#Historical#Romance | Vikki Vaught Romance Author and Book Reviewer

Burdened by the past…Orphaned at a young age and left to run wild, at eighteen Julian Price joins the fight against Napoleon in the hope of attaining honor. Devastated when his best friend, Thomas, is killed in battle, Julian returns home burdened with guilt, only to find his wastrel uncle has squandered his inheritance.

Desperate to live her own life… Facing a bleak future caring for her aging mother and raising her brother’s children, Henrietta Houghton believes her chance at a real life died with Thomas, the only man who ever wanted her. But Henrietta is still full of dreams. When her wealthy aunt offers her a gift of ten thousand pounds, Henrietta finally has the chance to choose her own destiny.

Everything has a price…With a fortune at her command, Henrietta offers Julian a marriage of convenience, unaware that she really offers Julian a means of salvation—not just his fortune, but his very soul.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Redemption-Julian-Price-Victoria-Vane-ebook/dp/B01B0SFLW2

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-Redemption-of-Julian-Price-Audiobook/B01GINWY1U

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28952181-the-redemption-of-julian-price

Vikki’s Musings

I just love Victoria Vane’s historical romances. I can always expect to be entertained and given a chance to become enmeshed in the glittering Regency world. The Redemption of Julian Price did just that!

Henrietta Houghton believes she will never find a husband. Not wanting to live with her brother once she marries, she decides to visit her great-aunt in London. The day before she is set to leave, Julian Price shows up and offers to give her a ride her to London with him. This gives them a chance to catch up on each other’s lives.

Julian has returned from the war to find out his uncle has mortgaged his property and he is facing foreclosure. The last thing he wants is to become a mercenary soldier, an occupation that is sure to take the rest of his soul, but what choice does he have?

When Henrietta learns that her elderly aunt is giving her a substantial dowry, she asks Julian to marry her, thus saving him from losing everything and giving her a chance to be free. Can the alliance between them lead to heartache, or will it give them the love they both desperately long for?

This is a fast-paced story and grabbed my attention from the first page and held me in its thrall until the end. Ms. Vane has definitely penned another wonderful Regency romance. I found the story very realistic and enjoyed it tremendously. This is a great friends to lovers story, one that I will want to read again.

I fell in love with Henrietta’s character from the very beginning. She is truly endearing and has a great sense of humor while still being grounded in reality. I loved her loyalty to Julian and her desire to help him.

Wow! Julian is just the kind of hero I love, and there is a lot to love about him. He endured a tragic childhood living with his reprobate uncle. Then he goes to war at the tender age of eighteen and loses one of his best friends in battle. He comes back to find his estate on the verge of foreclosure and is faced with the awful decision that will destroy what is left of his soul. Yet, he still has tender feelings toward Henrietta. I truly love a hero who does not let the horrors of his past turn him into a cynic.

I listened to the audio version performed by the talented Stevie Zimmerman. I always know I’m in for a treat when she is the narrator. She does such a good job on the male characters. She truly brings the story to life. Although she reads with passion, she does not become overly dramatic. She does it just right.

If you enjoy a book that will sweep you back to the Regency period with entrancing character and a believable plot, then you will love The Redemption of Julian Price as much as I did. Happy reading!

Book Review: Duke of sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

01 Jun 2016 Leave a comment

by vvaught512 in #Sensual, Georgian Historical Romance, Vikki's Musings Tags: #ARC, #Drama, #Historical#Romance, #Sensual

Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

(Maiden Lane series)

Publisher & Release: Grand Central Publishing, May 31, 2016

Time and setting: 1741, London

Genre: Historical Romance/Georgian

Length: 360 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

A MAN OF SIN

Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.

A WOMAN OF HONOR

Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery’s household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous.

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH

Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can’t resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . .

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Duke-Maiden-Lane-Elizabeth-Hoyt-ebook/dp/B015NRKJRI

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Duke-of-Sin-Audiobook/B01DDYSLOQ/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1464706320&sr=1-1

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26804433-duke-of-sin

Vikki’s Musings

I have been a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series ever since the first one was published. When I found Duke of Sin on Net-Galley, I immediately requested it in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoy this book!

Bastard daughter of a lady, Bridget Crumb is the housekeeper to the notorious Duke of Montgomery. He’s amoral, a blackmailer, a man without a heart. Determined to foil his plan to blackmail her mother, she searches his chamber for the evidence he holds against her.

Valentine Napier is a troubled man, scarred by his childhood. He is determined to never fall in love. After all, then he would have to kill her because love kills. That was the message he learned at an early age, one he will never forget.

Their secrets should forever keep them apart, but the passion they feel for one another burns brighter than any secret. Can Bridget overlook Val’s many sins or will they drive her away?

I fell in love with Bridget’s character from the first page. She is fierce and loyal when she has very little reason to be so. I loved her passionate nature which she tries very hard to deny. She fights furiously to push away her desire for the evil duke, but her soft heart interferes when she learns what drives his atrocious behavior.

Val’s character is definitely a tortured soul, my favorite kind of hero. He is deliciously gorgeous, and Ms. Hoyt does an astonishing job of painting a clear picture for me. While he is indeed very wicked, he does have vulnerabilities. Hoyt has given me a truly flawed character, one that could be too much for some. I really worried there was no way she could ever redeem him, but she worked her magic. I became so emotionally involved and began to overlook his terrible behavior. Val is truly a villain, one that a reader will either love of hate.

Ms. Hoyt is a true master at pulling me into her story, even when I fought it. I already mentioned that Val is not an easy character to like, let alone love, but she managed it with me. Duke of Sin is fast-paced with plenty of suspense woven into the vivid Georgian setting. From the description of the costumes to the manner in which her characters speak, I felt as if I were living in this period of history. It would be easy to overlook her brilliance in this area with her incredibly compelling characters driving the story.

If you’re looking for a truly emotionally-charged story with unforgettable characters, then you will love Duke of Sin as much as I did. This entire series is a true pleasure to read and this book definitely lived up to my high expectations. Happy reading!

Book Review: The Groom Wore Plaid by Gayle Callen

04 Mar 2016 Leave a comment

by vvaught512 in Georgian Historical Romance, Vikki's Musings Tags: #ARC, #Drama, #Highlander, #Historical#Romance, #Scottish, #Sensual

The Groom Wore Plaid by Gayle Callen

Publisher & Release Date: HarperCollins Publishers, February 23, 2016

Time and setting: 1717 – 1727, Scotland

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 389 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Falling in love means tempting fate in this passionate new novel in USA Today bestselling author Gayle Callen’s Highland Weddings series

Maggie McCallum’s dreams about her new fiancé aren’t the romantic sort. It’s not just that she was bartered to Owen Duff like a piece of property to end a clan feud. She’s also haunted by premonitions of his death on their upcoming wedding day. Yet the exasperating Highlander won’t let her call it off, even though his life and his clan are both in jeopardy.

Owen has wanted Maggie in his bed since he first glimpsed her years ago. If their union restores peace between their clans, so much the better. But while lusting after another chief’s sister had its risks, growing to trust Maggie is far more dangerous. Owen is falling deeply in love with the one woman he cannot hope to claim . . . and survive.

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Groom-Wore-Plaid-Highland-Weddings-ebook/dp/B00YMSID0K

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26062725-the-groom-wore-plaid

Vikki’s Musings

It has been quite some time since I have read a book by Gayle Callen, but I am certainly pleased I had the opportunity to read The Groom Wore Plaid in exchange for an honest review. Now I remember why I love her books!

The Groom Wore Plaid is an emotionally-charged romance with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. The pacing is excellent and made it an easy and quick read. The prologue pulled me in, and it smoothly transitioned to the first chapter, which is ten years after the couple first met.

Margaret McCallum is the sacrificial lamb. By marrying Owen Duff, the Earl of Aberfoyle, it will end the long feud between their clans. There is a problem. Maggie has dreams that foretell the future. She has had a dream showing Owen dying in her arms on their wedding day. How can she place him in harm’s way by marrying him?

Owen Duff remembers Maggie and the desire he felt for her. He wronged her ten years ago and she has not forgiven him, even though she has agreed to the contract between the clans. His desire for Maggie has not lessened. In fact, it is stronger than ever. Although, he has to overcome his future bride’s determination to find another way to fulfill the contract. Can Owen convince Maggie to marry him, or will her desire to protect him from his possible death prove too strong to circumvent?

I truly enjoyed Maggie’s character. She is sincere, loyal to her family and determined to protect the man she has always desired, even though he wronged her in the past. She has good depth to her character, and I was able to figure out what made her so afraid to form friendships. I could feel her terror over putting Owen in a situation that could mean his death.

Owen Duff’s character has every reason to avoid attachments. He also has a lot to prove to his clan. His father was an uncaring chief, milking the clan and ruling from a distance. He was more concerned about his ties to England and spent most of his time there. I loved Owen’s determination to prove he will be a good chief for the clan. Even though he has trust issues, he truly wants Maggie to become his bride. It just takes almost losing her for him to realize the depth of his feelings for her.

The Groom Wore Plaid is very well-written, and Ms. Callen does an excellent job with the suspenseful scenes. My only problem with this story is the lack of a strong sense of Scotland. Her dialogue did not give me what I love about a Scottish tale. Other than the use of ye and lass, it could have been set in England. However, I did enjoy the romance between the hero and heroine a great deal.

If you enjoy a moving story with a bit of suspense and great characters, then you will enjoy The Groom Wore Plaid. I understand this is part of a series so I want to read the other books in this series. Now that I recall why I enjoy Ms. Callen’s books, I will be looking for others by her. Happy reading!

Book Review: I Kissed a Rogue by Shana Galen

29 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

by vvaught512 in Regency Historical, Vikki's Musings Tags: #ARC, #Historical#Romance, #Romantic Suspense, #Sensual

I Kissed a Rogue by Shana Galen

Publisher & Release Date: Sourcebooks Casablanca, March 1, 2016

Time and setting: Regency, London

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Length: 384 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Book Description:

Once she spurned the man…

When the Duke of Lennox hires Sir Brook Derring, England’s best investigator, to find his daughter, Brook intends only to rescue the lady and return to his solitary life. He deals with London’s roughest criminals every day of the week; surely he should be able to endure seeing his first love again—the perfect girl who broke his heart…

Now her life depends on him

Lady Lillian-Anne Lennox has always done her best to live up to her father’s standards of perfection—at the cost of following her heart. When she’s kidnapped and her perfect life is shattered, Lila has another chance. Together, Lila and Brook navigate not only the dark and deadly side of London but the chasm of pride and prejudice that divides them.

Buy Links:

Amazon:http://smile.amazon.com/Kissed-Rogue-Covent-Garden-Cubs-ebook/dp/B017HX12WM

B&N: http://bit.ly/1RkrxGz

Apple: http://apple.co/1L8K6hl

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25503002-i-kissed-a-rogue

Vikki’s Musings

I found Ms. Galen’s books years ago, and I have been a fan ever since. I can always count on her to give me a story with plenty of adventure and intrigue. When I received a request from the publisher to read I Kissed a Rogue in exchange for an honest review, I immediately accepted. This is a lovely Regency romp.

When the Duke of Lennox hires Sir Brook Derring to find his kidnapped daughter, he is not enthused. After all, she is the very woman who broke his heart seven years ago. Can he rescue Lady Lillian-Anne without losing his heart all over again when he finds the attraction is as intense if not stronger than it was years before?

Lady Lillian-Anne knows she treated Brook badly when he courted her as a young debutante right out of the school. She let her status and the admiration gentlemen showered on her to go to her head. Now, she has to depend on the man she hurt. Will she accept her punishment from Brook and turn what was antagonism into a lasting love?

I enjoyed the story a great deal, and the pacing is fast, making this a quick read. Ms. Galen starts this one with an exciting action scene. I always enjoy a book where I am dropped into a high suspense scene. It certainly sets the tone of the novel. I Kissed a Rogue is very well-written, something I can count on with one of Shana Galen’s books.

Lila is a complex character with quite a bit of depth and flaws. So many times, Regency heroines are perfect, but Lila is not. Granted most of her flaws are in her past, so she needs to redeem herself to Brook. Ms. Galen takes her from a spoiled debutante, careless and thoughtless, to a mature woman ready to be a caring and compassionate individual.

I was not sure I was going to like Sir Brook Derring’ character in the beginning of the story, and he does set out determined to teach Lila a lesson in unrequited love. His form of revenge is not honorable, but again, Ms. Galen turns it around when Brook becomes so protective of her, even when he is still determined to have his revenge. By the end of the tale, I was really rooting for him the win the girl!

One thing I particularly enjoy about Shan Galen’s books is her ability to write action-packed scenes and make them believable. That is a skill that I admire a great deal. She is also able to give the hero and heroine great sexual tension, keeping to romance in the forefront of the story.

This is a wonderful book for all Regency addicts. I Kissed a Rogue has intrigue, suspense and a great love story with plenty of tender moments along the way. This is the 4^th book in this unique Covent Garden Cubs series and is easily a stand alone. It is not necessary to read these books in order. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

She had to escape. She couldn’t die down here, in the rank dark, alone. She might deserve such a death, but she’d fight it with every last ounce of strength. She’d almost freed her hands by twisting and working the rope against her chafed wrists until it slackened. Her captors hadn’t tied it very tightly, but that was the only mistake they’d made.

Lila had no idea how long she’d been in the dank, cold cellar, but she knew the moment her life went completely astray. The carriage had raced along the dark streets of London, the familiar clip-clop of the horses’ hooves almost like music in her ears. She’d pulled her thick pelisse more tightly around her bare shoulders and rested her dancing slippers on the warm brick at her feet.

All she’d wanted was her cozy bed and a cup of tea. She hadn’t even cared that by leaving her cousin Rose’s betrothal ball early, she risked her father’s wrath in the morning. She’d attended the betrothal tea, the betrothal dinner, and now the betrothal ball. Would that Rose marry and be done with it. It was during that uncharitable line of thinking that she heard John Coachman call out and the carriage slowed.

Lila had parted the curtains in an effort to see what was the matter, but all she’d seen was the swirl of London fog and the amorphous shapes of the outriders moving to stand protectively in front of the carriage door. She’d sighed with impatient annoyance.

“Now wh—?” She’d clamped her mouth shut at the sound of a thump and an unfamiliar man’s voice. The carriage rocked as the horses danced with fear. She waited for John Coachman’s reassuring words and heard only a muffled shout and the pop of what sounded like her father’s rifle.

Her heart pounding in fear, she’d slid one lock into place and was reaching for the other when and a tall, lanky man yanked the door open.

He’d smiled, his thin lips and cheeks stretching over his facial bones. “Hello, Lady Lillian-Anne.”

From there, everything was a blur. She’d been dragged from the carriage, hooded, and pushed against the conveyance, her hands roughly bound. Lila had been so shocked at her mistreatment, she hadn’t even screamed, and then she’d been lifted and tossed over a man’s shoulders. She hadn’t been carried far before she’d heard the squeak and squeal of a door being pried open and the echo of boots on slatted wood floors. Another door and then another and her captor had carried her down a flight of stairs and dropped her on her bottom.

She’d screamed then and scurried backward, only to run up against a pair of hard boots. A voice, much like the one who’d greeted her, hissed in her ear. “Shut yer potato hole. Keep quiet or I stuff my drawers down yer throat. You hear me, Duchess?”

She’d nodded and closed her mouth. She’d pulled her legs in and hunched her shoulders, making herself small, waiting for what seemed an eternity for what was to happen next. Would they rob her? Rape her?

She was not a duchess, only the daughter of one. She had the wild thought that perhaps the men wanted her stepmother, the Duchess of Lennox. But, no. They’d called her Lady Lillian-Anne. They knew who she was. They’d planned the abduction and whatever was to come next.

Lila had shivered, her body shaking uncontrollably with fear and cold. Finally, the man moved away. At his word, the others followed, and she heard their boots on the stairs and then the thud as the door closed.

She’d sat on the hard floor, the small pebbles and rocks digging into her skin through her silk ballgown and the pelisse. She jumped at the creaks and pops of the building settling, fearing each minute sound was the men returning for her. Gradually, she grew accustomed to the sounds but not the smell, never the smell. Something had died down here—many somethings—and with the hood over her face, she could only imagine. Lila envisioned rat corpses responsible for the sharp, sickly fragrance that burned her nostrils. When she began to imagine human bodies, she bit her lip hard to stop the rising panic.

Strange that in the middle of London, all was silent but for her teeth chattering.

They’d stopped chattering now—after too many hours to count. Lila was too numb to feel the cold any longer. The rope around her wrists was all she cared about. She twisted and pulled until finally she managed to squeeze one hand free. She bit her raw lip against the pain of the rough rope sliding against her bare skin. The gloves she’d painstakingly inched off might have protected her bare skin, but they were one more layer between her and freedom.

With a wince, her wrists slid apart, and she exhaled softly, hugging her arms around her chest. Her shoulders throbbed, and the simple act of rotating them in the opposite direction was sheer bliss. She felt for the opening of the hood she wore and quickly tore it off. Charcoal gray replaced the blackness. If the cellar had openings of any kind, she couldn’t spot them in the dark of night. She prayed it was still night and that morning would show her some sort of escape.

And not a stack of rotting bodies.

She had to find a way out. By now her father must have realized she’d been abducted. He would be frantic with worry. Had her captors sent a ransom note? Was that what this was about? Colin would make the duke pay it. Colin and Lila had grown closer since their mother’s death. He wouldn’t allow their father to ignore a ransom note.

If there was a ransom note.

What if the Duchess of Lennox was behind this? Lila’s stepmother hated her, but even she would not stoop to hiring mercenaries to abduct her stepdaughter.

Lady Selina would. She and Lila had hated each other since their first Seasons when Lord Hugh had asked Lila to dance before Selina. From then on, it had been war.

Selina was married now and certainly too busy to plan attacks on Lila. But Madeleine Stratham, her cousin Rose’s friend, was not too busy, and she had intentionally stepped on Lila’s gown at the ball tonight, hissing, “Watch out!”

Had that been a warning?

Lila’s head spun. If she tried to count all of her enemies, it would take hours. And who knew what her abductors would do to her when they returned. She pressed her hands against the cold, dirt floor beneath her, moving her fingers until she found her gloves. She pulled them on again, for warmth as much as protection, and moved cautiously forward, hands outstretched. Her knees trembled and wobbled.

“Please, no bodies. Please no bodies,” she chanted under her breath.

The cellar was blissfully empty. She discovered a wall and followed it around to the base of the stairwell. Her hands traveled over that rough wood until she found the opening. The stairwell had no railing, so she carefully lifted her skirts and moved slowly and silently upward. Her fingertips touched the wood of the door at the top, and she stood listening.

She heard nothing but silence and the strains of music farther away. Perhaps a tavern or gin house was nearby. She couldn’t be certain a guard wasn’t on the other side of the door, but she tried the handle anyway. The handle moved, but the door did not budge when she pushed on it.

Some sort of lock to keep it closed and secure.

Lila waited, again listening for movement or an indication her efforts to escape had been noted. When she heard nothing, she rattled the door. The wood was flimsy and old. One serious push against it, and she could compromise the lock.

She took a jagged breath and said a quick prayer. She’d never prayed so much—no, she’d been her own god for too many years. Lila stepped back, careful not to go too far and tumble down the stairs, then rammed the door with her shoulder.

Which hero is your match-

Author Bio:

Shana Galen is the national bestselling author of fast-paced adventurous Regency historicals, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman. Her books have been sold in Brazil, Russia, and the Netherlands and featured in the Rhapsody and Doubleday Book Clubs. A former English teacher in Houston’s inner city, Shana now writes full time. She is a happily married wife and mother of a daughter and a spoiled cat and lives in Houston, Texas.

Thanks for having me on your blog!

24 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

by vvaught512 in Regency Historical, Vikki's Musings Tags: #historical #regency #book #women #romance, #Historical#Romance, #new release

http://www.madamegilflurt.com/2016/02/the-embargo-act-of-1807.html#comment-form

MissKathleensScandalousBaron_LRG

Spotlight on Honorable Rogue series by Vikki Vaught

23 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

by vvaught512 in Regency Historical, Suspense, Vikki's Musings Tags: #Drama, #Historical#Romance, #Romantic Suspense

Lady Overton’s Perilous Journey (Honorable Rogue, Book 1)

Publisher & Release Date: Enticing Pleasures Romance, February 21, 2016

Time and setting: 1802, England, America

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Length: 280 pages

Heat Level: 3 Flames

Book Description:

When her son’s life is threatened, Lady Overton seeks a vessel bound for America. Before the ship even reaches the high seas, sparks fly between her and Captain Alex Hawks. Although the young widow may be lonely and afraid, she cannot risk the diversion a romantic entanglement could bring, no matter how much she wants to lose herself in the captain’s embrace.

The Captain vows to protect the little marquess, but can offer no assurance that the marchioness will leave his ship with her virtue intact. Alex is drawn to Anissa’s beauty and courage. How long can he fight a losing battle before he surrenders and makes her his own?

Will Alex be able to keep this remarkable woman and her child safe? Will his passion for Anissa be enough or will their differences keep them apart?

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Overtons-Perilous-Journey-Honorable-Rogue-ebook/dp/B0158RMU0C

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26881736-lady-overton-s-perilous-journey

Excerpt:

She cuddled her sleeping child close as she scanned the common area. Her insides churned as she wove her way through the crowded tables, the chairs filled with dirty, unsavory-looking men. The strong smell of sweat mingled with ale threatened to turn her stomach and had her breathing through her mouth.

Anissa approached the man the stable boy had described. “Sir, are you Captain Hawks?”

He turned around, and in a drawling voice, he answered, “Well, darlin’, that’s my name.” He swept his tri-corn hat from his head, stood and bowed. “Captain Alex Hawks, at your service. What can I do for you?”

Anissa gazed up into the blackest eyes she had ever seen and wanted to fall into them. Mesmerized, she blinked as a shiver ran across her shoulders. This was not the time to notice this man’s eyes, no matter how compelling they were. Now was the time to use her charms to convince him to take her on his ship.

“My name is—” she quickly searched for a name, not wanting to give him her identity, “—Mrs. Carlson. I would like to pay for passage on your ship. I understand you are leaving for America this morning.” Then, thinking of a city she had heard of in America, she added, “I need to go to Boston, where some of my family live. Would you be able to help me?”

Captain Hawks gave her an appraising stare, which unnerved her. This man was intimidating, to say the least. “I’m not going to Boston. And, I don’t normally take on passengers. I’m headed to Baltimore, and it’s a far piece from Boston, darlin’.”

“Please take me. I have to leave for America as soon as possible.” Anissa had to convince him to allow her passage. “And as far as your destination is concerned, I’m sure once I am in America, I shall be able to travel to Boston from there.”

“Darlin’, do you even know where Baltimore is and how far it is from Boston?”

Anissa wished he would quit calling her darling. It was quite presumptuous of him, and she did not appreciate it at all. Of course, she did not want to anger him, so she kept her feelings to herself. “Well, no, not really. How far is it?”

“It’s over four hundred miles,” Captain Hawks explained as if he were speaking to a child, which further irritated her, tugging at her frazzled nerves. “You would be better served if you found a passenger ship going there. I have an associate who should be arriving in a few days, and his ship is going to Boston. He also takes passengers. I’m sure he would be happy to take you on board.”

Oh, dear, why did I say Boston? Please, Lord, let me convince him to take me.

Every hour brought her closer to the chance of discovery. She could not afford to wait for another ship. She needed to get as far away from Lord Howard as possible, immediately.

“Captain, I do not have a few days to wait. My uncle is dreadfully ill. He may only have a few months to live, so I need to leave right away. Please allow me to travel on your ship.” She looked up at him, willing a few tears into her eyes, praying to gain his sympathy.

Captain Hawks sighed and rolled his obsidian eyes toward the ceiling. “I know I’m going to regret this. All right, darlin’, if it’s that important, I’ll take you. I hope you realize how uncomfortable this voyage will be for you and the child. The cabin you will be in barely has room to turn around in. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?”

“We shall be fine, regardless of the conditions.”

He shook his head, sending her heart to the floor.

Oh, Lord, please don’t let him change his mind.

What shall I do if he has?

Miss Kathleen’s Scandalous Baron (Honorable Rogue, Book 2)

Publisher & Release Date: Enticing Pleasures Romance, February 21, 2016

Time and setting: 1803, London & Dorsetshire

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Length: 272 pages

Heat Level: 3 Flames

Book Description:

When an innocent, young miss from Baltimore meets the scandalous baron, Lord Billingsley, will she manage to reform him, or will he lead her astray?

When the beautiful American debutante, Miss Kathleen Hawks, arrives for the London season, the last thing she expects is an attraction to the scandalous Baron Billingsley. He’s the kind of aristocrat she detests, one who only cares for his pleasures.

Andrew Grainger is handsome, young and very wealthy. He loves carousing with his pack of friends from his schooldays. When he stumbles across the prim, yet charming Miss Hawks, he should avoid her at any cost. After all, she’s an innocent, barely out of the schoolroom. But…there’s just something about her he finds irresistible.

When a chance encounter leads to scandal for the pair, they must choose to brave the Beau Monde, or give into its dictates. Is there any possibility that what appears to be a match made in Hades, could turn into a match made in heaven?

Buy Link:

http://smile.amazon.com/Kathleens-Scandalous-Baron-Honorable-Rogue-ebook/dp/B01C28L3FI

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29244470-miss-kathleen-s-scandalous-baron

Excerpt:

After a full night’s rest, Kathleen awakened early the next day. The duchess had assigned a maid to help her and soon she was dressed. Taking the servant with her for propriety’s sake, she made her way to Hyde Park for her early morning constitutional. While it wasn’t as enjoyable as her solitary walks on the beach, nonetheless, it gave her a chance to walk off her excess energy.

While briskly walking along one of the many paths in the park, she almost ran into, of all people, Lord Billingsley. That same feeling started in the pit of her belly. She did not understand why this man affected her so. When their hands had touched during the dance they shared last fall, her palms tingled and grew clammy, and her breath quickened, just as it was doing now.

She tried to shake off her body’s reaction as she stopped to allow the baron to pass. She couldn’t help noticing the man looked as if he’d spent the night somewhere other than his bed. His cravat hung loosely around his neck, his bottleneck green evening jacket had a tear at the shoulder and a smudge of dirt marred the sleeve. His red-gold hair looked tousled as well. Obviously, he was returning home from a night of carousing with his reprobate friends.

He swept off his top hat and bowed. “Well, if it isn’t the lovely Miss Hawks,” he declared, his speech slightly slurred. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, but I thought you were in Devonshire. When did you return to London, my beauty?”

Irritated beyond endurance by Lord Billingsley’s inebriated condition and outrageous comments, all thoughts of propriety fled from her mind, and Kathleen stamped her slender foot. “It’s none of your business when I arrived. I dare say you’re returning from a night of debauchery. Don’t you care that you’re ruining your life?”

The baron straightened up. “I do not see where it’s any of your business how I choose to live my life. I’m a young man about town, and I’m going to enjoy myself. I can see your time in the country has not improved your sanctimonious attitude.”

“Oh, there’s no use talking to you,” she retorted, “If you will move out of my way, so I can continue my walk, I would relish it.”

Swaying slightly, the obnoxious lord grabbed the lamppost, laughing. “Of course, don’t let me stop you.” Then giving her a sly smile, he added, “You know, it’s a shame such a pretty little thing like you is such a…prude.”

“Well, I never!” Kathleen grabbed her maid’s arm and marched off.

15 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

by vvaught512 in Regency Historical, Vikki's Musings Tags: #England, #historical #regency #book #women #romance, #Historical#Romance, #Romantic Suspense, #Sensual

I Kissed a Rogue by Shana Galen

I Kissed a Rogue

Publisher & Release Date: Sourcebooks Casablanca, March 1, 2016

Time and setting: Regency, London

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Length: 384 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Book Description:

Once she spurned the man…

Now her life depends on him

Buy Links:

Amazon:http://smile.amazon.com/Kissed-Rogue-Covent-Garden-Cubs-ebook/dp/B017HX12WM

B&N: http://bit.ly/1RkrxGz

Apple: http://apple.co/1L8K6hl

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25503002-i-kissed-a-rogue

Vikki’s Musings

Excerpt:

Her heart pounding in fear, she’d slid one lock into place and was reaching for the other when and a tall, lanky man yanked the door open.

He’d smiled, his thin lips and cheeks stretching over his facial bones. “Hello, Lady Lillian-Anne.”

Strange that in the middle of London, all was silent but for her teeth chattering.

And not a stack of rotting bodies.

If there was a ransom note.

What if the Duchess of Lennox was behind this? Lila’s stepmother hated her, but even she would not stoop to hiring mercenaries to abduct her stepdaughter.

Lady Selina would. She and Lila had hated each other since their first Seasons, when Lord Hugh had asked Lila to dance before Selina. From then on, it had been war.

Had that been a warning?

“Please no bodies. Please no bodies,” she chanted under her breath.

Some sort of lock to keep it closed and secure.

Which hero is your match-

Author Bio:

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Book Review: Daniel’s True Desire by Grace Burrowes

02 Nov 2015 Leave a comment

by vvaught512 in Regency Historical, Vikki's Musings Tags: #ARC, #Drama, #England, #Historical#Romance, #Sensual

Daniel’s True Desire by Grace Burrowes

Publisher & Release Date: Sourcebooks Casablanca, November 3, 2015

Time and setting: Regency Era, England

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Length: 448 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

An Honorable Life

Daniel Banks is a man of the cloth whose vocation is the last comfort he has left-and even his churchman’s collar is beginning to feel like a noose. At the urging of family, Daniel attempts to start his life over as vicar in the sleepy Kentish town of Haddondale, family seat to the earls of Bellefonte.

Challenged by Passion

Resigned to spinsterhood, Lady Kirsten Haddonfield welcomes the new vicar to stay at her family’s home while his is under renovation. Suddenly the handsome visitor has Kirsten rethinking her ideas about love and marriage, but a dreadful secret from Daniel’s past may cast a shadow too long for either of them to overcome.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Daniels-True-Desire-Gentlemen-ebook/dp/B0108GOL3C/

B&N: http://bit.ly/1L8mc22

iBooks: http://apple.co/1RDfSSt

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25807148-daniel-s-true-desire

Vikki’s Musings

I have been a huge fan of Grace Burrowes ever since I found her first book, The Heir. When I was offered a chance to read and review Daniel’s True Desire by the publisher, I quickly agreed. This book has all the trademarks I know I can expect from Ms. Burrowes. She writes of family ties and adds deep emotion to her characters. Her books are always character driven.

I truly loved Daniel’s character. He is loyal, honorable and a protector. Then to add to his over all appeal, he’s tall and handsome. His tender regard for Lady Kirsten touched my heart. I felt his pain at the betrayal and emotional abuse he had suffered from his estranged wife’s conniving machinations, so glad she gets what she deserves.

Lady Kirsten’s character grew on me as the story unfolded, and by the end of the book, I liked her a great deal. While she could be cantankerous at times, under her façade, she has a heart of gold. I loved how Daniel softened her tough shield.

If you enjoy family sagas, then you will love Daniel’s True Desire, a title that suits this book perfectly, by the way. I loved getting to read of the other members of the Haddonfield family. I do recommend this enjoyable read. Happy reading!

Message From the Author

The Joys of True Gentlemanliness… by Grace Burrowes

About twenty books ago, I lamented (whined) to one of my brothers that coming up with ways to challenge a romance hero into facing his worst fears and risking all to win the heroine’s heart was taxing my imagination. My brother, without a heartbeat’s pause said, “Make him choose between the competing demands of honor.”

THAT was great advice. Make the hero choose between the woman who needs him, and the military unit depending on him. Make him choose between avenging injustices from his past, or respecting the wishes of the pacifist woman he loves. Make him decide whether to be publicly vindicated or privately forgiving… Delightful stuff, for an author!

And yet, to travel along these brilliant character arcs, our hero must have one characteristic: He must have a well-developed sense of honor. To me, that means this fellow must be honest and kind. He can be poor, grouchy, lacking in charm, without prospects, unlucky in love—Daniel Banks is nodding his head—but ideally, he will still be a true gentleman at heart.

The true gentleman, alas for him, can be tormented from page one by the author and by the story, but from the start, the true gentleman will play by the rules of decency.

Rules are tough. The true gentleman will never misrepresent himself, which means Daniel Banks must inform Lady Kirsten that a) he’s married, and b) he won’t disrespect his vows. Too bad for Daniel, this honesty only raises him in the lady’s esteem, when he’s trying to emphasize his unsuitability.

The true gentleman will lend a hand—or an ear—to those in need. When Daniel Banks realizes that Lady Kirsten has been overlooked by her entire family, and is as lonely as an earl’s daughter can be, the least he can do is listen when she explains the misery in her past. Again, his respect for, and understanding of her increases, but what else could a gentleman have done?

The true gentleman is kind. He does not ignore the suffering of others, even if that means, he’s left with a bigger helping of suffering on his own plate. When Lady Kirsten needs a champion to fight her battles with an overbearing brother, Daniel steps up, though it might cost him his position. Once again, Daniel’s decency only gets him in hotter water, because now Kirsten’s brother is also viewing the impecunious, reserved, sometimes grouchy, vicar with renewed respect.

This business of being a true gentleman is darned hard, and darned heroic. What Daniel has to learn, though, is that true gentlemanliness begins at home. When he’s honest with himself, and shows himself the compassion we all deserve, all the inconvenient rules, tough choices, and honorable standards turn out to have been his second-best friends.

Lady Kirsten is, of course, his very best friend, being a true lady. But that’s another story…

Excerpt from Daniel’s True Desire

Daniel Banks is the new vicar in Haddondale, temporarily a guest of Lady Kirsten’s family. They’ve dragooned him into tutoring some of the local boys, and Kirsten is managing the staff who’ll turn the dower house into a place of learning. What Daniel doesn’t know is how a married man, even one estranged from his unworthy spouse, can resist the allure of friendship with Lady Kirsten…

“I dread crossing the garden,” Lady Kirsten said. “Susannah has taken up reading old issues of La Belle Assembleé, Della is memorizing DeBrett’s, and the countess talks only of fashion. Nobody does anything.”

“Most would envy them their idleness,” Daniel said, though he did not. The earl gave a good account of himself, tending to significant acreage and mercantile interests, but the women were bored.

One of the women was mortally bored, though never boring.

“I want to take the vicarage in hand,” Lady Kirsten said, marching from the pantry. “I doubt I’ll have time before we leave for Town the week after next. Lemon and beeswax won’t cure rising damp any way.”

Nothing cured rising damp save for replacing every scrap of affected wood. “You’re leaving soon, then?”

The prospect of distance from Lady Kirsten should have been a relief. She was unconventional, discontent, and unpredictable. Worse yet, she was patient with small boys, had a strong streak of domestic competence, and could not dissemble even to appease appearances.

Most troublesome of all, Daniel liked her. A lot.

“I smell fresh bread.” Lady Kirsten’s pace increased, then she halted to twist a sachet from behind a curtain. “Nicholas told George that in addition to Digby and the Blumenthal brats, you’re to take on both of Squire Webber’s sons. He aspires to send them to public school, but they lack a foundation.”

And years of dedicated tutors had been unable to remedy that lack? “I think you had better join me for lunch,” Daniel said resuming their progress toward a hot meal.

“I believe I shall. I adore a hearty beef stew with bread and butter on a cold, rainy day. Cook uses Mama’s recipe, and I’m partial to it.”

Peasant fare, for an earl’s daughter. Daniel liked her entirely too well.

A scullery maid set places for them at a wooden table heavy enough to double as a threshing floor, while Lady Kirsten served up bowls of steaming stew and Daniel sliced the bread. Daniel held the lady’s chair, and then, without even a nod in the direction of further small talk, took shameless advantage of his companion.

“I want to know every detail you can share about my scholars, Lady Kirsten. They’re shaping up to be a pack of ne’er-do-wells, scamps and scapegraces. One wonders if the parish isn’t attempting to run me off rather than welcome me.”

She snapped her serviette across her lap. “They’re out and out rotters, every one save for Digby, but George says he’s showing dubious potential. Don’t steal all the butter.”

Daniel passed her ladyship the plate of butter, small golden molds in the shape of roses.

“Your butter, and Lord-we-thank-Thee-for-this-food, amen. Now tell me about these scoundrels.”

Lady Kirsten sat back, her smile indulgent. “I’ve known them since they were babies, Mr. Banks. They’re full of energy and mischief, and there’s not a Latin scholar among them. They are truly, truly awful.”

She loved these rotten boys, and—greatest possible inconvenience—Daniel regarded this her most attractive quality of all.

Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

Social Media Links

Website: http://graceburrowes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Burrowes/115039058572197

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceBurrowes

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4152482.Grace_Burrowes

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