virtue of her merchant father’s heritage which is not considered good enough for her mother’s patician blood. She has therefore suffered whilst in Rome. However, Antonia has an inner strength, which Gawain comes to respect. Gawain helps to heal her sexually and their relationship is also full of humorous and lively banter. Neither individual wishes to see the other hurt by their own actions or those of another.

Other characters include Carys and Maximus, the hero and heroine of book 1, Forbidden, who play a key role in the novel. There is also Antonia’s father, who has his own secrets and the Praetor who does not have the best interests of Antonia and Gawain at heart.  The tale is set against the backdrop of the Roman objective to annihilate the Druids and the power and influence they wield over the populace, by whatever means possible. Author Christina Phillips is in the Premier League when it comes to historical erotic Romance. Her novels have the perfect balance between erotic lovemaking and an exciting, credible and well crafted plot.

I recommend the novel to romance lovers who like to read erotic romance, set within an historical context.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Buy Links

iBooks   |   Amazon   |   B&N   |   Kobo

#1 Forbidden –   iBooks   |   Amazon   |   B&N   |  ARe  |  Kobo

#2 Captive   –    iBooks  |  Amazon   |   B & N   |   Kobo

#3 Enslaved  –   iBooks   |   Amazon   | B&N   |   Kobo

#4 Tainted

Bio

As a child, Christina always loved reading about far away places and magical worlds, but never imagined that one day she’d spend her days writing about them! Thankfully, when she grew up she decided her brave heroines deserved a gorgeous warrior to share their journey with, and hopes you enjoy the world of The Druid Chronicles as much as she enjoyed writing it J

Keep in touch with Christina

Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter

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*REVIEW* ~ Eagle’s Honor RAVISHED, by Sandra Schwab

#historical #erotic #romance

Adult/18+ read

ravished

A barbarian warrior, an enemy of Rome.
A sheltered young woman, the daughter of a Roman officer.
An unlikely love, threatened by the bloody strife at the borders of Roman Empire.

AD 190: When a fever ravages her father’s fort and kills her family, Livia has to leave Britannia behind and make a new home for herself in Rome. Lost in a world of grief, she finds little delight in the glittering capital of the empire. Nothing can penetrate the grey fog of her grief—except for the cool blue eyes of the slave Leontius, a barbarian warrior, a former gladiator, a man she ought to fear. And yet, she cannot help but crave his touch, even though he is an enemy of Rome; even though, should he ever manage to flee, he would unleash the anger of his tribe upon the border of the empire.

My Review

Sensual and Emotionally Charged ~ 5 Stars

I loved this read so much! Ravished is a superbly well written sensual and emotionally charged historical romance set in AD 190 during the time of the Roman Empire. It is the second book in the author’s Eagle’s Honor series, book one being Banished which I reviewed earlier this year (click on the book title for my review).

In Ravished, a tale of star-crossed lovers, the reader is taken from the far reaches of windswept Britannia to the decadence of Rome and then to  the border with Germania. The Barbarian Leontius is paired with Livia, a young and innocent high born Roman who has suffered the loss of her immediate family. They meet in Rome where Livia is spending time with her aunt and Leontius, a former gladiator, is purchased as her aunt’s pleasure slave.

Leontius escapes his bondage and returns to his homeland to avenge himself against Rome, yet fate decides to re-unite the couple, only this time it is Livia who finds herself held hostage by Leontius’ tribe.  Yet Livia and Leontius have not forgotten their time spent in Rome and the attraction they have for one another refuses to be denied.

The author does a fantastic job of portraying Livia’s depressed and detached state of mind when she is mourning her family. Neither the decadence of Rome nor the isolation of her uncle’s fort can penetrate her low mood. It is only when she is captured, facing an uncertain future, that she begins her metamorphosis and begins to seize life and discover her inner strength. I really enjoyed this transformation and how she rose to the many challenges that her captivity threw her way, not least dealing with the attraction between her and Leontius and his stubbornness!

I loved how protective Leontius is towards Livia throughout the novel. He tries to fight his attraction as he knows their future together is impossible as Livia is but a pawn in the negotiations between Leontius’ tribe and Rome. However neither Livia nor Leontius can resist the chemistry between them and I enjoyed the sensuality of the lovemaking scenes between the couple who despite their differences are so well matched. I despaired of their HEA and at several points during the read I was reduced to tears due to the seemingly hopeless situation they found themselves in!

I enjoyed the secondary characters, particularly Livia’s uncle Caius and Lucius and Leontius’ family. The descriptions of Rome and how it contrasts with life in Germania, especially amongst the Germanic tribes were well drawn.

Ravished is a must read for romance fans, especially those who enjoy reading about love and relationships set in the Roman period.

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.

Purchase Links

Amazon US  Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

http://www.sandraschwab.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sandraschwab

https://twitter.com/ScribblingSandy

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**REVIEW** ~ A Most Demanding Mistress (#2 in the Fashionably Impure series), by Natasha Blackthorne

Erotic Regency Romance, Historical Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Natasha B

Blurb

Scorching Hot Historical Romance

Miss Miranda Jones is indisputably the most beautiful, elegant and sought after courtesan in all of London. She hides a past full of pain and rejection beneath an exterior of pride. She knows that noblemen put their own fickle interests first and cannot be trusted. Scorned by ducal father, she never needed or expected anything from a man, except his financial support. Luxurious living makes a soothing balm against the sting of the ultimate rejection.

Now she’s madly in love with a nobleman who cannot afford to keep her in such extravagant style. And she wonders if a courtesan can ever afford to indulge her own passions? Can she really gamble so capriciously on her own future and put the happiness of the moment above future security? Will her gentleman prove himself no better than any other nobleman that she has known?

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, has seen the men of his family destroyed through their obsessive need to possess beautiful women. He’d always thought himself immune to such unworthy drives. Now he’s fallen under the spell of Miss Miranda Jones.

Miss Jones’ high standards and past reputation foretells that she’ll be a most demanding mistress. Despite his relative lack of funds, Adrian is determined to work hard to protect and provide for her. Passion led this skeptical gentleman to declare himself in love. Yet as they enter a protector and mistress relationship, Adrian finds himself consumed with possessiveness. And he can’t help but wonder if is it true love that motivates him? Or is it the need to own her stunning beauty? He must find the answer before their tempestuous romance breaks both of their hearts.

A Most Demanding Mistress is part of the Fashionably Impure Series and is best read after Miranda’s Dilemma.

Reader advisory: This story contains frank sexual language and general bedchamber naughtiness. Abuse issues are alluded to in the backstory.

My Review ~ 5 stars *****

Intense and Erotic Historical Regency Romance

A Most Demanding Mistress continues the story began in Miranda’s Dilemma (click on the title for review), the first book in Natasha Blackthorne’s Fashionably Impure series. In this emotionally intense and turbulent read, Adrian and Miranda enter a protector and mistress relationship. Yet this is far from plain sailing, as due to their own personal make up they threaten to destroy each other. Also danger lurks in the shadows.

I love how this author writes her tortured characters, whilst maintaining a highly erotic and page-turning read. Adrian and Miranda are complex and angst ridden. In many scenes we witness a battle royal between two strong-willed, albeit damaged individuals. Adrian, the Earl of Danvers, is an alpha male with a strong need to protect this woman from those who wish her harm, particularly her estranged ducal father. Yet can he afford to keep her and at what cost to his own personal circumstances as a Duke and father?

Adrian has seen members of his own family and others destroyed by their obsessions with courtesans. Although he admires Miranda’s character and beauty he despises how she presents herself in public and is immensely jealous of any man who covets her. Is it love or obsession he feels? Adrian has so many inner demons to grapple with, in addition to his own domestic responsibilities, which threaten their relationship that I despaired of a HEA.

Miranda values her independence and cannot relinquish her public image, so important to a courtesan. After all what will happen when Adrian tires of her? Will her fear of ultimate rejection sound the death knell for their relationship or will the threat come from elsewhere? As Adrian involves Miranda more and more in his own domestic affairs, she becomes exposed to unexpected dangers. I was in suspense waiting to see how this element of the plot would impact on the central love story.

It is an excellent addition to the series. The dialogue is emotionally charged and sexy and the love-making scenes highly erotic and often deliciously naughty. Natasha Blackthorne also does an excellent job of illustrating the social mores of the time, especially in how fellow aristrocats view courtesans. I am looking forward to the final instalment in Adrian and Miranda’s story, Sacrifice.

Recommended to fans of erotic romance, especially those who enjoy the Regency period and who like their heroes and heroines to be equally tortured and complex.

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.

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon US   Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

 

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**REVIEW** ~ Trapped in His World (Dark Romance, book 1), by Roxy Sinclaire

Dark Romance

Adult/18+ Read

Trapped

Book Blurb

There is no escape…

I was only supposed to be his replacement secretary for one week. Now he has me trapped in his world of twisted and dark desires. I try to get away and I can’t – but the question is – do I really want to?

Navia Watson is struggling to survive. She has just left school and can’t hold a steady job. Just when she feels that there is no hope, her best friend makes her an offer that she can’t refuse. All she has to do is be a temporary stand in secretary for her friend’s position as the secretary for some billionaire for only a week. One week for some quick cash – how hard can it be? She is in for the surprise of her life when she walks into Jason Black’s office. The dark, sexy billionaire quickly pulls her into his web, one that she can’t unravel herself from. His piercing eyes call to her very soul and the darkness lurking in their depths entices her.

She suspects that the man is dangerous, but she could never have imagined the depth of the mysteries surrounding him. By the time Navia discovers his true nature, it’s too late for her salvation. Even if is she could leave him, there’s no way he will let her go. She is his and she is not sure she really wants to get away.

This is a dark romance novella with NO cliffhanger. Intended for audiences 18+ and not for the fainthearted. Contains situations some readers might find objectionable. 

My Review

**** (4 Stars)

Wickedly hot and dark erotic read!

Trapped in his World is a hard-hitting dark novella which pushes the boundaries of non-consent and contains scenes which some readers may find disturbing. It ticks all the boxes for fans of dark romances, such as myself!

When Natvia agreed to step in and cover her friend’s job for a week she did not expect to catch the eye of her boss  Jason Black and to be drawn into his dark and dominant desires. Once snared in this web, which combines mind-blowing sex and bdsm bordering on abuse, can she muster up the courage to escape? Does she want to? And even if she does, will Jason permit it?

The novella is told from Natvia’s point of view and we are therefore kept in the dark as to what Jason is thinking, which is effective in creating drama and suspense. When his past is revealed towards the end of the read it therefore comes as a complete surprise and I was left as perplexed as the heroine in how to react.

I found the heroine Natvia to be sympathetic. Although she is shy and retiring by nature, she does exhibit some degree of backbone when dealing with Jason. She is a tad naïve, but given her background this is understandable. She takes all that he wants to give her yet can she cope with his violent desires?

Jason is a hero whom I warmed to as the book progressed. It is clear from the outset that he has issues and is conflicted when it comes to how to conduct himself sexually and emotionally. I did not like some of the experiences he made Natvia endure and the fact that he blows hot and cold with her. I did however enjoy reading how he breaks all the rules when it comes to employer and employee relationships! There are many scorching bdsm scenes where he demonstrates his dominant personality. Their relationship has echoes of beauty and the beast, but it remained to be seen whether this particular beast could be tamed.

All in all a sexy and satisfying dark read, which pushed my emotional boundaries!

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

Purchase Links

Amazon UK  Amazon US

Author Links

http://roxysinclaire.com/

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**REVIEW** ~ Love Yoga, Serge de Moliere

#Erotic Romance #Erotica

Adult/18+ Read

Love Yoga

Blurb

Morgan Love is one of the few African American yoga instructors in town. After her studies in India with the legendary Swami Monda, students flock to her classes. But without her own studio, money remains tight, and her personal life is a wreck after the last man in her life cheated on her.

When an attractive man enters her yoga studio, Morgan is instantly drawn to him. When she discovers the attraction is mutual, things quickly escalate, taking a dramatic and passionate turn. Eli is like no other man she’s ever met, and that includes his incredible sexual prowess.

But when Morgan’s past comes back to haunt her, she finds herself forced to turn to Eli. Are her hopes and dreams safe with this seemingly too-perfect man? Or will Morgan end up once again as a man’s sex toy?

My Review

Love Affirming Erotic Romance 4* (Four stars)

I loved this sizzling short by Serge de Moliere. It’s certainly been a few years since I have taken a yoga class, but this read certainly brought it all back to me. I too remember the solitary male who would now and again venture into a class full of women, never to return again. None of these males were like Eli however!

Once yoga teacher Morgan and Eli catch sight of each other their attraction is mutual and they cannot keep their eyes (or hands) off one another! The many love-making scenes between them are scorching as befits an erotic romance.  Yet can Morgan trust Eli with her heart when her last partner used her so cruelly? I waited with bated breath whether Eli would prove himself to Morgan when she needs help.

Serge de Moliere packs a lot into this read which brings Morgan’s yoga studio and the lusty scenes between her and Eli vividly to life. It is a sweet, hot and visceral read as the couple explore each other physically and emotionally. I recommend this to lovers of erotic romance who are looking for a short, hot and satisfying read.

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.

Purchase Links

Amazon.com   Amazon UK

Connect with the Author

https://www.facebook.com/Serge-de-Moliere-753266598106095/timeline/

https://twitter.com/Serge_deMoliere

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*ARC REVIEW* ~ To Win Her Trust (Players book 2), by Mackenzie Crowne

Contemporary Romance

MC

Can she trust this player with her heart?

Ever since experiencing a childhood trauma, reclusive artist CC Calhoun has suffered from panic attacks. But when a fateful kiss from handsome wide receiver, Kevin “Tuck” Tucker, is enough to stop one of those episodes cold, she wonders if guarding her heart has been the right choice. Will going on a test date with Tuck open her to trusting someone for the first time in years? Or will she wind up being just another notch in the football player’s bedpost?

Tuck has a reputation for charming women into bed, but after his kiss with CC, he’s left aching for more. When he proposes a second date, his attraction to the sexy blonde looks like the makings of true love—something he’s never quite believed in—until now. But when Tuck discovers CC’s childhood secrets, will the pro athlete be tough enough to stay by her side—or will he betray her hard-earned trust?

 

My Review ~ 5 Stars

Heart-Warming and Sexy!

Mackenzie Crowne’s contemporary romance To Win Her Trust is the second book in Mackenzie Crowne’s Player series and it is a fab read, containing a strong but vulnerable heroine and a sexy hero who is just what she needs to heal her emotional scars! I haven’t read the first book To Win Her Love, the hero and heroine of which also appear in this novel, but this read works perfectly well as a standalone and I would definitely read works by this author again.

When reading romance I do have a penchant for tortured characters and Mackenzie Crowne does an excellent job with how she depicts and develops the character of CC the heroine. CC is a virtual recluse on account of childhood trauma, being prone to severe and debilitating panic attacks when she is in social situations. Although her work as an artist means that she can to a large extent control her exposure to people and places, events conspire to trigger one as she exits a coffee shop. She is stunned when a kiss from a handsome stranger immediately calls a halt to the attack.

And as for Tuck the hero what can I say? He is a sexy but lovable rogue. Although this star football player has a reputation as a man whore, I loved that he is so empathetic and has a good and kind heart. He has a strong attraction to CC, entranced by her combination of sass and vulnerability. He wants her and, as he has a few weeks before he departs on his team’s training camp, he seeks her out and they strike a deal: Tuck will spend three weeks before camp dating CC, with the aim of helping her to overcome her social anxiety and fear of dating, (at the same time trying his level best to seduce her)!

CC is grateful for his help and confident that she can avoid falling for him. After all, Tuck has a reputation as a serious celebrity gigolo and a serial dater and is hardly the type that she desires for keeps! Of course, as this is a romance novel, their deal has unexpected repercussions: sexual tension and passion reach a crescendo and they both start to realise that they may find it difficult to walk away from each other….. Add to the mix an interfering mother, an estranged father, CC’s issues from her traumatic past and well-meaning friends, we get a well written and balanced heart-warming and sexy read in which the hero and the heroine need to risk their hearts before a HEA can be reached, I found it to be hugely entertaining.

To Win Her Trust is a sexy, emotional (and often humorous) read, which I recommend to lovers of contemporary romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

Amazon.com   Amazon.uk

Connect with the Author

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5821344.Mackenzie_Crowne

http://mackenziecrowne.com/wp/

https://twitter.com/search?q=mackenzie%20crowne&src=typd

https://www.facebook.com/mackenzie.crowne.5

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**REVIEW** ~ A Discreet Gentleman of Discovery (The Discreet Gentleman Series book 1), by Kris Tualla

Historical Romance

kris tualla

Book Blurb

Brander Hansen lost his hearing at age seven, his inheritance at twenty-three. Furious at his father’s betrayal, Brander leaves home to make his way as Lord Olsen, a ‘discreet gentleman of discovery’ in 1721 Christiania, Norway. He intends to gain his own estate and begins buying the debt markers on Kildahlshus.

Baroness Regin Kildahl’s husband has gambled away her estate and sunk to more dangerous habits. She writes to Lord Olsen soliciting his help saving both her husband and her home. When her husband dies, Regin offers herself and her title to anyone who will redeem his gambling debts, unaware of Brander’s plan and circumventing his efforts.

The Hansen heir accepts her offer and hires Lord Olsen to deliver his bride. Brander’s choices are clear: give the widow and her estate to his younger brother, or claim them both as his own. But who would accept a deaf husband?

My Review

A Real Treat for Fans of Historical Romance!

***** (5 Stars) TOP READ

I was totally entranced by this romance by Kris Tualla. A Discreet Gentleman of Discovery is a real treat for fans of historical romance, combining passion, deceit, murder and mystery into one page-turning read. It is the first book that I have read by the author and I loved her voice and how she effortlessly pulled me into the world of early eighteenth century Norway. The angst driven romance between Brander and Regin, the hero and the heroine, is beautiful to behold and has many twists and turns.

Brander, the ‘discreet gentleman of discovery’ of the title is in modern parlance a private investigator/spy, employed by others to unearth secrets and solve crimes. He is also an aristocrat, an eldest son, who, on account of his deafness and inability to speak, was disinherited by his father, who, deeming Brander unfit, made his younger son his heir. Brander is determined to make his own fortune and purchase an estate to prove his worth to himself and his estranged family. Niels, his valet and cousin  works alongside him and acts as his ears and confidant.

When Brander is employed by Regin to find out about how her husband’s debts are bankrupting her home, and subsequently witnesses his death by foul means, their lives begin to get entangled. Brander has his eye on Regin’s ancestral home and unbeknown to her purchases her husband’s markers. Yet the lady, in a desperate effort to save her estate, offers her hand to any man who can pay for her debts. Brander thus finds himself in the impossible position of transporting this woman, whom he has developed strong feelings for, across the frozen countryside of Norway to his own ancestral home to deliver her into the hands of his younger brother and his father’s heir.

Brander is a tortured alpha male to die for! He is ashamed of the impact of his disability on others, believing that he is fit to be no woman’s consort and is therefore sworn off marriage. However, he is attracted to Regin unlike no other woman and they share some passionate encounters. Yet even if he was able to put his fears aside, how could he possibly expect her to want him when he has deceived her so badly on not one but two accounts? Also how will his family react when he appears at their door with his brother’s bride after they have not seen him since he stormed out of their household many years ago?

Regin has no idea who Brander is, least of all that he is the brother of her intended. Also she does not realise that the debts she is liable for are now owed to him. She is hugely attracted to him and admires him for his inner strength and tenacity on dealing with his disability and also for his skill in solving crimes, all of which become apparent during their long and arduous journey. Yet how will she react when she finds out about his duplicity? And if she can overcome his betrayal how can she persuade him that he will make a fit husband? What future can they possibly have as she is now promised to another?

Brander is so conflicted and many of the passages are truly heartrending as he battles with his emotions. Regin too fights her own battle as she embarks on a future with an unknown bridegroom whilst she is harbouring growing feelings for her escort. They are a perfect match for each other and Regin sees him first and foremost as a man, not someone with a disability. The author does an excellent job of exploring how early eighteenth century society would have treated those with hearing loss and I loved how Regin and his cousin Niels communicate with him using sign language.

The book is a standalone in that it has a definite conclusion. However, I’m pleased to note that the couple’s story continues in further books in the series.

I wholeheartedly recommend A Discreet Gentleman of Discovery to lovers of historical romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

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

Purchase Links

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