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Historical, Romance - novel
TBR Reviewer: Amanda

Review


Damien Largess, the third son of the king of Cardenas, is a rogue. Esmeralda is a beautiful gypsy, and from the moment Damien meets her, his life begins to change. He finds himself leaving behind his less desirable habits to become a better man for her, but life and a family secret conspire to keep them apart.
 
This is a great romance with intrigue and mystery combined. A family secret leads to murder attempts on the life of the royal family. When the villain is introduced, his identity is obvious, but it does not detract from the story. The many events that combine to keep the hero and heroine apart made the story enjoyable and heart-breaking at the same time.  (There are two in particular I would love to see get a happy ending.) My only complaint
is that the editing was not done as well as it should have been. There were a few mispellings and even one place where the wrong name was used, requiring a second run through of the paragraph to grasp the actual intent.

I thoroughly enjoyed the various characters (even the ones I loved to hate) and look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens to the minor characters as well.

Excerpt

 “And what about you?” she asked, running her fingertip over the rim of her teacup. Damien
followed that finger with his eyes, wondering about the softness of her touch. He wondered what that finger would feel like pressed against his lips; he wondered how it would taste against his tongue. He could have sworn he felt tiny beads of perspiration break out along his forehead. 

“Umm…what about me?” he asked quickly, lest she wonder why he was staring like some dumbstruck fool. 

“Well your reputation precedes you, but I can’t help but wonder if there is more to you than the stories I have heard.” 
 
He laughed softly, a rumbling sound that caused warmth to spread through Esmeralda’s insides. “And just what stories are those?” he asked, his eyes glittering playfully. “What exactly have you heard of me?” 
 
“Well sir, if you must know, you are known as a most disreputable rake, a drunk, a gambler, and seducer of women.” 
 
“Well it seems that you have just about summed me up,” he said, leaning toward her across the table. “Shouldn’t you be worried then, to be left alone with me?”

Esmeralda swallowed. His sudden nearness was wreaking havoc on her sanity. His eyes had grown heavy-lidded and sensual, and he seemed to be watching her mouth quite intently. She swallowed again and forced herself to speak.

“And why should I be nervous?” she replied brazenly, forcing confidence she did not feel. “I know that you are a gentleman and would never make any sort of advances upon me.”  
 
“And yet it is all I can think about,” he whispered, his breath warm against her cheek as he brushed his lips against it. He breathed in her heady fragrance, feeling enveloped by it as if she had reach out and grabbed him with her own two hands. Yet she had not moved, though her eyes slid closed as his lips moved achingly over her jaw and toward her lips.

 He pressed his mouth firmly against hers, gently urging her lips apart with his. She was
nearly melting into him, dazed by the slow seduction of his lips on hers, intoxicated by the strong scent of his sandalwood shaving soap. His hand rested lightly on the back of her head, sending light tingles racing down her spine at the delicate touch. 

His lips, his mocking, arrogant lips, worked their magic over hers, weaving a spell of seduction so strong that Esmeralda completely forgot herself. It wasn’t until she felt the touch of his tongue against hers that she was jolted out of her languid trance.

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Historical - novel
TBR reviewer: Monua

Review

Two Kingdoms on the precipice of war. When innocents are slaughtered there is only one solution….revenge. When King Evan of Powys kidnaps the Princess Morleyna he is determined to bring peace by bartering an agreement with her brother. Little does he know that the wager is a battle for his soul and redemption for a life wasted with lust for a witch. Will the purity of his captive be enough to erase the deceit and ugliness of betrayal and finally bring peace to his land, or will all be lost in a gamble that will destroy both of their hearts…and their Kingdoms?

This is a detailed historical piece but not much in the way of romance. There were a few moments when I was caught up in Evan and Morleyna’s world, but mostly it was a rambling of dialogue that would put a true Romantic novel reader to sleep. I would have liked to see more interaction with the lead characters and watch their budding relationship, instead of Evan and Larys boring trysts. The“heat” between Evan and Morley was pretty non-existent to say the least, and I felt it was thrown in there just to make the reader believe this is a love story. 

However, if you like historicals The Comrades is exceptionally accurate. It makes for a good look into the day to day life of Wales in the 5th Century. The Latin phrases, Church beliefs, and verbiage of the day bring paint to a time far removed from the present. Lynne Williams most definitely has a place amongst those who love detailed history with a great story backed into it for good measure. I caution anyone who is looking for a short, romantic read because this is not.  

Overall, The Comrades was enjoyable and I would like to see more from her in the future.

Book Trailer

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Romance novella
TBR Reviewer: Daniella

Review

This is the second book in the Virgins no more series and we get to meet the people from the first book. The love story in this book; however, focuses on John Smith and Theodora Ridley. John Smith is the best friend of Theodora´s big brother Barnabas and Theodora has loved John since she was a little girl. John has also had his eyes on Theodora for a long time, although he got a little side tracked by the beautiful Sapphira´s introduction to the social scene. When he and Theodora get together during a stolen moment at a ball he knows without a doubt that it is Theodora he wants. They get married, but now John has to show
Theodora that he truly loves her and that he didn´t only marry her because he took her virginity. 

This was another great short story, although it focused a little more on side characters and left less room for John and Theodora. One got a small portion of the insecure feelings that Theodora had regarding why John chose to marry her. Although I am not a person craving angsty reads, the story could have explored Theodora´s doubts and the couple growing together in their marriage a little more. It all went a little too smoothly. Both this book and the previous one feel like chapters from a bigger book, told from each couples point of view. I
like the characters, both the main ones and the side characters. I can already see the next chapter/couple lined up and I look forward to reading about them. 

Almost a Virgin is an enjoyable, quick read that I would recommend!

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Historical, Romance - novella
TBR reviewer: Daniella

Review

It is time for Barnabus Ridley, Vicar of the Town, to get married and he has his eyes on Georgina Arnott. Georgina is very happy when Mr Ridley asks for her hand and she is determined to please her husband in their everyday life and in bed. Although knowing pretty much nothing about how to be in the marital bed, Georgina is passionate and curious, to her husband’s great delight. 
 
I really liked the story about Georgina and Barnabas and how they learn how to be husband and wife. Neither of them has any real knowledge about what it means to share a life with another person and it is interesting to see them learning as they go. Especially Barnabas has to learn to let go of his strict and stuffy ways and embrace the life, laughter and noise Georgina brings to his house. They don´t really know each other, but in bed they come together with love and passion. 

This is a short story. I think though that the author manages this format very well (and I think writing a good short story is harder than writing a longer one). She even manages to introduce some side characters. When considering the short story format I didn´t really miss anything.
 
A perfect quick erotic read in a historical setting.

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+Hardcover giveaway
Historical, romance - novel
TBR reviewer:B.H.

Review

I was craving a historical romance and Bedding The Heiress had been sitting on the the top of my to be read pile. Actually, sitting on my shelf, looking pitiful. So, I gave the book a dusting and went to reading.

The story is about Francesca whose an innocent, feisty, wonderfully written character that trusts the wrong man. She now has to steal back the necklace he took from her. Justin is a former blacksmith and the new duke of colster. He’s hot headed with a brogue that could make an ice queen melt.

The first few chapters were rather dull. They were building up the story but were a struggle to get through. It could have been cut in certain areas and really gripped the reader at the beginning. Once Justin and Francesca have a mistaken kiss, Bedding The Heiress turns into a  romantic adventure!
 
Their strange connection unfolded beautifully and really drew me into the historical setting. Both have secrets that are opened and quickly places both of them in precarious positions. In the end, I found myself routing for their growing love.

Bedding The Heiress was an entertaining and romantic read with characters I really enjoyed.

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+Giveaway
Picture
Two men. Two murderers. Two demands for the promised payment of marriage. Murder, deceit, and fraud pull Lady Arin Keith between these men. Which one will bed her, claim her...own her?
Historical, Romance -
TBR reviewer: Luta Wolf

Review

  
For the history buffs out there (I’m including myself in this sentence) this book was a bit like reading a unedited story. It was completely and utterly lacking in accuracy to the time table and country it was set it. This set more with England history than the Scottish Highlands. The clothing, back-ground, and language were completely off.
 
However if you aren’t interested in historical accuracy or even perhaps able to pretend this took place in England than the books is worth the read for the mystery and vivid details. The characters themselves are pretty good too. Despite the time in which the story took place, Airin is full of spunk and determination. I admit to having a soft spot for Deryll as well. I got emotionally attached to them as the author really put a lot of work into making them interesting and well rounded. As far as mysteries went, while not completely unpredictable it was fun and entertaining. That pretty much describes the book to a T. It’s fun and entertaining, just not very accurate.

Excerpt


"Pray, tell me," he drawled, "have you come to bed me or murder me?" His eyes lit with wicked laughter. "Do not fear. I am prepared for either."
 
Fury swept through her. "I am no murderess!"
 
"Then bed me, it is."
 
Her cheeks flushed hot as he strode toward her.
 
She retreated another step. "W-what are you doing here?"
 
He stopped so close, she was forced to angle her head up to meet his gaze.
 
"Do you not have business elsewhere?" She winced at the squeak in her voice.
 
"Aye," he replied distractedly.
 
"What sort of business?"
 
Deryll reached behind her and lifted her braid over her shoulder. "The kind that does not
concern you."
 
"What sort of business does not concern me? Sir Gewain is-"
 
Deryll's head snapped up. "Nothing I cannot handle," he finished.
 
The heat in her cheeks spread through her belly as, gaze glued to hers, he lifted the end of her braid to his nose and breathed deeply. Airin's heart pounded. Hands, calloused and brown from years in the sun, held the braid as if it were a fragile flower. He breathed deeply again, as though to inhale her very essence.
 
"Is there any battle you cannot handle?" she asked.
 
Deryll shifted his gaze to her face. "I am a man, Airin. No man is invincible."
 
Her girlhood hero was invincible. The hero who always saved his lady from all harm, who knew when to bestow a kiss, and never pressed her into an uncomfortable situation. This man was anything but those things.
 
Deryll's gaze dropped to her mouth. Would he kiss her?
 
"You may come out now, Cerdwin," he said.
 
Airin blinked, and he raised a brow. The maid stepped from behind the door. "Forgive me, my lord. I did not mean to eavesdrop." She edged toward the hallway.
 
Airin shot her a glare, then looked back at Deryll. "You knew all along she was there."
 
"Course he did." Cerdwin backed across the threshold. "'Tis why he has not bedded you."
 
Airin riveted her gaze onto the maid in time to see the door close behind her. She narrowed her eyes on Deryll. "Step aside."
 
"You do not wish to be bedded?"
 
She rolled her eyes and reached to shove him aside. Her palm connected with the hard muscle of his chest. As if made of stone, he didn't move.
 
Airin yanked her hand back. "Do you intend to force me?" she demanded.
 
Both his brows rose. "Is that what you wish?"
 
"You are mad."
 
"That is no answer."
 
"What I wish is of no consequence."
 
"Not so," he replied.
 
"Indeed?"
 
"I fulfilled your condition," he
said. "We have a bargain."
 
Her gaze rested on the scar running down
his cheek. She fisted her hands at her sides. "Why you?"
 
He looked
genuinely surprised, then laughed. "Who were you expecting?"
 
"Not
you." What was wrong with her? She had turned into a shrew.
 
"Anyone
but me?" he asked.

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Contest

Ms. Scott is giving away an ecopy to one lucky winner. Comment below to enter. Contest ends December 30th.
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Historical, Erotica - Novel
TBR reviewer: B.H.

Blurb

Miria, a young noblewoman on the cusp of an arranged marriage, meets the Ausir Tsalrin, her father's mysterious assassin, and sparks fly immediately. Tsalrin is trapped by an ancient curse, and Miria cannot escape her father or the husband to whom he would sell her, a man who sees her merely as a political tool.

Miria and Tsalrin's position is impossible, but neither one will give up their hidden love. Theirs is a story of struggle against abuse, bigotry, and paterfamilias. Their love is both their
greatest danger and their only comfort as they search for their mutual freedom.

Review

I really wanted to like Worth His Freedom. It was on my to-read list since the ‘coming soon’ page on Evernight Publishing website. When I read the blurb, I bumped it up on my list and when it was in my hand, well my nook, I was giddy with excitement.

This has the same time period as the TV show Spartacus: Blood and Sand with the whole
Domina and Dominus thing. I loved the TV show, which made me crave this book. This would have a romantic twist and make a great entertaining read.

The problem was the plot holes. Just because the author understands the plot, doesn’t mean the reader will grasp it as clearly. How is a guy with pointy ears locked up, going to help the Mirius house gain top spot? The author eventually spells this out but pages later which left more questions and confusions. Talk about confusing, the father and two brothers are named Mirius. What on earth?! Maybe it was an editing issue.
 
Miria was a good character; she seemed to have sweet innocence and a sense of depth.
As did our main male character, pointed ear man, Tsalrin. From their introduction, we get new characters, along with all the Mirius’s and very little on background. After a few encounters Miria and Tsalrin are willing to run off together? They had no chemistry yet and that made this twist unbelievable. What really made me downgrade Worth His Freedom was the use of words that had no explanation. Jared? I’m sure she didn’t mean the modern jewelry store. Skenje? Basur Yoke? I could go on and on with these terms. Are they species? House names? What?  

I feel like this is Ms. Devereux’s first book, I could be wrong. Though this wasn’t a recommended read for me there was a lot of potential stuffed between the bad and I for one will be giving another book by her a try.

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Erotica, historical - novel
TBR reviewer: B.H.

Blurb

Jamaica, 1660. A tropical paradise seething with unrest. Untroubled by slave uprisings, Anne Falkirk is the proud mistress of a vast plantation. Secretly starved for love, Anne appears to be a cold, untouchable white goddess. But one night a shipwrecked sailor unlocks her passions, using his magnificent body to stir her senses to the utmost. Is Jeremy Bent the answer to Anne’s prayers? Or is he sweeping her to peak after peak of ecstasy for some darker purpose of his own?  Jeremy Bent has turned his back on English civilization. Part Robinson Crusoe and part Robin Hood, Jeremy rules a group of runaways, proud Africans who
have escased the horrors of Spanish slavery high in the mountains of Jamaica. Seducing Anne is a way to win freedom for his friends -- but when Anne’s beautiful body inflames his own desires, how can the rugged castaway choose
between freedom and slavery?

Review

The plot had potential.

There's some strange format issue in the very beginning. Nothing hindering but strange so I mentioned it. The scene changes are the first problem - there are none. She's walking one minute then suddenly in a tub. In the tub then suddenly in a white gown admiring her image. In fantasy with some magic, that might work but in historical erotica...nope. Then there's the punctuation. The dialogue is lack luster. But all that could be overlooked IF the story is over powering.

Our main character Anne is independent and tough, runs her own land. She goes to a waterfall at night, sees a hot naked guy. Okay, I would sneak a peek too. But to start a conversation with this stranger then she lets him undress her. Say what?! Ms. Storm even goes further into crazy land by having a kiss with this strange guy...and that was the end of my reading Island of Desire.

Thus the 2 stars, good plot, bad...everything else. 

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Historical Romance - Novel
TBR reviewer: Nat

Blurb

Sometimes a bad boy is just a hero in disguise.

Before Lucasta Collyer resigns herself to an arranged marriage she wants one night of discovery…on her own   terms…with a complete stranger. But Lucy’s plan for a single night of   anonymous passion is destined for trouble. Her fortress heart, once   fiercely protected, is breached by John Carver, a blue-eyed,   salty-mouthed, yeoman farmer. He also happens to be a self-professed   former rogue. John is brazen, arrogant and refuses to obey orders. He's   everything Lucasta shouldn’t want yet she can't resist the challenge.

John   has never bowed to nobility, nor will he be the plaything of an imperious, icy-tempered, young hussy. Clearly Lucasta needs a lesson in   what it's like to toy with with a man, and it's one he’ll gladly teach   her. But this rogue might not be as reformed as he wants everyone to   believe. 
 
Can   Lucasta and John go back to their own worlds and forget one another after their one night together, or will they risk everything for love?

Review

This is the second book of the Taming the Tudor Male in Three Easy Lessons Series.

Once a Rogue, tells the story of Lucasta, a young lady that refuses to enter her arranged marriage being a virgin. But when she decides to spend the night with an escort she didn't imagine he would deny to follow her orders in the bedroom. John, a former rogue, becomes fascinated with the woman in front of him. She's bossy, spoiled and apparently always gets her way - not this time.

As their story progressed their struggle for power receives more and more attention. I loved the tension between them and all the twists Fresina had for this story.  The plot was really tight and the characters amazing. I loved the secondary cast of characters too. I would have liked the end better if the last chapter wasn't there, and instead using this material for The Savage and the Stiff Upper Lip (the next book). Jayne has improved immensely since her first published novella, Engraved, that I had the pleasure to review previously and give it 4 stars! 

I'll definitely read all the books of this series and the other incredible stories Jayne Fresina will come up with next! She has captivated me and now she has a new fan!

Excerpt

So he was impudent and had a saucy mouth. What did it matter? Only a temporary hire, he was not one of her father’s servants to reprimand. Besides, she rather liked his smile, not to mention that superbly carved   body. Lying across the bed, seething with raw energy, he was a gift   ready to be unwrapped. Simply put, she’d never seen a man quite so appealing.

She’d rolled the dice and this is where they’d fallen. It was her fault he was there, after all.
 
Perhaps, just this once, under the anonymity of that leather mask, she could put   her hands on his filthy boots, another novel experience to be sure, but over in a few minutes. She grabbed his foot and pulled.

“The laces,” he chided her. “The laces, wench!”

He lay back against the bolster, watching her, offering no assistance whatsoever, just an amused critique.
 
Once she’d tossed his boots aside she moved on to his breeches, but he sat up, grabbing her hands as she   leaned over his sprawling form. “This I’ll do myself,” he warned, serious again.
 
Walking around the bed, she watched him undress. He was stocky, his thighs were thick and powerful. Afraid   to look at anything else, she carefully averted her eyes to the floor boards, but he took a knife from his discarded belt, jumped up and came toward her with a determined stride. She backed away to the wall, alarmed.
 
There was a small diagonal scar across his left eyebrow, an interruption of the symmetry of his face lending a slight quirk to his expression which prevented those clear, sculpted angles from looking too stern. Even so, with that knife in his   hand, when he commanded, “Turn around,” she contemplated running for the window and leaping out.

“Turn around,” he repeated. When she hesitated, he held the knife in his teeth, put his hands on her shoulders and spun her to face the wall. Then he slid the knife’s blade under her corset laces and, with one ruthless motion, cut her free.

Evidently he was not the sort to trouble himself with knots and bows. In a quick burst of wry amusement, Lucy thought of her maid’s face tomorrow when  she saw the corset’s sad fate.

With one impatient tug he freed her likewise of her shift. It tumbled down to her wrists and hips, where it came to a whispering halt. She closed her eyes, gathering her courage again. For just a few startled moments, she’d relaxed her guard and likewise the reins. Now her nerves galloped in every direction, almost out of reach.
 
His breath was on the nape of her neck. And then he touched her.

Oh. She’d forgotten to make him wash his hands.

He stroked lightly down her spine with his fingertips, to the dip of her waist and back again. Then he spread them to her shoulders and down her   arms, as if he measured her, as if she were a young filly at auction and he a prospective buyer. It was not at all the way she imagined, having received a brief theory lesson from her knowledgeable maid, she was   prepared for a quick “in and out” that might take no more than five minutes at the most.
 
Head bowed, eyes closed, she murmured, “Blow out the candles.”

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Ms. Fresina is giving away a copy to one lucky winner! Comment below to enter. Contest ends November 30th.
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Erotica, Historical - Novel
TBR reviewer: B.H.

Blurb

Isabelle is about to have her virginity auctioned off to the highest bidder. Only stern, sensible Salvatore, her cruel aunt’s solicitor, can rescue her. While he’s been her tutor, she’s fallen deeply in love. But Salvatore has dark secrets that keep him from temptation. Their
futures seem destined to be apart.

Her pride wounded by his rejection, and trust broken by a shocking discovery, Isabelle tries to forget him. Determined never to endanger her heart again, she finds another man to satisfy her sexual needs. Until a surprise inheritance brings her back to Salvatore.

Now named “Lumina”, she wants two things from him – the cock he once denied her. And vengeance.

Salvatore, now a free man, has other ideas. He bitterly regretted losing her before and he’ll do anything to keep her this time, even sharing her with other lovers. Until she’s ready to
commit herself solely to him.

Review

Isabella is chosen by her wealthy and cruel aunt. She’s taken and taught to be a lady as they prepare to sell her virginity to the highest bidder.

I noticed the pace was very disjointed. Some parts were rushed where others very slow moving. The writing itself was flawless with a few editing issue that had little impact on the story. 
 
I rather enjoyed this book but for one thing, Salvatore. It’s one of those ‘why would she take him back’ things. He left her several times when she needed him, then he left her with her husband at the most horrid time possible. He kept refusing her and treating her beneath him. I understand, as the story unfolds, why he does this and why he can’t have her. It didn’t make what he did right and in my opinion, he never recovered his honor. Therefore, the HFN ending made no sense to me.

That said, Lumina/Isabella was a diamond in the rough and she ruled with bigger balls then the men she slept with. I really loved this character which is why Lumina has a good 3 star rating. She was a refreshing twist on a historical woman. The sex is also hot and creative.
 
Although Salvatore never recovered his good name in my eyes, Lumina was worth reading
this. This book was pleasant but I suggest you read Ms. Fox’s other books, they are fabulous!

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