An Honourable Rogue

Carol Townend/ An Honourable Rogue/ Harlequin Historical/ 13-978-0-373-30538-4/ paperback /Wessex Weddings

Rozenn is a widow and as such she has her own home and freedom, but she is ambitious. When the countess tries to insist that she return to live under her care at the castle, Rose, as she was born, makes up her mind to travel to England and marry a knight. Her brother has sent word and she is keen for the match, despite something in her heart that draws her to the minstrel Ben. Ben is a careless, charming rogue and Rose is determined to resist him, even though as they journey to England she becomes more and more attracted to him. She begins to suspect that Ben is more than he seems, but what is he hiding from her? What will happen when Rose finally realises that Sir Richard never asked for her?

This is a charming medieval romp and thoroughly enjoyable. The taste and flavour of the period is there to help the story become absorbing, and the characters are likeable. I enjoyed this book and give it 4.5 red roses. Anne

Wicked Pleasures

Tambra Kenddall/Wicked Pleasures/Red Rose Publishing/ebook/30 pages

Honey Jordan was angry with Brock Ryan, because he hadn't finished their house and they couldn't marry until it was ready. And Honey has to leave her home because her father is bringing home a new bride! Honey's late grandmother has promised her treasure when she marries, but it might turn out to be something other than she thoughts!

A fun sexy read! I give this story 4 red roses, Morna

36 Exposures

Linda Mooney/36 Exposures/Amazon shorts/35pages

Jolee almost falls when stepping on a film cannister. She picks it up and slips it into her pocket. After a presentation, which did not go well, she decides to have the film developed in the hope of discovering who it belongs to. She is in for a big surprise!

This is an enjoyable fun story where dreams come true! 4 red roses, Morna

Her Smile

Raven Starr/Her Smile/ Red Rose Publishing/ebook/75pages
Mark is sitting in a bar feeling alone and dissatisfied with his life when he sees Kylie. Her smile immediately attracts and he asks her to go for a walk with him. Kylie's ability to see beauty in everything and her pleasure in walking barefoot make Mark forget his sterile life as a rock star. When Kylie leaves without saying goodbye, Mark has to make changes before he can truly begin to live.

This is an enjoyable book, well written and romantic. I give this tender love story 4.5 red roses, Morna

Edmund Bertram's Diary

Amanda Grange/Edmund Bertram's Diary/ Robert Hale
ISBN978-0-7090-8464-8 £18.99/ 222 pages

The retelling of one of Jane Austen's classic stories in diary form sees Edmund Bertram telling his story as never before. At the beginning we explore the relationship between Edmund and Tom in a new light, and the arrival of Fanny at Mansfield Park is an event of very little importance in a young man's life. Edmund is more concerned with his future; the necessity of deciding upon a career occupies his thoughts far more than the new arrival. However, his careless kindness at the beginning gradually becomes something more as we watch the friendship develop and then see Edmund struggle with first love. We experience his pain and disappointment when he realises that the women he believes he loves has feet of clay, and we see his thoughts as he slowly comes to the realisation that he truly loves Fanny.

Grange captures the flavour and period extremely well, giving those of us who cannot get enough of this type of novel a story that is both cleverly told and enjoyable. Some readers who might not venture into the original novels will find this easier to read and perhaps be tempted to read Austen as well as watch the films. Altogether a delightful piece of work! Five red roses, Linda

Wind Song

Rita Karnopp/Wind Song/Eternal Press/276 pages/ebook

Leota is called the Woman of the People. She listens to the voices of the spirits, the ancestors of her People, and she tries to warn the chiefs against making a treaty with the White Man. However, it is a white man who helps her when she has been attacked by her enemies, and against her better judgement, Leota is drawn to the man Marsh. In allowing herself to care for him, Leota risks being denied by her People. Even though Marsh and his nephew Tanner help the Blackfoot tribe to which Leota belongs, they are not at first truly accepted. After many trials and some tragedy, the three set out for the white man's territory. Leota is determined to learn the ways of the white man and teach her people, but they are strange to her and her love for Spirit Dancer, as Marsh has been named, is almost destroyed before they reach a peaceful place.

This is the story of the way the native American Indian was betrayed by the white man and their own love of cheap whiskey. It is sad to know that a proud, spiritual race was brought low by the neglect and broken promises of people who had given their word. Karnopp writes with sensitivity and hope and a real understanding of what happened. Some of her writing is lyrical in its beauty and it touches the soul. I loved this book and give it five red roses. Anne

A Rational Romance

A Rational Romance by Melinda Hammond

Robert Hale Publishers

224 Pages

December 2007

978-0709084488

4.5 Stars



Melinda Hammond’s latest Regency, A Rational Romance, is superb storytelling at its absolute best! Rich in period detail, intrigue and romance, it’s the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter’s night!



In 1803, the seventh marquis of Ullenwood, Elliot Malvern is one of the most eligible men in society. He’s rich, extremely good looking and a card player with Lady luck on his side. However, not even Elliot could foresee winning a lady’s hand during a game of cards!



After the death of her parents, Miss Rosamond Beaumarsh had been living with her grandfather and acting as his housekeeper whilst he squandered every single penny on booze and gambling. Now, that he is dead, she is determined to make it on her own and become an independent woman, but Elliot is determined to take responsibility of his new ward and proposes a marriage of convenience.



Rosamond has sworn never to marry. And besides, the Marquis could never find a plain girl like her attractive especially when he has a gorgeous mistress to satisfy his every need.



But Rosamond hasn’t counted on falling in love with her marquis. But does he feel the same?



A Rational Romance is one of the year’s best historical romances! Melinda Hammond is an outstanding writer of romantic fiction who touches the heart and recreates history meticulously.



*

Valerie

Valerie by Joan Smith

Robert Hale Publishers

224 Pages

December 2007

9780709079224

4.5 Stars



If you like Regency romances, you’ll love Joan Smith’s Valerie! Witty, romantic and wonderfully written, this is one historical romance that deserves a place on your keeper shelf!

Valerie is delighted when her Aunt Loo asks her to accompany her to spend a few weeks at her estate called Troy Fenners. But little does Valerie know that her brief sojourn in the country is going to be anything but peaceful – especially when Valerie finds out that her Aunt Loo is a Gothic romance novelist who wants to cast her as the heroine of her next book!

Before long, Valerie finds herself vaulting over stiles on horseback, scaling walls and climbing up trees and ladders all in the name of research! But that’s nothing compared to having to take part in seances and ghost hunting!



Valerie begins to wonder just what she has let herself into and the mystery deepens when her distant cousins Welland and Pierre Sinclair arrive! Why is Pierre blackmailing her aunt for a thousand pounds? And what about Welland? Is he a man to be trusted?



If you haven’t read Joan Smith’s wonderful Regency romances, then you are missing out on a marvellous treat! Written in the first person, Valerie is a cross between Georgette Heyer’s wonderful Regencies and Victoria Holt’s chilling Gothics and once you start reading it, you will not want to put it down.

*

Edmund Bertram's Diary

Amanda Grange/Edmund Bertram's Diary/ Robert Hale
ISBN978-0-7090-8464-8 £18.99/ 222 pages

The retelling of one of Jane Austen's classic stories in diary form sees Edmund Bertram telling his story as never before. At the beginning we explore the relationship between Edmund and Tom in a new light, and the arrival of Fanny at Mansfield Park is an event of very little importance in a young man's life. Edmund is more concerned with his future; the necessity of deciding upon a career occupies his thoughts far more than the new arrival. However, his careless kindness at the beginning gradually becomes something more as we watch the friendship develop and then see Edmund struggle with first love. We experience his pain and disappointment when he realises that the women he believes he loves has feet of clay, and we see his thoughts as he slowly comes to the realisation that he truly loves Fanny.

Grange captures the flavour and period extremely well, giving those of us who cannot get enough of this type of novel a story that is both cleverly told and enjoyable. Some readers who might not venture into the original novels will find this easier to read and perhaps be tempted to read Austen as well as watch the films. Altogether a delightful piece of work! Five red roses, Linda

Courting Lord Dorney

Courting Lord Dorney
By
MARINA OLIVER. Hale Books.

ISBN978-0-7090-8422-8.



For those of us who love the Regency Era this book is a pure pleasure to read. The flavour is true Regency, the story line shows a little of the darker side of those times but not enough to upset or disgust us just enough to make a good story with some twists included.
Rosabella Traherne is the main character; she has been left a fortune by her wealthy Nabob uncle. Bella has many ideas for the use of her fortune and not included in them, is to marry a fortune hunter and leave her fortune in her husbands hands as would have been expected in Regency times. She is a very forward thinking young lady who wishes to help the many underprivileged children, especially in her beloved fells area where she was brought up, even stray dogs find a place in her heart.
Bella was disgusted with the young men she had met in Harrogate, she knew they were all fortune hunters who would not have given her a second look had she not possessed a large fortune. She is determined to try to find someone who would love her for herself even if she had little or no money. To this end she persuades her cousin Jane, Lady Hodder, whose husband is away, to accompany her to Bath where she intended to be plain Miss Collins.
Lord Dorney shies away from young ladies with fortunes and all match making Mamas. His brother had a disastrous marriage to an heiress and Lord Dorney has no plans to follow his mistake, in fact he keeps clear of most young ladies when ever possible. That is until he meets Miss Collins in Bath and witnesses some of her unusual behaviour when she encounters any form of cruelty taking place.
Obviously of gentile birth she intrigues him and he intentionally develops her acquaintance becoming very attentive, making the gossiping ladies of Bath predict a romance. Unfortunately a very undesirable young man recognises Bella, as he had met her in Harrogate. He makes himself very disagreeable and threatens to expose her unless she agrees to ………….?
This author is new to me, although very well known, but I shall certainly be reading many more of her Regency Romances.
Do read this delightful book and find out all of the twists and turns it is full of, I really enjoyed it and I am happy to award this book 5 red roses. AS

Christmas Awards Results

It is with great pleasure that Red Roses For Authors/Reviews announces the results of its Christmas Awards.

The winner of the short story/novella is SLOANE TAYLOR FOR FRENCH TART


The winner of the main award is DESIREE HOLT FOR CUPID'S SHAFT


Many congratulations to the winners!

The lucky voter was Barbara Scott.
Red Roses For authors will be in touch with the winners soon.

Halo In Her Pocket

Halo in her Pocket by Morgan Q. O’ReillyDark Eden Press/Ebook





Set against the backdrop of Anchorage, Alaska during the long summer days.



Devyn breaks up with her boyfriend after she catches him cheating on her. Ginger, Devyn’s best friend has decided to take it upon herself to get Devyn back in the game. They have been invited to a party that will be the first step of Devyn coming back from her unfaithful boyfriend. There are going to be a couple of t-shirt contests so they make a last minute stop at a store to get some fun shirts for the party. After trying on a shirt Devyn leaves the dressing room to literally falls into the arms of a very sexy man.



Shane can’t believe his luck when this beautiful woman falls into his arms. They start talking and soon realize that they are all going to the same party. Ginger sees an opportunity to play matchmaker and takes it. Soon Devyn finds herself heading to the party alone with Shane. Sparks are really flying between these two as they talk and get to know each other.



Loosing her self-esteem due to her last boyfriend she wants to be sure. Before arriving at the party Devyn wants to get a few issues out in the open. Devyn is afraid that she is being set up with Shane either by Ginger or as a joke. Shane tells her this is no set up but very real. She warns him that her last two boyfriends will be there and there might be some problems. They decide to just go and have fun.





The chemistry between these two is so hot I don’t think there will be any snow in Alaska this winter. This is a great book with a lot of laughs that just keep coming. It is a perfect blend of hot, sizzling romance and comedy.





I give this one 5 red roses.

A Bribe Against The Innocent

MC Halliday/ A Bribe Against The Innocent/ Dark Eden Press/ebook/155pages

Inspector Octavia Cambridge is ordered to investigate two unusual murders, which happened several years apart. Octavia has a hard time keeping her mind on the job while the gorgeous DCS Richmond is with her, but once on the way to Devon with her sergeant her thoughts settle to the task ahead. However, Richmond joins her on the case and proves to be good at his work. She visits the obnoxious Robert Norwood, who denies all knowledge of either murder and promptly blackmails his brother Graham. What isn't Octavia being told and can she trust her instincts? Abuse, pain and despair lie at the heart of the mystery, which is multi-threaded. Can Octavia unravel this complicated case and solve these dark crimes?

This is a strong story with a good mystery, interesting characters and a believable plot. At the end it is left open for more stories to come and the relationship between Richmond and Cambridge to develop. I look forward to reading more from this author. Five red roses, Anne

The Other Half of Your Heart

Janis Susan May
The Other Half of Your Heart

Red Rose Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-60435-003-2

Romantic Suspense

113 Pages

$4.99

4 red roses



If you like your romances sprinkled with plenty of nail-biting intrigue, then Janis Susan May’s The Other Half of your Heart is the ideal book for you!



Cara Waters thinks that she is one of the luckiest women in the world. She has been swept off her feet by a hunky former football player and has been taken to Mexico by him. But all her romantic ideals are shattered when she spots her fellow co-worker Dave Burkhart.



Back home, Dave keeps stalking Cara and she’s not best pleased to find him following her – and she’s absolutely petrified when Dave abducts her and accuses her of being a criminal. But Cara’s nightmare is not over yet, for there are real criminals on the look out for them – and they won’t stop until they get what they want.



Teeming with plenty of danger, passion and excitement, The Other Half of Your Heart is a fast-paced tale of romantic intrigue written by a talented writer whose star is on the rise! JB

Stolen By the Sheikh

Stolen by the Sheikh by Marianne LaCroix

Red Rose Publishing

Desert Rose Line

ISBN: 978-1-60435-019-7

Novella

48 Pages

$2.99

4 red roses



Get swept away by Marianne LaCroix’s gorgeous Sheikh in this sensuous romantic tale that taps into every woman’s secret fantasy!



Lady Christine Langtry is in Morocco when she is suddenly taken as a captive by a desert lord with a dangerous glint in his eye. Christine fears the desert lord and begs him to return to Casablanca and to take her back to normality. But Sheikh Zafar bin Hassan shows no sign of relinquishing her. If anything, he is keen to seduce her and make her his.



But just when Christine begins to succumb to his tempting kisses and his skilful seduction, she gets the shock of her life for she learns that her dead husband has traded her away – and now the Sheikh can do whatever he wants with her.


This is a steamy erotic romance that is not for the fainthearted! Ms. LaCroix has written a passionate romantic tale that will keep you warm on a cold winter’s night. Although it’s a short story, Stolen by the Sheikh is sure to delight and tantalize fans of erotic romance everywhere! JB 4.5

I Came Upstairs

MC Halliday/ I Came Upstairs/Dark Eden Press/ebook/182 pages


Born Mabel Gray, she rose to become Marisa Montague, courtesan of London society, sought after by titled men. Close to succumbing to a mean death in the slums, Mabel is rescued by Mr Robert Vickers. He sees in her an opportunity to make money, but he cannot guess at the heights she will eventually scale. Her natural sexuality, keen mind and beauty take her way beyond him. Encouraged by the tender love making of Lord Morley and her success on the stage, Marisa leaves Mr Vickers to live in a hotel. It is there that she is approached by Lady Morley, who asks her to teach her how to attract her husband's attentions. Marisa enjoys this interlude, as she enjoys all the further sexual encounters in the book. Mae, as she soon becomes, goes from one lover to the next, showered with honours and rich gifts. She is betrayed by friends and loved by many, but will know pain and heartbreak as well as triumph.

This exciting story in the style of Moll Flanders is a good, meaty read that will keep readers enthralled to the end. The sexual adventures of this lady are many and amusing. MC Halliday writes what Defoe would not have dared in his day and the result is a sensual story of erotic adventures. This book deserves to be a success! Five red roses, Anne

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