A Reader's Opinion Pride of Justice is an enjoyable and romantic love story. The author did a wonderful job of sharing plot points gradually, giving the reader a chance to more deeply grasp the story. Her writing style made me feel like someone was telling me a great story. Character details and landscape descriptions, especially surrounding the village, provided for wonderful visualization, and drew me deeper into the book. The writer also did a great job with the characters’ personalities. There is so much entertainment value in Pride of Justice , with plenty of excitement to keep the reader engaged. Rachel and Chris are sweet and charming together. Their courtship took a little time, but when their chance came, the romance blossomed beautifully. As a note, I appreciate how the writer hinted at Rachel’s age, which helped make the romantic scenes more comfortable to read. Pride of Justice Miss Rachel Berry, the adopted daughter of Freetown missionaries, wants to re-connect with her African mother’s family. She does not trust the Royal Navy, or Captain Halloren of the African Squadron. Her lying English father was a former naval seaman who jumped ship to join the lucrative African slave trade. Capt. Christopher Halloren, 3rd son of a baron, transports a group of slaves he rescued to the missionary school in Freetown before attending the prize court to see if the judge will rule in favor of him and his crew so they can get on with the work of patrolling for slavers. The last thing he needs is to get involved with a beautiful mission teacher who seems hell-bent on putting herself in harm’s way with the illegal slave traders swarming at the fringes of Freetown. Can they escape the destiny Society assigns them, or will they create their own? BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Romance/Regency Release: August 27, 2021 Type: Novel (143pp) Publisher: Muirgen® Publishing, LLC Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Content Rating: 4 Hearts—We're getting hot in here! These characters know how to have a good time. Lucky for us, they don't go into too much detail. Some violence. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion Be swept away into a fascinating world! Kate Robbins's novel, The Serpent , had me captivated from the very first page. Every character came to life and I found myself drawn into each of their stories. Wonderful attraction between the characters, plus their steamy chemistry, made this such an enjoyable and fast read. The Serpent is a fiery tale with a tangled heart love story that involves Scottish and Viking cultures. Saga, a shield-maiden, and Giric, a sweet Scotsman, bring this beautiful story to life! Giric is on a mission to restore peace between their two clans. Saga's brother, Gunnar, leader of the Viking clan, offers him a contract he might not be able to refuse. Will Gunnar's idea be accepted by Giric? From the start, Saga and Giric were enemies but with a little trust and a lot of passion, they soon become lovers forever. Will their love be strong enough to mend the hatred between their clans and bring peace, despite their different cultures? A wonderful story of a stubborn Scottish husband and his fierce Viking wife who share a strong and passionate bond. And a fabulous introduction into the 'Spirits of the Norse world' created by this talented writer. The Serpent Oceans of blood have stained Scotland’s shores for a century. Forging peace between the Vikings and Scots seems an impossible task, but Giric MacDomnail is resolute. Giric meets with Gunnar, chieftain of Clan Haraldson on Islay, with a proposal to end the carnage. But there’s more at stake than peace when he meets Gunnar’s sister. Saga Haraldson is a shield-maiden who fights her clan’s enemies with abandon—backing down from no one. This Scot, come to play them with his pretty words, deserves an axe in his chest. Instead, his reason and his words penetrate her defences. Giric and Saga must mend the hatred and prejudice between two fiercely proud cultures. Can love be the binding ingredient for a peaceful future? BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish/Viking Release: September 15, 2021 Type: Novel Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Content Rating: 5 Hearts—Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

Spiritualists in the 1800s? The Fox Sisters? If you don't know about either of those, keep reading because Jillianne Hamilton, author of The Spirited Mrs. Pringle , gives us a nice look at both with a read-worthy guest post. The Spirited Mrs. Pringle LONDON, 1888. Upon the death of her husband, self-involved social climber Cora Pringle assumes her recent dalliance with a wealthy gentleman will be her second chance at a happily ever after. That is until her paramour turns out to be a penniless imposter. Despite his betrayal, Cora can’t quite let go of the tug the handsome playwright has on her heart. Desperate for an income, Cora becomes a séance-performing spiritualist and gets a taste for celebrity—and it’s so delicious. So what if she can’t actually communicate with the dead? Her eager patrons don’t need to know that. Amelia Baxter, an ambitious journalist and suffragist, is discouraged when her editor refuses to let her cover the horrific Jack the Ripper murders. Instead, Amelia pours her frustrations into bringing Cora’s deceptive and manipulative act to an end, even if it means risking her family’s reputation. AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | KOBO "Nellie Bly, the Fox Sisters, and Finding Fame" a Guest Post by Jillianne Hamilton The Spirited Mrs. Pringle features two point-of-view characters. Cora Pringle is an ambitious spiritualist who pretends to be able to communicate with the deceased from the other side in an effort to become rich and famous. My secondary heroine is Amelia Baxter, a suffragist reporter who is determined to bring Cora down. While Cora isn’t based on any specific spiritualist, there were several 19th century women who made a very good living from doing séances and live performances, including Victoria Woodhull (the first woman to run for president in the United States), Cora Hatch, Ann O’Delia Diss Debar and many others. But the most famous female spiritualists of the 1800s are probably the Fox sisters. The Fox Sisters and the Birth of Spiritualism The year was 1848. In order to prank their family and give them a scare, Maggie (age 14) and Kate (age 11) Fox learned they could crack their ankles. Their upstate New York home already had a reputation for being haunted so the girls, taking advantage of this, claimed the cracking sounds were messages from ghosts. Family members and neighbors began asking the spirits simple questions and the girls would secretly crack their ankles to respond. The sisters garnered celebrity-level attention while they went on tour and performed séances. The spiritualism movement was born. Since the Fox sisters were temporarily cared for by radical Quaker family friends, spiritualism quickly became associated with other social movements of the time including abolition, suffrage and temperance. Spiritualism ramped up just after the American Civil War when thousands of young men had died and thousands of family members were desperate for emotional closure. An entire population was vulnerable. Seeing an opportunity to make some money, other self-proclaimed mediums appeared and began offering their services to connect the bereaved with their dearly departed—for a fee, of course. Spiritualism would again rise in popularity after the first World War. Again, people were vulnerable. Again, grifters gonna grift. In 1888, Maggie Fox went on record and in front of an audience and explained how she and her sister faked the famous “rapping” sounds that had made them celebrities. She later recanted her confession but the damage had already been done to their credibility—but not to the spiritualism movement, weirdly enough. Nellie Bly Amelia Baxter, however, is based loosely on Nellie Bly, the intrepid 19th American investigative journalist. In her relatively short career as a reporter, Bly became famous for her daring stunts. Many of her early articles focused on working conditions for women and her criticisms of the Mexican dictatorship almost got her arrested while working as a foreign correspondent. After hearing of the horrible conditions within the Women’s Lunatic Asylum of Blackwell’s Island in New York, Bly went undercover and wrote an exposé. She checked herself into a boarding house and, basically, acted like a stereotypical “crazy” person. She was soon taken to Blackwell’s Island and kept there for ten days, only released when her newspaper, The New York World, insisted she be released. Her articles for the World were later published in her book, Ten Days in a Mad-House, in 1887 and led to substantial changes in New York’s asylum treatment. In 1889, the now famous Bly sent on a trip around the world, following the path set by the hero in Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. Without her knowledge, Cosmopolitan had their own “stunt girl reporter” ship out at the same time in order to beat Bly back to New York. (Even back then, the public loved pitting women rivals against one another.) However, the New York World reporter arrived home first after traveling mostly alone for 72 days. (The Cosmo reporter was only four and a half days behind.) Bly would later become an inventor, novelist, war correspondent, and philanthropist. Although Nellie Bly and the Fox sisters (great band name if anyone is looking) found fame in very different ways, they almost certainly advanced the causes of women in public spheres. Books & Benches: Fascinating post, Jillianne! Thank you so much for sharing. And yes, it is a great band name. The Author Jillianne Hamilton is the author of three novels and one non-fiction book. Her debut novel, Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire (2015), was shortlisted for the 2016 Prince Edward Island Book Award. The Molly Miranda sequels were published in 2016 and 2017. Her lighthearted look at the 16th century, The Lazy Historian’s Guide to the Wives of Henry VIII , was published in 2018. Jillianne has been published in Macleans, the Truro Daily News, the Sackville Tribune-Post, and Career Options Magazine. She also blogs about history at The Lazy Historian. Jill graduated from Journalism at Holland College in Prince Edward Island in 2010. She lives in Charlottetown on Canada’s beautiful east coast. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS Genre: Historical Fiction Release: June 30, 2021 Publisher: Tomfoolery Press Type: Novel Content Rating: PG View our rating system Tour Giveaway Enter to win a paperback copy of The Spirited Mrs. Pringle by Jillianne Hamilton! The giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends September 20, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

A Reader's Opinion This is another winner for Jo-Ann Carson! Unputdownable! Readers will laugh out loud while an enchantress shares her magic! Dial Witch is the first spellbinding and fun book in the Dial Witch trilogy written by Jo-Ann Carson. The sorceress, Jane Black, is the sister of Cassie Black the heroine of the Perfect Brew trilogy. Paranormal elements will make you laugh out loud! It is such a delightful read! Jo-Ann Carson has created these wonderful characters to offer her readers an absolutely incredible introduction to her Dial Witch trilogy. Magic is in the air in the small town of Mystic Keep. A new witch is in town, so watch out for Jane, her magic will go out of control. She has opened a new shop named Dial Witch, to help and offer her services as a talented enchantress. All the trouble begins when a client asks to make her husband disappear or fix him, then break a curse! Can she help everyone with her potions and spells? She has found a community of shifters, mages, and witches that will turn her magic upside down. Can she fix her small town? Find out in Dial Witch . Dial Witch Trouble brews when a psychic enchantress shares her magic. When the sorceress Jane Black offers spells, potions, and tarot card readings to the regular folk in her small town, she finds herself in a cauldron of hot water. Despite her good intentions, spells spiral out of control, potions backfire, and people turn against her. As Jane’s problems multiply, a drool-worthy dragon enforcer, arrives on her doorstep and gives her an ultimatum. While the universe stacks impossible odds against her, a hot dragon breathes down her neck, and Vixen, her snarky familiar, harangues her every move, Jane refuses to give up. She’s determined to make things better for everyone, or die trying. Is Jane’s magic strong enough to heal the town’s problems? Will her full-service sorcery store, survive? And what exactly will Leos the dragon set on fire? Dial Witch is the first book in the Dial Witch trilogy, set in the Mystic Keep world. It chronologically follows The Perfect Brew trilogy, but can easily be read as a standalone story. BOOK INFO Genre: Paranormal Romance Release: September 7, 2021 Type: Novel Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Content Rating: 3 Hearts—Now that's chemistry! We love when two people know how to express their passion, but we like it even more when they do it behind closed doors. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

What happens in the mind of a writer? What makes them tick, or inspires them to put pen to page? Joanna Fitzpatrick shares her historical fiction mystery novel, The Artist Colony , and a gives us a glimpse into the mind the writer. The Artist Colony Paris, July, 1924… Sarah, a young Modernist painter, receives a cable from California. Her estranged older sister, Ada Belle, has died under suspicious circumstances. When she arrives two weeks later at San Francisco’s Union Station, Sarah is confronted by a newspaper headline: “Inquest Verdict: Artist Commits Suicide.” Sarah remembers the last haunting words Ada Belle said to her: “Ars longa, vita brevis: Art is long, life is short.” But Ada Belle’s work is selling, and her upcoming exhibition of portraitures would bring her even wider recognition. Why would she kill herself? Sarah’s quest to find the truth of what happened to Ada Belle leads her to join the bucolic artist colony to look for clues. As she delves into her sister’s underworld, tensions surface. The darker things get, the closer she comes to terrible danger. How far will a killer go before he kills again? AMAZON | GOOGLE PLAY | BOOKSHOP | BARNES & NOBLE Q&A with Author Joanna Fitzpatrick Does writing energize or exhaust you? The most energizing moment comes just before I write the first draft of a manuscript. It's the moment when the silver lining of an idea shows up and I ask myself "what if . . ." Then a tsunami of "what ifs" overpower any doubts I might have. That's when I sit down at my desk, click Word and a blank page magically appears on my screen. These exhilarating tsunamis don't come along everyday and, when they do, you must show up because that's when your adventure as a writer begins. So fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride. The first draft is for my eyes alone. And there's a good reason. It shuts down my inner critic and I'm free to wander in my imagination. Anything goes. Plot lines bring me to locations and locations to characters that become tangible. Scenes flow from my mind, down my arms and into fingers that tap to the rhythm of my imagination. It's a vigorous tap dance. Exhaustion comes later, when I'm waiting between drafts for my editor's comments. Or when I tear myself apart by asking my inner critic if the manuscript is good enough to send to my agent. Your inner critic is the last one you should ask. It will have a heyday telling you why no one will want to read it. And then the moment comes when I have a finished manuscript. The weight of a million words balanced in my hands. That's when the excitement returns and the energy to start all over again on the next novel. What is your favorite motivational phrase? “I adore Life. What do all the fools matter and all the stupidity. They do matter but somehow for me they cannot touch the body of Life. Life is marvelous. I want to be deeply rooted in it - to live - to expand - to breathe in it - to rejoice - to share it. To give and to be asked for Love.” ― Katherine Mansfield, (1888-1923) short story writer and the only writer Virginia Woolf was ever jealous of. I was so inspired by Katherine Mansfield that I wrote an historical novel based on her life: Katherine Mansfield , 10th Anniversary edition (La Drome Press). What do you think about when you are alone in your car? I think way too much when I'm in my car. It's distracting and dangerous. It's just that being behind a steering wheel is so boring and, in my opinion, such a terrible waste of time. When I lived in Manhattan I rode in taxis or on a train and read the paper or just looked out the window. My sister knits at traffic lights. I fiddle with my smarter-than-me phone checking for messages, which is an absolute no-no, take a French lesson on Pimsleur, listen to a podcast, or belt the lyrics to a Lady Gaga tune. Let me make it perfectly clear: I don't recommend my foolish car habits to anyone. I should just drive, which would be a lot safer. Do you have to be alone or have quiet to write? I have to be alone and I prefer writing to music. One of the benefits of writing to music is you can write in a crowded coffee shop but feel like you're alone. I write to soundtracks amplified be those little pods I stick in my ears so the music is literally inside my head. Music is Pavlovian for me. I stick those pods in my ears and my inner lights go on and I forget all about going to the market to get milk or washing the dishes in the sink. My Spotify playlist is a collection of movie soundtracks. I see scenes cinematically when I write, so soundtracks enhance my writing. I only listen to singers when I need lyrics that capture a feeling I'm trying to express. I have a tremendous admiration for film composers. They know how to write tender melodies that pull my heartstrings when I'm watching a movie but never distract me from the story. What has been your greatest pleasure in writing "The Artist Colony." "When a tree falls in a lonely forest, and no one is nearby to hear it, does it make a sound?" I don't think so. My greatest pleasure is when someone reads my novel. Without a reader, my words do not exist other than in my own head. Not that it isn't very satisfying to write for the sake of writing, but how much more satisfying when your story is actually read by someone else. I am forever grateful to my readers. Thank you! “The Artist Colony” is a sumptuous ride through the Carmel-by-the-Sea, circa 1920, as Sarah Cunningham, newly arrived from Paris, attempts to uncover the truth about her sister’s mysterious death. Atmospheric and delicious, FitzPatrick delivers a thrilling page-turner woven with artistic flourish. This exquisite novel does not disappoint! Highly recommended!” — Michelle Cox, author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series The Author Joanna FitzPatrick was born and raised in Hollywood. She started her writing habit by applying her orange fountain pen and a wild imagination to screenplays, which led her early on to produce the film White Lilacs and Pink Champagne. At Sarah Lawrence College, she wrote her MFA thesis Sha La La: Live for Today about her life as a rock ’n’ roll star’s wife. Her more recent work includes two novels, Katherine Mansfield and The Drummer’s Widow . The Artist Colony is her third book. Presently, FitzPatrick divides her time between a mountaintop cottage in Northern California and a small hameau in Southern France where she begins all her book projects. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS Genre: Historical Fiction Release: September 7, 2021 Pages: 328pp Publisher: She Writes Press Type: Novel Content Rating: PG (1) View our rating system “The dramatic landscapes of Carmel, beautifully depicted by FitzPatrick, are central to the plot, whose blow-by-blow story keeps us gripped to the final revelation of Ada’s murderer . . . a must-read novel for anyone who loves historical fiction, art, detective stories, and the West Coast.” — Maggie Humm, author of Talland House Tour Giveaway Enter to win a paperback copy of The Artist Colony by Joanna FitzPatrick! There are 2 copies up for grabs! The giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends September 24, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

A Reader's Opinion The Rake of Hearts is an incredibly entertaining read. There is such a sweet and charming romance that blossoms between Ernest and Hebe. Redmond and Beatrice's affair was a treat to read as well. I found the characters' personalities a joy to read. The dialogue was easy to understand and I found it easy to follow along with the plot. There is a great deal of realism in the story thanks to the writer's detailed descriptions. There were a number of characters that brought some witty moments to the story, such as Beatrice, and the old man who ran the stables for Ernest father. This story kept me turning the pages, and left no room for boredom. For me, this was a very happily ever after love story. The Rake of Hearts A Lady to Suit, Book 2 When the heart is afire... By his own admission, Lord Ernest Brook is a rake. With sapphire gaze, sinfully handsome looks and a duke for a brother, the pleasures of London have come with ease...apart from one. Ever since the gauntlet of her first wintry dismissal was thrown, the widowed Hebe Locke has stirred his deepest desires, but just what would it take to woo such a woman? Sparks will fly. Hebe Locke has vowed to never again fall for a scoundrel after her brief marriage to one left her broken and haunted. Now she finds comfort with paintbrush and canvas, but as a female artist in a male world, commissions are as rare as a ballroom without rakes. A castle of enchantment. As the heat of late summer warms the land, an ancient, moated castle plays host to a widow and a rake, both concealing passions contrary to their reputations. But as Lord Ernest awakens Hebe's desire and thaws her frozen emotions, can she hold true to her vow? Or can this rake win the one heart he yearns for? Sensual Regency romance with warmth and wit, this tale also includes a disreputable aunt with a secondary love story, Cotswold country fairs, sinful masquerades and...a goat. BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Romance Release: August 23, 2021 Publisher: Senara Press Pages: 341pp Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Rainelle Barrett Content Rating: 5 Hearts—Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion The Highlander’s Pirate Lass is an extraordinary read. The Heroine, Eliza, is unlike any character I've encountered before, and I found her fascinating. I loved her strong will and passion. She walks with her head high as her determination, drive, and ambition push her to become someone better for the people she loves. I believe her character is the most interesting of them all. Beck was just along for the ride. I love how the writer keeps the reader wrapped in the plot, so much so that you barely notice when the book ends. The story was intense and exciting moments kept popping up. There are also some heartwarming, romantic, and emotional moments. These moments had me not wanting the book to end. Beck and Eliza are two people who set the season on fire. I like how the writer portrays Eliza as a meek and mild woman, but once she strapped on those trousers, and stepped foot on the boat… day quickly became night. Eliza became the enemy’s nightmare. Beck didn’t know what to do. He could only chant, "Save my boat!" Beck wasn’t a simpleton himself. He walks with strong confidence and determination, until one day his eyes just so happen to land on the intriguing, beautiful Eliza. I enjoyed the constant back and forth of stubborn wills and conflicting emotions the two shared. These moments turned up the heat during a few intimate moments. I appreciate how the writer provided the Scottish and French dialogue, as well as the meaning of these words. This helped add to the realism of the story. The descriptive wording for many of the exciting, sometimes chaotic events in the book helped with the realism of the book too. For me, this book was a fabulous read. The action, along with the suspense and thrill of the hunt, made this a great read. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! The Highlander's Pirate Lass The Brothers of Wolf Isle, Book 2 Eliza Wentworth is no lady. After the notorious pirate Jandeau murdered her family, she vowed to spend the rest of her life at sea, saving others. She’d rather be firing cannons than embroidering pillows—or worse, bowing to the demands of a husband. But when she’s stranded on an island off the coast of Scotland, now she is the one in need of help. And, annoyingly, that help comes not only from a man, but a man she struggles to resist. Highlander Beck Macquarie has never met a woman like Eliza. He hasn’t met many women, period, thanks to the blasted curse set upon Wolf Isle decades ago. To save the clan, he needs a wife and bairns, and rough-around-the edges Eliza is anything but wife material. She has no intention of staying once she’s able to set sail again. He should let her go. But the desire between them is impossible to ignore. When she asks Beck to teach her the ways of the bedroom while she bides her time on his island, he can’t say no. As they learn more about each other, though, past trauma and secrets resurface. Now, Eliza must choose between the freedom and comfort of the only life she’s ever known and sacrificing it all to save the people she loves…including Beck. BOOK INFO Genre: Scottish Historical Romance Release: August 23, 2021 Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous Pages: 188pp Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Rainelle Barrett Content Rating: 4 Hearts—We're getting hot in here! These characters know how to have a good time. Lucky for us, they don't go into too much detail. R—Descriptive Sex and Violence NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion Her Wanton White is a most excellent read. The writer pulled me into the suspense that surrounded the love story between Justice and Violet. I was hooked from the beginning and the story kept me engaged to the very end. Thank you to the writer for allowing the readers to guesstimate the heroine’s age. For me, this made reading the intimate scenes more comfortable. I enjoyed the short reading time of the book. All aspects of the book were interesting to me, from the characters' personalities to the suspense surrounding Justice and his family. The language was a little darker from the writer's previous books, but I think the dark language fits perfectly with this book. The story between Violet and her father had me at the end of my seat praying that things would turn out right for the family. Sayden's witty banter was truly entertaining, and I enjoyed the character. What a great read! I look forward to the next book from this series. Her Wanton White Dark Duke's Legacy, Book 4 He’s sworn never to marry… Lord Justice White isn’t the settle down type of man. He’s a fighter, a drinker, and a rake through and through. But when he takes on the villain threatening his family, a beautiful and innocent debutante is caught in the crossfire. As sweet as Lady Violet is tempting, Justice doesn’t want her for himself. Absolutely not. But he can’t quite allow her to fall victim either. Will the decency deep within him rise to the surface or will the darkness from his past swallow him forever? BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Romance Mystery Release: September 14, 2021 Publisher: Swift Romance Publishing Corp Pages: 136pp Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Rainelle Barrett Content Rating: 5 Hearts—Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

Congratulations to Linda Broday, author of A Cowboy Christmas Legend , winner of the August 2021 Readers' Choice Cover Contest! Thank you to all those who voted and supported the wonderful authors and their books! Want to keep helping authors? Share this post and their books with your friends! A little book love goes a long way. Vote in the new cover contest > BOOK INFO Title: A Cowboy Christmas Legend Author: Linda Broday Series: Lone Star Legends, Book 2 Genre: Historical Western Romance/Holiday Release: September 28, 2021

Voting is open for the September 2021 book cover contest. View the finalists, support these terrific authors, and c ast your vote on the cover contest page.

Enjoy a glimpse into Anna Belfrage's time-travel Scottish romance, The Whirlpools of Time . The Whirlpools of Time He hoped for a wife. He found a companion through time and beyond. It is 1715 and for Duncan Melville something fundamental is missing from his life. Despite a flourishing legal practice and several close friends, he is lonely, even more so after the recent death of his father. He needs a wife—a companion through life, someone to hold and be held by. What he wasn’t expecting was to be torn away from everything he knew and find said woman in 2016… Erin Barnes has a lot of stuff going on in her life. She doesn’t need the additional twist of a stranger in weird outdated clothes, but when he risks his life to save hers, she feels obligated to return the favour. Besides, whoever Duncan may be, she can’t exactly deny the immediate attraction. The complications in Erin’s life explode. Events are set in motion and to Erin’s horror she and Duncan are thrown back to 1715. Not only does Erin have to cope with a different and intimidating world, soon enough she and Duncan are embroiled in a dangerous quest for Duncan’s uncle, a quest that may very well cost them their lives as they travel through a Scotland poised on the brink of rebellion. Will they find Duncan’s uncle in time? And is the door to the future permanently closed, or will Erin find a way back? Enjoy an Excerpt from The Whirlpools of Time He had thought he dreamt her, but when he woke she was still there, smiling at him. He managed to smile back, no matter that it hurt to do so. She fiddled with her hair, a mass of curls the colour of rich maple syrup. Lovely skin, he thought fuzzily, a shade or so lighter than her hair. And her eyes…Green, he decided, yes, a golden green. Lovely eyes. He licked his lips. Lovely eyes, lovely skin, lovely hair, lovely lady. Erin, he reminded himself, her name was Erin. “Good morning,” she said. “Miss Barnes.” He gave her a nod. “Erin. Miss Barnes makes me sound like some old schoolteacher.” It made him smile: the notion of a female teacher was utterly ludicrous. “And you are not a schoolteacher?” There was a small scar just to the left of her cupid’s bow and he wondered what had caused it. “Me?” She laughed. “No way.” She leaned forward and her round bosoms brushed his arm. “The police want to talk to you.” “Police?” he croaked, staring at how her pulse jumped in the hollow of her throat. What might that be? “You need to make a statement.” Statement? A strand of her hair tickled his skin and he suppressed the desire to wind it round his finger. This close, her hair was a mass of colours, from that deep syrupy colour to a golden honey. “They want your version of events,” she continued, lowering her voice. She glanced towards the door and leaned that much closer. “Don’t mention the sword, okay? I think it might complicate things.” He almost laughed. Best not complicate matters more than they already were. “Why?” “Why what?” Her breath caressed his cheek, and this up close he could see a smattering of dark freckles on her nose. “Why do they need a…a…statement?” She smelled of something sweet, a discreet fragrance that had him thinking of warm evenings under blossoming apple trees. “Because they can’t take my word for it.” “No?” He struggled to sit. “Why not?” She sighed. “They need someone else to corroborate what happened.” “Ah.” He mulled this over, concluding that the police must be the equivalent of the constables in his time. “And—” “Awake?” someone said. A large man entered the room. “What are you doing here?” he asked Erin. “Visiting.” She stood. “Don’t go!” Duncan tried to take her hand. “Dylan here wants to talk to you alone.” Erin smiled at him. “I’ll be back as soon as he’s gone.” Duncan followed her out of the room with his gaze before turning his attention to the man now seated beside him. “I’m Dylan Clarkson.” He held up something. Duncan peered at the displayed document. A depiction of this Dylan, stating he was a Maryland Police Officer. “Duncan,” Duncan said. “Duncan Melville.” “And you’re from where?” Duncan gave him a helpless look. “No notion. I cannot recall much more than my name and that terrible lightning storm.” He shivered. “Hmm,” Clarkson said, scribbling something in his notebook. No quill, Duncan noted, instead an implement that looked like a pencil of sorts. “And this so-called attack? Do you remember anything of that?” “I do.” Duncan straightened up, ignoring the twinge in his ribs. “Nothing so-called about it. Out of nowhere, three men appeared and attempted to abduct a young woman.” “The young woman being Erin Barnes?” “Aye.” She didn’t look like a Barnes. She looked like someone who should have a far more exotic name, something like Figueroa or Hernandez. He’d seen women as beautiful as her before, usually on one or other of the plantations belonging to the Jones family. Women of mixed heritage, their mother slaves, their fathers their masters or the white overseers and he knew for a fact that many of those women ended up in brothels, their beauty fading as the years and an endless line of eager men took their toll. “Known her long?” the officer asked. “Who?” “Erin.” “No. As I recall, she was helping me regain my feet at that crossroads when those rogues showed up.” “Rogues?” The officer snickered. “So, what happened?” It did not take long. Duncan described what had happened, omitting any mention of his sword, was somewhat taken aback when the officer scowled at him and told him to stop playing Superman. “Next time you see three men attacking a woman call 911.” “Eh?” “You shouldn’t interfere. Could get you killed.” “If I hadn’t interfered, Miss Barnes—Erin—might not have been here.” “Hmm.” Clarkson his lip. “Can you identify these men?” “I can.” Duncan sank back against the pillows. “Here.” Something landed in Duncan’s lap. Some sort of large book, bound in stiff covers. He opened it and almost threw it to the floor. What sort of magic was this? Page after page of grim human faces stared up at him, remarkably lifelike. He’d never seen likenesses such as these before, amazed at the detail, the colours. “What, you’ve never seen photos before?” Clarkson asked, studying him intently. “Of course I have,” Duncan lied, making an effort to stop staring at the glossy likenesses. “But I have never seen such a collection of unsavoury characters.” “Yeah, because where you come from you’re all good law-abiding citizens, right?” Clarkson sneered. “I don’t remember where I come from,” Duncan snapped, congratulating himself on not having walked into that trap. He turned the pages, transfixed by all these faces. A nasty lot, truth be told. Unsmiling faces, men whose features spoke of a capacity for violence. He turned one more page and there was one of the men. “This one,” he said. “He was there.” He found the other two a couple of pages further in. The constable—no, police officer—sighed, wrote some more and reclaimed the large book. “Thanks, you really made my day,” he muttered as he made for the door. End of Excerpt. Excerpt Copyright © Anna Belfrage. Shared with permission. The Author Had Anna Belfrage been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England. More recently, Anna has published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. While she loved stepping out of her comfort zone (and will likely do so again ) she is delighted to be back in medieval times in her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk. Set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love. Find out more about Anna on her website or on her Amazon page . You can also follow her on Facebook or Twitter . Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish/Time Travel Series: The Locket, Book One Release: June 11, 2021 Publisher: Timelight Press Type: Novel Content Rating: 5 Hearts/R View our rating system Tour Giveaway Enter to win a copy of The Whirlpools of Time by Anna Belfrage! Two copies are up for grabs! The giveaway is open internationally and ends on September 29, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

Deflecting the Duke Accused of something they never did. Five boys banished from their homes in disgrace, to the place where they find the brothers of their heart—and build new family ties that will last a lifetime. An angry army spy who becomes a reluctant duke. A virgin widow who seeks a husband who will give her children. An attraction that leads to passion . . . and love . . . Wyatt Stanton served as a spy for Wellington until he receives word of his brother’s death. Reluctantly, he returns to England as the Duke of Amesbury and to Amberwood, a place he once loved and was banished from after his brother falsely accused Wyatt of burning down the family stables with over two dozen horses inside. His soul seared by war, the man who lived for danger must now become a member of Polite Society and find himself a duchess so he has an heir. Meadow Grant’s father sold her to Lord Selfridge so he could pay his gambling debts. Selfridge collects beautiful things, and Meadow is the most beautiful girl of the Season. Once he possessed her, Selfridge lost interest and moved on to other things. Now a widow, the resilient Meadow is ready to make her own choice this time and find a husband who yearns for children as much as she does. Though attracted to the Duke of Amesbury, he is far too arrogant and conceited for her tastes, even if he does kiss well. Wyatt is bored with all the younger women on the Marriage Mart, but he believes the beautiful and more mature Lady Selfridge fits his idea of a suitable duchess. The fact that he is attracted to her and she gets along well with his friends only confirms she is the one. Meadow wants to be courted, though, and Wyatt is up to the challenge, relentless in his pursuit, even liking how Meadow makes him work to earn her favor. Though neither looks for love, will the reckless Wyatt and spitfire Meadow realize love has found them and will flourish, given the chance? Amazon Meet the Author Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She’s a binge fiend (The Crown and Ozark are favorites) who enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family. Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense. Her series include Dukes of Distinction, Soldiers & Soulmates, Lawmen of the West, Hollywood Name Game, The St. Clairs, Knights of Honor, The King's Cousins, The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle, Sagebrush Brides, and Dukes Gone Wrong. Website: alexaaston.com Genre: Historical Romance Type: Novel Series: Dukes Gone Wrong, book 2 Publication date: August 24, 2021 Content Rating: 5 Hearts View rating system