Seeds of Love: A Romance Charity Anthology to Benefit Ukraine (spotlight) ADULT titles

 

Seeds of Love

A romance charity anthology to benefit Ukraine

ADULT titles

by

Amber Garr, Amy Thorn, Barb Shuler, Brooke Summers, Cassidy London, Cyndi Faria, D.M. Davis, Dakota Willink, DD Lorenzo, Denise Wells, E.H. Lyon, Emery LeeAnn, Erica Himy, Fei Marie Perez, Gabbi Black, Gabbi Grey, Hannah Blake, Heather G Harris, Jenna Lynn, JS Mercier, KA Graham, Kaje Harper, Kelly Kelsey, Lane Bellemore, LC Taylor, Liz Durano, LJ Evans, Lux Miller, Mel Walker, Miranda Grant, M Guida, Pandora Snow, Persephone Autumn, Raisa Greywood, Ramsey Savage, Shelly Hixson, Sophia Henry, Stella Moore, Syd Ryan, Tara Conrad, Tiffany Carby, Vi Summers, Vivian Murdoch, Willow Fox, Yolanda Olson

 

 

You can help us make a difference.

SEEDS OF LOVE is a romance anthology to benefit Ukraine. This collection of short romance stories is not available anywhere else. 100% of the royalties will be donated to United Help Ukraine, a charitable organization dedicated to helping the Ukrainian people affected by Russia’s invasion. They are a grassroots, entirely volunteer-based organization that provides aid to wounded Ukrainian warriors, assistance to their families, and support to internally displaced people.

This anthology features 48 authors. The stories include various sub-genres of contemporary romance, paranormal romance, dark romance, and romantic comedy.

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The Lightkeeper’s Love Affair

by

Gabbi Grey

 

Ben

I just graduated. I should be out celebrating. Instead, a storm's coming and I've got no place sleep except the backseat of my car. At least I have my beloved beagle with me, but seriously, how is this my life?

Isaac

After a horrific week, I hate being unable to retreat to my island sanctuary. Perhaps sharing my hotel room with a stranger in distress and his dog will take my mind off things. Afterward, we'll separate and never meet again. Right?

*A 10k lighthearted gay romance with forced proximity, a loner, a future school-teacher, and Buddy, the adorable beagle.

Excerpt:

 

The hotel desk clerk held my gaze with a level look, her hazel eyes scrutinizing me.

Buddy rubbed against my leg.

I did mental gymnastics. “Does that come with food?”

“Complimentary breakfast buffet.” She patted her platinum-blonde hair in its elegant chignon.

Ugh, too similar to my mother. None of the scenarios in my mind appealed. The storm that’d been threatening my entire trip up from Nanaimo had finally materialized—part of the reason my poor beagle was cowering by my legs.

So a return trip back to the ferry was out. And likely the ferry back to Vancouver would be canceled due to the high winds anyway. Authorities were threatening to close the highways.

My friend Marcie was never going to make it down here.

Damn woman.

This’d been her idea. Graduation celebration in Tofino. Winter surfing before we started our teaching careers in January. Who the hell surfed in early December? In the middle of storm season on Vancouver Island? My best friend, apparently. With whom I was supposed to be sharing the room. Sharing the expense. Eighteen months of teacher’s college had me completely tapped out.

I laid my head on the counter, revelling in the cool of the granite.

Links:

Amazon US

Kobo

Barnes and Noble

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Bio – Gabbi Grey

USA Today Bestselling author Gabbi Grey lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black.

 

Personal links:

Website

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 Instagram

 Bookbub

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

 Audible Profile

Facebook page

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook (personal)

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Out of the Blue

by

Kaje Harper

When my high school boyfriend ghosted me, right before senior year, I was afraid for him. I pictured everything from prison to gay conversion camp. But eventually, as his silence persisted, I moved on. Married my best friend, had a great kid together, got divorced. Life happened. Then one day, there he was. Garrett Ingram— red hair, blue eyes, gentle hands, helping out a stray cat as the veterinarian he’d always hoped he’d be. And when our eyes met, nine years felt like no time at all.

- A second-chances, single father, gay romance.

Excerpt:



In the alley ahead, a man crouched over a cage with Lily inside. Ben hurtled at him, ignoring my shouted “Wait!” and thumped the man’s back with his small fists. “Let her go! That’s my cat!”

I dashed to scoop him up, hauling his flailing outrage away from the stranger. “Sorry! Ben, stop.” I set him down out of punching range.

“Your cat?” the guy asked.

“Not really. She’s a stray. We just feed her…” The man glanced up at me and I took in red curls and intense blue eyes and a freckled nose, and a rush of deep familiarity— “Garrett?”

His eyes widened. “Nate? Seriously?”

Ben kicked me. “Daddy, he’s stealing Lily!”

Garrett focused on my son. “I’m not stealing the cat. I’m taking care of him. I’m a veterinarian.”

I couldn’t help interrupting. “You did it!” He’d always been brilliant, even when we were both chafing against our crappy school and the jerks and bullies that populated it. At least one of us escaped.

A smile curved his full lips and creased the corners of his eyes. “Yep.” He turned back to Ben. “This little guy’s been living pretty rough—”



“She’s a girl,” Ben said with heavy disdain. “Dad said so.”

Links:

Amazon US

Kobo

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Bio – Kaje Harper

I get asked about my name a lot. It's not something exotic, though. “Kaje” is pronounced just like “cage” – it’s an old nickname, and my pronouns are she/her/hers.

I was born in Montreal but have lived for 30 years in Minnesota, where the two seasons are Snow-removal and Road-repair, where the mosquito is the state bird, and where winter can be breathtakingly beautiful. Minnesota’s a kind, quiet (if sometimes chilly) place and it’s home.

I’ve been writing far longer than I care to admit (*whispers – forty years*), mostly for my own entertainment, usually M/M romance (with added mystery, fantasy, historical, SciFi…) I also have a few Young Adult stories (some released under the pen name Kira Harp.)

My husband finally convinced me that after all the years of writing for fun, I really should submit something, somewhere. My first professionally published book, Life Lessons, came out from MLR Press in May 2011. I have a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds, and I had fun writing four novels and three freebie short stories in that series. I was delighted and encouraged by the reception Mac and Tony received.

Website

Facebook

Facebook Group: Kaje's Conversation Corner

Goodreads author page 

Or follow me on BookBub

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Toronto Tryst

by

Gabbi Black

Silver is the traditional way to celebrate a twenty-fifth anniversary. But Jody Thompson has a unique surprise for her husband on their special evening. Hopefully, it will be something he’ll never forget and a wonderful way to keep their passion red-hot.

 

This is a 5k word BDSM-light romance short story with a surprise that will delight.

Excerpt

When the cab pulled into their circular driveway, her husband tapped his card and, undoubtedly, again left a hefty tip.

She waited until he came around her side, and alighted when he held open the door.

They waved to the driver and ascended the three steps to the front door.

Phillipe had his keys at the ready, but she placed her hand on his to stop him. “You can always say no.”

He cocked his head and licked his lips.

She expected him to say something—to demand to know what was going on—but he gave her a brief nod and unlocked their door.

 

Links:

Amazon US

Kobo

Barnes and Noble

 

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Gabbi Black bio:

 

Even though Gabbi Black is a firm believer in happy endings, she makes her characters work for it in every romance she writes, no matter what the genre. From contemporary to BDSM, they are penned early in the morning in her home in beautiful British Columbia while her trusty ChinPoo dog and her cantankerous Himalayan cat keep her company. She also writes gay romances as Gabbi Grey.

 

Website:   Website

Newsletter sign-up:  Newsletter sign-up

Bookbub:  Bookbub

Instagram:  Instagram

Facebook (page): Facebook (page)

Pinterest:  Pinterest

Twitter:  Twitter

 

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My review: 

I've only had a chance to read Kaje Harper's lovely second-chance gay romance Out of the Blue (who could resist that sweet kid, and a veterinarian, yum), Gabbi Grey's fascinating gay romance The Lightkeeper's Love Affair (I love stories that give a glimpse of secondary characters from other tales in a series), and Gabbi Black's sizzling erotic romance Toronto Twist (nice way to celebrate an anniversary!) , but all were delicious, and I can't wait to read the rest of the stories in this anthology.

 

 

 

Pride, A Dance of Flames by Cait O'Sullivan (VBB, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

PRIDE, A DANCE OF FLAMES

by 

Cait O'Sullivan

 

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GENRE:  Fantasy Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Researcher Ellora Radley's life is just fine, thank you. So why turn it upside down to accept a new job with a sexy reckless treasure hunter and dive into a hot bed of shamanism and shapeshifting to shake the very fiber of existence? A fine life doesn't put her in jeopardy.Lee North lives on the edge of jeopardy. Tracking down ancient, powerful artifacts demands no less and leaves precious little time for others. But when a raven-haired researcher surfaces repeatedly in his dreams, it's her he tracks.Together they discover a world filled with magic they never dreamed of and danger that quickly becomes deadly. Their innate connection leads them on the adventure of a lifetime, but one which escalates into a world where evil dominates. Now they just have to survive it.

 

 

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EXCERPT

 

 

“Ellora?”

 

“Coming,” she called back, adding to Imelda, “I wish we were able to talk more.”

 

“Just bear in mind if you do find the chalice, you may have a strange reaction to it. A powerful shamanic tool in the hands of an amateur might prove dangerous.”

 

She paused. “If you do find it, reach straight out into the spirits’ world and ask to be protected by them.” Imelda grabbed her arm tightly. “Promise me. Also promise me you’ll come back as soon as you can, and we can expand on this further.”

 

Pulling her into her arms, Ellora felt her rapid heartbeat. She nodded against the hug.

 

The men were speaking together as surreptitiously as Ellora and Imelda were. Lee nodded to her, and she fell into hurried steps with him. They took leave of their hosts, Ellora regretting already the loss of the other woman’s company.

 

She waited until they were in their car before questioning Lee. “The chalice—”

 

He shook his head briefly, and she stopped.

 

“What would you like to do with the rest of the day? We should head out to a nice Greek beach to take photos. Let me check sunset times.” The look in his eyes was wary as he gave her a slanted look. 

 

Buy link

 Amazon

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Karen Lovell, better known by her pseudonym, Cait O’Sullivan, grew up in Ireland to an Irish mother and an English father. Dividing her school holidays between idyllic time on her Granny’s farm and the big cities in England culminated in her feeling as though she had a foot in Ireland and another in England, often joking that she came from the Irish Sea. Wanderlust in her blood sent her out to travel the world and then, reluctant to give up on following her dreams, she started writing. After publishing four books, the world of shamanism called to her and she spent three years studying with her guides. This resulted in a rich vein of inspiration for her writing and she combined her loves of traveling, shamanism and love itself into a brand new trilogy—A Dance of Flames. She currently lives in the countryside in England with her hubby, four daughters and one Irish setter and visits Ireland on a regular basis. But maybe one day she’ll move back there.

 

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

Goodreads

Instagram

Cait's Place (blog)

 

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The tour dates can be found here

Marines Don't Cry by Daniel Garcia and Jacqueline C. Garcia (VNBtM, guest post, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

It is my pleasure to share a guest post by Daniel & Jacqueline Garcia. We are indebted to them for their service and dedication.  

Do you know what a promoter does?

 

Full disclosure, I had to look it up.  Not promoter as in DNA and gene dynamics, but promoter as in

a club promoter.  Thanks to Google, this definition fits the bill of what I what to talk about.

“Also called an event promoter, coordinates and publicizes events like concerts, open mics and themed parties. They advertise information about the event, answering questions and often coordinating everything from the date to the entertainment to the cleanup.  Apr 1, 2021”

You have to have some skills, be good with people, be able to talk up an event.  Get attention, create a desire, give a call to action.  Am I running a club?  No, I am not the partying type; in fact, I am a bit of nerd (introverted) and can be naïve.  Danny used to tell me, “I am a promoter.”  I scratched my head and wondered why is that was important?

As we are on this first book journey, I’m starting to get it.  I have to be as our publisher coined the term, an entrepreneurial author, one who generates interest, exposure, readers for their book.  I have to admit, it is another perspective of life and another world being a book author.  I have to grab the reins and find creative venues and opportunities to promote our book, vehicles outside of the norm of book signing and appearances.

We have the benefit of (his) lifetime of experience in public relations, marketing, concert producing…. I could go on, but I want you to read about it for yourself.  I get to benefit from his mentoring and the formulation of a grand vision for our story to get out to the world!   Will you join us in the journey?  Strap in and enjoy.

 

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Marines Don't Cry

by

Daniel Garcia and Jacqueline C. Garcia

 

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GENRE: Memoir, Non-fiction

 

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BLURB:

 

Have you ever been lost -- really lost?

 

Danny and Jackie answer this question in Marines Don’t Cry with stories of death to life, deep sorrow to joy, darkness to light, and freedom in Christ.

 

Danny recounts his early life in Spanish Harlem and describes conversion from a life of drugs and “the fast lane” to one consumed with knowing and serving God. This makes his journey of walking more than 52 million steps on six continents for children and world peace such an incredible story.

 

Marines Don’t Cry is about the transformational power of God’s love: how Danny found his calling and is delivering the message of Christ at all costs.https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-walk-inc/

 

 

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EXCERPT

Chapter 12: Walking for Children Around the World

 

“You Don’t Have Enough Bullets”

 

As we left the Arab village and continued toward Baghdad, the security patrol noticed something odd. In the distance, the guards saw large groups of people coming toward the caravan. About 20,000 people were walking toward us and were converging on us. The people were coming from both sides of the road. The military escort responsible for my safety became agitated and concerned. The crowds were not racing angrily toward us, but we were clearly outnumbered. Although the vehicles had automatic machine guns at the front and back of the caravan, I think the escorts were afraid.

 

“What shall we do, Mr. Garcia? They are coming!” the guards exclaimed.

 

“You don’t have enough bullets. Let them come,” I said.

 

As the crowd got closer, I could hear them singing. The caravan came to a stop. The guards were shocked. The people were in unison, in harmony, like a massive choir. The melody was beautiful.

 

“Why are they doing this? Why are they singing? Are they singing to me?” I asked.

 

“This is unbelievable,” said the guards. “They are singing to you! They are welcoming you.”

 

“Welcome,” they sang lovingly. “You are welcome!”

 

I absorbed the beauty of this moment and melted in their love for me. I smiled as the crowds joined the caravan. In unison, we continued forward into Baghdad. More than fifty TV cameras from around the world, including China, were waiting and recorded the entry into Baghdad. The sponsors made sure that all vehicles were removed from the main highway so that we were clear to walk. We walked up and over a bridge, the main bridge into the city of Baghdad, and thousands of people were flashing cameras in the daytime.

 

The city welcomed us. The Iraqi Olympians cried. Never had they been acknowledged with such a welcome.

 

In front of all the people was a little girl, maybe six years old. She stepped toward me and, looking up, raised a flower to give to me. I bent down to accept her flower. Then I picked her up, turned her around, and set her on my shoulder for the crowds to see this beautiful child. The people went wild and shouted with joy and happiness. My gesture was a message to the world:

 

“Everyone, see her! This is your child. I love her, you all should love her! She is who I care about. The children, we must protect them.”

 

 

 

 Buy links

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BookFunnel

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Books-a-Million 

BookShop 

IndieBound

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Daniel Garcia

 

Danny Garcia, The Walking Man, was born and raised in New York’s Spanish Harlem.  He served as a United States Marine, law enforcement officer, and ordained minister.  Since 1996, he has prayed and walked over 52,000, 000 steps on six continents for children and world peace.  During his journeys, Garcia met with dignitaries all over the world, ministering to the famous and to the poorest of the poor.  Danny made presentations to Kings/royals, Presidents, and other world leaders, to include four Presidents of the USA, several Prime Ministers of other countries, the Pope, Mother Teresa, Ambassadors and various eminent personalities and multilateral organizations.  Garcia began his journey as a personal commitment to peace and children and continued walking and raising funds for multiple charitable organizations.

Danny is married to the former Jacqueline Charsagua of El Paso, TX, and they work side by side to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  For more information, visit Danny’s website.  

Jackie Charsagua Garcia

 

Jackie Charsagua Garcia is married to Daniel Garcia.  She graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, in 1985 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.  Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management.  While in the US Air Force, Jackie specialized in communications, acquisition, systems engineering, and information technology. 

 

After a rewarding and fulfilling Air Force career, she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the summer of 2006, having spent more than 21 years on active duty.  Since 2006, she has supported and advised on all aspects of her husband’s walks and charitable initiatives within the United States and abroad.  She joined Danny during his Africa Walk in 2007 and ministered in South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Southern Sudan.  During this time, her faith and reliance on God grew tremendously under the mentorship of Danny Garcia. The Global Walk experience gave Jackie an opportunity to serve God abroad, and her vision is to spread the hope, love, and the grace of Jesus Christ through her writing.  She is a native of El Paso, TX, mother of one amazing daughter, and a breast cancer survivor.

 

Websites:

https://marinesdontcry.com   

/Global Walk website

 

Facebook: 

FB Danny Garcia           

FB Walking Man/Danny Garcia

FB Jackie Garcia

 

Instagram: 

IG Danny Garcia

IG Jackie Garcia

 

YouTube

 

YouTube link of an interview with Danny and Jackie for the Veterans History Project

 

Linked In:

LI Jackie Garcia

LI Global Walk Inc.

 

 

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The tour dates can be found here

 

Dream Pairs Orthotic Slippers review

 

At first, I was a little skeptical. Orthotic slippers? The idea appealed to me because some slippers have caused my feet to ache after just minutes of wear. I was thrilled to be able to try out a pair of these type of slippers because I’ve been fearing that I HAD to wear slippers with heels in order for my feet to be comfortable while lounging around home.

 

Let’s start with the box. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to try out these slippers, and just the sight of the box with its bright-red color and exuberant stars ramped up my excitement. I loved that the box was just big enough, with no wasted space, and I unwrapped my slippers with the glee of a kid on Christmas morning.

 

Ooh, pretty. I wasn’t sure about the fact that they have essentially one flap overlapping the other, but when I slid my feet into them, they were so comfortable. The flap is a little odd to feel at first, but it doesn’t hurt or rub, and I quickly stopped paying attention to it. I have been very comfortable walking around in my Dream Pairs slippers, even when I have to stand for longer periods of time, and I wholeheartedly recommend them. I think they’re aptly named, and I would love to see them in even more colors.

 

A pair of these slippers were provided for review

Love, Lies, and Treasonous Spies by Anne Shaw (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT title

 

Love, Lies, and Treasonous Spies

ADULT title

by

Anne Shaw

 

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GENRE: Regency romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Follow the gentlemen of the Tenet Club—an elusive group of noblemen that investigates crimes committed by the nobility—on a rousing journey of romance, suspense, and a guaranteed happily ever-after.

 

Sir Jack Sterling is on the trail of a treasonous spy. He follows a lead to a masquerade, where a moonlight garden—plus an inebriated heiress—equals trouble to more than his investigation.

 

Miss Rachel Farnsworth has vowed never to wed, preferring her freedom to an oppressive marriage. While at a masquerade, she steals a kiss from a masked stranger that awakes something deep inside her — a thrilling desire for genuine passion.

 

Sir Jack has no room in his volatile life for romance, yet he can’t stop thinking about Rachel. The spy threatens her life, and he is forced to take her into his confidence.

 

Following a trail of deception and lies, the pair struggle against the desire growing between them.

 

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EXCERPT

His warm chuckle cloaked her as he turned her out and then moved to face her, bowing to her curtsy. Their faces were close, near enough for her to see the bluish bruise butterflying the bridge of his nose and under his eyes.

 

“You broke your nose.” She started to reach up and skim a finger along the crooked bone but dropped her hand. An unmarried lady did not touch a gentleman in such a manner.

 

Nor kiss them on a dark terrace at a scandalous event.

 

Jack cocked his head, mischievousness playing about his mouth. “Is it too hideous then?”

 

She worried her lip and pretended to study it for a moment as if weighing her answer, before she met his vivid green eyes. The spark in them dared her to utter the truth. There was no way she would admit the injury added to his rakish charm. “No, not quite.”

 

“At least not enough to frighten small children?” He released a grin of pure devilment.

 

“I see you have not changed too much.”

 

“Indeed, I have. Thanks to my time spent in the North Country, I am even more the provincial than I once was.”

 

She bristled at the blatant untruth. His alleged trip from London to Edinburgh for estate business was a lie. Through shameless eavesdropping, she’d learned of his travels to Germany on the trail of a dangerous spy. Oh, how she wished she could question him outright about his adventures! As a Guardian, he would never answer a single query. She was not above trying, however. “Is that when you broke your nose? In Scotland? You must tell me every single detail of your trip.”

 

 Buy Links:

Amazon 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Anne Shaw is the author of both contemporary and historical romances. She lives in western Washington with her four-legged friend Larry, a quirky cat who stares at her for hours on end while she loses herself in a world where a sexy hero, and bold heroine face unsurmountable odds to reach the ultimate goal, a happily-ever-after. If you like rom-dramedies, then visit www.Anne-Shaw.com.

Twitter: @author_shaw

Email: Anne.Shaw.Author@gmail.com

 

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The tour dates can be found here

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My review:

Love, Lies, and Treasonous Spies by Anne Shaw is part of the ‘Tenet Gentlemen’s Club Romance’ series. It features Sir Jack Sterling, who already has his hands full, trying to identify the potential traitor among his fellow Tenet members. He is drawn to the defiant Rachel Farnsworth, who is determined to circumvent her father’s plan to force her to marry.

 

This adult historical romance has elements of danger and passion, as a young woman fights for the right to choose her life path and a beleagured gentleman struggles to honor his obligations to his mentor and resist the charms of a stubborn but alluring temptress. The hints of danger both with respect to the espionage that Jack faces and the risky path that Rachel treads to get control of her own destiny keep one interested in the story. I was occasionally frustrated by her heedlessness and by the tangled web woven by Jack and Rachel, but also by Rachel’s father, who takes both professional and personal goals very seriously. The story has nice twists and turns and is an entertaining and spicy light read.

 

 

A copy of this title was provided for review