#Review - Christmas in the Scot's Arms by Julie Johnstone

I received Christmas in the Scot's Arms as a gift just in time for a lovely Christmas read. As some of you know I LOVE Christmas stories. They are probably my favorite theme for a story. I mean how could it get better than a fabulous romance story set at the most wonderful time of year? 

I devoured Julie Johnstone's latest story in one setting. There was no way I was putting this book down until I finished reading it. I had to see what was going to happen next. 

Laird Liam MacLeod is in London to spend time with his sister's intended's family. He is for an unexpected treat when Miss Cecelia Cartwright tumbles into his life. Liam is a caring gentleman and does something extremely sweet for Cecelia that made my heart happy. 

Cecelia Cartwright is a sweet, fiercely independent, and smart young lady. She has the world on her shoulders and she is trying desperately to figure out how she is going to support herself and her mother. She has been shunned by the ton for something that truly was not her fault and she was placed in a position that was unfair but not viewed that way by many.

Liam and Cecelia find they get along well and spend some time together. Liam doesn't mention a detail that is quite important. That adds in a bit of tension and suspense wondering what is going to happen between these two. Is it possible they may be able to find their happily ever after or is the secret that was not revealed quickly enough going to make it impossible for them to find their happiness. 

Ms. Johnstone always does a fabulous job with a historical romance. This one is no exception. She had me flipping pages just as quickly as I possibly could. I could not wait to see what obstacle Liam and Cecelia were going to have to find their way over next. 

This book is part of the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series however I think you will find it will stand on it's own just fine. 

If you are looking for a marvelous historical romance Christmas story then I suggest you grab this one up. I don't think you will be disappointed I know I certainly was not.

You may read more of my reviews on Julie Johnstone's work here. 

I was given the opportunity to read this fantastic story and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

Amazon Buy Links:


Christmas in the Scot's Arms


Wicked Highland Wishes


When a Laird Loves a Lady

#Review - It's In The Duke's Kiss by Julie Johnstone

Julie Johnstone is one of my very favorite historical romance authors. Each time I read one of her books I remember why. Her books are AWESOME! It's In The Duke's Kiss is no exception. I read this book in one setting because I could not but it down. 

Lady Emmaline Radcliffe is a strong, independent, adventurous, smart, and maybe just a tad bit mischievous young lady. I found that instant connection with Emma that makes reading a great story all that much more wonderful. 

Emma is completely sure she has found the man she wishes to marry. She's carried feelings for Nathan since she was a child. However when she starts to spend time with Nathan and his brother Lucian, the Duke of Blackbourne she starts to question her thoughts.

Nathan is one of those boys that is a total playboy and isn't quite ready to settle down. He is use to his brother stepping in to take care of any trouble he might find himself in. 

Lucian is the serious brother that has a lot to deal with. He wants his brother to grow up and stop causing trouble. Lucian is smart, handsome, and it turns out he too might be just a little mischievous. I loved the first time that Lucian and Emma have a chance to visit. They have this instant connection that is reveled little by little. 

I really enjoyed this story. It was so much fun watching Lady Emma understand her changing thoughts and feelings. I also thoroughly enjoyed watching Lucian find himself in a relationship that he didn't see coming. Watching these two get to know each other and watching the attraction form made for a wonderful read. 

If you are looking for a quick historical romance with laughter, a breath stealing moment or two, with characters that are captivating, and a storyline that is intriguing then you need to grab It's in the Duke's Kiss by Julie Johnstone. 

This is part of the Danby Regency series but never fear it will stand on it's own just fine. You will get a chance to see a few characters from previous Danby Regency series books if you have had a chance to read them. 

I was given the opportunity to read this marvelous story and it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

You may find more of my reviews on Julie Johnstone's work here. 

Amazon Buy Link

#Review - Wicked Highland Wishes by Julie Johnstone

Wicked Highland Wishes by Julie Johnstone is a must read for all highlander fans. Ms. Johnstone has written a story that is full drama, intense situations, romance, family, and awesome characters.  Don't forget to grab your box of Kleenex. You are going to need it, I know I sure did. 

Lachlan MacLeod is an honorable man, wonderful brother, faithful friend, fierce warrior, and in love with a woman he doesn't think he can have. 

Bridgette MacLean is a strong, independent woman that can handle a bow with tremendous talent. This lady can take care of things right along side the men in her life. I quickly bonded with Bridgette and loved her attitude. This lady is ready to take on just about any situation and handle it with success. She is put through the paces though. 

Lachlan and Bridgette have been friends for years and each has secretly loved the other from afar. It seems like just when on situation is handled that would allow these two to be together another one jumps out of no where. My heart took one major roller coaster ride with these two. I shed some tears, laughed, cheered their victories, and held my breathe hoping for safety for both of them. I don't want to tell you too much to because I would not want to spoil the story for anyone. Trust me, it's one you are going to want to read for yourself and enjoy every suspenseful, emotional, dramatic, and romance filled moment for yourself. 

Wicked Highland Wishes is book two of the Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series. I have not had a chance to read the first book in the series yet and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. I think it can easily be read as a stand alone I do have the first book in my to be read mountain and I am anxious to read it. I'm sure it is fabulous. I've never met a Julie Johnstone book that wasn't. 

I was given the opportunity to read this wonderful story and it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

You may find more of my reviews on Julie Johnstone's work here. 

Amazon Buy Link


When a Laird Loves a Lady Amazon Buy Link

#ReleaseDay - Wicked Highland Wishes by Julie Johnstone

Wicked Highland Wishes

Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts Book 2

 by Julie Johnstone 

BLURB:

Desire tempted them. Honor forbade them. Love ensnared them. 

Legendary warrior Lachlan MacLeod has never encountered anything or anyone he could not conquer. But when his younger brother confesses his love for Bridgette MacLean—the only woman Lachlan has ever wanted—Lachlan turns away from the beautiful Scottish lass, vowing to be no more than her friend. Yet his need for Bridgette enslaves him and may well prove to be the one thing he cannot defeat.

Fiercely independent Bridgette longs to be treated as an equal to the men. She always imagined great battles in her future, not great love. Then Lachlan saw her as no one ever had and captured her heart, awakening new cravings inside her without realizing it. But when Lachlan’s younger brother suffers a grave injury while saving her life, she feels unable to deny his plea for her heart. However, it is impossible to give what belongs to another…

Torn between their own desire and their loyalties, Bridgette and Lachlan must find the courage to grasp the passion awaiting them and face the pain their choice will cause. Yet even as they confront their future and love finally seems within their grasp, a fight for the Scottish throne divides the Highland clans and Bridgette becomes a pawn in a political game that threatens to tear her and Lachlan apart forever.

Amazon Buy Link

*Note.. I'm reading this now. Stay tuned for my review soon :)

#ReleaseDay #SpotLight ~ When a Laird Loves a Lady By Julie Johnstone

When a Laird Loves a Lady

By Julie Johnstone

Blurb:

A need to belong drives her. A longing to forget compels him. Fate may send them into each other’s arms, but only love can mend their hearts. 

An Outlander 

Raised by a tyrannical father, Marion de Lacy yearns for the comfort of belonging to a loving family. So when her father announces her betrothal to an evil knight in exchange for his help to overthrow the king, she concocts a desperate scheme to avoid the marriage: feigning her own death and then fleeing England. But when her plan goes terribly awry and she’s captured by the knight, not even her careful preparations could ready her for the Scottish barbarian who rescues her and then informs her that he’s to marry her by edict of her king. Certain her father will defy the king’s orders and wed her to the knight if she refuses the Highlander’s hand, Marion agrees to marry the strangely compelling but obstinate laird of the MacLeod clan. 

A Highlander 

After the death of his beloved wife, Iain MacLeod has no desire to marry ever again. Yet when he finds himself obliged to do so to secure the freedom of his childhood friend and king, he reluctantly travels across England to collect his unwanted bride, expecting to find a cold Englishwoman. Instead, he discovers a fiery, bold beauty who is fiercely loyal, protective of those she loves, and defies him at every turn, challenging his certainty that his heart is dead. 

Ensnared 

Following a hasty marriage and perilous journey to Scotland, Marion harbors no illusions that her new husband loves her. Still, her heart cannot resist the noble, brave warrior, and she cannot suppress the hope that she has finally found where she belongs. However, the harder she tries to fit in with the clan and gain Iain’s love, the farther away her dreams drift. Iain is more than willing to give his respect to his courageous wife—her kisses and caresses even ignite his blood and demand his passion—but he refuses to give up his heart. That is, until enemies near and far threaten to take Marion from him. Now the demons that haunt him can only be conquered by surrendering body and soul to Marion, if only it’s not too late… 

Amazon Buy Link

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Excerpt: 

A small sigh escaped Marion as she settled against Iain’s chest and laid her head back. Her dark eyelashes fanned downward to veil her eyes. He held perfectly still, wanting the moment to suspend in time. He knew from losing Catriona that savoring such moments when he was in them was wise. He closed his eyes and memorized the way Marion’s bottom curved against him, the silky feel of her skin brushing his own, and the weight and warmth of her body pressing so trustingly against his chest. Slowly, he opened his eyes and devoured the sight of her slender legs and the delicate appearance of her arms, which belied the strength she had shown when saving Bridgette.
Marion had courage, it seemed, for everything she faced. But did he?
He squeezed his eyes shut again, a single thought drilling into his brain. He had the nerve for battle, the mettle to lead his clan, the willingness to sacrifice himself to protect anyone in his care—or anyone who simply needed him—but did he have the courage to give himself to a woman fully, heart and soul, again? He didn’t know, but he suspected he’d never have all of Marion unless he offered all of himself.



Amazon Buy Link

#GiveAway 12 Days of Christmas Facebook Party Hosted by Chanta Rand & Reviews by Crystal

7 Days and Counting Down!

Remember the Surprise I mentioned? Well here it is Bobbi Romans has filled a Christmas bag with goodies (nail polish, mini note pad, chocolate, and a cool rack card from Bobbi) and her wonderful fairy tale Hansel and Gretel Twisted! All you have to win is Share this Photo or any of the countdown photos from the party page on your facebook page. 

If you would drop by Bobbi's facebook page and click like to Thank her for the cool prize that would be great too! Tag me (Reviews By Crystal) so I can put your name in the drawing smile emoticon

12 Days of Christmas Facebook Party

Hosted by Chanta Rand & Reviews by Crystal

You are invited to join us to celebrate Christmas and all the wonderfulness of the Season! 

Chanta Rand will be featuring and giving away a book by 12 of her favorite authors. Over 40 talented authors are going to stop by with their Christmas memories and giveaway some prizes! We also have a few authors that are unable to join us but will have a giveaway during the party. 

If you are looking for that perfect Christmas present for a reader, come join us for ideas. I bet you will find a wonderful book they would enjoy. Plus you just may win a present for yourself. The giveaways will be open for about 24  hours to give everyone a chance to enter. 

So mark you calendars now and come join us for 12 Days of Christmas Fun, books, prizes, memories, and fun little surprises. 

 Schedule for our Guest Authors: 

(All times listed are Central time) 

December 12th 

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Delaney Diamond
7:00PM Denise Swanson
7:30PM Delaney Diamond
8:00PM Jessica Cale
8:30PM Joe Cosentino
9:00PM Beverley Eikli Author
9:30PM Cynthia Sax

Bonus Prize from Heather Boyd - one ebook copy of An Accidental Affair 

December 13th

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Diane Kelly Fan Page

7:00PM Stacy Juba
7:30PM  Diane Kelly Fan Page
8:00PM Author RaeAnne Thayne
8:30PM Mari Christie - Mariana Gabrielle
9:00PM Kelly Kalmanson

Bonus Prize from Emelle Gamble - Signed print copies of Duets, Molly Harper and December Wedding (The whole series!) 

December 14th 

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Sienna Mynx Fan Hub
7:00PM  Rochelle Weber Author Editor       
7:30PM Holly Tierney-Bedord, author
8:00PM Randi Alexander Books
8:30PM Adrianne Lee Readers Page
9:00 PM Joanne Jaytanie, Author
9:30 PM Grace Augustine

Bonus Prize from Darcy Lundeen -  $30 Amazon GC 

December 15th

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Angie Daniels Author of Romance & Women's Fiction
7:00PM London Saint James 

7:30PM Rhea Rhodan
8:00PM Stanalei Fletcher-Author
8:30PM D. Nichole King
9:00PM Jillian Chantal Author
9:30PM Bronwen Evans

Bonus Prize from Elise Sax - one signed copy Playing the Field

December 16th 

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Jennifer Estep

7:00PM Penny Watson​7:30PM Rose Gordon-historical romance author
8:00PM Barbara White Daille
8:30PM Jude Knight - story teller
9:00PM Margo Bond Collins

9:30PM Kate Hill/Saloni Quinby

Bonus Prize from Monica James -  ADDICTED TO SIN  ebook

December 17th 

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Niobia Bryant | Meesha Mink

7:30PM Linda O. Johnston​
8:00PM Nicole Zoltack
8:30PM Annette Mardis
9:00PM Lori Ryan
9:30PM Author Krista Ames

Bonus Prize from Laura Griffin - One Signed Copy of  Shadow Fall

December 18th 

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Rachel Gibson

7:30PM Izzy Szyn
8:00PM Belle Scarlett
9:00PM The Naughty Literati

Several Members of The Naughty Literati will be joining us with a Santa Bag full of Goodies

December 19th 

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Johanna Lindsey
7:30PM Jaz Primo
8:00PM Romance Author Ginny Baird
8:30PM Pamela Britton

Bonus Prize from Amber Daulton - ecopy of Forever Winter, ecopy of A Hero's Heart, ecopy of Mistletoe in the City (There will be THREE winners)

December 20th

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Jaci Burton 
8:00PM Matthew Davenport, Author
8:30PM Lexi Post

9:00PM Sharon Hamilton​

Bonus Prize from Lucy Felthouse - Kindle copy of any single-author backlist ebook 

December 21st

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Adrianne Byrd's Byrdwatchers
7:30PM Julie Johnstone
8:00PM Molly MacRae
8:30PM Elle James

Bonus Prize from Darcy Lundeen -  $30 Amazon GC 

December 22nd

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Deeanne Gist: Bestselling Author
7:30PM Bobbi Romans
8:00PM Shara Azod
8:30PM Sherry Ewing
9:00PM Lisa Watson
9:30PM PG Forte

Bonus Prize from Aubree Lane - Signed copy of Kissing Ball & SWAG

December 23

Chanta's Featured Author of the night: Jeannie Lin - Official Author Page

8:00PM Susana Ellis
8:30PM Dana Marton
9:00PM Addison Kline

Bonus Prize from KD Grace -The Executive Decision Box Set & The Mount Box Set (Two Winners)

The Dangerous Duke of Dinnisfree by Julie Johnstone ~ A Whisper of Scandal Novel Book 5 ~ Release Day

The Dangerous Duke of Dinnisfree 

by Julie Johnstone

Blurb:

Justin Holleman, the Duke of Dinnisfree, is used to being wanted—in bed, for missions, and even dead. He’s protected his country more times than he can remember, gaining enemies along the way, but he failed to defend himself from the past that hardened his heart. Instead, he became an expert at shutting people out. Yet now, in order to save the king, Justin needs to let go of his old ways and let someone closer to him than ever before. He approaches the mission with his classic cold calculation, but his fiery new ally upends his ordered world and entices him at every turn. Suddenly he’s in danger of compromising his assignment and losing his heart, two things he swore never to do. 

Desperate to protect her parents from poverty, among other things, Miss Arabella Carthright unwittingly becomes a pawn in a dangerous political battle when she agrees to aid an enigmatic stranger. Having learned long ago to count only on herself, she’s surprised when time and again the duke actually aids her. But when his true assignment becomes clear, Arabella realizes the man she’s come to care for poses the greatest threat to those she loves. 

As Justin and Arabella face their feelings and their web of deception falls away, they must decide how high a price they are willing to pay for love and loyalty.

Amazon Buy Link

Link to My Review

~*~*~*~*~*~
Excerpt:

Arabella looked Justin straight in the eyes. “I’m supposed to seduce you. That’s why I’m here.”
“Well, by all means, then,” he teased, even as desire gripped him in its iron hold.
Her mouth parted, and she stared at him for a long moment. She inhaled slowly, her chest rising tantalizingly. “I’m also supposed to search your home for the letters.”
He cocked an eyebrow. Anger pumped through his veins that she, an innocent, had been drawn into such corruption.
“Justin, I don’t intend to seduce you.”
“How utterly disappointing,” he murmured. He had to take a deep inhalation to try to return his heartbeat to a normal rhythm. If she’d attempted to seduce him at this moment, he would have let her with no hesitation at all. He would have compromised his mission to touch her, kiss her, and hold her in his arms.

The Dangerous Duke of Dinnisfree by Julie Johnstone ~ Whisper of Scandal #5 ~ REVIEW

Julie Johnstone has once again created one of those awesome historical romance stories that is incredibly hard to set down. The Dangerous Duke of Dinnisfree is full of danger, drama, intrigue, secrets, spies, romance, with large dose of royal scandal.What more could a girl ask for in a story. I can't think of a thing except a few more hours in the day so that I could have read this book even faster.

Arabella Carthright is a sweet, kind hearted young lady with a plate full of problems. Her father has medical issues, her mother has had a break down and is in an expensive institution, and Arabella needs an income. This poor young lady has her hands full and is in desperate need of helping hand and maybe a friend to hear her troubles. I found an instant bond with Arabella. I instantly admired her for  her courage and strength to face what she think she has to do to save her parents.

Justin Holleman, the Duke of Dinnisfree is a handsome playboy with a dangerous career and strong alliances that he must protect. Justin sets out to find answers for the King and ends up finding more questions, a couple of HUGE secrets, and a whole lot of danger.

When Justin's mission puts him in the same path as Arabella things change. Justin has never felt the feelings that surface when he is with Arabella. I enjoyed watching these two discover each other and work together  reveal secrets that could cause a huge impact to many.

Justin won my heart over when he went all out to help Arabella with a few major problems. He just might be the Knight she's needs riding to her rescue. I loved that he didn't even pause when he discovers he just might be able to help Arabella with one of her huge problems.  I loved that he rode in, cleaned up the trash, and started to make things better. 

Overall this is one awesome romance story with sweet moments, a few breath taking moments of dangers, hidden secrets that are slowly revealed,  and a possible  royal scandal. Julie Johnstone has written creative characters with the perfect mix charm, loyalty, chemistry, and bravery to make this storyline completely captivating. Ms. Johnstone grabbed my attention on page one and kept me completely engaged all the way to the last page. 

This is part of the Whisper of Scandal series but will stand alone just fine. So don't worry if you haven't read the previous awesome books in this series. You will be fine to start here and then go grab up the rest of the series so that you may devour those as well.

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on The Dangerous Duke of Dinnisfree. 

Read more of my reviews on Julie Johnstone's work here.

Amazon Buy Link:


 The Dangerous Duke of Dinnisfree

  After Forever

 Dancing with a Devil 

 Conspiring with a Rogue 

  Bargaining with a Rake 

My Enchanting Hoyden by Julie Johnstone ~ Once Upon a Rogue #3 ~ REVIEW

I love Julie Johnstone's historical romance stories. I haven't met one yet that was not well written and totally captivating. Ms. Johnstone's characters are always charming, entertaining, and sometimes a just a little on the rebellious side. 

The the lady on the cover of this book fits Jemma Adair to a tee. I love that mischievous look on her face. It just looks like she has a million things on her mind and she is trying to figure out what mischievous thing she is going to do next. 

I think I may have met my favorite character in the Once Upon a Rogue series so far. Of course I think I have been enchanted by each and every character in this series. They are all wonderful. However Jemma Adair had me laughing out loud with her mischievousness.This girl is a hoot and I just loved her. She's sweet, charming in her own way, mischievous, creative, a little sassy, and this girl has spunk. She has also had her heart broken, lost her mother way too soon, had to grow up quickly, and wants to protect her younger (twin) sister Anne from all the hurts of the world. Ms. Johnstone had me laughing and crying with Jemma. 

Philip De Vere, Lord Harthorne, is responsible for his mother and takes care of all the finances. The problem being there isn't much in the way of finances to keep. He is need of a solution to their money problems and he needs that solution sooner rather than later. He feels he must marry for money. So he sets out to fall in love with or at least like with a lady that has a nice dowry. He'd rather marry for love then money but a Lord has to do what a Lord has to do to take care of things. Phillip is one of those really sweet guys that believes in love and happily ever after. He's just adorable. 

When Philip meets Jemma the friction and tension between these two is humorous. They are both just a little bit sassy and Jemma of course wants to come off as completely unacceptable to everyone. This girl does everything she can think of so that the men of the Ton or anyone that may want to court her will find her highly less than desirable. 

Once Phillip and Jemma get a chance to know each other though they find they have common interest and form a friendship. Phillip will help Jemma be disinterest her current suitor and Jemma will help Phillip to become  a rake. I loved watching these two get to know each other. They are really so perfect for each other but they had to fight their feelings because they didn't think they could have each other. 

Jemma and Anne's Grandfather has been offish and maybe a little harsh since they have arrived. I really liked how Jemma figured out what is going on. I won't tell you what but I will tell you that I loved this part of the story. It's really quite sweet. 

This story really reached out and touched me. I was completely captivated by Phillip and Jemma's story. I had so much fun reading about all their mischief, their romance, and their combined effort to help Anne with a problem. I don't want to tell you too much about this fabulous story. I will tell you that even if you haven't read the other books in the Once Upon a Rogue series you won't have any trouble enjoying this one. If you have read the other stories you are going to love the chance to catch up with some friends from the previous books. I know I did. 

Julie Johnstone is honestly one of my very favorite authors when it comes to historical romance. She writes a historical romance the way I like to read them. I can not wait to see what this very talented author has up her sleeve for us lucky readers next. 

I was given the opportunity to read and review this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts on My Enchanting Hoyden.

You may find more of my reviews on Julie Johnstone's books here....

  My Enchanting Hoyden


 My Seductive Innocent

  My Fair Duchess