Showing posts with label Georgian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Georgian. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Book Review: Taming a Lady Wolfe by Tammy Andersen

Taming a Lady Wolfe by Tammy Andersen



Publisher & Release Date: Kindle Worlds, September 4, 2016  

Time and setting: 1795, Northern England

Genre: Historical Romance/Georgian

Length: 79 pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Lady Delia de Wolfe absolutely cannot marry the handsome rake, Roderick Maddox, fourth Duke of Manchester, despite her brother’s insistence she do just that. Though he has long reformed his ways, he steals her breath away every time their eyes meet and she simply doesn’t deserve that kind of happiness. Not after the death of her brother, Reginald. She must pay penance, because, if not for her, he would still be alive.

Roderick Maddox, has known for years he would marry Delia. Before Reginald’s death, he made a promise to his friend, not only would he care for Reginald’s sister, but he would reform himself into the type of man Delia deserved. He never expected Delia to ignite such passion or to be so resistant to him. Nor did he realize he held the secret about Reginald’s death that could crush their budding feelings forever. 

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Vikki’s Musings

Tammy Andersen is a new-to-me author, and I enjoyed her writing style. I received a request to read Taming a Lady Wolfe from the Ms. Andersen, and the book description intrigued me, so I decided to accept this novella for review.

I must say the prologue dropped me right into the middle of an action scene and set up the rest of the novella nicely. Ms. Andersen writes a fast-paced story with engaging characters. The editing was excellent. For a novella, the characters are surprisingly well developed.

Lady Delia de Wolfe is an attractive heroine, not only beautiful but kind-hearted as well. She loves her family and is staunchly loyal. She also gains great fulfillment from cooking and baking, which for a gentle woman living in 1795 is extraordinary. I could feel her pain and guilt over her brother’s death and could understand her reasoning when you take into account her tender age when he fell to his death trying to save her.

Roderick, 4th Duke of Winthrop is drool-worthy, handsome, determined and a protector, my favorite kind of hero. I’ve always loved a rake who sees the error of his ways when he finds his lady love. When he saves Delia from death, she saves him from a life of debauchery. He made the decision that fateful day to live in a way that would be deserving of Delia’s admiration and affection.

When they meet again, once Delia is of an age to marry, the chemistry and sexual tension is extremely strong and had me rooting for them to find their happy ending. Roderick’s manner of wooing her stole my heart.


If you enjoy an emotionally-charged romance with a great cast of characters and a believable plot, then you will enjoy Roderick and Delia’s love story as much as I did. I highly recommend you give this a read. Happy reading!

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Book Review: Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt



Publisher & Release: Grand Central Publishing, November 29, 2016

Time and setting:  Georgian, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 337 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

IN THE ARMS OF DANGER

Bold. Brave. Brutally handsome. Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is the king's secret weapon. Sent to defeat the notorious Lords of Chaos, he is ambushed in a London alley-and rescued by an unlikely ally: a masked stranger with the unmistakable curves of a woman.

IN THE HEAT OF DESIRE

Cocky. Clever. Courageously independent. Alf has survived on the perilous streets of St. Giles by disguising her sex. By day she is a boy, dealing in information and secrets. By night she's the notorious Ghost of St. Giles, a masked vigilante. But as she saves Hugh from assassins, she finds herself succumbing to temptation . . . 

ONE KISS WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER

When Hugh hires Alf to investigate the Lords of Chaos, her worlds collide. Once Hugh realizes that the boy and the Ghost are the same, will Alf find the courage to become the woman she needs to be-before the Lords of Chaos destroy them both?

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Vikki’s Musings

I’ve been a fan of the Maiden Lane series from the beginning, so when I saw this one was available on Net-Galley, I immediately requested it in exchange for an honest review. This is not my favorite book in the series, but nonetheless, enjoyable.

Duke of Pleasure is fast-paced as are most of Ms. Hoyt’s books. The first scene dropped me right into the middle of a suspenseful situation. The chemistry between Alf and Kyle fairly jumps off the page, and it only gets stronger as the story progresses.

Even though Kyle thinks Alf is a boy for part of the book, they share several steamy kisses when she is the Ghost of St. Giles. I loved it when he at last realizes Alf and the ghost are the same. He’s like a kid let loose in a candy store, physically! Now on an emotional level, it take him a little longer.

Alf’s character is a cocky, and at time, an abrasive heroine. That is not my favorite type of female, but I still grew to love her by the end of the book. She is absolutely awesome with Peter and Kit, the hero’s two little boys. They add a lot to this book.

Kyle is a good hero. He was dealt a bad hand of cards in his first marriage, and it’s no wonder he is less than enthusiastic when he finds himself attracted to Alf. His goals, motivation and conflict are very clear from the start, and his character gained my empathy right away.


If you’re a fan of historical romance, then this is a must read. I always know I’m in for a treat when I read one of Ms. Hoyt’s novels, and Duke of Pleasure is a highly enjoyable read. While this one is not my favorite of the series, it is very good and well worth my time. Happy reading!

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Book Review & Release Day: Once upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt


Release day for Elizabeth Hoyt's Once upon a Moonlit Night! Be sure to follow the link below to enter the drawing for a signed copy.
Once upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt


Publisher & Release: Hachette Book Group, July 5, 2016

Time and setting: 1741, Yorkshire, England

Genre: Historical Romance/Georgian

Length:  Novella Length

Heat Level: 3 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Hippolyta Royle is running for her life. Pursued by hounds on a cold rainy night, the heiress flags down a passing carriage and throws herself at the mercy of the coach's occupant. Whoever this handsome traveler may be, he is her only hope to escape a terrible fate. But should he agree to escort her to safety, he's in for much more than he bargained for . . .

At first Matthew Mortimer doesn't believe Hippolyta's story, that she's a fabulously wealthy heiress who's been kidnapped. He assumes she's a beggar, an actress, or worse. But once his new travel companion washes the mud from her surprisingly lovely face, and they share a breathtaking kiss, there is no turning back . . .

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Vikki’s Musings

When I received an invitation from the publisher to read Once upon a Moonlit Night, via Net-Galley, in exchange for an honest review, I immediately accepted. I recently read Duke of Sin and thoroughly enjoyed it, and this book’s heroine was a secondary character in that one. I had to find out what happened to the poor young woman after she escaped the Duke of Montgomery’s evil machinations!

Hippolyta Royle finds herself stranded on a country road with the hounds of hell on her heels. Fortunately, a coach appears, and the gentleman inside agrees to give her sanctuary. Although she is the wealthiest heiress in England, Matthew Mortimer mistakes her for an actress down on her luck and a woman of easy virtue.

Matthew does not believe this little beggarmaid’s tale of woe, but he is enchanted by her nonetheless, he does not have the time to become embroiled with a female no matter how attractive he finds her. After leaving her at the next coaching inn, he suddenly becomes remorseful and returns in the nick of time to save her from three thugs intent on doing her harm.

When he learns that she is indeed the woman she claims to be, and they are forced to marry, will it lead to paradise or a living hell?

I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful romp across England. Hippolyta is an endearing heroine, and Matthew is a great hero. The chemistry between the pair is fantastic from the first scene and only grows stronger as the story progresses.

For a novella, there is surprising depth to both the hero and heroine, and even though their romance must move quickly, I found it believable. I think it helped that they are thrown together and have to either sink or swim.

If you enjoy Ms. Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series and read Duke of Sin, then this tale will certainly please you as much as it did me. It’s a fast read with truly delightful characters. Happy reading!

 About the Author:


Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing "mesmerizing." She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt.

Social Media Links:
Twitter @elizabethhoyt 
Add Once Upon a Moonlit Night to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1S30uww

Share the giveaway for a SIGNED copy of DUKE OF SIN: http://bit.ly/29dxlnQ

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Book Review: Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt
(Maiden Lane series)



Publisher & Release: Grand Central Publishing, May 31, 2016

Time and setting: 1741, London

Genre: Historical Romance/Georgian

Length: 360 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A MAN OF SIN

Devastatingly handsome. Vain. Unscrupulous. Valentine Napier, the Duke of Montgomery, is the man London whispers about in boudoirs and back alleys. A notorious rake and blackmailer, Montgomery has returned from exile, intent on seeking revenge on those who have wronged him. But what he finds in his own bedroom may lay waste to all his plans.

A WOMAN OF HONOR

Born a bastard, housekeeper Bridget Crumb is clever, bold, and fiercely loyal. When her aristocratic mother becomes the target of extortion, Bridget joins the Duke of Montgomery's household to search for the incriminating evidence-and uncovers something far more dangerous.

A SECRET THAT THREATENS TO DESTROY THEM BOTH
Astonished by the deceptively prim-and surprisingly witty-domestic spy in his chambers, Montgomery is intrigued. And try as she might, Bridget can't resist the slyly charming duke. Now as the two begin their treacherous game of cat and mouse, they soon realize that they both have secrets-and neither may be as nefarious-or as innocent-as they appear . . .

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Vikki’s Musings

I have been a fan of Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series ever since the first one was published. When I found Duke of Sin on Net-Galley, I immediately requested it in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoy this book!

Bastard daughter of a lady, Bridget Crumb is the housekeeper to the notorious Duke of Montgomery. He’s amoral, a blackmailer, a man without a heart. Determined to foil his plan to blackmail her mother, she searches his chamber for the evidence he holds against her.

Valentine Napier is a troubled man, scarred by his childhood. He is determined to never fall in love. After all, then he would have to kill her because love kills. That was the message he learned at an early age, one he will never forget.

Their secrets should forever keep them apart, but the passion they feel for one another burns brighter than any secret. Can Bridget overlook Val’s many sins or will they drive her away?

I fell in love with Bridget’s character from the first page. She is fierce and loyal when she has very little reason to be so. I loved her passionate nature which she tries very hard to deny. She fights furiously to push away her desire for the evil duke, but her soft heart interferes when she learns what drives his atrocious behavior.

Val’s character is definitely a tortured soul, my favorite kind of hero. He is deliciously gorgeous, and Ms. Hoyt does an astonishing job of painting a clear picture for me. While he is indeed very wicked, he does have vulnerabilities. Hoyt has given me a truly flawed character, one that could be too much for some. I really worried there was no way she could ever redeem him, but she worked her magic. I became so emotionally involved and began to overlook his terrible behavior. Val is truly a villain, one that a reader will either love of hate.

Ms. Hoyt is a true master at pulling me into her story, even when I fought it. I already mentioned that Val is not an easy character to like, let alone love, but she managed it with me. Duke of Sin is fast-paced with plenty of suspense woven into the vivid Georgian setting. From the description of the costumes to the manner in which her characters speak, I felt as if I were living in this period of history. It would be easy to overlook her brilliance in this area with her incredibly compelling characters driving the story.

If you’re looking for a truly emotionally-charged story with unforgettable characters, then you will love Duke of Sin as much as I did. This entire series is a true pleasure to read and this book definitely lived up to my high expectations. Happy reading!


Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Spotlight: The De Monteforte Brothers Series by Danelle Harmon

The De Monteforte Brothers Series by Danelle Harmon


Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, 2012

Time and setting: 1775 - 1778 England  

Genre: Historical Georgian Romance

Length: Each novel is full length

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

The Wild One

FROM NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR DANELLE HARMON comes this # 1 in Amazon Kindle store download and runaway international bestseller! (Originally published by Avon Books)

"The bluest of blood, the boldest of hearts; the de Montforte brothers will take your breath away."

England, 1776: Lord Gareth de Montforte is known as an irresponsible rake with a heart of gold. When he takes a bullet for boldly thwarting a stagecoach robbery, he is stunned to discover that the beautiful young woman he has heroically rescued, Juliet Paige, is his deceased brother's American fiancée, accompanied by her infant daughter. Despite his brother the duke's refusal to acknowledge Juliet, Gareth is determined to do right by the courageous woman who crossed an ocean to give her baby her rightful name. But Juliet is wary of marrying this black sheep aristocrat, even while she is hopelessly charmed by the dashing devil. Never has she met anyone who embraces life so thoroughly, who makes her laugh, who loves her so well. And, even when it seems the odds are against them, Juliet has absolute faith that Gareth will go beyond the call of duty, risking his life itself to give her and her daughter a home -- and a love that will last a lifetime.

Book 1

I thoroughly enjoyed The Wild One, even though this is the second time I read it. While the story is fantastic, filled with deep emotion and passion, it is also a tale of a high-spirited young man’s journey to accepting and embracing adulthood. It’s a story where the woman is truly the making of the man.
I did not care for the narrator. I think his voice is too mature. After all the hero is only 23 years old. However, he does a good job of getting the feelings across to the listener. 

If you enjoy a rollercoaster ride of emotions from laughs to tears, then you will love this exciting, well-written Georgian romance. I can’t wait to listen to the rest of the books in this incredible series.


The Beloved One

In this second installment of her breathtaking De Montforte Brothers series, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Danelle Harmon introduces us to Englishman Lord Charles de Montforte, who awakens in the tender care of an American beauty after being wounded in battle. Amy Leighton has long wished for someone special to enter her life and take her away from a cruel, unloving step-family, but the handsome stranger is from an enemy land ... and he's sworn to love another. A 1775-era Cinderella story sure to enthrall!

Book 2

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to The Beloved One. This one is filled with deep emotion, and it has a tortured hero, my personal favorite. The romance is compelling, the plot is well-developed, and the characters are unforgettable.

While the narrator's voice is a bit too mature, his performance enhances the deep emotion of the characters, and he gives each one a distinct voice tone. 

If you have not read Danelle Harmon's De Monforte Brothers series, I highly recommend this awesome, emotionally-charged series, and The Beloved One in particular.


The Defiant One

Blessed — or perhaps cursed — with a fiery temper, a strong will, and a blatant disregard for his brother’s wishes, Lord Andrew de Montforte's only desire is to be left alone. But after being caught in a compromising position with tempting Lady Celsiana Blake, the brilliant and brooding scientist/inventor is forced into marriage in this fast-paced, jocular tale in which a supporting cast of beloved pets, the warm and eccentric de Montforte brothers, and the Machiavellian influence of the mighty duke of Blackheath once again play a role...

Book 3

The Defiant One truly earns its name. Book 3 of the De Monteforte Brothers series is a story again filled with high emotion and passion, but this one is edgier than the first two. Andrew is an inventor and appears to be angry with everyone, especially his immensely controlling eldest brother, the duke.
Danelle Harmon certainly knows how to write a tortured hero, and Andrew fits this archetype perfectly. Her hero in The Defiant One is more than a match for him. She is feisty and determined to love him out of his defiance with her gentle touches and unconditional love.

The narrator is again able to bring so much emotion to his writing that I forget that his voice is too mature for the characters.

This is another great addition to the epic saga of the four De Montforte brothers. Now on to the next and final book is this fantastic series!


The Wicked One

When the powerful Lucien de Montforte, the Duke of Blackheath, arrives home to find a dangerous and vengeful woman waiting for him in his bed with pistol in hand, the master manipulator never dreams that he has finally met his match. But thanks to his scheming family's successful attempts to force a wedding, the wicked and wily duke finds himself entangled in a web of his own making in this spectacular conclusion to Danelle Harmon's critically acclaimed de Montforte Brothers series!

Book 4

What an outstanding end to this remarkable series! Lucien, the Duke of Blackheath has met his match in Eva de la Mouriere. She is the only woman who can bring this arrogant and manipulate duke to his knees, and she does this repeatedly from the first page to the last.

While Eva took a while for me to warm up to her character, by the end of the book, I grew to love her. She is a mix of cynical woman—betrayed by her father at a tender age, and then later betrayed by her first husband—and innocence at the same time, especially in sexual matters. Her character is complex, to say the least and marvelously entertaining.

I struggled with the narrator’s voice tone for Eva, but his interpretation of her emotions is fantastic. Now his voice for the duke is perfect in this one, his tone shows the arrogance and controlling man with all his faults.


The conclusion of the De Montforte series is perfection, and I am so glad I discovered Ms. Harmon. I love the depth of emotion she is able to put in her books. I will definitely read future romances by her. If you are looking for a series that will hold your imagination from the first book to the last, then you will not want to miss out on this marvelous, well-written series. Happy reading!