Shy!!!

Say Yes to the Duke by Eloisa James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Viola Astley is shy and retiring or is she. Mix up love at first sight with a big mix up between the characters (who belongs with who). This is a romance filled with fun and tension. Loved the play and how Noah responded to his role. Really like how Viola found her voice and was not shy at all.

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Surprise A Short and Sweet Book Review

Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eleanora Hatfield has secrets in her past. Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore, has more family to take care of than he wants. He also has someone stealing from him. Enter Eleanora who understands figures and is tasked to help him find out where the money is going. The two should have nothing in common but of course the more time they spend together the more the attraction. This has it all. Some mystery, interesting side characters, romance and tension all wrapped up in a great story. Nice addition to the Rogues to Riches series.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 357 - A Duke in Need of a Wife by Annie Burrows, California Girls by Susan Mallery

A Duke in Need of a Wife by Annie Burrows
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What happens when you are invited along with five others to audition for the role of Duchess. Sophie just does not go along with the plan. She keep throwing things in the way while getting the Duke's attention. This is a nice sweet story with a child in the middle of the plot. Sophia and Oliver (the Duke) are a great couple who have to find their HEA in a very short time. Great characters and a nice story line.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


California Girls by Susan Mallery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three sisters who each get dumped on the same day. What follows for each is the heart of the story. This sends each on a very different path. I enjoyed meeting the three and their slightly off center Mother who just wants to be a grandmother. For each of the sisters the result is not what they expected. This follows them for a year and the result for each is a bit of a surprise. A nice contemporary romance that has both serious and light moments.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #364 - Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evie and Sebastian are two of my favorites so it is fun to see how their children turn out. Also fun to see how Evie and Sebastian relate to their children. Seems that Sebastian loves to meddle and he has found the perfect husband for his widowed daughter. Now to convince them or maybe to prospective bride groom is the one that needs to be convinced. I loved both Phoebe and West. It was fun watching Phoebe tangle with West. Seems that like her mother she has no trouble going after the wicked rake.

Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 330 - Not the Duke's Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt, The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman

Not the Duke’s Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great start to a new series. There is a 15 year old murder mystery, a secret society of Wise Women, a missing wife, and a blackmailer to be exposed. All leading to a romance between a Freya, the Wise Woman, and Duke of Harlowe, who is part of the murder mystery that points to Freya's brother doing the murder. This kept me on the edge of my seat as some things were solved and some were left hanging.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Irene is up to her neck in plots. Seems that several different faction want this peace conference to fail while others want to control the process. I loved seeing Vale, Silver, Ky and Irene all work to make sure everything goes correctly and peace is at least a possibility. This is a very complex plot that takes so many twists and turns you could get whiplash reading or listening to it. An unexpected consequence comes when Irene get a new position. A great set up for further aduties that Irene has as a librarian of the Invisible Library.

Susan Duerden does a great job as the voices in The Mortal Word.

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What a Widow Wants by Jenna Jaxon - Book Blast and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jenna Jaxon will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter.

Widowed by the Battle of Waterloo, the ladies of Lyttlefield Park are returning to London society—with their futures in their own hands . . .

The widowed Lady Stephen Tarkington, Fanny to her friends, has finished mourning her cad of a husband and is ready to enjoy her freedom. The kind of freedom neither a gently bred miss nor a close-watched wife is permitted: dressing up as Aphrodite for a masquerade, drawing gentlemen away from the party, and hinting at late-night assignations with her dance partners. All is going pleasurably according to plan—until the Roman god Fanny kisses during a masquerade turns out to be Matthew, Lord Lathbury, whose proposal she refused years ago . . .

Lathbury is charming, passionate, inventive, everything Fanny wants in a lover—but unfortunately, he’s on the hunt for a wife. He’s more than willing to use all his wicked skills to persuade her back to the altar, but he can’t wait forever. And now Fanny’s position is more precarious than she once thought. If the tongues of the ton set to wagging, it’s possible no offer in the world will save her from ruin. But does she want to be saved? . . .

Read an Excerpt:

Heart pounding, Fanny ran on tiptoes in an effort to keep up with him. This was madness. Wherever was he taking her? And what on earth did he have in mind? Oh, but she knew what that was. That deep desire in his eyes told her exactly where his intentions lay. Would she allow him to have his way with her? She didn’t quite recognize him; the mask hid just enough of his face. Still he reminded her of someone. Someone who had been most dear to her what seemed a lifetime ago. But that man had left London, swearing never to return to the ton years before. He’d retreated to his country estate and had not been seen in Town for seven years.

They raced down the corridor, Pollux still in the lead, Castor right behind her. That gave her some comfort. Pollux wouldn’t ravish her in front of his brother, or friend rather. Still, the urgency of his headlong flight, dodging wide-eyed guests left and right, persuaded her that this man would stop at nothing to get her alone.

He turned a corner into a deserted hall and slowed finally. Stopping at a door on the far end, he glanced around then put his hand on the latch. “Keep watch, Cas. No one enters.”

Castor grinned. “Not a soul, Pol. My word as a gentleman.”

Pollux pushed down the latch, opened the door into a shadowy room, and drew her inside.

The flickering fireplace across the room gave the only light. Fanny’s eyes took a moment to adjust to the dimness. A moment in which Pollux pulled her hard against him, crushing her breasts against his unyielding chest. He wrapped his arms around her, pinning her to him, and sank his mouth onto hers.

About the Author:

Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical romance in all time periods because, she says, “passion is timeless.” She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She’s a theatre director when she’s not writing and lives in Gloucester, Virginia with her family, including two very vocal cats and one silent one.

Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as an active member of Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA. She has four series currently available: The House of Pleasure, set in Georgian England, Handful of Hearts, set in Regency England, and Time Enough to Love, set in medieval England and France, and The Widows’ Club series, also set in Regency England and available from Kensington Publishing in both print and digital.

She currently writes to support her chocolate habit.

Find Jenna Jaxon online:

BLOG: https://jennajaxon.wordpress.com/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Jenna_Jaxon
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Jaxon/146857578723570
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Jaxon/e/B005CHPBD2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1

Buy the book at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1516103297/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i6
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-a-widow-wants-jenna-jaxon/1128297334

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 321 - Respect for Christmas by Grace Burrowes

Respect for Christmas by Grace Burrowes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A strange title that only becomes clear as you read the story. Henrietta Whitlow and Michael Brenner do quite dance in this charming novella. Family and the importance of family is at the heart of the story. Of course it is a love story and there are problems and perceptions that must be resolved. That is where the respect comes in. A very nice Christmas tale.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Wrangler's Rescue by B.J. Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cahills are usually in Montana so when Flint gets a call that his brother has fallen off a cruise ship and drowned it is one big surprise. I have to give B.J. Daniels credit she once again finds a way to put a new spin on a western romance. This has it all. There is tension and danger as the story unwinds. What seemed to be impossible does turn out to have events that expand what seems to be the unexplainable. Great job with the last Cahill brother getting his HEA.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 315 - City of Secrets by Victoria Thompson, Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery

City of Secrets by Victoria Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do two wrongs make a right? Is the rule of law always the way to right a wrong? Those are the questions that Elizabeth Miles and her fiancee Gideon must face and answer. Elizabeth wants to do what ever it takes to help a friend. Gideon wants to use the force of law to help. The issue looks like it will tear them apart as Elizabeth does what she thinks is right and Gideon objects. A well plotted mystery that had plenty of twists and turns. Set just before women got the right to vote the politics add interest to the story line.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Not Quite Over You by Susan Mallery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Silver and Drew have a history but both were to young to make a go of their romance. Now both are older and that history is standing in the way. I really liked how both Silver and Drew have grown and changed. Silver has become her own woman. Drew knows where he wants to stay but faces pressure from his family to leave. Add the secret that is coming to light and you get an interesting story with romance, tension and more romance.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 313 - We Are Legion - We Are Bob by Dennis E. Taylor, Kiss Me at Christmas by Valerie Bowman

We Are Legion - We Are Bob by Dennis E. Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you come back after having your head frozen? Well Bob does or at least a form of Bob does. This is a fun look at what could happen if you are revived as a computer. Bob is as the title says legion. He can make as many copies of himself as he wants and each is just a little bit different. Bob and his copies are off the discover the galaxy, save the Earth and destroy enemies. The book does just end but I was hooked and have already started the second book in the series. Ray Porter does a great job on the audio for all of the characters.


Kiss Me at Christmas by Valerie Bowman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Regina knows what she wants and what she wants is Bow Street Runner Daffin Oakleaf. Of course getting everyone to agree takes an entire book. There are problems but I loved how Regina and Daffin interacted. This has it all; action, romance, fun dialog, danger, and tension. Of course in the end all ends well.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Rescued by the Captain by Laura A. Barnes - Blurb Blitz and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Laura A. Barnes will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Abandoned at sea

When Ivy Mallory awakens; she finds herself on the ship of the man who rejected her love years earlier. While he was away working for the Crown, she embraced the London Seasons trying to forget him. Caught in the middle of a treason plot; she must help save her brother. To do so she needs to put her trust in the one man who can protect her. But can she protect her heart from loving him again?

Found at sea

Captain Marcus Thornhill never imagined he would find a lady floating unconscious in a lifeboat out in the middle of the open sea. But it wasn’t any lady, it was Ivy. Seven years earlier he rejected her love for a life at sea. As he rescues her he gets involved in a treason plot that will bring the war to their beloved shores of England. As he unravels the plot he is unable to deny his desire for her. Is he too late in saving her and the love he has for her?

Read an Excerpt:

As she was digging through the trunk her hand brushed across a book. Ivy pulled it out and realized that it was a book of poems that she had lost around the time Marcus left. She opened the first page and saw her name written across the page as she always did with her books. Flipping through the book, she noticed the pages that she had turned down at the corners of her favorite poems. The pages were worn and had been handled many times. Marcus must have read the book a lot. She came to the back cover of the book where a red rose lay resting against a poem that was handwritten in. The poem was written in Marcus’s handwriting inside the back cover. The title of the poem was:

Ivy My Love

Your love is like a vine
Forever clinging to my heart
It tangles up in between my jagged thorns
I try to break apart
To free myself from your love
But you have grown so heavy in my thoughts
I will let you go for now
For you need to grow wild and free
But I will return to you with my love
And our love will cling forever between the ivy and the
Thorns

A tear slowly slid down Ivy’s face, followed by more. Ivy glided her fingers across the words on the page, feeling the power of them down to her soul. She wanted to ask Marcus about the poem but knew that she couldn’t.

About the Author:

I have always dreamed of being an aspiring author. I am making my dreams come true, one word at a time. When I am not writing, I am spending time with my family. I love reading books on lazy afternoons, and late into the night. Anytime really. Married 28 years to the love of my life and we have three wonderful children and two sweet grandbabies. Besides writing, I have always wanted to travel. In the last few years we have gotten our passport stamped in England and Scotland. We are hoping to add Italy to the list soon.

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16332844.Laura_A_Barnes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA.Barnes/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor
Book+Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/LauraABarnes
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura-a-barnes

Rescued By the Captain – Sale Links

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Rescued-Captain-Laura-Barnes-ebook/dp/B01NCWCDP7
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rescued-by-the-captain https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rescued-by-the-captain/id1194175441?mt=11
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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #233 - A Devil of a Duke by Madeline Hunter, Christmas at the Grange by TE Kinsey

A Devil of a Duke by Madeline Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford, and Amanda Waverly should never have crossed paths. Amanda is using skills she learned as a child to try to save her mother. Gabriel just happens to have access to a house she needs. This is a great cross between right and wrong, love and rejection, and high and low status. Hunter provides a nice mix of danger, tension, and interesting characters. I loved Gabriel as he worked through what he really wanted. Amanda was what he wanted and she knew they could never be together because of the difference in status. Very interesting plot, good character development and a well developed romance made for a hard to put down story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Christmas at The Grange by T E Kinsey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Emily and Flo are guests at the Grange for Christmas. It seems that everywhere they go there is a mystery to be solved. This time it is a missing broach. There are clues to follow, characters to quiz, all while participating in the fun and frolic of the season. This was well put together and our two detectives solve the theft. I had a idea about the outcome from the beginning. Even so I was prepared to be surprised. Again the narrator made a fun story even more fun.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews #232 - Lady Rogue by Theresa Romain, Cowboy's Redemption by B.J. Daniels

Lady Rogue by Theresa Romain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Isabel Morrow and Bow Street Runner Callum Jenks should have nothing in common but their paths have crossed twice before. Now Isabel needs help and calls on Jenks to help her. Her late husband had secrets that could come out and do damage to Isabel and her ward. There is danger, tension, and romance put together in a story that is very different from most historical romances set in this time period. Isabel and Callum are from very different social levels and that adds to the tension. I loved how everything finally worked in their favor. There was a very unexpected turn in the plot that really surprised me.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Cowboy's Redemption by B.J. Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A one night stand, a cult and a baby are at the heart of the Cowboy's Redemption. Colt McCloud and Lola Dayton had the one night stand. At the time Lola was running from cult members and Colt's fiancee had just broken up with him. They felt a connection and it reawakened 18 months later when Lola came to Colt asking for help getting their daughter away from the cult. Danger, tension and romance followed. Both are new characters to this series. They are aided by characters from previous books. The plot is interesting, the characters are well developed and both Lola and Colt have to make some life changing decisions after they get the baby back. A nice addition to the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 212 - Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas, Lord of Temptation by Erica Ridley

Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Something is rotten in England and Ethan Ransom is following the trail to the traitors. Then the very lovely Dr. Garrett Gibson arrives on the scene and a wonderful night happens. That is not all. Garrett, who is the only female doctor in England, becomes a pawn to use agains Ethan. This uses the illegitimate son trope as part of the plot and it works very well. Now all the Ravenels are part of the story line as both legitimate and illegimate work together to save the day. Look for some very interesting disclosers that keep the romance in the story on track. A very good addition to the series.


Lord of Temptation by Erica Ridley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On a personal note I did not like the cover on the book but did enjoy the story. Lord Hawkridge and Faith Digby have a past but not a very good one. Seems Hawk, at 18, cast her off with only a letter saying goodby 10 years ago. He felt he had good reason as he had just learned he was saddled with more debts than he could pay off in years. Now they have just crossed paths and the reunion has not been a happy one. Faith has a secret. That drives the story line. Both feel betrayed but both have at least one common goal. A nice addition to the Lords to Riches series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 209 - The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries, The Girl With the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

The Secret of Flirting by Sabrina Jeffries
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here are the spymaster and the actress both playing a part in an historical event. Belgium needs a ruler and the candidates are all in London to make the choice. Jeffries mixes recorded history with some make-believe to spin a interesting and fun story. Baron Fulkham meets the stunning Princess Anne of Chanay and know that she is an imposter. The why is a big part of the fun. It was fun watching her sidestep every trap that Fulkham set. Even more fun to see him try to keep from falling for the lovely imposter. A nice addition to the Sinful Suitors series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good use of the memory loss trope. Cecilia Harcourt leaves home and travels to the New World to nurse her brother back to health but instead of finding her brother she finds his friend Edward Rokesby injured and in need of her help. Only family can see Edward so she pretends that she is his wife and with her help he recovers but with a big memory gap. The two have corresponded but never met. The interaction between Cecilia and Edward plays out in a way that keeps the tension going. Poor Cecilia's lie just keeps getting bigger and she lives in fear about what will happen when Edward finds out she is not his wife. This is a Bridgertons Prequel and ends with a nod to the Bridgeton books. It was interesting to see the Revolutionary War from the British view.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 183 - His Sinful Touch by Candace Camp, Interference and Insurgency by Michelle Diener

His Sinful Touch by Candace Camp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A perfect fit for the Mad Morelands. Sabrina shows up at Alexander Moreland's office dressed as a man, does not remember her name or her past, and knows she is running for someone. Of course, Alexander takes her to stay with his family who join with Alex to help her find the answers she needs. This is a fun rump with all of the Morelands adding to the fun. Sabrina and Alex are great together and so another Moreland finds his HEA.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Interference & Insurgency by Michelle Diener
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read Interference in the Orphans in the Black Anthology and loved the world building, backstory, plot and character development. Insurgency takes all of that to a higher level. Both had tension filled story lines that fit their titles. There is interference in one and insurgents in the other. The backstory is fleshed out more in Insurgency. Both are full of danger and wonderful characters. This is a lead up to a new series by Diener. What I love about her SFR books are the very different worlds she builds while telling her stories. The Verdant String is a new unique and interesting setting for stories. These two are rather short but a full length novel set in the Verdant String is due out in June. I am looking forward to more adventures in this new setting.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 166 - Mesmerized by Candace Camp, Wolf Hunger by Paige Tyler, All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Mesmerized by Candace Camp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paranormal is all the rage today and Mesmerized is a mix of historical romance and the paranormal. Olivia Moreland thinks of herself as a small brown wren who is set to discredit the current rage of mediums. Lord Stephen St. Leger needs her help. Both are interesting characters who share a link with the past. It was fun watching the two come to terms with both a medium who is a fake and the very real ghosts who are visiting both their dreams and theirs waking hours. I loved the ending to the ghost story and of course seeing Stephen and Olivia get their HEA.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Wolf Hunger by Paige Tyler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book seven in the SWAT series but it read fine as a standalone. Lana Mason is an interesting character. She knows that she is attracted to SWAT Officer Max Lowry but does not realize that he is THE ONE. Max does know that Lana is his ONE but he realizes that Lana does not know she is a werewolf and does not really understand why her attraction to Max is so strong. That keeps the plot in the first part of the book moving. The danger Lana is in fuels the second part. This is another interesting take on what a werewolf is and how a werwolf is made.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


All Systems Red by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have had this since it came out in May and just got around to reading it. Murderbot is the name the that a security android or a self-aware SecUnit has given to itself. This is told in the first person by Murderbot. All Systems Red is a novella that introduces both the SecUnit and the world where he functions. The reason for his name and for his actions after getting the name are at the heart of the story. What happens when he is assigned to a group of scientists on a planet where things start to go wrong fuels the action and the conquests for Murderbot. I loved the world building, the back story and how Murderbot choices his own fate. Great set up for future stories.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 161 - The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger by Victoria Alexander, Dangerously Divine by Deborah Blake, The Rule of Luck by Catherine Cerveny

The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger by Victoria Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun romp that is a travelog as well as a romance. The book takes place in various locations in Europe and the info about each adds to the feel of the story. The relationship between Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe and Dante Augustus Montague' is a train wreck just waiting to happen so when it does it is no surprise. However how they still work together helps and in the end both realize what is the most important thing and what is not as important as it seemed at first. A nice addition to the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Dangerously Divine by Deborah Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book two in the Broken Riders series. That series is a spin off from the Baba Yaga series. I have not read any of the previous books and at times I did feel like I was missing some background. Even so I had no trouble keep up with the characters and the story line. I liked the two main characters. Gregory Sun is the ultimate strong and silent type. In his case that is not a strength. Ciera Evans has a very big secret in her past and she keeps to herself to protect that secret. The two keep trying to protect themselves by keeping apart. Does not work that well. I enjoyed the world building, backstory and plot. A very interesting romance mixed with a lot of danger and tension.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


The Rule of Luck by Catherine Cerveny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Felicia Savigny can read the future using her cards. Alexei Petriv plans to bring change to the world. Oh! This is the world of 2950 - a world left over and made over after sweeping changes to the planet. The world building here is top rate, the back story well covered and believable, and the plot tension filled and exciting. Cerveny has created a future and story line that starts off with a bang and does not let up on the tension until the last page. A cannot put down story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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The Unseducible Earl by Sheri Humphreys - Book Blast and Giveaway

The Unseducible Earl

by Sheri Humphreys

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Historical Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

When an earl who’s given up on love and has settled on an engagement to a darling of society falls for a Crimean War nurse, he must either forsake his love or embroil them all in scandal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

The earl turned his head. Their gazes locked. For a moment she was privy to his rage and stark pain. Then his lids closed, his fingers spread, and his shoulders lifted with a huge breath.

She moved forward. His eyes, when he opened them, were neither green nor brown nor blue, but an intriguing blend of all three, putting her in mind of the colors of a clear stream. The raw emotion she’d glimpsed was gone. A composed man stood before her. A man lauded for clear-thinking leadership, whose parliamentary speeches were quoted in The Times. 

“Miss Thorne?”

“Yes, I’m Victoria Thorne. How do you do, your lordship.”

He gave a short nod. He appeared exhausted. Dark smudges marred the skin below red-rimmed eyes and creases bracketed his wide mouth. Though fatigue radiated from his face, it didn’t detract from his pronounced attractiveness, in part bestowed by a fine, straight nose and strong jaw. Thick auburn hair swept back from a wide forehead.

“My apologies, ma’am. I wouldn’t have chosen such an introduction to Cheriton Court. I deserve to be relegated to barbarian, but I hope you’ll withhold judgment.”

“Perhaps you had good reason, sir.” The little bit she’d overheard made her think it likely.

His jaw bunched. “Yes. Only it’s kept me away from my brother’s side too long.” He turned toward the door. “Please, come with me. I need your help.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sheri Humphreys used to be an Emergency Room nurse, but today applies bandages, splints, and slings to the characters of her Victorian romance novels. She loves to ignore yardwork and housework and read—usually a book every one to three days. Having conjured stories in her mind her entire life, she wondered if she were normal. Then she began putting stories to paper and became a two-time Golden Heart® finalist. She lives with a Jack Russell mix rescue, Lucy, in a small town on the central California coast.

A Hero to Hold received a prized Kirkus Star and was named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2016.

website: sherihumphreys.com

facebook: facebook.com/SheriHumphreysAuthor/

twitter: twitter.com/sheri_humphreys

Buy Link:

http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/authors/sheri-humphreys

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Sheri will be awarding a copy of <i>A Hero to Hold</i> and $15 in Boroughs Bucks to 2 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 154 - Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh, Mail-Order Christmas Baby by Sherri Shackelford, Third Son's A Charm by Shana Galen

Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This hits on several levels. Wren Heyden has a picture of herself based on how she was treated as a child. That is not who she is but it is a struggle to change her internal picture. Alexander Westcott, the new Earl of Riverdale, has inherited a title, a run down estate and no money. He thinks that he must make a marriage based on the money he needs not love. Turns out love sneaks up when least expected. Both Wren and Alexander are on a journey to find what both want and need. I loved Wren and how she kept saying have courage as she faces each new situation. Alex has always been an interesting character in the series and it is great to see how he handles finding a wife and how he supports Wren. Both learn and then support the other. A very nice addition to the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

                 
Mail-Order Christmas Baby by Sherri Shackelford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book to read. I did have a very strong suspension about who was the bad guy but it did not change my enjoyment as I read. Sterling Blackwell does not know what to do with the baby that was mailed to him. Heather O'Connor steps in. She knows what it feels like to be unwanted as a child and will not let that happen to this child. That leads to a wedding between the two and the start of a mystery. Who mailed the child and how and who named Heather and Sterling the parents?
At the heart of the mystery is not only the baby but the ranch that Sterling is working hard to save. Seems someone does not want that to happen. This is a very well crafted story with great characters. Seeing Sterling and Heather get their HEA left me with a very warm feeling. This is book one in a new series and there were plenty of new characters who need their HEA. Don't know who will be next but I will watch and then read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

Third Son's a Charm by Shana Galen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ewan Mostyn is anything but charming. However, as Lady Lorraine learns he is honorable, honest and loyal which turns out to be much better than charming. As it turns out she also learns that he does have charm, he just does not realize it. There are things that Ewan wants to keep secret, like the fact that he has trouble reading. He is the third son and of no value to his family. A nice romance between two people look to be opposites but find value in what each has to offer. Ewan is a great hero who is much better than he thinks he is. Lorraine ends much better than she starts as she realizes that the man she thinks she loves was just a fad and Ewan is the real thing. I read the novella that started the series and was hooked from the first. I think I know the next Survivor to get his HEA. I will just have to wait and see if I am right.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

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Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 144 - A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries, Deck the Halls by Donna Alward, Stand Down by J.A. Jance

A Talent for Temptation by Sabrina Jeffries
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Widow Meriel Vyse is living her life paying back her brother-in-law by spying on members of the ton when he asks. That means she cannot accept the suit of Quinn Raines even though she really wants to. When Quinn decides to change things all you know what breaks loose. A short fun read with to characters who want the same thing just have not know how it make it happen. I liked both Merrill and Quinn and loved how they finally found their HEA.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Deck the Halls by Donna Alward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I want to give three cheers to Donna Alward for telling George's story. He is older, was homeless, and has never forgiven himself for the death of his best friend in Iraq. He has been a side character in the first Darling, VT stories and started on the road to recovery when he takes a job sweeping up and watering plants at the Ladybug Garden Center. Now he is full time, has an apartment and even owns a truck. He is thrown back in time when Amy, the older sister of his brother-in-arms, finds him just before Christmas. She wants to know about her brother's last days but realizes that she must take it easy and give George the space he needs before he can tell his story. George is not your usual main characters and his story does not follow the usual path to an HEA. Instead George finds a path to accepting that he was not the cause of his friends death and he and Amy are looking forward not back. Both decide to see what happens as they celebrate Christmas with Amy's family.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Stand Down by J.A. Jance
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wondered what happened to the Special Crimes unit Beau and Mel belonged to and this tell what happened. The unit is gone and then we see Mel in her new job. Beau is at loose ends but that does not keep him from springing into action when Mel is in danger. A nice bridge novella that tells two stories in a very short time.

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