A Matter of Manners by Terry Graham

January 28, 2020 By Leave a Comment


A Matter of Manners by Terry Graham
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (241 pages)
Other: M/F, BDSM, Fetish, Spanking
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Paperwhite

Jeremy Wyles believes himself sterile. He’s also a sadist and fears no lady would agree to marry him. When a woman shows up on his doorstep, pregnant and claiming to be his wife, he’ll do whatever is necessary to ensure his dukedom has an heir. A loveless marriage in name only seems the perfect solution, but his disobedient duchess stirs his desire for discipline…and something more.

Irish rebel Kathleen “Katy” Brennan only seeks recompense from the husband whose cousin married her by proxy and left her with child. The bargain he offers is tempting. He’ll claim her baby as his own, and she can become the grand lady she’s always imagined. There’s just one condition she’s not sure she can live with. The delicious-looking duke refuses to touch her…ever.

Can Jeremy put aside the wicked urges that rule his life, or will Katy’s rebellious spirit destroy his tenuous control?

Don’t you just love it when a book surprises you, but you cannot figure out why it does?? This book, right here!

I’m all about the sexier books, and the ones with BDSM in, and you don’t usually get *much* sexy time in historical romances, but BOY does this book deliver on that level!

It delivers on many many levels!

The story itself is well told, with well rounded characters. Each character has a strong voice, fitting to their time and station. Jeremy is well educated and privileged and Katy was bought up in Ireland. She isn’t a Lady, not in the way it means at this time, but she tries, when brought into Jeremy’s household as its head.

Jeremy makes no bones about what he wants from Katy, and Katy will give him that, but there is that undercurrent between them that bubbles along in the book, one that bursts its banks just when you don’t expect it to.

I loved that Jeremy, while he knew what he wanted to do to Katy, makes her wait; makes her understand what she is asking for. I loved that Katy takes things into her own hands, even if it tips Jeremy over into angry.

Some twists and turns I did not see coming too! Loved being kept on my toes! Absolutely loved that certain characters kept nothing from each other, and that Katy was surprised by that fact, given how she came into their lives.

This is, according to some websites, billed as book one in the Shades of Sin series. I wonder who might be next! A whole host of people here could fit under that title, and maybe some that would surprise me to be included. Would love to read it, whoever might be involved!

This is the first I’ve read from this author, and I hope it’s not the last! 5 stars.

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The Swiss Mishap by Amey Zeigler

January 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment


The Swiss Mishap by Amey Zeigler
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (349 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

For the last twelve years, more than half her life, Lainey Peterson has prepared to design, create, and produce quality chocolate bars. But when she discovers her chocolate internship at Switzerland’s prestigious Alpine Foods has been canceled, she vows to do whatever it takes to get to Chocolate.

Yves Claremont, a young, ambitious department chair, would sacrifice everything to rise to vice president at Alpine Foods and redeem his father’s name. Impressed with Lainey’s resume and charming determination, Yves offers her an internship in his Pet Care department, promising a recommendation for Chocolate if she does well.

Lainey is drawn to the enigmatic and passionate Yves Claremont. He cannot deny his growing attraction to her. But inter-office relationships are strictly forbidden by Alpine Foods, and a perceptive co-worker, jealous of Yves’ success, will undermine Yves and Lainey any way he can.

Fainting at the feet of a gorgeous man may sound romantic but it’s less than ideal when that same man is about to interview Lainey for a job that could lead to a future defined by chocolate. Not just any chocolate. Swiss chocolate!

This was a fun book but I think Lainey may have found the meaning of ‘too much chocolate” tho she would probably disagree that such a thing exists. Seriously, her online ID is Chocophile, and she certainly knows her way around a chocolate aisle, but it should possibly be Chocoholic. She’s a true addict to her comfort food of choice.

Chocolate love aside, Lainey was a likable enough character but trouble seems to have her number. There are some funny moments in the story and in one scene I was just sure I was about to hear Ross Geller yelling “PIVOT”.

Yves is the very definition of European, completely work driven and goal oriented. He has plans and a girl like Lainey wasn’t even the radar. Until she’s all that he can think about, look for reasons to spend time with and talk to even when she frustrates him to no end. Their HEA would be hard fought…by both of them much less various outside antagonists.

It wasn’t easy but great love stories rarely are. Lainey is a bit hard headed and Yves doesn’t lack in the pride and stubbornness department himself. It was a bit of an up and down ride. Just when I thought they would give into their attraction, one or the other would back off or they’d be rudely interrupted. The story lags a bit in the middle as they’re trying to come to terms with how to deal with their attraction. Or maybe it was just that there was so much going on, I felt pulled from the story.

This is story for readers who enjoy the slow burn of new relationship. Once they finally give in, it’s refreshing and satisfying.

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Rock House Grill by D.V. Stone

January 21, 2020 By 1 Comment


Rock House Grill by D.V. Stone
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (293 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

Aden House, successful but driven chef and TV personality, refuses to slow down. His life implodes one night, damaging him both physically and emotionally. He’s rescued by a woman he thinks of as his angel.Shay McDowell has rebuilt her life after her divorce. She juggles volunteer EMT duties and her job, while dreaming of becoming a chef. She finds her way to Rock House Grill and back into the life of the man she helped save.Can love be the ingredient needed to survive the many obstacles they face?

I requested this book hoping for a book boyfriend that I could enjoy during my camping trip. I wasn’t disappointed. Best camping trip ever thanks to Aden, the hero.

Aden spread himself too thin and paid a horrible price and suffered the consequences. I know all too well what it’s like to be stretched too thin. It was a nice reminder to relax during my camping trip. Aden was the perfect example of what to do when you get knocked down. You pick yourself up and move forward.

The heroine, Shea, was an interesting leading lady. I loved that she was a volunteer EMT. She also was an example of overcoming the hard knocks in life. Together, they left the reader with hope.

There was a side romance threaded throughout the story between Aden’s sister and his doctor. They made a sweet couple too. It was like reading a two-for-one romance story.

This was a sweet romance with a bit of suspense/mystery. I was smitten from beginning to end as I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The plot was unpredictable which added to my enjoyment.

I don’t know if this book is part of a series or not but I can see how it could be. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to. I feel like the next book could be about Mason who at the end of the story, his girlfriend didn’t want to see him anymore. Or perhaps it could be about Zach who is always solo.

I thought this was an excellent book to read on my camping trip. For other readers, I definitely recommend Rock House Grill for anytime, anyplace.  Just make sure to set aside enough time to enjoy this quality read.

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To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary Morgan

December 20, 2019 By 1 Comment


To Weave a Highland Tapestry by Mary Morgan
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical, Contemporary, Paranormal (time travel)
Length: Full Length (266 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Snapdragon

Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul. Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist.

When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.

A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever?

Readers who enjoy romance blended with a the combination of history and the mystical will be utterly enchanted by this clever ‘weaving’ of a tale. In To Weave a Highland Tapestry Mary Morgan offers us a wander through the past thanks to a bit of time-travel; which works in her quite contemporary main character surprisingly well.

Gwen, whose sense of history is apparent in her study and use of ancient weaving techniques, was attracted the the task of stitching the tapestry at the MacFhearguis’ castle. An act of kindness gives us a bit of insight into just who she is and, as the story goes forward, we cannot help but admire her curiosity, her strength and her determination. This one main character brings together many ‘threads’ of story, fom the curse knotted by the slighted Fae, so long ago, the struggles of clan MacFhearguis and, the one we are waiting for, Patrick. But how can a romance evolve from almost different worlds, at utterly different times?

From the outset, we readers wait for the moment that we do see coming; when Gwen must go back…but then, we are swept along into and unpredictable story that is more than romance. There was that ancient wrong–the Fae were indeed slighted–but can the two change what has been written into the lineage? Can they, together, weave a different future for what should be a magnificent castle, sitting now on utterly barren lands? Their challenges and their quest move this story right along.

More, the backdrop and sense of place is wonderful. Readers will feel as if they have traveled the highlands. This is however, very much a time travel paranormal story and I would only recommend it to readers who are already firmly fans of the genre.  Looking forward to the next by Mary Morgan. Do read!

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Catching the Doctor by Lily Bly

December 16, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Catching the Doctor by Lily Bly
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (135 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Dr. Akemi Kondo is a long way from the desperate medical student who posed for a sexy photoshoot seventeen years ago. After escaping an abusive relationship, she is focused on building her private practice in Skypoint, Colorado and connecting with her troubled teenage son. When a hot baseball player interrupts her life with his goofy charm and satisfyingly steamy attention, she finds him difficult to resist.

On a ski trip with his daughter, widower and retired major league catcher George Price meets the woman from his ultimate college fantasy. The beautiful doctor is more alluring in person than she ever was in her magazine centerfold. She’s open to the chemistry sizzling between them, and he’s ready to move beyond his grief. But her troubled past puts them in danger and poses a threat to his plans to catch the doctor.

When you are young and at college, you may have an idea of how your life will go. You have your friends and your loves. You may also have your first major crush – at least, that’s what happened to George. He opened a magazine and fell in love with one of the models. Of course, life isn’t like that, so he moved on, only to amazed when he bumps into her seventeen years later.

This was an easy read, with plenty of information given about both of their prior lives before Akemi and George meet again. They both have their pasts, as well as teenage children to throw in the mix. There is a hint of suspense thrown in for good measure, in the shape of Akemi’s ex-husband.

Catching the Doctor is a fast-paced story, that is very well-written with some steamy scenes, and a cast of characters to make you smile. If this is what you are after, then I can definitely recommend it.

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When You Find Love by Willa Blair

December 3, 2019 By 2 Comments


When You Find Love by Willa Blair
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (148 pagaes)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

When Scottish antiques appraiser Caitlin Paterson accepts a commission in the Hamptons, ’tis the season for Christmas miracles. Too bad she doesn’t have one handy.

Successful businessman Holt Ridley resents being forced by his great-aunt’s bequest to winter at the family estate he has hated since childhood. Still, the enticing appraiser he finds there is an unexpected holiday gift—or is she?

Among the furnishings Caitlin is tasked with evaluating, she discovers the key to a centuries-old heartache that plagues Holt’s family. Caitlin longs to help Holt find the happiness that eluded him his entire life—but this secret could destroy everything.

I would have loved to have received this book in my stocking this Christmas. If you know someone that would love to read a sweet holiday romance then this book would be a perfect gift.

This is not my first Willa Blair book but it is my favorite one she’s written so far. When You Find Love hit me in all the feel good spots. It was entertaining, heart warming, humorous and intellectually engaging.

The heroine, Caitlin, was responsible for all the reasons I fell in love with this book. She brought out the good in other people. Her job as an antique appraiser was fascinating. I was intrigued with her knowledge and skill in appraising.

The hero, Holt, was easy to feel compassion and sympathy for. It was a pleasure to read how Caitlin was able to break down his walls of defense. They made for a sweet romance. I have to share something funny. Often as I was reading I’d read Holt’s name as “hot” and it would make me stumble in my reading which made me laugh at myself because well, he was hot to look at too.

The synopsis piqued my interest in finding out what Caitlin discovers and how the secret could destroy everything. Without giving any spoilers this was my favorite plot in the book. It was riveting and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I only wonder what could possibly be stored in my parent’s attic.

The cast of characters were well developed and easily relatable which made the book more meaningful. I could feel the romance in the air.

I definitely recommend reading this book with a nice cup of hot cocoa sitting by a Christmas tree. It’s better than a movie on the Hallmark channel.

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Pirate’s Prey by Colleen O’Connell

November 12, 2019 By 25 Comments


Pirate’s Prey by Colleen O’Connell
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (323 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Shane Christian scorns danger as the notorious pirate, Falcon. Feared and respected for his realm over the sea, his exploits are only surpassed by his devilish charm. No battle waged or venture dared is as great as the ploy he devises to protect Maura Brent – a spirited beauty whose willful nature captures his heart. His strategy to thwart the law risks exposure and potential introduction to the hangman’s noose. If he succeeds in safeguarding their love, will he live long enough to treasure the victory?

Maura Brent agrees to a contrived marriage with a manipulative English land baron in exchange for sparing her father imprisonment. A chance encounter with Shane Christian sets the course for a voyage of discovery awakening her passion, broadening her knowledge and strengthening her resolve to guard Shane’s identity from his nemesis. Determined to dissolve her marriage to remain with Shane, has her decision ensured his demise?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the main characters. They are both strong characters and therein lies their strength as a couple.

The conflicts these two face are mostly external, and it was interesting to see how they work together to fight against those powers that would keep them apart.

Maura has agreed to a marriage to save her father from financial ruin. Unbeknown to her, her father has contrived an escape for her at the hands of Shane Christian, the notorious pirate Falcon. Unfortunately, things were messed up, and he arrived after the wedding.

Not to be detered, he still keeps his end of the bargain and heads out with her, and Maura and Shane begin a journey that will lead to freedom… or will it?

The book is filled with twists and turns. Just when you think everything is fine, another spanner gets thrown in the works. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end of the story- not knowing how things were going to work out. I am very happy I got a chance to meet these characters.

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Sinners’ Opera by Linda Nightingale

November 7, 2019 By 9 Comments


Sinners’ Opera by Linda Nightingale
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (460 pgs)
Heat Level:Spicy
Rated:5 stars
Review by Rose

Morgan D’Arcy is an English lord, a classical pianist, and a vampire. He has everything except what he desires most—Isabeau. As the Angel Gabriel he’s steered her life and career choice, preparing her to become Lady D’Arcy.

Many forces oppose Morgan’s daring plan—not the least of which is Vampyre law.

Isabeau Gervase is a brilliant geneticist. Though she no longer believes in angels, she sees a ticket to a Nobel Prize in Gabriel’s secrets—secrets that have led her to a startling conclusion. Gabriel isn’t human, and she fully intends to identify the species she named the Angel Genome. Morgan is ready to come back into Isabeau’s life, but this time as a man not an angel. Will he outsmart his enemies, protect his beloved and escape death himself? For the first time in eternity, the clock is ticking.

This is a dark intense entry to the vampire genre with a dark and intense hero. And, honestly, I’m still not sure what I feel about Morgan, but I do know I want to read the next book in the series. And, not knowing what I feel about the hero is not a bad thing. Strong feelings toward a character, to me, is a mark of the author’s skill.

What I don’t like about him… it made me uneasy how long he manipulated Isabeau…grooming her for his own use. To me, that was just creepy.

On the other hand, he is completely devoted to her (although, in the beginning, even that, too, smacked of an unhealthy obsession and an unhealthy relationship).

Both Isabeau and Morgan are strong characters and, once she discovered the entire truth about him and was able to meet him as an equal, was, to me, the best part of the book. I loved them together at that point. The author has done a wonderful job at making the characters (even the secondary characters) come alive.

The plot was riveting– in addition to the main romantic plot, there are secondary plots flowing through that have to do with Morgan’s past (there are some prequels to this novel, which I am eager to read, that I believe will shed a lot of light on Morgan and his thinking). There were twists and turns that I definitely didn’t see coming but that added to the richness of the book.

One warning– this book does not end with a traditional HEA. As a part of a series, it definitely leaves the ending open. And, I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Well done, Ms. Nightingale!

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Seneca Lake by Emily Heebner

November 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Seneca Lake by Emily Heebner
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (182 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

It’s 1944, and high school senior Meg Michaels has always obeyed her grandparents’ wishes, till now. They’re urging her to give up her dream of Cornell University and accept a ring from wealthy Hank Wickham before he deploys overseas.

But Meg has studied hard and yearns for something better than life in the rural Finger Lakes. Plus Meg’s suddenly fascinated with her childhood friend, Arthur Young, a handsome Seneca Indian farm worker. When Meg and Arthur nurse a sick puppy to health, their friendship transforms into love.

But locals look down on “injuns” and resent the fact that Arthur’s farm job exempts him from military duty. While the war rages in Europe, Meg and Arthur must fight their own battles at home…

A girl, a war and a man she loves. How can things go wrong?

Emily Heebner writes an interesting tale about a girl, Meg, and the boy she didn’t realize she loved, Arthur. A puppy helps bring them together. Can things get any cuter? The story plugs along well and while it took a few chapters to get going, it did draw me in. I would’ve liked to have had more at the end. Yes, I wanted to stay with the characters beyond the end of the book. I was emotionally invested. I wish there’s been more resolution, but it satisfied in the “happy for now” vein.

This book shows how Meg sorts out her life, deals with the constraints put upon her by her station in life and what she wants in love. It’s a good read for a lazy afternoon. Pick up a copy and see what you think.

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The Beekeeper’s Bullet by Lance Hawvermale

November 6, 2019 By 29 Comments


The Beekeeper’s Bullet by Lance Hawvermale
(Wind in the Wire Book 1)
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (262 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Review by: Poinsettia

American Ellenor Jantz lives in rural Germany in 1917, the Great War raging only a few miles from where she works as a beekeeper for a wealthy loyalist. When a British airman crashes behind enemy lines, Ellenor must choose between aiding him or handing him over to the German authorities, who have just moved a squadron of flying aces into the manor house where she is staying.

Injured pilot Alec Corbin-Dawes, Royal Flying Corps, finds himself at Ellenor’s mercy. Yet he is determined to make his way farther into Germany to rescue his sister within the next four days. How can he travel all those miles in time, now that his plane is downed, and still avoid capture behind enemy lines?

Ellenor’s life will never be the same.

Ellenor and Alec meet in a most unusual and certainly memorable way! When Alec’s plane crashes, Ellenor makes a life changing decision. Rather than handing Alec over to the authorities, she decides to hide him. While I completely agree with her decision, I was surprised at how quickly she threw her fate in with Alec’s. I had anticipated a bit more deliberation on Ellenor’s part. Yet, she quickly commits to not only helping Alec recuperate from his crash, but also in aiding his plans to go further into Germany. Ellenor doesn’t seem to have strong feelings about the war, and the German family who employs her are like family to her. I admit I was shocked at how quickly Ellenor turned away from it all to aid a man she knows nothing about. Even if this did strike me as a bit unrealistic, it did give the story a sense of urgency that piqued my curiosity and kept me turning pages.

Ellenor and Alec are very likable characters, but I must admit their romance didn’t feel quite right to me. Everything happened so fast. They were in a high-pressure situation, and their lives depended on trusting each other. That kind of intensity surely bonded them and could certainly be the beginning of a relationship. I just wish they’d had a bit more time to explore their budding feelings for each other. Despite my misgivings about the speed at which their relationship became serious, I do think they have the potential to be a great couple.

Mr. Hawvermale takes the suspense up another notch in the last third of the book. Alec and Ellenor are so close to completing Alec’s mission. However, unbeknownst to them, they have been followed by Gustav Voss, a captain in the German air force. I can’t give away details without spoiling the story, but I will say that Alec and Ellenor find themselves practically cornered by Voss. I had absolutely no idea how Alec and Ellenor would escape, and I was on the edge of my seat racing through the pages! I must say I was thoroughly surprised and pleased with how the situation played out.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to read The Beekeeper’s Bullet. Anyone looking for a historical romance filled with suspense would do well to pick up a copy.

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