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A READER'S OPINION Sometimes I'm just in the mood for a good, old-fashioned western novel. I have my favorites, among them Johnstone. I've read a number of this author's books over the years, but happened upon the used hardcover for this book in a shop, and couldn't resist. Going back to the beginning to discover how Smoke Jensen became "Smoke" was an enjoyable and interesting journey. In THE LAST MOUNTAIN MAN, Johnstone takes us back to the end of the Civil War when Smoke was a boy who went by another name. He'd suffered plenty of tragedy even though he didn't go off and fight, yet everything he went through prepared him for the man he would one day become. There is a well-blended combination of humor, tender moments, and sadness. There's also a cantankerous old mountain man named Preacher who guides Smoke in the ways of the western mountains and plains, and there is the transformation of Smoke from boy to young man, with plenty of gun fights and action along the way. This story reads like more of an old dime novel, but it sure was a great read, especially with the historical details the author weaves into the story. If you're looking for a good western, you can't go wrong with William W. Johnstone. Content Note: There are no sex scenes, but there is western violence (death and the like), and one scene of assault that is not described, but you know it happened. It may be disturbing for some, though I thought the author handled it well. Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 0 Hearts | Reviewed by : MK McClintock BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS From his Missouri farm, the boy travels west. In his heart is vengeance. In his hand is a Navy Colt. By his side is the old mountain man named Preacher, who'll teach young Smoke Jensen everything he needs to know about fighting like the devil, and--when the time comes--dying like a man. Although his enemies have destroyed everything he's ever loved, they made one mistake. Western | Oct 1, 2008 | Publisher: Kensington Format Read: Hardcover | Source: From the reviewer's personal library. #AReadersOpinion #WesternFiction #2017Review #5Stars #ReviewersTopPick #EditorRecommended

A READER'S OPINION In OUTLAW'S HONOR by B.J. Daniels, the author takes us to Gilt Edge, Montana where we meet the Cahill Family. I missed book one, but I didn't have any trouble catching up with the characters. The author has a great writing style that flows easy and keeps the reader engaged. There are a lot of characters in this book so the reader has to keep up. I fell in love with Darby. He's everything a contemporary hero should be. His relationship with his sister is a lot of fun, and when he sets his sights on Mariah Ayres, he knows he's in trouble. There's enough sizzle between Darby and Mariah to make the reader want more, except I really like how the author gives you just enough for the story. Mariah has a secret and is afraid she'll be discovered. Will the life she longs to have in Gilt Edge be possible, or will she keep running until her past gives her no choice but to stand and fight? With the help of Darby and her friends, Mariah has a second chance. What will she do with it? OUTLAW'S HONOR is an enjoyable contemporary western romance with a touch of intrigue. There's no doubt that B.J. Daniels is a great storyteller! Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 3 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS She never expected this Cahill to be her hero—or the only man she'd need . It's hard to forget a beautiful woman who picks your pocket the first time you meet. Darby Cahill recognizes Mariah Ayres the moment she walks into his bar looking for a job. He shouldn't hire her—or crave more after one impulsive kiss. But what starts as curiosity about her motives turns to concern when he senses how much danger she's in. Mariah has been running ever since she left her fiance at the altar. Now she's playing the part of the perfect employee, terrified that her past will catch up with her. But Darby has already seen through her act. He's the kind of guy who saves people. And even if Mariah's given him no reason to trust her, he's determined to protect her—and he'll risk his life to do it. Genre: Western Romance | Page count: 384pp | Publisher: HQN Books Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #WesternRomance #ContemporaryRomance #ReviewersTopPick

"Dragons, a sexy hero, a spunky writer, and an English castle. What's not to like? SCORCHED by Paula Quinn is definitely entertaining." — Books & Benches ENJOY AN EXCERPT from Scorched: Rulers of the Sky, Book One I want you to stop writing about knights this instant, he demanded as he pounded up the stairs. "Sure. Anything you say." "They are not worthy of your quill!" "I’m typing, Marcus. No one’s used a quill in a hundred years. You’re getting on my nerves. Seriously." Marcus followed her voice to a door on the second landing and plunged inside. “Sir Edward Bartholomew led a score of his own men into my lair and stood aside while I scorched the flesh from their bones. Knowing I had exhausted my fire, he cleverly avoided my claws and proceeded to jab me with his sword until day became night. That is getting on one’s nerves.” Sam turned from her computer and stared at him. For a moment, Marcus thought she was going to laugh at his comparison. But then her eyes widened, making her look even sweeter, even more innocent. “What did you do?” His shoulders squared and he raised his chin. “I ate him. What do you think I did?” “And you’re proud of that?” The way her expression turned to one of disgust told him she did not approve. “What choice did I have?” BUY AT AMAZON | ADD TO GOODREADS BOOK SYNOPSIS Marcus is a Drakkon as ancient as the stars, stronger than a mountain, and the last of his kind. Men now rule the earth. The time of the Drakkon is over thanks to the legendary Phoenix Amber and the Council of Elders who use its power to transform Drakkon into humans. When the Council discovers he may be hiding a treasure worth more than any dragon horde, they will stop at nothing to have it and transform him against his will. Being human is worse than anything Marcus could have imagined. His brilliant cerulean scales are gone, replaced with paltry skin he is sure could not even stop a bird if one flew into him. But worse than imprisonment in a male body are the awakenings of unfamiliar human desires that are nothing like the animal urges that were so easily satisfied as a Drakkon— emotions like loneliness that make him seek out companionship with a woman who, unfortunately for him, happens to be a sweetly-scented virgin. Samantha Montgomery isn’t about to go to bed with a man who believes he used to be a reptile, especially one whose smoldering smiles make her think of being consumed alive by fire, and loving it. A romance writer and product of the New York State foster care system, Sam just wants some normalcy in her life. She’ll never get it with Marcus. Should it matter that his wickedly passionate touch tempts her to yield all, even if all he wants is her virtue? He is everything she doesn’t want in a man. Fear of commitment is one thing, not loving anyone or anything for ten centuries is another. But he won’t leave her castle. He’s arrogant, proud, and a bit delusional as to his abilities, but despite all his infuriating ways, including reading her mind and ceaselessly trying to convince her that the knights she writes about were useless beings clad in metal, he works his way into her life by fixing what’s broken; from the stone wall outside her battle-beaten castle to the wall around her heart. When Marcus discovers the treasure that prompted his transformation, he must make a choice. Give up his human heart and save the Drakkon race, or surrender his heart to love and remain a man forever. "This is a…well, I don’t want to use the word delightful, but… yes, darn it…it is delightful, also entertaining, funny, romantic, and exciting." — Paranormal Romance Guild Genre: Fantasy/Romance | Pub Date: December 27, 2016 | Page count: 178pp Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing | Series: Rulers of the Sky, book 1 THE AUTHOR Paula Quinn is a New York Times bestselling author and a sappy romantic moved by music, beautiful words, and the sight of a really nice pen. She lives in New York with her three beautiful children, six over-protective chihuahuas, and three adorable parrots. She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven. She's a faithful believer in God and thanks Him daily for all the blessings in her life. She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings. To date, four of her books have garnered Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. She has been nominated as Historical Storyteller of the Year by RT Book Reviews, and all the books in her MacGregor and Children of the Mist series have received Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Her work has also been honored as Amazons Best of the Year in Romance, and in 2008 she won the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for Historical Romance. Visit the author on her website , Amazon , or Facebook . #FantasyRomance #MultiGenreFiction #ExcerptPost #BookSpotlight

A READER'S OPINION Western romance with a twist! Usually in western romances, the man puts an ad to meet a potential bride, but in this story there is a twist. It's the heroine who needs a husband. MAIL ORDER GROOM, written by Dana Wayne, is a fun and quick read. What a beautiful surprise! I could not put it down. It's well written, romantic, and suspenseful! You'll love the heroine, Emma, and hero, Tyler. I found it refreshing! Texas 1878. The heroine, Emma, runs her father's ranch without the help of a foreman. But Rafe, her father, decides that she needs a husband in thirty days or she'll loose their Twin Oaks ranch. But Emma is a smart, independent, and brave woman who doesn't believe she needs help. Tyler is the new foreman hired by her father. This will add some kick and maybe passion to her daily life, but then here comes the ups and downs of their journey. Tyler is a charming man, so handsome that Emma won't be able to resist his charm. But danger lurks in their lives! Will a marriage of convenience be a solution to her problems? What will happen next? Mail Order Groom is the story of a brave woman who finally finds HER man! This story ends on an "Happily Ever After" note! MAIL ORDER GROOM is filled with suspense, twists and turns, danger, and of course romance with a spicy touch! Emma and Tyler is a real page turner! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS “Find a husband in thirty days or lose the ranch when I die.” Emma Marshall is stunned by her dying father’s ultimatum. With Twin Oaks to run alone, she delays dealing with it, unaware of the advertisements he placed seeking a groom for her. One by one, prospects arrive, spurred by the promise of control of a prosperous ranch and a beautiful bride. Angry, embarrassed and heartbroken by her father’s tactics, she fights for her independence. Tyler Roundtree acts on a request from his best friend and accepts the job of temporary foreman at the Marshall place. Surprised to find his new boss is a beautiful, jean-wearing, gun-toting woman with enough grit to go bear hunting with a switch, he happily accepts the job. Distracted by persistent suitors and a dangerous man intent on getting control of her ranch, Emma is totally unprepared for the instant attraction to Ty. Thrown together by chance, she can't help but wonder if he may be the answer to her problem. However, it soon becomes clear she knows everything about running a ranch, and nothing about being a woman. A world-weary Southern gentleman, a fiery, independent woman—a marriage of convenience was only the beginning. Historical Western Romance | Pub Date: April 3, 2017 | Publisher: Y&R Publishing Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #HistoricalWesternRomance #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION A Charming Story! What happens when a single mom and her two boys get stranded in the middle of a Montana blizzard? Heartwarming fun and a happily-ever-after. Michael Moreno is a widower living on a remote ranch in Rodeo, Montana with his two children. Samantha Read is a vivacious mom who loves her children more than anything, and would do anything to keep them safe. I think the kids in this story might have stolen the show a bit, they were that adorable and so full of life. I had a soft spot for Michael from the beginning. He's one of those "rough on the outside, tender on the inside" types who just wants what's best for his family. Enters Samantha, a beautiful women who blew in from the snow and disrupts his life. Worse, he's stuck with her for a few days! Samantha is determined not to be a burden and to make the best of the situation. What happens is holiday magic in February and a sweet and tender story. When they say "opposites attract" they surely had Michael and Samantha in mind. This is a feel-good story that reminds people that beautiful things can come from difficult situations. Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS A FAMILY HOUSEWARMING Visitors are rare at widower Michael Moreno's Rodeo, Montana, ranch. When Samantha Read and her two sons turn up, seeking shelter in a snowstorm, his kids are ecstatic. Michael is less enthusiastic. Sammy's sophisticated city vibe seems out of place in his country home. But even he can't deny that the bubbly beauty lights up the whole house. Though Sammy doesn't know much about ranching, she recognizes an aching heart when she sees one. Michael and his kids could use some cheer, and she's determined to make the most of their time together. But as the heat between Sammy and Michael threatens to melt the snow, Sammy wonders if Michael's heart could be thawing, as well. Contemp.Western Romance | March 7, 2017 | Harlequin Western Romance Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #WesternRomance #ContemporaryRomance

A READER'S OPINION Powerful emotionally! I adore the stories in which the characters have a dark and complex side! With her Regency novella, For The Love of a Widow , Christina McKnight really surprised me! Her novella pleased me so very much that I wanted more chapters! For The Love of a Widow tells the story of a woman named Lettie who refused to marry Daniel, to whom she had been betrothed when they were young, but she loved another man. Her parents are very disappointed, and well believing that she would have chosen Daniel, the Duke of Linwood. In 1808, she gets married and decides to follow him to the war at Waterloo as a nurse, where she'll live the horror of the war. Returning home as a war widow, she is without resources and has to returns to stay with her parents. Then Daniel returns into her life! But, he now lives a life of debauchery because Lettie's rejection left him scarred. Lettie cannot forget what she lived during the war, and nightmares come back to haunt her. Will she eventually be cured and forget her past? Does Lettie suffer from PTSD? Let's say that Daniel and Lettie are characters bruised by life. Will they mutually help each other to start on a new journey? Their new relationship is very complex but will evolve with time. Will they have a second chance? This author nicely blended her characters into an exciting story—very emotional and fascinating. I was so curious to know what would happen next—I could not put it aside! I will surely watch her other books! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS A WIDOW SCARRED BY LOVE AND LOSS . . . After years spent following her husband as he fought against Napoleon's troops, Lady Lettie Hughes returns to London a widow to take her rightful place among the ton as the daughter of an earl. Her parents and friends expect her to enter the marriage market and secure the match she should have pursued in her debut Season. But Lettie is not the same innocent girl she was before Waterloo. Nightmares of the battlefield plague her, and she doesn't see a place for herself in society anymore. A LORD DETERMINED TO SAVE THE WOMAN HE LOVES. Daniel Greaves, the Duke of Linwood, is a man who knows rejection and loss. He's lived the last six years alone after the woman he was betrothed to cast him aside for another man. Instead of taking control of his title and lands, Daniel fell into a life a debauchery--gaming, women, and spirits. But now the woman who stole his future and left him hollow is back in London. When Lettie and Daniel are reunited, their connection burns as bright as it once did. But neither of them are the same people they were in their youth--they must trust one another to heal the wounds of their past to find a love that lasts forever. Historical Romance | Feb 27, 2017 | 184pp | Publisher: La Loma Elite Publishing Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #RegencyRomance #HistoricalRomance #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION Graeme Parr has sold his soul and betrayed the woman he loves to save his family from financial ruin. He's a man deceived by his new American wife—she has bought herself a husband with a title. He swears that the only thing he'll give his wife is his name—nothing more—and he makes sure he lets her know on their wedding day. Abigail Price is overjoyed that the Earl of Montclair will be her husband. He's handsome, sophisticated, and everything she's always dreamt of—a gallant knight rescuing her from her overbearing father. A husband to cherish, and love, a family with which to belong. Her dreams are shattered when on their wedding night he rejects he,r leaving her alone and brokenhearted. Fleeing to New York, she never looked back until . . . Fast forward ten years later to a more mature and stunning Abigail, when she returns to England with a proposition for her husband. Graeme is flustered and stunned at her appearance and dreads the scandal. All he wants is his wife to go back the way she came. But when attempts on her life are made, he's forced to keep her close, and all he can think of is keeping her closer. Can Graeme leave his suspicions aside and try to salvage his marriage? Can Abigail win his love or will he reject her once again? A true page turner, this story has intrigue and mystery. Emotions and desires have Graeme slowly shedding his uptight self and accepting his feelings for Abby. A hero who redeems himself a heroine worth fighting for and a love that has survived the test of time. Candace Camp writes a wonderful story of mystery and blackmail with some steamy scenes that are scandalous. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Maria Rose Dariotis BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS From New York Times bestselling author Candace Camp comes a delicious and steamy marriage-of-convenience historical romance in A Perfect Gentleman . Forced to marry an American heiress to save his family, Graeme Parr, Earl of Montclair, vowed their marriage would be in name only. Abigail Price thought handsome, aristocratic Graeme was her knight in shining armor, rescuing her from her overbearing father. But when she was spurned by her husband on their wedding night, Abigail fled home to New York. Now, years later, Abigail has returned. But this sophisticated, alluring woman is not the drab girl Graeme remembers. Appalled by her bold American ways but drawn to her beauty, Graeme follows her on a merry chase through London’s elegant ballrooms to its dockside taverns—why is his wife back? What could she want of him now? Torn between desire and suspicion, Graeme fears that Abby, like her unprincipled father, has a devious plan to ruin him. But is Abigail’s true desire Graeme’s destruction...or winning his love at last? Historical Romance/Regency | March 28, 2017 | 400pp | Publisher: Pocket Books Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalRomance #RegencyRomance #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION If you're an animal lover, then MARRYING THE WRONG EARL will be perfect for you. It's Callie Hutton's second story in the Lords and Ladies in Love series. I enjoyed this book, but sometimes I felt that the heroine Arabella loved her animals more than her husband! Of course it’s well written, even if I felt the story line needed more romance! Arabella's mother is desperate for her daughter's future and concocts a plan to find her a suitable husband. But Arabella is happy just caring for her animals and doesn't need a man in her life to make changes. While Nash, the Earl of Claredon, is in search for a proper lady as his future wife. Both are so different! When they are found in a compromising moment, he decides to propose to her. However, when he discovers her passion for animals, he's not too happy because it takes too much of her time. Their marriage of convenience will become complicated and filled with ups and downs. Will this arrangement work? Will she still be able to care for her favorite animals once married. When will she realize that her husband loves her? Is there hope for Arabella and Nash? Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 4 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Lady Arabella Danvers is happy with her life just the way it is. She is free to be herself and take care of broken and abandoned animals. Her mother is desperate for her to marry, and has decided to take things into her own hands. There is just one little problem with her plan. Nash, the Earl of Clarendon has determined it is time to take a wife. He has selected a woman to whom he intends to propose. However, the annoying Lady Arabella has stumbled into his life at the wrong time, and in the wrong place. But he of all people should know if Lady Arabella is involved, plans will go awry. Genre: Historical Romance | Pub Date: April 17, 2017 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley. #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalRomance

A READER'S OPINION Carla Kelly is an accomplished storyteller, and her latest book, COURTING CARRIE IN WONDERLAND, is a heartfelt and endearing story. I've had the pleasure of reading many books by this talented author, and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping to Yellowstone National Park with Carrie and Sergeant Ramsey. The author has plenty of her hallmark humor and sass, along with extensive detail and insight into the goings-on of the park during a time with which most people are probably unfamiliar. She has first-hand knowledge of the park, which shows with her careful attention to facts surrounding the park and the people who would have worked there, as well as the military presence. I've always enjoyed how the author seamlessly blends history with fiction. Carrie has quite the personality, and it all begins with her and Sergeant Ramsey's meet-cute as she's hiding from a bear. The staid sergeant tries, but in the end it takes Carrie's strength, kind nature, and winning charm to show a soldier another side of life. The romance is light in the book, but it's woven in to create a picture of a sweet relationship built on a solid foundation. Kelly's vivid characters and spectacular portrayal of the setting, makes this a great read for any fan of sweet and clean historical romance, with the added bonus of interesting history. Note: For those who have only read her Regency romances, this is not those. It's just as wonderful, but in a different way. Enjoy! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 2 Hearts | Reviewed by : MK McClintock BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Struggling through college and balancing her summer job with the Wylie Camping Company, Carrie simply doesn’t have time to consider romance. War Veteran Sergeant Ned Ramsey isn’t looking for love either, busy with his own complicated affairs. But as the magic of Yellowstone starts making its way into their hearts, both begin to see love move up their priority list. Historical Romance | March 14, 2017 | 320pp | Publisher: Cedar Fort Inc. Format Read: Paperback | Source: Provided by the publisher. #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #5Stars #HistoricalRomance #CleanFiction #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION Dragons, a sexy hero, a spunky writer, and an English castle. What's not to like? SCORCHED by Paula Quinn is definitely entertaining. It's a departure from what I usually read, but I've read many of Paula's other books and couldn't wait to try something different. The author breathed life into Samantha Montgomery, who is tough, knows what she wants, and is a riot; a lot of fun. Even with a tad too much virgin/dragon seduction talk, I really liked Sam all the way through. She's living a somewhat dream life while writing in an English castle when this dragon-turned-man literally falls into her barn. Marcus was turned into a man by another dragon, losing everything he knows and loves. Now he has to try to adapt to this unfamiliar world where he is in some ways inferior to his former self, or at least it seems that way at first. He is arrogant, handsome, and pretty entertaining if you look at him like a dragon who is trying behave as a human should. When he experiences an intense attraction for Sam, he's out of step with how to try and court her, or even just behave normally. His journey is fun to watch. Fantasy isn't a genre I favor, but the author did a good job of creating the dragon world and using their language and special abilities all while in the real world. I had to separate this from the author's historical Highlander books in my mind so I could fully appreciate this new style. SCORCHED is a great start to a new series. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Marcus is a Drakkon as ancient as the stars, stronger than a mountain, and the last of his kind. Men now rule the earth. The time of the Drakkon is over thanks to the legendary Phoenix Amber and the Council of Elders who use its power to transform Drakkon into humans. When the Council discovers he may be hiding a treasure worth more than any dragon horde, they will stop at nothing to have it and transform him against his will. Being human is worse than anything Marcus could have imagined. His brilliant cerulean scales are gone, replaced with paltry skin he is sure could not even stop a bird if one flew into him. But worse than imprisonment in a male body are the awakenings of unfamiliar human desires that are nothing like the animal urges that were so easily satisfied as a Drakkon— emotions like loneliness that make him seek out companionship with a woman who, unfortunately for him, happens to be a sweetly-scented virgin. Samantha Montgomery isn’t about to go to bed with a man who believes he used to be a reptile, especially one whose smoldering smiles make her think of being consumed alive by fire, and loving it. A romance writer and product of the New York State foster care system, Sam just wants some normalcy in her life. She’ll never get it with Marcus. Should it matter that his wickedly passionate touch tempts her to yield all, even if all he wants is her virtue? He is everything she doesn’t want in a man. Fear of commitment is one thing, not loving anyone or anything for ten centuries is another. But he won’t leave her castle. He’s arrogant, proud, and a bit delusional as to his abilities, but despite all his infuriating ways, including reading her mind and ceaselessly trying to convince her that the knights she writes about were useless beings clad in metal, he works his way into her life by fixing what’s broken; from the stone wall outside her battle-beaten castle to the wall around her heart. When Marcus discovers the treasure that prompted his transformation, he must make a choice. Give up his human heart and save the Drakkon race, or surrender his heart to love and remain a man forever. Fantasy/Romance | December 27, 2016 | 178pp | Dragonblade Publishing Series: Rulers of the Sky, book 1 | Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #FantasyRomance #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION Exquisitely written and captivating! HOUSE OF SHADOWS by Nicola Cornick spans centuries and overlaps the lives of three distinct and fascinating women. Ashdown House is remarkably atmospheric, and is not just the run-down house it appears to be. In present-day, Holly, while searching for her brother, Ben. When Holly stumbles upon Lavinia's diary (1801), her life is interwoven with Lavinia's and the Winter Queen. The author seamlessly transports the reader from one time to the next, holding interest and engaging them on a fascinating journey of discovery, danger, mystery, and romance. The historical detail is magnificent! Cornick made me believe I was in each time period living alongside the characters. I felt so deeply for all of them. There is so much to this book that a few paragraphs of my thoughts won't do it justice. Read the synopsis and then read the book to know what I mean. With the knot of emotions the author evokes in this riveting novel, HOUSE OF SHADOWS is a must-read! Nicola Cornick has found a new fan. Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 3 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS The wooded hills of Oxfordshire conceal the remains of the aptly named Ashdown House—a wasted pile of cinders and regret. Once home to the daughter of a king, its secrets will unite three women across four centuries in a tangle of romance, deceit and destiny… 1662—A queen Bound by sex and birth to live for everyone but herself—and to love always in secret—Elizabeth Stuart entrusts a pair of arcane artifacts to her faithful cavalier to keep safe for her rightful heir. But fate will not be generous to the Winter Queen, throwing the question of succession into turmoil, the aftermath of which will resonate through the generations. 1801—A courtesan Lavinia Flyte wanted so much more from life than to be a courtesan at the mercy of the cruel Lord Evershot. He has brought her to Ashdown, the home of his ancestors, for reasons he guards greedily. But the maids' whispers of hidden treasures—a pearl with the power to foretell the future—consume her with a curiosity she confides only to her diary, unaware of the misfortune that threatens. And the mystery that binds them. Alarmed to hear her brother has gone missing at Ashdown Park, Holly Ansell is inexplicably drawn to the clues contained in the journal of a Regency courtesan who was living at the historic home when it burned to the ground two hundred years ago. Lured by the tragedy at Ashdown, Holly's search leads her not only to the truth about Lavinia, but deeper into her own connection with the Winter Queen. For fans of Kate Morton and Barbara Erskine comes an unforgettable novel about the power one lie can have over history. Contemporary/Historical/Gothic | Oct 17, 2017 | 432pp | Publisher: Graydon House Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #2017Review #HistoricalFiction #GothicFiction #MultiGenreFiction #ReviewersTopPick #GeneralFiction #EditorRecommended

With stories by Heather Chapman, Mandi Ellsworth, Paula Kremser, and Ashtyn Newbold. A READER'S OPINION UNEXPECTED LOVE: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology contains four well-written stories. They're all sweet and tender stories set in slightly different times and places around the turn of the century. The authors give life to the settings as much to the characters. I don't want to say I had a favorite because they were all written in a way to blend well with the other stories. Sometimes things got oversweet, but I smiled and hoped and even felt my heart skip a beat when a deserving couple got their happily-ever-after. They're all feel-good romances about how unexpected love can become the best thing to ever happen. Star Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 1 Heart | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons–whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristocracy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances. Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: Sweetwater Books (Cedar Fort) Published Date: 03/14/2017 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance #ShortStoryCollections #2017Review