Book Review Friday: Wish for the Moon, western romance by Celia Yeary

Book Review: Wish for the Moon

Written by: Celia Yeary

Prairie Rose Publications

ISBN: 978-1507625637

Available as an ebook

5 Stars

Full of romance and adventure!

One never knows the twists and turns life takes, and certainly Max Laundry is on a bumpy ride. After witnessing a murder in a Texas coalmine, he runs away only to discover the McGinnis farm. Will the kindness of strangers give Max the strength he needs to go forward?

Max meets Annie McGinnis, a young, impressionable girl torn between her dreams and her family's hard working, honest-to-the-bone ethic. Annie yearns for something more out of life, but is uncertain which way to go. When Max is accused of murder, Annie and her brother, Clifford, help to defend his innocence. This incident puts events in motion that will define Max and Annie's future paths.

Yeary pens a slow-burn, sweet, western romance full of angst and tenderness. The novel is set in Texas, 1901. Yeary's portrayal of the west is real and honest, depicting the hardships many settlers endured.

Yeary's rich characterization is the best part of the novel. Max isn't perfect. Along with Annie, they both make honest mistakes and "safe" choices, yet it's the promise of the unsafe choice that lingers with them. Dare they forge their futures uncertain of what lies ahead? These are issues modern readers can connect with and take to heart.

This is a sweet romance novel with Max and Annie sharing no more than a kiss or two, yet it's the emotional content that makes their romance feel just right. "Wish for the Moon," is a great heartwarming story. I highly recommend this book.

Amazon Buy Link:  http://amzn.com/B00SM09DSK

Smashwords Buy Link:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/514755

Rakes, Rogues and Romance

Henry Cavil, The Tudors

The rake is usually a romantic archetype found in historical writing. So what is a rake? He’s a man with few scruples and little honor. He’s had affairs with widows, married women, courtesans, and unmarried women. He’s got plenty of had habits which include drinking and gambling. He’s often shallow, has no ambition, and lacks integrity. So what’s the appeal?

The initial appeal might likely be his winsome smile and handsome features. Often one thinks of a rake as having a virile, chiseled appearance. Honestly, he’s drop dead gorgeous to women everywhere. He’s known to be exciting, dangerous, and virile – and if you’re the kind of woman that desire anonymity, the rake will keep your secret.

Yet, hidden behind his charming smile and affable demeanor is a man of complexity. There’s a “darker” reason for his selfish actions and lack of scruples. Did his father treat women with little respect and the rake is only following that example? Was he abused? Traumatized in some way? Is he rebelling against a strict upbringing?

What sets the heroine apart from the rake’s conquests is her desire to discover this “hidden” pain and redeem him. A rake’s journey is one of redemption and discovering his scruples. What proves fascinating to the heroine is the power it gives her knowing it’s her love that redeems him.

Writing a historical rake from a modern perspective can be a challenge. After all, might come to mind is that our rake might have an STD. Perhaps it’s the perception of the hero being a rake, even though he’s not, which gives the reader hope.

A rogue is an unprincipled, deceitful, unreliable, mischievous scoundrel. He’s always up to his elbows in a bit of mischief. So, if he’s deceitful, doesn’t that make him just like a rake? Not quite. When it comes to his virility and promiscuity, he may not have had a lot of affairs. He’s a rogue because he lies at the gambling tables, not because he’s prone to flings.

Both the rake and rogue have unattractive qualities which make them “unlikely” heroes, but a romance is all about the unlikely hero taking an adventure or going on a journey with the heroine and discovering those traits which will make him a better person and a true hero.

Question: Who is your favorite historical romance hero?  Book, TV or movie?  Why?

Goddess Fish Super Book Blast for: More Than Passion #booktour

More Than Passion

by JoMarie DeGioia

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

BLURB:

Geoffrey Kane, Earl of Kanewood refuses to feel anything more than passion. Four years ago, his fiancée betrayed him and he has no desire to experience that again so when he meets the beautiful Rebecca Kingsley, it’s passion at first sight. And only passion.

Rebecca has led a very quiet life working for her father at a small country inn. When she meets Geoffrey she falls in love with him right away. But she’s only the daughter of a baronet and men like Geoffrey never marry country girls like her. Do they?

When Rebecca’s father tries to marry her off to a wealthy old man, Geoffrey intervenes and marries her himself. He wants her very much but he couldn’t possibly love her. Love is for fools. At least that’s what he tells himself. But a sinister enemy soon threatens to destroy all that Geoffrey holds dear, forcing him to face the truth. His marriage depends on it . . . And maybe even Rebecca’s very life.

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

The Raven’s Inn was surprisingly elegant. The brick structure was trimmed with dark green, its long windows sparkling in the late afternoon sun. Rebecca Kingsley was straightening the beautifully-appointed parlor of the inn. Her father, Thomas, insisted that all the rooms look fine. His father had been a baronet, but all that was left of the family fortune, as it were, was the inn. As a younger man, he’d traveled in the social circles of the ton and claimed to know what the gentry and lesser folk alike looked for in food and lodging. Many travelers stopped at the inn, and they expected service and accommodations as fine as any in London, or so Rebecca’s father insisted.

At twenty years old, Rebecca had been working at the inn all of her life. Her mother died when Rebecca was just two, leaving no real memories. Thomas refused to speak of her and Rebecca had long since given up asking. The only thing he’d say was that she took after her mother in looks. This he always said in a gruff, affectionate manner that never failed to surprise her. She supposed she inherited her fair skin from her mother, that and her thick raven-black hair. She could never see anything of herself in Thomas.

He never really gave her much notice. She worked as hard as the servants at the inn, keeping her own room as well as half of the rest abovestairs. Mary, the chambermaid, took care of the other rooms as well as seeing to the guests’ personal needs. Rebecca served the morning and evening meals in the dining room, as well, along with Emmy. Emmy was funny and kind and a shameless flirt. She never hesitated to share her experiences with Rebecca, who couldn’t help but blush. She listened, though. Closely.

Rebecca was usually free to go about her own business after finishing her chores abovestairs. But this afternoon, she polished the candlesticks and dusted the furniture in the parlor. As usual, she wore her hair plaited in one long braid coiled at the back of her head. Her simple muslin gown was a few seasons old and well-suited to her task. She paused to gaze longingly out the window toward the stables out back. Beyond them, she could see the gently rolling hills over which she so loved to ride. If she didn’t have to see to the parlor today, she’d surely be out riding her black filly.

From her vantage point, Rebecca could see two figures walking out of the stable’s wide doors. One man was slight of stature and fell in step behind the other. The man in the lead was tall with broad shoulders and dressed in a brown coat and tan breeches. He walked with a long, easy stride. Sun glinted off hair she fancied the color of honey. He had a strong profile, and Rebecca couldn’t tear her gaze away from him. What color were his eyes?

“Fool,” she chided herself. She turned back to her work, flicking her dusting cloth in 
frustration.

MY REVIEW:

Book Review for: More Than Passion

Written by: JoMarie Degioia

Lachesis Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-897562-96-3

3.5 Stars

"More Than Passion" is a story full of intrigue set against a historical backdrop. It's England, 1822, and Geoffrey Kate, the Earl of Kanewood, is on his way home when his carriage is damaged. He stops in Oakham to see to the repair where he falls under the spell of Rebecca Kingsley.

Rebecca is a young maid and works at her father's establishment, the Raven's Inn. He's trying to marry her off, but passion ignites between Geoffrey and Rebecca. They're caught in a comprising manner and marry hastily.

Trust hardly has a chance to grow between them when it's tested. There's the mystery of Geoffrey's estate missing money, work not done, but billed for, and jealousy. Is passion all Geoffrey and Rebecca have?

The writing style is easy to read, but there are times when the story tends to "tell" and not "show."  Rebecca is a steadfast heroine. Geoffrey is the more complex character. He struggles with conflicting emotions – wanting to trust Becca, yet allows his jealousy to niggle at his confidence. The supporting cast and dastardly villains also vex Geoffrey, adding to his heightened emotional state.

There are plenty of love scenes between Geoffrey and Rebecca, which capture the passion the two share. If you enjoy historical romances, give "More Than Passion" a try. It's full of intrigue, greed, and betrayal.

GIVEAWAY: 

JoMarie will be awarding winner's choice of an eBook from Lachesis Publishing to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  Please visit here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e434217/ to sign up for the Rafflecopter Giveaway.

When you follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/06/virtual-super-book-blast-tour-more-than.html

The book is available for free as an ebook from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Passion-Dashing-Nobles-ebook/dp/B0082JA4BQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1404052381

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I write Historical Romances with a touch of mystery and Contemporary Romances with a touch of home. I'm also working on a Young Adult Dystopian Fantasy/Adventure series and a hot Contemporary New Adult Romance.

I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, Space Coast Authors of Romance and From the Heart Romance Writers.

http://www.jomariedegioia.com/

https://twitter.com/JoMarieDeGioia

https://www.facebook.com/JoMarie.DeGioia.Author

BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/more-than-passion-jomarie-degioia/1111327290?ean=9781897562956

Kindle http://www.amazon.com/More-Passion-Dashing-Nobles-Series-ebook/dp/B0082JA4BQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401151352&sr=8-1&keywords=more+than+passion

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/more-than-passion-book-1-dashing-nobles-series

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/more-than-passion/id528445065?mt=11

Book Review Tuesday: Daughter of Sherwood #bookreview

Book Review for: Daughter of Sherwood

Written by: Laura Strickland

Wild Rose Press

ISBN: 978-1-617-9186

Avail: as an ebook and in print

4 Stars

A suspenseful story

Strickland pens a story full of action, adventure, and romance with "Daughter of Sherwood." Wren is the daughter of the legendary Robin Hood and Marion. When both parents die, she goes to live with Lil at Nottingham Castle as a scullery maid. When the triad that protects the forest is broken, Wren, now a young woman, must assume her role in the next one.

Wren is hesitant to leave her home and move to the forest, but she must, as Lambert, the Sheriff's enforcer, is on the hunt for her after a slight. Wren soon learns the other members of the triad are Sparrow Little and Martin Scarlet, two very different men who are in competition for her affections.

Wren must draw on all her courage, strength, and endurance to assume her new role all while sorting out her conflicting feelings for the two men. When Sherwood's very existence is threatened by Lambert, can Wren inspire those she leads like her father did?

Strickland's use of accents is well done, making the story easy to understand and it doesn't slow down the reading. The plot engages the reader, keeping them turning the pages.

Wren, Sparrow, and Martin prove interesting characters. Wren struggles with her identity and her role in Sherwood, which includes choosing a man to wed – Sparrow or Martin. Sparrow is quiet, yet honorable to a fault. Martin is loud and too quick to rush into action.

The story contains several tasteful mainstream love scenes. The historical background gives way to an intriguing story. Strickland does a great job giving life to Sherwood Forest, making the setting its own unique character full of life, challenges, and magic.

While a part of a series, you don't have to read the other books in the series to understand the dynamic and back story of this one. I would definitely read other books in the series. "Daughter of Sherwood" will leave you wanting more.

Question for you: What's your favorite Robin Hood movie?  

Book Review for: Champion of Sherwood by Laura Strickland #bookreview

Book Review for: Champion of Sherwood

Written by: Laura Strickland

Wild Rose Press

ISBN: 978-1-62830-180-9

4 Stars

Full of adventure and romance!

Set in Sherwood Forest in the 1230's, Strickland creates a world filled with magic and wonder. The Forest thrives on the magic that is guarded by a triad. Can Lark, Falcon, and Linnet put aside their differences when they assume the next triad or is the Forest doomed to be overrun by the Normans?

The village of Oakham is attacked and the villagers take a Norman knight, Gareth de Vavasour prisoner, but not before they lose one of their own, Martin Scarlet. Martin's death propels Linnet, Falcon and Lark to assume duties in the triad that protects the Forest.

Linnet is a healer who tends to Gareth. Soon, she falls in love with him, to her sister's disapproval. How can Linnet hope to have a future with the enemy? If the magic of Sherwood has its way, Linnet may get her heart's desire, but it may cost her Lark and Falcon, ruining the triad before it has a chance to flourish.

Strickland's writing easily draws the reader into Linnet's world. The accents aren't overdone. Her imagination shines against the backdrop of the dark forest. The author uses a good economy of words that allows one to visualize the setting without slowing down the pace.

The characters are dynamic and interesting. Linnet is a healer, honest, and true. She follows her heart, but can she be mentally strong and courageous in the face of adversity? Gareth strives to be noble and heroic, but his beliefs and convictions are put to the test during his trails in the forest. Will love show him that he can have two worlds? What's unique is how the setting comes alive as its own character, influencing events – and hearts.

Champion of Sherwood is a historical romance with mainstream love scenes that capture the intensity between Gareth and Linnet. The story is full of adventure. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading the other books in the series. While part of a series, this book reads well as a stand alone. The magic within the "Champion of Sherwood" insists one turn the pages, just as it pushes Linnet and Gareth toward their destiny.

Question for you: Who is your favorite movie "Robin Hood?" 

Book Review Tuesday - Haunted Knights by Anna Markland #bookreview

Book Review for: Haunted Knights

Written by: Anna Markland

Avail as: ebook

4 Stars

Markland pens a suspenseful tale that will have readers on the edge of their seats with "Haunted Knights." It's the reign of Henry III, and the Montbryce family is thriving in Normandy and England. When Adam Montbryce, heir to Belisle Castle, is incapacitated, he seeks his fortune in England, never expecting to find hope.

Adam is a vital young man who loses his hearing and his ability to produce children after an illness. He sets out with his brother, Denis, who is a dwarf, to England to find his fortune. There he meets the Lallemont brothers. When a fire breaks out at Kingston Gorse, Adam and Denis help rescue the Lallemont sisters, Rosamunda and Paulina.  Rosamunda is mute and Paulina is a dwarf as well. While the women appear to be perfect for Adam and Denis, can they overcome threats, kidnapping, and ridicule to find not just hope, but happiness?

Markland's researched her topic and it shows, giving a voice to disabilities. The plot is straight forward. What Markland does well is offer a metaphor for those with disabilities that challenge them. Denis may be a dwarf, but he doesn't let his condition stop him from doing what he wants. He's an aspiring character. Adam is also noble and honest, but doubts Rosamunda at a critical time, leaving the women vulnerable.

There's plenty of action, adventure, and excitement that will keep the reader wondering what's coming next. "Haunted Knights" is a historical romance that contains several sensual romantic scenes. For those who enjoy historical stories with medieval knights I recommend this story.  Overall, "Haunted Knights" proves chivalry never goes out of style.

Welcome Blurb Blitz Tour for Highlander's Hope by Collette Cameron

HIGHLANDER'S HOPE

By

Collette Cameron

BLURB:  

Not a day has gone by that Ewan McTavish, the Viscount Sethwick, hasn't dreamed of the beauty he danced with two years ago. He's determined to win her heart and make her his own. Heiress, Yvette Stapleton, is certain of one thing; marriage is risky and, therefore, to be avoided. At first, she doesn't recognize the dangerously handsome man who rescues her from assailants on London's docks, but Lord Sethwick's passionate kisses soon have her reconsidering her cynical views on matrimony. On a mission to stop a War Office traitor, Ewan draws Yvette into deadly international intrigue. To protect her, he exploits Scottish law, declaring her his lawful wife—without benefit of a ceremony. Yvette is furious upon discovering the irregular marriage is legally binding, though she never said, "I do." Will Ewan's manipulation cost him her newfound love?   

EXCERPT:

Highlander's Hope Excerpt-Pirate Scene

She stepped back as he pushed his way into the room, leaving the door ajar. His hair was damp, no doubt from bathing, and the stubble darkening his face earlier was gone. Feet bare, wearing only buckskin breeches and a shirt unbuttoned to the waist, he resembled a pirate—a dangerous, rakish, sinfully handsome pirate.

She sucked in her breath. He oughtn’t to be here, but he’d said he wanted to talk to her, and he had promised to behave.

Yvette’s eyes traveled the path of silky hair from his chest until it disappeared into his waistband. Her stomach flip-flopped. Sweet Lord above. She pressed her hands to her frolicking middle.      Why doesn’t he say something?

A distraction, that’s what she needed. She escaped to the lumpy bed where she had flung her clothing before bathing. She folded and packed the garments into her valise and set it on the floor beside her trunk. She bent to retrieve her bath towel, and peeked side-ways at him from the corner of her eye. He hasn’t moved. What’s he about?

Grabbing the towel, she glanced down and froze. The candles to her left bathed her in a stream of light. She could clearly see the outline of her legs. Her nightwear was almost translucent in the candlelight and gave him a shadowy view of— dear God—nearly everything.

No wonder he hadn’t moved, the bounder.

Standing upright, she held the towel before her, and faced him. “Enjoying the view, your lordship?” she snapped.

    

Ewan still leaned against the doorframe, watching her. “Immeasurably.”

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.

A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.

Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and going on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc.

Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading.

GIVEAWAY:  Collette will be awarding a gift basket that includes a gift card, blue rose tea cup, blue rose soap, vintage looking cameo pendant, shortbread, tea, and other goodies to a randomly drawn commenter during the tours. 

The more you comment on the Blurb Blitz Blog Tour stops the more chances you have to win.  Here's a link: to a post with all the stops. 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/02/virtual-book-tour-highlanders-hope-by.html

LINKS:

Book URL: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/meet-collette-cameron/highlanders-hope-by-collette-cameron/

This is not a "buy" link.

My Links:

Website: http://collettecameron.com/

Blog: http://blueroseromance.com/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/collettecameronauthor

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/collette.cameron.5

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Collette_Author

Google+: https://plus.google.com/110459897284342875390#110459897284342875390/posts

Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/collette-cameron/60/17a/667

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/colletteauthor/

Soul Mate Publishing Author's Blog: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/

Welcome Guest Author - Rosemary Morris

Rosemary Morris 

ROSEMARY: First of all, thank you Stephanie for inviting me to be your guest.

STEPH: You're very welcome. I'm delighted to have you here today. I don't know much about Far Beyond Rubies. What's it about?

ROSEMARY: Set in 1706 during Queen Anne Stuart’s reign Far Beyond Rubies erupts when William, Baron Kemp, Juliana’s half-brother claims she and her sister are bastards. Juliana is determined to prove the allegation is false and that she is the rightful heiress to Riverside, a great estate.

On his way to deliver a letter to William, Gervaise sees Juliana for the first time in the grounds of her family home…The sight of her drew him back to India. Her form changed to one he knew intimately – but not in this birth.

An unexpected event brings Juliana and quixotic Gervaise together and circumstances force Juliana to accept his kind help. However, when Juliana’s life irrevocably tangled with Gervaise’s she discovers he is not all that he seems.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

ROSEMARY: It took me a year.

STEPH: Did you have to do any research?

ROSEMARY: Yes, Far Beyond Rubies is a historical novel set in England during the reign of Queen Anne Stuart, 1702-1716. I studied the social and economic history of the era, the food people ate, their clothes and much more.  

 STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story within? Did you come up with the cover, or a cover designer? Did you have input?

ROSEMARY: The cover reveals an early eighteenth century hero seeing the heroine for the first time.

I filled in a form for the cover designer, who consulted me about the design for the book cover.

STEPH: The heroine is Juliana Kemp, an orphan.What are her strengths? Weaknesses?

ROSEMARY: Her strengths are determination to find out the truth, her love for her younger sister and her compassion. Weaknesses? Her strong will and her strict belief in her religious faith might be perceived as weaknesses.

STEPH: Quixotic Gervaise Seymour, an honourable gentleman, is the hero. What does he find appealing about the heroine?

ROSEMARY: Juliana is ‘a beauty in distress’ whose melodious voice, courage, kind nature and trust in him is appealing.

STEPH: What's the theme of your novel?

ROSEMARY: The theme is the heroine’s search for justice for herself and her sister.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

ROSEMARY: I have a kindle.

ROSEMARY:  Do you have any advice for newer/aspiring authors?

I recommend joining on and offline writers’ groups which offer constructive criticism. My supportive groups have made many helpful suggestions which have improved my novels.

STEPH: Fun question: Spring is in the air - what's your favourite spring flower?

ROSEMARY: I am a keen organic gardener so this is a very difficult question to answer but hyacinths which fill the air with fragrance are my favourite spring flowers.

www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

http://blogspot.com

My e-books Far Beyond Rubies, Tangled Love, False Pretences and Sunday’s Child are available from:

http://museituppublishing.com/booksotre2/

www.amazon.com

www.amazon.co.uk

Book Review for: Captured by the Highlander

Book Review for: Captured by the Highlander
Written by: Julianne MacLean
St. Martin's Press
Avail: ebook/print
5 Stars

MacLean leaves you breathless with "Captured by the Highlander." Duncan MacLean has a ruthless reputation as the "Butcher of the Highlands," but when he kidnaps Lady Amelia Templeton, she tests him on so many levels and dares to ruin the Butcher's reputation.

Set in Scotland in 1716, the story opens with Duncan's suspenseful kidnap of Amelia. He's looking for her betrothed, Colonial Richard Bennett, who is known for his brutality towards the Scots. Initially, Duncan, as the Butcher, just wants revenge, but he can't deny he's attracted to Amelia. She's headstrong, believes in her convictions, and dares to defy him.

Amelia breaks away from Duncan and seeks refuge from a squad of English soldiers. Unfortunately, they're drunk and act poorly. Duncan saves Amelia, and the incident challenges her to understand his motivations.

Duncan takes Amelia to Montcriffe where she discovers his true identity. Dare she give in to the passion Duncan evokes knowing the danger he faces if his secret is revealed?

MacLean's writing is easy to read and plunges the reader in a suspense filled opening. The action is perfectly paced, allowing the reader to catch their breath before racing forward again.

MacLean paints wonderful pictures with words allowing the reader to vividly see Duncan and Amelia's word in their mind.

The most rewarding part is the characterization. Despite Duncan's ruthless reputation, his motivations are clear to the reader. As a reader, I easily lost my heart to him. Amelia is feisty, challenging, and when evidence presents itself, willing to give Duncan a chance.

The story is sophisticated for romance readers with love scenes that capture the passion and sensually of the couple. MacLean will leave you breathless, wanting more tales of the Scottish highlands. "Captured by the Highlander" is a wonderful romantic escape on a rainy Saturday afternoon. I highly recommend this book.

Announcing my BRONZE Winner in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest - Victorian Scoundrel

I'm pleased to announce my steampunk romance won BRONZE in the 2012 Reader's Favorite Contest in the Romance: Historical category. Here's a look at Victorian Scoundrel:

2011 Hope Chest Reviews Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Romance Series

BLURB: It's 2011 and compressed natural gas has taken over form the coal producing steam machines of the Victorian Age. Alice Windsor, Princess of York, follows her mischief-making cousin, Prince Edmund of Wales back to the past and 1851 where Prince Albert is hosting Britain's Great Exhibition. 

Alice soon discovers Edmund has struck up a friendship with their great-grandfather, Prince Albert, and his mischief making entails leaving a dinosaur-sized footprint in history.

She also meets Grayson Kentfield, Earl Swinton, and the Prime Minister, Sir John Russell. The Prime Minster finds her odd, to say the least.

It's only when Alice falls for the handsome Earl Swinton does she realize the dangers of time travel. How can she give her heart to a man from the past while striving to stop Edmund from changing time with his forward thinking ideas?

BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUYj2d7ZeY

REVIEWS: Reader's Favorites: 5 Stars, Molly E: She grips the reader instantly, and keeps them hooked until the last page... I highly recommend this with highest of 5 stars, and I can't wait until the second Windsor Diaries installment releases!

Pen & Muse Reviews: A wonderful historical, paranormal steampunk read this was. The author really had me hooked from the first chapter... I loved the humor in this read along with the historical facts.

Long & Short Reviews, 4 Books, Larkspur: It’s the perfect romance if you love the proper etiquette of the Victorian era mixed with the fantasy of time travel. This is the first in this new series and I’m excited to read the next episode."

Scorching Hot Reviews: 4 Stars:
Overall, a fun and breezy read that really doesn’t take itself seriously. With sweet and funny characters, the tale was enjoyable and engaging. A fantastic edition to the steam-punk genre....bring on book two :)

Hope Chest Reviews: 4.5 Stars:
Victorian Scoundrel was a nice easy read, but sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. The pacing was pretty snappy with the plot moving right along, while the dialog was sharp and sometimes witty

ENJOY THIS EXCERPT:

Tired and thirsty, she finally made it to the courtyard. Edmund was nowhere to be found. She should have expected it, really. No doubt he was in the palace filling their great-grandfather's head with forward-thinking ideas. She crossed her arms, staring at the steps.

Several carriages waited nearby. No one in their right mind would let her into the palace looking like she did -- like she had just stepped out of the gutter. 

"Excuse me, who are you?"

 

Alice spun around to find herself face-to-face with two gentlemen who stood near one of the waiting carriages. One gentleman was older, Alice guessed in his fifties, one younger. The older gentleman stared at her like she truly was a guttersnipe, but the younger one -- he was tall, with chiseled cheeks and sensitive hazel eyes. His broad chest filled his suit well and he measured her with a cool, appraising look that hinted at... appreciation. An uncomfortable feeling washed over her. Never had a man's stare made her feel so... warm. 



"Well?" asked the older gentleman. 



Alice straightened her posture with her usual royal dignity and took off her glasses as she always did when she introduced herself. "I am Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice of York." 



The men looked at each other, at her, then back at themselves. She wasn't sure if they were befuddled, confused, or wanted to laugh. Finally, the older gentleman spoke. "Princess Alice is seven years old." 



Alice bit the inside of her lip, realizing she had totally forgotten where she was due to the younger gentleman's attention. She slid her glasses back on. "Simply call me Alice -- Alice Windsor." 



"And you may call me Prime Minister." 

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON KINDLE: http://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Diaries-Book-One-ebook/dp/B0058UG9Q6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1316808713&sr=1-1

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-windsor-diaries-book-one-stephanie-burkhart/1104099940?ean=2940012813824&itm=1&usri=victorian%2bscoundrel

SONY EBOOK STORE:
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Book Review Tuesday - The Rogue Pirate's Bride

Book Review for: The Rogue Pirate's Bride
Written by: Shana Galen
Sourcebooks
ISBN: 978-104022-6556-6
Avail: ebook and print
5 Stars

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

"Breathtaking Romance"

Shana Galen delivers again with "The Rouge Pirate's Bride." This story is the third installment of the "Sons of the Revolution" series and is packed with action, adventure, betrayal, greed, and clever characters. Sebastien Harcourt has found his way in the world as a pirate, but has he met his match with Raeven Russell, an admiral's daughter, who proves she's just as resourceful as any of Sebastien's crew? I've read the previous stories in this series, and I enjoyed them very much. I was looking forward to reading Sebastien's tale and for me, this story did not disappoint.

Set in 1802, Sebastien has escaped the turmoil in France only to become the captain of a pirate ship. He's on the hunt for another pirate, Jourdain, who killed his mentor. Raeven Russell is an admiral's daughter who wants revenge on Sebastien for killing her fiancé in a ship battle. The novel opens with plenty of excitement as Raeven, disguised as a man, challenges Sebastien. He gets the best of her, but not before revealing she's a woman, causing the sparks to fly between the couple. They meet again, several months later and it appears time has not lessened the sparks between them. Can Sebastien and Raeven tame their attraction or will it prove their undoing?

Galen's writing is full of witty dialogue, vivid descriptions, and effortlessly plunges the reader into Sebastien and Raeven's world. The plot moves at just the right pace, leaving the reader breathless.

The most rewarding part of the story is the rich characterization. Sebastien is full complexities, hurt over losing his family and mentor, yet so very giving with Raeven. Raeven is a spitfire, not afraid to look danger in the eye, and is full of tricks, yet her heart is wounded as well.

The story has several love scenes that are tasteful and embody the sensuality that Sebastien and Raeven share. "The Rogue Pirate's Bride" is a page-turner, full of emotion, danger, suspense and heartwarming romance. I highly recommend this book.

Book Review Friday - Chameleon's Shadow by Tami Dee

Book Review for: "Chameleon's Shadow"
Written by: Tami Dee
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-61252-178-7
Avail as: ebook only

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

Dee pens an exciting tale filled with adventure, betrayal, greed, and longing with "Chameleon's Shadow." Set in England during the 1620's, Lady Elizabetta Mitchell bears witness to her parents' murder. Will her heart grow cold in the cruel world or will she find a ray of hope with an unlikely benefactor?

The novel opens with young Elizabetta witnessing her parents' murder at the hands of her unscrupulous uncle. She has no choice but to run away and take her chances on the streets. Elizabetta's five-year-old brother, Nicolas, has also run away. Bruised and battered, she searches the shadows of Southwark, finding a moment of comfort in a stranger's strong arms. Soon, though, she's fending for herself and taken to a brothel. A Scottish laird, McClasky, saves her from a terrible fate and teaches her enough skills to get by on the tough streets.

Unfortunately, Elizabetta, now going by "Cricket," picks one pocket too many when she pilfers the Duke of Sussex's purse. She's forced to become his indentured servant where he trains the young woman to be one of England's chameleons. (spies) It's a tough life, but she adapts well. As the danger mounts, dare Elizabetta give her heart to the Duke's son knowing that if her activities are ever discovered, she'll be killed?

Having read several of Dee's previous novels, this one is one of her most endearing! She fashions a tale of taut suspense that heightens as the novel progresses. Dee paints vivid pictures with a good economy of words and brings a rich authenticity to the setting.

The rich characterization is Dee at her finest. Elizabetta has nothing when she loses her parents, but her courage, inner strength, and endurance, which sees her though some tough times. Will, the hero, makes a misstep, but is willing to face his mistakes instead of running away from them.

The novel is sweet for romance readers with Will and Elizabetta sharing a kiss or two. The story wraps the reader in a wonderful cacophony of emotion and won't let go until the last page. "Chameleon's Shadow" will make you believe in the power of love. If you enjoy historical romance filled with suspense and highly charged emotion, I highly recommend this story.

Publisher's Buy Link: http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-304/Chameleon's-Shadow-Tami-Dee/Detail.bok

Amazon Buy Link:http://amzn.com/B008AP8WIE