Review: The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath

The third electrifying romance in Lorraine Heath's USA Today bestselling Sins of all Seasons series.

THE SCOUNDREL IN HER BED by LORRAINE HEATH

Publication date: February 26, 2019

Series: A Sin For All Seasons #3

Genre: historical romance

Publisher: Avon Romance

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Synopsis

The bastard son of a nobleman, Finn Trewlove was a shameful secret raised by a stranger. As Finn came of age, he had secrets, too—the clandestine nights spent with an earl's daughter. But her promise of forever ended in betrayal.

Driven by a past that haunts her, Lady Lavinia Kent seeks redemption in London's underworld, engaged in a daring cause inspired by the young man to whom she gave her innocence, and who then proved himself a scoundrel by abandoning her.

When their paths cross again, they can't deny the yearning and desire that still burns. As they discover the truth behind the deceptions that tore them apart, Finn and Lavinia must fight to reclaim what they've lost, no matter how dangerous—because love is worth the risk...

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Praise for The Scoundrel in Her Bed:

Heath’s emotionally stirring third Sin for All Seasons novel... captures the essence of young but enduring love. Heath unfolds their story in two time periods, putting a new spin on the familiar trope of separating young lovers of different classes. This tender and intimate story will make readers’ hearts sing.- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“RITA Award–winning Heath’s flair for stellar character development, exquisite use of sexual tension, and a story line that fluently incorporates Victorian history, in this case baby farming, into the plot all add up to another sure bet for fans new and old of this exemplary storyteller.”
- Booklist

About Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."​​​​​​​

She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.

When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.

Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including ​​​​​​​USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.

You can find her on:

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REVIEW

The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Lavinia is the runaway bride who jilted the Duke of Thornley at the alter in When a Duke Loves a Woman. It hurt his pride at first, but in the end it was for the best all around. She may have handled matters in an embarrassing way for the both of them, but she knew that she could never give him her heart the way he deserved. Though they'd been friends their whole lives, he knew next to nothing about the real woman she was. Nor did he seem inclined to, he was simply doing his duty and fulfilling the expectations of his family. What we didn't know was what she was keeping a secret, because whatever it was made her disappear into hiding, determined to avoid coming home at all costs.

At the start of the book, we learn that Lavinia has taken on a personal crusade to rescue children in the baby farming business. It's something she feels very passionate about and rather than sitting around bemoaning its existence, she does something about it. She's dirt poor after a life of privilege, spending what little money she has without complaint in order to create a safe haven for the powerless, as she once was. Walking dangerous streets at night, meeting these women who treat human beings as a profitable product, she puts herself at grave risk. One of these walks brings her face to face with the man who shattered her. Finn Trewlove.

    No one had ever looked at her as he did—as though he would die if he couldn’t have her, as though he would die if he did.

Finn has resentment built up over their shared past, and the consequences that he suffered because of it. But what I really respected from him was that even when he believed he would be in the right for lashing out or even getting revenge, he never disrespects her, or deliberately hurts her. He can't help but satisfy his curiosity over her decision to help the unwanted, illegitimate children like himself. Because her actions are brave, admirable, and don't match up with the idea of the woman who supposedly betrayed him.

I don't want to go too deeply into Lavinia and Finn's history for fear of spoiling the book. But for a portion of the beginning of the story, there are alternating chapters of past and present that will explain what molded them into the adults they've become. Much more than a surface infatuation, they had a connection that was entirely transparent to me. With the vast divide between their social status, and a lack of power over their own decisions, they knew it was foolish to allow themselves to dream. But their hearts overruled their heads and it landed them years of separation, bitterness, and pain.

    Loving her had cost Finn five years of his life. Loving him had cost her—She refused to think about that.

Refusing to let the past to color his perception of the woman she is today, he has nothing but admiration for the foundling home she's scraped together. So he concocts a plan to not only get his shot at a new beginning, but give her financial security. She was running scared, and afraid to face the pain that a new relationship would dredge up. And now, after finally standing on her own two feet, and finding the freedom to live her life as she saw fit, would she give a man power over her once again? They both had secrets that once confessed, would lead to a heart-wrenching decision.

    It had always been thus between them, kindling waiting for the strike of a match. But somehow, now, everything seemed to burn hotter and brighter, threatened to consume until nothing remained except ash.

I've enjoyed every book in the series, though I think this one inched out in front as my new favorite. It had an emotional impact that the others didn't quite meet, and even had me a little teary eyed at the end. They both went through so much hardship and injustice. It broke my heart to see the suffering they had to go through in order to finally find the happiness they deserved. It was lovely to see the Trewloves come together once again and support each other like the fiercely loyal family they are. The next book is Aiden's, my least favorite brother, but my faith in this author is so solid that I'll probably still read it because I trust that she has the ability to change my mind. Lorraine Heath has become a new staple for me in the genre with her captivating writing, three dimensional characters, and historical accuracy. I can't recommend her enough.

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Review: The Huntress by Kate Quinn

In the aftermath of war, the hunter becomes the hunted…

THE HUNTRESS by KATE QUINN

Publication date: February 26, 2019 
Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: historical fiction

SYNOPSIS

Bold, reckless Nina Markova grows up on the icy edge of Soviet Russia, dreaming of flight and fearing nothing. When the tide of war sweeps over her homeland, she gambles everything to join the infamous Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment wreaking havoc on Hitler’s eastern front. But when she is downed behind enemy lines and thrown across the path of a lethal Nazi murderess known as the Huntress, Nina must use all her wits to survive.

British war correspondent Ian Graham has witnessed the horrors of war from Omaha Beach to the Nuremberg Trials. He abandons journalism after the war to become a Nazi hunter, yet one target eludes him: the Huntress. Fierce, disciplined Ian must join forces with brazen, cocksure Nina, the only witness to escape the Huntress alive. But a shared secret could derail their mission, unless Ian and Nina force themselves to confront it.

Seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride grows up in post WWII Boston, determined despite family opposition to become a photographer. At first delighted when her long-widowed father brings home a fiancée, Jordan grows increasingly disquieted by the soft-spoken German widow who seems to be hiding something. Armed only with her camera and her wits, Jordan delves into her new stepmother’s past and slowly realizes there are mysteries buried deep in her family. But Jordan’s search for the truth may threaten all she holds dear.

Goodreads

PRAISE FOR THE HUNTRESS:

“Kate Quinn’s follow-up to “The Alice Network” is compulsively readable historical fiction…[a] powerful novel about unusual women facing sometimes insurmountable odds with grace, grit, love and tenacity.” Kristin Hannah, Washington Post

“Quinn deftly braids the stories of a female Russian bomber pilot, Nazi hunters, and a young Bostonian girl staring down evil in the most unthinkable of places. The result is a searing tale of predator and prey, transgression and redemption and the immutable power of the truth. An utter triumph!” Pam Jenoff, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Orphan’s Tale

“Prepare to be spellbound! The Huntress masterfully draws you in and doesn’t let you go. Another brilliant work of historical fiction by the incomparable Kate Quinn.”
Susan Meissner, bestselling author of As Bright as Heaven

“The Huntress left me breathless with delight... Kate Quinn has created nothing less than a masterpiece of historical fiction.”
Jennifer Robson, bestselling author of Goodnight from London
“[A] complexly structured saga delivers exciting aerial sequences and intrigue worthy of a Hitchcock movie. The book’s psychological and dramatic elements combine for a powerful and satisfying finale. To paraphrase one of the characters, Ms. Quinn’s book is “dynamite in print.” Wall Street Journal

“An impressive historical novel sure to harness WWII-fiction fans’ attention... Laced with Russian folklore allusions and deliciously witty banter, Quinn’s tale refreshingly avoids contrived situations while portraying three touching, unpredictable love stories; the suspenseful quest for justice; and the courage involved in confronting one’s greatest fears.” Booklist starred review

“Readers should expect to give up weekend plans once they start this novel. A great choice for historical fiction fans, particularly of World War II–set novels, mystery readers, or anyone seeking well-crafted stories in which good triumphs over evil.” Library Journal starred review

“Well-researched and vivid segments are interspersed detailing Nina’s backstory... a fierce yet vulnerable antecedent to Lisbeth Salander. Quinn’s language is evocative of the period, and her characters are good literary company. With any luck, the Nazi hunting will go on for a sequel or two.” Kirkus Reviews

“Quinn delivers a suspenseful WWII tale of murder and revenge. This exciting thriller vividly reveals how people face adversity and sacrifice while chasing justice and retribution.”-Publishers Weekly

“Gripping historical fiction” -Good Housekeeping

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Quinn is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A native of southern California, she attended Boston University where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Classical Voice. She has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga, and two books in the Italian Renaissance, before turning to the 20th century with “The Alice Network” and “The Huntress.” All have been translated into multiple languages. Kate and her husband now live in San Diego with two rescue dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia, and her interests include opera, action movies, cooking, and the Boston Red Sox.

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REVIEW

The Huntress by Kate Quinn
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

The Alice Network was my first read by Kate Quinn, and not only did it make my yearly top ten favorites list, but it scored a permanent place on my all-time favorites. So to say I was excited about her next novel is an understatement. And that was before I found out that The Huntress was another multiple timeline book with a female Russian WWII bomber pilot as a central character. Quinn gives us another empowering story inspired by true heroic women in world history. These "Night Witches" as the women in 588th Night Bomber Regiment were called played a pivotal role in the fight to defeat the Nazis. They fought just to be given the right to serve their country in the line of fire, and faced rampant sexism and injustice despite their staggering contribution. It was truly fascinating to learn so much about these women. The historical research done was obviously meticulous, and easily brings you right inside these faraway places and times.

There are initially three alternating timelines: Jordan McBride's POV as it leads up to the present time, Nina Markova's POV leading up to the present time, and Ian, Tony, and Nina's chapters as they team up to hunt die Jägerin—the Huntress. Eventually they converge for the suspenseful confrontation at the end.

Nina Borisovna Markova grew up with an alcoholic, abusive father, and the rest of her family weren't any less vicious. Raised in communist Russia in the middle of nowhere, her most important lessons were of survival. Being the fastest, strongest, and most silent adversary when the need arose to defend yourself.

    You’re a Markov. Trouble always finds us, but we eat trouble alive.

Nina doesn't sit around waiting for the things she wants, she goes out and takes them with an iron fist and a snarl. She's full of fire. That fire is fueled by the one fear that she allows herself to hold onto, and the one desire that will take her high up into the sky to escape it. She fell in love with planes the first time she set her eyes on one, and finally getting to fly was like becoming one with the instrument that helps her soar. First she hunts down Marina Raskova and begs a spot on one of her all-female flying regiments, then she hunts Nazis. She's a born predator with a lot to prove and nothing to lose.

Ian is a former war correspondent who witnessed a lot of death and destruction and has the nightmares to prove it. Now, post-war, he's dedicated his life to finding Nazis on the run and bringing them to justice. But as badly as he wants to see them suffer and pay for their heinous crimes, he holds himself to a strict moral code that he refuses to cross. Because when you drift too far away from those lines, you become like the thing you hate the most. He and his partner Tony Rodomovsky, an American translator from Queens, are a two man operation with a shoestring budget gladly doing their part to hold these criminals accountable. The rest of the world seems to just want to forget the horrors they've survived, or pretend the past can be erased. Ian can't forget losing his brother at the hands of The Huntress, mistress of an SS officer, and won't rest until her sees her charged for it.

Ian was a broody, cynical man, yet still funny and likable. He had a strong sense of honor that governed him, but if he was backed into a corner he'd come out swinging with both fists. He really struggled with his sense of morality, and how dirty he'd be willing to play in his pursuit.

    You’ve got a savage in there too, you just pretend he’s never coming off the leash.”

Surprisingly, I think my favorite character is Jordan McBride. She's very shrewd and observant for her age, and filled with an adventurous spirit. She's also a gifted photographer hungry to learn more about the art, but her dreams aren't supported by her father. She's a dutiful daughter, and wants to make her father happy, but marrying her high school sweetheart and working at his antique shop are not going to fulfill her. She's seventeen, and at somewhat of a crossroads in her life when Anneliese Weber enters their lives and eventually their family. Soon Jordan begins seeing disquieting things about her new stepmother, and wonders if they really know her at all. Jordan was a brilliant woman, talented, loved and respected her father despite the fact that he selfishly kept her from her dreams. He was a good man, and loving father, but it was frustrating how dismissive he was of her gift. I was rooting for her to make her escape from the corner she was being backed into by everyone.

I have mixed feelings about Nina. While I vastly enjoyed her flying scenes during the war, and admired her courage, she was an extremely complex, unbending woman. But I will say that with her, what you see is what you get. She doesn't apologize for who she is, and though she's as hard as nails, she genuinely wants to be a part of something more than herself. She just doesn't know how after losing so much. I can't say I'm entirely satisfied with the ending in regards to her love interest. I wasn't convinced that she equally returned his feelings which was a little disheartening after everything they'd been through. She was still living in the past and struggling to move on.

The romance wasn't a game changer or anything, because after all, this story is about the suspense and the ability to realistically blend fact with fiction. Which I believe Kate Quinn has once again pulled off flawlessly. It was a gripping, fascinating look into the aftermath of WWII, and an examination of the fears that drive us. You can either fight to overcome them, or let them devour you. If you like war time fiction and learning about inspiring women in history, then I highly recommend this book.

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Blog Tour with Review: Lady Derring Takes a Lover by Julie Anne Long

A mistress. A mountain of debt. A mysterious wreck of a building.

LADY DERRING TAKES A LOVER by JULIE ANNE LONG

Publication date: February 26, 2019

Series: The Palace of Rogues #1

Genre: historical romance

Publisher: Avon Romance

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Synopsis

Delilah Swanpool, Countess of Derring, learns the hard way that her husband, "Dear Dull Derring," is a lot more interesting—and perfidious—dead than alive. It's a devil of an inheritance, but in the grand ruins of the one building Derring left her, are the seeds of her liberation. And she vows never again to place herself at the mercy of a man.

But battle-hardened Captain Tristan Hardy is nothing if not merciless. When the charismatic naval hero tracks a notorious smuggler to a London boarding house known as the Rogue's Palace, seducing the beautiful, blue-blooded proprietress to get his man seems like a small sacrifice.

They both believe love is a myth. But a desire beyond reason threatens to destroy the armor around their hearts. Now a shattering decision looms: Will Tristan betray his own code of honor…or choose a love that might be the truest thing he's ever known?

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Praise for Lady Derring Takes a Lover:

“Long returns triumphantly to historical romance with this beautifully written and achingly romantic story... A large cast of entertaining characters keeps the plot moving while breathtaking writing elevates the story on every page. Unique, delightful, and swoon worthy.”- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Sparkling banter, deep character insights, and a colorful supporting cast bring a clever scheme to life, setting up a series to savor. Historical readers will rejoice with Long’s return to the subgenre and will be intrigued by hints of the next “Rogues” title.”- Library Journal (starred review, editor’s pick)

“With Lady Derring Takes a Lover, the first in an exhilarating new series, the author’s literary prowess is in glorious full bloom with an engaging cast of exquisitely rendered characters, a deftly constructed plot that validates the power of hope and love, and inexhaustible measures of dazzling wit.”- Booklist (starred review)


EXCERPT

She’d taken two steps when he said, his voice raised only a little, “Lady Derring . . . something

puzzles me.”

She halted.

Closed her eyes.

Took a shuddering breath for courage.

Turned back to him. From the relatively safe distance of three feet, she said, “Surely not. We’ve established you know everything.”

His smile was small and patient. “You seem to excel at so very much here at The Grand Palace on the Thames. Yet you can’t seem to disguise how much you want me.”

About Julie Anne Long

USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long originally set out to be a rock star when she grew up (and she has the guitars and fringed clothing stuffed in the back of her closet to prove it), but writing was always her first love. Since hanging up her guitar for the computer keyboard, Julie has penned books that frequently top reader and critic polls and have been nominated for numerous awards, including the RITA®, Romantic TimesReviewer's Choice, and the Quill, and reviewers have been known to use words like "dazzling," "brilliant," and "impossible to put down" when describing them. Julie lives in Northern California.

You can find her on: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

REVIEW

Lady Derring Takes a Lover by Julie Anne Long
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is my first Julie Anne Long book! I know, I know. Where have I been? Thanks to my girl Astrid (once again) I've found another author to faithfully follow in the genre. I think this is going to be the year I fully get back into historical romance because I have been enjoying an amazing run in the past couple of months with them! Julie Anne Long has such a distinct style to her writing that sets her apart from other authors. I was honestly one of the most refreshing discoveries I've had in a long time because of it.

This first book in the Palace of Rogues series centers around Countess Delilah and Captain Tristan Hardy. Delilah has just been widowed and discovers that her husband has been keeping some very important things from her. But then, it doesn't really surprise her, because she's always been treated as if she's just a means to an end. A commodity for other people to make use of, rather than seen for the bright and brave woman she is. First she was auctioned off to the highest bidder to save her family from ruin, and then she was only useful to her husband to produce an heir. Spending so long feeling invisible has made her somewhat bitter towards men, and even though she's in a desperate situation, she can't help but feel like a caged bird who has finally been given its freedom.

    No one, particularly not her late husband, had ever valued her for wits. Oh, but she possessed them.

She has debt collectors knocking at her door to repossess anything they can get their hands on. Her meeting with his solicitor is already grim, and then things sink comically worse when her husband's mistress barges in asking for her share of his estate. To say she was having a bad day would be an understatement. This is where you get the first taste of the heroine's strong character, because not only does she not fall apart, but she seeks out her husband's mistress and invites her to become her partner in a risky business venture.

Lady Derring is the proud new owner of a shabby property in the sketchy part of London, the sole item she gains from her unsatisfactory marriage to a man fifteen years her senior. It may be filthy and neglected, but it's hers. Previously an establishment of questionable morality named the Palace of Rogues, she envisions transforming it to a respectable boarding house called The Grand Palace on the Thames.

That in itself is pretty funny, but they way Delilah always tells everyone, "Here at the Grand Palace on the Thames..." in such a ceremonious way always made me laugh. She so seriously expected people to believe that the boarding house isn't in a crime ridden neighborhood by the docks, but rather an elite place where anyone who is anyone wanted to stay. The rules they concocted to make the place more comfortable for the guests were also hilarious, especially the swear jar and the rules forcing guests to eat and spend time together. Captain Tristan is as taciturn and unsociable as they come, so it was highly entertaining to see him attempting to converse with the quirky characters staying there.

Tristan is an unobtrusive character that sneaks up on you. His droll, dry humor is snarky but not in an in your face kind of way. As a career military man, he's very strictly regimented, staunchly honorable, and self-possessed. Then his playful side comes out by the beautiful Delilah and you see him blooming right before your very eyes. She's able to loosen the tight control over himself that he's held so rigidly for his entire life. He isn't the type to reveal what he's feeling, so when she earns a tilted smile or a slip in his composure it's meaningful. When he'd devilishly tease her in that subtle sarcastic way of his, I couldn't get enough.

    “I don’t suppose you often lose at anything, Captain Hardy.” “Not since that one time, lo these many years ago.”

    “You and I are very alike, I think, Captain Hardy.”
“Ah. Does your beard begin to darken at about five o’clock, too?”

The romance is a slow burn build. I'm definitely a fan of that because the tension and chemistry hold a lot of heat when they're forced to simmer. These two had a fantastic burn that built in intensity in a way that I wasn't expecting. They're all about the teasing, hot glances, and daring comments that make the other just a little weak-kneed. Though it did take a while to surface, you did see the attraction and her effect on him immediately. And he's totally incapable of understanding the unfamiliar feelings he stirs because he's never had that type of reaction to a woman before. She makes him feel out of control and way out of his comfort zone.

I loved all of the characters, even Angelique. She and Delilah built an unlikely friendship, and they were very much opposites in personality, but they also felt a bond because of how they'd been wronged by the men they loved. The boardinghouse was their opportunity to stand on their own two feet and work for their independence so they'd never have to be dependent on anyone ever again. Delilah's lingering naivety and desire to see the world through a rose colored glasses was in direct contrast to Angelique's cynical and distrustful nature. Though she wasn't unkind, she hadn't been as sheltered as her friend, and she'd experienced a world of heartache. I'm very excited to read her book after meeting her hero at the end of the story!

There was a little mystery involved which I thought was well done. As the Captain works in secret to ferret out the criminal he's hunting, he realizes that the end of his investigation could break sweet Delilah in ways he didn't intend. I loved this one so much! I only shaved a bit off my rating because it did take me a little while to engage in the beginning and get sucked in. It was far from boring, but it did feel a little slow and that's somewhat expected with the first in a series. Also, I would have liked to learn more about his past because we only learned the bare minimum, and I was expecting him to open up and reveal more about himself. Overall, I loved Tristan and Delilah together and he even showed a romantic side in the end that I had no idea he had in him. If you're looking for a new HR series to follow, give this one a shot! I'll definitely be reading the next installment as well as exploring her backlist as soon as I can.

    Never had pleasure so owned him. So fully consumed him. Never had it so thoroughly relieved him, if momentarily, of the burden of being himself, the man who held up the world.

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Review: The Risk by Elle Kennedy

A sexy standalone novel from New York Times and international bestselling author Elle Kennedy. THE RISK takes you back to the world of hot hockey players, feisty heroines, bro banter, and steamy scenes... 

THE RISK by ELLE KENNEDY

Publication date: February 18, 2019

Series: Briar #2

Genre: new adult romance

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Synopsis

Everyone says I’m a bad girl. They’re only partly right—I don’t let fear rule me, and I certainly don’t care what people think. But I draw the line at sleeping with the enemy. As the daughter of Briar’s head hockey coach, I’d be vilified if I hooked up with a player from a rival team.

And that’s who Jake Connelly is. Harvard’s star forward is arrogant, annoying, and too attractive for his own good. But fate is cruel—I require his help to secure a much-coveted internship, and the sexy jerk isn’t making it easy for me.

I need Connelly to be my fake boyfriend.

For every fake date…he wants a real one.

Which means this bad girl is in big trouble. Nothing good can come from sneaking around with Jake Connelly. My father would kill me, my friends will revolt, and my post-college career is on the line. But while it’s getting harder and harder to resist Jake’s oozing sex appeal and cocky grin, I refuse to fall for him.

That’s the one risk I’m not willing to take.

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Praise for Elle Kennedy's The Risk

"Elle Kennedy writes the best sports romances! The Risk was an unputdownable, funny, steamy novel that now has me hooked on reading about hot hockey players!” — New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward

“Elle Kennedy is the queen of hate-to-love-you sexy romance! A 2019 favorite!”
— Vi Keeland, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Briar U just keeps getting hotter!”
— Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author of Brooklynaire

“The Risk is the perfect combination of humor, heart and heat. No one writes deliciously sexy and laugh-out-loud funny better than Elle Kennedy. I loved this book!” — USA Today bestselling author Nikki Sloane

About Elle Kennedy

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

You can find her on:

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REVIEW

The Risk by Elle Kennedy
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Elle Kennedy is really talented when it comes to not only creating intriguing secondary characters, but building excitement for who they are going to be matched with in future books. That's definitely the case when I read The Chase and saw the friction between Brenna and Jake. Although I didn't love the first in the series, the potential enemies to lovers story had me clamoring to get ahold of their book. This author does snarky dialogue and banter like no other, and she created two characters who couldn't have been better matched on the sarcasm front. Brenna is full of fire. She's blunt, bold, and outrageous. Jake Connelly, the hotshot forward on Harvard's team, enjoys nothing more than teasing and getting a reaction out of her. When they went head to head, all you could do was sit back and enjoy the show.

    Connelly is the captain of the Harvard hockey team, AKA, THE ENEMY.

Even from the very beginning, it was obvious that neither disliked each other. Drawn? Attracted? Yes. Even when she was laying into him with a well-crafted insult. Instead of getting offended by her snark, he admired her even more for it. Not only did he think she was drop dead gorgeous, confident, and funny, he respected her assertiveness. She knew what she wanted, and she went after it with everything she had.

    Melodic laughter spills out of her throat. I can’t deny I like hearing it. No, I like knowing that I’m the one who made her laugh.

Jake is the kind of guy that has charisma coming out of his pores. You can't help but like the guy, as personable and outgoing as he is because he isn't full of his own importance. Even though he's almost secured a spot at stardom in the professionals, he's still grounded and hasn't let it get to his head. There really isn't much conflict revolving around him, it's mostly related to Brenna. She carries around some heavy baggage that she doesn't allow anyone to see. A broken relationship with her father and a disaster of a past romance in high school that continues to weigh on her life occupy a lot of her headspace. She's come a long way from the rebellious teen that she used to be, but she can't seem to fully put the past behind her. She's worked hard to improve herself and reach for her goals, but in the eyes of her father, she's still the same disappointing person who can't be trusted.

    I wonder how other people cope with the knowledge that their parents are ashamed of them. The weight of my father’s shame has been pressing down on my shoulders for years, and I’ve yet to find a way to deal with it.

Her one and only serious relationship failed, and it failed epically. Since then, she's lost all desire for emotional entanglements. After all, her ex wasn't capable of being there for her at her lowest and darkest. Why should she risk her heart again if it was all in vain? She had a goal to make it in the sports broadcasting industry, and nothing was going to stand in her way. Thing is, it was a little hard for her to get her foot in the door when her potential boss at her dream job was a sexist pig. That's where Jake comes in and things get interesting. As her internship interview is clearly tanking, she drops Jake's name and the next thing she knows, she's agreeing to bring her "boyfriend" to his house for dinner. Could annoying, cheeky Jake be the key to getting her big break?

Based on the synopsis, I thought there would be more involved with their "fake relationship" but it was literally one fake/real date and that was it. There wasn't any slow burn involved with these two, though there was definitely some resistance involved. As the captain of the team, he didn't want to become distracted at a crucial point in the season. She had trust issues a mile wide, and a fear of getting too close because he was on a fast track to stardom after Harvard. In a few short months, he'd be gone.

Jake steadily broke down her walls and it didn't take long for him to want to explore where they could go. He supported her as she worked for her internship and listened when she was ready to open up to him about the guilt that was still ruling her. His friend Hazel wasn't the most supportive, and that was really the only drama added in on his end. Hazel didn't trust Brenna and wasn't afraid to say it. She was not very likable for a lot of the book but I still understood where she was coming from, and in the end she saw the error of her ways.

Brenna and her dad's heart to heart was one of the best parts of the book for me. She needed to find the courage to confront him about the distance they couldn't seem to bridge since her teens. Once they were able to communicate and be honest with one another, it was a beautiful thing to see their relationship bloom. As usual, Elle Kennedy had me so entertained that an over 400 page book felt like it flew by way too fast. The bubble butt scene in particular had me choking in hilarity. The boys' conversation...the coach's reaction when he walked in? Pure gold. By far, this is my favorite out of the first two in the series. This couple was so well paired and there was relatively no excess drama to be found. There's something about this author's writing that keeps me coming back for more every time. If you're looking for a light and fun NA read with a healthy dose of steam, look no further.

    I have faith that he’ll always choose me, always choose us.

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Cover Reveal: Things We Never Said by Samantha Young

THINGS WE NEVER SAID by SAMANTHA YOUNG

Expected publication date: May 7, 2019

Series: Hart's Boardwalk #3

Genre: contemporary romance

Goodreads

Synopsis

Local metalsmith and gift shop owner, Dahlia McGuire, likes her quiet life in Hartwell, Delaware. It's the perfect place to hide from her family and the tragic events that led to their estrangement. However, when her father, the person she loves most in the world, needs her Dahlia has no choice but to return to Boston to face her ghosts. One of those happens to be her ex-boyfriend's best friend, Michael Sullivan. The man she was never supposed to fall in love with.

Michael Sullivan has never forgotten Dahlia McGuire. Some might say he’s never gotten over her. For years he lived with the anger of her desertion, and now, newly-divorced, he’s finally ready to move on. That proves impossible when Dahlia returns to Boston and reawakens their explosive connection. Despite everything, Michael wants her back, but Dahlia can’t seem to let go of the tangled emotions of the past. When she flees home to Hartwell, Michael follows, determined to do everything in his power to convince her they belong together.

However, when the unthinkable hits the quiet seaside town, Michael finds himself trying to unravel more than the mystery of Dahlia's broken heart. It's time for truths left unsaid to finally be spoken or Michael and Dahlia might find themselves torn apart forever…

US Preorder Links:

Amazon | NOOK | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords

About the Author

Samantha Young is the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of adult contemporary romances, including the On Dublin Street series and Hero, as well as the New Adult duology Into the Deep and Out of the Shallows. Fight or Flight, a new standalone to be published by Berkley Romance, is out October 9th 2018. Before turning to contemporary fiction, she wrote several young adult paranormal and fantasy series, including the amazon bestselling Tale of Lunarmorte trilogy. Samantha's YA contemporary novels The Impossible Vastness of Us and The Fragile Ordinary are published by Harlequin Teen. Her next adult contemporary romance As Dust Dances releases August 7th 2018. It follows the story of homeless ex-poprock star Skylar Finch and the ambitious Scottish A&R Exec Killian O'Dea who shakes up life as she knows it. Samantha is from a small town in Central Scotland and is known for her romantic stories set in her beloved home country. She is currently published in 30 countries and is a #1 international bestselling author. When she's not writing books, she's buying shoes she doesn't really need and searching for nooks and crannies to shelve her ever-expanding book collection. To learn more head on over to her website.

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Review: The Governess by Christi Caldwell

THE GOVERNESS by CHRISTI CALDWELL

Publication date: February 12, 2019

Published by: Montlake 

Series: Wicked Wallflowers #3

Genre: historical romance

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Synopsis

Regina (Reggie) Spark has loved Broderick Killoran, the resourceful and protective proprietor of the Devil’s Den, ever since he saved her from the streets and made her his right hand at the notorious gaming hell. For just as long, Reggie has never admitted her true feelings for him. Nor has she revealed her spirited ambitions—to buck convention and expectations and open a music hall.

While Broderick built his gaming empire with ruthless cunning, his loyalty to his employees is boundless. So when he learns of Reggie’s plan to leave his side and take charge of her own future, the betrayal cuts Broderick to the core. He responds as he would to any business rival…with swift retribution.

Instead of wilting, the savvy Reggie rebounds with a fury that shocks Broderick and stirs a desire he’s been holding in reserve for only ladies of nobility. But as their seductive battle of wills ignites under the harsh spotlight of the London Season, secrets are exposed as well—ones that could be ruinous in decent society but invaluable for the heart.

Purchase your copy now!

Amazon | B&N 

Praise for Christi Caldwell’s The Wallflowers Series 

“[A]n atmospheric and captivating romance." —​Publishers Weekly o​n ​The Hellion
"The story gave me the angst and emotion I wanted and an ending that satisfied." —Red Hot Books ​on​ The Vixen

About Christi Caldwell

USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell blames novelist Judith McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. When Christi was at the University of Connecticut, she began writing her own tales of love—ones where even the most perfect heroes and heroines had imperfections. She learned to enjoy torturing her couples before they earned their well-deserved happily ever afters.

The author of The Hellion in her Wicked Wallflowers series, Christi lives in Southern Connecticut, where she spends her time writing, chasing after her son, and taking care of her twin princesses-in-training.

You can find her on:

Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Blog


REVIEW

The Governess by Christi Caldwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Christi Caldwell has quickly become a new top favorite author in the historical romance genre for me. I recently binged on The Sinful Brides series and the first two in the Wicked Wallflowers back to back because once I started, I was utterly addicted. I gobbled them up like they were my last meal before a long fast.

    Only Broderick Killoran could issue a threat in a silken whisper that painted it as seduction instead of ruin.

I'm going to be honest and admit that Broderick Killoran was not high on my list of characters that I was especially excited to read about. As the head of the Killoran clan and the Devil's Den, he's certainly the most powerful. He's a man who's willing to play dirty in the cutthroat streets of the Dials in order to give his siblings financial security. But his obsession with marrying off any one of his sisters to a nobleman didn't incite any warm and squishy feelings. I never really understood his laser focus on making that happen, despite his sisters' aversion to sacrificing themselves. I should have known better than to be anything less than excited for his book. Somehow Caldwell not only meets, but far exceeds my expectations. I don't know how she keeps doing it, but each couple seems to impress me more than the last.

I knew going in that this was going to be a secret unrequited love story, so I was hoping for all of the angst that goes along with it. Let me assure you, it did not disappoint. Regina "Reggie" Spark is the governess to Broderick's younger brother and sisters, and has become one of the few people he trusts in the world. Reggie has been harboring some very inconvenient feelings for her employer that she's sure he will never return. There were hints in the series that she felt something deep for him, but he never had a clue about her turmoil. She was his employee (and practically a member of the family as far as he was concerned,) so that was a line he couldn't fathom crossing.

Reggie has decided that for her own peace of mind, she must separate herself from the family and start her own business. She plans to open her own music hall which will not only give her her own independence, but it will also give the prostitutes from the Devil's Den a new life where they don't have to sell their bodies to survive. I admired Reggie's strength and tenacity from page one. She wants to make something of herself and follow her passion for music, and it took a lot of guts to make the decision to put herself first. Knowing that Broderick would see her move as a betrayal against him, she pushed on with her plans because she knew she couldn't continue to be dependent on this ruthless man. She had to make her own way in life, with or without his approval.

    Ten years ago, nearly to the date, Broderick had saved her. On this day, Reggie would save herself.

When Broderick discovers her secret plans, the retribution is swift and brutal. He isn't willing to listen to her explanations or motivations, and sets a trap to keep her under his control. Thing is, Reggie isn't the type to be backed into a corner or bullied, and the sparks start flying. She was the perfect adversary for him because she knew every one of his secrets and intimidation tactics. And despite his broken trust, he can't help but admire the fire, wit, and courage she displays. Out of his admiration grows an attraction that he's determined to resist.

It was a relief to finally get inside Broderick's head so that I could understand him better. Previously he always seemed very self-absorbed and single minded in his attempts to:

1) Make money
2) Form connections to the nobility through advantageous marriages with his sisters

Leading the life he has, first with Diggory, and then making a name for himself in the unforgiving streets of the Dials, his only objective has been to give the Killorans safety. They believe that he wants to increase his own fortune and social standing, but he's worried what will become of them if his enemies ever get the better of him. His role is the protector, because he's determined to do a better job than his own weak father who led him to the underbelly of London. Even as the noose is tightening around his neck as his past catches up with him, he's resigned to the inevitable. Gertrude is his last unmarried sister, and he's dead set on giving her a season where she will meet a husband who will take care of her.

I wasn't prepared for how tragic Reggie's backstory would be. The combination of the slow burn, enemies to lovers tension, and uncovering her painful past created a serious amount of emotion that had my heart fluttering inside my chest. She was such a broken heroine, and yet she gritted her teeth and faced every obstacle with incredible bravery. There were several times in the last chapters that I got choked up and barely held myself back from crying as she healed from all of the hurt she had been hiding.

Not only did I fall head over heels for Broderick, but his spoiled brother Stephen finally brought me around to his corner. I never thought I would like him after what he did to the Black family, but he proved that he had some honor in him by the end. Stephen's father, Lord Edwin's vendetta against Broderick was at the center of all of the threads of the plot. I was on the edge of my seat as they all started to weave together and rush towards the conclusion. There is much more of the story to be told in regards to Edwin, and I'll be interested to see how the author reconciles his relationship with his son.

If you haven't read a Christi Caldwell book, you are missing out. Her writing is instantly engaging and highly addictive. The characters she creates are flawed, three dimensional people that you have to learn more about. They're like a puzzle with scattered pieces you need to study and put back together again. And that's exactly what she's done with Broderick and Reggie. Two broken people find an unexpected love together that binds them and gives them strength to overcome their pasts. I highly recommend this series, and cannot wait for Gertrude's book, The Bluestocking which is scheduled for publication in May.

    A taste of her was a mere taunt. Temptation. Sin wrapped in splendor. And he wanted all of her, rules of honor be damned.

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