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A READER'S OPINION A beast shadowed by pain, healed by one woman's love. As a boy, Prince Adam Delacroix has suffered through unimaginable pain, witnessing the brutal murder of his parents and baby sister he has lived his life in seclusion. Hiding from the world his scared face and heart, he prefers his lonely life and keeps company with the ghosts of his past. His only living companion is a wolfhound named Stranger, and his only link to the past is a friend of long ago—Sebastian Villeneuve . . . Until a beautiful woman on a stormy night comes to his door looking for shelter for her and her ailing father. She brings emotional turmoil to him, and his defenses are in jeopardy of crumbling for the first time since his family's tragedy. Isabelle Rose, a young woman on the run from an abusive fiancé, finds herself at the mercy of a very intimidating man. She needs to tend to her ailing father but instead of shelter they were treated like thieves thrust in the dungeon. Isabelle can't help but feel sympathy for her tormentor. She feels his pain and despair, her heart melts for him and the scars on his face cease to exist for her, but her past comes back to haunt her with a vengeance, and a future with the man who has captured her love with his scared heart is threatened before it has a chance to thrive. A beautiful story of Beauty and the Beast, a scarred Prince, and a lonely beautiful young woman. This is not the typical children's tale, but a tale for adults with a twist. The story will captivate the reader and engage the heart with the anguish a young Adam endured. His will to survive until his meeting with Isabelle gives him something to live for. Masterfully written with the adult in mind, it contains scenes suitable for adults. 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 Experience the world’s most enchanting and timeless love story—retold with a dark and realistic twist. A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST Reclusive and severely scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago. A BEAUTY IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER FUTURE Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at a castle—unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Stripped of his emotional defenses, Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they will wade through darkness and discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But when a monster from Isabelle’s former life threatens their new love, Demrov’s forgotten prince must emerge from his shadows and face the world once more… Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating, Gothic voice. Historical Romance/Fairy Tale | March 15, 2017 | 342pp Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION DANTE'S GIFT by Aubrey Wynne is a sweet, romantic story. This is a new-to-me author and I loved her style of writing. This short novella is a contemporary that includes WWII elements, though not too many, but just enough to intrigue the readers. Present day: Kathleen is expecting a marriage proposal from Dominic, a handsome Italian man. However, she didn't expect this to happen! Dominic's grandmother, Antonia, is growing old, so he proposes to her to bring her back to Chicago. Kathleen surely didn't plan to live with a third person under the same roof. Is this arrangement possible? However, when they meet, this sweet and charming grandmother will catch Kathleen hearts with her story of how she met her late husband Ken during World War II. Kathleen soon becomes fascinated by every detail since Antonia had been a war bride with a U.S. soldier. Can a new relationship bloom between Kathleen, Dominic, and Antonia. By the way, Dante is the dog that played a part during their war courtship. DANTE'S GIFT is truly about family relationships. It's a quick, easy read, so much fun, and ideal for an afternoon break! Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 1 Heart | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Kathleen James has put her practical side away for once and looks forward to the perfect romantic evening: an intimate dinner with the man of her dreams—and an engagement ring. She is not prepared to hear that he wants to bring his grandmother back from Italy to live with him. Dominic Lawrence has planned this marriage proposal for six months. Nothing can go wrong—until his Nonna calls. Now he must interrupt the tenderest night of Katie’s life with the news that another woman will be under their roof. When Antonia’s sister dies, she finds herself longing to be back in the states. An Italian wartime bride from the ‘40s, she knows how precious love can be. Can her own story of an American soldier and a very special collie once again bring two hearts together at Christmas? Genre: Sweet Romance/Holidays | Pub Date: November 9, 2015 | Page count: 100pp | Publisher: Plato Publishing Format Read: E-Book | 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 . Do you like Books & Benches? Follow us on Twitter at @booksandbenches and like us on Facebook ! #AReadersOpinion #CleanFiction #ContemporaryRomance #ChristmasRomance #5Stars #2017Review #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION An interesting and riveting story with a mix of romance and suspense with a touch of the supernatural. GHOSTS DON'T LIE by Katie O'Sullivan has been on my radar for a little while now and I'm glad I took the time to read it. Jillian Rogers Green can see and speak with ghosts. She tried to ignore them, but they won't be ignored. I enjoy a good ghost story and this author balanced the elements so everything felt more real than supernatural. Jillian isn't a complex character but she is interesting, and I ended up really liking her strength. Connor Sanderson is a great pair-up alongside Jillian, and plenty of suspense and romantic tension kept me turning the pages. The author did an excellent job of creating a man worthy of hating. Of course, I won't tell you who, but he made for a good bad guy, and he made me like Jillian and Connor even more. GHOSTS DON'T LIE is engrossing and combines a lot of strong emotions to create an enjoyable page-turner. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 3 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS Jillian Rogers Greene worked hard to close the doors on the psychic abilities that defined her youth. For years she pretended to be normal, ignoring the ghosts who whisper to her. When a car crash sets her on a collision course with the past, ugly secrets about her family and marriage come to light. She's forced to reevaluate what she thought she knew...and exactly what the future holds. Connor Sanderson might be the key to unlocking that future. The grey-eyed artist knows ghosts aren’t real, but his attraction to the beautiful psychic makes him question those beliefs. With her husband plotting to kill her, can Jillian make Connor see the truth before it’s too late? Romantic Suspense | Nov 11, 2015 | 246pp | Publisher: Wild Rose Press Inc. Edition Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomanticSuspense #2017Review #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION Gripping & Intriguing! Carolyn Arnold is a new author for me, and she didn't disappoint with REMNANTS, the sixth book of her Brandon Fisher FBI series. I have to mention that this is not my usual read, but when I saw it at Books & Benches I became intrigued and requested it. Even if it's part of a series, REMNANTS can be read as a stand-alone book. The fast pace, great action, and this author's writing style, makes this thriller very suspenseful. She wrote the plot well and slowly built a suspense that pulls you right into the action. It will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat and grab your attention from the first page until the very end. The story starts as the killer is looking for his next victim. The Little Ogeechee River in Savannah is the set where multiple body parts are being found—parts that belong to at least three victims. FBI agent and profiler Brandon Fisher, along with his team, are asked to profile in this investigation. Brandon needs to find this serial killer soon because the murderer may escalate and find potential victims. So many clues and questions need to be answered! Why is this person killing all these innocent people? What triggers him? Can Brandon and his team, find him in time? Lots of twists and turns! If you're a fan of TV shows like CSI and Criminal Minds, then you'll like REMNANTS. Beware, you won't be able to put it down, or just read fast enough to know what will happen next. Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 0 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS All that remains are whispers of the past... When multiple body parts are recovered from the Little Ogeechee River in Savannah, Georgia, local law enforcement calls in FBI agent and profiler Brandon Fisher and his team to investigate. But with the remains pointing to three separate victims, this isn't proving to be an open-and-shut case. With no quick means of identifying the deceased, building a profile of this serial killer is more challenging than usual. How are these targets being selected? Why are their limbs being severed and their bodies mutilated? And what is it about them that is triggering this person to murder? The questions compound as the body count continues to rise, and when a torso painted blue and missing its heart is found, the case takes an even darker turn. But this is only the beginning, and these new leads draw the FBI into a creepy psychological nightmare. One thing is clear, though: The killing isn't going to stop until they figure it all out. And they are running out of time... Series: Brandon Fisher FBI Series Book 6 | April 11, 2017 | 260pp | Publisher: Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #MysteryThriller #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION Breathtaking! A real page turner! Black Cat Blues is a heart-stopping, non-stop, thrilling suspense. I could not put it down! It kept me reading until late into the night. I devoured it to find out who was the murderer! Exciting till the very last page. Amazing debut for Jo-Ann Carson's new series, the Vancouver Blues Suspense. A must to read if you love thriller suspense with a romantic touch! Set in Vancouver on the West coast of Canada, and on Grandville Island where the heroine Maggy lives on her boat. The story starts as Jimmy Daniels, a private investigator, is stabbed to death in an alley behind the Black Cat Blues bar where Maggy is a blues singer. While he is dying, he reveals to her a secret! Enters in her life Jimmy's brother, Logan, a gorgeous man who intends to find out who is the murderer. They will team up to find clues to help their case, but danger is still lurking in the background. Who did it? Another man named Hunter will offer his help, and both Hunter and Logan will fall for the beautiful Maggy. Which one will she choose? Is she ready for a long-term commitment? Is she safe from danger with the murderer still not caught? Just follow her wild adventure to know more. Black Cat Blues is one of the very best thrillers I have read in a while. I have Ms. Carson on my must-read list now and can't wait for the next book. I really enjoyed it so much that I highly recommend it. Star Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS A nightmare waits in the alley… Stabbed in an alley behind the Black Cat Blues bar, private investigator Jimmy Daniels clings to life just long enough to tell Maggy Malone a secret. Maggy, a curvy, blond, blues singer with a sultry voice and a razor sharp mind is starting her life over after a lousy marriage. Reluctant at first to get involved with a murder, she tells no one the secret.But when the murderer stalks her, she changes her mind. Maggy teams up with Jimmy’s brother, Logan, a handsome suit with a tidy view of life. They figure out the killer is looking for gold buried on Gabriola Island by the notorious, cult-leader Brother XII. The body count rises. Will Maggy catch him? Or will she be his next victim? Black Cat Blues is the first story in the Vancouver Blues series. If you like Indiana Jones and urban noir, you’ll love this story, which combines all of their best traits in a fast-paced, captivating and sensual, romantic suspense. Print Length: 374 pages Publisher: JRT Publications Publication Date: January 15, 2016 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #RomanticThrillers #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION Thriller with a touch of paranormal! I really enjoyed BLINDSIGHT: Adams Thriller Complete by new-to-me author Susan Peterson Wisnewski. It tells the story of Tisha Adams who started living the great life with a wonderful job . . . until something unexpected happened. Now, she is living in a garage apartment and needs to start a new life. While going to work on a train, she witnesses a murder, but strangely enough, the body disappears! She has a secret ability that she doesn't want to use but eventually, she will have to trust herself and Detective Murphy to be able to find the person responsible for the murder. They will team up and discover lots of twists and turns! BLINDSIGHT is a fun suspense to read! This suspense is well written, and I'm so glad I discovered this author's books because they are so captivating! Star Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 3 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS The dead will speak, but only if she’s willing to listen. Tisha Adams' life is upended when she witnesses a murder on her train commute. When the body disappears, she teams up with Detective Murphy, a man with mysterious abilities. But Tisha is keeping a secret of her own, a skill she’s always hated and feared. The dead speak to her. But as the body count rises, and those closest to Tisha are drawn into the nightmare, Tisha’s only choice is to reach out to her estranged grandmother to learn more about her intuitive talents. In a race against the clock to rescue those in danger and solve the murders, she’ll need all her abilities. Even the gift she’s been afraid to use. Print Length: 239 pages Publisher: SPW Writes Publication Date: April 13, 2015 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #MysteryThriller #ParanormalRomance #5Stars #2017Review #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION TO DREAM OF LANGSTON by Màiri Norris takes the reader from the wilds of England to the rolling hills of Kentucky. The author made me feel like I was there on the moors before I was swept away to America's horse farms. Katherine Fairbanks and Jayce Langston are likeable and endearing characters who deserve love, but the best things don't come easily and these two have to fight for what they want most. The author describes the settings in rich detail, and she moves between the romance and drama and adventure smoothly. Màiri Norris stirs up happiness and a touch of suspense in TO DREAM OF LANGSTON. This is a tender story of loss, love, and hope that something beautiful awaits those willing to wait and work against the odds. Star Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 4 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS From the wild, beautiful landscape of the moorlands of England's North Yorkshire to the rolling bluegrass paddocks of Kentucky, one young woman's passion carries her from love's first bloom to a love everlasting. On the brink of womanhood, Katherine Fairbanks glories in the sweet love of the boy next door. When her life is brutally ripped apart by tragedy, she believes she will never love again and seeks only peace for her life. But betrayal sweeps her across the sea and lands her in the hands of a man she dares not trust. Thoroughbred breeder Jayce Langston has little interest in taking a wife. His time is consumed with the struggle to help his family recover from the devastations of America's Civil War. But when a beautiful, mysterious woman pursued by thugs drops in a prolonged swoon at his feet as he leaves a New York club, Jayce is both captivated and intrigued. He returns with her to his Kentucky stud farm in hopes of learning her identity. Together, they must work against terrifying odds to secure a future where love triumphs over loss. Print Length: 458 pages Publisher: Màiri Norris Publication Date: September 28, 2013 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #2017Review #HistoricalRomance

A READER'S OPINION ECHO OF DANGER by Marta Perry takes the reader into Pennsylvania Dutch country for a suspenseful and romantic ride. The author writes with vivid detail and made me feel like I was there in Echo Falls with Deidre, Jase, and the other characters. Deidre is battling with her father-in-law over where she should live with her young son. The man is powerful and dangerous to their delicate way of life after Deidre's husband's passing. She has to be strong, but that isn't made easy when Jase Glassman enters the picture. His job might have been to spy on Deidre but it doesn't take long before he realizes he's on the wrong side. When a threat to Deirdre and her son put them in danger, Jase is willing to risk everything to keep them safe. Marta Perry kept the story moving along and all I wanted to do was keep turning the pages. I love how the author kept the book clean but still created great romantic tension. This is the first book I've read by Marta Perry and it won't be the last. Star Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS In peaceful Pennsylvania Dutch country, a young mother discovers a shocking danger—and an unexpected ally. A whisper of a threat looms over widow Deidre Morris. She and her young son have unwittingly become prisoners of her intimidating father-in-law's power. One wrong step could find her son torn from her and in the hands of the influential judge. But when Deidre collides with an intriguing stranger, the prospect of a new friendship gives her renewed hope…until a devastating murder rocks the quiet community of Echo Falls and Deidre learns first impressions can't be trusted. Attorney Jase Glassman's assignment is straightforward: befriend Deidre, gather incriminating evidence…and allow her dogged father-in-law to take custody of her child. Anything else, including losing himself in her honest charm, will compromise the job he was hired to do. Yet when a murderer ushers danger into the town, Jase's only instinct is to protect Deidre and her son—no matter the sacrifice. Publisher: HQN (Harlequin) Publication Date: April 25, 2017 Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomanticSuspense #ReviewersTopPick

"CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING is a terrific story by a talented author! Miranda Liasson brings the reader to laughter and tears with her charming characters of Mirror Lake." — Books & Benches, Reviewer's Choice SHE WANTS TO MOVE ON…WITH SOMEONE BLAND AND BORING… Widowed psychologist Maggie McShae is ready to find someone who won’t make her heart beat fast, her knees grow weak, or make her feel hot and cold at the same time. No one she can really love, because love brings too much pain. Drew Poulos, son of a billionaire, is hiding out in Mirror Lake, working at his brothers’ brandy company. He inspires those very feelings Maggie’s determined to avoid. The hunky businessman, who left his high society bride at the altar, is the last person she’d ever seriously date…but he might just be perfect for a fling… HE NEEDS A DATE FOR HIS BROTHER’S WEDDING…WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN CALM HIS QUIRKY FAMILY… Drew’s too heartbroken to ever trust any woman again, but the sexy psychologist is the perfect person to deflect his family’s attention as his brother marries the woman Drew once thought was his. As sparks fly, two injured hearts might just find that true love can be even better the second time around…. Amazon | Add to Goodreads ENJOY AN EXCERPT from Can't Fight This Feeling He got in her face. And oh, those big brown intelligent eyes up close, those chiseled cheekbones, so much more defined than her own, which really were such a waste on a man. That thick, pitch-black hair, so thick a woman’s fingers could get lost in there. She tried to back up a step, but he moved forward. “Maybe. Let’s start by being honest with each other. Do you want me, Maggie?” “We’re not talking about—that. Back off already.” She pushed on his chest a little. A mistake. Because it was hard as boulders and made her knees go weak. “Besides, you just—flinched when I touched you.” “I think we need to do what you said, talk about it. I flinched because I felt what I think you feel too. That there’s something going on between us. What are we going to do about it?” She flipped her hand dismissively. “It’s all that touchy-feely stuff we’re doing in front of your family. That has to stop.” “This has nothing to do with playacting,” he said quietly. “And I think you know that. “That kiss on the court… It was real.” “That kiss was…impulsive. Heat of the moment, fueled by our hard-won victory.” Joking now was not stopping the shivers that were running up and down her arms. Or the hot and cold coursing through her veins. Somehow, she sensed how it would be between them. Wild. No holds barred. And God help her, she wanted that. She tried to pull some common sense out of her sex-addled brain. It would be a very bad idea on both their parts to forget their troubles with a sweaty round of sex, wouldn’t it? Yet wasn’t that what she’d wanted? To get her life going again? To have an opportunity to meet someone she could maybe share her life with and make a family for Griffin, even if she wasn’t anywhere near expecting the soul-binding love she’d experienced with Corey. “I—I’m not in the right place for a relationship,” she said. “And yet you were ready to have a fling with Greg the Fireman.” “That was different.” She sensed danger with Drew. The ability to drill down to a place deep inside her that she’d buried for a very long time. And she was terrified to let anyone in that far. “I don’t even really know you,” she said. For some reason, her voice came out in a whisper. “You know enough.” His gaze was piercing right through her, hot and quick, and all her willpower started circling the drain like Griffin’s bathwater in their ancient claw-foot tub. There were so many things about him she didn’t know. She had no idea what he’d ever seen in Sondra. Or many details about what had happened between him and Anika. But maybe she didn’t care. “We could keep it casual.” He shrugged his elegant shoulders. “A little fling could be good for both of us. Release all that tension.” “Absolutely not.” But his words were velvet, conjuring images of his body and hers, his lips roaming over her, his hands… He was very close now, staring at her lips, moving in for the kill. And her head was humming and her knees were wobbly and her heart was fluttering crazily. He was so close, she could reach out and touch those big shoulders of his. Run her hands down his powerful arms. Circle his sweet neck with her arms. She didn’t even care that he was a little sweaty. And dear God, she was so, so sex crazed, she wasn’t sure she could control herself. But, like a magnet drawn to the fridge door, she could not turn away. Finally, he snuffed out the space between them and lowered his mouth to hers. Oh, his wonderful mouth. His lips were soft and seeking, tentative at first as he took his time learning the feel of hers. He tasted like cookies and tea and his own uniquely intoxicating taste. From the start, these kisses were completely different from the ones they’d done for show in front of his family. Needy, more aggressive, unleashed. End of Excerpt "Can't Fight This Feeling" Excerpt © Miranda Liasson MEET THE AUTHOR Hi, I'm Miranda Liasson, author of contemporary romance. I won the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Award in 2013 for a story that became my first published novel, THIS THING CALLED LOVE, which debuted from Montlake Romance as a Kindle First selection in 2015. Like most of my novels, it's lighthearted but also, like life, has a little bit of heartache in it too. One of the best reviews I received about THIS LOVE OF MINE, my second Mirror Lake book, said, "This book is full of regret, sadness, loss, longing, friendship, family, love, laughter, and resolve. It would be a good book for anyone. A book that shows you your odds can always get better with friends, family, and loved ones in your corner." This is everything I aspire my books to be! I write romance because I love stories about the experience of being human, and love is the universal experience we all share. I also love stories that have happy endings and make me laugh. I hope my stories make you laugh a little, too. I live in Northeast Ohio with my husband, three children and my office mate Posey, a rescue cat with more attitude than my kids! I love to hear from readers! Find me on Facebook and Twitter @mirandaliasson and of course on my website, mirandaliasson.com #ContemporaryRomance #ExcerptPost

"An interesting story filled with intrigue, suspense, and the burgeoning courtship of two very strong, yet different people." — Amazon Reviewer 300 years ago, the people dethroned their king and queen to prevent another tyranny. Now instead, the people nominate a State Head every three years and Altarn is the first female to hold the position. She’s used to tolerating the biases of men but Kaelin, the State Head of his territory, has declared her incompetent and has even, according to Altarn, threatened to steal her land – she believes he wants to make himself king. Believing she must “dethrone” Kaelin, Altarn rides to her last ally to ask for aid in the war against Kaelin she knows is coming. But in her absence an army launches an attack… and it’s not Kaelin’s. Taking advantage of the startling situation, Kaelin kidnaps Altarn so he can take her land without her in the way. Soon realizing he needs her help to fight this army instead, he releases her and, since Altarn’s army is too small to win the war alone, she is forced to accept his help, but payment for his help will be her land. No one believes Kaelin is secretly trying to make himself king, so after the battle is won, alone in her knowledge and lacking allies, Altarn must become the War Queen of legend to dethrone another king… though she unexpectedly dethrones his heart instead. Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Smashwords Tirgearr Publishing | Oct 14, 2016 Heat Level: 1 Heart | Genre: Romance - With Paranormal Elements ENJOY AN EXCERPT from The War Queen Thundering hooves on cobblestone rattled vibrations up her body. She hunched over the animal’s neck, cloak tugging against her throat as it swirled behind her. The stable boy sprinted across the lawn up ahead, dodging potted plants and manicured bushes. She yanked back on the reins and the horse stuttered to an abrupt halt in the dirt just as he reached her. The horse snorted, sides pumping as it sucked in more air and flung foam off its lips. The boy looked in much the same state. She dismounted, throwing the reins to the panting boy who inhaled to control his breathing, lowering his head, and intoned a polite, “Lady Altarn.” She swooshed by without a glance. She entered the manor, the harsh click of her boot heels against the wood floor echoing in the empty hallway. The armorer waited at the counter, a pair of wing-shaped blades at his elbow and a lackluster glaze across his eyes as if to create a wall against the bad mood that followed the lady in. “Would you like a musician?” he started to ask, but she whisked the winged blades off the counter and continued down the hallway. Altarn threw open the door into the training yard. Dropping her cloak on the ground, she stomped across the yard to the target constructed out of wooden logs to resemble a person—resemble a man. A small pail of white paint and a brush next to the target claimed her attention. She stared at the pail, disbelief somehow wedging room between her clashing war with anger and hurt. Do they know me that well? She couldn’t decide if she should be offended or grateful by the gesture. She decided gratitude. She dipped the brush in the paint and slashed it across the chest of the target to spell the name, Jessom. Gathering a winged shorn in each hand, she stepped toward the target and sliced into it with an angry wildness she would disapprove of in her troops. Every strike became harsher, her angry grunts louder. She targeted the chest over and over so the still-wet name there became daggered smears of white paint. “A shame our enemies don’t actually die that way.” The voice reached her from behind, across the yard, so she wondered how she even heard it at all through her numbness. She halted, the winged blades clanging as she dumped them at her feet. “Japheron, does my whole manor know of my business?” The Dethroner leaning against the back wall of the training court came forward and stood next to the molested wood. He must have been doing target practice of his own because he wore a leather vest and matching pants. His brown, military-cut hair splattered against his sweat glistened forehead and dust speckled his goatee. “Can we get away from it?” He paused, as if expecting her to defend herself. She didn’t. “What has this man done to you?” He indicated the target, pointing at the damaged name. “Man is the answer to that question.” She turned a shoulder on him. “Something I should have realized three men ago.” Japheron opened his mouth to say more but she whisked passed him and marched to her room. Inside, her court dress had been spread across the bed and a bath warmed in the next room. She looked about for Ratavia, who was so astute at having such things ready for her. Sure enough, she emerged out of the bathing room, red hair slaved into a bun. On paper, Ratavia hired into the manor as a laundress. From there, Altarn hoodwinked her into the position as her personal maidservant. She had known her from the time they had tinkered in law school. She had been married at the time and had dropped out during her first pregnancy. After Altarn had secured the State Head, Ratavia had voiced her financial concerns and had wondered what a mother with a new baby could do about it. On paper, she was a laundress. In reality, she was Altarn’s anchor when the stormy seas of politics threw her about. Her expression asked more than her actual question. “How did your morning go?” End of Excerpt © J.M Robison THE AUTHOR J.M. Robison is a hard-core fantasy writer who's been writing for 16 years and completed 7 novels. The War Queen is her debut book and she has no other claim to fame; growing up in Bennington, ID (Good luck finding that on a paper map), she didn’t know what wireless internet was until she was 21. Having joined the U.S. Army at 17 with a deployment to Afghanistan and Romania, and working as a Deputy Sheriff, she’s seen a lot of people and been to a lot of places; the evidence of which frequently bleeds into her writing. She loves and uses essential oils. Visit her website to learn more. #GuestAuthor #ExcerptPost #FantasyRomance

A READER'S OPINION Enchanting! Defended by a Highland Renegade by Vonda Sinclair is a very captivating novella! Ms. Sinclair is a talented storyteller who never disappoints me, and Darack and Mairiana's story was very pleasing. I spent a wonderful afternoon following these two passionate characters through the Scottish Highlands. This story starts as Mairiana witnesses her future husband, Alec, murder a man. Therefore, the trust she had in him is definitely broken and she tries to run away. Then, Darack finds her hiding and decides to help her by running away together. Along their journey filled with action, twists, and turns, they will share secrets, and this trust will create a strong bond between Darack and Mairiana. Beautiful chemistry between these two made their passion impossible to resist. While running away together, Mairiana had to play a role that she didn't expect and events made her aware of Darack's Scottish charm. Who can resist a highlander! This novella was fun to read, and some scenes are so cute and funny! I felt a beautiful tenderness and passion between Mairiana and Darack, and I highly recommend Ms. Sinclair's books! Defended by a Highland Renegade is a Scottish novella to enjoy for a couple of hours of pleasure! I'm a fan of Vonda Sinclair and will always be! Star Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Add to Goodreads BOOK SYNOPSIS When Lady Mairiana MacKerrick witnesses her fiancé, Alec Lindsay, committing a murder three days before their wedding, she decides she must run away. Darack Grant, secretly an outlaw MacGregor, is on a clandestine mission, but when he finds Mairiana hiding in the stables, he decides to help her escape. He remembers the lovely lass from their one meeting a few years before. Though he was drawn to her, he always saw her as far beyond his reach. Mairiana finds her hidden inner strength and trusts the Highland renegade to protect her on their journey through the Scottish Highlands. On the way, they find an astonishing passion. But Alec will stop at nothing to reclaim his betrothed and destroy Darack, even pin a murder on him. This novella appeared in the Enchanting the Highlander anthology. Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #5Stars #HighlandRomance #HistoricalRomance #2017Review #ReviewersTopPick

A READER'S OPINION Charming Regency Romance! This is the first time that I read a book written by author Jessica Jefferson. SECOND CHANCE MARQUESS is a sweet and nice story to enjoy during an afternoon break. Lovers of Regency romances are sure to enjoy this novella! It’s a charming introduction to her new series. SECOND CHANCE MARQUESS tells the story of two beautiful souls that were torn apart and received another chance for love. The heroine, Willie, is a stubborn woman, and the hero, George, just needs to prove himself to her. Their story begins as Willie is searching for her half-sister, Kitty whom she believes is with a notorious rake. But, she needs George’s help to find her . . . the very same man who once broke her heart! That’s when the fun begins! George will do anything to convince Willie that he really loves her! Will they take a second chance? Will she put aside her stubbornness and accept his love? Their new relationship will be filled with twists and turns. A series of misfortunes will bring Willie and George together forever. Star Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS A beautifully told Regency tale about second chances for love.... When Wilhelmina Turner’s younger sister runs off with a young Lothario, she has no choice but to turn to the notorious rake who broke his promise and her heart, for assistance. George Bartlett, the Marquess of Chesterton, hasn’t forgotten the woman who hurt him so many years ago, but can’t deny her request, knowing that his brother’s reputation and fortune is at risk. A series of misfortunes leave the straight-laced widow and committed bachelor stranded, sharing both close quarters and old secrets. But when morning comes, will this unlikely pair find a second chance at love? Series: Second Chance Series Book 1 Print Length: 162 pages Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc. Publication Date: March 21, 2017 #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance #RegencyRomance #2017Review