Revisiting Evergreen Grove

Good Sunday evening fellow bookworms,

Today has been a cold rainy day here in Minnesota and the perfect excuse to curl up with  a good book. I recently finished a great book and I’m so excited to talk about it! Not to mention, look at that front cover!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Every time I read a book by Elisabeth, I know that I’m in for a treat and that the characters who live in Evergreen Grove will pull on my heartstrings. I love who Elisabeth shows their flaws and yet how redeemable each can be no matter their background. I do agree with Dante though, that Arlo Spencer is a cancer and needs to pay for all pain he’s done to so many people throughout the years. So other than that sorry excuse for a mentor, each person in this series has had struggles to overcome and find love in unexpected ways while also finding their niche in life, and I’m so glad that dude doesn’t live in Evergreen Grove.

Kate and Tyler are a bit different than previous characters though as they knew each other before Evergreen Grove and were driven apart due to a terrible accident which claimed Tyler’s twin brother Terrence and left Kate permanently physically as well as emotionally scarred. They met when Kate was just barely sixteen and Tyler eighteen while he was in a street fight. Kate happened to  be walking home late from the library and Tyler felt himself drawn to this tiny girl with a big personality. What starts out as a friendship starts to morph into something more until the night of the accident. They go their separate ways for two years, both nursing hurts and attempting to deal with life on their own terms. Then one night their mutual friend Alonzo drags Tyler with him and just barely manages to keep Kate from being arrested at a party that got out of hand and after getting Kate to sober up by having some pancakes, convinces Kate to come with them to Evergreen Grove before her slow downward spiral with being addicted to pain pills and partying gets the best of her.

Kate and Tyler were unofficially dating before the accident and lost touch due to the trauma and misunderstandings that neither of them could work through at the time. Things seem to be slowly mending together until Tyler gets the chance to follow one of his dreams of being a professional fighter and Kate worries that she might get in the way of that. She tries to gently break it off because she thinks that’s what’s best for him though it back fires and causes the two of them go their separate ways for a bit though both are suffering and being rather stubborn.

When a fire breaks out near where Kate is staying, all bets are off and Tyler rushes to be with her, putting a lot of things into perspective. Tyler realizes that life is too short to stay mad for long especially at someone whom you love and no matter the obstacles, it is sometimes possible to have your cake and eat it too. They say with age comes wisdom and these two soon realize that it’s never too late to fight for what you want, come clean no matter what might have happened in the past and believe in the impossible.

I loved getting to know these two and my heart went out to them for the pain they suffered due to circumstances out of their hands and yet found a way back to each other. I have high hopes for these two and I’m looking forward to visiting with them again in future books.

Full of a fascinating mix of humor, triumph over tragedy, the power of love, and characters to relate to, it was a pleasure to get my hands on a copy of this book. I hope you too will enjoy it as much as I did.

The book was just released today so you can go download your own digital copy and be reading this story in a matter of minutes!

Well that wraps up my bookish ramblings for the evening. Much as I’d love to stay up later to talk more about books, my day job starts early tomorrow morning and there’s lots to do. So be sure to tune in again soon to read more about my love of books and my inner nerd comes out to say hello. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Slainte

~M

A Legacy of Blackwoods!

Happy Tuesday fellow bookworms! I’ve been busy with work, reading and enjoying Spring since it’s arrived here in Minnesota. Speaking of arrived, a book is out today which I was lucky to get a digital copy of and it was such a great book!
It was such a pleasure to read this book and get to see seven generations of Blackwoods living in the same area over the course of their lives. The men and women they love are equally strong while also dealing with the effects of a different war each generation.
I love the concept of getting to know a family and their descendants over the course of years as the times change but love prevails, there’s always a sense of coming home and buildings may fall apart or be destroyed but good ultimately triumphs.

If asked to pick a favorite of the people I was introduced, it would be a hard choice because each of them were wonderful people, just needing patience, a safe haven and support to not only survive but thrive.

I also loved that there was a luckenbooth passed down to be worn on the brides’ wedding day and each Christening of children. It was a brooch that Finlan ( the founding Father of a wonderful legacy) had made for his bride that was created in memory of his mother who had given him a similar brooch before he left his homeland of Scotland.
The various stories by different authors were hard to turn away from and I was eager to see fate had next for the Blackwoods and all of the stories smoothly ran together.
It was refreshing to read short stories that while I would have loved to keep going, were rich with details and wanting to read so much more. It was a perfect mix of adventure, love, family ties and the feel that no matter where life may take the Blackwoods, they are always welcomed home to their legacy in Pennsylvania.
I really hope there will be more stories to read about this fascinating family and I highly recommend it!

Right now the digital version of this book is on sale for only $0.99 and available at most retailers including Amazon Barnes and Noble!

Well that completes my bookish ramblings for the time being because I have a lot of catch up reading to do and only so much time. Oh the troubles of being a bookworm!

Slainte

~Meg

Release Day of The Highland Duke

Hi,

I’ve been waiting impatiently for this day so I can share my love of this book. It was so hard to put down and today you can go buy a copy of your own!

My review:

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and I’m so glad that I was able to read it!

This book tells the tale about the Duke of Gordon who is a Jacobite in secret and shot in the thigh with a musket ball embedded while out with one of his cousins, trying to push some of the English Dragoons back. In the mix up of the fight, he’s thrown from his horse and manages to hide until a healer by the name of Akira Ayres happens upon him. Little does she know that by reluctantly pulling the bullet out of the mysterious Highlander who calls himself Geordie, it will forever change her world.

They find themselves on the run shortly after she bandages his wound though he passes out from blood loss on a horse and Akira manages to find them shelter near a cave for the night and that starts just the beginning of an interesting alliance and two people from different worlds soon realize that sometimes you can find love in the most unlikely places.

Despite the fact that Gordon started out as being a grumpy man with quite the colorful vocabulary who grew up privileged but also aware of those less fortunate, I loved the fact that he didn’t care that Akira had Gypsy blood and soon became fiercely protective of her. He did bumble his way through things at times but eventually soon realizes what is really important or rather who is and that sometimes the impossible is possible if you just have faith and a bit of Gypsy magic.

Akira grew up poor with a Mother and three sisters, all of whom only have a home due to the kindness of a widow, living in a windowless cottage and just barely scraping by. Akira learned from a young age how to heal and the payments she receives goes a long way in helping her family. Due to their Gypsy heritage, many of the villagers have been distrustful of her family and her Mother was attacked years ago which left her with scars and a permanent limp. Despite the hard times, Akira has developed a kindness for those in need and tries to heal people who need her help.

At first, it seems as though these two are completely wrong for each other, but as the story progresses, love proves that it doesn’t care about status in life, money or heritage but wants to bring two people together who really balance each other out. Akira isn’t afraid to speak her mind to Geordie and he finds himself intrigued by the spirited healer. They go on quite the interesting adventures on the way to Geordie’s home, find allies in unlikely places, and realize that sometimes fate knows the way of hearts before two stubborn people do.

It was such a pleasure to read this book and was hard to pull myself way from. Full of a fascinating mixture of adventure, humor, close calls, the power of love, steamy scenes, friendship, family and just a dose of magic, I highly recommend this book. There are also hints of sexy Scottish men in kilts which is always a plus in my book and the loyalty of clans more than willing to protect their allies.

This book was my first taste of Amy’s writing and I look forward to reading not only the next book in the series when it’s released but as well as other works by her. She has been put on my list of authors to buy without reading the synopsis on the back!

As you can see, I’m really enthusiastic about this book and impatiently waiting for a chance to get my hands on the second book. There’s just something about highlanders, kilts and Scotland that’s hard to resist!

Well I hope you’ve enjoyed my bookish ramblings and stay tuned as I’ll be posting again with quite the long list of reviews I’ve had on recent books. Remember to always have a book with you just in case you might have an urge to read!

Slainte,

~Meg

Blog Tour Schedule for A Lady’s Code of Misconduct

Good evening,

I am so excited to be talking about Meredith Duran’s latest book (#5) in her Rules for the Reckless series which was released February 28th. My first time reading one of her books in this series but not my first experience with this talented author.

I’m so lucky to have a physical copy in my hands and the cover is so pretty. It’s hard to compare with that fresh book smell too. I will be posting a review soon so be sure to stop on by and in the meantime, check out the variety if blogs Meredith is touring and there’s a chance to win some of her books!

FROM THE USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FOOL ME TWICE, THE 2015 RITA AWARD WINNER FOR HISTORICAL ROMANCE

AND LUCK BE A LADY, AN RT BOOK REVIEWSNOMINEE FOR BEST BOOK OF 2015 HISTORICAL NOVEL

 

A LADY’S CODE OF MISCONDUCT

Fifth in the Rules for the Reckless Series

By Meredith Duran

Pocket Books

Publication Date: February 28, 2017

ISBN: 9781501139024

Price: $7.99

Praise for A Lady’s Code of Misconduct:

“Political intrigue and conspiracies abound in Duran’s engrossing fifth Rules for the Reckless Victorian romance (after Luck Be a Lady), which boasts plot twists galore…Duran is at the pinnacle of her craft as she weaves together humor, forgiveness, and love in a flawlessly executed plot. Jane, Crispin, and the rest of the characters are all well drawn, and the love scenes strike the perfect balance of steamy and sweet. Each layer in the story is suspenseful and delightful, making this the best installment so far.”

—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

 

“A sham marriage, political intrigue, and a case of amnesia provide a backdrop for this absorbing Victorian romance. Although Duran (Luck Be a Lady, 2015, etc.) has written a novel as layered as an onion, the characters are well-drawn and the plot flawlessly executed. Add in some very steamy sex, and the fifth installment of Duran’s Rules for the Reckless series can’t help but delight. This book weaves its spell so thoroughly that the most fortunate reader will be the one who has time to read the entire thing in one sitting. A masterful tale of suspense, forgiveness, and love.”

—Kirkus STARRED REVIEW

 

“Political intrigue drives a captivating historical romance…This Regency romance, part of the Rules for the Reckless series, is a smart love story, peopled with complex and absorbing characters.”

—BookPage, TOP PICK IN ROMANCE

 

“A riveting story.”

—Heroes and Heartbreakers

 

“A masterful author of historical romances…A Lady’s Code of Misconduct takes worn threads of old tropes, like amnesia and the tortured hero, and weaves them into a lush tapestry with sophisticated, beautiful writing. Crispin seems power-mad and Jane seems saintly, but as Duran slowly unravels their characters amidst a plot of intrigue, betrayal, and dark secrets, we discover they’re more alike than they (or we) realize. The hero is swoonworthy, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Jane as his flaws shine a light on her own. The tale and characters so captivated me, that I literally couldn’t put it down.”

—Omnivoracious Amazon Book Review by Sabrina Jeffries

 

“Thoughtfully written and the story creates not just a simple story of two people but an entire world for them to inhabit. If you like your historicals to have some meat to them, I highly recommend this one.”

—All About Romance

 

“Extremely relevant to our current political state…I could have easily sat and devoured this in one evening as each of the chapters seemed to end on a cliffhanger that just won’t let you put the book down. Quill says: A Lady’s Code of Misconduct is the perfect book to sit in your favorite chair with and let the world pass by for a little while you get lost in the past.”

—Feathered Quill

 

“I absolutely love this series… Meredith writes intelligent characters with a fast paced plot.  Her writing is sensual, witty and totally captivating.  This book has everything you would want in a Historical Romance.   It is witty, sensual with a mystery that will keep you guessing to the very end. Crispin and Jane are extraordinary characters in a riveting story that will leave you wanting more.  The journey of Crispin and Jane to their HAE is fabulous.  I will read anything that Meredith writes.”

—The Reading Wench

 

“A fun read. I enjoyed Duran’s characters and plot…there’s a villain who made me think of a Regency era James Bond villain.”

—Bookfan

 

About the book:

USA TODAY  bestselling author Meredith Duran’s A LADY’S CODE OF MISCONDUCT is the fifth sizzling novel in the Rules for the Reckless series—a sexy and evocative Regency romance between a famous heiress and an infamous crime lord.

 

A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL…
Trapped in the countryside, facing an unwanted marriage and the theft of her fortune, Jane Mason is done behaving nicely. To win her freedom, she’ll strike a deal with the most dangerous man she knows—a rising star in politics, whose dark good looks mask an even darker heart.

 

…NEVER GOES TO PLAN.
The bitter past has taught Crispin Burke to trust no one. He’ll gladly help a lovely young heiress, provided she pays a price. Yet when a single mistake shatters his life, it is Jane who holds the key to his salvation. And in a world that no longer makes sense, Crispin slowly realizes that she may be the only thing worth fighting for…

 

About the author:

Meredith Duran is the author of ten previous novels, including The Duke of Shadows(winner of the Gather.com First Chapters Romance Writing Competition); Wicked Becomes You (included on the Woman’s World List of Best Beach Reads for Summer 2010), and the USA TODAY bestseller and RITA Award Winner Fool Me Twice. She blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history, and for convincing her that princely love is no prize if it doesn’t come with a happily-ever-after. She enjoys collecting old etiquette manuals, guidebooks to nineteenth-century London, and travelogues by intrepid Victorian women. Visit her at MeredithDuran.com, on Twitter@meredithduran and FacebookAuthorMeredithDuran.

 

Reckless Reward:

The twenty starred blogs (*) below will giveaway one set (Reckless Reward!) of three autographed copies in the Rules for the Reckless series: Fool Me Twice, Lady Be Good, and Luck Be A Lady. You can enter on all participating sites, but you can only win once. To celebrate the fifth in the series, there will be five Reckless Reward giveaways per day beginning publication day, Tuesday, February 28^th – Friday, March 3^rd. U.S. only.

 

Blog Tour:

Bookaholics Romance Book Club INTERVIEW WITH MEREDITH DURAN and  GIVEAWAY

 

Sunday, February 26^th

Nikbooklovers Blog

 

Monday, February 27^th

Books for Her

 

Tuesday, February 28^th

*The Romance Dish

*Canadian Book Addict

*Just Another New Blog

*Top 10 Romance Books

*Unabridged Chick

Buried Under Romance

Dear Author

Toot’s Book Reviews – Feature

Il Profumo delle Pergamene

Marvelous Things

My Book Addiction and More

 

Wednesday, March 1^st

*Book Nerd

*Reviews by Crystal

*All About Romance

*Booktalk with Eileen

*We So Nerdy

Roses Are Blue

In the Hammock

Feeding My Addiction Book Reviews – Spotlight

Romance Book Reviews for You

 

Thursday, March 2^nd

*I am, Indeed

*A Midlife Wife

*Literary Gossip

*Undeniably Book Nerdy

*Dew On The Kudzu

Books and Beauty Are My Bag

Ebook Obsessed

Abigail Books Addiction

Dirty Girl Romance – Spotlight

Bookhounds – Q&A

Authors on the Air Global Radio Network – An Interview with The Librarian, 9:00 pm ET

Authors on the Air Global Radio Network – Facebook Event

 

Friday, March 3^rd

*Black ‘N Gold Girl’s Book Spot

*JoJo the Bookaholic

*Sportochick’s Musings

*The Reading Wench

*Got Fiction Book Blog

Cup of Tea and Book

The Reading Addict

Nicely Phrased

Ladeetda Reads

Silvatrend8553 Book Blog

Night Owl Reviews – Author Guest Post

Bookbitch

 

Saturday, March 4^th

Passionate Encounters

 

Sunday, March 5^th

My Little Book Corner

 

Monday, March 6^th

Reading Frenzy – Spotlight

Bookish – Giveaway

Foreign Circus Library

Poof Books

 

Tuesday, March 7^th

I Love Romance

Bookworm2bookworm – Spotlight, Excerpt, and Review

Dirty and Thirty

Wild Wordy Women

Polished Bookworm

Sammi’s Bookish Reality

Passionate Reads

Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh my!

Everyday Gyaan

Celtic Lady’s Reviews – Spotlight

 

Wednesday, March 8^th

Moonlight Rendezvous

One More Chapter

Poof Books

All Things Bookaholic

Fresh Fiction – Spotlight

 

Thursday, March 9^th

Happy Ever After Romance Book Reviews

The Book Junkie Reads

Three Boys and an Old Lady blog

 

Friday, March 10^th

Smitten by Books

Celtic Guardian

Reader Girls

Jathan & Heather

All Things Bookaholic

Fresh Fiction – Spotlight

 

 

So I hope you’ve developed a taste for this book and a curiosity that will only be satisfied by having this book in your arms!

My bookish ramblings have come to an end but not to fear because they will return soon. Until then, hope you’re enjoying life as a bookworm and keep an eye out for my next blog post.

Slainte

~Meg

#bookworm #booknerd #bibliophile #MeredithDuran #aladyscodeofmisconduct #historicalfiction

Rainy Monday

Good afternoon,

It’s a rainy Monday here which is the perfect reason to curl up with a book and a warm cup of tea.

Today I am reading a digital ARC of The Lady and the Highlander which seems to be a retelling of Snow White. I’m only about 20% through according to my Kindle and really enjoying it. Can’t wait to see where the story goes!

The cover is so pretty and I’m also enjoying a wonderful smelling candle called the Beast’s Library which can be found on Etsy.

And a picture of my delicious cup of hot  Green tea from Higgins and Burke with lemon and honey as well as my lovely P&P scarf from StoriArts. I have an addiction to these two and don’t plan to stop anytime soon!

Alas I had better scoot off to my not book job but I shall be back soon.

Slainte

~Meg

#bookworm #booknerd#teaaddict #rainydays #higginsandburke #highlanders #bookscarfs #leciacornwall #romance #bookblogging

 

Magic in Alba, A Steamy Englishman and A Highlander In A Kilt!

The Lady of Magick

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

I’ve been waiting to get my hands on this book since seeing it at a bookstore and was so glad when I could finally dive into it after reading the first book.

Gray and Sophie are back in alternative Victorian England, this time as a married couple studying at the Merlin College in Oxford. Living together as husband and wife while also being at the college is interesting to say the least particularly for Sophie who struggles to manage the work load and to avoid the odd looks she gets due to being one of the few women at the college and the Lost English Princess. She would rather hide and concentrate on her studies than to be looked at just because she is long lost royalty and the only girl attending college. Gray worries about her so when he’s given the chance to be a guest lecturer at the University in Din Edin in Alba and mentions it to Sophie, who has been extended a scholarship to also attend, they both jump at the chance to have an adventure and Sophie is looking forward to going to college where she’s just known as Sophie Marshall and surrounded by an equal amount of girls and boys.

Sophie becomes concerned about Alba when she notices poorer areas and blighted animals being burned on their trip to Din Edin. When she mentions it to Catriona MacCrimmon who is helping her while staying in Din Edin, she doesn’t seem too bothered by it though does mention that Alba used to be a lot stronger hundreds of years ago under the watchful eye of Laird Alpin who was a powerful mage and created a mysterious spell net to protect the land and his people. Shortly after arriving in Din Edin though, she becomes caught up in life as a student including learning how to speak Gaelic, married life, making friends including Lucia MacNeill who is the heiress of her clan and future leader of Scotland and soon becomes caught up in the unrest of some of the people of Alba when they learn Lucia is to be married to an English Prince.

After a lot of hesitation, Sophie decides to reveal to some of her newfound friends that she’s indeed the Lost Princess of England and though she loses a friend, she becomes closer to Lucia who will one day be her sister-in-law. Sophie and Gray’s friends keep Sophie’s heritage a secret and life seems to somewhat return to normal as a foreign student studying in Alba.

Joanna has grown up a lot since the last book and she’s become very valuable as Lord Kergabet’s assistant. She’s also become a friend Prince Roland though she’s not sure what to do about his sudden attention though does her best to not encourage him especially when she finds herself caught up in court politics. When she learns of information that could really affect Roland and her sister, she’s torn between revealing and remembering her loyalties. She makes a decision that eventually affects her relationship with Roland but also knows where her loyalties have to lie.

Sophie’s just starting to settle in and enjoy herself despite the unrest when she comes home after a shopping trip to find Gray gone with a short note about going to visit his father who mysteriously became ill and left in a hurry. At first Sophie looks forward to hearing from Gray but then soon she realizes that all is not well and attempts to look into what might have become of her husband but alas no finding spell can seem to locate him . When her sister Joanna and Joanna’s friend Gwen show up for a visit, they find learn that Gray has left suddenly and it’s up to Sophie to show them around. Sophie had been waiting months to see her beloved sister so was prepared and eagerly waited for her arrival but Gwen was an unexpected last minute addition to the party. The more that Gray is away with no message of his whereabouts though, the more that Sophie seems to be less inclined to do things and spends most of her mind moping around. Joanna soon learns though that it’s not just a simple case of moping around and that if Gray doesn’t return, she may very well lose her sister forever. Joanna tries to look into what might have happened to Gray with the help of Gwen, Sophie and Gray’s friends in Din Edin and other people that might narrow things down. They are all soon tangled up in a plot that is more complicated than finding Gray and could impact all of Alba in the near future.

By sheer luck, Sophie is able to locate her husband after a particularly trying spell with the help of a few close friends. Not willing to sit idle while things are figured out in a rescue mission, Sophie, Joanna and Gwen set out on their own to rescue Gray and hopefully not land in hot water themselves. Lucia also becomes a big help by lending some of her magic to Sophie though things turn out quite a bit differently than these three had expected and will find help in unlikely places. Sophie soon learns that sometimes you have to let go of what you fear the most, believe in yourself and sometimes its best to let magic have its way. When two people are meant to be together, love will prevail and I knew that somehow Gray and Sophie would find their way back to each other.

I always love reading about Scotland and I loved that it was referred to Alba which is the Latin name for Scotland and is such a beautiful country. It was such a pleasure to add more Gaelic words to my vocabulary and another song to my playlist. Sylvia really has a way of describing things and I could almost picture this alternative Alba in my head and smell the salty sea air. She always draws me in with her storytelling until the very end. This book was full of adventure, humor, magic, friendship, love, mystery and unexpected twists. The ending of the book came as a surprise and yet I’m glad things ended as they did. I won’t spoil the ending because I’ve never liked spoilers myself but I was on the edge of my seat right until the end!

I’m so glad that there’s another book in the series while also sad that there’s just three books in this series. I really hope the author has more up her sleeve in the Noctis Magicae world! Just can’t get enough of Gray, Sophie, their friends and loved ones and and alternative UK where most people are magically inclined!

The Heiress and the Hothead

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and what a wonderful story it was.
This is about Stephen and Amanda who are two people from different worlds and by pure chance and mistaken identity, exchange a passionate kiss under the mistletoe upon meeting each other.
Stephen is a younger English son who came from money but never felt he fit in and passionately writes about campaigning for the poor and children who are working in dangerous conditions in some of the mills and Stephen hopes to change that.
Amanda is an American Heiress from America who came to see her brother for the holidays in England and talk to other mill owners. She’s fiercely independent, trying to make a success of her mills in Pennsylvania, not interested in potential suitors and is anxious to return home after the holidays.
When these two get together, sparks fly in more than one way. Somehow Stephen manages to get Amanda under mistletoe throughout the house which leads to quite a bit of kissing.

Amanda finds herself drawn to Stephen but doesn’t entirely trust him after he agrees to show her some behind the scenes of life at the mill and tries to shock her by introducing her to one of the poor families who work at the mill. She soon shows Stephen that she’s not like one of the many bad mill owners, is appalled by some of the conditions people have to work in, particularly the really young children and genuinely cares about those who work for her. Stephen soon realizes that he made a mistake in judging her so harshly and does his best to make it up to her. Despite trying to fight his growing attraction to Amanda, he soon realizes that he’s fallen head over heels for her. When Amanda admits her feelings and asks him to be with her, he admits that he isn’t ready to leave the work he’s done in England behind to live life with Amanda in Pennsylvania.

On Christmas Eve, as they are both trying to come to terms with possibly not seeing each other again, a fire breaks out at the mill and these two will be caught in a situation that will force them to realize that sometimes you have to follow the path to your heart, even when that path seems uncertain.

This novella was wonderful to read, I loved that it was a quick read though there was plenty of tension, a particularly steamy love scene and enjoyed the characters. It was nice to enjoy a quick read and yet feel like it’s a regular sized book. This was my first glimpse into Sindful Suitors series and I can’t wait to read more!

A Sinful Scottish Laird

Release Date: February 28th, 2017. Available for Pre-Order!

AmazonA

Barnes and Noble

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I had plans to wait until closer to the release date of this ARC which is the end of February but I just couldn’t resist reading ahead of time. After reading about Arran and Margot Mackenzie’s story, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on reading about a grown up Cailean who is their eldest son that will day be Laird of the Mackenzies and take up residence at Balhaire and has remained a bachelor, much to his mother’s annoyance.

Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick is a young widow and mother who has come to Auchenard which is in the Scottish Highlands with her Uncle Alfonso, her eight year old son Ellis, and her cousin Belinda from London to await hearing from who she believes in her long lost love, Captain Spivey. She loved him before her marriage, he sent a letter saying that he would be coming to London, and could very well save her from fortune hunters who have learned of her interesting situation. To get away from those fortune hunters, she decides to show Ellis a bit of his inheritance and also to take a break from the chaos of London.

Her interesting situation is that her husband put an edict in his will just before he died that Daisy must marry before three years are up after his death or Ellis will lose his fortune and Daisy is determined to save her son’s fortune and she hopes that Spivey could be that man.

Just before they read Auchenard, they temporarily have a break down and Cailean comes riding in, offering assistance. At first their hired coach mistakes Cailean and his crew as highwaymen and that gets sorted out. Daisy finds herself drawn to him in a way she hasn’t with any other man but manages to keep her cool and sends him on his way.

Once they arrive at Auchenard, they are shocked by the state of it which has fallen into disrepair mostly due a caretaker caring more about drinking than looking after what is essentially a large hunting lodge. It’s an adjustment for everyone to be at Auchenard and takes a lot of hard work as well as money to be livable but everyone rallies together and makes it work.

Daisy has lived a life of privilege but she also had no say in being married to the late Viscount Chatwick. She did eventually have affection for the man and his death was hard on her but finding out his edict was even harder. She wants to do right by her son but she also doesn’t want to have to choose someone that will only want to marry her because of the fortune that her son will one day take over. She’s smart, funny, loves to flirt and loves her family dearly. Daisy will not take this next chapter of her life lying down and falling for Cailean came as a big shock to her. Daisy is more than well matched for Cailean but it’s also complicated because she wants to follow her heart and yet do what’s best for Ellis.

Cailean is funny, smart, very responsible, loves his family and shies away from getting involved with those outside his clan, especially women because he was hurt as a young man. He just wants to do what is needed of him and take care of the people that will one day look to him for guidance. Fate isn’t quite ready to let him go without a fight and will soon show him that sometimes taking a leap of faith can lead to amazing opportunities.

I loved reading the scenes between Cailean and Ellis who get along so well. Cailean helps Ellis to come out of his shy shell and into being a regular young boy who needs guidance but also a friend. He doesn’t dismiss the boy or order him around like others have and that makes a big impression on Ellis. It was a very touching scene to read when Cailean gives Ellis his own plaid and sporran!

As Daisy and Cailean find themselves running into each other as they are neighbors, it becomes harder to resist the attraction they feel for each other. There were several steamy scenes that certainly mentions just how much stamina a Scotsman can have and feelings more than just a flirtation develop though they both try to fight it.

Much as these two should be together in my personal opinion, it’s easier said than done as they both have responsibilities and tensions are high as it’s the early 1740’s when the Jacobites are rallying and it’s a very dangerous time.

When something is meant to be though, it will find a way to happen and I really do think these two are amazing people that just need some nudging to realize how right they are together.

Full of humor, the power of love, steamy scenes, adventure and believing in the unexpected, it was well worth the wait of getting to reading this book earlier than its publication. I can’t wait to read more about the Mackenzie clan and be immersed in the Scottish Highlands!

So that concludes my bookish ramblings for the last three books that I’ve inhaled. I’m really enjoying this extra time I’ve had to read and excited at the thought of actually reaching my goal of reading eighty books this year! There’s so many new books coming out that I can’t wait to get my hands on as well as a small stack of library books and my own that I already own. I get easily distracted by other books and can’t seem to help myself. This Tuesday I am going to my local Barnes and Noble to look at new releases with my boyfriend and will probably bring home even more books. I have a small stack being sent to me that I ordered online, a pre-order of a book that will hopefully be in my hands by the end of this week and can’t wait to read more ARCs. My boyfriend jokingly called me a Rogue Librarian as I love being surrounded by books and sharing that love but alas don’t have the degree to be an actual Librarian. Maybe some day I can be and if not, I’ll continue enjoying writing about books I’ve read and squealing with joy every time I’m given a chance to read an ARC or new release.

Thank you so much for continuing to tune in and I’m so glad to be able to share my take on books with you. Feel free to follow me on Facebook , friend me on Instagram , or find me on Goodreads . May you never be without a book, booklight or e-reader! I will be back soon with more bookish ramblings and hope you’ll stop back!

Slainte

~Meg

Triple Reviews, Contest Winner and Bookish Ramblings, Oh My!

Good evening,

I’ve been trying to read quicker while also working at getting my tbr pile down a bit that I haven’t had much time to post about my recent views on a few books as well as working my regular job. I did post on GoodReads but it was a quick one because I prefer to be more in depth on my blog. Before I go ahead with the double post, I would like to mention some things. Recently I have been very fortunate to receive two paper advanced reading copies (arcs) which have made my inner bookworm happy and brought happy tears to my eyes. Reading books is something that I’ve enjoyed since I was a little girl and only recently in the last few years have I considered writing reviews and hoping to  be given a chance at receiving advanced reading copies. My first arc was from a GoodReads contest called Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey which was a great book by the way and highly recommended. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to stumble across NetGalley where they have given a newbie book blogger (me) a chance to review digital arcs when I struggled to be given the chance to show just much I’d like to be a blogger and get paid in books. I can add being a beta reader for a very talented author to my list of people also giving me a chance and many others.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided on a whim to try to get a paper copy of a book called Intuitives by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown. I nearly did a happy dance when I received the email about being approved for a physical arc copy which just happens to be near me right now. Then I also found out that I was to receive an arc of The Highland Duke by Amy Jarecki which I just received in the mail today and am a little stunned. I can’t accurately put into words how much it means to me that these authors are allowing me this amazing chance to have a physical copy of a project that they have likely worked on for years and I just wanted to say how grateful and touched  I am as a lover of books and fairly new book blogger. I hope that some day I may be given the chance by more authors to review their books whether digitally or paper though I know only so many can be given out and may some day I will be able to say that my second job literally pays me in books. Not that it would actually be a job though but a dream come true. So thank you again to those that have taken a leap of faith with me and for those that may in the future.

I held a contest back in regards to the Winner Takes All Series by Kate Noble with the chance for a participant to win all three books in the series. Time got away from me especially the the holidays, taking on a second job for a season, attempting to squeeze in reading time and well other curve balls that life sometimes throws. Now that my seasonal job is over with, I can get back to my regular schedule and have contacted the winner before posting this blog who is Danielle Clemmerson! She was very happy to receive the news and had them delivered safely to her hands yesterday! Congratulations to her and may the books be enjoyable. Thank you so much to everyone that participated and I hope that if I’m lucky to hold a giveaway again, you’ll tune in. So now it’s on to the reviews and if you’ve read this far, thanks for hanging in there and taking a moment to check out my blog, it’s very much appreciated!

A Review of Where The Wild Things Bite by Molly Harper

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

I know that every time I read a book by Molly, I know I’m in for a hilarious treat. I love her books which all have humor and usually some supernatural character tossed in and wait eagerly for her to release books when I find out there’s more on the way.
This particular story was a joy to read especially since the main character is a bookworm who specializes in rare book collections which is something that fascinates me though alas I don’t work in that field but I’m glad I was able to get a glimpse into life as a rare book expert. Well apart from the supernatural aspect and having to jump from a plane.

Anna just wants to safety deliver a special book to Jane in Half Moon Hollow and return to her quiet life in Virginia where she doesn’t have to deal with people other than her best friend and stay in her own germaphobic bubble. She also finds it easier to avoid her overbearing Mother especially since they live apart in different states which is better for her sanity. Life and a determined group of shifters after the special book have other ideas about her fear of lots of people, weird situations and germs.
In the space of twenty four hours she finds herself dealing with a crazy pilot, being forcefully carried out of a plane still in the air with just her purse with the special book, sky diving out of a plane about to crash by a vampire named Finn and being in the wilderness of Kentucky with no clue how to get to civilization. It’s enough to make a regular woman go mad, let alone someone who makes it a point to follow a certain schedule and expecting the worst though she certainly wasn’t expecting this kind of worse case scenario.
Over the next five days, Anna learns to toughen up, speak her mind, somewhat defend herself including shoving her finger into a chimera’s eye and realize that maybe staying in her germaphobic bubble isn’t quite where she wants to be. Sometimes when you’re at your lowest is when you realize just what you’re capable of and if you’re lucky enough, prove to the naysayers how wrong they were to doubt. 

I think Anna and I would get along great at least in the sense of talking about books and hopefully getting a chance to check out her rare books collection. She’s very smart, not afraid to speak her mind to Finn, generous, socially awkward and passionate about her love of reading. She has had to deal with a lot of disappointment particularly in the last few years but thankfully with the help of her best friend, has managed to continue a career that involves her love of books though not in the way she had hoped. I’m so glad that she eventually gets her chance to kick the butt of the guy who hurt her and finds a common friend in Jane Jameson.

Finn is quite the mysterious vampire at times and it took me a bit to figure out his motives. He was turned back in the 1960’s after a deal that went wrong which involved some vampires and he’s been having to repay people that he owes since then. He rescues Anna from a plane that’s about to crash, nearly burns to a crisp when rescuing her from people who want the book that Anna carries, baffled that Anna doesn’t seem to be affected by his charm and yet is drawn to her at the same time. Finn has quite a few secrets that he’s reluctant to share, seems to not want to have dealings with Jane Jameson and one of them may just send Anna back to her germophobic bubble.
Full of adventure, laugh out loud scenes, a bit of steamy romance, the power of friendship with an interesting mix of vampires,  a large group of redneck shapeshifters and twists.

After reading this book, I’ve realized that I need to go back and read from the beginning of this particular series. I was able to follow along just fine in this book without reading from the beginning but I’m really curious about some of the characters mentioned and how they came to Half Moon Hollow. Also, I’d like to go back and read about Jenna Jameson as I can only remember reading the first book. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book and to find out what else is in store for the Half Moon Hollow Residents!

A Review of A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

I haven’t read a lot of adventure/mysteries over the years which is a shame but I’m glad to have read this book which has been a fascinating mixture of mystery, humor, adventure, a very smart and feisty heroine, a grumpy but caring hero and lots of surprises.

Veronica Speedwell hasn’t stayed in one spot for very long since she was a little girl. Raised by two eccentric Aunts who rescued her from an orphanage, she’s moved with them all over England and seen much of the world. When she became an adult, she chose to become a butterfly hunter, dallied with men in certain areas of the globe and generally led a fairly independent life, coming back to England to see her two spinster Aunts. She comes back to England to nurse one of her beloved Aunts and then just a short time later, returns again to help remaining Aunt who had a fit of apoplexy and then passes away.

Most women would probably decide to settle down and live a quiet life but Veronica has other ideas. Choosing to ignore the offer of becoming a wife and mother to six unruly children that came from the nosy vicar’s wife the day Veronica buries her Aunt, she heads home to grab her single valise and has plans to go on another adventure. She interrupts what she thinks is a thief trying to steal something from her temporary home and is rescued by an engaging German Baron who seems to know a bit about her and who her mysterious parents were. Compelled to ride with him to London as she was going that way anyways, she hopes to learn at least about her mother and curious about the secrecy.

Convinced to spend the evening in the company of a bad-tempered historian named Stoker who owes the Baron a favor, he leaves on an errand with promises to reveal a number of things in time. Alas, Veronica’s parentage is not to be so easily found out.

Stoker finds himself watching over Veronica for longer than a night when his friend and Mentor is sadly found dead less than two days later. Fate is about to toss Stoker and Veronica a curve ball that could very well change the way of life for a number of different people and give insight into the mysterious beginnings of Veronica, that is if they could figure out who is trying to keep them quiet.
These two unlikely people are tossed together in a plot that will leave them reeling, scrambling to stay safe in a number of interesting places including pretending to be a married couple in a Circus and wondering who to trust.

I adore Veronica who is constantly full of surprises, very smart, practical, adventure- seeking and strong with touches of vulnerability as most people are. Traveling since she was a child has certainly given her an open-minded view on a number of different things. She’s not afraid to go toe to toe with Stoker even when he’s in more of a bad mood than usual and is certainly no timid young woman. She’s very funny too and quick to speak her mind. In a sense, she reminds me of a female Sherlock Holmes with a unique twist.

Stoker is full of surprises, including what his full name really is, smart, often bad tempered, a gentleman, full of secrets and protective. He’s not quite sure what to make of Veronica at times especially that she’s quick to match him in wit and is driven to want to know who killed his friend. In the beginning he is very short tempered with Veronica but eventually softens a bit and soon realizes that he’s rather fond of Veronica despite some of her outlandish views. The poor guy has been through a lot especially in the last decade and it’s changed him a lot from the man that he used to be. Stoker was once a renowned physician until a scandal arose after an expedition he led out of the country and cut ties with most of the people that he knew as a result. He’s for sure a guy that you’d want at your side, that is if you don’t mind his grumpiness.

I laughed my way through most of the book  especially with the commentary between Veronica and Stoker and was on the edge of my seat for the last half, wanting to know how things would turn out with the ending leaving me rather shocked. It’s amazing what two people can accomplish when they have a mind to do something and that sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.

I can’t wait to read more about Stoker and Veronica and so glad the next book has been recently released. I highly recommend this book even if you’re like me and don’t usually read mysteries. You may change your mind after you close the book!

A Review of Bookishly Ever After by Isabel Bandeira

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

I received this book in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to first say wow!
I was so excited to get my hands on this book and I couldn’t put this book down until I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Yes, it was just that good!

Phoebe is a high school Junior who is more comfortable with her nose stuck in a book, shooting a bow, playing a flute, knitting or teaching others to knit at a local knitting shop than trying to be a social butterfly or attempt to date. She’s like a mini me when I was in high school minus the knitting! She’s such a devoted bookworm and I love that she’s so much into books including rereading certain books especially when there’s another release in a series or just for the fun of it, visiting bookstores for fun, going to author signings, dressing up as favorite bookish characters and her love of shooting a bow actually came from a book character.

Her best friend Em  who doesn’t care for books, is passionate about being an actress, enjoys being around Phoebe despite her tendency to bring a book everywhere she goes (that’s what I do!) and loves playing matchmaker decides to try to get Phoebe together with Dev who has always been just a friend. Em is well meaning but things don’t go quite as planned which is often the case when trying to get two people together who are both on the shy side.

Phoebe is very reluctant at first because she has never attempted to try to date someone, is more interested in a jock who doesn’t even seem to know she exists and mostly just wants to tackle her to be read list pile which seems to be growing in leaps and bounds.

Dev is an easy going guy who loves acting, hanging out with friends, is very smart, occasionally teases Phoebe about her books, is rather cute, a fellow band member, an interesting sense of humor and seems to have always just been around. There is more to Dev than meets the eye, including having family from India where his Uncle asks him to briefly be a part of a Bollywood movie and he’s full of surprises. I think Dev has been crushing on Phoebe for a while but has been hesitant to speak up because he’s not sure how she feels.

When Phoebe decides to attempt to get Dev’s notice after Em’s nudging, she decides to take notes from some of her favorite book characters. She’s not sure how to react when Dev seems to want to hang around more including bringing her food while she waits in line to get her book and bow signed by one of her favorite authors, invites her out to eat with some of his other friends, gets her to take part in a flash mob dance just before homecoming and even asks if she’ll knit him something by asking of he’s “Knit- Worthy”. Just as she’s starting to wonder if maybe Dev and her could be more than friends, something happens that causes Phoebe to shy away and she retreats back into her world of books and knitting.

Phoebe will soon see that sometimes taking cues from fictional books doesn’t always go as planned, the importance of taking a leap of faith, the amazing power of supportive friends, not jumping to conclusions and realizing that sometimes the best person to be is just yourself. What ensues turns out a lot more different than she’d planned and she starts see that it will take more than book advice to figure things out about herself and if Dev may be the person who’s been right for her all along.

Phoebe and Dev really are quite the interesting pair though both seem reluctant to come right out and admit their feelings which makes sense considering they’ve been friends for a long time and both are at an interesting point in their lives. I love how Dev isn’t bothered by Phoebe’s love of reading despite his teasing and genuinely wants to get to know her. He even asks Phoebe for book recommendations, texts her during a Thanksgiving and is very happy to receive Phoebe’s interesting knitting gift.

Just when it seems as though these two are about to go their separate ways, they are tossed together to help mentor elementary kids for a week at a camp as co counselors and Phoebe wonders if she was to hasty in her decision about Dev. Fate seems to be determined to find a way for these two unlikely people to get over their shyness and be honest, even if the outcome may not be what they had hoped for.

Full of humor, adventures with books involved, the power of believing in yourself, friendship, and taking a leap of faith. I’m so glad the ending turned out as it did and hopefully I’ll read more about Phoebe in the future and just may add even more books to my current to be read list pile!

So that concludes my triple review post and my bookish ramblings. I am over halfway done with the current book I’m reading and have lots of other books on my list so there will be more posts coming up soon. I’m really looking forward to tackling my goal of reading eighty books, reading books by authors that I already know and getting to know new ones. There’s so many books being released this year that I can’t wait to get my hands on and the new bookish adventures I shall go on.

Thank you once again for tuning in and I hope you’ve enjoyed this post despite it being much longer than usual. Your support means a lot to me and I hope that I’ve added a bit to your own TBR list. Reading is such a wonderful thing and can take you on endless adventures usually from the comfort of your favorite chair. May books bring you comfort during good times and bad and grow your love of reading or be inspired to pick up a book. If you’re not a fan of reading, that’s okay too and know that you’re still among friends. I’ll be back soon.

Slainte

~Meg