Category Archives: Historical Romance
Release Tour for Seducing the Warrior by Laura Shipley
Royce Davis has been living in darkness since an injury in battle left him with failing vision. When a fiery-haired vixen, Lily Moore becomes his employee, she brings with her an unexpected light and a yearning he can’t resist. But, when her past catches up to her, Lily and Royce find themselves caught up in a deadly game. Fans of steamy historical romances will want to sink their teeth into Seducing the Warrior by Laura Shipley, the first book in her To Love A Wicked Warrior Series.
A soldier losing his vision. A lady fleeing for her life. An unlikely couple… bound together in desire, need, and love.
The man in the shadows…
Injured in battle and his sight failing, Royce Davis has been dwelling in darkness since his return to England, in more ways than one. Consumed by bitterness and pain, Royce is determined to make his way in the world alone. But when a fiery-haired vixen takes up his offer of employment, his heart is awakened by a woman whose beauty enthralls him and whose touch ignites a yearning he cannot resist.
The woman who brings the light…
On the run from a ruthless enemy, Lily Moore finds refuge in Royce Davis’s home. Refusing to be put off by her employer’s coarse manners, Lily senses the real man behind the facade…as well as a desperate passion she finds herself longing to answer.
The darkness that cannot be escaped…
Royce refuses to believe he could ever be worthy of a woman like Lily. But when the past catches up with his new assistant, he will move heaven and earth to keep her safe. Royce must prepare to do battle with a cunning adversary while fighting against his own blindness. Lily never meant for Royce to be caught up in this deadly game. But now what began as a business arrangement has become something much more. Can a bargain born of necessity lead them to a fated love? Or will a madman see them parted forever?
Excerpt
Copyright 2021 Laura Shipley
Lily didn’t answer right away, but he heard her footsteps move closer until he knew she was right next to him. He put his hand out and brushed her shoulder. Lily let out a tiny cry before she fell into his embrace. Royce put his arms protectively around her. They clung to each other.
“I have been alone for so long, dealing with this. Sometimes I feel like I am in an abyss of my own making. Fear has been the driving force in my life for so long—fear of the unknown, so I’ve been trying to accomplish all I can before it’s too late.”
She caressed his face. “You don’t have to be alone.” Lily’s voice trembled. “You have people who care about you, like Mr. Templeton, Percy,” she paused for a second, “and me. I understand that at times things may seem hopeless, but that is when you need to lean on others the most, and I know that may be difficult.”
He leaned into her soft touch. How had this extraordinary woman come into his life, just when he needed her the most? Since coming home from the war, Royce had felt adrift. Lily’s presence anchored him, gave him a beacon to hold on to, and by God, he would hold her close tonight if she let him.
“What did I do to deserve to have you in my life, sweet Lily?” He placed his hand over hers and kissed it.
“I might ask myself the same thing. Before coming here, the last few months, I had been alone and scared. Fearful of everyone and everything. Ever since I have been here, I have found friends and the happiness that has eluded me for quite some time. I feel like I belong.”
Royce tightened his grip on Lily and pulled her closer. “You will always have a place here, for as long as you wish. I ask for no promises and I give none.” On that, at least, he had to be honest.
“I understand.”
“I may not give you a promise, but I can give you a choice. Stay with me tonight. I will do whatever you ask—I am yours for the commanding. All I ask is that you share this room with me. I cannot bear another night without you.”
About Laura Shipley
Laura Shipley is an indie author who writes Victorian historical romance with dark, brooding heroes and strong-willed, feisty heroines. Her love of romance began the first time she “borrowed” one of the mother’s books and was hooked. While she reads all genres, paranormal romance is a close second to historical.
When she is not writing, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She has never met a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine that she did not like. Her third addiction is Starbucks, and the never ending need for caffeine to keep the creative juices flowing. She prefers movies over tv, too much of a time commitment, but likes spending time outdoors including hiking and rafting.
Her greatest joy is transporting readers to another time and place with her books, and to have her readers fall in love with the characters just as much as she does. Laura’s email is always open to comments or questions at thelaurashipley@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook at TheLauraShipley for updates and other fun stuff.
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Release Blitz: Seducing the Warrior by Laura Shipley
Royce Davis has been living in darkness since an injury in battle left him with failing vision. When a fiery-haired vixen, Lily Moore becomes his employee, she brings with her an unexpected light and a yearning he can’t resist. But, when her past catches up to her, Lily and Royce find themselves caught up in a deadly game. Fans of steamy historical romances will want to sink their teeth into Seducing the Warrior by Laura Shipley, the first book in her To Love A Wicked Warrior Series.
Blurb
A soldier losing his vision. A lady fleeing for her life. An unlikely couple… bound together in desire, need, and love.
The man in the shadows…
Injured in battle and his sight failing, Royce Davis has been dwelling in darkness since his return to England, in more ways than one. Consumed by bitterness and pain, Royce is determined to make his way in the world alone. But when a fiery-haired vixen takes up his offer of employment, his heart is awakened by a woman whose beauty enthralls him and whose touch ignites a yearning he cannot resist.
The woman who brings the light…
On the run from a ruthless enemy, Lily Moore finds refuge in Royce Davis’s home. Refusing to be put off by her employer’s coarse manners, Lily senses the real man behind the facade…as well as a desperate passion she finds herself longing to answer.
The darkness that cannot be escaped…
Royce refuses to believe he could ever be worthy of a woman like Lily. But when the past catches up with his new assistant, he will move heaven and earth to keep her safe. Royce must prepare to do battle with a cunning adversary while fighting against his own blindness. Lily never meant for Royce to be caught up in this deadly game. But now what began as a business arrangement has become something much more. Can a bargain born of necessity lead them to a fated love? Or will a madman see them parted forever?
Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Excerpt
Copyright 2021 Laura Shipley
The horizon appeared to stretch on forever, though she knew across the sea lay the continent, but in this moment, she felt as if she were the only person in the world. All of a sudden, a great weight lifted from her. It felt like the sea had taken with it the part of her which had, for these last months, known nothing but pain and sorrow and had released her from it. A sob escaped, but Lily covered her mouth, trying to suppress the noise. She shouldn’t be crying, but perhaps they were only tears of joyful gratitude. After all this time, she might finally be able to have a life free of fear.
Time seemed to pass at its own pace. The sun’s changing position in the sky the only indication that the day was progressing. How long had she stood there, gazing at the blue waters below? Surely it was time to return to the manor house. Lily took a few steps when she heard a horse approaching. Her pulse quickened, and she froze in place. Who would be coming here, so far away from any place? Should she try to hurry into the safety of the woods, or wait?
No, she was tired of running and knew there was nothing to fear. The men who had been after her wouldn’t know she had fled to the other side of the country. She waited, and after a moment, a horse and rider came into view, making their way up the hill that she stood on.
The man appeared young, perhaps around her age. He wore a long black riding coat, the tails bouncing behind him in time with his horse’s gait. His hat hid is hair, but she could see it was a darker color. Overall, she was inclined to call him handsome. All of this she saw in the few seconds before he pulled up his horse before her.
Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
About Laura Shipley
Laura Shipley is an indie author who writes Victorian historical romance with dark, brooding heroes and strong-willed, feisty heroines. Her love of romance began the first time she “borrowed” one of the mother’s books and was hooked. While she reads all genres, paranormal romance is a close second to historical.
When she is not writing, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She has never met a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine that she did not like. Her third addiction is Starbucks, and the never ending need for caffeine to keep the creative juices flowing. She prefers movies over tv, too much of a time commitment, but likes spending time outdoors including hiking and rafting.
Her greatest joy is transporting readers to another time and place with her books, and to have her readers fall in love with the characters just as much as she does. Laura’s email is always open to comments or questions at thelaurashipley@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Facebook at TheLauraShipley for updates and other fun stuff.
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Release Day Promo: Emily’s House by Amy Belding Brown
From USA Today bestselling author of Flight of the Sparrow Amy Belding Brown comes an evocative new novel about Emily Dickinson’s longtime maid, Margaret Maher, whose bond with–and ultimate betrayal of–the poet ensured Dickinson’s work would live on.
Massachusetts, 1869. Margaret Maher has never been one to settle down. At twenty-seven, she’s never met a man who has tempted her enough to relinquish her independence to a matrimonial fate, and she hasn’t stayed in one place for long since her family fled the potato famine a decade ago.
When Maggie accepts a temporary position at the illustrious Dickinson family home in Amherst, it’s only to save up enough for a ticket west to join her brothers in California. Maggie never imagines she will form a life-altering friendship with the eccentric, brilliant Miss Emily or that she’ll stay at the Homestead for the next thirty years.
In this richly drawn novel, Amy Belding Brown explores what it is to be an outsider looking in, and she sheds light on one of Dickinson’s closest confidantes–perhaps the person who knew the mysterious poet best–whose quiet act changed history and continues to influence literature to this very day.
A Conversation with Amy Belding Brown, Author of Emily’s House
What inspired you to write EMILY’S HOUSE?
For decades, I’ve been fascinated by the life and works of Emily Dickinson, drawn to her jewel-like poems and eccentric reclusiveness. My aunt, a great admirer of Dickinson’s work, was a poet and storyteller who first brought Emily alive in my imagination when I was young. It was she who told me I share an ancestor with Emily on my father’s side. A graduate of Amherst College and native son of nearby Northampton, my father took our family to visit Amherst many times. Though it wasn’t open to the public in those days, I was always intrigued by the mysterious brick house behind the fence on Main Street. When I began researching a novel based on Dickinson’s life, I thought Emily would be the leading character. Then I read Maid as Muse by Aífe Murray and encountered the story of the remarkable Margaret Maher. As soon as I learned that she had refused to burn Dickinson’s poems, I knew I’d found my protagonist — an energetic, ambitious, and insightful Irish immigrant. A woman Emily described as wild and warm and mighty and one I wanted readers to meet.
How did you approach the research for this book?
I began by reading all the material I could get my hands on about Emily Dickinson and 19th century Amherst. I soon discovered there are dozens of different takes on Dickinson. Though she’s one of the world’s literary greats, she’s still veiled in mystery to this day, so it’s difficult, if not impossible, to know the true Emily. But for my novel, I had to make some decisions about who she really was and, most importantly, view her through the eyes of my protagonist. So my research into the Irish immigrant experience in 19th century Massachusetts was vital. I looked into the particulars of Margaret Maher’s life, studying the syntax of Hiberno-English speech, what her childhood in County Tipperary must have been like, and the experience of Irish immigrants in Massachusetts in the mid-1800’s. I researched what it took to skillfully manage a household in the 19th century. I visited Amherst and the Emily Dickinson Homestead and sought out the location of Kelley Square where Margaret’s family lived, using old maps, charts and town records to immerse myself in the Amherst of Margaret’s time. Once I start writing, I continue to research, guided by questions that arise as I go along. So my research is both driven by and informing the story as I go.
Was there anything you learned about Dickinson’s work that you didn’t know before writing this novel?
I was surprised at how difficult I found much of Dickinson’s poetry. Like many, when I was young I read some of her relatively accessible “nature poems,” and later I studied some of her more famous ones, guided by Dickinson scholars. But when writing the novel I read hundreds I’d never encountered before. I was dazzled by her word choices, but frequently confused about her meaning and intention. I found that I could only read a very few at a time, that they need to be taken in small doses if I’m going to absorb them.
Without giving anything away, what do you hope readers will take away from reading EMILY’S HOUSE?
While I’m writing my novels I actually don’t think much about what I want readers to get out of them. I’m focused on discovery — finding the universal truths embedded in the history and I kind of expect readers will do the same. I came away from writing EMILY’S HOUSE with a new appreciation for challenges of the immigrant experience and the hardships and exploitation frequently suffered by domestic workers. It’s all too easy to overlook the profound influence servants have had on the lives of their employers — and on our nation’s history. The Irish immigrant, Margaret Maher, recognized Emily Dickinson’s literary genius and it’s thanks to her we have access to the work of America’s greatest poet. The world of literature would be much poorer without her courage and insight. Yet in most accounts, Mabel Loomis Todd gets credit for sharing Dickinson’s poetry with the world. I believe that, once Margaret saved them from the fire, the poems would have been discovered and published sooner or later, with or without Mrs. Todd. And it leaves me wondering how many other immigrants and servants over the years have taken similarly pivotal actions that have been credited to others.
About the Author
Amy Belding Brown is the author of historical novels, including the USA Today bestselling Flight of the Sparrow, and Mr. Emerson’s Wife. A New England history enthusiast, Amy was infused at an early age with the region’s outlook and values. A graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, she received her MFA from Vermont College and now lives in rural Vermont with her husband, a UCC minister and spiritual director.
Release Tour for The Marquess Method by Kathleen Ayers
Lady Theodosia has long been infatuated with the Earl of Blythe so in an effort to secure his affections, she paints a scandalous miniature of herself. When her reckless behavior endangers her reputation, Theodosia knows she must retrieve the miniature. Unfortunately, the miniature is gone and the only thing she finds waiting for her in Blythe’s study is the disreputable Marquess of Haven. Fans of steamy historical romances will devour The Marquess Method by Kathleen Ayers, the next book in her Beautiful Barringtons Series.
Lady Theodosia Barrington is practically begging to be ruined.
That’s the assumption of the Marquess of Haven after spying Theodosia at a house party given by the Duke of Granby. After his father left him little else but a title and a crumbling estate, Haven is in desperate need of an heiress. Not only is Theodosia rich as Croesus and beautiful, but she’s also a Barrington. Her brother is Leo Murphy, owner of Elysium and the man Haven holds responsible for ruining his father.
Theodosia is the solution to all of Haven’s problems.
Lady Theodosia has long been infatuated with the Earl of Blythe. In an effort to prove her affection and perhaps induce him to offer for her, Theodosia paints a scandalous self-portrait of herself for Blythe as a birthday gift. The small token of affection is incredibly improper. Her behavior reckless.
She regrets gifting the miniature to Blythe immediately. Desperate to save her reputation before it can be destroyed and escape humiliation, Theodosia makes another rash decision. Retrieve the miniature from Blythe’s study.
Except the miniature is gone. And the only thing waiting for her is the Marquess of Haven.
And her own ruination.
Excerpt
Copyright 2021 @Kathleen Ayers
It was becoming difficult for her to breathe with Haven and all his near-naked magnificence. Yes, she found Haven handsome. Appealing. But now, looking at the way the firelight played over the hard ridges of his body, Theo felt as if she was heating slowly from the inside out, her skin sensitive to the brush of every bubble in her bath.
They stared at each other, a haze of desire winding over them both. Haven wrapped the curling strands of her hair around his wrist and pulled her close.
“Are you going to ravish me?” Theo whispered.
“God, yes.” His lips fell on hers, urgent and hot. “I have such hunger for you, Theodosia.”
About Kathleen Ayers
Kathleen Ayers is the bestselling author of Regency and Victorian romance with strong, witty damaged heroes who can’t help falling for intelligent, sassy heroines. An avid reader, Kathleen fell in love with historical romance as a teenager after picking up a copy of Sweet Savage Love. She reads everything, from romance to thrillers, Stephen King and fantasy. When her nose isn’t stuck in a book, Kathleen tries to garden (with mixed results), works on perfecting her charcuterie board skills and enjoys a good wine tasting.
A Texas transplant, Kathleen shares a backyard swimming pool with her husband, son and two very spoiled dogs.
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Release Blitz for The Marquess Method by Kathleen Ayers
Lady Theodosia has long been infatuated with the Earl of Blythe so in an effort to secure his affections, she paints a scandalous miniature of herself. When her reckless behavior endangers her reputation, Theodosia knows she must retrieve the miniature. Unfortunately, the miniature is gone and the only thing she finds waiting for her in Blythe’s study is the disreputable Marquess of Haven. Fans of steamy historical romances will devour The Marquess Method by Kathleen Ayers, the next book in her Beautiful Barringtons Series.
Praise for Kathleen Ayers
“Kathleen Ayers has become a favorite for me. I loved the “Wicked Series” but the “The Theory Of Earls” (don’t you just love this title) is my favorite so far.” – MiaBurke54, Bookbub Reviewer
“I am absolutely enamored with this book! It has a breathtaking romance, characters with sizzling chemistry, and a dialogue that is so clever and witty…” – Catherine, Goodreads Reviewer
Blurb
Lady Theodosia Barrington is practically begging to be ruined.
That’s the assumption of the Marquess of Haven after spying Theodosia at a house party given by the Duke of Granby. After his father left him little else but a title and a crumbling estate, Haven is in desperate need of an heiress. Not only is Theodosia rich as Croesus and beautiful, but she’s also a Barrington. Her brother is Leo Murphy, owner of Elysium and the man Haven holds responsible for ruining his father.
Theodosia is the solution to all of Haven’s problems.
Lady Theodosia has long been infatuated with the Earl of Blythe. In an effort to prove her affection and perhaps induce him to offer for her, Theodosia paints a scandalous self-portrait of herself for Blythe as a birthday gift. The small token of affection is incredibly improper. Her behavior reckless.
She regrets gifting the miniature to Blythe immediately. Desperate to save her reputation before it can be destroyed and escape humiliation, Theodosia makes another rash decision. Retrieve the miniature from Blythe’s study.
Except the miniature is gone. And the only thing waiting for her is the Marquess of Haven.
And her own ruination.
Add to Goodreads Here!
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Excerpt
Copyright 2021 @Kathleen Ayers
“I think about kissing you every moment of every day.” Haven spoke without hesitation, the husky quality of his voice hovering over her limbs before sinking into her chest. “I’ve kissed you a total of four times, and I’m being generous in counting that chaste peck we shared in front of the vicar. I would have kissed you much sounder except I didn’t want Pith to take my head off. If I’m not thinking of the way you taste, or the small sounds you make when I hold you, it is only because I’m asleep. But even then, I dream of you.”
Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
About Kathleen Ayers
Kathleen Ayers is the bestselling author of Regency and Victorian romance with strong, witty damaged heroes who can’t help falling for intelligent, sassy heroines. An avid reader, Kathleen fell in love with historical romance as a teenager after picking up a copy of Sweet Savage Love. She reads everything, from romance to thrillers, Stephen King and fantasy. When her nose isn’t stuck in a book, Kathleen tries to garden (with mixed results), works on perfecting her charcuterie board skills and enjoys a good wine tasting.
A Texas transplant, Kathleen shares a backyard swimming pool with her husband, son and two very spoiled dogs.
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Release & Excerpt Tour: The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN CUBA by Chanel Cleeton
On sale May 4th, 2021
At the end of the nineteenth century, three revolutionary women fight for freedom in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s captivating new novel inspired by real-life events and the true story of a legendary Cuban woman–Evangelina Cisneros–who changed the course of history.
A feud rages in Gilded Age New York City between newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. When Grace Harrington lands a job at Hearst’s newspaper in 1896, she’s caught in a cutthroat world where one scoop can make or break your career, but it’s a story emerging from Cuba that changes her life.
Unjustly imprisoned in a notorious Havana women’s jail, eighteen-year-old Evangelina Cisneros dreams of a Cuba free from Spanish oppression. When Hearst learns of her plight and splashes her image on the front page of his paper, proclaiming her, “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba,” she becomes a rallying cry for American intervention in the battle for Cuban independence.
With the help of Marina Perez, a courier secretly working for the Cuban revolutionaries in Havana, Grace and Hearst’s staff attempt to free Evangelina. But when Cuban civilians are forced into reconcentration camps and the explosion of the USS Maine propels the United States and Spain toward war, the three women must risk everything in their fight for freedom.
Excerpt
“I’m here for a job if you have one. As a reporter. I’ve spent the last few years writing for smaller papers, getting experience where I could.” I gesture to the leather folio in my lap. “I’ve brought samples of my work if you’d like to look at them. They’re not necessarily the kinds of stories I want to cover, but they’re a start.”
“Why do you wish to work here, Miss Harrington?” Pulitzer asks, making no move to take the folio from me.
“Because of the stories you cover, the impact you have. The World has one of the largest circulations in the world.”
Indeed, Mr. Pulitzer has just slashed the World’s price to one cent, saying he prefers power to profits, circulation the measure by which success is currently judged.
“You have the opportunity to reach readers, to bring about change, to help people who desperately need assistance,” I add. “I’ve admired the work you’ve done for years. You’ve long set the tone the rest of the New York newspaper industry follows. You’ve filled a gap in the news, given a voice to people who wouldn’t have otherwise had one. I’ve read the articles you wrote when you were a reporter yourself in St. Louis, and I admire the manner in which you address society’s ills. You’ve revolutionized the newspaper. I want to be part of that.”
“That’s all fine and good, but why should I hire you? What would you bring to the World that someone else wouldn’t?”
“My gender, for one. A woman knows what it’s like to be pushed to society’s margins. There are some who might argue that a woman cannot do this job as effectively as a man. They would be wrong. Nellie Bly has proven that. You did, too, when you hired her.”
“And what do you know of Nellie Bly?”
“You gave her a chance when others wouldn’t.”
“Cockerill gave her a chance,” he replies, referring to his editor.
“With all due respect, Mr. Pulitzer, we both know this is your paper. You saw something in Nellie Bly. And now she’s gone, and you need another reporter who can take on the kinds of stories she did and can go places your male journalists can’t. What she accomplished at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum”—the words “lunatic asylum” fall distastefully from my mouth—“on Blackwell’s Island, going undercover like that, was nothing short of extraordinary. Those women’s lives have been changed because of Miss Bly’s courage and her daring. Those placards out there, the philosophy with which you run your newsroom—I promise to uphold it every single day I work for you.”
Pulitzer leans back in his chair. “You’re plucky like Bly, I’ll give you that.”
“I am.”
Release Blitz: A Dream of Desire by Nina Lane
RELEASE BLITZ
Title: A Dream of Desire
Series: Daring Hearts #3
Author: Nina Lane
Genre: Victorian Historical Romance
Release Date: April 21, 2021
BLURB
He is the only man she has ever loved…
For most of her life, Lady Tasha Hall has wished for the dashing James Forester to take her in his arms and kiss her with unrestrained passion. But when she finally takes drastic measures to make James see her as more than his best friend’s little sister, her plan goes terribly awry.
Seeking adventure halfway around the world, James can’t stop thinking of the beautiful Tasha…or her brazen kiss. And when he learns that her reform work has thrown her into the path of danger, nothing can keep him from returning to London to protect her.
But a broken heart is not easily put back together. Will Tasha and James learn that trusting in love is the greatest adventure of all?
* An earlier edition of this book was published under the name Nina Rowan by Grand Central Publishing.
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57021939-a-dream-of-desire
PURCHASE LINKS
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#2 A Passion for Pleasure
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AUTHOR BIO
New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances about professors, bad boys, candy makers, and protective alpha males who find themselves consumed with love for one woman alone. Originally from California, Nina holds a PhD in Art History and an MA in Library and Information Studies, which means she loves both research and organization. She also enjoys traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once. Although Nina would go back to college for another degree because she’s that much of a bookworm and a perpetual student, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer.
AUTHOR LINKS
Website: http://www.ninalane.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NinaLaneAuthor
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/ninalane.writer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninalaneauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ninalane
Review: He Loves Me Knot by Sarah McGregor
He loves me…
Not anymore. That was twenty years ago. I hardly think of Nick now. Seriously. I’m too busy training horses and trying to keep a roof over my head. Now they say I never met a horse, or a man, I couldn’t ride, which is a little catty but mostly true.
Until I do.
When Napoleon, a rangy gelding with a bad reputation, tosses me to the ground, my life literally flashes before my eyes. I swear the tangled knot of regrets and missed opportunities go parading past me like thoroughbreds at auction. When I come to, I’m shocked to discover I’m dressed in a fancy riding habit, and a corset, and I’m eighteen—again. But when Lord Nicholas Stanhope walks in the room looking like my Nick, dressed and sounding like he just stepped out of a Jane Austen novel… I’m on a mission.
I don’t care if this is a dream, or painkillers, or-or reincarnation. I won’t give up on this second chance. I won’t stop until…he loves me.
MY REVIEW
I’m just going to keep this review short and sweet. Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. I really liked the concept of it, mixing modern times with the past, and the whole time-travel factor. I thought it was unique and interesting. I enjoyed the characters and how well our leading lady adapted to what happened to her. I thought the characters had some good chemistry and loved the idea of rediscovering a lost love.
However, I did have some issues with this story. As much as I enjoyed the idea and concept of the book, I had a lot of issues with the writing. I found the writing to be very rough and in need of some work. That factor was definitley distracting for me. I also felt like there were still some unanswered questions plotwise after I finished the book.
So, while this book wasn’t a 100% hit for me, I do think this author has some great potential and that’s why I bumped my rating up to 3 stars. I’m happy to have given this book a chance and would be open to checking out another book from this author in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Release Tour for The Design of Dukes by Kathleen Ayers
Andromeda is the most frustrating creature Granby has ever encountered. When their insults turn to flirtation and the heated discussions between them lead to passionate kisses, will Andromeda succumb to their mutual attraction? Fans of steamy historical and enemies to lovers romances will devour The Design of Dukes by Kathleen Ayers, the next book in her Beautiful Barringtons Series.
Praise for Kathleen Ayers
“I loved this story. Kathleen rarely disappoints…” – Nazim, Goodreads Reviewer
“Great read… she writes books that keep you reading through the night.” – Barbara, Goodreads Reviewer
“Chemise. Stockings. Piano. What a fantastic line from this book. What a passionate scene when it does happen. All the angst and tension leading up to that moment was worth waiting for.” – Theresa, Goodreads Reviewer, The Theory of Earls
Lady Andromeda Barrington is the most unsuitable young lady in London.
At least in the Duke of Granby’s opinion.
Granby doesn’t care for bastard relatives or tainted pedigrees and Andromeda possesses both. Nor does he like opinionated young ladies who enjoy hurling insults in his direction.
Andromeda is, in short, the most annoying creature he’s ever met.
When she arrives, uninvited, to a house party given at his estate, Granby can’t decide whether to kiss Andromeda senseless or send her packing.
Andromeda is the victim of infatuation and bad luck.
The infatuation is that of her sister for the Earl of Blythe, but the misfortune belongs solely to Andromeda after she is forced to attend a house party hosted by the Duke of Granby. She and the duke are previously, unpleasantly, acquainted. The entire party is bound to be awkward, and their mutual dislike difficult to hide. Her only recourse is to avoid the giant block of ice masquerading as a duke. Thankfully, Granby’s estate is enormous.
But instead of mutual hostility upon arriving, Romy is greeted with unexpected attraction. Insults turn into flirtation. Heated discussions become lingering kisses.
Her heart is ruined. Granby may not even have one.
And the duke has already chosen another young lady to be his duchess.
The Design of Dukes is a steamy historical romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and next in the series The Beautiful Barringtons.
Excerpt
Copyright 2021 @Kathleen Ayers
“Very well. I already know what you will ask for.”
“You do?” That surprised him. He was so close to her that if Andromeda took a deep breath, the tips of her breasts would brush his chest.
A pained look came over her lovely features. “And I completely understand, Your Grace.”
“You do?” he murmured.
“You wish me and Theo to leave the house party. It is unfortunate you and I have formed such a dislike for each other.”
“Is that what you are calling it?”
“I’ll make an excuse that I’m ill or I’m concerned for my mother so that we may return to London with all haste.” She turned away from him and bent at the waist, giving him another lovely view of her backside, glaringly apparent through the folds of petticoats she was encased in. Her hands flew over the papers spread out across the grass to
gather them up.
Andromeda assumed, incorrectly, he wanted her to leave The Barrow. The very thought gave him a hollow sensation in the middle of his stomach.
“No. I would never suggest such a thing.” His voice sounded chilly even to his own ears.
“You don’t need to, Your Grace. I take your meaning.”
Andromeda hadn’t the slightest idea how badly David wanted her. He looked over her shoulder as her hands began to stack the papers neatly together. Not drawings of the stream and woods as he’d thought. What most young ladies with a mediocre talent for sketching would draw. But gowns. Dresses. One with a motif of butterflies across the skirt. There was even a sketch of a riding habit.
I have an acquaintance who owns a dress shop.
Andromeda, already fascinating, became more so.
“I don’t wish you to leave the house party,” he said to the trim line of her back.
“My presence clearly annoys you, Your Grace.”
Indeed, it did, in so many ways David had stopped counting. “A correct assessment.”
“Then Theo and I will leave in the morning.”
“No,” his said roughly. “You will not.”
Andromeda’s hands stilled on her drawings, stiffening with anger at his commanding tone.
David stared at the line of buttons running down her spine. Could he bite them off with his teeth? The dress would fall away from her shoulders, exposing all her glorious skin.
She turned back to face him, angrily tying a piece of leather around the portfolio to keep it closed. “What else could you possibly want, Your Grace? An apology for the insult about your coat? How petty, it was well over a year ago.”
His head fell forward, nose gliding up the slope of her neck, inhaling the soft lavender scent lingering on her skin.
A soft gasp of surprise left her, but she didn’t move away. The portfolio fell from her hands.
“I want this,” he whispered. David nuzzled the bit of skin just beneath her ear before catching her lips with his.
About Kathleen Ayers
Kathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first
purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at
antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in
love dozens of times. In particular, she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked
sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college-aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
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