Search Results

A Reader's Opinion A story of friends to lovers who are perfect for each other! Regency romances are some of my favorites, and I loved The Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner, a new-to-me author. The love scenes are well-written with tenderness and passion in this intriguing story, with beautiful chemistry between Georgiana and Dexter. I was pulled into the story from the first chapters, kept engrossed, and wanted more every time I turned a page. The words flowed smoothly on the pages, making this book easy to read. The author has a writing style I really like. I admit that I was first attracted by this stunning cover and I'm not disappointed because it reflects this lovely romantic story. The Ice Duchess is a beautiful introduction to her new Duchess Society series, and I'll make sure to watch for her other books. Georgiana Whitcomb, the Countess Winterbourne is a young widow known as the Ice Countess for refusing to marry again after a first marriage is forced upon her. As a young girl, she had fallen in love with a young man who had left her to become a geologist. After this rejection, no man could replace him. Now, Georgiana has committed her time to the Duchess Society. Dexter Munro made a promise to his dying father to find a wife. Except, the only woman he has ever loved is Georgiana, and she has vowed not to marry again. It’s not until Dexter comes back in her life to turn it upside down with his charm and determination to win her back. Sweet and loving moments of tenderness from Dex surprise her, and her heart now beats only for him. Will it be enough to melt the Ice Countess’s heart? Is this a second chance they’ve been waiting for? Find out in The Ice Duchess . The Ice Duchess A scandalous countess plays matchmaker…for a man she once longed to take for herself. Georgiana Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne, is known as the Ice Countess for her rebellious ways and refusal to marry again. But a scandalous Christmas wager fashioned by Georgiana’s childhood obsession changes everything. The demanding duke needs a bride… Dexter Munro, mere days from becoming the Duke of Markham, made a promise to his dying father to find a wife by the Twelfth Night. Except the only woman he’s ever desired has vowed never to marry again. Not even to become his duchess. Georgiana and Dex share a sizzling attraction and a wicked past…but is their scorching passion enough to melt the Ice Countess’ heart? If you adore sexy Dukes, feisty Duchesses, and a steamy second-chance romance set in the magnificent Regency era, The Ice Duchess is the romance novel for you! *This book was previously published in the A Scandalous Christmas anthology.* Get Your Copy Historical/Regency Romance | Pub: July 22, 2021 | Wolf Publishing Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure | Content/Steam Rating:* 4 Hearts *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. 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 One of the best romantic and emotional stories of two endearing and beautiful souls! Alexa Aston has outdone herself with DISCOURAGING THE DUKE, the first book in her new Dukes Done Wrong series. One of the reasons that I read every book she writes is because of the way she knows how to catch the heart of her readers. Miles and Emery's story made me sigh, smile, and shed tears as they become friends then fall in love forever. I can't wait to read the other stories! Beware, this new series will be totally addictive! What a great start to a new series. The Dukes Done Wrong series tells the journeys of five young boys who were wrongly accused, banished from their family homes, and sent to the Turner Academy, a school for troublemakers. An instant bond unites Miles, William, Donovan, Wyatt, and Aaron, and they become family. Discouraging the Duke is Miles's tale of adventure and romance. Sent away from his family home at the age of 10, he returns home 14 years later to run the Wildwood estate as the new duke of Winslow. Emery was employed at Wildwood ten years ago as a steward and housekeeper, along with her mother and father, to run the estate while she helped the old duke, Miles’s father. So, when the new duke shows up, she wonders what will happen to her and her parents. But, no need to worry, for she will catch Miles's heart! Family secrets are discovered and a truth is revealed as the story unfolds. Love is finally in the air for the duke of Winslow and his sweet duchess. Discouraging the Duke Welcome to the new world from Alexa Aston—Dukes Done Wrong. 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. A lonely army captain who suddenly finds himself a duke. A gentleman’s daughter running an estate because her father no longer can. Two lonely souls whose sparks are undeniable . . . Miles Notley returns home as the new Duke of Winslow after being sent away for accidentally killing his younger brother when he was ten years old, an act his older brother committed—and denied. With his brother’s death, Miles finds himself in unfamiliar waters. He has no idea how to run an estate, much less be a duke. Until he meets an intriguing young woman. Emery Jenson came to Wildwood ten years ago with her parents, hired to be the estate’s steward and housekeeper. She has taken on more responsibility as her father’s mind grows weak and now runs the ducal country seat. When the new duke shows up, she schemes to hide her father’s deficiencies, believing the Duke of Winslow won’t remain long since the Season is in full swing and he will need to claim a bride and provide an heir. But Miles isn’t going anywhere. He becomes captivated not only by Emery’s charm and confidence but admires her skills in making Wildwood a profitable estate. Miles decides no one but Emery can be his duchess—and he is up for the challenge, ready to convince the blunt beauty in the battle of wills that they can both come up winners—if she will only say yes. Will Emery, who thinks she has found her place in the world and urges Miles to now find his, discover that the best place she can be is at the Duke of Winslow’s side? Amazon Historical Romance | Pub: July 16, 2021 | Dragonblade Publishing Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure | Content/Steam Rating:* 4 Hearts *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. 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 .

There's a fine line between friends and enemies. Shades of Gray The Complete Civil War Serial Trilogy They started as sworn enemies. Can they open their hearts to love? Shades of Gray Trilogy is sweeping Southern fiction that, according to one reviewer, “transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.” The Civil War Trilogy takes readers across the rolling hills of Virginia in a page-turning tale of action and adventure as a Union spy spars with a renowned Confederate cavalry commander. Gallantry and chivalry are put to the test when Colonel Alexander Hunter discovers that Andrea Evans is not only the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect, but is the enemy he has vowed to his men he would destroy. This poignant tale of dueling principles, impossible choices, and enduring love is will keep readers thinking about it long after the last page is turned. Duty Bound: Takes readers across the rolling hills of Virginia in a page-turning tale of action and adventure as a Union spy spars with a renowned Confederate cavalry commander. Gallantry and chivalry are put to the test when Colonel Alexander Hunter discovers that Andrea Evans is not only the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect, but is the Union spy he has vowed to his men he would destroy. Honor Bound: This volume follows Union Spy Andrea Evans as she finds herself recuperating from an injury in the home of her enemy, Colonel Alexander Hunter. Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the lives of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever. Glory Bound: The series culminates in this emotional final volume that reflects the sacrifices of both sides and proves there can be no bond stronger than that which unites enemies. Immortal love, whence it flows, can never die. Also available individually. Add to Your Reading List GoodReads | BookBub Buy Links Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Apple | Smashwords | IndieBound | Bookshop Meet the Author Jessica James is an award-winning author of suspense, historical fiction, and military fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day. Her highly acclaimed Civil War novel Shades of Gray won numerous national literary awards, and is often compared to Gone with the Wind. By weaving the principles of courage, devotion, duty, and dedication into each book, James attempts to honor the unsung heroes of the American military–past and present–and to convey the magnitude of their sacrifice and service. Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy. James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, NINC, Sisters in Crime, and the Romance Writers of America. She is a two-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010. Sign up for her free newsletter at www.jessicajamesbooks.com and ask for a free copy of From the Heart: Civil War Love Letters and Stories. You can also find Jessica on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and Goodreads . Publication Date: June 1, 2021 304 pages Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian Content Rating: Click here to learn more about content ratings. “If you want to read a book you will never forget and will think about for months after reading it, read Shades of Gray . The book took my breath away. Honestly, you will not sleep.” – A Bookworm’s Dinner Blog Enter to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card during the Shades of Gray book blast. The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on July 10, 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. Enter the Giveaway > “It is a book that I think could have the impact of a ‘ Gone With the Wind . – J. Noyalas, Assistant Professor of History Thank you for visiting and reading! 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 Small town romance at its best! This is my first time reading a Caroline Flynn book, and it was delightful! A Wildflower Summer, the third book in the author's Port Landon series, is a really enjoyable story that can be devoured in one sitting. This small town romance is so sweet, charming, and romantic! Lily and Jason are endearing characters, and I also love the two little girls, Eden and Carlie. Good storytelling and a great pace makes it a light and easy read. I will surely check out her next book in this series. The story starts as Lily, a single mother of a little girl named Eden, is trying to leave her small town and start a new beginning in Chicago. Unfortunately, her car breaks down just outside of Port Landon, where a sweet local mechanic named Jason comes to rescue. That's when the fun begins! This is the start of a new beginning for these two single parents who want a second chance and a fresh new start. At first, their new relationship is a little complicated with some ups and downs, but with time, patience, and understanding, their love story will touch your heart. Jason is such a sweetheart! A Wildflower Summer City meets small town in this beautiful sweet romance about family, new beginnings, and true love. Single mother Lily Brentwood yearns to leave small town life behind and start again with her young daughter in Chicago. The bright city lights promise an escape from the ex who dismissed her dreams and broke her heart. But when her car breaks down outside the sleepy town of Port Landon, she is stranded miles from Chicago and reliant on the generosity of local mechanic Jason Forrester. A single parent too, Jason turns out to be handsome, funny…and bearing bad news – the car repairs will take longer than expected. Lily has no choice but to stay. Jason is determined to show Lily that there is more to Port Landon than meets the eye… but deep down he knows it couldn’t be further from the city life Lily seeks. With her fresh start in Chicago calling, Lily must decide whether the new life she hoped for means losing the man who’s quickly winning her heart. Prepare to be swept away with the next magical summer romance by Caroline Flynn. Fans of The Restaurant , Sweet Magnolias and Virgin River will love this utterly heart-warming novel! Amazon | Harper Collins Contemporary Romance | Pub: July 21, 2021 |229pp | HQ Digital Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating:* 1 Heart | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure *As of Aug 2020, star ratings are not given to books. Ratings are only provided for content. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion From rivals to lovers! I truly enjoyed Christi Caldwell's The Importance of Being Wanton , the second book in her Wantons of Waverton series. The story started at a slow pace but eventually caught my interest. This is a delightful story! I enjoy heroines like Emma, who are bold and independent; women who give a real challenge to the men in their lives. She knows what she wants, but she doesn’t always use the right methods to achieve her dreams. Charles, her betrothed, is a rogue who must redeem himself, and they make quite a pair. Their relationship slowly evolves after many highs and lows and conclusions about their dreams and desires. Emma, our heroine, refuses to let her parents dictate her life. She vows to control her future by making her own decisions and wants to do this by canceling her engagement to Charles, her childhood fiancé. She is now a mature woman, strong and determined to help women, which is why she co-founds a group, the Mismatch Society, to help women in similar situations. However, this group would also disrupt her own life where men are concerned. Charles needs redemption if he wants to prove he can be the perfect man for her. Will they ever learn how to accept each other's differences? Can they stop this rivalry and move on with their lives if they want to earn their happily ever after? Find out in The Importance of Being Wanton . The Importance of Being Wanton USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell turns polite London society on its head in a delightful romance of unguarded hearts, second chances, and a scandalous rivalry between the sexes. Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale were betrothed as children—less a vow of future happiness than an obligation. Seventeen years later, the independent miss severs the contract with the now notorious libertine in an unprecedented act of independence. And Emma cofounds the Mismatch Society, where like-minded ladies are free of the constraints and inevitable broken hearts that men bring. But Emma’s rejection sparks in her intended a new consideration of the spirited woman he took for granted—and a determination to win her back. Despite his wicked reputation, misguided and suddenly lovestruck, Charles Hayden is on a mission to gain Emma’s respect, and he has just the idea—one that the daringly unconventional Emma is sure to appreciate. But as Charles takes bold steps and sets tongues wagging, he makes himself an accidental opponent of his former betrothed. Soon a rivalry is born that has the whole ton abuzz. Emma never anticipated that with every fiery test of wills, passion would surge. Passion that’s impossible to ignore. In going toe-to-toe with Charles, she risks her heart and pride by falling in love with the one man she vowed to scorn. Amazon | Bookshop Historical Regency Romance | Pub: June 29, 2021 |332pp | Montlake Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 4 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure *As of Aug 2020, star ratings are not given to books. Ratings are only provided for content. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

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

Congratulations to Karen Witemeyer, author of The Heart's Charge , winner of the June 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 >

An American heiress, a wickedly handsome earl, and a Scottish estate . . . We're excited to share Harper St. George's newest novel in The Gilded Age Heiresses series. Don't miss The Devil and The Heiress . The Devil and the Heiress Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience. No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw’s ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author–if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn’t insist on coming with her. Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her–by his side, near his heart, in his bed. Though Christian’s burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It’s going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter’s love is true… AMAZON | APPLE | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKS A MILLION | KOBO | TARGET | WALMART In the author's words . . . Q&A with Harper St. George Does writing energize or exhaust you? This is such an interesting question because, honestly, it does both. Writing is a little bit like exercising for me: I don’t always look forward to doing it, but I like how I feel having done it. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing, but as with anything you have to do every day there are some days I look forward to it more than others. When I’m writing a scene that has been on my mind since I first conceived of these characters, then it’s almost an euphoric experience. It can feel amazing to write a scene that gets a character to that next level of their arc. But then there are the scenes where I just cannot see what is supposed to happen. The characters aren’t talking to me and I don’t know how to them where they need to be. Those are the scenes that are draining and exhausting. Please, tell us a little something about The Devil and the Heiress. The Devil and the Heiress is the second book in my Gilded Age Heiresses series. This series follows the Crenshaws, a new money family from New York who have brought their daughters to London to find titled husbands in need of their wealth. The daughters have other ideas, however, and don’t give into their parents’ marriage plans so easily. Violet, the youngest daughter, wants to be a published author and she doesn’t believe that a noble husband (or almost any husband, really) would not support her plans. She is in the process of writing a romantic novel based on her experiences as an American heiress during the London season. The male protagonist in her book is based on the devilishly handsome Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh. She never expects their attraction to lead to anything, but when her parents arrange a marriage for her and she decides to run away, Christian appears to help her escape. Over the ensuing road trip, she realizes that her fascination with him can’t be denied. Little does she realize that Christian has his own reasons for helping her and they are anything but altruistic. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? I’m currently working on the third book in this series, The Lady Tempts an Heir . This story is about the Crenshaw heir, Max, and Lady Helena, a woman he meets while visiting his family in London. Helena is a young widow and is very active with a charity that helps unwed mothers and their children. Since this is a somewhat scandalous and radical undertaking, particularly for an unmarried woman, she finds herself in need of a temporary engagement to soothe her parents and donors. The mid-to-late 19th century saw a dramatic increase in charitable organizations. The industrial revolution, while creating a larger middle class than the world had ever seen, deepened the problems of the poor. Filth and pollution filled the streets and air at a rate never seen before, and there were no systems in place to deal with them. More children were being abandoned by parents due to an increasing inability to see to their care properly. This was before a standard hour workday/workweek was created. Helena’s character was inspired by social reformers like Octavia Hill and Florence Nightingale who saw the problems exasperated by industry and sought to relieve them. Books & Benches: Thank you, Harper, for sharing The Devil and the Heiress with our readers. It's been a pleasure having you with us, and the whole series sounds wonderful! The Author Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since. She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband’s amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at www.harperstgeorge.com . You can also find her on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , Pinterest , and Goodreads . Genre: Historical Romance (Victorian/Scottish) Type: Novel Publisher: Berkley Publication Date: June 29, 2021 Content Rating: 5 Hearts View our rating system Tour Giveaway Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on July 27, 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. Enter the Giveaway > Thank you for visiting and reading! 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 marriage of convenience may bloom into true love with time! This is the first time that I read a book written by this new-to-me author, Harper St. George, and I didn't know what to expect. THE DEVIL AND THE HEIRESS is such a beautiful surprise! This one is the second story in the Gilded Age Heiresses series, and it was so much fun to read. The story lures the readers into a fast-paced adventure that you won't be able to put down . . . I couldn't read fast enough! The chemistry between Violet Crenshaw and Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, was slow to sizzle with only a kiss or two to start, and not enough romantic moments for me personally. Of course, in the last chapters, a magical scene brought it together. American heiress Violet Crenshaw is very rich because her family owns the Crenshaw Iron Works. The Crenshaw’s want to marry their two daughters into aristocracy. August got matched in the first book and now now it’s Violet’s turn! She wants to avoid a marriage of convenience with a man she doesn't love and wishes to pursue a career as a writer. So, she concocts a plan and runs away. Christian needs an American Heiress for his plan because he needs funds to renovate and refurbish the small Scottish estate he inherited. Violet's father finds Christian a suitable match for her fortune, so he negotiates a deal with him. Omg, her father forces this marriage of convenience on her, only to improve his social status, power, and wealth. While running away, she happens to meet the Earl of Leigh, and he offers her a ride in his carriage. That's when the fun begins between the devil and the heiress as they pose as husband and wife! A marriage of convenience with its ups and downs blooms with time, and everyone is in for a surprise! The Devil and the Heiress Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience. No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw's ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author--if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn't insist on coming with her. Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her--by his side, near his heart, in his bed. Though Christian's burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It's going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter's love is true.... Amazon | Bookshop Historical Romance | Pub: June 29, 2021 | Berkley Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 4 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure *As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

We're thrilled to welcome Kaki Warner with an excerpt from her newest Brides of Rough Creek Texas novel. If you haven't picked up a Kaki Warner book, now is your chance! Home to Texas She’s his last case, he’s her fresh start—two troubled ex-soldiers find new purpose and a second chance at love in this new contemporary western romance from award-winning author Kaki Warner. Lieutenant KD Whitcomb had mapped out her career from West Point to the Pentagon. But when an injury under questionable circumstances forces her to leave the army, her dreams fall dead at her feet. Feeling lost and needing to rediscover the tough woman beneath the uniform, she heads back to the family ranch in Rough Creek. Only two things get her through the nightmares and sleepless nights: the support of her family and the CID officer investigating the incident in Afghanistan. He infuriates her. Makes her laugh. Gives her hope. Richard Murdock is struggling, too. There’s something fishy about this last case…and the threats coming from Afghanistan aimed at both him and KD. He’s ready to leave the army and make a new start. But how will he protect KD? And what should he do about the growing attraction between them? He’s been burned before. But there's something about KD's vulnerability and strength that calls to him, and he'll do whatever it takes to protect her and give her a chance to build new dreams…including helping her start a PTSD equine therapy program at the Texas ranch. If they can overcome the threats against them and heal old wounds, this second chance might be better than they ever dreamed. Get Your Copy Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | More options > Add to Your Reading List Add to BookBub | Add to Goodreads Enjoy an Excerpt from Home to Texas Army Second Lieutenant KD Whitcomb drifted on a cold dark sea, lulled by the steady hum and beep of machines beside her bed. She knew she was in a hospital room with a window looking out onto the nurses’ station. But she didn’t know how long she’d been there or even what country she was in. Nothing made sense and thinking was too hard. Occasionally nausea or deep, throbbing pain awoke her. She would become groggily aware of movement, hands touching her while voices spoke in hushed tones. Then a warm rush, and she would sink back into the uncaring, unfeeling drift. It was never dark. Sometimes the room was so bright it hurt to open her eyes. But occasionally, during the hush of night when the lights were dimmed, she could keep her eyes open for brief periods. During one of those times, she saw a man standing in the hall, watching her through the window. He had a stern, unsmiling face. Not in an army uniform. Black polo and ball cap. No scrubs or stethoscope. She didn’t know who he was, or why he watched her so intently. It worried her, the not knowing. But all she could do was close her eyes and hope he went away. Later—an hour, a day? —the pain came back. She grew anxious, waiting for the warm rush that promised oblivion. Instead, she sensed a hovering presence nearby and forced open her eyes. The man in the black shirt stood by the bed, looking down at her with cold, blue eyes. She blinked, not sure if he was real, or what he wanted. Then she saw the badge and holstered pistol on his belt and in an instant, she was back in Afghanistan. A child crying. Gunshots. Blood. Pain. Take him! Fear clutched at her throat. She sucked in air, her mind reeling. Then voices intruded, jerking her back to her hospital bed. Frantically, she looked around, saw the man talking to her nurse, but all she heard was the roar of blood past her ear. Before she could bring her thoughts in focus, the nurse hurried away. The man stayed. Still half-trapped in Afghanistan, she struggled to speak. “Captain…” she managed in a raspy whisper. He stepped closer. “Say again?” She licked cracked lips. “Captain . . . Mouton . . .” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.” KD clenched against a crushing despair. Her stomach rebelled. She grappled for the gray bowl wedged by her pillow and vomited up dark, bitter bile. A wide hand supported her back until the retching stopped, then took the bowl away. Trembling with exhaustion, she slumped back against the pillows, eyes closed. “Should I get the nurse?” a deep voice asked. She was afraid to move her head. Every time she did, it felt like her brains had liquefied and were sloshing around inside her skull. “No.” After a moment, she opened her eyes. A beard-stubbled face hung over her. Tired blue eyes. Not as grim or threatening as when she’d first seen him. But she knew who he was now, and why he had come. “Am I…in trouble?” “Should you be?” When she didn’t answer, he pulled a small notebook and pen from his pocket. “If you’re up to it, Lieutenant, I have a few questions.” “You’re . . .CID?” He nodded. “Warrant Officer Murdock.” Tears welled. “I shouldn’t have . . . left her. . . “ He bent closer. “Left who?” “She sent me . . . to find . . .the boy.” She was so weary she could barely form a thought. “I didn’t see . . . the gun.” She was dying. Sinking. Her lids felt heavy as stone. “What boy?” The drone of his voice faded as darkness sucked her down. When next she opened her eyes, he was gone. But she knew he’d be back. He was with Criminal Investigations. He would want to know it all. Her nurse bustled in. “How’s the pain, Lieutenant?” “Five,” KD lied. She could handle pain. Needed it to stay alert. Because when Murdock returned with his questions, he would expect her to relive that bloody, terrifying day when everything fell apart. End of Excerpt. Excerpt Copyright ©Kaki Warner. Shared with permission. The Author Kaki Warner is a RITA-winning author of numerous romance novels. A longtime resident of the Pacific Northwest, she lives on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, but Kaki grew up in the Southwest and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas. Kaki is also the author of the following series: Blood Rose Trilogy, Heroes of Heartbreak Creek, and Runaway Brides. View Kaki's Books > Genre: Contemporary Western Romance Type: Novel Publisher: Berkley Publication Date: June 29, 2021 Series: Brides of Rough Creek Texas, book 2 Content Rating: 4 Hearts/Mild View our rating system Thank you for visiting and reading! 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 A delightful combination of trust and romance with an unexpected twist! In Blind Faith , the male character is the focus, but the story alternates sometimes between another female character who was part of his past because of a bond that united them. This does not affect the romantic story between the two main characters John and Alena. Alexa Aston does a marvelous job weaving parallel plots with a common theme. She has a wonderful way of writing historical fiction with a twist that captivates her readers with strong, likable characters. She never disappoints. Lawmen of the West is a series to watch for; I truly loved the first story, Runaway Hearts , and this one was just as romantic and refreshing as the first adventure! Blind Faith, set in California 1854, tells the story of John Harper, a U.S. Marshall assigned to the case of Senator Braden Reynolds's kidnapping with his young son Johnny. While searching for them, he is shot by a member of the gang and left for dead, until Alena McClaine rescues him and his horse. Alena heals him while falling in love with this charming man who became blind from having been shot. Alena is a determined and brave heroine, and a painter under a pseudonym because female artists were not recognized enough during that time. Together, they embark on a roller-coaster ride of trials as they search for the senator and his son. Spending time together, she cares for him and he develops powerful feelings for her. Blind Faith is a western historical romance that features a hero of the American West as a lawman and a strong and independent heroine that will bring back love in his life. They are beautiful together! I'm sure readers of western romance will love Blind Faith. Blind Faith A wounded horse. A half-dead man. She thinks she can save the horse. She doubts the man will survive . . . Painter Alena McClaine’s world turns upside down when an unconscious rider arrives on his injured horse at her isolated California cabin. Both the animal and the stranger sport bullet wounds. Much to her surprise, the man lives—and hasn’t a clue about his identity. Even worse, he’s now blind. As the stranger recovers from his head and shoulder wounds, Alena finds herself falling in love. He remembers his name—and then his mission. John Harper recalls pieces of his past as a beautiful woman nurses him back to health. Finally, he remembers he is a U.S. marshal hunting a vicious gang of outlaws who have kidnapped a United States senator—the very man who married John’s childhood sweetheart. He located the gang, only to be shot before he could rescue the senator and his young son. When his sight returns, John knows he must head to the gang’s hideout and attempt to rescue their captives despite his bum shoulder. Alena, a crack shot, insists on going with him. The secrets and lies that await them test their new and fragile love. Blind Faith is a standalone western historical romance from Alexa Aston’s Lawmen of the West series, which features heroes of the American west in various law enforcement positions and the strong heroines who bring love into their lives. Get Your Copy Historical Western Romance | Pub: July 13, 2021 | Oliver Heber Books Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 4 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books our reviewers have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion Paula Brackston seamlessly transitions between past and present in The Secrets of the Chocolate House, a tale that draws the reader into its magical story and keeps them engaged to the end. Xanthe is a twenty-first century, time-traveling heroine who hears whispers from the past, thanks to her special ability to "hear an object singing." Determined to rescue the man she loves, she follows a discovered antique chocolate pot back to the seventeenth-century where she will face greater challenges than before. Will she destroy her chances to save Samuel and return home to her time? The settings are always described with just enough vivid detail so you have a good picture, but not so much that you lose the story. The characters, both past and present, add wonderful color to the foundation of this interesting book, and for someone like me who doesn't normally read time-travel, the author has managed to capture my imagination. I want more! Don't miss the fascinating Found Things series. Secrets of the Chocolate House New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston’s The Little Shop of Found Things was called “a page-turner that will no doubt leave readers eager for future series installments” (Publishers Weekly). Now, Brackston returns to the Found Things series with its sequel, Secrets of the Chocolate House . After her adventures in the seventeenth century, Xanthe does her best to settle back into the rhythm of life in Marlborough. She tells herself she must forget about Samuel and leave him in the past where he belongs. With the help of her new friends, she does her best to move on, focusing instead on the success of her and Flora’s antique shop. But there are still things waiting to be found, still injustices needing to be put right, still voices whispering to Xanthe from long ago about secrets wanting to be shared. While looking for new stock for the shop, Xanthe hears the song of a copper chocolate pot. Soon after, she has an upsetting vision of Samuel in great danger, compelling her to make another journey to the past. This time she'll meet her most dangerous adversary. This time her ability to travel to the past will be tested. This time she will discover her true destiny. Will that destiny allow her to return home? And will she be able to save Samuel when his own fate seems to be sealed? Amazon | Bookshop Romantic Fantasy/Time-Travel | Pub: Dec 15, 2020 | 336pp | St. Martin's Press Format Read: Hardcover | Source: Reader's personal library Reviewed by: MK | Content Rating:* N/A *This is a clean read appropriate for all audiences. N/A: No Sex; No 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 .