Reviews by Crystal: Historical Romance

Showing posts with label Historical Romance. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

#GiveAway ~ The Marquis and I by Ella Quinn ~ @ellaquinnauthor @GoddessFish

The Marquis and I

by Ella Quinn

Ella will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. You may find those locations here.

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BLURB:

Trouble is no match for a lady of the extended Worthington family—except when it comes in the form of a most irresistible gentleman . . .

Lady Charlotte Carpenter’s brother-in-law has put an infamous brothel owner out of business—yet it is Charlotte who suffers the consequences. Abducted by thugs and held at an inn, she is plotting her escape when she’s suddenly rescued by a dashing gentleman. Only afterward does she realize she’s seen him before—with two courtesans! Unwilling to tarry with such a man, Charlotte makes her second escape. But it is too late to repair her reputation . . .

A known gossip has spied Charlotte’s movements, and his report is speeding through the rumor mill. Soon, everyone knows that Charlotte spent the night with Constantine, Marquis of Kenilworth. And everyone agrees the only answer is marriage—including Constantine himself, his overjoyed mother—and his mistress! But Charlotte’s abductors aren’t finished with her yet. Now Constantine will do anything to protect the spirited woman he loves and win her heart . . .

GENRE: Historical Romance

The Marquis and I Buy Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2EYyD2B

Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2rI8cKu

Kobo http://bit.ly/2r8Dyet

iTunes http://apple.co/2tT1wZb

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Excerpt:

Wife? Wed? No, no, no! Being betrothed was bad enough. But she could get out of that. But married! Lord Kenilworth was the last man in the world she would wed. Just the idea that he would touch her with the same hands he used to mistreat other women made her stomach lurch.

Charlotte quickly shoved the memory of his kiss aside. If she had known who he was, she would never have kissed him.

Taking a deep breath, she said with as firm a voice as she could muster, “Despite what his lordship said, I do not wish to marry him. There must be a way to—”

“That is neither here nor there, my dear.” Lady Bellamny waved away Charlotte’s complaint in a voice so composed it made her want to slaughter someone. Preferably Lord Kenilworth. “I stopped by Stanwood House to inform your sister I intended to be out of Town for a few days. Instead, I found your cousin Jane, Mrs. Addison. Knowing that I am a trustworthy friend of the family, she told me what had occurred. Unless I am mistaken, you were with Lord Kenilworth at least overnight, and you were seen entering the inn with him.” She raised a brow. “In a rather disheveled state.”

Charlotte decided to ignore her creased, dusty gown, and address the most important issue. “I did not exactly spend the night with him.” Not all night and, technically, she had entered the inn first. “He followed me into the inn. I—”

“Close enough, my lady.” His tone was as dry as sand. “We were seen together walking toward this place, and I held the door open for you.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat cruising the Caribbean and North America. Europe is next!

She loves having readers connect with her.

Website: www.ellaquinnauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Blog http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpress.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Of Love and Betrayal by Louise Lyndon ~ GIVEAWAY

Of Love and Betrayal

by Louise Lyndon

Louise will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner during the tour. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. Remember you may increase your chances of winning by visiting the other tour stops. Those locations may be found here.

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BLURB:

Aveline de Bondeville is on the run. Determined to keep out of the hands of the cruel Raimbaut de Blois she will do whatever it takes to stay alive. And so when she finds herself in the company of Troy de Gysborne she must quickly decide if she can trust him. But can she confess to murder knowing it would mean her certain death?

Troy de Gysborne did the unthinkable; he tore the bonds of brotherhood and left a path of destruction in his wake. And now Troy must face those he betrayed, including the father who long ago renounced him. But to confess to the crime he committed will cost him everything. Including Aveline. But can he remain silent if it means losing the woman he loves?

GENRE: Historical Romance

Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N

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EXCERPT:

“What have they done to you?” Troy’s deep, baritone voice rumbled through her. She could not look him in the eye. “You needn’t be scared of me, wee fille. You have my word I will honor and protect you. I am not like those other men. I will do you no harm.”

Before she could say she truly wanted to believe him, Troy pulled her gently toward him and positioned her so she sat between his thighs. She did not lean back against him, her distrust like a solid piece of ice wedged between them. She gripped the edges of her blanket tightly and held it against her like a shield.

“You have only my word I will not hurt you.” The fine hairs on her arms stood on end as his warm breath danced across her neck. She closed her eyes and kept her back ramrod straight. Heat burned her cheeks as he nuzzled her neck. “And I pray in time you will accept my word as being truthful.”

She leaned ever so slightly against him. And when he wrapped his strong arms around her, she released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

“It’s late. We should go back to bed.” Yet, she made no move to leave his embrace. Instead, she placed her hands on his thighs. The heat of him seeped into her palms, up her arms, and straight in to her heart. While she believed Troy when he said he would do her no harm, physically, Aveline knew there was more than one way to hurt someone.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Louise grew up in country Victoria, Australia, before moving to England, where for sixteen years she soaked up the vibrancy of London and the medieval history of England. She has since returned to Australia and now lives in Melbourne.

In 2013, Louise won first prize in the historical romance category of the Crested Butte Sandy Writing Contest for her story, The Promise, which has since been retitled and is now known as, Of Love & Vengeance.

When not writing, Louise can be found covered in mud, crawling under barbed wire and hoisting herself over twelve foot walls!

AUTHOR LINKS:

EMAIL | Website | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST: llyndon3513 | GOODREADS

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Secrets to a Gentleman's Heart by Samantha Grace ~ Uncle Charlie's Angels #1 ~ REVIEW

Secrets to a Gentleman's Heart is only the second book I have had the chance to read by Samantha Grace and I'm hooked! Ms. Grace has a writing style that reaches out to grab my attention and then holds me spellbound by her fabulous storyline and creative characters.

Regina Darlington is a fun yet serious young lady that will do anything to protect her family. She has the skills to kick rear end and then ask questions later. I admired this young lady quickly. She is what I would have wanted to be like if I had been around in that era. She's smart, has a huge heart, and is incredibly brave. She is determined not to marry. She wants to make sure she is always there to take care of Uncle Charles and Great Aunt Beatrice.

Xavier Vistoire is a handsome gentleman that has been through the mill and back again. Even after all he has been through he's kind, caring, and loves his family. He will do anything to protect his sister and her family. He is in a horrible situation that is not of his own making.

Regina and Xavier met under extremely interesting circumstance. Once they get to know each other they discover that there is more than just their extreme attraction drawing them together.

I loved how Xavier sets out to court Regina and that he includes her family in their courtship. How is not possible to adore a guy when he is not only sweet to Regina but also is kind and caring of her great aunt and her sisters.

Speaking of Aunt Beatrice, I loved this lady. She knows how to put someone in their place but in a way that is all her own style. She loves her nieces and had a quirky personality that you just have to adore.

Secrets to a Gentleman's Heart is jam packed with mystery, drama, suspense, intrigue, romance, family, and all the wonderful things that make for a fabulous story. I know that I can not wait to see what Ms. Grace has in store for the rest of this series. I will be impatiently awaiting the release of book two. I can't wait to see what The Darlington sisters are up to next and what Uncle Charles has been doing that has kept him away from his precious nieces for so long.

If you are looking for a historical romance that is going to have you clinging to edge of your seat with bated breathe while you wait to see what the next twist is going to reveal then you really should pick up Secrets to a Gentleman's Heart.

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 Secrets to a Gentleman's Heart.

Amazon Buy Link:

Secrets to a Gentleman's Heart

Monday, October 26, 2015

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

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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

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Rise of a Queen by Chanta Rand ~ Six of the Best Hop ~ #6BestHop

I'm excited to host Chanta Rand today for Six of the Best Blog Hop. Below you will find an intriguing excerpt from Rise of a Queen. Honestly this makes me anxious to get my hands on this book soon!

Be sure to visit the other authors links to read Six of their Best

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Nabeela stood in all her naked glory in front of her new husband. She would not let him see how disgusted she felt. Instead, her eyes wandered below his waist. She frowned at the fleshy proboscis jutting from the wiry bush between his hairy thighs. She’d never seen a man’s root before. Hakim’s was the size of her forefinger. It was the only emaciated part of him.

“Lick it,” he ordered.

Her heart beat like the frenzied rhythm of a drum. This was one thing she had not anticipated.

If I have to put that thing in my mouth, I will wretch.

She closed her eyes, and choked back the bile rising in the back of her throat. To think, she’d preserved her maidenhead for this moment. That was her saving grace and the only reason she’d been able to barter herself.

Her eyes flickered open when she felt Hakim’s meaty fingers groping her breasts. He had a look of rapture on his face. She bit her lip. She would have to endure this ogre’s fondling for days, weeks, perhaps even months until she knew she was with child. It would be hard to do when his touch made her skin crawl.

She sank to her knees on the thick tapestry of rugs as though she were being led to her death. Hakim’s manhood jutted out like a flag on a windy day. Her face hovered near the hard flesh.

“Yes,” he groaned in anticipation.

Nabeela prayed for courage.

Oh, divine goddess, please let me survive this ordeal. I must!

Summoning the strength of her ancestors, she leaned forward and opened her mouth. Her lips were mere inches from the tip of his shaft. Without warning, he took a step backward. Confused, Nabeela looked up. His mouth was distorted into a grimace, frozen into what would have been a lop-sided grin if not for the grotesque mask of pain. His puffy jowls slackened as one hand clutched at his heart, grasping a fistful of wooly chest hair.

Nabeela gasped as Hakim’s corpulent body crashed to the floor like a tree being felled in the forest. She watched, horrified as his eyes rolled back into his head, and his labored breathing abruptly ceased. She clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle her scream. She was not prone to emotional outbursts, but the death of her new husband was reason to panic. All her hopes for a better future had just died with him.

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Blurb:

A dead husband. An unconsummated marriage. She needs an heir. Any man will do.

1061 AD. A sprawling empire rich in gold, resources, and military might dominates West Africa. It’s The Kingdom of Ghana, and it’s at the height of its power.

Twenty-year old Nabeela is grappling with her own power struggle. In order to save her younger sister from their step-brother’s clutches, Nabeela agrees to marry a repulsive African prince and bear him an heir. However, her plans are waylaid when tragedy strikes on her wedding night—her new husband dies—without consummating their marriage.

She must find a replacement to impregnate her immediately. Any man will do—including a drunken soldier her servants find naked taking a bath in a neighboring village. Nabeela holds him captive and coerces him into having sex with her—stealing the one thing he can never get back—his seed.

What she doesn’t know is the soldier is Rafan, Commander of a warring tribe’s royal army, and one of her family’s arch enemies. Eager for revenge, Rafan tracks her down once he’s released. But when these two reunite, they realize their lust for each other is far greater than their disdain.

Enamored by Nabeela’s beauty and bravery, Rafan makes her an offer of marriage, and the promise to help her become queen. He convinces her that they are stronger allies than enemies. Even though they share a commitment to unite, there are others who are determined to destroy them and their plans, including the one person Nabeela would have never suspected. In the end, she’s is forced to choose between her passion and her ambition.

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Buy Links:

Amazon |

Remember: You can't expect any sizzle...if you don't turn up the heat!

Chanta Rand's Social Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Mailing List

Monday, October 19, 2015

Dangerous Weakness by Caroline Warfield ~ REVIEW

Dangerous Weakness is the first chance I have had to read Caroline Warfield's work. This talented lady has spun a tale of twist, turns, and a few tangles that kept me spellbound from page one all the way to the end.

Lily Thornton is a strong spirited lady that has a mind of her own and isn't afraid to use it. I admired Lily from the beginning. She is a feisty young lady that has just the right amount of sass to make things interesting.

Richard Hayden, Marquess of Glenaire is in need of a wife. He sets out to find a suitable wife that will fit in with his family, bare his children, and attend to the duties of a marchioness. When he meets Lily at a house party their attraction is evident but Lily isn't from the right ranks of a family for the Marquess to choose as his wife. However their deep attraction and flare for bristling each other into a fine squabble seems to draw Richard to Lily.

Lily finds herself wrapped up in a web of danger and deceit. This poor lady has so much going on and danger is lurking around every corner. She has a few friends she is able to rely on.

Richard follows Lily into a world of danger and turmoil. This storyline is so intense that I think I may have held my breath for a few pages. I could not wait to see what was going to happen to these two next. I could not imagine what Ms. Warfield may have in store for them. I feared for the safety, cheered for their triumphs and cried for their joys and sorrows.

Over all this is one really great historical romance with plenty of mystery, drama, danger, friendships, and a touch of humor thrown into the mix to make for a tremendous read.

I would certainly enjoy reading more of Caroline Warfield's work in the future. I see there are two other "Dangerous" books by Ms. Warfield. I would love to read them to find out more background on the other characters in this story.

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 Dangerous Weakness.

Amazon Buy Link:

Dangerous Weakness

Thursday, October 15, 2015

THE MADNESS OF LORD WESTFALL By Mia Marlowe ~ SPOTLIGHT

THE MADNESS OF LORD WESTFALL

By Mia Marlowe

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BLURB:

Pierce Langdon, Viscount Westfall is mad. Everyone knows it. He fell from a tree when he was a boy and woke to hear strange voices. When the voices grow stronger as he grows older, his family commits him to Bedlam. But what he hears are the thoughts of those around him—a gift to be used in service to the Order of the M.U.S.E. Until he falls again…this time for a totally unsuitable woman.

Lady Nora Claremont hides her heartbreak behind the facade of a carefree courtesan. Viscount Westfall is the most confusing man she’s ever met. He seems to know exactly what she wants…and what she’s thinking.

Which is a dangerous thing, because what Nora wants is Pierce.

And what she’s thinking could expose her as a traitor to the crown…

Release Date: September 21, 2015

Publisher: Entangled Select
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Ebook

The Madness of Lord Westfall is available for order at

Amazon | B&N

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Meet the Author:

Mia’s work was featured in the Best of 2010 issue of PEOPLE magazine. One of her books was on display at the Museum of London Docklands next to Johnny Depp memorabilia. The RITA nominated author has over 25 books in print with more on the way! For more info, please visit http://www.miamarlowe.com!