The Reluctant Bride

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

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.

The Dashing Miss Fairbanks

THE DASHING MISS FAIRCHILD

BY EMILY HENDRICKSON.

PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE LONDON,

ISBN978-0-7090-8283-5





Miss Claire Fairchild was on her way to Bath and was trying to enjoy the scenery while lending half an ear to the constant chatter of her companion, Miss Venetia Goodwin.

Claire had escaped from the home of her sister and her children and was
intent on setting up her own establishment in Bath, much to the annoyance of her faithful abigail, Priddy. But with the company of Miss Godwin, Claire was convinced that all would be in order for her to do so. She was, after all, past twenty-three, very rich and very beautiful, so she had often been told. Probably past the age to marry, so why shouldn't she start to please herself?

London had grown hot and wearying and she longed for the freedom that an establishment of her own would, she hoped, give her. While still keeping up appearances, by having the companionship of a lady such as Miss Goodwin. But she was already tiring of hearing this Lady prattle on; she hoped that she would not regret her decision.

They were to stop at the Castle Inn in Marlborough for the night, where they would meet Miss Fairchild's agent, Mr Popham, who would it was hoped, have details of the perfect house for her to hire for the season, in Bath.

The business with Mr Popham had been very successful and the house he had found for her was eminently suitable, so Claire was looking forward to the
final part of their journey. A peaceful night was spent at the hotel and
when they had had their breakfast Claire and her companion, made their way to her coach. Once inside she realised that where Priddy was to have sat there was a large basket, which she did not recognise. She peeped inside and to her amazement a very healthy baby looked back at her.

After making enquiries at the hotel and sending servants to ask other
travellers, Claire soon realised that no mistake had been made; the baby had been placed in her coach deliberately. Claire thought long and hard but could think of no reason why the baby had been abandoned into her charge.

Eventually they arrived in Bath just one day late, after more fruitless
enquiries around the hotel. And also by engaging a young girl from the
hotel, who had recently lost her own baby, as a wet nurse to tend to young William until his rightful family could be found.

When getting out of the carriage in Bath Claire was seen holding the baby by a notorious gossip, Mrs Robottom, who lost no time in spreading the news that Miss Fairchild had arrived in Bath with an infant and no male partner.

Claire's life was to be greatly affected by this malicious gossip. Claire
felt there was something rather sinister about young William's sudden
arrival in her life, and she was worried for his sake as well as her own.

Later when she meets an old acquaintance, while walking in the park with the baby, she relates to him the strange story and he offers to help her solve the mystery. Claire is grateful and realises that she is still
attracted to Lord Richard Talbot.

This Regency romance is a good read being a little different from the normal romance. Will Claire's reputation survive the gossipmonger's tales, will little William be restored to his rightful family and will Claire find romance and happiness. It will be fun finding out the answers in this
delightful Regency romance I award this book 4.5 Red Roses AS.

>

Clara's Eastern Delight

Clareta King
Clara’s Eastern delight
Red Rose Publishing
Ebook 68 pages.

Clara Jacobs has been asked to ghost-write for Crown Prince Hakeem Shafiq ibn al-Bashir. Clara writes romances and this is new to her but she is excited by the idea. Despite her agent’s misgivings, Clara is determined to go, if only for the chance of new experiences.

Clara is a little surprised by the luxury she is offered, but much more is in store. When she finally meets the prince he is handsome, his warm hazel eyes making the blood rush to her cheeks. Just what is he thinking? And why did he choose her to do his story above all others?

Find out by reading this love story. This author is new to the Red Rose Publishing list but will surely find her niche here amongst the excellent romance writers at the house. It is enjoyable and sexy but not erotic. 4.5 red roses. Morna.

Coming soon from Red Rose Publishing

Dark Ancient Queen

Dark Ancient Queen
Amirapress.com
ebook



Ally is a photographer and good at her job. She is in Paris when she hears that her sister has had an accident, and when she returns home Ally goes to her sister’s apartment. She mourns her death, but gradually she begins to realize that the car accident might not have been just an accident but something far more sinister. How long before she begins to understand that the beautiful Egyptian necklace sent to her sister may be the key to a larger mystery, and why does she feel as if her mind is being taken over by a dark ancient queen? Is what she is feeling for Jack Brendan, the new man in her life, real--or merely fantasy.

This is the blurb for the sexy new book by Anne Ireland. A tale of sorcery, sexual powers and the influence of an ancient Egyptian queen colour this enthralling book. I found the way in which Ally was gradually sucked into the past by the mesmeric powers of the queen fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed this time slip novel.

Anne Ireland has written a hot sexy book and it is recommended. 4.5 red roses. RN

Midwinter Marriage

Sarah Stanley
Midwinter Ball
Robert Hale Ltd
ISBN 978-0-7090-8396-2
£18.99

Beth Temaine is taken from the ball, where she is about to become engaged to Landry Haldane, a story told in a previous book by this author. Sir Guy Valmer needs Beth to be his wife if he is ever to regain the estate stolen from his father by Beth's father in a game of cards. The two have history for Beth has had a colourful past and their paths crossed more than once. She loves Guy with all her heart, but believing that he intends marriage merely for the sake of the estate she attempts to be cold towards him.

Their marriage does not start well but after a while, Beth is forced to confess her love and they are truly man and wife. Unfortunately, Beth's past catches up and in his jealousy, Guy believes the child she bears is another man's.

Can the two find happiness together or are they doomed to find only despair?

This is a period sage, encompassing other lives and stories, though Beth and Guy are the main characters. A skillful, sensual book, which I enjoyed with good description and period background. 4.5 red roses, Morna

Interview With Clareta King

Tell us a little about yourself
Well, what do you want to know? LOL :-)
I am a woman, single and consciously enjoy life as much as possible. I love travelling overseas meeting new people and learning about different cultures.
I work full time in the global banking industry and very much enjoy my work. A keen triathlete, I take part in triathlons around England as a licensed triathlete at least twice a year.

I come from a large family and live in the UK. My family are spread out from living in various London cities in England; Toronto, Canada; Florida and New York, USA to various parts of the Caribbean.

I am a bit of a dreamer, hence why I write. I would love to be recognised as a respected author one day. Believe me, I am working on it. My first book, 'Out of Her League.' I self-published in 2007. It is a contemporary romance novel. My second book 'Clara's Eastern Delight,' has been contracted by Red Rose Publishing (RRP). Hopefully, I am on the right road. It's hard work though. I admire quality authors, regardless of whether or not they are best-sellers and known globally. There are many talented and successful authors around and I my aim is to be noted among them one day.


What do you write?
Stories based on love and romance between a man and a woman and how their lives and every step they take lead them to each other in and amongst their daily pursuits.

Why do you write?
I enjoy being creative, making up scenes and stories in my mind. Writing is very relaxing and soothing and I find that the more I write, I get lost in my own world and literally shut out the outside world. I get very involved to the extent that in my mind, my characters are real people going through the trials and tribulations of life. My characters are meaningful, entertaining, annoying, witty, strong, weak, respectable and I totally enjoy creating, shaping and having them around to write about.


What are you writing now?
A short story entitled Saskia's Prize for the RRP Desert Rose line.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
During the evenings and at weekends I wear comfortable sports gear (jogging pants and tops) as I am a keen triathlete and love the feeling of freedom when wearing sports gear.

I wear smart suits to smart casual wear for the office.

Very elegant dresses, beautiful shoes and purses including gorgeous perfumes when I attend cocktail parties, theatre etc.

Are you in love? Have you ever been?

Not in love with anyone at present.
Yes, it was fantastic while it lasted.

Do you have a dream lover – and what does he or she look like?
A handsome young Arabian prince look-a-like.

What kind of comfort food do you like best?
Protein balls and raw cashew kernels. They are healthy and delicious.

What makes you laugh? Cry?
Laugh?
Funny jokes, of course, comedy, whether or not they are read, told, heard or watched. Being tickled. Funny dancing, pulling of faces and general clowning around.
Cry?

Cruelty against children - this really affects me deeply.

What do you do to amuse yourself when not working?
When I am relaxing, I love listening to all types of music whilst reading a good novel.
When I am active I totally adore doing Bikram Yoga. I also love swimming in natural lakes and ponds in the English countryside in Windsor, Berkshire and in the ponds in Hampstead, London.


What is it in a man or woman that turns you on? The clean version please!
A mutual and passionate love for each other, caring, nurturing, lead-up and fore-play before making love, the meeting of the minds, dreams and desires. Physically, soft, warm and smooth skin, skin that's scented with captivating cologne and
perfume. I love to listen to a nice and sensuous voice. Good dancing turns me on too



What do you hate about life?
Man's evil toward man

Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?"

Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, heaven for its height and the earth for its depth, but man's heart is unsearchable

What do you hope to achieve in life and when will you know that you have been a success?
I would hope to continue to be a success and to be remembered as a success in my death when I am remembered as the person who had done as much good deeds for as many people as possible; lived my entire life without cause of any detriment to another person; to have loved all people unconditionally and to be an ambassador for peace in life now and in death.

What are you going to write next?
I am in the process of writing two books, one is another novel for the RRP Desert Rose line, which is nearing completion, entitled Saskia's Prize and the other is a contemporary romance which I have started.



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