Redrosesforauthors/Reviews

Ice Angel

2009-11-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

ICE ANGEL

BY

ELIZABETH HANBURY

PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON

ISBN 978-0-7090-8784-7.

Married at a very young age to a man chosen by her father, because he knew he was dying, Lady Isabella Vane has a very dark secret. Her marriage to Lord Vane was very unhappy and at times intolerable; the only good thing coming from her marriage was her young son Dominic. In the latter part of her marriage her widowed Aunt Harriet had been living with her and together they had managed to shield Dominic from the horrors that had occurred in their home.

When Isabella is widowed she is desperate because there will be no money left when the estate is sold, as her husband had many gambling depts. But luckily she finds that a great Uncle has left her a large old house and also enough money to keep them all in, if not luxury, very comfortable for the rest of their lives and will provide for Dominic’s education. Because the house which she has inherited is very run down, her Aunt suggests that they rent a house in London until the repairs are done. Isabella only agrees because she realizes that her Aunt has herself missed the parties and life in the city since going to live with her and Dominic.

Isabella has no intention of entertaining in London and does not wish to socialize she has a very tight reserve and shows little interest in worldly entertainments, thus earning herself the name of Ice Angel. Isabella does not realize what a stir her ethereal beauty and reserve are causing in polite society.

One gentleman who is extremely taken with her is the Earl of Bramwell, he sees great beauty and great sadness in her eyes and determines to find out the reason for the sadness.

Do read the story and find out if Isabella can overcome her fears and find happiness again. She has much to overcome before the tale is told her road is not an easy one to travel and she has several setbacks before it is over.

I really enjoyed this book and it is a good read for lovers of this Genre; I give this book 5 Red Roses and look forward to the next one from Elizabeth Hanbury

Desperately Seeking Santa

2009-11-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

Jane's wonderful new book for the Christmas Season from Red Rose Publishing.

DESPERATELY
SEEKING SANTA

Jane Beckenham

Mainstream
Holiday/ Contemporary
ISBN: 978-1-60435-249-8

Santa leaned against a railing of silky teddies and thongs, all pink fluff and feathers along with black lace and faux fur. Mandy blinked several times. The guy didn’t move. The look on his face, humor and downright daring indicate he knew exactly what he leaned against. But still he stayed there. His arms crossed his chest, pulling the red suit across his broad shoulders. The fabric stretched and Mandy’s eyes widened. This was no weasely old man Santa and she wondered for the first time, what lay beneath all that fake Santa stuff?
“The phone lines are down,” he said, suddenly breaking into her heated thoughts.
Mandy shook her head, tendrils falling loose across her face. It tickled and she roughly brushed it away, tucking it behind her ears.
“Don’t do that.”
Her hand stalled, a strand of hair still between her thumb and forefinger. “Pardon?” Had she heard right, the guys voice was kinda muffled beneath all those whiskers.
“I liked it like that.”
Her brows puckered. Liked? Mandy snapped her thoughts closed. “The phone,” she prompted.
“The phone lines are out. Must have hit the mobile phone tower too, because can’t get a signal on my phone. The storm has struck so it looks like we’ll have to stay the night.”
“You want to what?" Shocked, Mandy gaped at Santa. "Sleep here?” She took a quick inventory. Not a bed in sight. “You've got to be joking. Besides, it's Christmas Eve."
"Got anywhere else to go?"
Mandy’s jaw dropped, but no words came out while a stain of heat scalded her cheeks. She didn't have anywhere else to go No family. No life. Christmas as far as she was concerned was a non-event. But she wasn't about to admit that. She tucked her suddenly fidgeting hands behind her. “Don't you?” she questioned as a counter-defense.
“Nope."
Desperation hiked up ten-fold. “But we're locked in, everyone's gone home. What'll we do?"
“Told you. Sleep."
Mandy stared into the dimness all around them, expecting, praying a security guard would walk out of the increasing darkness. “"You can't sleep here. This is a department store."
“Sure I can. There's a bed, isn't there?" he said pointing towards the Santa grotto.
“That's Santa's sleigh!"
“Bed, sleigh, what's the difference?" He shrugged and his bushy white brows wiggled. “You're a mite picky for someone stuck in a department store, don’t ya think?" He strode towards the sleigh and without thinking she found herself following him. Santa was in full force tossing out presents...well boxes of various sizes and colors intended to grant every child's desire, as she side-stepped the elve’s mushroom stand.
“Which side do you want?"

Happy reading
www.janebeckenham.com

Sounds like fun Jane!

An Interview with Jane Beckenham

2009-11-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself
Hello everyone, I’m Jane Beckenham and I live down under in New Zealand, a country also known as Aotearoa, translated to mean the land of the long white cloud, which today is a misnomer as the sky is a perfect blue and cloudless. I live in Auckland the City of Sails as we’re surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and on one side, and the Tasman Sea on the other.

What do you write?
I write contemporary romance, but also time travel and historical.

Why do you write?
Because I have to. Because the characters in my head give me their story. I’ve been writing for about 11 years now. I love writing, couldn’t imagine my life without it. And it sure beats housework.

What are you writing now?
I’m in the editing stages of 2 contemporary stories and in the first 3 chapter stage of a Regency

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
I live in jeans and shirts. But I’ve just started dressing a bit more girly, with dresses. I love jewelry and buy quite a bit of fun necklaces, actually I have a big tie wrack in my wardrobe that I hang all my necklaces on!

Are you in love? Have you ever been?
I’ve been married for 26 years, so yeah, I guess I still love the guy…but I do wish he’d put away stuff and not leave it lying around…grrr! When I am in the first throws of love I always lose my apetite, but how I wish that was the other way around and that once over that flush I didn’t eat, then I would be waif like!

Do you have a dream lover – and what does he or she look like?
George Clooney!

What kind of comfort food do you like best?
Chocolate, but I’m a cake/cookie kinda gal

What makes you laugh? Cry?
Sad movies always make me cry, things that pull at the heart strings, tales of courageousness. Laugh…things that are quite off the wall.

What do you do to amuse yourself when not working?
I am a decorating nut, I love decorating magazines and I am never more happy than browsing different rooms in the glossy magazines.

What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please!
When I first met my man (on a blind date too!) I thought he had a really cute butt and nice legs – strong/muscular. Kindness turns me on too. When my man does something nice for me that I wasn’t expecting.

What do you hate about life?
Honest??? Well, I have a disability. And quite honestly, I’ve had it for 43 of my 52 years so I’m over it now. I really would like to just give it away. Most of my life it hasn’t held me back, I’ve backpacked all over the world, lived in many places, but it’s slowing me down now, and I’m really not happy with that.

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?
I’m a success already. I’m a nice person, kind, loving, and that is the best kind of success don’t you think. I would like to say when I lose about 15lbs would be a success, but reality is that isn’t really important. I like to think that each time I finish a book that I’m really happy with it, and that is a success.

What are you going to write next?
I have a contemporary in mind with a hero whose father was a King/Prince and who never acknowledged him, but the exciting thing is that this book hopefully will actually spurn a few others as I write the stories of his siblings.

Seducing Sir Gwain

2009-11-06T00:22:00.000-08:00

Seducing Sir Gwain by Shari Dare

Red Rose Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60435-955-8

2007

Pages: 184

Modern Day & 1470 Scotland

Denise and her friend have fun on the Ouija board but they never have really taken it seriously. Denise finds it a fun way to pass the time now that her husband of almost 40 years is gone. But this time something very strange happens. Instead of the usual women that usually give general answers a man tells them that his name is Gwain and that he was Denise’s lover in a past life. That is just strange enough for the friends to stop playing.

Denise is having a great erotic dream and really doesn’t want to wake up to her ordinary life. When Denise finally gets up she gets the shock of her life. Instead of being in the modern day she seems to have traveled to the past. Only now she is no longer the same person in the same body. She is a young woman again by the name Davida in 1470 Scotland. At least she has all the knowledge she has gained over her lifetime. Denise sees this as a chance to have a second chance at life even if it is in a different century. Now she just has to figure out who she is supposed to be and what she is doing in the past.

Denise is thinking that all the creature comforts she so enjoyed in her time may not be able to compare to what she has found in the past. She is getting a second chance at youth and a chance to live a more exciting and fulfilling life than she ever thought would be possible. Now if she can just figure out a way to hang on to Gwain her life will be perfect. All the dreams from her youth are coming true in the past.

This is a fascinating time travel book. I love how you get transported to the past with Denise and get to see history come to life. It is a wonderful mix of the past and the present and was a wonderful story from start to finish. I think even those that are not really into time travel stories will greatly enjoy this tale.

I give this one 4 red roses.

Featured Book

2009-11-05T02:30:00.000-08:00

Debra is already a popular author with Red Rose Popular with Betraying the Prince. Now she has a new exciting book out!

Biker Babe in Black is available from Red Rose Publishing!

Even on her motorcycle, Margarine Butter, can’t outrun the bad luck that continues to follow her around. Fired from her second job in less than a week all because of some man, she’s got two options: Hit the rode on her Motorcycle and find another job, or call it quits and go back to The Chromes and Wheels Gang. At the rate she’s going, she’ll never achieve her dream of buying a home where she can plant some roots.

Business Tycoon, Remy Montgomery, can’t believe the waitress refused his offer and rode off on a Harley Davidson without a second thought. Determined to get the biker babe in bed, he tracks her down and offers her a job she can’t refuse.

Is Margarine’s luck changing or is she making a horrible mistake?

If you haven't read this author yet she is worth adding to your list now!

Camilla's Conscience

2009-11-04T23:55:00.000-08:00

CAMILLA’S CONSCIENCE,

BY SARAH STANLEY

PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON.

ISBN978-0-7090-8660-4.

Widowed barely two years before Lady Camilla Summerton is about to come back into contact, with the man she claims to hate most in the world, or does she?

Lady Camilla was already betrothed to Lord Harry Summerton when she met Dominic, The Earl of Ennismount. The attraction was immediate for both of them, but Lady Camilla would not go back on her word to Harry. Their marriage was considered a success and they were happy for some time, but Harry had changed and was no longer loving and kind.

Dominic was a friend to them both and as such was often at their home Summerton Park and although Camilla was still attracted to him she kept her marriage vows.

Dominic knows how much Harry has changed and is very worried for Camilla. When he follows Harry one day and sees him meet another woman he determines to try to win Camilla’s heart. When the three of them are at a picnic and Harry falls asleep on the grass, he tries to seduce Camilla and she almost gives way but her husband calls her name and she is shocked at how nearly she has betrayed Harry.

The next day Harry is killed when his horse throws him and she blames Dominic for the accident, as they had quarreled.

Camilla tells Dominic she hates him and never wishes to see him again and for two years has stayed at her home feeling guilty and grieving for Harry .Now she is once again in London and knows she must sometime meet Dominic again but dreads the meeting as she can never forgive him.

At a ball in Carlton House in March 1814 Camilla decides she must escape the dreadful crush for a few moments and she hurries to a little music room nearby, but before she enters she hears giggling from inside so she doesn’t open the door. As she is standing by the door an old friend Lady Elizabeth Oxforth sees her and rushes up to talk with her. Later, when Lady Elizabeth leaves, Camilla enters the room to find only one very young Lady inside whom she does not know but she realizes that there is someone else there too, in hiding. She is unaware how significant this meeting is to become and how it will change her whole life. There is much unhappiness and intrigue to follow in the story. Will it bring her eventually the true happiness and the love she has always been denied........ Read this great story and find out..... you will enjoy it I am sure. I award this Regency Romance 5 Red Roses.

An Interview with Debra Kayn

2009-11-04T02:24:00.000-08:00

Tell us a little about yourself

Thanks for having me here! I’m Debra Kayn. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where I am patiently waiting for the rainy season to end and the snow season to start!

What do you write?

I write contemporary romance with a happily ever after.

Why do you write?

Well, my characters take me hostage and don’t give me a choice…I must write! Lol Good question! I’ve always had an overactive imagination. I was the typical kid who stared out the classroom window lost in an imaginary world where I flew through the clouds and fought little green men for the princess crown. Early on, teachers and parents encouraged me to stop talking and write that stuff down.

What are you writing now?

I’ve wrote the first page to the 3rd book of The Chromes and Wheels Gang. This time Crowbar is begging for his own story. I’m really excited to get deeper into the story and revisit old characters from book 1 and 2.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

What I like and what I get to wear are two very different things! I live on a farm. insert lengthy pause Jeans, boots, and hoodies are the norm. I do love to escape the farmwear though, and slip into sweaters and slinky scarves, nicer jeans, and dressier boots. Lol I didn’t fool anyone did I? I’m a jeans and boots kind of gal. ;-)

Are you in love? Have you ever been?

I am! I got married to the first guy I fell in love with out of highschool and we have been married 20 ½ years and I love him more every day. In fact, I once had a story rejected from a publisher for the fact that the heroine was young, fell hard and fast, got married, and lived happily ever after. (well, there was a lot of conflict between all the steps) The publisher said it was unbelievable. I had a good laugh over that because it almost paralleled my own life, except for more drama.

Do you have a dream lover – and what does he or she look like?

Sam Elliot…enough said, right?

What kind of comfort food do you like best?

Throw me a bag of potato chips during stressful times, and it makes everything better!

What makes you laugh? Cry?

Everything! I’m a mother. Something happens after you have kids. I think it is from lack of sleep, it makes all emotions hyper sensitive. You find yourself laughing at odd moments and crying over Hallmark commercials.

What do you do to amuse yourself when not working?

I love riding motorcycles, playing tennis, going fishing to name a few. We live in the coastal mountains and have a beautiful creek on our property that is lovely in the summer to cool off in, go fishing, and just relax beside. I’m an outdoors person, so if I am not typing away on a story…you’ll find me outside.

What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please!

A confident man. I like my man to have a strong personality, but one that can laugh late at night over silly jokes, and sigh over a newborn baby.

What do you hate about life?

Death. I hate that some people are taken away from us too soon.

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?

I hope to achieve the happiest life possible. Everyone has ups and downs, struggles, and hardships. We have to go through all that to find our way through life. It is how it is set up to be, but I hope when I am very old, I can sit out on the porch in my rocker with my husband holding hands and waiting for the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids to show up for Sunday dinner. That moment when we watch each member show up at our house I will know that my life has been successful.

What are you going to write next?

The 3rd book of The Chromes and Wheels Gang. My readers will be very happy to know that this book centers around Crowbar, the biggest, baddest, most stubborn rider who just happens to have a soft spot for a certain someone.

Biker Babe in Black (Book One of The Chromes and Wheels Gang)

Blurb:

Even on her motorcycle, Margarine Butter, can’t outrun the bad luck that continues to follow her around. Fired from her second job in less than a week all because of some man, she’s got two options. Hit the rode on her Motorcycle and find another job, or call it quits and go back to The Chromes and Wheels Gang. At the rate she’s going, she’ll never achieve her dream of buying a home where she can plant some roots.
Business Tycoon, Remy Montgomery, can’t believe the waitress refused his offer and rode off on a Harley Davidson without a second thought. Determined to buy enough time to get to know the babe on the bike, he tracks her down and offers her a job she can’t refuse.
Is Margarine’s luck changing or is she making a horrible mistake?
EXCERPT:
"Excuse me, Ms.?"
She screamed and fumbled for her purse strap. Strap in hand, she swung her arm in a wide circle and aimed at the voice in the shadows. Oh, God. Stand back or I’ll smack you with my leather-studded bag.
"Whoa, lady, it's me…Remy."
A dark outline of a very big person stood in the shadows between two parked cars. She continued to swing her purse. She didn't know anyone named Remy, and in the dark, she aimed to disable anyone who came close enough to hurt her.
"I'm the man who got you fired." The man stepped closer. "I didn't mean to scare you."
Palms in the air, he ambled out of the shadows and into the light. Her arm fell to her side. The buckle of her purse slammed into her knee. That’s going to leave a bruise.
"What are you doing? You scared me half to death." She bent over and rubbed her knee without taking her gaze off him.
"I wanted to apologize and offer to find you another job." Remy removed his billfold from inside his suit coat and fingered the bills.
She stood back up, her pained knee forgotten, and wrinkled her nose. No way! Where the hell did he get that idea? Do I resemble a whore to you?
He held out his hand. A fist full of paper money dangled between the man and Margie. She snorted and stepped around him, disappointed the best-looking man she'd ever met joined the ranks of just another jerk on the road of life.
Margie marched over to the light post and extracted a set from her purse. She unlocked the saddlebag of her motorbike, removed her helmet, and threw her purse in the side compartment.
Bending at the waist, she gathered her hair in a messy bun atop her head and slipped on her helmet. Remy, or whatever he called himself, didn't have a clue. She'd rather purchase an oversized-gas-guzzling-ozone-killing machine than sell her body to the highest bidder.
Without a second glance back to check if he still stood in the parking lot, she hiked her skirt up to her thighs and straddled the leather seat. Behind the face shield, a smile came to her lips at the touch of the smooth, familiar shape between her legs. She revved the motorcycle to life and left the man and his ego in the dust.
***
The handful of crisp one-hundred-dollar bills slipped out of Remy's hand onto the asphalt of the parking lot. His mouth hung open, and he blinked.
"I'll be damned."
The waitress rode a Harley Davidson.

Ride Free (Book Two of The Chromes and Wheels Gang) Coming Soon

STORY BLURB: Sarah always dreamed of joining a motorcycle gang and hitting the open roads. First to escape a troubled childhood full of poverty and alcoholism, and later, the desire to live a gypsy lifestyle and feel the wind in her hair. Her life all changed the morning a biker stopped in the middle of the road and asked if she wanted a ride.
Reefer had two rules. Don’t mess around with women who didn’t grow up riding the road and his biker family always came first. Nothing prepared him for the woman who hopped onto the back of his Harley with the ease of a born rider, or how she peeled back the layers of his sealed heart.
Two people running from a world full of hurt. Will they escape to find happiness or will they have to revisit the past?

EXCERPT

He shook his head in denial. "Sarah—"
"No, don’t say it." She placed her finger on his lips. "Remember, I told you I expect nothing from you. These are my thoughts, the dreams I am made from." She tapped her chest with the palm of her hand. "I know this ends tonight, but I want this moment to last me a lifetime."
"I don’t get involved with someone not from the biker lifestyle, at least not seriously. I’m sorry." Now that he’d spoken the words, a sense of guilt hit him.
"I figured. I actually know quite a lot about bikers." She grinned. "Plus, if you shirked your beliefs, I’d think less of you." She stole a quick kiss. "You, Reefer, are the real deal."
"You don’t deserve someone that can’t give you everything." He let his chin fall to his chest. "You have no idea how much I want you. I’d love to take everything you hand me, but I can’t."
"I know. I have no other way to convince you I speak the truth. You won’t hurt me." She lifted his head. "Nothing you do will ever hurt me."
He searched her eyes. She humbled him.
Ever gentle, he pulled her to him and claimed her mouth. He wanted to kiss her slow, long, and remember every detail. The way her bottom lip was fuller than the upper. Perfect to nibble on.
Her tongue came out to taste him. He slowed, and she controlled the moves. The tip of her soft, velvet, tongue teased and played with his in a classic game…tag, you’re it.
Consumed with how her mouth tantalized him, he forgot all about his hands. He found them under her arms on the side of her breasts. His thumbs strummed the sensitive nipples. Senses in overload, he pressured her for more, and she gave him one hundred percent.
He lifted her up and set her down against him, belly to belly, his arms pressing her tight against him. He broke away from her mouth and, with his hand on the back of her head, tucked her into his arms and held her. Someone needed to stop the insanity, but he wasn’t willing to let her go quite yet.
His hand stroked her back. Her heart hammered against his chest, matching his beat for beat. Her body much smaller than his, she possessed strength far greater. Her trust in him was touchable, and for the first time in his life he damned the inability to open up.
"I wish…" He sighed.
"Don’t spend your life regretting what you can’t do." She lifted her head, smiled at him through the liquid pooling on her bottom eyelids. "Let’s not say a word. When you’re ready, you can take me back to my car, kiss me, and without uttering a word, ride away on the wind."
He swallowed.
"No regrets, but a memory to last a lifetime." She brushed the corner of her eye with a finger.
He ran both hands over his face, cleared his throat. "Let’s go for that ride."
Sarah untangled her legs from around him and swung them over the side of the bike, but Reefer pulled her against his front before she hopped off. She straddled the bike with her back pressed against him. "I believe you wanted to drive."
"Seriously? But, my feet don’t touch the ground." She stretched her legs out.
"Put them on top of my feet; mind your legs don’t hug the engine. It gets pretty hot." He waited for her to get her feet comfortable. "You’ll feel my left foot move on the ride, so pay attention."
She nodded.
"On the left handlebar is the clutch. I’ll help you squeeze when it’s time and my foot will go down. You’ll have to steer, and remember to lean into the curves." He nuzzled her neck. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
He guessed she smiled by the excitement in her voice.
"Ok, push that button." He pointed.
The engine roared to life.
"Good girl," he yelled over the noise. "You turn the right handle grip towards you to make the bike go. You’ll need to baby it to keep control of the motorcycle."
He covered her hand with his, and with the bike in neutral let her rev the throttle. Her ass wiggled between his legs.
With the clutch in, he kicked into first gear and placed his mouth in the groove of her neck beneath her ear.
"Alright kitten, let’s make this baby purr."

Featured Book

2009-10-31T01:11:00.000-07:00

Debbie Gould is a best selling author with Red Rose Publishing!

November Rain Debbie Gould's new book

Coming November 26th from Red Rose Publishing

Jessica Kauffman says goodbye to her husband Tyler—again. He’s been deployed to Afghanistan , this time to fight in the war. Their attempts to have a baby unsuccessful, Jessica remains home alone…but that isn’t strictly true. Through a unique bond, she connects with Tyler in their dreams, seeing, touching, and being with him.

After finding out some precious news, Jessica’s world is soon turned upside down, plunging her into a nightmare. Tyler ’s plane has gone down, and the search is on to find him—dead or alive.

Frightened for her future, she keeps the faith that Tyler will come back, believing their love is the key to his return. But will the Search and Rescue team find Tyler and bring him back home, or will Jessica have to face the rest of her life raising his child alone?

Excerpt:

“What can I do for you gentlemen this early in the morning?” Jess stared them down, mentally daring them to say what she knew they’d come to say. Inside, a piece of her died.

“I’m Lt. Col Garrison, and this is Reverend Michaels. I’m sorry, Mrs. Kauffman. I’m afraid we’re here with bad news.” The taller of the two men furrowed his brows and gestured toward the living room. “Would you like to have a seat on the couch?”

Jess stood still, refusing to budge from her spot. No, she didn’t want to get comfy on the damn couch. She knew what they were going to say, and she wanted them to get it over with. “I’ll stay where I am, thank you.”

“Mrs. Kauffman, I’m afraid there’s been an incident. Your husband’s plane was shot down during a mission twelve hours ago.”

The man studied her as if he thought she was going to fall in a heap at his feet. Well, she wasn’t. She tilted her chin up.

“As of yet, we haven’t found the wreckage and have no knowledge whether he was able to bail out of the aircraft before it crashed.”

“Then you better get your people searching for him.” Her stomach churned, and bile rose to her throat, but her voice remained strong, never faltering. “My husband landed that plane. He got out, and now he and his men are in enemy territory waiting for your help. Find them before it’s too late.”

“Ma’am…um…all indications show he was unable to exit. We don’t believe he made it out of the plane.”

This time Jess did move. She took a step forward and looked the officer directly in the eyes. “Sir, my husband is not dead. And if the Air Force is not taking every measure to find him, you can be sure I will shout it from the rooftops. Take it to every newspaper, radio, and television station in the damn country. You find my husband, and you find him now.”

“Ma’am, please be assured the Air Force is doing everything—”

“Good, then go do it.” She spun around, stormed back up the stairs, and slammed the door of the computer room. The men in her living room were idiots. They had no idea what they were talking about. Tyler wasn’t dead. His presence still lingered with her. But she also knew he didn’t have long.

Looks like being another best seller Debbie!

An Interview with Debbie Gould

2009-10-31T01:02:00.000-07:00

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Debbie Gould. By day I’m a nurse at a family practice in rural Vermont. By night, I’m a mom, a Nina (grandma) wife and writer. Got married at 18, had my first child at 18 and have been married coming up on 27 years in Dec. Now I’m only 44 so don’t get a picture in your head of a little old granny with white hair, lol. My daughter is 26 and in the Air Force, currently in Afghanistan. She has a little boy who is going to be 5 in Feb. My son is 23 and works for the family water well drilling business and my baby is 18 and currently in his first year of college. We have two dogs and I’m getting a Maine Coon cat for Christmas, YAY!

What do you write? A combination of things. Mountain’s Echo was a Romantic Suspense. Infidelity is another Romantic Suspense, but very dark in nature. November Rain is a Contemporary Romance with a paranormal twist. You’ll also find some small Military aspect in a lot of my writing.

Why do you write? Oh, gosh, I just love telling stories of love and happy endings. It’s also a great outlet; I get to pour out feelings on paper.

What are you writing now? Right now I’m working on Betrayal – a follow up to Infidelity and I’m also working on a Romance/Thriller called Sins of the Mind with another author. It’s been great fun plotting out this story and writing it with her.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear? I’m a jean, T-shirt, sweatshirt kind of gal. At home it’s a T-shirt and shorts year round, Flip flops or bare feet until it snows and I absolutely have to where shoes. If I have to get dressed up, then I want something the total opposite of what I usually wear. I want something that’s going to make me FEEL sexy, even if I’m not, lol.

Are you in love? Have you ever been? Well I’m married so I bet ya he hopes I’m in love, just kidding. Yes, I love my husband dearly. Back in my younger days I was always attracted to the “bad boy”. And I have to say I thought I was in love with one. The kind of love where you take your next breath only because you know you’ll be with him. But besides being young, that wasn’t the type of love that sustains you. It burns hot and fast and then fizzles out. There is so much more strength in my marriage than there was is that first romance.

Do you have a dream lover – and what does he or she look like? Hmmm. I love a tall guy, broad, strong shoulders and arms and a nice butt, lol. Eyes really attract me too. Hey, I’m married not dead, lol.

What kind of comfort food do you like best? A homemade turkey dinner with all the trimmings or a boiled ham dinner. Red cake, cheesecake or thick chewy brownies.

What makes you laugh? Watching my grandson and listening to the stories he comes up with. He’s quite the story-teller. Cry? Heart wrenching movies, taking my grandson home with me and away from my daughter when she deploys, then having to give him back 8 months later when she gets back. The giving him back is always bitter sweet. I’m always so relieved and happy she’s back, but she’s stationed in Florida and I live in Vermont. So when I give him back I don’t get to see him for a couple months when one of us visits the other. But he loves living in both places and knows he’s loved all over.

What do you do to amuse yourself when not working? Watch stupid reality TV. You don’t have to think about anything, just sit there, veg out and be happy you’re not the person on the TV.

What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please! Before I know someone, it’s the build and eyes. But looks can only go so far. A man has to have a great sense of humour. Be kind and caring and considerate and #1 don’t lie to me.

What do you hate about life? I don’t think that I really hate anything. That’s a pretty strong word. I get very frustrated by opinionated people who are so closed minded they wont even consider another persons point of view. I guess I do hate the racial divide that still exists. I wish people would just let other people live their lives the way the see fit. What do you care if someone is gay or living in a bi-racial relationship? I just don’t understand it.

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success? Honestly, I just want my children to be happy and have good lives. So far we’re working on it.

What are you going to write next? After the two I mentioned above, I’ve got an outline for one that follows Infidelity and Betrayal called Deception. Then I’d like to try my hand with a paranormal.

Moonlight Protector

2009-10-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

Moonlight Protector: Ashton Grove Werewolves Book 1 by Jessica Coulter Smith

Wild Horse Press

2009

Pages: 308

Cole has gone for a midnight run when he comes upon a single car accident. When he goes closer to check it out he sees an injured woman in the car. Knowing he can’t do anything as a wolf he runs home to get some clothes and his older brother to help him with the injured woman.

Marin sees a wolf and is strangely unafraid of him. Wondering if it is due to her injuries or something else she nevertheless asks the wolf for help. Marin is beginning to think she might have hit her head a lot harder than she first thought when she passed out.

Cole and his brother Gabriel drive back to the accident so that they can get the woman some help. While Cole is getting his truck ready Marin regains consciousness long enough to tell Gabriel “no hospital” before she passes out again. While Cole is getting his truck ready he notices that there are two tracks of skid marks on the pavement where the car went off the road. Realizing there is more going on than he first thought, he goes back to his brother and the woman.

After Cole and Gabriel get Marin home they have a friend get her cleaned up and find out how badly Marin is really hurt. While there friend is cleaning her up the friend notices some older wounds that couldn’t possibly be from the accident.

Wondering what they might be getting into the brothers nonetheless vow to protect Marin from what ever she is running from. As Cole spends time with Marin he realizes that she is the mate he has been waiting to find all his life. Now he just has to keep her safe from the man that is after her and convince her to stay with him when all the trouble is over.

Marin is terrified that Stephen will find her and hurt the brother to try to get her back. Kidnapped and held captive by him once she isn’t about to go back, but she doesn’t want to risk the brothers either specially Cole. Cole makes Marin feel safe for the first time in a very long time. For them to have a life together they are first going to have to take care of the past. Which it looks like will be a lot easier said than done.

This is a good werewolf book. It takes the usual werewolf book and puts an interesting spin on the genre and makes it the uniquely this authors book. It is like a couple books beautifully brought together into one fascinating story. This is worth reading. If you love paranormals you will love this one. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.

I give this one 4 -1/2 red roses

In All Honour

2009-10-29T00:59:00.000-07:00

IN ALL HONOUR

BY

BETH ELLIOTT

PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON.

ISBN 978-0-70908730-4.

Miss Sarah Davenport is in a very awkward position, since her Father died a year ago, her brother James, has been losing a lot of money at cards. Sarah has been managing the family estate, but whenever there is money available from the estate her brother takes it for his gambling depts.

Sarah suspects that he has got into bad company, but when she tries to talk about it to him he denies it.

She has been invited to London by her sister, Lady Alice Tarrant who tries to force her to encourage the advances of very person her brother is in dept to, Lord George Percival the Earl of Ramsdale. Lord Percivale has a very bad reputation and Sarah cannot like him at all. Lady Tarrant has warned Sarah that if she is not betrothed in the month she has given her in London she will do no more for her.

Happily for Sarah a very dear friend Lizzie, who she was at school with in Brighton, begs for her company and they are to go to go to Brighton with Lizzie’s uncle Charlie, General Gardiner, who is going to take the waters in an effort to cure his gout.

The one man that Sarah did think she could have a real affection for is Major Greg Thatcham, whom she met at Lizzie’s home, he had been wounded in battle and had been sent home to recuperate and had travelled home with General Gardiner and Lizzie. Sarah was very disappointed when she realized how close Lizzie and Greg were, almost betrothed she thought.

James Davenport was still losing to Lord Percivale and Sarah was really scared that they would lose their home too.

There are many secrets to be unfurled in this book and life seems hopeless for Sarah, as her brother tries to make her take Lord Percivale, because they might lose their family home if she is not pleasant to him and accept his advances.

. Can Sarah ever find happiness or will she be forced to work for her living and try to get away from the sinister lord who would own her.

This book is a great read, it has many similar qualities to G Heyers books, a must for lovers of this genre. I award this lovely book 5+ Red Roses.AS

The Turnabout Twins

2009-10-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

THE TURNABOUT TWINS

BY

BARBARA HAZARD

PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON.

ISBN 978-0-7090-8625-3

This Regency romance has not one hero but two, Lady Amelia Fairhaven and Lady Anne Fairhaven, twin daughters of the Duke of Severn. The girls were so alike that very few people could tell them apart, even their suitors were fooled. The two girls were very beautiful both in nature and in looks. Their stepmother Lady Juliet Fairhaven often wondered just what would happen if the twins both fell in love with the same man. This she feared could so easily happen as they were as one in thoughts and tastes.

The girls were to have their come out this season in London and were expected to take the city by storm. Already Severn House was full of their admirers as the Duke found on his return from a business trip. Supposedly friends of his son Lord William Fairhaven, Mr. Stephen Young and Sir Whitney Blake had remained at the house for several days having broken their journey to London from Wales, via Devon, on the pretence of visiting the twenty two year old Lord Will. The Duke was not amused and decided that they should continue their journey as soon as possible and leave his household in peace. Lady Anne was entertaining the young men alone as her sister Amelia was away visiting some friends.

When Amelia returns home suddenly, soon after the Duke had arrived and bursts into the room the young men were astounded to see the beautiful twins together.

Amelia had changed while she was away and Anne couldn’t understand this new side to her sister, it was as if she was no longer as close to her and Anne couldn’t read her thoughts, as she used to be able to do.

What Amelia could not confide to anyone, including her beloved sister was that she had fallen deeply and helplessly in love with Mr. James Gault a Scotsman who had visited the family she was staying with. She knew Mr. Gault would not be acceptable to her father as a suitor and James also knew that he was far below her in the social standing and he had told her that there could never be a future for them. But Amelia felt that the love between them was too deep to lose and she could never forget him.

While Amelia was out one day a Mr. James Gault called to see her before Anne could explain the she was not Amelia, but her sister he had pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately . This embrace was to cause so many problems for Anne. Mr. Gault had pulled away from Anne quickly as he realized his mistake but the damage had been done, Anne was hopelessly infatuated and believed herself in love .

This delightful story has many twists and turns until both the girls find real happiness. It is a must, for lovers of this genre and I award this book 4.5 Red AS

The Caretaker

2009-10-21T01:25:00.000-07:00

Gabriella Lucas
The Caretaker
The Wild Rose Press
ISBN 978-1-60154-559-6

Just once in a while I am lucky enough to be asked to review a special book, a book that draws me in and holds me, mesmerising and engulfing my senses. The Caretaker is such a book.

Nikki Quinn has both American Indian and Irish blood so it is hardly surprising that she is sensitive to the spirit world. However, when the story opens she is suffering from a painful divorce and looking for love. When her best friend Stephanie gets in touch by email and she realises that she is close to death, Nikki is forced to revisit the house where she had experienced odd feelings as a child. Her sadness at losing a friend, her need and her loneliness bring some surprises.

On the work front Nikki is luckier. She has a brilliant new job and a boss she is falling in love with, but what she cannot know or expect is that she, Michael, Stephanie and the Caretaker are all bound by the terrible tragedies of the past. They must play out a dangerous game before Nikki can find love and happiness and a restless spirit can pass on.

This is not the first book of this kind I have read but it is certainly one of the very best. This writer knows how to hook you and the story itself will haunt you. If you can only buy one book in the next few weeks or months make it this one. You will not regret it. Five red roses. Linda Sole

An Interview with Rorrey Lynch

2009-10-12T01:09:00.000-07:00

An Interview with Rorrey Lynch
Rorry also writes as Gabriella Lucas

Tell us a little about yourself:

I have been an attorney for over twenty year. I live in Ohio with two dogs, two cats and a thousand-plus books. I’ve always wanted to write (something other than legal pleadings) but really only had the time to work on novels and short stories after my son was grown and on his own. I love to travel and have been to Ireland and England twice, Belgium, France, Wales, Germany and Africa. Each year, I go to the Outer Banks with my personal editor. We rent a beach house for a week, soak up the energy of the ocean and work on edits of novels.

What do you write?
I have published seven romance fantasies with Red Rose Publishing under the pen name Rorrey Lynch, and my first full-length novel, a paranormal romance titled The Caretaker (under the pen name Gabriella Lucas) was just released in trade paperback by The Wild Rose Press on October 2, 2009.

Why do you write?

Because if I don’t, the stories and characters in my head would drive me insane.

What are you writing now?

I’m in final edits two YA paranormal romances, halfway through another YA romance, just completed a “Nicholas Sparks” type of love story titled Spruce Knob and a literary fiction about discovery of a lost gospel. I have also been working, off and on for eight years, on a novel in the historical fiction genre; it takes place during the Civil War.

I have about twenty more novels in various stages of completion that I hope to complete and publish one day.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Mostly black - I’d wear Goth if I didn’t work for a corporation that frowns on it. Dress slacks with sweaters, blazers and boots are generally my ‘uniform’ for work. Jeans and T-shirts or sweaters on the weekends.

Are you in love? Have you ever been?

No and yes.

Do you have a dream lover – and what does he look like?

Send Kiefer Sutherland my way.

What kind of comfort food do you like best?

Three things that aren’t good for my hips: mashed potatoes, dark chocolate and cheesecake.

What makes you laugh? Cry?

Movies like “Stripes” and “Young Dr. Frankenstein and deeply moving books and films like “The Kite Runner,” “The Stoning of Soraya M.,” and “Rendition.”

What do you do to amuse yourself when not working?

I watch old movies, read and write. Travel as much as possible.

What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please!

An open, brilliant mind.

What do you hate about life?

That I cannot do more to open people’s minds so we can peacefully co-exist.

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?

I want to land a contract with a big publishing company and receive an advance that will allow me to write full time. That’s the goal I work toward every day.

What are you going to write next?

I have three adult novels completed that I’m going to slash down to marketable size and start circulating. I am writing a novel about a man and a woman who meet after great personal tragedies, and working on two more: one is romantic suspense and the other is another YA about a group of kids, all born during a hurricane in the Outer Banks, who have psychic powers.

Rorrey's book Monday's Rose is reviewed below. Look out for a review of Muslim Lover soon!

The Royal Snuff Box

2009-10-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

THE ROYAL SNUFF BOX

BY

BARBARA HAZARD

PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON.

ISBN 978-0-7090-8463-1

This Regency novel is about a beautiful young widow in her early thirties, she resides in Charter Street near Berkley Square, Lady Julia Reynolds, is content to stay a widow, enjoying the freedom which her status gives her, unfortunately she is being hotly pursued by the Prince Regent, who is hoping to make her his latest mistress.

Lady Julia, whenever possible shies away from his Royal Highness’s company and advances. She does not answer his ardent messages and tries to discourage his visits to her home, instructing her servants to say she is not at home. But on one of his visits she has to see him as he knows she is there, on this visit he leaves his snuff box behind which is quite a suggestive box and embarrasses Julia when he shows her it. She doesn’t know that he has left the box behind when he leaves. She has several other visitors that day and the box is not there as far as Julia knows.

Receiving a very ardent letter from the Prince later which implies that he wishes her to keep the snuff box and show it to him it the next time he calls, implying that his ardour is reciprocated. Lady Julia is very alarmed and sets about questioning her staff about the box. It is nowhere to be found and no one remembers seeing it.

Lady Julia receives a visit later from a close friend, Mrs Fanny Lowden, she tells her about the box and whispers to whom it belongs. Fanny is surprised but understands her predicament and after a glass of restorative Sherry, gives her some good advice.

Lord Trevor Whitney, who is the Regent’s friend, is summoned urgently to Carlton House to meet with Colonel Lake, the Prince’s Equerry. Colonel Lake is afraid that the Prince is going to cause yet another scandal over his new passion, Lady Julia, who he is pursuing so determinedly.

Lord Trevor Whitney has no good opinion of the ladies whom the Prince Regent pursues, in his eyes they are no better than they should be. But as he is not familiar with this particular lady, he sets about trying to get to know her.

When he finally is introduced to Lady Julia by his mother he is surprised by her and wonders if he is wrong about her. He asks her to allow him to call and when he meets her he comes straight to the point telling her that she must return the snuff box. Lady Julia finds him very intimidating and quite frightening. She explains that she doesn’t have the box and that she has returned all of the prince’s letters and gifts.

Lord Trevor is not sure whether to believe her or not, although she seems very genuine. He intends to return the next day ,when ,if the box is not returned the consequences could be dire for her. She also interests him and he wants to get to know her better.

Lady Julia is very upset by this interview and she dislikes Lord Whitney straight away and finds him very frightening.

This book is a very good read with a difference, a book you won’t want to put down. It has unexpected twists which are held until the end. I happily award this book 5 Red Roses. AS

Monday's Rose

2009-10-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Rorrey Lynch
Monday’s Rose
Red Rose Publishing
Ebook 62 pages

When Dru gets a call from an old colleague, asking him to drop by and attend to her arrangements because she is close to death, it sets him thinking about the past. Nell was the office dragon. She had protected her boss fiercely and with pride, and only Dru knew there was much more between them.

He knew that they had been lovers and when Mortimer died, Dru was instructed to take care of certain matters, which meant that Nell was taken care of. However, he had always wanted to know more. Now, at last, it seemed that he was about to learn – and might discover the origin of a single red rose delivered to Nell every Monday of her life.

This author has a lovely poignant way of writing and her description is beautiful. If you want a touching love story to enjoy you couldn’t do better than this. 4.5 red roses, Morna

A Poisoned Legacy

2009-10-11T01:36:00.000-07:00

A Poisoned Legacy by Margaret Blake

Publisher: Robert Hale

Imagine Belinda Fenton’s astonishment when she is told that she has inherited a property and land thousands of miles away in America, from Jeremiah Nash. Astonishment because Jeremiah was no relation to her - Belinda’s father, Paul Fenton, having married Carolina, the daughter of Anna, Jeremiah’s first wife.

With no particular reason to stay in England, Belinda accepts the legacy and travels to sunny Florida to take up residence in the stunningly beautiful Nash House, surrounded by its lush, green fields.

It isn’t long, however, before Belinda begins to question her decision, especially as she does not receive a great welcome from Jesse Crane, Jeremiah Nash’s natural son, or from Marietta St Cyr, Jeremiah’s (divorced) second wife. Jesse makes it clear that Belinda is making a claim on an inheritance she isn’t entitled to and Marietta obviously believes her son, Carl, should have inherited his adoptive father’s home and land.

Belinda’s unfriendly welcome to Nash House continues when, one night, shortly after her arrival, she is frightened to discover a bird nailed to her porch door. Jesse Crane dismisses the incident as teenagers playing a prank, but, some days later, after a visit to Jesse’s property, the brakes on the pick-up she is driving fail and Belinda crashes into a tree. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that Belinda begins to feel someone wants her to relinquish her legacy.

But, who could that be – Jesse, or Carl, or both men, between whom the Estate would be divided equally if anything happened to Belinda within five years of accepting the bequest?

Belinda’s legacy certainly appears to be poisoned, but does she have the strength to continue her new life in Florida in the face of undeniable danger (and a growing attraction to Jesse), or does she give up everything and return to England.

Read on to discover Belinda’s fate!

I award this book four red roses. PS

A Highland conquest

2009-10-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

A HIGHLAND CONQUEST
BY
JEANNIE MACHIN
PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON
ISBN 978-0-7090-8658-1.
It is the summer of 1819 and American born Lauren Maitland, is visiting her English cousins in London. Lauren was not a willing visitor to England, as her American sweetheart Jonathon Ryder, an officer on the USS Chesapeake had died at the hands of the English, in the American War of Independence, fought some six years before.

Lauren had never forgiven the English for her loss, but because she had inherited a vast fortune from the English branch of their family, her Father thought it only right that she should meet her cousins and other members of the family. So she is staying with her cousin Hester and her husband Alexander Kingston and enjoying it more than she had anticipated, which was making her feel somewhat of a traitor to her lost love.

Lauren,green-eyed, with tumbling ash blond curls was very beautiful but did not realize what a stir she was causing with the young gentlemen of the ton. She found she had many admirers, not all of which also coveted her fortune. But no one touched her heart as a young Scottish lord, Rory Ardmore; the Earl of Glenvane, did when she was introduced to him. He was a devastatingly handsome man who rarely visited London, but for some reason unbeknown to Hester, seemed to have a low opinion of her fellow countrymen.

He had been a particularly good friend of her cousin’s husband when they were both on the town as young men. Therefore when the Kingston’s were invited to his Castle in Scotland to celebrate his young sister’s birthday, Lauren was also invited.

It was a long journey to Scotland and they stopped overnight night at several different hostelries. At the last one of these Inn’s , Lauren noticed that part of a coach had been covered so that the coat of arms was hidden from view, this intrigued her and she could not stop herself from peeping at the coach before she went into the Inn. She was sure it was a secret assignation of lovers, and smiled to herself if someone was playing her husband false it was not her affair. She did not speak to her cousin about what she has seen, or what she believed was happening. But when she heard an urgent knocking on a door close by, she opened her own door quietly and saw a young man sliding into a room near hers, she knew she was right, catching sight of a very beautiful young woman as the door opened she wondered who the young lovers were.

Eventually they arrived at Lord Glenvane’s castle and were shown their rooms, which were luxurious and comfortable. That evening Lauren was to meet Lord Glenvane’s younger brother and recognize him as the young lover from the Inn.
She was also to meet the woman who was part of Lord Glenvane’s life and realize that in her, she had met an enemy.

Many dramas were to unfold during Lauren’s stay in the dashing Lord’s castle. A Castle which Lauren found enchanting and exciting.

She realized that she had fallen madly in love with the Lord but didn’t think that he would ever look at her with his beautiful Mistress at his side, could she be wrong?

There is a lot more intrigue in this story, which unfolds gradually through the pages of this book; it is a really good read for lovers of this genre. I award this book 4.5 red Roses AS

Secrets

2009-09-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Secrets
Erin Grace
Lyrical Press
138 pages

Isabelle is newly married but her husband is killed in a drnken brawl on her wedding night and she is left alone. Fortunately Lady Rutherford offers her a postion as a companion and the pair journey to Scotland. However, before Isabelle joins the train her husband's half brother tries to force himself on her. Isabelle escapes his attentions only to be pursued by another villain on the train itself.

In Scotland she meets a man she thinks of as a dark angel and for the first time her heart is touched. Charles, Lord Gaines has a bitter secret at his heart but he makes an effort to overcome it for love of Isabelle, but when one of her pursuers tells him her story he is driven to anger and their love is at risk. Can the telling of another woman's story set him free - and can he find happiness with Isabelle?

This is a passionate story of love, regret and revenge. 4 red roses

A Tribute to Mills & Boon authors

2009-09-20T04:35:00.000-07:00

His Runaway Maiden/ June Fancis/Mills & Boon Historical
Paperback ISBN 9780263868050 £3.79

Blurb
Fleeing the Clutches of her cruel stempmother, Rosamund Appleby dons a youth's disguise and heads for London - until she is halted in her tracks by Baron alex Nilsson! Intrigued by this boy he susects is really a well born lady, Alex seeks to protect her.

Comment: This is another well researched medieval from Francis, an excellent author who combines strength of plot with historical accuracy.

The Wicked Baron/Sarah Mallory/Mills & Boon Historical/
Paperback ISBN 99870263868043

Blurb
When he returns from his lavishily opulent lifestyle in Paris, Luke ainslowe's reputation as an expert seducer of women preceeds him. the ladies of the ton are torn between scndalised outrage and the desire to become the mistress of the most dashing rake in London.

Comment: This author is fairly new to Mills and Boon but well loved for her Regency romance stories for another author. I think she has found a niche here for her stories are well paced and a little different.

An Innocent Debutante in Hanover Square/Anne Herries/ Mills & Boon historical
paperback ISBN 9780263867992

Blurb
Debutante Helene Henderson has been given a gift of one season in London - if she is to save her impoverished family she must find a husband! Only unworldly Helene's compassionate nature leads her into the path of a handsome rake with secrets of his own.

Comment: the second in the Hanover Square trilogy, this is an amusing Regency tale from a well loved author.

The shiekh's Unsuitable Bride/Liz Fielding / Mills & Boon Romance
Paperback ISBN 0373174896

Blurb
Zahir was surprised to find he had a beautiful new driver. This chaffuer did not blend into the background. Oh no. Diana Metcalfe talked. She laughed. She took him on unplanned detours. And he had more fun that he'd had in years.

But back i his desert kingdom, a dynastic marriage was being brokered for Zahir...

Comment: This book had warmth and charm in abundance. It did not rely just on sex as many of the modern books do these days. I loved it and have become a fan of this author.

Her Warrior Slave/ Michelle Willingham/ Mills & Boon Historical
paperback/ISBN 978-0-263-86810-4 £3.79

Blurb
Kieren OBrannon is no ordinary slave - defiant, daring and dangerous, he is untameable! Iseut Mac Fergus is drawn to this powerful man with the strength of a warrior and the honour of a king. She trusts him to help her find a lost child.

Comment: This author is well known for her bold and adventurous heroes and the reader will not be disappointed with her new book.

A Matter Of Honour

2009-08-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

A Matter Of Honour
Anne Herries
The Regency Lords & Ladies Collection
Harlequin Mills & Boon
ISBN 978-0-263-21046-0
Hardback £13.99

Cassandra has recently become an heiress but she has no one to share her wealth. Her beloved brother was killed in France and she is fighting her grief. Now, she is determined to have a season in town so that she can find a man she can marry and have a family life to fill the empty place in her heart. She misses Jack so very much.

Unknown to Cassie, Jack asked five of his friends to look after her, begging that one of them should marry her if he was killed. It is a matter of honour that his last wish be fulfilled. Lord Vincent Carlton drew the short straw – on purpose. He alone of the five knew Cassie as a girl, when they met and it turned out to be embarrassing for Vinnie. However, he is weighed down by guilt and feels unable to approach her for some months. By the time he does, Cassie has already become an heiress.

Cassie is a determined young woman, forever in some scrape. Can Vinnie persuade her to marry him – and can he conquer her heart?

This is an amusing regency more in the style of those written by the great Georgette Heyer. While not quite in her class, it has the fun and frolic of the original regency romances and if you like that you will enjoy this one very much. Morna

4.5 red roses

Scarlet Wind

2009-08-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

Scarlet Wind
Frances Burke
Robert Hale Ltd
ISBN 9-780709088059
Hardback £18.99
Blurb
Liberty, fraternity and death to the aristocrats! In Paris 1792 this is the cry of a downtrodden people who have risen against their oppressors. Doctor Juliette Rousel agrees. Yet, could she save some of the imprisoned children and use their blood money to help other innocents?

Juliette is now alone in the world and must earn her living as a doctor. Her father trained her himself and she is competent but in a world dominated by men she can only practice by pretending to be a man. She secures a post in the most dreaded prison in Paris, but then she begins to pity the children, and sometimes their poor parents. Dare she attempt to smuggle them to safety?

Only one man at the prison has guessed her true identity. The brilliant surgeon Armand Dumouriez tries to stop her risking her life but does not betray her. Will Juliette be unmasked and arrested in these dangerous times – and will she fall in love?

This is an intelligent, interesting and well-researched story. As a piece of historical fiction it works very well and the author has a strong style. However, although there is a love story at the heart it did not quite deliver on the emotional level we expect of this kind of fiction. It is certainly not a romance in the accepted sense but still an enjoyable read.

Four red roses. Morna

His Forbidden Liasion

2009-08-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

His Forbidden Liaison
Joanna Maitland
Harlequin Mills & Boon ltd
ISBN 978-0-263-867898-5
£3.95

Regency Historical
Blurb.
Only she could tame him!
Lord Jack Aikenhead’s notorious exploits have finally caught up with him and now he must restore his reputation – by undertaking a covert intelligence operation in war-torn France.

In this latest episode of the Aikenhead Honours, Jack is in France with his friend, known as a German because he cannot speak French. The utmost secrecy needs to be applied to this mission but almost immediately Jack risks it to help a beautiful woman, which results in him being chased, Ben badly wounded and a total misunderstanding with Marguerite Grollier. She believes he is a Bonapartiste rather than an English gentleman here to gather information about the Emperor’s impending return.

Full of adventure and sensual attraction, this book entertains from start to finish. I haven’t read the others in the series but I imagine fans will have been eagerly awaiting the latest.

4.5 red roses. RS

The Reluctant Bride

2009-07-29T00:44:00.001-07:00

The Reluctant Bride
Joan Smith
Robert Hale London, publisher
ISBN 978-7090-7294-8
£18.99

Miss Elizabeth Braden, known as Lizzie to her family and intimates, was very content to remain a spinster living with her Aunt Maisie at the family home of Westgate. She enjoyed running the estate and managing the house for her brother Jeremy, who was a scholar at Oxford. Unfortunately, the estate was not doing well and as Jeremy’s fees were due soon, as well as many household accounts outstanding, Lizzie decided she had no choice but to sell the diamond necklace she had inherited. The necklace had been much admired by her uncle Mr Weston Braden, who had at one time offered five thousand pounds for it. Reluctantly, she must now sell to him if he still wants it.

Lizzie keeps the diamonds close to her as she journeys to her uncle’s home. Unfortunately, circumstances overcame them and they had an accident with Sir Edmund blunt. When the loss of her necklace was discovered, Sir Edmund offers to help, because he is at fault; though he railed her for carrying such valuable items. She thinks he is the most objectionable man she has met but accepts his help.

With many scrapes and adventures yet to come, will Lizzie revise her opinion of sir Edmund and will the diamonds be recovered? Will Lizzie find romance and happiness? Read this Regency tale with a twist and find out. An interesting story with a difference. I award this Regency Romance 4.5. red roses. AS

Far After Gold

2009-07-26T13:04:00.001-07:00

Far After Gold by Jen Black

Publisher: Lightning Source

ISBN: 978-1-906836-03-0

2009

Pages: 192

Emer thought it was just another day. Deciding to take a walk along the beach by her village, she gets the first shock of many to come. Not paying attention to what was around her as her village hasn’t had any trouble in years she is surprised to find herself suddenly a prisoner of Vikings. Kidnapped and wondering if she will ever be able to see her family again she plots ways to escape the Vikings and return to her home.

Flane has no plans on buying a slave until he finds one that stands out in the slave pen. Flane first sees Emer as she is trying to hide behind other slaves so that she won’t be noticed. Flane takes one look at Emer and knows he has to buy her.

Flane takes Emer home with him only to find out that he has problems he never planned on. Flane never figured Katla would have a problem with him having a slave, though he never counted on her trying to control him and use their engagement as a way to do it. Now Flane is finding out things about Katla that he didn’t know and making him reconsider what he really wants in life.

Emer has to depend on Flane for protection and not just from Katla. Trying to get home is becoming more difficult by the day. Emer is also starting to wonder if she really wants to go home and never see Flane again. Flane and Emer are going to have to make some choices whether they want to or not.

This book takes you back in time to the era of Vikings. It brings the time period to life and the characters are described so vividly that you feel you get to know them as you read. This is a book that is worth reading. You get to take a wonderful trip back in time and live in the times of Vikings.

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses.