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:

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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

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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

My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh (Spotlight, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) PTPR

My Fake Rake  

by 

Eva Leigh

 Union of the Rakes Series

In the first book in Eva Leigh's new Union of the Rakes series, a bluestocking enlists a faux suitor to help her land an ideal husband only to be blindsided by real desire…

Lady Grace Wyatt is content as a wallflower, focusing on scientific pursuits rather than the complications of society matches. But when a handsome, celebrated naturalist returns from abroad, Grace wishes, for once, to be noticed. Her solution: to “build” the perfect man, who will court her publicly and help her catch his eye. Grace’s colleague, anthropologist Sebastian Holloway, is just the blank slate she requires.

To further his own research on English society, Sebastian agrees to let Grace transform him from a bespectacled, bookish academic into a dashing—albeit fake—rake. Between secret lessons on how to be a rogue and exaggerated public flirtations, Grace’s feelings for Sebastian grow from friendship into undeniable, inconvenient, real attraction. If only she hadn’t asked him to help her marry someone else...

Sebastian is in love with brilliant, beautiful Grace, but their bargain is complete, and she desires another. Yet when he’s faced with losing her forever, Sebastian will do whatever it takes to tell her the truth, even if it means risking his own future—and his heart.

About the Book

Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: November 26, 2019


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 Excerpt:

MY FAKE RAKE
A Union of the Rakes Novel

© 2019 Eva Leigh

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“You don’t need to alter yourself for anyone. Especially not Fredericks.”

No one had ever said such a thing to her. Something stung her eyes, and she realized it was the heat of unshed tears of appreciation. “But Rotherby said—”

Sebastian drew closer. “Trust in me, Grace. Trust that when the time comes, Fredericks will be utterly captivated by you. And if he still can’t get his head out of his arse, then he’s not worth the effort.”

“You seem to keep swearing in my presence,” she said, because it was either make a jest or gratefully kiss him.

Kiss him.

Wait—what?

Purchase Your Copy Today!
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Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of MY FAKE RAKE by Eva Leigh, we’re giving away three paperback copies of the book!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  

Open to US shipping addresses only. Three winners will each receive a paperback copy of My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh. 

This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance.  

Giveaway ends 12/15/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copy out to the winner directly.  

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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About Eva Leigh

EVA LEIGH is the pen name of a RITA® Award-nominated romance author who writes novels chock-full of smart women and sexy men. She enjoys baking, Tweeting about boots, and listening to music from the ‘80s. Eva and her husband live in Central California.

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To Bed the Bride by Karen Ranney (Spotlight, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) PTPR

To Bed the Bride

All for Love series 

by

Karen Ranney 

 

New York Times Bestselling Author Karen Ranney’s captivating series concludes with a tale of opposites whose attraction scorches a trail from the Highlands to the glittering halls of London—and courts scandal at every turn . . .

Politics has introduced MP Logan McKnight to many fascinating people, but the lady he encounters on the lands bordering his ancestral Scottish home outshines them all. Eleanor Craig of Hearthmere seats a Thoroughbred like a queen, knows as much about world events as any of his colleagues—and is engaged to one of the worst men Logan knows. She also seems lonely, so Logan brings her a friend. Thus should their acquaintance end, yet it’s only just begun.

The puppy Logan delivers is every bit as irresistible as the man himself. How could this stranger sense the isolation Eleanor suffers among her scheming, snobbish extended family and fiancé who control her life? It’s even worse in London—until she begins meeting Logan secretly in a secluded park. Their passionate connection frees Eleanor, body and soul. But discovery threatens disgrace—or worse.

About the Book

Genre:  Adult Historical Romance
Publisher:  Avon Books
Publication Date:  November 26, 2019


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Excerpt:

TO BED THE BRIDE

An All For Love Novel

© 2019 Karen Ranney

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Nothing mattered but looking into Logan’s eyes. . . 

. . .keeping his gaze as he placed his other arm around her, fully embracing her.

She didn’t say a word of protest as he bent his head. Nor did she move away when he kissed her, his arms pulling her even closer. For a matter of seconds, perhaps minutes, she lost her sense of self, the apartness she’d felt for years. 

Her hands grabbed his jacket, holding on as her knees nearly buckled. Her heartbeat escalated; her breathing grew tight. Blood heated and pounded as her skin warmed. She wanted to be closer, for this feeling to continue, to never end. He was no longer a stranger or quite a friend. Instead, he was more than that.

Purchase Your Copy Today!
Amazon  |  Avon Romance  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Kobo  |  iBooks



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Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of TO BED THE BRIDE by Karen Ranney, we’re giving away three paperback copies of the book!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. Three winners will each receive a paperback copy of To Bed the Bride by Karen Ranney. 

This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance.  

Giveaway ends 12/15/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copy out to the winner directly.  

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Karen Ranney

KAREN RANNEY began writing when she was five. Her first published work was The Maple Leaf, read over the school intercom when she was in the first grade. In addition to wanting to be a violinist (her parents had a special violin crafted for her when she was seven), she wanted to be a lawyer, a teacher, and most of all, a writer. Though the violin was discarded early, she still admits to a fascination with the law, and she volunteers as a teacher whenever needed. Writing, however, has remained an overwhelming love of her life.

Website  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

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Her Midnight Sin by Sofie Darling (Spotlight, excerpt, and review)

I have the pleasure of sharing a post by author Sofie Darling, who shares the journey of her first book.

 

SD:

The path to publication for my first book is a bit of a convoluted story, so bear with me.

Even though Tempted by the Viscount is the second book in my Shadows and Silk series, I actually wrote it first. After I’d finished it, I went to RWA’s national convention and pitched it to an editor. She asked for the first three chapters and a synopsis. Months went by, and I didn’t

hear from her. So I figured she’d passed on it. I’d completely moved on and had started writing the next book when I received an email from her, asking for the entire manuscript. Elated, I sent

it.

A few months later, she returned it with revision notes. She wanted me to cut

at least 15,000 words and focus the story more tightly on the main characters and less on the secondary storyline. Because this was an editor with a major publishing house, I gave it a shot.

After a few rounds, the end product wasn’t satisfactory to either of us, and we

decided to part ways. I was tied up in this process for an entire year. It was a huge

learning lesson.

Meanwhile, I was also writing Three Lessons in Seduction, the book that I thought

would be the second in the series. Then a critique partner suggested I switch the order of the

books around due to a big twist that happens in Three Lessons. She was absolutely right. I changed the order, and Three Lessons in Seduction became book one.

The following spring, I submitted Three Lessons to a few unpublished writing

contests. To my delight, it won one and finaled in two others, a double-finalist in

one of them. This was my signal to start submitting to publishers again. Soon, I found an editor who was excited about my work, and we’ve enjoyed a great working relationship since. Her Midnight Sin is the third book in the series, and I’m currently writing the fourth!

Her Midnight Sin

Shadows and Silk series

by

Sofie Darling

Blurb:

Like a vengeful Norse God, Captain John Nylander has come from the sea to steal the only home that Callie has ever known. And that might not be all he's after.

Can a Viking . . .

Orphaned as a child, Nylander has never known a real home. Now he is ready to leave the dangers of his past behind and put down the roots he has always longed for. The only thing standing in his way is a lanky aristocratic lady who is more at home on the farm than in the ballroom. And she has secrets . . .

And a Viscountess . . .

Callie, the Dowager Viscountess St. Alban, has poured all her energy into making Wyldcombe Grange her home. Managing an estate is not what she dreamed of, but her late husband's rejection made it clear that love and a family would never be hers. Now she may lose even that to the sinfully handsome Captain. But Nylander is making her dream again . . .

Turn passion into love?

Nylander inspires a recklessness in Callie that she can't control. Soon she finds herself conspiring with pirates and contemplating midnight trysts with the very Viking who has turned her life upside down. For Nylander, being with Callie embodies everything he's always wanted--home. As midnight strikes, will all their secret, sinful dreams come true?



Excerpt

Captain Nylander.

His voice was deep enough to shake the foundations of this mansion loose. Certainly deep enough to rattle Callie, her breath shallow and her mouth dry. She rose to a stand by slow increments and stood so silent and so still that she imagined she might be forgotten. Then the captain’s gaze met hers over St. Alban’s shoulder, and all hope was lost. His eyes narrowed in question, and she lifted a single, imperious eyebrow in response. The Grange knew that eyebrow well, and she sensed it was her best defense against this man in this moment.

Before her stood the man who would never be her friend. He was her rival . . . her enemy. Soft gaslight caught the golden strands of his unfashionably long, slightly unkempt hair and the glint of clear blue sky in his eye. For all his modern English attire, the man could have been a Viking, a Norse god even, from the tales of yore come to life. All he lacked was a shield in one hand and a hammer in the other.

Callie’s breath had no choice but to catch in her chest. Her enemy was imposing, yes, but did he also have to be so blasted, devastatingly . . . god-like?

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My review:

4.25 out of 5 stars

Her Midnight Sin by Sophie Darling is the third book in the ‘A Shadows and Silk novel’ series and centers around Lady Calpurnia (Callie) Radclyffe, the atypical Dowager Viscountess St. Alban, who is fighting to retain control of the estate that she has worked so hard to revive. Nylander, a sea captain who has overcome his harsh past, but has not quite realized his dreams, as nebulous as they might be, becomes her unwitting nemesis. He is fascinated by Callie, but each of them faces difficult decisions and hold secrets that will undoubtedly destroy any chance at a relationship unless they learn to trust one another.

This sensual historical romance has compelling characters who keep the reader rooting for them and anxiously hoping that things work out. The artful revelation of key turning points in each person’s background, the beautiful lyrical descriptions, and the surprising facets that are gradually revealed made this such an enjoyable read for me. Who can resist a woman who has the courage to exercise the way she wants to and dress for comfort, and what a swoonworthy hero who evokes images of Vikings and Thor. I love passages such as “It wouldn’t do to take those words inside. They might fill him with boundless joy.” or sun that “had a scant allotment of light and heat that it must portion out like a miser.” The combination of the beautiful word portraits and the delightfully romantic situations that arise kept me enthralled and invested in the story. There were a couple of elements that I had a few quibbles with, but nothing major. This is part of a series but the story can stand alone with no problem. I think this book will appeal to fans of historical romance and undoubtedly garner new fans for this talented author.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

A Lord for Christmas by Collette Cameron, Jenna Jaxon, Ella Quinn, and Lauren Smith (book blast, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

A Lord for Christmas: Heart-warming Regency Yuletide Tales is a collection of novellas with both holiday themes as well as those of love, passion, intrigue, and romance running throughout. With each story, you’ll long for your own Lord for Christmas.

Marriage by Twelfth Night by Ella Quinn – Lady Euphrosyne Trevor knows exactly what she wants in a marriage when she meets the Marquis of Markville. But when her father, the Duke of Somerset, refuses the suit out of hand and betroths Euphrosyne to another man, they must find a way to defy the duke and save the only chance they have for love.

The Rogue's Seduction by Lauren Smith - Perdita, London's favorite lady is desperate to avoid a fortune hunter and enlists the help of London's most wicked Rogue to fake an engagement, but her rogue has every intention of claiming Perdita as his wife.

A December with a Duke by Collette Cameron – After a horrific marriage, Everleigh vows to never marry again, but the enigmatic Duke of Sheffield is determined to woo the beautiful widow and make her his own.

A Match Made at Christmas by Jenna Jaxon — Sophia must allow her grandmother to arrange a match for her, the name of the groom to be announced at a Christmas house party. So when Sophia finds the true love of her life, she has no idea if he is her grandmother’s choice or not.

BUY LINKS: - on sale for only $0.99

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Excerpt from A December with a Duke by Collette Cameron

For the second time that night, Everleigh stopped on the last riser.

He truly didn’t know?

“Yes, my daughter, Meredith.”

She touched the locket again. A lock of wispy, thistle-down soft white hair lay tucked inside. Struggling to wrestle her grief into submission, she focused on the long case clock’s pendulum swinging back and forth.

She paced her breathing with the slow tick-tock for a handful of rhythmic beats.

Did a parent ever recover from the loss of a child?

No. Life just took on a new reality.

“Tomorrow is the three-year anniversary of her death.”

Why had she shared that?

The Duke of Sheffield did the most startling, the most perfect thing in all the world.

He drew her into his arms and held her. He didn’t offer condolences or advice. He didn’t try to change the subject or pretend he hadn’t heard her at all.

He simply offered her comfort, and it felt so utterly splendid, just allowing someone to hold her. Someone who permitted her to show her grief for a child conceived in the worst sort of violation and violence, but who had been adored nevertheless.

For this brief interlude, Everleigh didn’t have to be strong. Didn’t have to maintain her frigid façade, and it was wonderful to be herself. That almost brought her to tears as well.

What was more astonishing was she wasn’t afraid of his touch.

How long had it been since she didn’t flinch when a man touched her?

They stood chest to chest and thigh to thigh in intimate silence for several moments until the clocked chimed the quarter hour, interrupting the tranquility. They really must join the others for dinner, or God only knew what sort of unsavory tattle might arise.

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Grace.”

She disengaged herself, more aware of him as a man than she’d any business being.

He simply nodded, though the amber starburst in his eyes glowed with a warmth she couldn’t identify.



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About the Authors:

USA Today 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.

She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters. 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. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.

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USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Smith is an Oklahoma attorney by day, author by night who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, and a Semi-Finalist award for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. She is a 2018 RITA ® Finalist in the Romance Writers of America Contest. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com



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USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Collette Cameron pens Scottish and Regency historicals, featuring rogues, rapscallions, rakes, and the intelligent, intrepid damsels who reform them.

Blessed with fantastic fans as well as a compulsive, over-active, and witty Muse who won’t stop whispering new romantic romps in her ear, she lives in Oregon with her mini-dachshunds, though she dreams of living in Scotland part-time.

You’ll always find dogs, birds, occasionally naughty humor, and a dash of inspiration in her sweet-to-spicy timeless romances®.

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Jenna Jaxon is a multi-published author of historical romance in all time periods because, she says, “passion is timeless.” She has been reading and writing historical romance since she was a teenager. A romantic herself, Jenna has always loved a dark side to the genre, a twist, suspense, a surprise. She tries to incorporate all of these elements into her own stories. She’s a theatre director when she’s not writing and lives in Gloucester, Virginia with her family, including two very vocal cats and one silent one.

Jenna is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America as well as an active member of Chesapeake Romance Writers, her local chapter of RWA. She has four series currently available: The House of Pleasure, set in Georgian England, Handful of Hearts, set in Regency England, and Time Enough to Love, set in medieval England and France, and The Widows’ Club series, also set in Regency England and available from Kensington Publishing in both print and digital.

She currently writes to support her chocolate habit.

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GIVEAWAY

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.


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The tour dates can be found here

What a Highlander’s Got to Do by Sabrina York (spotlight and giveaway link) ADULT title

What a Highlander’s Got to Do
by
Sabrina York
ADULT title

Check out this Hot New #Highlander coming March 6th from Sabrina York and St. Martin’s Press

Blurb:

Isobel Dounreay Lochlannach is a fierce and independent Scots lass. She has no intention to marry—to submit to a man—especially not an Englishman.

But when she meets a devilish stable lad on the way to London, she can’t help but sneak a kiss with the handsome stranger, sure to never see him again.

Nick Wyeth is not a stable lad. He’s Viscount Stirling, and heir to one of the most powerful dukes in the realm. If their indiscretion is discovered, Isobel will be forced to marry him, to succumb to a fate she has always spurned. Nick wants nothing but to call this wild Scottish lass his own, and is determined to show her how an English Viscount can make her swoon, and be his forever in What a Highlander’s Got To Do by New York Times bestselling author Sabrina York.

Amazon link


Read an excerpt and enter Sabrina's tiara Giveaway here

 #GiveawayAlert

Three Lessons in Seduction by Sofie Darling (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Three Lessons in Seduction

by Sofie Darling

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GENRE:   Historical Romance

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BLURB:

Lord Nicholas Asquith needs his wife. Too bad he broke her heart ten years ago.

Can he resist a second chance at the love he lost?

When Mariana catches the eye of the man at the center of an assassination plot, Nick puts aside their painful past and enlists her to obtain information by any means necessary, even if it means seducing the enemy agent.

Even if the thought makes his blood boil.

Only by keeping his distance from Mariana these last ten years was he able to pretend indifference to her. With every moment spent with her, he feels his tightly held control slipping . . .

Can she trust the spy who broke her heart?

Mariana spent the last decade forgetting Nick. Now she has the chance to best him at his own game, an opportunity she can’t resist, even as her view of him begins to shift. Increasingly, she wants nothing more than to seduce her own husband . . . 

It’s only a matter of time before mad passion ignites, a passion never convincingly extinguished. A passion that insists on surrendering to the yearning of the flesh and, quite possibly, of the heart.

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EXCERPT

“Unbutton your dress?” Nick repeated. It wasn’t possible he’d heard those words in that order.

“Have you spent a single minute of your life bound within layers of corset, shift, and tightly buttoned dress? Has this ever been required for one of your spy missions?”

He couldn’t miss the scorn in her voice. “Never.”

“Then you’ll have to trust me when I suggest that it’s a bloody fantastic idea for you to unbutton me. You’ve done it before, in case you’ve forgotten.”

“I haven’t,” he said, his voice incapable of more than a low, gravelly rumble.

She blinked, and a moment passed.

Reason bade Nick exit the room and abandon the entire proposition. Under no circumstance should he close the distance between them and place his hands on Mariana’s body. Paper thin layers of chartreuse silk and muslin between his fingers and her skin wouldn’t be enough.

A few quick steps could carry him to her.

A few quick steps could undo him.

BUY LINK:

Amazon

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every book she could get her hands on. Once she realized that she was no longer satisfied with simply reading the books she loved, that she must write them, too, she decided to finish her degree and embark on a writing career. Mr. Darling and the boys gave her their wholehearted blessing.

When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, she runs a marathon in a different state every year, visits crumbling medieval castles whenever she gets a chance, and enjoys a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway


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My review:

3.75 out of 5 stars

Three Lessons in Seduction by Sophie Darling is set during the upheaval of the last days of the reign of King Louis XVIII. An estranged couple, Lord Nicholas Asquith, and his wife, Mariana, reunite in Paris and get involved in a dangerous game of spies, royal intrigue, and politics, not to mention the risk of finally destroying their precarious ties to one another.

This adult historical romance with political intrigue elements provides a glimpse of the machinations involved in change in power and the sacrifices that are attendant upon devoting one’s life to working behind the scenes. I think the author did a good job of creating intriguing characters, even though several of them frustrated me as they seemed to vacillate in their behavior and agendas. I occasionally wanted to smack some folks (or at least shake some sense into them, lol), but I enjoyed the overall story. There are elements that I was confused about, but I suspect it’s because this is destined to be the first in a series and some of these characters will figure prominently in subsequent stories. I found this an entertaining tale and will be on the lookout for more stories by this author as I thought there was a nice blend of intrigue, sensuality, and romance.

A copy of this story was provided to me for review

Rake to Riches by Nicola Davidson (spotlight)

Rake to Riches
by Nicola Davidson


Blurb:

With a fallen angel face, devastating charm and impeccable connections, life appears perfect for ton king George Edwards. Yet elaborate facades hide brutal family secrets and crippling debt, and when a blackmail letter threatens to reveal all, he has one chance at financial salvation: transform a wayward miss into a lady, and secure her a titled husband.
Heiress Louisa Donovan is desperate. Bad enough she must wed at all, but giving up science for embroidery and a loveless future is unendurable. She is ready to wage war on her latest comportment tutor…until she discovers he is the infuriating rake who long ago stole her heart with a scorching kiss. But even as two fiercely guarded souls learn to surrender, treachery awaits. Can new love conquer determined enemies with murder in mind?

Excerpt:

George glared at Caroline. “What the hell is Louisa doing here playing doctor? Does she need reminding I’m neither a moldering marquess nor a destitute duke?”

Before his twin could say a word, Louisa stood and growled, “Good morning to you, too. Your sister collected me on the way. Voila. Two brains in the house instead of none.”

“Believing the pair of you equates half a brain let alone a full one is pure delusion. But you aren’t required, Miss Donovan. In fact I suggest leaving immediately or I’ll quite happily escort you from the premises—”

She snorted. “Oh, escort me, will you? On your hands and knees? In a wheelchair?”

“Whatever it takes. And whether you land feet, head, or arse-first on the footpath is entirely your decision.”

“Forever the gentleman.”

“When in the presence of a lady.”

“Argh,” spat Caroline. “You two are worse than half-starved barn cats. Lulu kindly accompanied me here. I was worried after the message arrived stating it was an emergency and I must come at once. What happened, George?”

“Nothing,” he said quickly as he sat up, immediately regretting the decision when his stomach lurched and several anvils collided with his temples. A painful but timely reminder—only a damned idiot turned their back on Sir Malcolm Edwards.

“But Pearce talked about loud noises and you falling...”

“Christ. Pearce needs to up his hartshorn intake. Or lower it. I got home from the Kenwood ball, tripped on a rug and obviously gave myself a goose egg. That’s all.”

“Really,” said Caroline suspiciously, and he wanted to heave her out a second-floor window. What did she think he would confess in front of Louisa? Oh yes, our bastard thug stepfather tried to stab me with his cane blade, but only succeeded in a sound beating and stair fall. Tea?

Bracing himself, George forced a careless shrug. “Indeed. Must learn to call a halt at four bottles during a night out. Five just isn’t the thing.”

“Five bottles?” said Louisa, her hands alternately resting on damnably lush hips and flailing in front of her. “You were lucky you didn’t break your wretched neck, you drunken fool. Don’t you ever consider those who...who care? Who worry?”

He raised an eyebrow, managing not to wince at a second anvil attack. “Why are you still here?”

She made a hissing sound and his lips twitched. Louisa Donovan losing her temper was always an intense fire-and-ice affair, flame-red tresses bouncing, rosy cheeks glowing and stormy silver eyes nearly shooting bullets. A gentleman wouldn’t rile her just for the show, but then he could hardly claim that particular title. Actually, it was hard to believe he’d once been more than a little infatuated with the startlingly clever beauty who preferred gunpowder experiments and scientific tomes to dancing and tea parties. Until that night in Kent.

“As a matter of fact,” snapped Louisa, “I was just leaving. Perhaps next time you’ll show more sense, drink six bottles and climb London Bridge on stilts.”

He sketched an exaggerated bow, somehow staying upright as a wave of dizziness hit. Shit, he felt unwell, the black spots dancing again, the places he’d scraped burning, the bruised areas throbbing fiercely and no doubt already turning the delightful shade of blue-purple he knew so intimately. Why couldn’t the damned woman leave so he could empty his stomach contents into a chamber pot in peace?

“Always a pleasure, Miss Donovan. Don’t let the door smack your ample derriere on the way out.”

“Go to hell, George,” she flung over her shoulder as she stormed from the room.

“Already there, pet,” he muttered, gratefully collapsing back onto the chaise. “Already there.”

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Author bio:

NICOLA DAVIDSON worked for many years in communications and marketing, as well as television and print journalism, but hasn’t looked back since she decided writing wicked historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the champion All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet, or daydreaming. If this includes chocolate—even better!

Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson—Author) or her website