Book Review: Flight by Jennie Marsland

Flight by Jennie Marsland

(Winds of War, Winds of Change series)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-Published, December 19, 2014

Time and setting: 1921, Nova Scotia

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 227 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Determined to live on her own terms, commitment isn’t on Georgie O’Neill’s agenda, but a night out with her best girlfriends and a pair of attractive men just in town for the weekend is right up her alley – until it snowballs into much more. 
To ex-RAF pilot Cameron Hatcher, single and free is the only way to be. Rather than go home to Ireland to be embroiled in a second brutal war, Cam chooses to barnstorm North America, giving crowds across the continent a taste of flight. Georgie is just a pleasant evening’s distraction before he and his partner move on.
But when mechanical problems ground the show, Georgie becomes more than a distraction. Between his growing feelings for her and the strong pull of loyalty to country and family, Cam is hard put to steer a true course. Go home and fight for Ireland’s independence? Or pursue a woman who’s told him her dreams come before any man?

Love costs. Can the price be too high? 

Buy Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Winds-War-Change-Book-ebook/dp/B00R9KTME4/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433793487&sr=1-4&keywords=jennie+marsland

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24098786-flight-by-jennie-marsland?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

I read the first two books in the Winds of War, Winds of Change series and enjoyed them immensely. When I realized the third book was out, I had to re-visit the incredible and invincible O’Neill family. Georgie fascinated me in the other books, and I was glad to see her get her turn.

Georgie O’Neill is fired, and what does she do? She goes out with her friends, no letting it get her down! She and her friends run into two flying aces, in Halifax doing a stunt show. When Georgie tells Cameron Hatcher goodnight, she never expects to see him again, but engine trouble with one of the planes keeps him in town.

Georgie’s adventurous side wants to throw caution to the wind, but her more practical side wants her to follow her ambition to become a writer. Can Cameron give her the stability she craves while giving her the freedom to fly?

This is another well-written, emotional read by Jennie Marsland. While not quite as good as the first, Flight is a worthwhile addition to this amazing series. I fell in love with Cameron from the first page and I was already drawn to Georgie’s character in the first two books. I enjoyed the romance between the pair a great deal.

At times I sat on the edge of my seat when it looked like there would be no happy ending for this couple, but after all this is romance novel, so after plenty of trials and tribulations, Georgie and Cameron for achieve their “happily ever after.”  Ms. Marsland does a fantastic job of keeping wondering though until the end. She also ties up all the plotlines quite nicely. I am sad to see the end of this remarkable series, but I’m sure she will be bringing us future characters that will pull on my heartstrings, leaving me wanting more.

If you haven’t discovered Ms. Marsland’s emotionally-charged books, I suggest you read Shattered, along with Deliverance, and concluding with Flight. While Flight is easily stand alone, it will be even more enjoyable when read after the first two in the series. If you like reading an area of history that hasn’t been explored a great deal, you will find these books a delight. I know I did. Happy reading!

Book Review: September Sky by John A. Heldt

September Sky by John A. Heldt

(American Journey Book 1)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, January 1, 2015

Time and setting: 2016 Los Angeles, California, 1900 Galveston, Texas  

Genre: Historical fiction/Time-travel romance

Length: 412 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

When unemployed San Francisco reporter Chuck Townsend and his college-dropout son, Justin, take a cruise to Mexico in 2016, each hopes to rebuild a relationship after years of estrangement. But they find more than common ground aboard the ship. They meet a mysterious lecturer who touts the possibilities of time travel. Within days, Chuck and Justin find themselves in 1900, riding a train to Texas, intent on preventing a distant uncle from being hanged for a crime he did not commit. Their quick trip to Galveston, however, becomes long and complicated when they wrangle with business rivals and fall for two beautiful librarians on the eve of a hurricane that will destroy the city. Filled with humor, history, romance, and heartbreak, SEPTEMBER SKY follows two directionless souls on the adventure of a lifetime as they try to make peace with the past, find new purpose, and grapple with the knowledge of things to come.

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/September-Sky-American-Journey-Book-ebook/dp/B00RNQI5ZQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24244216-september-sky?from_search=true&search_version=service

Vikki’s Musings

I discovered John A. Heldt’s fascinating time-travel stories a couple of years ago when The Mine came up for review for Romantic Historical Reviews. I fell in love with that one and went on to read every book he had published. When the offer came to review September Sky, I immediately asked to review it. Again, Mr. Heldt has written an intriguing tale of adventure, mystery and romance.

Charles Townsend finds himself unemployed when his newspaper downsizes. He chooses to join his son, Justin, and take a cruise to Puerto Vallarta. While on the cruise the pair begin to grow an astranged relationship. They meet a quacky professor who does a presentation on time-travel. When asked to fill out a questionnaire, they both participate.

Shortly after their return to Los Angeles, Justin receives a call from Professor Bell asking the duo to come for an appointment at his office the next since he had liked their answers on the questionnaire. The next day the professor offers them the chance of a lifetime, to travel back to 1900. After taking time to discuss it, Justin convinces his skeptical father to agree.

When they make the trip through the magical tunnel and arrive in 1900 Los Angeles, the pair are supposed to travel to Chicago as they had agreed to do, but instead, Chuck wants to go to Galveston and try to right a wrong and save an innocent man’s life and make sure they leave Galveston before the great hurricane in September 1900 arrives.

Will Chuck and Justin be able to change this piece of history, or will two lovely ladies distract them from their goal and put them in the path of the most deadly hurricane known to mankind?

This is definitely a plot-driven story and a very intriguing one to say the least. Mr. Heldt gives a detailed account of the horror that occurred in Galveston on September 8, 1900. His vivid descriptions kept me on the edge of my seat for the last 25% of this book. There is no doubt that he must have done a great deal of research, which gave authenticity to this amazing event in history. This is what I love about his books.

Now for what did not work as well for me. I never became fully invested in the characters and the emotions they should have been feeling. There are actually three love relationships going on in this book, Chuck and Charlotte, Justin and Emily and Wyatt and Rose. Of these three, the one between Rose and Wyatt should have been heart-wrenching, but I never felt the deep connection to their characters. That may be because the book is told from Chuck and Justin’s point of view.

For most of the book, I felt as if I were sitting on the sidelines and not a participant. That kept me from becoming emotionally involved with what was happening to the characters, especially Rose and Wyatt’s sub-plot. I did become more engaged with the happenings between Justin and Emily toward the end of the book. In fact, I held my breath as the final act of their story played out and found my eyes tearing up. The ending definitely redeemed the story for me.

I do recommend September Sky to anyone who enjoys a well-written adventure story with lots of historical details, a decent romantic storyline and plenty of action toward the end. I will definitely read future books by Mr. Heldt because his stories are always compelling and enthralling, as well as filled with accurate historical details, and this one satisfied the history buff in me quite nicely. Happy reading!

Book Review: The White Carnation by Susanne Matthews

The White Carnation by Susanne Matthews

Publisher & Release Date: Crimson Press, April 20, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, Boston area, USA  

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense

Length: 270 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

The last person disgraced reporter Faye Lewis wants back in her life is Detective Rob Halliday, the man she blames for ruining her career and breaking her heart. But when she finds an old friend murdered, he’s the one she calls.

For the past year, Rob and his team have been hunting the Harvester, a serial killer who ritualistically murders new mothers and vanishes with their infants. What Rob doesn’t need is another case, especially one involving his ex-fiancée.

Then Faye is assaulted, and Rob realizes the cases are connected. She may hold the answers he needs to find the elusive killer. But the more they investigate, the more complex the situation becomes. Can they set the past aside and work together, or will the Harvester and his followers reap another prize?

Buy Links:

Crimson Romance: http://www.crimsonromance.com/romantic-suspense-novels/white-carnation/

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/White-Carnation-Harvester-Susanne-Matthews-ebook/dp/B00UMBE2KG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433862405&sr=1-1&keywords=the+white+carnation

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-white-carnation-susanne-matthews/1121415073?ean=9781440591181

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25127070-the-white-carnation?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

This is not the first book I have read by Susanne Matthews, and it will not be the last! Once I read Echoes of the Past, I was hooked, and searched for her entire back list and read all of them. I love her writing style, and The White Carnation is another fantastic read by this amazing author. This is the first book in the Harvester series, and I can’t wait to read the next one, and I am not normally a huge fan of romantic suspense, especially one with thriller elements.

Faye Lewis isn’t happy attending garden parties and dog shows, but when she is demoted for writing a story that later proofs false, she is relegated to mundane stories, instead of investigative ones. When she receives a message from her BFF’s mother, she goes to her apartment only to find the woman with her throat slit.

In a knee-jerk reaction, she calls her ex-fiancée, Rob Halliday, a detective with Boston PD. He quickly takes over the investigation, even though he is tied up with the search for a serial killer, the Harvester. When Faye is attacked, but not killed, he rushes her to safety until they can find the Harvester.

Faye studies the evidence and tells Rob she thinks the Harvester is part of a cult. This starts them on a chase that leads to danger. When Faye is kidnapped, Rob is determined to find the only woman for him. Will he find her in time, or lose her forever?

Wow, just wow! This is a page turner from the first page to the last. Ms. Matthews has penned one exciting, suspenseful story. The plot kept me guessing to the end and I couldn’t stop reading. I love when that happens. This fast-paced tale intrigued me, pulling me deeper into the story, riveted to what would happen next.

The plot has it all, mystery, thriller, romance, all in one phenomenal read. The White Carnation is filled with twists and turns, a truly compelling story. This is definitely a plot driven stories. The romantic element is a second chance romance, and there is great chemistry between the hero and heroine.

For such a plot-driven tale, the characters are well-developed. I particularly liked Rob’s character; he’s a great hero, loyal, protective without being over-bearing, and determined. Faye’s character has a tough exterior, and she’s fearless and doesn’t give up when faced with a horrific experience.

If you want a story that will keep you riveted throughout the entire book, then The White Carnation is for you. This is a great start on a promising series. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Susanne Matthews was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. She’s always been an avid reader of all types of books, but always with a penchant for happily ever after romances. In her imagination, she travelled to foreign lands, past and present, and soared into the future. A retired educator, Susanne spends her time writing and creating adventures for her readers. She loves the ins and outs of romance, and the complex journey it takes to get from the first word to the last period of a novel. As she writes, her characters take on a life of their own, and she shares their fears and agonies on the road to self-discovery and love.

Follow Susanne on her:  Website    Blog    Facebook page    Twitter @jandsmatt

Amazon author page    and    Goodreads author page

Book Review: Leave Yesterday Behind by Lauren Linwood

Leave Yesterday Behind by Lauren Linwood

Publisher & Release Date: Sole Mate Publishing, June 3, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, New York City, Louisiana  

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Length: 244 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Callie Chennault vaulted to fame on the nighttime soap Sumner Falls, but after a decade of playing the same role, she is ready for a new acting challenge. When Callie is attacked by a stalker on the streets of New York, she takes a leave of absence from the show and returns to her roots in Aurora, Louisiana, to heal both physically and emotionally and determine her next career move. 

Former professional baseball pitcher Nick La Chappelle has also come to Aurora to lick his own wounds after a messy divorce. A Cy Young winner and one-time ESPN broadcaster, Nick longs for the quiet of a small town in order to write murder mysteries under a pen name.

Sparks fly when Callie believes Nick is taking advantage of her great-aunt’s hospitality, but they resolve their differences—and surprise themselves by falling in love. Their bond is tested when both Nick and Callie become the focus of a serial killer nicknamed Lipstick Larry. Can they outwit a murderer bent on seeing them dead and survive to build a lasting relationship? 

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Leave-Yesterday-Behind-Lauren-Linwood-ebook/dp/B00WXJIXP0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434116288&sr=8-1&keywords=leave+yesterday

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25459616-leave-yesterday-behind

Vikki’s Musings

This is definitely an exciting read, filled with plenty of suspense from the first page to the last. I’ve read Ms. Linwood’s medieval romances and also one of her western stories. I enjoy her writing style and her stories are unique. Leave Yesterday Behind is her first foray into contemporary romantic suspense, and it is fantastic!

Callie Chennault, a soap opera star, is questioning her recent lack of enthusiasm for her job. She wonders if something else would bring her more fulfillment. While walking to her subway stop after Yoga class, she’s attacked and left for dead. Her injuries are so severe she takes a leave of absence to recover. She heads to Aurora, Louisiana, where her amazing great-aunt lives.

While recuperating, she meets Nick La Chappelle, a man she met briefly when she was a teenager. The attraction she feels for him is stronger than anything she has ever felt before, and he returns her feelings. When she finds out he is also one of her favorite authors of murder mysteries, that only makes him more attractive.

When Callie starts receiving notes from a stalker, she realizes that the man caught in New York was not the same stalker who killed all those women, resembling her. Now he is not only after her, but Nick as well.

In a race for time, will she and Nick evade the serial killer, while discovering a love that will stand the test of time, or will they find themselves victims of the killer?

Wow! Ms. Linwood has penned a compelling and thrilling story that had me flipping pages as quickly as possible on my Kindle. Not only are the main characters unforgettable, she also has amazing cast of secondary characters who enhance the tale of murder and mystery greatly.

I’m amazed by her ability to switch so dramatically from historical romance to contemporary romantic suspense and doing it so successfully. That is not easy to do. Romantic suspense is not my first choice of a read, but Leave Yesterday Behind may very well change my mind.

If you’re looking for a story with plenty of twists and turns and a great romance as well, then you will not be disappointed. This story is unique and is full of surprises along the way. I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as I have. Happy reading!

Author Bio: 

Lauren Linwood became a teacher who wrote on the side to maintain her sanity in a sea of teenage hormones. Her historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.

A native Texan, Lauren lives in a Dallas suburb with her family. An avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan, she manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for House Hunters addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.

Book Review: Ballad Beauty by Lauren Linwood

Ballad Beauty by Lauren Linwood

Publisher & Release Date: Soul Mate Publishing, March 25, 2015

Time and setting: 1875 Texas  

Genre: Historical Romance/Western Romance

Length: 232 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

After ten years apart, Boston schoolmarm Jenny McShanahan receives a letter from her beloved father that instructs her to join him in Texas. She has no idea that he’s become Famous Sam McShan, the Robin Hood of the West. She arrives to find Sam already gone, but he left instructions for Jenny to hire a guide and rendezvous with him in Nevada. 

Texas Ranger Noah Daniel Webster knows Sam personally because his father, Pistol Pete Webber, was Sam’s longtime partner in crime. When Pete is killed during their last big score, Noah requests the assignment to bring Sam to justice. Going undercover, he volunteers to act as Jenny’s escort across the dangerous prairie, using her to track her outlaw father’s location.

As they journey through rough country, love blossoms—but Noah knows the second he arrests Sam, his betrayal will kill Jenny’s love for him. Should the lawman do his duty as a Ranger, or should he let love rule? The choice Noah makes will change their lives forever.

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Ballad-Beauty-Lauren-Linwood-ebook/dp/B00U9TV2XQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25074366-ballad-beauty

Vikki’s Musings

I’m quite impressed with Ms. Linwood’s ability to go from one distinctly different sub-genre to another. I had enjoyed Music for the Soul and A bit of Heaven on Earth tremendously, which are both medieval and wasn’t sure that this switch would work for me, but she handled it well, taking me from medieval England to western Texas without a blink of the eye.

Jenny McShanahan receives a letter from her papa with tickets and money to join him out west. It’s been ten long years since he left her at a Boston boarding school, where she remained as a student for eight years and then a teacher for the last two. Now, as a young woman of twenty, she is ready to begin her adventurous journey with a joyous heart and finally be re-united with her father.

Noah Daniel Webster, a Texas Ranger, stumbles across Jenny in Texas where she is trying to find a guide to take her to her father in Prairie Dell. Turns out, her father is Sam McShan, a notorious outlaw, and Daniel needs to capture him and bring him to justice. He offers to be Jenny’s guide, and they set off on the arduous two week journey. Can a schoolmarm and a Texas Ranger find true love, or will Daniel’s secret drive them apart?

Ballad Beauty flows well and is a fast-paced story with loads of surprises along the way, keeping me guessing throughout the entire book. This tale of love led me on an enthralling ride through old Texas and Nevada. The story gave a strong sense of the time period, which is what I have come to expect from Ms. Linwood’s writing.

I enjoyed the romance between Jenny and Daniel a great deal. There is plenty of good old-fashioned sexual tension from their first meeting and it only burns brighter as the story progresses. Both characters are easy to love, Jenny with her fierce determination and independence, and Daniel with his perseverance to always do the right thing, even if it goes against his desires.

Now this is why I could not give Ballad Beauty 5 Gold Crowns. I found myself getting a bit lost in the timeline of the story. At times, it seems as if the events happened too fast, especially the part that involved the villain. It just seemed somewhat out of sync to me. The other small problem I had was the point of view shifts from one character to the other without any forewarning. That took me a bit out of the story.

Nonetheless, an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Linwood. If you like stories with lots of action and a great romance, then Ballad Beauty will be one you will want to read. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Lauren Linwood became a teacher who wrote on the side to maintain her sanity in a sea of teenage hormones. Her historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love. Her romantic suspense novels feature strong heroes and heroines who unite to defeat a clever antagonist and discover a deep, abiding love during their journey.

A native Texan, Lauren lives in a Dallas suburb with her family. An avid reader, moviegoer, and sports fan, she manages stress by alternating yoga with long walks. She plans to start a support group for House Hunters addicts—as soon as she finishes her next piece of dark chocolate.

Book Blitz: Every Choice by Samantha Rey

New Adult

Date Published: June 13, 2015

Red.

Red is everywhere.

Not just red, blood.

Blood is everywhere.

It is all over me.

Cassie Whitlock has relived that day countless times in her dreams for the past four years. It left more than just physical scars, it has caused her to close herself off to everyone. She no longer believes in love. Love only ends in pain.

That’s why when she meets Luca, she is surprised by the immediate and undeniable attraction between them. She doesn’t want complicated and she knows he’s about to make everything complicated. As their lives become more intertwined, it becomes harder to hide her secrets, and harder to resist him, but when she discovers he has secrets of his own, she begins to question everything. Cassie has to make a choice: hold on to the ghosts of her past or be brave enough to imagine a future.

Excerpt

 “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said.

Luca smirked. “You tell me that a lot. But the way I see it, I know exactly what I’m talking about and you don’t like it. You can’t stand that I get under your skin and you can’t stop thinking about me.”

He was closer now and I desperately needed him to back up. He was right about everything, and when he was that close, it made my brain stop working.

“You are an arrogant son of a bitch.”

“Throwing insults at me won’t make me oblivious.” He leaned in closer and whispered in my ear. As I felt his breath move the small hairs falling onto my cheek, a tremor ran the length of my body.

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed how your body reacts to me.”

“Fuck you,” I spat, although it came out breathier than I had intended.

“You wish, Cassie,” he laughed quietly as my mouth hung open. He ran his thumb along my bottom lip as his fingers lifted my chin. “But I meant what I said before, I don’t do emotions.”

His touch went straight to the spot between my legs and I was suddenly thankful that the door was at my back, propping me up and keeping me from becoming a puddle at his feet. It took all of my energy not to arch off the door and push our bodies together. My hands were trapped behind my back so they couldn’t reach out and pull him to me. My body was a battlefield of turmoil; I despised this man yet I couldn’t think of anything that would feel better than him at that moment.

His eyes had grown darker in the past few minutes, becoming a dark navy that wanted to swallow me whole. Just when I thought I wouldn’t be able to last another second, he stood up and started to turn back to his things by the stairs.

I felt his loss instantly and without permission, a strangled cry broke through my lips, “Luca!”

My shout still echoed in my ears as he pounced and my back hit the door with a loud thump. The breath that was knocked out of me at the impact was swallowed up by Luca as his lips crashed into mine. I opened my mouth without much resistance and let his tongue invade. I wasn’t thinking anymore, I couldn’t think. Every part of my brain had shut down except the part that was tuned in to Luca and what his touch was doing to me.

I felt as if energy was exploding at every point where we were connected. His hands grabbed my cheeks as he tilted them sideways, completely in control. His fingers tangled in my hair and pulled slightly to get my head tilted up higher. He was so much taller than me, but it didn’t matter at that moment because we fit together perfectly.

My small fingers wrapped around his wrists as if holding on to them made it seem like I still had some control over what was transpiring. Every moan I unconsciously made was claimed by Luca and only seemed to spur him on. It was as if I had been starving for days, years even, and a banquet dinner was displayed in front of me with everything I had ever wanted. Something in the back of my mind told me I was going to regret gorging myself like this, but it was silenced as Luca’s hand slid from my hair down to my breast.

My nipples were tight and pushing against the silk of my bra uncomfortably. He pinched and a shot of pain ran deliciously straight down. He seemed to know exactly how to push my buttons to have me begging in no time. Everything I swore I would never allow myself to do with him was suddenly all I could think about doing.

His teeth tugged on my swollen bottom lip as he broke off the kiss without warning and dropped his hands from my body. I was pretty sure I made a whimpering noise that I should have been embarrassed about but again, that part of my brain had been shut off.

 Breathing as heavily as I was, he looked me straight in the eye and a small smirk played on his red lips. “If you decide to forfeit the war, you know where to find me. Otherwise, your move, sweetheart.”

He turned his back on me, picked up his bag from the floor, and disappeared through his door without a backward glance. I was frozen in disbelief. It was the second time Luca had blown my mind without much more than a kiss and then left me wanting.

And it was the first time I realized I was going to inevitably lose the war.

About the Author

Samantha Rey graduated from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia with a degree in theatre and a Master’s in elementary education. While her full-time job is currently teaching third grade just outside of Washington, D.C., her love of theatre, entrancing characters, and never-ending drama has not subsided. She has always loved creating stories and the Every series is culmination of a lot of hard work and following her dreams. When she is not writing, she is reading way too much, choreographing musicals, grading papers, and spending time with her husband and their dog, Paisley. You can follow Samantha on Twitter @authorsamrey, on her website, samantharey.com, or on Facebook, facebook.com/authorsamantharey.

Author Links

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Goodreads

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Twitter: @AuthorSamRey

Purchase Links

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Giveaway

5 Kindle copies of Every Choice

 

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Book Review: Saving Persephone by Sue London

Saving Persephone by Sue London

(The Haberdashers Series)

Publisher & Release Date: Graythorne Publishing, May 31, 2015

Time and setting: 1815, England, Scotland  

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Length: 246 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

In 1805 Robert Bittlesworth’s little sister and her two best friends decided to create a “boys club” because boys have more fun. Most protective older brothers would have discouraged such a thing. But Robert saw opportunity and began training them. 

Robert Bittlesworth has worked tirelessly in the Home Office for years, managing intelligence in the war against Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna. He also executed a plan to have his father exiled. Now that plan backfires when one of his father’s cronies kidnaps the Haberdashers… and the first woman he has ever truly cared about.

Imogen Grant of Boston has traveled the world with her mother’s shipping company. She considers herself an exceptional judge of character, but she has never met anyone like Robert Bittlesworth. He is either the very best or the very worst man of her acquaintance. Can she decide which before she loses her heart?

Buy Links:

http://smile.amazon.com/Saving-Persephone-Haberdashers-Book-4-ebook/dp/B00XB5UJ02/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433076962&sr=1-1&keywords=saving+persephone

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22713781-saving-persephone

Vikki’s Musings

I fell in love with the Haberdashers Series when I read a teaser in the boxed set, Scandalous Summer Nights, and I immediately downloaded the all the books in the series that were available. When Ms. London asked me to review Saving Persephone, I agreed enthusiastically. This book is a great addition to the series.

Robert Bittlesworth, heir to a viscountcy and a spy master, lives for his work and defends his brother and sister fiercely. He is all about duty. When he meets Inogen Grant, he is immediately attracted to her and she to him. Imogen, an American from Boston, is like no other woman he has ever known. While single, she lives and travels on her own and takes lovers. To say he is intrigued is putting it mildly.

Imogen is a whimsical creature, out to indulge her fantasies, whether through travel with her mother’s shipping company or by her sexual escapades. Robert is different from other men, and she cannot decide whether he is a good man doing bad things or a bad one doing good. What she does know: She wants him.

Can this unlikely pair make a relationship work between them when there is so much distrust on each side, or will they reveal their true natures and find lasting happiness?

Saving Persephone has complex characters, and at times, I did not like either of them very much, while being drawn to them at the same time. I found Robert’s character easier to love because even though he has done terrible things in his past, essentially, he is an honorable man, willing to do whatever it takes to right a wrong and protect his siblings. When he decides he wants Imogen, he pursues her relentlessly, but when he realizes he is in love with her, he puts her wants above his own, even though those wants are in conflict to his own desires.

I loved the cameos of the Haberdashers from the previous books. Ms. London weaves them into the storyline with a masterful touch. I loved seeing how they tick now that they are happily married. When they are kidnapped along with Imogen, they use their wits to help in their rescue.

While I feel that I did see the many layers of Robert and could see what drove him, I never felt that I truly understood Imogen and her foibles. I could not immerse myself in her character as I like to do. That is why I struggled with empathizing with her. While she had an unconventional upbringing, she had loving parents. I know she has her gift and because of it, she does not want to be around people, but she distances herself so much throughout the story that I felt distance from her as well.

Nonetheless, Saving Persephone is an entertaining read with so much depth. It is important to look below the surface of these characters to find their true motivations. While this is not my favorite among the Haberdashers Series, it is a worthwhile addition. I can’t wait for Charlie’s story. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Sue London has been a fresh voice in historical romance since her debut novel Trials of Artemis in 2013. In successive books in her Haberdashers series she has demonstrated an ability to balance each couple’s “happily­ ever­ after” with an underlying plot full of intrigue and danger. She is credited with writing strong, complicated characters who are as driven by their friendships as their romances.

If you like your historical romance with a little action, a little humor, and a lot of strong ­minded women, then this is the series for you!

Reader reactions: “Sue London is a very gifted writer. I always enjoy reading her books.”

“It’s like the Regency Avengers.”

“It was so well written, and the storyline is wonderfully thrilling. If I could I would have rated this book a ten, but five is all they allow so that’s what it is.” “Sue London is as good at bromance as romance.”

“This witty love story enchanted me, and I look forward to reading more of the Haberdashers series.”

You can keep up with Sue London on the following websites:

Author website: http://bysuelondon.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bysuelondon

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cmdrsue

SCP Book of the Day!

SCP Book of the Day!

Book & Audio Review: Billionaire Untamed by J.S. Scott

Billionaire Untamed by J.S. Scott

(The Billionaire Obsession series)

Publisher & Release Date: Golden Unicorn Enterprises Inc, January 27, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, Rocky Springs,Colorado  

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Length: 210 pages

Heat Level: 3 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book 7 of the NY Times & USA Today bestselling The Billionaire’s Obsession Series. 
Billionaire Untamed: The Billionaire’s Obsession ~ Tate 

Lara Bailey isn’t in Rocky Springs for the hot springs, the resort activities or the fabulous skiing. She has come to Colorado for one reason and one reason only: to find and get close to Marcus Colter, the eldest Colter brother. Unfortunately, trouble finds her in the form of Tate Colter rather than Marcus. The youngest Colter brother is arrogant, cocky, smart, and tenacious in his attempts to find out why she wants to find Marcus even though she’s never met him. Lara isn’t willing to divulge that information, and Tate is determined to uncover her motives. It makes Tate one hot, wickedly sexy, adorably dimpled, alpha male pain in her backside. 

Lara is really confused when Tate helps her out of a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. It leaves Lara wondering if he really is the cocky, arrogant jerk that he pretends to be, or if there isn’t much more to Tate Colter than she’d initially thought. 

Tate Colter wants Lara Bailey in his bed…badly. When she completely blows him off and ignores him when they meet, he’s even more determined to find out her secrets and get her to submit to the molten desire that radiates between the two of them. The fact that she’s one tough female, a woman who can give back exactly what he dishes out, makes her even more intriguing to him. 

Sparks fly as Tate and Lara become involved in a battle of wits and wills that will ignite flames of passion and desire like neither one of them have ever experienced. But when deception is discovered and a betrayal takes place, can these two adversaries who are so much alike work together without letting the white-hot passion burning between them incinerate them both? 

Not intended for teens or children. 18+ only

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Billionaire-Untamed-Tate-Billionaires-Obsession-ebook/dp/B00NG1ENBM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433793097&sr=1-1&keywords=billionaire+untamed

Audible:http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Billionaire-Untamed-Audiobook/B00ULZ0ZRM

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23200089-billionaire-untamed-tate?ac=1

Vikki’s Musings

Billionaire Untamed is a great addition to the Billionaire Obsession series. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and can’t wait for the next one to come out. Tate intrigued me in the last book, so I knew I wanted to read his story, and I was not disappointed.

When Tate Colter meets Lara Bailey, the attraction is fierce, but he suspects that she has secrets, and they involve his brother Marcus. Can Tate manage to get her in his bed and find out her secrets along the way without losing his heart?

Both Tate and Lara are great characters. The chemistry between them is combustible from their first meeting. I loved the give and take between the pair. I liked the depth to Lara. She is a kick-ass woman who takes no prisoners, but she has a vulnerable side that I found quite appealing. Her story tugged at my heartstrings, and I really wanted to see them find their HEA.

The pacing of Billionaire Untamed is very fast, and kept me flipping the pages on my Kindle as fast as possible. I loved the romantic suspense element and never imagined the outcome, so it was a complete surprise. I love it when that happens, don’t you?

I struggled a bit with Billionaire Unmasked because I felt that Ms. Scott used the f-word too often. While she does this again in Billionaire Untamed, once they moved beyond the “f*** each other’s brains out” stage, then during the tender moments, she did call it making love. I enjoyed that so much more and it made the book much better.

Since I also listened to the narrative, I want to mention it. Elizabeth Powers is fantastic! She reads with passion and gives each character a distinct voice. Her male voices are raspy and very masculine. I will be looking for more books narrated by her. I hope she does the narration on The Forbidden Billionaire, which is due out the end of July.

If you like billionaire stories with plenty of erotic sexual scenes, yet scenes with lots of emotion, then you will love The Billionaire Obsession series as much as I have. I highly recommend them, and the books are stand alone, so no need to read them in order, but I suggest you do. Happy reading!