My Review of a Recent Release
A Raven’s Heart
Secrets and Spies Book #2
by K. C. Bateman
Random House Publishing Group Loveswept
Pub Date 18 Oct 2016
$3.99 in E-Book Format at
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Publisher’s Description:
When a bookish codebreaker and a dashing spy are reunited in this steamy historical romance from the author of To Steal a Heart, their lives depend on their ability to resist temptation. But fate is a mistress who cannot be denied. . . .
In the war against France, Heloise Hampden is a high-value asset to the Crown. She’s cracked the enemy’s most recent communication, and for that, someone is trying to kill her. However, it’s the agent assigned to protect Heloise who poses the greatest threat to her heart: William de l’Isle, Viscount Ravenwood. Heloise has quarreled with the man they call Raven since childhood, yet always maintained a chaste distance. She’s sure nothing will change, thanks to the disfiguring scar on her face. So why is she so enchanted by the sight of Raven’s jet-black hair, rakish smile, and wicked green eyes?
Nothing has changed. Raven still wonders how Hell-cat Hampden’s lithe body would feel pressed against his, but for the mission he must remind himself that the woman takes more pleasure in ancient languages than she does in seduction. His imprisonment six years ago broke him in a way that makes the prospect of love impossible. Still, his heart beats like mad whenever he’s within ten paces of Heloise, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if that means taking her to Spain as an unwilling hostage. Protecting her from danger will be a challenge; protecting her from desire will be pure agony.
My Thoughts:
I understand that this is book #2 in this series by this new on the scene author. I did not read book #1 so I can not comment on it but this is in this reader’s opinion a not to be missed Book #2.
The author’s characterization and the story line are exceptional and it was hard to put aside. New authors are often overlooked when we have so many favorites that are standbys, but make sure not to overlook this one’s work. It always amazes me when a second book is so good.that It makes me want to go back and read the debut novel.
I would give this book a 4.25 star rating.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book.
A Yorkshire Christmas
Christmas Around the World Book 2
by Kate Hewitt
Digital List Price: $2.99
FREE For a Limited Time at:
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PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION:
Wealthy New York City girl Claire Lindell isn’t looking for a Christmas miracle or happiness when she abruptly decides to hole up for the holiday at her godmother’s cottage in a little Yorkshire village, and lick her wounds from a near disastrous romantic decision.
After her car skids into a snow bank, Claire may have accidently found her perfect Christmas and the family and love she’s craved when she offers Noah Bradford of Ayesgill Farm help to push the back end of one of his sheep out of the icy mud, even if she’s going to ruin a brand new pair of Prada boots during the rescue.
What’s a little leather when love’s on the line?
Christmas Around the World series
Book 1: A Family for Christmas by Marion Lennox
Book 2: A Yorkshire Christmas by Kate Hewitt
Book 3: Christmas with the Laird by Scarlet Wilson
Book 4: The Italian Christmas Bride by Joanne Walsh
A Brand of Christmas
by Maggie Shayne
Digital List Price: $4.99
FREE For a Limited Time at Amazon
PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION:
The TWO opening novels from New York Times bestseller Maggie Shayne’s TWO most 
popular series!
The Oklahoma All-Girl Brands, Book 1: THE BRANDS WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS:
When good girl Maya Brand, eldest of five and the pillar of the family, has a moment of weakness and a one night stand with a drifter, she finds herself pregnant with a naked ring finger. Most Big Falls, Oklahomans think it must be a case of immaculate conception. But the drifter returns and trouble follows. So do an early labor, a freak storm, and a Christmas you will never forget.
The Texas Brands, Book 1: THE LITTLEST COWBOY
Upright and Honest Sheriff Garrett Brand is furious with the younger brothers he’s raised when he finds a baby on the doorstep one hot Texas morning…until he sees the note with his own name on it. A motherless baby boy, a soft hearted rancher, an overprotective family, and a woman in deadly trouble spell heartwarming emotion, spine tingling passion, and breathless romance.
The Brand Family…
A Miracle in Every Story!
Once Upon A Historical Christmas
by USA Today, Amazon Bestselling and Multi Award-Winning Authors
Release Date: Sep 21, 2016
$0.99 at Amazon
This spectacular holiday collection features warm stories from times past. It includes –
A KNIGHT’S CHRISTMAS WISH by Lana Williams –
A knight’s Christmas wish is fulfilled in an unexpected way when he meets a lady in need of rescue.
WISH UPON A WINTER SOLSTICE by Emma Prince –
Deep in the Scottish Highlands sits an ancient well fabled to grant true-love’s wish to those who visit it near the winter solstice. To test the powers of the legendary well, Keita Cameron trespasses onto the lands of her clan’s enemy. She never expects to come face to face with the man they call the Demon of Loch Moy—or succumb to the dark heat her captor stirs within her.
MISTLETOE MAGIC by Laurel O’Donnell –
A confident knight arrives home to find his childhood friend grown into much more then he remembered. The lady of the castle keeps a dangerous secret that threatens all she holds dear. Will Mistletoe Magic save them?
THE CHRISTMAS KNOT by Barbara Monajem –
It’s bad enough being a governess, but far worse that Edwina White’s new employer is the man who deceived her years before.
Richard Ballister’s estate has a ghost and a curse, and if that’s not trouble enough, the new governess is the woman who spurned him for a richer man.
Richard and Edwina don’t want to work together, but they have no choice. Can they overcome the bitterness of the past in time to unravel a centuries-old knot and end the Christmas curse?
THE WOLF OF SKYE by Hildie McQueen –
Fate’s wicked sense of humor strikes Highland guard Faolan Mackinnon when he ends up betrothed to Catriona Grant, a fiery lass, who he met only minutes earlier.
A heartbroken Highland guard’s last desperate attempt to regain the woman he loves becomes a journey across Scotland to a mysterious well that grants wishes. However upon getting to know a beautiful lass in the village of Moy, Faolan Mackinnon questions his true feelings.
A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE by Amanda McCabe –
Spend the holidays in Regency England! Seeking an heir to her fortune, a widow challenges her family to a wild holiday scavenger hunt in the novella “A Partridge in a Pear Tree”–and two people find a lasting love seeking the Twelve Days of Christmas…
WILD HIGHLAND MISTLETOE by Eliza Knight –
A week before Christmas, snow falls gently on the Highland hills, and once more an adventure awaits the Sutherlands! Dunrobin Castle is overflowing with excitement and holiday spirit because of the upcoming Sutherland clan gathering. Arbella and Magnus’ marriage has flourished, their passion and love growing stronger daily. But when a mysterious missive arrives begging Laird and Lady Sutherland for help in a rescue mission, they leave the safety of the castle, and ride headlong into a trap. Will they thwart their enemy and make it home in time to celebrate the holiday season in good Scottish fashion? Or will warring clans prevail? ***This is a Stolen Bride novella–an extension of THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD***
ONE KNIGHT UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Catherine Kean –
Kissing Lord Renfred de Vornay, her late brother’s best friend, under the mistletoe was the last thing Lady Liliana Thornleigh ever expected days before Christmas. Seven years have passed since Ren played his foolish prank on her, but she hasn’t forgotten that humiliating incident—and neither, it seems, has he. Now a wealthy and respected lord, Ren has important information for her father, but Liliana is suspicious of Ren’s reasons for spending Christmas at her sire’s castle. As dangerous secrets come to light, will her hatred of Ren intensify, or will she finally put the past behind her and accept Ren’s love
Reckless Rakes
Hayden Islington
by Bronwyn Scott
$0.99 at
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‘Scott delivers a story reminiscent of Virginia Henley’s works with its naughty, bawdy overtones… Sexy, smart and delightfully sinful.’ – RT Book Reviews on ‘A Lady Risks All’, Harlequin Historical Romance
As an illustrious ice jockey, Hayden Islington is never short of female company—wealthy champions rarely are. So when Miss Jenna Priess—the most exquisite woman he’s ever laid eyes on—turns down his seductive invitation, in favour of his detective abilities, he’s stunned and more than a little intrigued…
Jenna is in trouble—her father is ill and her mill is failing due to her workers mysteriously disappearing. To save her world from ruin, Jenna needs help and Hayden is the only man she can turn to. But can she resist the heat of this handsome ice master’s touch?
Dog Eared Pages 