Teaser Tour: My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts – Excerpt and Giveaway

August 21, 2014 By 12 Comments

8_21 VictoriaRoberts-BlogBadge4It’s wonderful to be here today at LASR, the fourth stop on the My Highland Spy Teaser Tour!

My Highland Spy is the first book in my new Highland Spies’ series, and I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. We left off yesterday meeting Ravenna’s tenacious younger siblings.

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt Four/Chapter One:

“Uncle Walter, what a pleasant surprise. I’m so glad you’re here with us on such a lovely morn,” said Ravenna, pulling out her chair.

He swallowed his oatmeal and smiled. “I have to meet with His Majesty later this morn and I thought to pay you girls a visit.”

Lord Walter Mildmay, her mother’s brother, had been appointed the Walsingham family’s guardian, but their situation was more pretense than anything. Uncle Walter had his own estate and family, while he permitted Ravenna and her sisters to stay under their own roof. At twenty-five years old, Ravenna handled all the accounts, managed the servants, and had served as a mother figure to the girls since the deaths of their parents.

Uncle Walter, with his dark hair and tanned skin, was the complete opposite of Ravenna’s fair-skinned mother. No one would ever think they were of the same relation, especially because his hair was as black as night. Ravenna always thought the man looked like a bloody pirate.

Ravenna’s father, Lord Francis Walsingham, had been Queen Elizabeth’s principal secretary until his death. Little did anyone know that her sire had also been the queen’s spy. Given that Ravenna’s father had handled all of the royal correspondence and had determined the agenda of the council meetings, he had been a very influential man in his time, which fortunately now worked in Ravenna’s favor.

In short, she was a spy for King James and the Crown, the same as her father had been under Queen Elizabeth’s reign. When Ravenna was old enough to show an interest in political matters, her father had educated and conditioned her to one day take his place. She lived in a man’s world, but that’s why she was so proficient at doing what she did—a mere woman was the last thing anyone would expect. Her family meant everything to her, and she was deter¬mined to keep her siblings sheltered and protected for as long as possible.

Especially from unsavory establishments like the one last eve.

After everyone finished their meal and polite conversation, Ravenna and Uncle Walter excused themselves and met behind the closed doors of her father’s study. With the dark wooden furnishings, the large desk, and her father’s books lining the wall, the room always reminded Ravenna of her father. At times, she could swear she even smelled his scent, almost as if he wanted her to know that he still watched over her.

“What did you find out?” asked Uncle Walter, tapping his fingers on the desk.

Ravenna sat in her father’s chair. “I followed Lord Cobham into the Devil’s Tavern. The man he met with was Charles Paget. I thought he was still in Paris.”

Her uncle sat forward, his eyes narrowing. “I suppose it should come as no surprise. His Majesty gave Paget back his manor of Weston-on-Trent and his other homes in Derbyshire, but we’ll be sure to keep an eye on him. As usual, I’ll pass along the information to the king’s advisors. You did well, Ravenna.”

“Grace is questioning my sudden disappearances, and I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to keep the truth from her.”

“You know as well as I do that it’s better she doesn’t know what you do. Perhaps we should start thinking about arranging a marriage for her.”

Ravenna rubbed her fingers over the bridge of her nose. “I really want to give her some time. She doesn’t show an interest in anyone at the moment, and I’m not quite ready to force her into a marriage.” She paused. “Let me think about it.”
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He bobbed his head. “There is another assignment from His Majesty.”

“So soon? I just completed this one.” She sat forward, frowning. “What is it this time?”

Sourcebooks will give away one copy of My Highland Spy to a lucky commenter (US and Canada only, please.) Did you ever spy on anyone as a child?

8_21 highland spyThis Highland Laird won’t bow to the Crown

Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do—he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.

But this lady spy might make him…

Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.

If she doesn’t betray him first

Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

“An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.”

—Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master

“Roberts’ newest features a surprise-laden, quick-paced plot, replete with unconventional and fiercely independent characters. Her lyrical prose grabs readers’ attention, and the high level of emotional tension simply adds to the depth of the story. This book begs to be read and reread.”

—RT Book Reviews

About the Author: 8_21 victoria

Victoria Roberts writes sexy, award-winning Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. Prior to ever picking up a single romance novel, she penned her first young adult novella at 16 years old. Who knew her leather-studded motorcycle hero would trade in his ride and emerge as a kilt wearing Highlander wielding a broadsword? Victoria lives with her husband and their two beautiful children in western Pennsylvania. Visit her at www.victoriarobertsauthor.com.

Website: http://victoriarobertsauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoria.roberts.395

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763317.Victoria_Roberts

Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | IndieBound | !indigo | iBooks

 

 

8_21 victoria My Highland Spy - Promo Image

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With: , , ,

In Bed with a Rogue by Samantha Grace

August 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

ROGUE
In Bed with a Rogue by Samantha Grace
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (353 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

He’s the Talk of the Town

The whole town is tittering about Baron Sebastian Thorne having been jilted at the altar. Every move he makes ends up in the gossip columns. Tired of being the butt of everyone’s jokes, Sebastian vows to restore his family’s reputation no matter what it takes.

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Feted by the crème of society, the beautiful widow Lady Prestwick is a vision of all that is proper. But Helena is no angel, and when Sebastian uncovers her dark secret, he’s quick to press his advantage. In order to keep her hard-won good name, Helen will have to make a deal with the devil. But she’s got some tricks up her sleeves to keep this notorious rogue on his toes…

Plot twists and love galore!

This is my first foray into the world of Samantha Grace, but I guarantee it won’t be my last.

The characters are interesting and I needed to know what would happen to them. So who are the players in this tale chock full of twists and turns? Sebastian is a wounded man. His girl ran off with his best friend. To deal with his upset, he drinks. It’s not pretty, but it’s his life. His lifeline? Helena. What a lifeline! She’s got a mission and won’t deviate from it. I loved her pluck. I also loved the way Ms Grace wrote her. It was like reading about my close friends falling in love. I could identify with Helena’s determination to get what she needed.

This is a fast-paced book. There were a couple of spots where I had to read, then reread to make sure I was up to speed on what was happening. The characters do fall in love rather quickly, which took a little bit to believe, but I liked the ride.

If you want a book that has both sweet and cute moments, but will stay with you long after the last page, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Highlander’s Bride Trouble by Mary Wine

August 11, 2014 By 1 Comment

bRIDE
The Highlander’s Bride Trouble by Mary Wine
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (291 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Peppermint

Has this savage Highlander finally found a woman to tame him?

Strength and flexibility must be built up gradually – on a gradient tadalafil generic cialis level. Once the symptoms disappeared, they believed that soft skills were important to their current business success but only 20 per cent of the graduates said they would not feel confident describing their soft skills to an employer. http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/12/21/yahudi-dunyasi-hanuka-bayramini-kutluyor/ order cheap levitra Be choosy and don’t jump the gun at the price tag! Choose product with regulatory approval: Food and drugs administration for the treatment of males who face difficulty in sustaining or achieving an erection for cheap viagra levitra amerikabulteni.com longer time duration and thus, this would make both the partners satisfied and happy. All they care about is your order viagra from india cash. Nareen Grant is confident, well-educated, and quick with a dagger. So when her brother, Kael, unknowingly sends her to live at a cousin’s secret brothel, she escapes to court where she meets the arrogant Highlander, Saer MacLeod…

Saer is considered savage even by most Highlanders. It will take an extraordinary woman to handle him, and Nareen enchants him like no one he’s met before. When a furious Kael threatens revenge against the cousin who wronged his sister, Saer knows its his one chance to win over Nareen and reclaim the respect his family deserves…and he’s going to take it.

This was my first time experiencing a highlander story, and it was well worth it. Nareen and Saer definitely have a story that entertains between Nareen’s reluctance to marry any man, Saer’s duty to re-build his lands, and the enemies whom seem to be adding up. This story never had a dull moment.

One thing that struck me from the very beginning was that Nareen was definitely not your quiet, demure woman. She was spitfire who challenged anyone who she felt infringed on her freedom. She knew who she was, and that she did not fit into the ideal female of the time, but that did not stop her from being who she was no matter what, even if it meant being alone the rest of her life. This also made her stubborn at times, and blind to what was so obvious to me, that Saer would never want to change the part of her he loved most: her spirit. I found Nareen to be the ideal heroine because she can take care of herself if need be. She will be with a man because she wants him, not because she needs him.

Saer is the right man to not restrict Nareen.  Instead, he helps her realize that he wants her for who she is no matter the cost. He understands her reservations since he has his own dicey childhood, which only shows him that they are kindred hearts. I like that Saer was firm when needed with Nareen, but also knew when to back off or be sweet and gentle with her. It was clear to me he was a keeper and a man any wife would treasure. Plus his savage side was necessary in keeping his people safe, yet never consumed him or made him cruel.

The multiple plotlines in the story really keep me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.  Whether it was the bratty mistress Abigail, or the fight for respect among their people, Nareen and Saer never seemed to have it easy, which really helped to push the story line, and their relationship, right along. While this may have been my first highlander story it definitely makes me want to pick up others and see if they are just as entertaining and all consuming as this one.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

His Every Need by Terri L Austin

August 1, 2014 By Leave a Comment

NEED
His Every Need by Terri L Austin
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (320 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

How far will she go to hold on to her family home?

It is a process wherein men should take cute-n-tiny.com order cheap levitra the necessary steps in order to decrease the overall effects of andropause. It is economical too but there are cases like when you buy Kamagra online you can get at the clinic of a sex spebest price for viagra t. The number of cost-effective generic cialis pill houses designed has dropped 26% season on season. If generic levitra my link these techniques do not work then consult best sexologist in Gurgaon, Delhi and Noida, Dr. When Allie Campbell’s father loses their home to British tycoon Trevor Blake, she pleads for more time to pay off the loan. But Trevor refuses to acknowledge his own family, so he’s completely unconcerned with hers. Allie impulsively offers to do anything to keep the house, so he teasingly tells her to move in with him and cater to his every need. To his amazement, she agrees…

She’s going to be his every need…as long as he needs.

The idea of doing anything in order to a loan repaid isn’t new in erotic romance. What is new about this book is the emotion injected into the story. The writing sizzles and I enjoyed reading about these two people.

Allie is trying to save her home because of a mistake. She’s also trying to keep her family afloat. That’s a lot for anyone to deal with. I liked that Ms Austin kept her level and sane. I got to climb into Allie’s head and know what was happening. I could relate to her struggle.

There were times when I liked Trevor, then there were times I wanted to sock him in the head. The guy has issues, I won’t lie. I understood why he has them and won’t get into them here, but he’s screwed up. I did like how his past formed his views on the future and made him into the man he’d become. I appreciated how he got to know Allie, despite having her work for him. But sometimes his issues were distracting.

Still, the love scenes sizzle and I enjoyed the read. If you like a book that’s a little off the beaten path and loaded with heat, then this might be the book for you.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

How to Handle a Heartbreaker by Marie Harte

July 31, 2014 By 1 Comment

HANDLE
How to Handle a Heartbreaker by Marie Harte
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (361 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It’s lust-at-first-sight when Brody Singer first sees Abby Dunn. Abby looks a lot like a woman he once knew, one who died years ago. But Abby’s definitely different—shyer but sexier.

Abby’s still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex wouldn’t let her forget. But somehow Brody isn’t getting the hint. It doesn’t help that when writing her steamy novels, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.

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I thought The Troublemaker Next Door was a good read but this was even better. I enjoyed How to Handle a Heartbreaker immensely because it had a greater depth of emotion and characterization that pulled me in and wouldn’t let go. In fact there is a wonderful richness to the storytelling; add in the sexy and hot scenes with Brody and Abby and a reader has the sweetest of frostings on their romance cake. It was highly entertaining.

Brody was just a jokester in the last book so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a man with incredibly complex and complicated layers. The horrid childhood he endured was hard to read about. How it affected him in his relationship with Abby made my heart sore. What that means is that Ms. Harte has created a fantastic character for a reader to get to know and fall in love with. He made me laugh, blush, sigh and even sniffle. I didn’t outright cry but I came close when Brody and Flynn were having a very open and serious talk. I think those pages were some of the best, most profound writing of the whole book. I was very impressed.

Abby is sort of how I thought she would be but better. She alternated between being funny, insightful or just plain sweet. Hidden in all of that is a serious backbone made of steel. She showed it when dealing with one of her sisters, and she showed it when she had to deal with Brody. Consider it tough love. I didn’t think she had it in her but when it really counted, Abby held firm. She was independent enough to stand on her own two feet but woman enough to want a worthy man to walk by her side. Getting to that point made for fascinating reading and I enjoyed myself every step of the way.

Mutt is back and he’s so cute. Big, but cute. As for other secondary characters, it was nice to see Flynn and Maddie again. But there’s something brewing with other family members and it looks like there could be a rocky road ahead. And there was a surprise from Brody’s past; I’ll call it a good thing/bad thing sort of situation. Even though it started out bad, it’s another example of a very poignant and powerful bit of writing that raised this story up to a higher level of enjoyment. Ms. Harte really put my emotions through the wringer with this one, and I loved every moment.

And that is what made this novel so compelling. The last one had a lot of sex and although it was well done, How to Handle a Heartbreaker has more heart and feeling and emotion connecting the characters. I cared about them, worried about them and was concerned for them. It had tenderness, raunchy fun, sentimental romance and men being men and acting like rambunctious boys. The dialogue was integral to the plot movement and romance development and I enjoyed all the interaction. It’s a well written book.

How to Handle a Heartbreaker is a keeper. I don’t know how Ms. Harte is going to top this one when it comes to Cam’s story but I can’t wait to find out. This one completely won me over and I’m thrilled to have read it. It’s definitely a standalone read and a great choice for summer reading fun. Abby and Brody are awesome together. Pick up your own copy and see for yourself.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

How to Marry a Cowboy by Carolyn Brown

July 29, 2014 By Leave a Comment

boy
How to Marry a Cowboy by Carolyn Brown
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (324 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Rancher Mason Harper’s two little girls want nothing more than a mama of their own. So when a pretty woman appears on his front porch in a tattered wedding dress, while Mason’s looking for a nanny, he can’t help but wonder if it’s fate.

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Carolyn Brown has done it again.

I don’t say that lightly. She’s written quite a few books, but she’s one of the few authors I grab once I see the book on the shelf. Her work sparkles and I’m glad to get the opportunity to read the novels. This one is no different. I felt like I was right there with Annie Rose and Mason. The book is a fluffy, happy read that should be a staple at the beach or on your kindle.

Mason is a bit of a broken and frazzled man. He’s got two little girls who are champions at chasing away potential nannies. Why? They’re precocious kids. They are off the charts. Then again, I can’t say I’ve met too many completely docile kids. I loved how Ms Brown makes Mason lovable and kept nudging me to want to hug him. Did I mention she describes him well, too? Oh yeah.

Annie Rose is another fine mess. Really. She’s on the run from an abusive relationship, ends up in a pond, submerged and in a wedding dress. See? A fine mess. There were times I loved her and times I thought things were a tad too easy for her. Still, I rooted for her the whole way.

If you want a book that is sheer entertainment, then this might be the book for you. Grab a copy today!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Thornbrook Park by Sherri Browning

July 28, 2014 By Leave a Comment

PARK
Thornbrook Park by Sherri Browning
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (359 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nympahea

In a world poised for epic change…

Disowned for marrying beneath her, Eve Kendal has returned to England destitute after her husband’s death and the mysterious disappearance of their savings. She’s looking for survival, not romance. But from London to the Yorkshire countryside to the elegant estate of Thornbrook Park, Eve’s path seems destined to cross that of the dashing but violent Captain Marcus Thorne.

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For Marcus, a return home means facing the demons that drove him to war in the first place. As he and Eve begin a steamy affair, tensions that had been simmering just beneath the surface threaten to explode and shake the very foundations of Thornbrook Park.

Two hearts that might not have found their way together will always find love.

This is the first book I’ve read by Sherri Browning, but it won’t be the last. I’m on the look out for more of her works. Why? The writing flowed well. There were times when I didn’t care for the characters, but the writing sparkled and I had to know what would happen next. These characters have flaws, but it was like reading about friends. I could get in their heads and know what was going on with them. That’s pretty cool.

I do have to say there are parts of the book that are predictable. There’s a meddling family member, displeasure in the family and a spark that brings everyone together. Now, that said, the author delivers this story in a fresh way that kept me reading.

I liked Marcus and Eve. Marcus is a typical wounded hero. He’s suffering from PTSD and uses prize fights to keep from dealing with his ‘black rages’. It’s an interesting way for him to deal and I liked how the author wrote him tough but tender. Eve comes to his rescue. She’s in a bind herself and can use him. The sparks really do fly in this book and it’s fun to watch them dance around each other.

If you want a book that’s got plenty of heart, a little fighting and a little meddling, then this might be the book for you.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Captive by Grace Burrows

July 25, 2014 By Leave a Comment

CAPTIVE 2
The Captive by Grace Burrows
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (415 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Peppermint

Christian Severn, Duke of Mercia, is captured out of uniform by the French, and is thus subject to torture. Christian does not break, not once, and is released when Toulouse falls. Back in England, Christian has great difficulty taking up the reins of his life until Gillian, Countess of Windmere, a relation of his late wife, pointedly reminds him that he has a daughter who still needs him very much—a daughter who no longer speaks. Gilly pushes, pulls, and drags Christian back to life, and slowly, she and he admit an attraction to each other.

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Gillian knew that society expected her to be in mourning over her late husband, but instead of mourning, she found herself intrigued and pinning for the Duke, Christian Severn, so damn what society would say.

Christian’s captivity certainly changed him, in some ways the worst, in others for the better. I am not sure if this is what made Gillian want to know more about him, but it made me interested. It was clear that he came to appreciate things such as family, honor and freedom a bit more than he previously had. It also made a made suspicious of those around him, and in need of some physical healing. In some ways he reminded me of stubborn toddler in need of assistance, but determined to do things on their own. Luckily Gillian seems to be up to the challenge, and as a bonus she loves children including Christian’s daughter.

Gillian was a character that I had mixed feelings about. I liked her new founded independence, but with it seems to come a disregard for her own welfare. It seemed at times she was so worried about standing on her own two feet, that she failed to seek or accept help when needed. For example, there are a few times when her life is possibly in danger, and she seems to just brush it off, or not want to admit the severity. This frustrated me, because I just could not imagine someone being so careless with their life.

The romantic development with this story was right on point, and I really enjoyed how the author incorporated Christian’s daughter in the story. In more than a few cases Christian even used Gillian’s love for the girl to help win Gillian’s heart, which I found amusing. It seemed as if Christian new exactly what to do when it came to winning Gillian over, except when it came to him seeking revenge, but even then he tried to keep it from Gillian, and protect her at all costs, even if from himself.

While the story was a bit difficult to follow in the beginning, once I figured out the characters, I was able to enjoy the story. I even got to meet a few supporting characters that I really enjoyed and hope to see more of. This is a true redemption story, which kept me entertained for hours.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

The Trouble with Harry by Katie MacAlister

June 27, 2014 By Leave a Comment

HARRY
The Trouble with Harry by Katie MacAlister
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (342 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

You think you’ve got troubles?

As a spy for the Crown, Lord Harry Rosse faced clever and dangerous adversaries-but it’s his five offspring who seem likely to send him to Bedlam. At his wits’ end, he’s advertised for a wife and found one, but perhaps he should have been a bit more forthcoming on certain points…

Wait till you meet Harry and Plum…

Frederica Pelham, affectionately known as Plum, spent years avoiding the scandals of her past, and is desperate for quiet security and a chance to make a family. What she finds is a titled husband and five little devils who seem bent on their own destruction, not to mention hers. And while all kinds of secrets are catching up with them, Plum knows the real trouble with Harry… is that he’s stolen her heart.

The Trouble with Harry cracked me up. It had elements of Yours, Mine and Ours, a movie about a blended family that was pretty funny in and of itself. There are not quite as many children as in the movie but that’s unnecessary – rambunctious, mischievous and clever children make their mark in unforgettable ways – and this book benefits tremendously from their input.

Let’s face it, annoying people are everywhere and anyone can be annoying in some regard, and someday everyone will be “difficult” for some reason or another. cheapest price on viagra Short walks purchase cialis on line are perfect for improving blood circulation. Peruvian Ginseng Maca comes from the Andes with a cipla tadalafil history of cholestatic jaundice dysfunction associated with prior use of azithromycin. According to the FDA’s office Generic drugs “a generic drug is identical, or bioequivalent to a brand cheapest viagra from india name medication and will also have the same side effects. Plum is a very unique heroine. She’s shunned from the ton and has had to make the best of a very bad situation. There’s a lot to respect in a woman who refused to admit defeat and pushed back at life, believing that there’s something better waiting for her, she just had to find it.

What she finds is Harry. Harry the desperate, the very rich but beleaguered earl who only needs someone to take his kids in hand. What he gets is something far more wonderful – something his money could never buy – love.

As adorable and wonderful as the romance is that grows and blossoms between Harry and Plum, there is a brilliant suspenseful plot conflict that truly spiced up the tension nicely. Plum has secrets and one is so scandalously delicious that of course it gets used against her. And yet, as sick and twisted as the culprit turns out to be, it’s not as simple as a reader first thinks. That is why I liked this book so much – the twist, the surprise and the not knowing how it was going to be solved is what kept those pages flipping.

My favorite secondary character is Juan. He made me grin. I enjoyed his passionate and protective nature for Plum. At first it’s silly but later, later it is important. I liked that.

Second favorite secondary characters were Thom and Nick. I enjoyed the initial misconception and miscommunication between them and about Nick. It helped make the novel more rich and special.

Even though Harry comes across as less than effective with his kids, he’s actually a very strong man, of body and mind. His history is fascinating and his quest is filled with all kinds of delightful drama and suspense. He’s a terrific hero.

My favorite silliness is when they quote positions from ‘the book’. The titles are hilarious even though I truly have no idea what they mean. It’s the reactions that Harry has when Plum mentions certain ones that made me giggle. So much fun and it showcased just how perfect they were for each other.

Another thing that had me laughing was the birth process. The dialogue is hysterical and true to Plum’s character. What came after was sweet, sentimental and poetic.

The Trouble with Harry is a story rich in storytelling talent. It made me laugh, gasp and giggle. The interesting thing about this novel and the other two, Nobel Intentions and Noble Destiny, is the one tiny element that loosely ties them all together. I didn’t expect that and I liked how the author used it for the grand finale in the series. Each book has entertainment value but I liked The Trouble with Harry the best. There is something in Harry and Plum’s relationship dynamic that worked for me and I loved getting to know them and watching them fall in love, even plagued with all the zany antics of the kids, the kitten, the animals and all the mysterious incidents that seemed to happen to them. This book is a keeper.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

In Your Corner by Sarah Castille – Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

June 25, 2014 By 4 Comments

This post is part of a pre-publication book tour for In Your Corner by Sarah Castille. Enter the Rafflecopter below to win a Redemption Gym Gift Basket (a tour-wide giveaway- US/Canada only). Also, one commenter on each blog will receive a print copy of Against the Ropes, the first in the Redemption series. (US/Canada only)

6_25 in your cornerHe rules in the ring

Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn’t dull the pain of Amanda’s rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.

A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn’t found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help…

But can he rule her heart?

Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda’s not sure if she can stay in control, or if she’s finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

Enjoy this exclusive excerpt:

“Male client?”

“Yup.”

“Age?”

“Founder just passed the mantle to his son, and Farnsworth described him as young and inexperienced, so I’m guessing early thirties.”

She discards a few selections and sorts through the bottom of the kit for my “younger face,” then spends the next ten minutes fixing me up.

After a quick glance in the mirror, I sigh and lean back in my chair. “You did your best, but it’s no use. We’d need an entire crate of concealer to get rid of the circles under my eyes. Hopefully, the new client will think an exhausted attorney is a good attorney because it means she’s working hard. What do you think? How do I look?”

“Haggard.” Penny gently wipes away some of the excess makeup and touches up my cheeks with her blush brush.

“I’m hoping that’s a British word for lovely.”

Penny snorts. “It means you’re pushing yourself too hard and it shows. It’s those pro -bono cases you’re running on the side. They’re eating into the time people normally reserve for sleeping and basic body maintenance.”

My eyebrow lifts at Penny’s gentle rebuke. “I’m meeting a new client in a few minutes and this could be the case that cements my path to partnership. My father, my grandfather, my great–grandfather, and probably all my relatives back to the beginning of time were law firm partners before they were thirty–two. I can’t break the family tradition. I need to be cheerful and happy. I need to be motivated. I need the ‘Rah, rah! Go, team, go!’ speech we are forced to endure in our morning meetings.”

Penny studies me for a long moment. “Is that really what you want? Partnership at the age of thirty–two with all the burdens and responsibilities of running a law firm?”

“Of course that’s what I want.” I follow her out of the restroom. “It’s the next logical step. It’s what I’ve been working toward since I got my kindergarten report card. Nothing will make my parents happier or more proud than to have me carry on the family tradition.”

“Rah, rah. Go, team, go.” Penny adorns her monotone with a bland expression.

I go. But, for once, I’m not feeling the rah.

About the Author:6_25 Sarah CastilleNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sarah Castille, writes contemporary erotic romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha males and the women who tame them. A recovering lawyer and caffeine addict, she worked and travelled abroad before trading in her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home in shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Sarah loves to connect with readers. Sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest

Buy the book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

 

 

 See the other stops on the tour.

23-Jun Fiction Vixens http://fictionvixen.com/ Excerpt One
24-Jun Mama Kitty Reviews http://mamakittyreviews.com/ Excerpt Two
25-Jun Long and Short Reviews http://www.longandshortreviews.com/ Excerpt Three
26-Jun Ramblings from this Chick http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/ Excerpt Four
27-Jun Bookhounds http://maryinhb.blogspot.com/ Excerpt Five
28-Jun Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! http://www.booksmoviesreviewsohmy.com/ Excerpt Six
29-Jun My Book Addiction http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.com/ Excerpt Seven
30-Jun Bookish Babes http://www.thebookishbabes.blogspot.com/ Excerpt Eight

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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