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“Gripping and suspenseful, this fast-paced thriller unfolds on the streets of Tokyo, where a clever and cold-blooded killer exacts revenge.” — Booklife Prize Rating 10.00 THE LAST TRAIN Detective Hiroshi Shimizu investigates white collar crime in Tokyo. When an American businessman turns up dead, he’s called out to the site of a grisly murder—or is it just suicide? A slip or jump off the train platform? A security camera video suggests the killer was a woman, but in Japan, that seems unlikely. Hiroshi and ex-sumo wrestler-turned-detective Sakaguchi scour Tokyo’s sacred temples, skyscraper offices and industrial wastelands to find out what was in the past of one Tokyo woman that drove her to murder. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | SMASHWORDS | MICHAEL PONKO BOOKSHOP Add to Goodreads Genre: Mystery & Thriller | Content Rating: PG-13 “For anyone who loves crime and cop novels, or Japanophiles in general, this is a terrific thriller. Fans of Barry Eisler’s early novels will find the same satisfactions here.” ~ Blue Ink Review, starred review Q&A with MICHAEL PRONKO What is your favorite scene in The Last Train? I love the ending, but don’t want to spoil anything. Overall, I like the scenes in the temples. Inside the temple grounds, which can be sprawling in Japan (no taxes), it’s always a shift in consciousness. The temples are calm, traditional, formal, quiet, while the rest of Tokyo is the opposite. The temples are strikingly beautiful, designed by principles of balance and spirituality and humanity. Temples create a sacred space where you become more spiritual. The scene I like best is a funeral where the bad guy, a femme fatale named Michiko, is watching the funeral she’s responsible for. The detective, Hiroshi, is there to see who’s at the wedding. It’s still not clear to Hiroshi if the deceased American committed suicide or was killed. So, Hiroshi is watching a Japanese-style funeral for an American man and looking over at a beautiful Japanese woman sitting to the side and at the friends of the dead man and trying to figure out what’s going on. It’s pouring down rain, so everyone’s under umbrellas, making it more confused. It’s life, death, and our human attempt at figuring out what’s going on in the world. What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? In addition to writing about the opposite sex, the antagonist, Michiko, is from a different culture, Japan, and from a working-class family. Her reasons for doing what she does and thinking what she thinks and feeling what she feels were hard to get my mind around. But that’s part of the pleasure of writing different characters, imagining them. The work of a writer is to imagine the interior life of a person with a different set of gender, culture, work, life experiences. On the other hand, she exhibits characteristics I appreciate and aspire to. She’s smart, organized, hard-working, unafraid. I wish I were that way, so writing those ideals is the way in to her mindset. To get outside of one way of thinking and feeling, writers need to work with a lot of tools—imagination, sympathy/empathy, compassion, psychology. If I only wrote about characters who were exactly like me, the novels would be boring and limited. Awareness of universal experiences and positive values set together with awareness of difference is a hard balance, but doable. What makes The Last Train special or unique to you? Can you give us a little story behind the story? To me, it’s unique because it is written not from a Japanese point of view, nor from a non-Japanese point of view. It comes from twenty years of living in Japan, working with Japanese, talking and being with them. I’m not sure if I have become more Japanese, but I’m sure I’ve shed a lot of my American-ness. Or merged the two in a new mix. Over two million non-Japanese live in Japan, and they have different insights into life here. So, it’s a bit like in America, where immigrant writers had, and still have, a unique take on the American experience. Those immigrant American writers helped to see America more clearly. In my novel, I write about Tokyo life from a slightly outside, but experienced point of view. “I never thought about that before,” is one of the comments I regularly received about the essays on Tokyo life I published. I’m getting similar comments on the novel. In the same way as an academic specialist on Japan who is not Japanese has a special insight into the culture, I think fiction writers offer different views based on their experiences. I go out a lot in Tokyo, and have written about music, art, politics and life here, so I wanted to draw on those two decades of observing and writing for the novel. What are common traps for aspiring writers? Everything can be a trap, and I’ve had my share. Still do. Let me pick three of the worst. First, I think it’s easy to be satisfied with a draft too soon. I used to underestimate the amount of time needed to make the final draft the best it can be. It’s a trap to think, “It’s done! Glass of wine, please.” It’s sometimes at that point, or into the glass of wine, that the best ideas emerge. So, set down the glass, turn the computer back on, and rewrite. Second is ego. I work in academia where the ego factor can get very inflated, very pretentious. Like academics, every author has a ballooning ego that can take off in a strong wind, but which can throw your mental navigation system off. I think it’s better focus on process, not product. The process keeps you humble. Another trap for me was my romantic view of writing—scrawling out lines in a basement garret with no heating and all that. Writing is extremely hard work without much support. It’s best to shuck off the romance of it and think of it like a job. A great job and better than most, I’d say, but more like playing classical music or performing brain surgery than gleefully penning inspired prose while beautiful Muses dance around me in a circle. Not thinking of writing as work is a big trap for me. It’s surprising to me how I can use almost anything, everything from laundry to self-pity, as a way of avoiding the work. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing? Doing some research in the UT Austin library a few years ago, I came across one of Jack Kerouac’s notebooks. Inside, there were a dozen pages of sheer raving and childish glee when his first book, The Town and the City was accepted for publication. He was thanking god, blessing the world, rambling on in this teenage way. But then, it took him seven years to get his next book, On the Road, out after that first novel. Publishing my first book woke me up to get my butt in the chair on a regular basis. I used to write when I was inspired. And I was inspired often enough to get a lot done. The hard, cold, physical fact of a book changes your thinking because you’re in touch with a lot of people who read it. I felt thrilled and pleased, which is natural, but then that pleasure was something I wanted to turn into energy to do more and better on the next book. THE AUTHOR Michael Pronko has lived in Tokyo for twenty years, but was born in Kansas City, a very different world. After graduating from Brown University in philosophy, he hit the road, traveling around the world for two years working odd jobs. He went back to school for a Master’s in Education, and then took a teaching position in Beijing. For two years, he taught English, traveled China and wrote. After more traveling and two more degrees, another M.A. in Comparative Literature in Madison, Wisconsin and a PhD in English at the University of Kent at Canterbury, he finally settled in Tokyo as a professor of American Literature at Meiji Gakuin University. His seminars focus on contemporary novels and film adaptations, and he teaches other classes in American indie film and American music and art. Pronko has published three award-winning collections of essays: Motions and Moments: More Essays on Tokyo (Raked Gravel Press 2015), Tokyo’s Mystery Deepens (Raked Gravel Press 2014), and Beauty and Chaos: Essays on Tokyo (Raked Gravel Press 2014). He has published books in Japanese and two textbooks in both English and Japanese. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN #AuthorInterview #AuthororTourGiveaway #MysteryThriller

"If this book is an indication of things to come, we will be hearing a lot about Mary Frances Fisher - she's that good." ~ Linda, Host of The Authors Show PARADOX FORGED IN BLOOD From Mary Frances Fisher comes her debut novel, PARADOX FORGED IN BLOOD, a compelling work of historical fiction based on stories passed down from the author's family. A murder on Millionaire's Row. A killer's chilling words, "Shh. I know where you live." A woman tormented by her guilt-ridden past. A historical murder mystery, PARADOX FORGED IN BLOOD is set in Cleveland, Ohio, during the late 1930s. Four decades after the murder of socialite Louis Sheridan, the cold case is resurrected with receipt of new evidence that transports detectives back to Nazi Germany. The only living witness, Ellen O'Malley, must confront a haunting secret and her complicit actions. BUY AT AMAZON "Mary Frances Fisher took all these scenarios and put them together to create a murder mystery with a twist, a love story, and historical fiction. I was completely caught up in this story and could not put it down. There is something for every reader in this book." ~ Reader's Favorite Genre: Historical Fiction | Pub Date: August 2016 | Pages: 378 | Publisher: Cambron Press DISCOVER YOUR NEXT GREAT READ! Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #HistoricalFiction #AuthorInterview #RecordedInterview

"A beautiful story of change, betrayal, love, trust, and compassion." ~ Whitney, Goodreads Reviewer LIES & LETTERS Charlotte Lyons has ambitions, and she won't let anything come in her way. When her first season in London failed to make her a suitable match, and she failed to win the heir to Willowbourne the following summer, she is desperate to find a titled and wealthy husband, if only to appease her mother. But when her family is struck with financial ruin, the stakes are raised even higher. Sent to the Northern tip of the English coast with her sister, Charlotte faces an uncertain future. Although she is expected to pursue the wealthy earl of the town, Charlotte finds her heart and attention captured elsewhere--by a kind, mysterious man below her station. Faced with hardship and burdened by lies, will Charlotte ever have a change of heart? Will she choose the dreams she's always planned for, or will she dare to love? AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS & THINGS Add to Goodreads Genre: Historical Romance | Heat Level: 1 Heart | Publisher: Sweetwater | Release Date: 7/1/2017 "I loved the characters, their interactions, their development, and how they worked with the misfortunes they had to become better people than they had been." ~ Melissa, Goodreads Reviewer "Ashtyn Newbold knows how to keep the reader entertained." ~Amazon Reviewer THE AUTHOR Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can't vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | GOODREADS DISCOVER YOUR NEXT GREAT READ! Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #GuestAuthor #HistoricalRomance

A READER'S OPINION The Malorys and Andersons are back in the twelfth series installment, BEAUTIFUL TEMPEST. Jacqueline Malory, daughter of legendary pirate Captain Hawke, aka James Malory, Viscount Ryding, inherited more than her parents' good looks. She is her father's daughter in almost every way, often times going too far in her pursuit of more dangerous pastimes rather than more ladylike activities. This all makes for an interesting and delightful character in "Jack." When Jacqueline is abducted by Damon, a man who is not quite what he seems, Jack finds herself drawn to him—in part because of the excitement and in part because of her fierce attraction for the man she swears would never hurt her, despite how they came to be locked away on a ship together. BEAUTIFUL TEMPEST has all of the requisite makings of a Malory romantic adventure. Personally, I'm partial to the first books centered around the original siblings, but readers of this beloved family are no doubt going to enjoy Jack and Damon's story. With passion to spare, high seas adventure, wit, and a few Malory-worthy "battle" scenes, BEAUTIFUL TEMPEST is a delightful read for historical romance lovers. Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : MK McClintock BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS #1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey now reveals the tempestuous story of Jacqueline Malory whose furious desire for revenge leads to a confrontation with the handsome pirate who abducted her—and sparks a much steamier kind of desire. For the first time, James Malory and his Anderson in-laws agree on something: It’s payback time for the culprit who kidnapped James and Georgina’s beloved daughter Jack from her American debutante party and whisked her away to the Caribbean, no matter that she escaped unscathed. James figured out who masterminded the dastardly plot and is leading a fleet of ships to the West Indies to deliver some Malory-style retribution. More interested in revenge than in finding a husband during her first London Season, Jack is furious that her father left her behind. Then an intriguing stranger leads her and her older brother Jeremy to her mysterious abductor. But instead of capturing him, the Malory siblings wind up as his “ guests” on a ship sailing away from England. As Jack re-engages in a battle of wills with her all too attentive captor, she realizes he is no ordinary pirate, perhaps no pirate at all, but a nobleman determined to settle a score that dates back to the days when her father was known as Captain Hawke—and what endangers her most is the increasingly passionate attraction they feel for each other. Series: Malory-Anderson Family (Book 12) Genre: Historical Romance | Pub Date: July 11, 2017 | Page count: 384pp | Publisher: Gallery Books Format Read: Hardcover | Source: From the reviewer's personal library. #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #HistoricalRomance #ReviewersTopPick

PROMISES TO KEEP An enchanting and poignant story about the unfailing power of love in a world turned upside down by war—from the bestselling author of Tides of Honour . Summer 1755, Acadia Young, beautiful Amélie Belliveau lives with her family among the Acadians of Grande Pré, Nova Scotia, content with her life on their idyllic farm. Along with their friends, the neighbouring Mi’kmaq, the community believes they can remain on neutral political ground despite the rising tides of war. But peace can be fragile, and sometimes faith is not enough. When the Acadians refuse to pledge allegiance to the British in their war against the French, the army invades Grande Pré, claims the land, and rips the people from their homes. Amélie’s entire family, alongside the other Acadians, is exiled to ports unknown aboard dilapidated ships. Fortunately, Amélie has made a powerful ally. Having survived his own harrowing experience at the hands of the English, Corporal Connor MacDonnell is a reluctant participant in the British plan to expel the Acadians from their homeland. His sympathy for Amélie gradually evolves into a profound love, and he resolves to help her and her family in any way he can—even if it means treason. As the last warmth of summer fades, more ships arrive to ferry the Acadians away, and Connor is forced to make a decision that will alter the future forever. Heart-wrenching and captivating, Promises to Keep is a gloriously romantic tale of a young couple forced to risk everything amidst the uncertainties of war. BUY AT AMAZON Genre: Historical Fiction | Pub Date: April 24, 2017 | Page count: 336pp | Publisher: Simon & Schuster Canada

A READER'S OPINION A fantastic addition to Emma Prince's Highland Bodyguards series! Book five in the series is the story of Logan and Helena, and it's a beautiful story of passion and adventure. Logan Mackenzie had been a mercenary for many years but now needed the help of the Bodyguard Corp. He would do what he must to help his sister even if it meant living by a strict code and giving up his former life. Helena flees to the Highlands after a vision warns of danger, and Logan finds her near death, but can he save her? Can she trust him with her secret? There is plenty of everything for readers who love a good Highland romance story. The supporting characters, especially Mairin, were wonderful additions. With ups and downs, complications, and plenty of twists, this is well-written and plotted story. There's even a mystery mixed in that will keep the reader guessing and leave them wanting more. THE PROMISE OF A HIGHANDER is sure to be enjoyed by readers of medieval romance. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS He is no man of honor… To help his sister heal from a traumatic captivity, Logan Mackenzie reluctantly seeks the Bodyguard Corps’ protection. After so many years as a mercenary, he is resistant to live by their code—until he rescues a beautiful Englishwoman from a snowstorm. He vows to protect Helena, even though she kindles a desire that threatens to expose his shameful past. Now he must fight to regain the honor he thought destroyed years before—or risk losing Helena forever. She is fleeing for her life… When a foreboding vision warns Helena that her life is in danger, she escapes from her Borderland castle to the Highland wilds. Under Logan’s care, Helena begins to hope she can trust the scarred warrior with the secret of her curse. When forced to confront the past she abandoned, Helena must choose between surrendering to fate or having the courage to forge her own path with Logan. But will their love be enough to overcome the hidden truths threatening to tear them apart? Genre: Highland Romance | Pub Date: June 23, 2017 | Page count: 411pp Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #HighlandRomance #HistoricalRomance #2017Review

Forbidden fruit never tasted so sweet . . . DENYING THE DUKE Four years ago, Alex, a second son, had planned a life together with Lady Patience. However, when Patience was betrothed to his brother, the heir, Alex left his family’s estate and joined the military. Alex returns to assume the title Duke of Bedford when his brother unexpectedly dies. He is unprepared for both his new responsibilities and the reunion with Patience. The horrors of war are a heavy burden, and when he learns that Patience never married his brother, he is stunned. Patience withstood the bullying of her fiancé and her father for four long years. She refuses to marry Alex just because he’s the duke, especially if he no longer loves her. How would that be better than what she has already endured? Promises made in their youth are not enough to overcome the changes life has wrought for them but love can grow and transform, if only Patience could believe that. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | ITUNES | KOBO | GOOGLE Series: Lords & Ladies in Love | Genre: Historical Romance | Heat Level: 5 Hearts Publisher: Entangled Scandalous | Release Date: July 10, 2017 | Pages: 250pgs. ENJOY AN EXCERPT from Denying the Duke Dragging his thoughts back to the present, he walked from the church graveyard where all the Dukes of Bedford were buried in the family mausoleum, to the Abbey, his boots making a sucking sound in the mud. He stopped on the stone pathway and studied the building. It looked exactly as it had all his life, and for generations before that. He, however, had changed significantly from the angry, brokenhearted young man who had left. War had carved him into a bitter, bedeviled-by-ghosts man. No softness remained from that addlepated young man in love. Precisely how he liked it. Patience, otherwise known as the Duchess of Bedford, would be holding court for the mourners who had come to comfort her on the death of her husband. Since he’d had no contact with his family in the four years he’d been gone, he had no idea if she and Cyrus had children. Of course, there wasn’t a son, or Alex would not have been summoned home to take up his duties as the new Duke of Bedford. He snorted. One could only hope the pater was spinning in his grave as the prodigal son returned to assume the title he’d held so dear. He no more desired to be the duke than his father would have wanted him to be. His thoughts returned to the Duchess of Bedford. It seemed nothing had changed since he left. Under the law, as his brother’s widow, Patience was just as off-limits to him as she had been as Cyrus’s betrothed. Of course, he had no reason to believe he still felt the same about her as he had four years ago. That Alex was dead, and he had the vile memories and dark dreams to prove it. Before he could reach for the front door latch, the door opened. A new butler, unknown to him, stood there, stiff as a board. “Welcome home, Your Grace.” Your Grace. THE AUTHOR USA Today bestselling author, Callie Hutton , author of more than twenty-five historical romance books, writes humorous and spicy Regency with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with two rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. And her almost three year old twin grandsons “The Twinadoes.” Find her online at her website, for a complete list of all her books and sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests and exclusive subscriber content. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS DISCOVER YOUR NEXT GREAT READ! Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #GuestAuthor #AuthororTourGiveaway #HistoricalRomance #ExcerptPost

You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends! QUEST OF A WARRIOR Fenian Warrior, Conn MacRoich has traveled the earth for thousands of years, guarding the realm between mortal and Fae. His deeds are legendary. Yet, one mistake will force him on a journey to fix a broken time-line. However, on Conn’s quest, he must face a human female who will eventually bring this ancient warrior to his knees. When Ivy O’Callaghan inherits her uncle’s estate, she never imagines there will be more secrets to unravel, including the one she hides from the world. With the help of a mysterious stranger, she learns to trust and step out of the shadows. However, nothing prepares Ivy when she learns Conn's true identity. As the loom of fate weaves a thread around the lovers from two different worlds, will the sacrifices they make lead them to love? Or will their secrets destroy and separate them forever? AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | ITUNES | THE WILD ROSE PRESS Add to Goodreads Series: Fenian Warriors, Book 1 | Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance | Heat Level: 5 Hearts ENJOY AN EXCERPT from Quest of a Warrior Putting a fist to her mouth to stifle the laughter, Ivy turned when the front door to the pub blew open. The cold blast of air lashed across her face, but she gave no care. Her mouth became dry as the man stood there blocking what little light remained in the sky. His silver-blond wavy hair whipped around his chiseled face shaded by a light beard. Yet, it was those eyes that bore into hers—holding her captive. Were they silver or ice blue? She blinked several times, and swallowed. The giant stepped into the pub and closed the door. Ivy’s gaze traveled the length of him as he made his way past her to the bar. She couldn’t help but follow him with her eyes. He was sinfully dressed in all black—jeans, boots, leather jacket opened to reveal a black tee. He was magnificent. “Sweet Brigid,” whispered Erin. “Have the Vikings invaded Glennamore again?” The woman’s words snapped Ivy out of her lustful trance. She looked at her friend. “Vikings in Glennamore?” Mac placed her coat over her shoulders and chuckled. “Do not fear they were banished many centuries ago. I’ll go see what the Viking wants. I’m sure he’s only passing through and needs a pint and some food. There’s nothing in Glennamore to raid.” The room blurred, and Ivy brushed a hand over her brow. “Not a Viking,” she uttered softly. Erin placed a hand on her arm. “Are you all right?” Ivy lifted her head. The gorgeous man leaned against the bar as Mac made his way to him. “I said he’s not a Viking.” Erin smirked. “You could have fooled me.” The man straightened as Mac pointed a finger directly in Ivy’s direction. Ivy was unable to move, the words tumbled free as if spoken by someone else. “He’s an ancient Celt.” The stranger immediately glanced her way, shock registering across his face as if he had heard her spoken words. “Good Lord, you’re as white as a sheet, Ivy Kathleen.” She barely heard Erin’s words. The Celt moved toward her, a frown marring his handsome features. A tremor slithered down her spine as she lifted her head up to meet his gaze. “Ivy O’Callaghan?” The soft burr of his voice brushed over her face, and she couldn’t determine if it was Irish or Scottish. Her mouth stayed dry, making her unable to acknowledge the man’s question. Nodding slowly, she took a step back. Then the Celt smiled, and Ivy thought she would melt right there on the floor. How could anyone look that gorgeous? Erin nudged her. “Forgive my friend, Ivy Kathleen, she seems to have lost her voice.” Recovering her wits, Ivy replied, “Sorry. I’m done telling stories about my life in the States.” The Celt arched a brow. “Not interested in your stories. Sean Casey sent me to inspect your repairs.” “You know Sean?” interrupted Erin. Smiling, the man nodded. “Most of his life. I’m Conn MacRoich.” THE AUTHOR Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling--writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON | GOODREADS This book release tour was hosted by Magic of Book Promotions. DISCOVER YOUR NEXT GREAT READ! Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #GuestAuthor #ExcerptPost #ParanormalRomance #AuthororTourGiveaway

A READER'S OPINION Fiery passion burns bright in HIS HIGHLAND LOVE! Kenneth Brodie and Mary Catherine Rose are denied the chance to be together by Cat's father. Kenneth is unable to deal with losing Cat and hearing that her father has arranged a marriage to another man in a different clan. He flees to France and believes he's lost his beloved Cat forever. Even though Cat refuses to marry the men her father chooses, he won't let her have Kenneth, and we really find out why. But her father's refusal to let her and Kenneth be together couldn't kill their love. When Kenneth returns and finds that Cat is free of marriage, he vows to protect and love her to whatever bitter end may come. Kenneth and Catherine are easy to like. The author's writing style is nice and well-paced, and Ms. Blair sweeps the reader away to the Highlands on a journey of love and adventure. The plot is well done with twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and hoping they get their happily-ever-after. Ms. Blair keeps us waiting and wanting with anticipation to the end. Readers who enjoy Highland romance should definitely try Willa Blair's books. Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS A Love Denied Kenneth Brodie offered for young Mary Catherine Rose but her father declined, then a year later accepted an offer from another clan. Furious at hearing Cat would be married soon to someone else, Kenneth fled to France and drowned his disappointment in wine, women and war. A Love Lost Two years after her father demanded they wait until Cat was older, she doesn’t understand why Kenneth hasn’t returned for her. Broken-hearted, Cat spurns yet another betrothal her father arranges and runs away to her cousin in St. Andrews, vowing never to marry. A Love Worth Fighting For By the time Kenneth returns home, trouble is brewing in Scotland. Sent to St. Andrews as hostage for his clan to the Warden of Scotland, Kenneth resents being exiled—until he encounters his lost love, Cat Rose. When war breaks out, they must escape. And even though he betrayed her with more than one mademoiselle, he’s the only man Cat trusts to get her home to the Highlands. Can she forgive his past and renew the love they once shared? Genre: Medieval Romance | Pub Date: July 11, 2017 | Page count: 253pp Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #MedievalRomance #HistoricalRomance #2017Review

A READER'S OPINION What a charming story! ROYALLY ENTITLED is a happily-ever-after story in the making. Anika Penning is young and in need of a husband to help her family financially, even it if it's a man she doesn't want to marry. Prince Valdemar is the grandson of Queen Marguerite, and heir of the fictional country of Brevalia. He's spent the years preparing himself to take the throne, but an unexpected encounter with Anika. They form a friendship that can't go further because she is untitled, and Prince Valdemar must marry according to his station. There are those who want to drive them apart, but of course, love has a way of winning against evil in this delightful fairy-tale style story. I don't normally enjoy younger characters in historical romance, but Anika was a really fun character with depth. The story started off with good pacing and kept going to the end. There were some twists to the plot that kept the story interesting. There were times when this felt more like a young adult novel, but it can easily be enjoyed by adults who like clean romance. I found myself cheering for Anika and Valdemar and liked them to the end. ROYALLY ENTITLED is enchanting! Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 1 Heart | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS When her family’s cider business is ruined and other local businesses are vandalized, Anika Penning wonders if the recent bout of unrest is merely a result of rivalry between local merchants and noblemen or if something more sinister is at the root of the recent crimes. Along her journey Anika befriends Prince Valdemar, future king of Brevalia but their relationship hits many twists and turns along the way. Lady Winifred Paxel Flemming pursues the prince relentlessly. His grandmother, Queen Marguerite, expects him to wed whoever she thinks is suitable, even if it means marrying a foreign princess he’s never met. Anika’s mother, Lady Sarah, wants Anika to help ease the family’s financial burdens by marrying Erland Riccats, National Chairman of the Merchants’ Guild. Lady Sarah also harbors secrets regarding Prince Valdemar’s mother, Princess Karin, who met an untimely death years before. In the end, will both Anika and Prince Valdemar be forced into loveless mar-riages, or will they be able to outwit their enemies? Genre: Historical Romance | Pub Date: May 15, 2017 | Page count: 390pp | Publisher: Clean Reads Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance #CleanFiction #2017Review #HistoricalYoungAdult

A READER'S OPINION Delightfully charming! WHEN THE SCOUNDREL SINS is the second book I've enjoyed by Anna Harrington. It's the romantic story of the brazen Annabelle Green and the dashing Quinton Carlisle. Annabelle needs a husband quickly, but an indiscretion has made finding a husband difficult. She turns to Quinton, who got her into trouble in the first place, and now she wants him to stand up to his responsibilities . . . or does she? Only, Quinton doesn't want marriage to her or anyone else, no matter how tempting Annabelle has become. The story has all the requisite elements for a passion-filled historical romance: a beautiful innocent, a rakish hero, and enough conflict to keep them apart until they realize they can't live without each other. The dialogue is quick and Ms. Harrington mixes in some humor to keep the reader interested. I've read so many historical romances lately where the characters talk and sound more like teenagers, but no so with this one. The author's style is easy to enjoy and kept me interested. I really liked both characters and their chemistry was fantastic! Ms. Harrington brings charm and passion together in this enjoyable Regency romance. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS A MOST INDECENT PROPOSAL Annabelle Green needs a husband-and quickly. To inherit the only home she's ever known, she must be married by her twenty-fifth birthday. But finding a suitor has been next to impossible after a reckless rogue named Quinton Carlisle seduced her into a scandalous midnight tryst. Her reputation in ruins, Belle now needs a rather large favor. And she knows just who to turn to . . . Quinn can hardly believe that the shy bookish girl he teased as a child has grown into such a brazen beauty. The very idea of marrying Belle to right the wrongs of his past is downright shocking . . . and deliciously tempting. Too bad marriage, convenient or otherwise, is the last thing Quinn wants. He'll help Belle find a husband and be on his way. But if he can't control his attraction to the bride-to-be, this marriage could go up in flames-of wicked desire. Genre: Regency Romance | Pub Date: August 29, 2017 | Page count: 352pp | Series: Capturing the Carlisles, Book 2 Publisher: Forever | Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #RegencyRomance #HistoricalRomance #2017Review

A READER'S OPINION An enjoyable novel of mystery set in the 1920s, SEARCHING FOR IRENE introduces us to Anna Coughlin, a college-educated woman who takes a job at a Virginia mansion. Anna moves into the mansion of the wealthy Richardson family to help get their finances in order, except, there's a secret hidden within the walls of the estate. The last financial advisor, Irene, went missing without explanation or warning. The family and the servants all come under Anna's suspicion and she can't help but wonder if she'll be next. This is one of those stories where if too much is talked about it could ruin the uncovering of events. Ms. Bateman did a nice job of building suspense and keeping the reader guessing. The romance is very clean and builds naturally. A lot of the situations between the characters felt real, like they could happen to anyone. Ms. Bateman puts the reader in the setting with the grand estate, and the mansion took on a life of its own. Good for all audiences, SEARCHING FOR IRENE is worth reading. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 1 Heart | Reviewed by : Kathy Scott BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Anna Coughlin is a modern 1920s woman armed with a college education and a partiality for numbers. Now, within the walls of a fantastic castle-like mansion in the hills of Virginia, her skill will be tested as never before. Hired to serve as financial advisor to wealthy Lawrence Richardson, Anna finds the welcome she receives anything but warm. Lawrence’s handsome but antagonistic son Tyler wants nothing more than to send her packing. The household staff isn’t much better, but who can blame them, considering the way Lawrence’s last advisor, Irene, disappeared . . . Convinced that one of the enigmatic members of the household had something to do with Irene’s disappearance, Anna doesn’t dare trust anyone—not even temperamental Tyler Richardson, who, despite her best intentions, is beginning to steal her heart. A series of frightening incidents ensnare Anna in a maze of intrigue, putting her life in peril. But even as Anna begins uncovering the secrets hidden within the mansion’s stone walls, she harbors a secret of her own. Now, the only question that remains is whether she will disappear as mysteriously as Irene. . . . Genre: Mystery/Inspirational | Pub Date: July 1, 2017 | Page count: 272pp | Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc. Format Read: Paperback | Source: Provided by the author or publisher DISCOVER YOUR NEXT GREAT READ! Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #CleanFiction #HistoricalMystery #2017Review