RELEASE DAY (15th March): BEAUTY OF THE BEAST BY RACHEL L. DEMETER

I’m a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast story and having read and enjoyed Rachel L. Demeter’s dark and intensely emotional FINDING GABRIEL back in 2015, I was delighted when she offered me a review copy of her new book which is released today.

(Fairy Tale Retellings, #1)

Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)

Cover Blurb:

Experience the world’s most enchanting and timeless love story—retold with a dark and realistic twist.

A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST

Reclusive and severely scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago.

A BEAUTY IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER FUTURE

Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at a castle—unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Stripped of his emotional defenses, Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they will wade through darkness and discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But when a monster from Isabelle’s former life threatens their new love, Demrov’s forgotten prince must emerge from his shadows and face the world once more…

Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating, Gothic voice.

Beauty of the Beast is the first standalone installment in a series of classic fairy tales reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Disclaimer: This is an edgy, historical romance retelling of the classic fairy tale. Due to strong sexual content, profanity, and dark subject matter, including an instance of sexual assault committed by the villain, Beauty of the Beast is not intended for readers under the age of 18

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RELEASE DAY (14th March): WHEN THE MARQUESS FALLS BY LORRAINE HEATH

I know that I’m going to shed a bucket load of tears over this story of the Marquess of Marsden and beloved wife, Linnie.

 

(The Hellions of Havisham, #3.5)

Genre: Historical Romance (late Regency and Victorian)

Cover Blurb:

The long-anticipated and utterly extraordinary tale of the Mad Marquess that proves love truly does last forever

The Marquess of Marsden always follows the rules. Expected from birth to adhere to decades of tradition, he plans to marry a proper young woman from a good family. But when a beautiful, and completely unsuitable, woman snags his heart, he begins to realize that to get what you want, sometimes you have to break the rules.

Linnie Connor dreams of the independence of running her very own bakery. And while she may be allowed to be a marquess’ childhood companion, the baker’s daughter never ends up with the handsome nobleman. Determined to achieve at least one of her dreams, Linnie makes plans to leave her sleepy village for London, intent on purging him from her heart. And yet, when an invitation to the Marsden annual ball arrives, she can’t refuse her one chance to waltz in his arms.

It will be a night that stirs the flames of forbidden desires and changes their lives forever.

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RELEASE DAY AND NEW BOOKS ADDED TO MY BOOKSHELVES

Lisa Kleypas’s long-awaited historical COLD-HEARTED RAKE is finally here!

Source: Purchased from Amazon Kindle

Genre: Historical Romance (Victorian)

Cover Blurb:

A twist of fate…

Devon Ravenel, London’s most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities . . . and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl’s three innocent sisters are still occupying the house . . . along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon’s own.

A clash of wills…

Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains:

Can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she’s ever known?

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Lorraine Heath never disappoints and I’m looking forward to reading this new series.

Source: Purchased from Amazon Kindle

(The Hellions of Havisham, #1)

Genre: Historical Romance (Victorian)

Cover Blurb:

In the first in a dazzling new series, New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath introduces the Hellions of Havisham—three charismatic rogues destined to lose their hearts…

After six unsuccessful Seasons, Miss Minerva Dodger chooses spinsterhood over fortune-hungry suitors. But thanks to the Nightingale Club, she can at least enjoy one night of pleasure. At that notorious establishment, ladies don masks before choosing a lover. The sinfully handsome Duke of Ashebury is more than willing to satisfy the secretive lady’s desires—and draws Minerva into an exquisite, increasingly intimate affair.

A man of remarkable talents, Ashe soon deduces that his bedmate is the unconventional Miss Dodger. Intrigued by her wit and daring, he sets out to woo her in earnest. Yet Minerva refuses to trust him. How to court a woman he has already thoroughly seduced? And how to prove that the passion unleashed in darkness is only the beginning of a lifetime’s pleasure?

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RELEASE DAY, COVER REVEAL AND GIVEAWAY – A MIDNIGHT DANCE BY LILA DIPASQUA

I am delighted to welcome back USA Today Bestselling Author of Historical Romance, LILA DIPASQUA, to celebrate the re-release of her Fiery Tales novel, A MIDNIGHT DANCE, complete with a gorgeous new cover!

To celebrate it’s (re)release, A MIDNIGHT DANCE is on sale for a limited time at just 99 cents!

You can read my review of A MIDNIGHT DANCE  HERE

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A Historical Tidbit

Long before Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, there was a writer by the name of Charles Perrault. He was the author of The Tales of Mother Goose, and the father of fairy tales who started the beloved genre. Perrault lived in seventeenth-century France during the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Louis was a lusty king. And his glittering court was as salacious as it was elegant.

During this most wicked time period, Perrault created his fairy tales from folklore he’d heard many times, stories that have delighted people for centuries: Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, and Bluebeard—to name a few.

A MIDNIGHT DANCE is based on his most famous fairy tale of all . . . Cinderella. We don’t know what the original tale was like. Or what specific changes Perrault made to it. But perhaps, just perhaps the original story went something like this . . .

(Fiery Tales series)

Available Oct. 26, 2015

ISBN: 9780988035058

Inspired by the tale of Cinderella, a steamy historical romance that offers a glass slipper, a dangerous deception, and an impoverished beauty determined to find her handsome prince…and make him pay.

Born into wealth, Sabine Laurent and her twin sister lived a life of luxury, their father’s prestigious theater frequented by royalty and aristocracy alike. And Sabine dreamed of her own prince charming–the devastatingly handsome Jules de Moutier.

That was before the loss of her sister and her family’s fall from grace–a disaster Sabine blames on the Moutier family. Now, with her father’s death, she’s inherited his sizable debt and the responsibility of caring for his spoiled long-time mistress and her two wastrel daughters. But with the help of Sabine’s eccentric friends–the balance of her father’s acting troupe–she plans to get very close to her old infatuation, seduce the rake–and make away with a fortune.

Resisting Jules’s skillful mouth and tantalizing touch is not as easy as Sabine supposed. And soon she must decide whether her desire for vengeance is greater than her desire for her one and only prince…

Praise for A Midnight Dance:

“Evocative, erotic. . . [A] sensual treat!”
— SYLVIA DAY, #1 New York Times Bestselling author

“This fresh and sexy retelling features a spirited heroine, a dangerous “dark prince,” sizzling passion and plenty of historical intrigue!”– RT Book Reviews

“A deliciously dark hero and a heroine who’s more than a match for him! Sure to delight!”– JENNIFER ASHLEY, New York Times Bestselling author

“Lila DiPasqua’s ‘Fiery Tale’ version of Cinderella sets the classic story ablaze!”– ANNA CAMPBELLl, award-winning author.

The book is available from:

Kindle B&N Kobo iBooks Print

ABOUT LILA

Lila DiPasqua is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical romance with heat. She lives with her husband, three children and two rescued dogs and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after. You can connect with her on:

Goodreads Facebook Twitter

Be sure to sign up for her 99ȼ New Release Alert newsletter on the home page of her WEBSITE

Each new release will be on sale for a short time only. Get notified!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Tell me your three favorite fairy tales. One lucky commenter wins a…

The Giveaway will close at midnight (GMT) on Saturday 31^st October and the winner will be announced on Sunday 1^st November.

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RELEASE DAY REVIEW: THE SOLDIER’S REBEL LOVER BY MARQUERITE KAYE

(Comrades in Arms, #2)

Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)

Cover Blurb:

When Major Finlay Urquhart was last on the battlefield, he shared a sizzling moment with daring Isabella Romero. Two years later, Finlay has one final duty to perform for his country, one that reunites him with this rebellious senorita! Except Isabella has her own mission, which means that no matter how much she craves Finlay’s touch, she can never tell him the truth. But she’s underestimated Finlay’s determination to protect her, and soon she finds herself letting her guard down, one scorching kiss at a time!

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This is the final book in Marguerite Kaye’s Comrades in Arms mini-series and, whilst I enjoyed it, I didn’t find it as compelling or emotionally charged as THE SOLDIER’S DARK SECRET

The son of a Scottish farmer, Finlay has succeeded in rising to the rank of major against all the odds, resulting in Wellington dubbing him “The Jock Upstart”. The army has been the only life he has ever known and, after the war ends, although he loves his family, he knows he could never settle for a life that is safe and predictable. He is a man of action who needs a sense of purpose in his life and he finds that purpose in rescuing and protecting Isabella, the brave partisan he met two years earlier.

Isabella fought bravely for her country but, following the French defeat, she is once again constrained by the rigid rules of society; never allowed to voice her own opinions and forced to hide her true nature beneath a demure façade. But she conceals a secret which is threatened by the reappearance of the brawny Scotsman, she met two years ago.

Finlay is everything a hero should be – intelligent, brave, protective and honourable, but I love that he still maintains a rebellious streak by wearing his kilt. He is a loyal soldier but one with a conscience which sometimes leads him to disobey orders.

My thoughts about Isabella are somewhat conflicted. On the one hand, I admire the feisty, brave partisan who fought to free her country from the French and understand her desire to fight against the return to the old feudal system in Spain and the injustice she sees around her. On the other hand, I found it difficult to accept her failure to see that her reckless actions endanger the lives of her brother and his family. Even when Finlay voices his concerns, she still refuses to accept the truth. It takes a tragic event to make her realise how misguided she has been.

I like how the relationship between Finlay and Isabella evolves as they journey across Spain and each of them grows and changes in different ways. Isabella comes to accept the reality of her situation and understand the consequences of her actions while Finlay has to confront some difficult choices.

The romance is tender, poignant and passionate and when they finally make love it feels right. It’s the only chance to show their love for each other before they are parted forever and the scene is a perfect blend of the sensual and the emotional. Although I knew there would be a happy ending for Finlay and Isabella, Ms Kaye kept me on tenterhooks at the very end until Finlay finally decides to follow his heart.

I was disappointed in the Epilogue because I wanted to spend more time with Finlay and Isabella and share some moments of their Happy Ever After.

Once again, Ms Kaye’s historical research is meticulous and I like how she weaves interesting political and social commentary into the fabric of the story.

MY VERDICT: This may not be my favourite book but Marguerite Kaye still writes a story that is well worth reading.

 

REVIEW RATING: 4 /5 STARS

SENSUALITY RATING: WARM

Read September 2015

Comrades in Arms mini-Series (Click on the book covers for more information):

Also Seduced by a Soldier (a free on-line read available Here)

 

**My sincere thanks to Marquerite Kaye for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.**

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RELEASE DAY AND NEW BOOK ADDED TO MY BOOKSHELVES: WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT BY TESSA DARE

Tessa Dare is one of my favourite authors and I always have to read her books as soon as they are released.   Personally, I don’t think she can surpass her “Spindle Cove” series but this series comes a very close second.

(Castles Ever After, #3)

Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)

Cover Blurb:

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.

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RELEASE DAY: BROWN-EYED GIRL BY LISA KLEYPAS

(Travis Family, #4)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Blurb:

Wedding planner Avery Crosslin may be a rising star in Houston society, but she doesn’t believe in love–at least not for herself. When she meets wealthy bachelor Joe Travis and mistakes him for a wedding photographer, she has no intention of letting him sweep her off her feet. But Joe is a man who goes after what he wants, and Avery can’t resist the temptation of a sexy southern charmer and a hot summer evening.

After a one night stand, however, Avery is determined to keep it from happening again. A man like Joe can only mean trouble for a woman like her, and she can’t afford distractions. She’s been hired to plan the wedding of the year–a make-or-break event.

But complications start piling up fast, putting the wedding in jeopardy, especially when shocking secrets of the bride come to light. And as Joe makes it clear that he’s not going to give up easily, Avery is forced to confront the insecurities and beliefs that stem from a past she would do anything to forget.

The situation reaches a breaking point, and Avery faces the toughest choice of her life. Only by putting her career on the line and risking everything–including her well-guarded heart–will she find out what matters most.

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Lisa Kleypas is normally an auto-buy author and I really want to read Joe’s story, but at £9.49 ($14.78) for the Kindle book, it’s way too expensive for me and I’m going to have to wait  a while until it comes down to a more affordable price.

 

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RELEASE DAY AND NEW BOOKS ADDED TO MY BOOKSHELVES: TO LOVE A LORD BY CHRISTI CALDWELL

Source: Purchased from Amazon Kindle

 

(The Heart of a Duke, #5)

Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)

Cover Blurb:

All she wants is security:
The last place finishing school instructor Mrs. Jane Munroe belongs, is in polite Society. Vowing to never wed, she’s been scuttled around from post to post. Now she finds herself in the Marquess of Waverly’s household. She’s never met a nobleman she liked, and when she meets the pompous, arrogant marquess, she remembers why. But soon, she discovers Gabriel is unlike any gentleman she’s ever known.

All he wants is a companion for his sister:
What Gabriel finds himself with instead, is a fiery spirited, bespectacled woman who entices him at every corner and challenges his age-old vow to never trust his heart to a woman. But…there is something suspicious about his sister’s companion. And he is determined to find out just what it is.

All they need is each other:
As Gabriel and Jane confront the truth of their feelings, the lies and secrets between them begin to unravel. And Jane is left to decide whether or not it is ever truly safe to love a lord.

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RELEASE DAY: WITH DREAMS ONLY OF YOU: THE LEGEND OF THE THEODOSIA SWORD BY KATHRYN LE VEQUE, CHRISTI CALDWELL, ELIZA KNIGHT, CYNTHIA WRIGHT, SUZAN TISDALE AND EVA DEVON

Genre: Historical Romance

Cover Blurb:

One family. One Legend. One chance to reverse the tides of fortune.

Welcome to a multi-genre collection unlike any other historical romance collection. Six of the top authors in their respective genres bring you this powerhouse collection, WITH DREAMS ONLY OF YOU. Join the de Reyne family as they grapple with a family legend that follows them through centuries of hope, heartache, adventure, and romance in seven amazing segments:

Roman Scotland – The origins of the Theodosia Sword.
Medieval England – The legend begins.
The Scottish Highlands – The legend takes a twist.
Tudor England – A new dimension to the legend.
Georgian Era – The legend upon the high seas.
Regency England – The legend has new life.
Contemporary Times – The legend concludes.

Seven unique and powerful stories take the legend of the gladius, the Theodosia Sword, through the ages. Discover how each era of the family finds their own love, peace, and happiness. The sword that can tear them apart is also the one that binds them.

One family. One legend. One chance to reverse the tides of fortune… will each generation of the family take that chance?

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RELEASE DAY: SWEET SUMMER KISSES (REGENCY ANTHOLOGY)

Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)

Cover Blurb:

Bluestockings and wallflowers seek happily-ever-afters. Only handsome, respectable and deeply romantic persons need apply. Dukes and marquesses will be given special consideration. Apply within.

This anthology contains nine fun, heart-tugging, and wholesomely romantic Regency novellas that are as sigh-worthy as they are sweet, brought to you by USA Today and national bestselling, award-winning authors.

Deceived by a Duke by Erin Knightley, USA Today bestselling author

When strangers meet during a summer sojourn to the continent, love soon blossoms under the Spanish sun. But things aren’t all what they seem. When Libby discovers her English gentleman isn’t at all who she thought he was, can their new relationship survive the shock of being . . . Deceived by a Duke?
(Originally published May 2014)

Captivated by the Wallflower by Aileen Fish, USA Today bestselling author

Finding the perfect husband for wallflower Lady Susan is a means to an end for Viscount Knightwick. Falling in love is not part of his plan. Can he keep his heart safe while making hers happy?

A Most Suitable Match by Lily George, national bestselling author

Can confirmed bluestocking and matchmaker Louisa Bradbury compose her own happily ever after with Thomas, the wallflower of the rich and powerful Wright family?

Stealing the Duchess by Marie Higgins, national bestselling author

When Julian Stratford seeks out to steal the duchess as an act of revenge, he mistakenly steals the wrong sister–a wallflower, no less. As they work together to try and solve the mystery, they soon discover that not only are their lives in danger, but so are their hearts.

First Impressions by Elizabeth Johns, national bestselling author

A widower earl, still in need of an heir, reluctantly sets off for London in search of a wife. He infinitely prefers the role of recluse to that of dashing beau. The Season’s Incomparable prefers books to balls, and cannot wait until the Season is over. Their initial prejudices prevent them from feeling they would suit, but an unlikely source may give them another chance…

Treasure Beyond Words by Heather King

Having trusted the wrong man, bluestocking Amelia Burcott is forced to seek employment as a governess in order to support herself. Little does she realize, when she joins the household of the Earl of Raftesbury, that he has a secret as great as her own and needs the right woman to help him conquer his past.

The Earl’s Beloved Match by Bess McBride, national bestselling author

Bluestocking Cora Prentice has no intention of marrying…ever. Tobias, the Earl of Momford, has no intention of marrying…ever. But Aunt Mimi has other plans for them as she sets out to make a match between her goddaughter and her adopted nephew!

Save the Last Dance for Me by Cora Lee, award winning author

When Lady Honoria Maitland reunites with her old friend Benedict Grey, she proposes an arrangement: a faux courtship that will smooth wallflower Benedict’s re-entry into society and appease her dying father. But Honoria’s clever plan failed to account for Benedict’s heart…or her own.

The Third MacPherson Sister by Susana Ellis

Rebecca’s older sisters took the ton by storm while she herself has failed to attact a suitor in four Seasons. Miles is pondering his urgent need for a wife when Rebecca lands in his lap in the nave of Bath Abbey. A match between them seems ordained by the heavens… except for the little matter of his past history with her sisters.

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