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.

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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 

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

My Enchanting Hoyden by Julie Johnstone ~ A Once Upon A Rogue Novel ~ RELEASE SPOTLIGHT

My Enchanting Hoyden 

A Once Upon A Rogue Novel Book 3

 by Julie Johnstone 

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BLURB:
A bargain born of desperation ignites into passion as one lord’s quest to save his family leads to the discovery that he can never settle for less than love. 

Forsaken, abandoned, and duped, Miss Jemma Adair has no other recourse but to request her grandfather’s help to avoid living on the streets. His asking price? She must marry a neighboring lord’s odious son. Thankfully, there is a way out of her dilemma—ensuring the rake never asks for her hand. But what is Jemma to do when her ally is an all-too handsome silver-tongued lord with a penchant for poetry that makes her question giving her heart to another man? 

Philip De Vere, Lord Harthorne, wishes to marry for love, but inherited debt and family obligations force him to seek a wealthy wife. Yet experience has taught him that ladies of the ton prefer rogues to gentlemen with a poet’s soul. But when an unrepentant hoyden claims to know a thing or two about how to make a man a rake, Philip finds he cannot resist Jemma’s offer or her. 

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Excerpt: 

Philip barreled out of the study, down the corridor into the main hall, and brushed past the footman who was reaching to open the door for him. Philip, needing an escape from his own thoughts, flung open the door and stormed outside. He would have kept going straight to his awaiting carriage if he hadn’t crashed right into something very soft. That something let out a hearty umpf that told him right away the something was a someone. And when he looked up, he realized that someone was Jemma, teetering on the edge of the steps, her eyes wide and her arms waving frantically in the air as she tried to right herself.
For a moment, he stood stock-still, fascinated with the emotions careening across her lovely face. Determination. Fear. Frustration. Back to determination. An inspiration of words hit him: An Ode to a Tempestuous Woman.
She swayed backward, and he reached out and snagged his hand about her waist to save her. He meant only to bring her forward, but he overestimated how hard to tug and she ended up barreling into his chest, her hands grasping—no doubt in self-preservation—both his arms. The beat of her heart hammered against his chest, and the poetic words that had failed to come to him for more months than he could remember flowed through his mind as he stared down into her dazzling eyes. How had he failed to notice that gold flecked her blue-green eyes? He’d never seen the likes of her color.
“I could write a hundred poems about your eyes,” he blurted, lost in them.
Immediately, she tugged away, then moved down to the step below him and tilted her head up to look at him. She raised her hand to shield her eyes from the setting sun, or maybe to hide her eyes from him so he wouldn’t wax eloquent about them anymore. He felt like a fool. He could make a joke of it to save his pride, but he refused to do so.
The moment she realized he wasn’t jesting was clear by the flair of her nostrils and the subtle way she tried and failed to inhale a deep breath. “How boring that would be,” she finally said. She lifted her chin. “Would it go something like, She had round eyes, very oddly colored both green and blue?”
Ah. She didn’t truly see herself. Given that he barely knew her, he couldn’t decide if the revelation was surprising or shed light on her prickliness. If she saw herself as odd, maybe her sharp wit was a defense against her insecurity. The thought tightened his chest. His sister had seen herself in that same light for most of her life, and it had been hard to watch the toll it had taken.
Devil take it. He should simply leave, but he couldn’t do it. He wanted her to see herself through his eyes, so she would have a bit of confidence when having to brave the cruel ton in her debut. “I think the poem would go more like this: She had eyes of emeralds and sapphire ice, entrancing and fearsome at once. Beguiling, beseeching, bewitching in thrice…”
His heart pounded as he looked at her. He didn’t know where that had come from, but he was damned proud of it. That was his one last act as a non-rake.
She turned her face away for a moment, and when she glanced back at him, she shook her head, almost as if at herself. “You have a beautiful gift for lying.”
He frowned. “Was that your version of a compliment?”
She cocked her head and drew her eyebrows upward. “Take it as whatever you desire.”
He wanted her to realize she was lovely because soon she would realize how little it might matter without a dowry, but it appeared he had bungled it. He could feel the heat in his cheeks. Rakes didn’t blush, damn it all.
“I do not lie, Miss Adair.”
“You’d be the first man, then, Lord Harthorne.”
“Jemma!” a voice said in clear dismay from a few steps beneath her. Philip blinked in surprise at Jemma’s sister, Miss, Miss― Ah, hell. Her Christian name had completely escaped him. He could recall she was the younger sister, though, so propriety demanded he use her Christian name. Jemma had struck him dull-witted. Fine start to being a rogue, this was.
He sketched a hasty bow. “I didn’t see you standing there Miss…?” He certainly couldn’t pretend he remembered her name when he’d just told Miss Adair he didn’t lie.
“Miss Anne,” she said, offering one of her pleasant smiles.
She was a pretty thing, her pale looks currently all the fashion, but strangely not compelling to him as her flame-haired, freckle-flecked sister was. Everything about Jemma begged inspection, dissection, and quill to paper to figure out the conundrum she presented. Whereas Miss Anne appeared to be an open book. There was nothing wrong with that, but he had always liked the puzzles of life.
He cast a sideways glance at Jemma and found her studying him as if he were some foreign specimen she wasn’t sure whether to crush under her slipper or capture in a jar. “It’s a pleasure to see you again,” he said to Miss Anne.
“You’ll be seeing more of me,” the young lady gushed. “And my sister. We’re making our debut this Season.”
His gaze immediately went to Jemma’s face. He couldn’t help it. She displayed her displeasure vividly. A dark scowl marred her lovely features, and her lips pressed into a thin, white line. Clearly, she was not nearly as pleased to be making her debut and partaking in the Season as her sister was. He could relate. The prospect of countless balls filled with nonsensical chatter, false smiles, and his having to actively search for an heiress did not entice him in the least, but it was necessary.
“I wish you both happy hunting,” he said, unsure what else to say. “I’m certain we will run into one another again very soon.”
Jemma snorted, and her sister elbowed her in the side. Jemma cut her eyes to her sister before focusing on him once again. Something mischievous stirred in the depths of her eyes that matched the wicked smile suddenly lighting her face. “Is that what you are doing, Lord Harthorne? Hunting?”
“Are you?” he parried to sidestep the need to lie.
“No. I’m running.”
“Jemma,” her sister groaned.
She shrugged. “I doubt Lord Harthorne is bothered by me speaking my mind. Are you, Lord Harthorne?”
He had to smile. He rather liked her bold nature. “As long as your words don’t sting me, I am not bothered a bit. In fact, I find I’m quite intrigued.”
Her eyebrows knitted together. “My aim is not to intrigue.”
“Don’t you want a husband, Miss Adair?”
“About as much as I want the plague,” she replied cheekily.
He threw his head back and laughed, even as her sister grabbed her hand and started tugging on her. “I’m terribly sorry, Lord Harthorne. My sister is not herself tonight.”
“I’m myself,” Jemma called over her shoulder as her sister dragged her up the few steps to the front door.
As the door opened, Philip remembered the money in his coat. He’d forgotten to give it to his sister. “Miss Adair!”
Jemma swung around to face him and quirked her brows up. “Miss me already?”
By God, she was an outspoken lady. He itched to get home and create a poem worthy of her.

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Author Info:

Julie Johnstone is a USA Today best-selling author of Regency Romance and the author of a new urban fantasy/paranormal romance book. She's been a voracious reader of books since she was a young girl. Her mother would tell you that as a child Julie had a rich fantasy life made up of many different make believe friends. As an adult, Julie is one of the lucky few who can say she is living the dream by working with her passion of creating worlds from her imagination. When Julie is not writing she is chasing her two precocious children around, cooking, reading or exercising. Julie loves to hear from her readers. You can send her an email at juliejohnstoneauthor@gmail.com or find her at www.juliejohnstoneauthor.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorjuliejohnstone or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/juliejohnstoneauthor or at twitter @juliejohnstone.

My Seductive Innocent by Julie Johnstone (A Once Upon A Rogue Novel Book #2) ~ Review ~

My Seductive Innocent is the second book in the Once Upon A Rogue series. I loved the first book in this series and I could not wait to read what the talented Julie Johnstone had in store for the Duke of Scarsdale. I knew it would be good and was it EVER! I loved this book. Once again Ms. Johnstone has written another book that kept my attention from the first page all the way to the last. 

First of all let me just say if you haven't read My Fair Duchess (Book one), never fear this is easily read as a stand alone. If you have read My Fair Duchess then like me you are going to enjoy catching up with Duke of Aversley and his lovely wife Amelia. 

Sophia Vane has had a really rough life. She has been abused and belittled by her horrible father. She has a brother that she would do anything for and to protect. I instantly admired this strong independent young lady for her courage and loyalty. 

The Duke of Scarsdale doesn't believe in love or happily ever after. He had a horrible childhood with many experiences that jaded his visions of love. However you can tell under that rough and tough exterior that he has a very giving and warm heart. I can certainly see how Sophia would quickly fall in love with him. I loved his interaction with Sophia's brother. He treats Harry so nicely and lets him be a young boy. I loved when Nathan and Harry come up with a surprise for Sophia. It's really very sweet. 

OK, now comes the part of my review that I could tell you so much about this book. Oh there is some lovely romance, (shh don't tell Nathan that he really is romantic in his own way) that lead to a few steamy scenes.  Drama, oh my goodness is there drama. I was left holding my breath several times. There a lot of emotion in this book. I will issues a Kleenex warning on this one for sure. I know I found myself in tears a couple of times. I don't want to tell you what happened to make me cry. I am going to let you grab your own copy of My Seductive Innocent and find out for yourself. I will tell you that this book had me captivated from the beginning to the very end. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next and to who! Julie Johnstone has done a great job of writing lovely romance story but also has included a grand mystery as well.  I distrusted one of the characters that turned out to be one of the villains.  I had hoped this person wasn't responsible for some of the horrible things happening but it turned out I was correct to distrust them. 

There is also the wonderful close knit friendship between the Duke of Scarsdale, the Duke of Aversley, and  the Earl of  Harthorne. Amelia and Sophia grow very close quickly as well. This is a nice little group of characters that are fun, charming, and delightful to read about. I can not wait to see what Julie Johnstone has in store for the next book in this series. 

If you enjoy historical romance and have not had a chance to read Julie Johnstone's work yet, may I suggest this one? If you have read Ms. Johnstone's work before and are already a fan then hurry go get your copy of My Seductive Innocent now. I think you will enjoy it, I know I loved this story. It did certainly did tear at little pieces of my heart at times but it was well on the way to mended by the end. 

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 My Seductive Innocent.

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


Amazon Buy Links:

 My Seductive Innocent

  My Fair Duchess

My Seductive Innocent by Julie Johnstone ~ A Once Upon A Rogue Novel ~ Release Day ~ Giveaway

My Seductive Innocent

 A Once Upon A Rogue Novel Book 2

By Julie Johnstone

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Blurb:

Miss Sophia Vane, a hoyden of the first order, makes an unlikely match when she weds Nathaniel Ellison, the rich and wary Duke of Scarsdale. What starts with an unexpected friendship soon blooms into a fiery passion. But a betrayal plunges Sophia into the thorny world of London Society and entangles her in a labyrinth of manipulation and jealousy that will test the strength of her marriage. Behind her husband’s sudden icy facade, Sophia believes dwells the caring, passionate man she loves. To break through the barriers and reclaim their happiness, they must do more than simply cast away their pride. They must fight for their very lives.

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Excerpt:

Sophia trailed her fingers over Nathan’s strong jawline. She would reveal some of her fear in hopes that one day he would reveal some of his. “You’re like Michelangelo’s David. I’m afraid one day you will wake up and wonder who the stray puppy is that you married.”

He stood so abruptly she feared he was about to agree with her and then walk out of this room and her life. He looked down at her from his towering stance, reached behind him to tug off his shirt, and revealed a rippling abdomen and muscled chest. She stared in awe and wistfulness; his body―marred only at his shoulder by the bandage covering his healing wound―was every bit as beautiful as his face.

“I’m no statue, Sophia,” he growled as he yanked his boots off, then his pants and undergarments. She gaped at the size and power of his body that could not be denied now that he stood there without a stich of clothing.

“You are perfect,” she whispered, ashamed that she was so far from it, so very unmatched to him.

His gaze grew hard. “Expecting perfection from me will hurt us both. I like that you’re not perfect. Do you understand?”

She understood that he’d been hurt deeply and that he was trying to tell her how without saying it explicitly. “I do.”

He lowered himself over her, and something fierce glittered in his eyes. “I’ll hurt you and I’ll fail you, and then you’ll see. You won’t think me perfect. You won’t want to love me then.”

“Come to me, Nathan,” she replied, knowing arguing was futile. “Show me your imperfections.”

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About the Author:

Julie Johnstone is a USA TODAY best-selling author of Regency Romance and the author of a new urban fantasy/paranormal romance book. She’s been a voracious reader of books since she was a young girl. Her mother would tell you that as a child Julie had a rich fantasy life made up of many different make believe friends. As an adult, Julie is one of the lucky few who can say she is living the dream by working with her passion of creating worlds from her imagination. When Julie is not writing she is chasing her two precocious children around, cooking, reading or exercising. Julie loves to hear from her readers. You can send her an email at juliejohnstoneauthor@gmail.com or find her at www.juliejohnstoneauthor.com, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/juliejohnstoneauthor and www.facebook.com/authorjuliejohnstone and on twitter at @juliejohnstone. You can join Julie’s newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/extras/subscribe/

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Buy Links:

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

After Forever by Julie Johnstone ~ Release Day Blitz ~ Giveaway

Giveaway

Julie is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter. 

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Synopsis

A year after her husband’s tragic death, all Lady Julianna Barrows wants is to be left alone and forget that most of her heart went with him when he passed. Instead, she finds herself the subject of many a matchmaking scheme and lurid offer to ease her widowhood, as well as save her fading fortune. Desperate to avoid having to remarry, she takes on a position as a tutor, only to discover that the man she’s helping unexpectedly stirs her heart and passion.


Nash Wolverton boxed his way out of the London slums and into immense wealth, but he couldn’t care less about Society’s approval. Except he has his by-blow daughter’s future to consider. To ensure her acceptance into Society, he’ll endure anything―including procuring a tutor to transform him into a gentleman so he can secure a suitable, boring wife.

Yet what he wants changes the moment he hires Julianna. She may be a lady, but she’s far from tedious. Bold and compassionate, she is nothing like the women of the ton. Suddenly, she’s elicited a simmering desire in him, and even a longing to love and be loved that he always thought out of his reach. Knowing what he planned to settle for can now never be enough, he vows to win her love. But as the walls she’s built begin to crumble, Julianna’s fears threaten to tear them apart and she alone must decide if protecting her heart trumps breaking Nash’s.

Buy After Forever on Amazon

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Excerpt

He met Julianna’s worried gaze and smiled. Was she worried for him? That was a first. No, wait. It was a second. She had been anxious for him that night at the ball, as well. Every part of him wanted to learn more about this delicate creature standing before him. Like how she happened to be here. He’d bet his fortune she’d never willingly admit her secrets.

“I suppose you’re here to seduce me,” he said, forcing a serious, contemplative tone.

Her lovely mouth parted. “What?”

“I have to tell you, I’m not one to be easily seduced.” He dropped his voice low, teasing. “But for you I’ll make an exception.”

“How very generous of you,” she replied with a smirk, high color rising on her sculpted cheekbones.

He purposely yanked his clothes into a semblance of order before catching her gaze once again. He stilled his hands and narrowed his gaze. “Should I be concerned about your dogged pursuing of me? You’re not cracked are you?”

“I’m beginning to wonder,” she grumbled, forcing him to press his lips together to keep from smiling.

She shoved her hair over her shoulders. “Rest assured I’m not doggedly pursuing you.”

“How disappointing.” He allowed the truth of his feelings to shimmer at the surface for a moment before lightening his tone. “And here I thought I must have so intrigued you at the ball that you investigated me, learned where I had my country home, and made your way here with your daughter all in the hope of encountering me and trying to talk me into marrying you.”

The color on her cheeks deepened and spread, rather alluringly, to her chest. Her gaze darted away for a moment before settling back on him. “Actually, I did come here in search of you, though not with marriage in mind.”

He lifted his brows slowly, even as his blood raced through his veins. He really should not keep teasing her, but it was impossible to resist. “I like how you think, Lady Barrows.”

Her brows furrowed together before her eyes widened. “I’m not thinking of you like that at all. I don’t even see you in that way. More like a dog in need of training.”

“Your flattery is rather lethal,” he chided playfully, enjoying the rapid reddening of her lovely skin.

She pressed her hands to her cheeks while a smile played at her lips. “You’re muddling my thoughts.”

“Dogs can have that effect.”

“Do be serious.”

“Do you want me to be a good boy and sit?”

“No, roll over and play dead,” she said straight-faced.

He couldn’t stop the bark of laughter that escaped him.

She grinned in return. “What I meant to say before you befuddled me was, I did come here to find you, but―”

“Ah, ah, ah.” He wiggled his finger at her. “I find when women insert the word but into their sentences nothing pleasant follows for the man.”

“Do try and listen.”

“I am.” His repressed laughter vibrated his words.

“Are you always this way?” she asked with a laugh.

“What way is that?” He loved how her eyes twinkled when she smiled.

“Do you always show so much affection to your daughter and banter so lightheartedly with ladies you barely know?”

He quirked his mouth as if he were lost temporarily in deep thought. “I do always show an enormous amount of affection to my daughter. I grew up without the benefit of knowing whether my mother or father loved me, and I never want my daughter to doubt my love. And as for bantering with ladies I don’t know, I know you.” That husky sound had crept back into his tone. Something about this woman did that to him.

Her eyes grew wide so that he could see that gold flecked the green.

“What is it you think you know about me, Mr. Wolverton?”

“Call me Nash.” He wanted to hear his name from her lips. He couldn’t say precisely why―it was another gut desire―and one he’d never experienced.

She shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly.”

“You could possibly.” He leaned close as if to whisper a secret. “I’ve just given you leave to do so.”

“It’s not proper,” she said, her pink tongue darting out to lick her full lips.

He had a brief image of taking her mouth with his and slipping his tongue inside her warm, beckoning caverns. He had no doubt she’d be sweeter than honey. “Are you always proper, Julianna?”

Her hand fluttered to her neck. “Yes. I’m rather boring that way. Are you always this improper?”

“I’m afraid so. I’m rather exciting that way.” He slid one finger down her bare, silken arm from the crook of her elbow all the way to her small hand. Taking her slender, cool fingertips in his he lifted them to his lips, telling himself he shouldn’t and knowing he damn well would anyway. He pressed a kiss to the edge of her fingers, the contact of his lips to her flesh making him ache painfully.

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About the Author



Julie Johnstone is a best-selling author of Regency Romance and the author of a new urban fantasy/paranormal romance book. She’s been a voracious reader of books since she was a young girl. Her mother would tell you that as a child Julie had a rich fantasy life made up of many different make believe friends. As an adult, Julie is one of the lucky few who can say she is living the dream by working with her passion of creating worlds from her imagination. When Julie is not writing she is chasing her two precocious children around, cooking, reading or exercising. Julie loves to hear from her readers. You can send her an email at juliejohnstoneauthor@gmail.com or find her at www.juliejohnstoneauthor.com, or on Facebook at authorjuliejohnstone and juliejohnstoneauthor or at twitter @juliejohnstone.

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After Forever, A Whisper of Scandal Novel by Julie Johnstone ~ Review ~

If you are looking for a short historical romance that will make you laugh, cry, sigh, and awe, then you are looking for After Forever. Julie Johnstone covered all my emotions in this touching story. 

Ms. Johnstone is one of my favorite historical romance authors because she does such a great job of making me connect with the characters. Not only are her characters charming and entertaining they always seem to reach out and touch my heart. 

Julianna Barrows has lost the love of her life and all she wants is to be left alone to raise her adorable daughter, Liza. However, her brother-in-law needs her to remarry. She is reluctant to remarry so she takes on a job as a tutor.

Nash Wolverton has lead a hard life to get to where he is. Now he has the money to be part of the upper class. He just needs a wife to help raise his daughter, Maggie to be the young lady of the ton that he wants her to be. He ends up hiring Julianna to tutor both he and his daughter.

These two really have a lot in common. They have both been hurt. The each have a daughter they love dearly. They also each are in need of something, they just don't know what. It very well could be each other.

I loved watching these four together. Nash is so sweet to his little girl and Julianna's daughter. I don't think this will spoil anything for you and I loved the scene so I will tell you one of my favorite parts. Julianna comes back down stairs after changing and finds Nash having a tea party on the floor with both Maggie and Liza. I think this touched my heart as much as it affected Julianna.

After Forever is part of the A Whisper of Scandal series. However, Julie Johnstone has done a fabulous job of writing this story so you will have no problem reading it as as stand alone if you haven't read the rest of the series yet. I have had a chance to read at least one other book in this series and it too was wonderful. So you may want to check them out as well.  

I am always excited when I hear that Julie Johnstone has a new release out. I can never wait to get my hands on it. This story is a page turner that I read in one setting. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen with Nash and Julianna. They have many things they must overcome in order to be together. Their own feelings and a few people that try to get in their way are just a few of their obstacles.  I certainly enjoyed After Forever and I can not wait to see what story Ms. Johnstone will come up with next. I know I will be anxiously awaiting her next release. 

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 After Forever.

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

Amazon Buy Link: 
  After Forever

 Dancing with a Devil 

 Conspiring with a Rogue 

  Bargaining with a Rake 

 A Whisper of Scandal Trilogy (Boxed set of Books 1-3 in the series)

My Fair Duchess by Julie Johnstone ~ Review ~

Julie Johnstone became one of my favorite authors with the very first book of her's that I read. Since then I've had the opportunity to read more of her work. With each book she just astonishes me with her incredible talent. 

I do not always judge a book by it's cover. However, when the story inside is just as awesome as the cover I find I must at least mention how pretty it is. I just loved the cover if I had a print copy of this book it would certainly be one that I would want to display because it is gorgeous!

My Fair Duchess is a great example of Ms. Johnstone's wonderful work. I have to say I was captivated by this book from the very beginning and I had a really hard time setting it down until I found out what in the world could possibly happen.

I instantly formed a bond with Lady Amelia De Vere. Oh my goodness this girl has a way of getting herself into some interesting situations. At times my heart really went out to her. I loved how she is so willing to do whatever it may take to help her brother get out of the situation they are in. She loves her family very much and I admired her greatly for that. 

The Duke Of Aversley has dealt with a lot of heartache and embarrassment in his young life. So to deal with the situations he decides to just make the worst reputation for himself that he can. However when he meets Lady Amelia she sees under all that bluster there really is a heart of gold. 

I so enjoyed watching Aversley help Amelia prepare for her season. Not only was it fun to watch this young lady, whom was not use to being the center of attention shine. It was a lot of fun watching these two get to know each other so much better. They truly became friends and formed deeper feelings than either thought was possible.

I adored this book and the characters in the book. This is book one of Ms. Johnstone's new series so I can not wait to see who's story she has in store for us next. The one thing I do know is that no matter which character's story she tells next it will be awesome! 

If you enjoy a fun historical romance, some drama and suspense, a few steamy scenes, and characters that are a great joy to meet, then you must grab this one now! 

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

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

Amazon Buy Links: 

 My Fair Duchess 

A Season for Surrender by Julie Johnstone ~ REVIEW

Julie Johnstone has quickly became one of my favorite historical romance authors. I like her style of writing and she has a great talent for telling an interesting story. Season for Surrender is a relatively quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

I don't normally judge a book by it's cover but when I love the cover as much as I love the story inside I always feel the need to mention the beautiful cover work. Check out that beautiful cover, that along with Julie Johnstone's name would make me want to pick up this book. 

Lillian Lancaster has had a lot of things happen in her life and most of them have been really bad. This poor girl is still very strong and independent and trying to take care of people that are very  important to her. Her jerk of a father has left a will that says she has to marry or lose the theater that means so much to her. The very last thing she ever wants to do is marry after her past experiences. However she is determined to save the theater and the jobs of the people that work there. 


Lord Edgeworth is determined to never marry. He is just not interested in that type of headache. So when his family says he must marry or his grandfather is taking away all support, he has a big decision to make. When Lillian suggest a marriage of convenience, they both think this is the perfect answer. 

I loved that this marriage started off with respect for each other and things developed from there for both of them. I don't want to tell you too much about this wonderful story. I want you to go grab your own copy and enjoy it for yourself. I will tell you that I found this to be one tremendously sweet story that I truly enjoyed reading. There is plenty of drama and a steamy scene or two that kept me flipping pages quickly.

If you enjoy a good historical romance, I think you will enjoy this one. If you are already a fan of Julie Johnstone then don't wait, hurry! Go grab a copy of this book so you may start enjoying Lillian and Edgeworth's story. I think you are going to love this story, I know that I certainly did. 

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 Season for Surrender.