HISTORICAL HEROINE QUIZ By authors Grace Burrowes, Shana Galen & Katie MacAlister

Authors Grace Burrowes, Katie MacAlister, and Shana Galen would love to invite you to take part in their historical romance quiz. Below is the quiz written by the authors which asks you if you are royalty, an operative, or a member of a retinue.

Quiz: Which Type of Historical Romance Heroine Are You?

#1 What word best describes you?

a) effervescent
b) nonconfrontational (mostly)
c) stealthy

#2 My favorite hobby is ...

a) comparative study of the male form
b) looking after my darling baron
c) target practice

#3 What is the perfect late night snack?

a) bread, cheese, meats, lemon tarts … whatever can be liberated from the kitchen
b) the baron's kisses
c) ratafia, shaken not stirred.

#4 My ideal man must have ...

a) a sublime derriere
b) an aptitude for growing hardy, contrary flowers
c) brains

#5 What accessory do you never leave home without?

a) my corset (large bosoms are such a trial)
b) my composure
c) my pistol

***

If you choose mostly As ...
then you are as sparkling and resourceful as Her Serene Royal Highness Dagmar from The Truth About Leo by Katie MacAlister. Dagmar may have been raised in a strictly formal manner, but she’s never let that stop her from pursuing anything that catches her interest. She’s a bit quirky, marches to her own drummer, and has a fine, fine appreciation of the manly form.

If you choose mostly Bs …

then you are clearly the stuff a baroness is made of, much like Millicent, from The Traitor. Milly is sweet, fierce, determined, and brave but slow to trust. Sebastian, Baron St. Clair, is ALSO sweet, fierce, determined and brave, and relentless when it comes to protecting those he cares for. Alas for both Sebastian and Milly, an enemy stalks them who is not sweet. By the time Milly is done with Sebastian's enemies, they are not very brave either. So if you chose mostly B's, the bad guys better steer mighty clear of you!

If you choose mostly Cs …
then you are equipped to be a master spy like Jane Bonde from Love and Let Spy by Shana Galen. Jane is smart, cunning, and loyal, but she has her weaknesses too. Her latest weakness goes by the name Dominic Griffyn. Planning a wedding and defeating a villain intent upon the destruction of England is tricky, but if you're the sort who multitasks easily, then you too have Jane's unique skills and panache.

Rafflecopter Giveaway Contest:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f18/"

  

The Traitor by Grace Burrowes

This book is the 2nd book in this series, the first one was The Captive and this story follows on from that, and is about Sebastian St Clair otherwise known as Robert Girard - one of the supposed villains in the last book.  Sebastian  was abandoned in France when he was a boy, despite being an heir to an English Barony, he had to make impossible decisions to survive in the French army. When he returns to England he is known as the Traitor Baron and old enemies keep challenging him to duels to fight for his honour. Sebastian does not think that he will live till his old age as he is asked for numerous duels, so he tries not to accompany his aunt or Millicent very much as he is afraid that they will be hurt because they are associated to him.

Millicent Danforth is a companion to Lady Frederica, Baroness St Clair, the Traitor Barons aunt.  She escaped her life to become a companion because she wanted to get away from her cousins and Lady Frederica had given her a life line and taken her in as her employ.

The story then goes on to tell you about Sebastian's past and what he has had to endure and his and Millicent's feelings towards each other as they grow. There are twist and turns to this story, some I never even guessed about, all in all I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series as it flows from one book to the next giving you more insight  and depth into the characters that you met in The Captive. I thought I would hate Sebastian but I ended up loving his character,  it is a well thought out way to make him a hero.

Book Information

Title: The Traitor

Author: Grace Burrowes

Release Date: August 5, 2014

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: Historical Romance

ISBN: 97881402294990

Summary:

As a young boy, British-born Sebastian St. Clair was abandoned in France and forced to join the French army to survive. Now that the war is over, he has returned to his beloved England and is determined to live a quiet life as a country gentleman. He's struggling to make that wish come true when he falls for his elderly aunt's practical and unpretentious companion, Miss Millicent Danforth. But an old enemy threatens this new love, and plots to destroy everything Sebastian holds dear. Sebastian will have to use all of his wits if he's to hang on to his life, his honour...and Milly's love.

Buy Links:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1lG265E

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1prqVny

iTunes - http://bit.ly/1npkv6m

Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes' bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish and Lady Eve's Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

Social Media Links

Website: http://graceburrowes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Burrowes/115039058572197

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceBurrowes

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4152482.Grace_Burrowes

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY  https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c2363f18/

No Strings Attached by Susan Andersen

I give this book 5 stars

This story is about white hot chemistry, supposed betrayal, second chances and love that can conquer all. I recommend this as one of my 'Must Reads'.

Seven years ago, Tasha is on holiday on the Andros Island in the Bahamas where she meets Diego and the chemistry between them is on the hottest side of hot, so she decides to blow caution to the wind and have a holiday fling with this man. On the day Tasha is supposed to leave for Nassau, Diego asks her to stay another night with him and she says yes. Just has Diego has asked her to stay, he is called away by his boss who wants to extract him from the island because he has heard rumours that someone is out to kill Luc so he sends him on another mission as Diego (aka Luc Bradshaw) is an undercover Drugs Enforcement Agent. 

Just after Diego as left the hut that he is sharing with Tasha, the police turn up and find a bag of drugs there and arrest Tasha for possession of this and they throw her in jail for two days. She is unsure what is happening but there is only one answer Diego is a drug dealer and he left her to be charged with the possession of drugs. However, Luc thinks that Tasha has run out on him because his boss told him that when he went to extract her, that she had left.

Present day, Tasha is late again to her friends BBQ because she has had to fire her chef because he had been helping himself to her wine and had been drunk at work and he tried to blame Jeremy the young man that Tasha employed from the 'Cedar Village' which is a home for troubled boys that are trying to put their lives back together, and she had to put things right at Bella T's before she left and that is why she is late, so lets herself into Max's house and goes out to the back, only to come face to face with the devil himself Diego (aka Luc). Luc is the newly discovered brother of Max and Jake, who are Tasha's best friends partners. The story then goes on to show how both Tasha and Luc have to learn to trust each other again. Tasha fights her attraction to Luc because she does not believe in love but Luc tries to win her around as he knows that she is the one he wants.

This is a good summer read. Enjoy.

About this author

I grew up in a household with two brothers, a daddy, and my grandfather. Too many men, in other words. They diluted M'ma's influence by diverting my attention to things like the danger of answering nature's call in the dead of the night. I've got a hint for those of you raised in a less spit-and-scratch world: check before you sit, because chances are that seat is gonna be up. And they don't even have the grace to be embarrassed about it. According to my sweet baby boy, if you're the minority sex in the household, you oughtta be putting it up for them. Sigh.

Having brothers was a mixed bag. When anybody messed with me they were always quick with an offer to beat them up. That was sorta nice, although I personally believe it had more to do with the fact that guys just like to fight than with any towering concern for my welfare. You might think that's cynical but guess who the target was if no one else was around and they were tired of fighting each other? I must've spent half my childhood locked in the bathroom, screaming, "Dad's gonna get you when he gets home." I know, I know, nobody likes a stoolie. But it was either that or have my block knocked off on a regular basis, and trust me, Daddy was the best deterrent going.

A smart woman probably would've gone away to an all-girl school or moved in with some girlfriends at the first opportunity. Me, I got married to my high school sweetie. And the tradition continues. Our only kid (who hasn't been a kid for quite some time now) is the aforementioned sweet baby boy, and except for an Irish setter we had for eleven years a long time ago, even our pets have all been male. I just try to stay afloat whenever I find myself in the deep end of the testosterone pool, and if you don't think that isn't a trial sometimes, I'm here to tell you- it can be hell.

Then again, it can also be heaven. In fact, it mostly is. But listen, don't tell my guys I 'fessed up to that, okay? Trust me, it's difficult enough already, just trying to stay one step ahead of the game.

Social Networking Links

Website -http://susanandersen.com/
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/SusanAndersenFanPage
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/susan_andersen

Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan

I give this book 5 stars

I got this book last week for reviewing from the author Sarah Morgan, it felt strange be
cause I have not read a paperback book for awhile now, as I generally read on my kindle but I thoroughly enjoyed the feel for a change and the book was an an exceptional read too.

The story is about Snow Crystal Resort in Vermont and the family that run it. The story starts with commitment phobic Sean getting called back home because his grandfather has collapsed, in the O'Neil family they generally all stick together when there is a crisis. Sean is feeling guilty because he feels he has let his family down in the past because he has put his job before them, when they needed him the most. Then there is Elise the French chef that works and lives at the resort, she has secrets that only Jackson(Sean's brother) knows and she loves the O'Neil family as if they are her own because Jackson saved her. She also had a one night fling with Sean the summer before and Elise only ever has one night stands due to her past history but she can not stop her attraction to Sean. Walter (Sean's grandfather) was with Elise when he collapsed and she feels responsible as he was repairing the deck on her dream to help the resort. The story then flows to how Sean stays at the resort and helps to repair the decking for Elise as he can not stop his attraction to her either, rifts are discussed and a beautiful story unfolds.

I found this novel very well written, the story flows fluently and is very entertaining, fabulous characters and a great love story. I definitely recommend this book as one of my 'must reads'. I am now going to buy the first book in this series as I want to know the other characters story.

About Sarah

USA Today best selling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She has been nominated four years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and has won the award twice, in 2012 and 2013. She also won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their 'Top Pick' slot.

Sarah lives near London, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying.

Social Networking Links

Website - http://sarahmorgan.com/
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahMorgan
Twitter - www.twitter.com/@sarahmorgan_
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/45898.Sarah_Morgan?from_search=true

Single Man Meets Single Mom by Jules Bennett

I give this book 4 stars

This story is about a woman falling straight from the sky into the arms of a Hollywood agent and bang - instant attraction. Cassie Barrington is a horse trainer, single mum and a divorcee. Ian Schaffer is the Hollywood agent that has come to her fathers horse farm to help his client who is filming Cassie's mum and dad's love story for the big screen. Ian grew up in a family that was demanding and their was no love between his parents, Cassie's family had love unbound and was always supportive. 

It is a lovely story line that shows a country girl and a high flyer falling in love even though they have both suffered in the past, Cassie because of her ex husband and Ian because of his parents. The story keeps you wishing and hoping that these two would hopefully get their 'Happy Ever After' in the end.

About Jules
American romance author, Jules Bennett, has been touching the hearts of thousands of readers since 2005. A former beauty salon owner, Jules juggled the demands of owning her own business, raising two small children and attempting to get home in time to cook her husband (also her high school sweetheart) dinner all while plotting the next scene in her head.
After twelve years of juggling the roles of beautician, wife, mother and romance writer, on very little sleep; Jules decided to hang up her shears and turn her part-time, late-night craving into her full-time passion.
Since beginning her writing career, Jules has had the pleasure of writing for The Wild Rose Press, Samhain Publishing, Berkley Publishing, and currently writes for Harlequin Desire.



Social Networking Links
Website - http://julesbennett.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jules.bennett.16
Twitter - http://twitter.com/JulesBennett

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1089938.Jules_Bennett

www.julesbennett.com

Barefoot In White by Roxanne St Claire

I give this book 5 stars

Barefoot in White is a beautiful story of love, loss and secrets.The story is about Willow Ambrose (Willie Ambrosia Zatarian - daughter of Donny - a rock star and Ona - a famous model and designer)and Nick (Kiss) Hershey a Navy SEAL on medical leave after a mission that went wrong. Willow is a wedding co-ordinator in Barefoot Bay and this is how she met Nick (for a second chance) who is supposedly the Man of Honour at the 'wedding' of his friends sister as her brother can not make it do to the honour, as he is on active duty!.

Willow and Nick did met in college but Nick does not initially recognise Willow because she is now slender and when she was at college she use to have a weight problem due to over eating to help with her sadness because of her treatment by her mother. Nick feels instant attraction to Willow, even though he feels that they have met before so he asks her out, and then 'bride' Misty turns up and lets slip who Willow really is and that how Willow and Nick's relationship starts. The story then goes on to show you how you have to learn to forgive and trust to be able to live again. I definitely recommend this book if you like a book about forgiveness and hope.

About this author

Roxanne St. Claire is a bestselling author of nearly thirty novels of romance and suspense. A six-time nominee and one time winner of the prestigious RITA Award for outstanding romantic fiction, her books have also won the National Reader’s Choice Award for best romantic suspense for two consecutive years, as well as the Daphne du Maurier Award, the HOLT Medallion, the Maggie, Booksellers Best, Book Buyers Best, five Awards of Excellence, the Aspen Gold and many others

Prior to launching a full time career as a novelist in 2003, Roxanne spent most of her professional life as a marketing executive and public relations consultant. She is a graduate of UCLA, an active member of several national writing organizations, and a lecturer on a wide range of writing-related topics. She lives in Satellite Beach, Florida with her husband and their two teenagers, and if you know her, you call her Rocki.

Social Networking Links

Website - http://www.roxannestclaire.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/roxannestclaire
Twitter - https://twitter.com/roxannestclaire
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/97088.Roxanne_St_Claire?from_search=true

Undeniable Demands by Andrea Laurence

 

I GIVE THIS BOOK 5 STARS

Undeniable Demands is a story about a foster family,and in that family some members are hiding a major secret, a wronged employee, a Christmas tree farm and undeniable attraction. This story is about Wade and Tori, who have a history, Tori used to work for Wade and he fired her for something that she did not do. The story starts with Wade just about to go on holiday to Jamaica and he finds out that his foster parents have sold a piece of land and he wants to buy it back in order to protect his siblings. So Wade returns home to approach the owner only to find out that she is his ex-employee so when he steps on her land asking to buy it from her - she aims her shotgun at him and tells him to leave. The story then proceeds and you see these two main characters falling for each other even though there is mistrust on Tori's part. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can not wait for the next instalment in the lives of the Eden clan plus I can not wait for the secret to be uncovered.

Author Biography

Andrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her boyfriend and their collection of animals including a Siberian Husky that sheds like nobody's business.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://andrealaurence.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAndreaLaurence
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Andrea_Laurence
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398672.Andrea_Laurence

It's In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis

I give this book 5 stars

As some of you know I am an avid Jill Shalvis fan and what can I say - she has done it again. Becca Thorpe is a woman who is running away from her past and lands in Lucky Harbor to regroup. It is on the beach, on her arrival that she meets Sam Brody, the local boat builder and she feels the attraction to him straight away. Becca applies for a job working for Sam and his two partners, however, Sam does not want her to work for him as he knows that he is also attracted to her and he does not mix business and pleasure. So he gives her an ultimatum - him or the job. The story then goes on to tell you why Becca left the city and ended up in Lucky Harbor  and it goes on to show you how things that you may think is unrepairable - can be repaired as she learns to trust others and herself.  

Lucky Harbor is a place that does not exist but the way Jill tells her story, you can imagine yourself living there, among all the great characters- I would love to meet Lucille as I think that I would love to be like her when I am older. I can not wait for the next look into Lucky Harbor.

Social Networking Links 

Website - http://jillshalvis.com/
Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/JillShalvis
Twitter -https://twitter.com/JillShalvis/

MEATLESS ALL DAY by Dina Cheney

I know my blog is supposed to be about romance novels but some times I need to let you know what else is good out there.

 Sorry but I love meat and I thought that this book would not be of benefit to me but these recipes just made my mouth water. I have a friend who is a vegetarian and I can not wait to do some of these for her and the rest of my family. The recipes are colourful and look extremely tasty. I will now look for more books by Dina, keep up the good work.

Facing the Music by Andrea Laurence

Well, what can I say - If you like your books not far fetched and one that could be a true life story then - THIS BOOK IS A MUST BUY. I have not read anything by this author before and I am sorry its taken me this long to find her. The story is about a rock star (with a bad press), a retired football star, childhood love, enemies and second chances. The great mix of nice and nasty characters all gel well together in this book and make it what it is - which is a fabulous read. I can not wait for the next Rosewood series book which is out in Spring 2015, and I am wondering which of the characters they will be about as I think this will be a great series of books as the characters all need their stories told. 

I know I have said it before but I really could not put this book down, I read whenever I got a spare minute as it is a fantastic feel good love story, one where you are routing for the main characters to get their 'happy ever after', I am now waiting in anticipation for the next instalment. 

Summary

Five years ago, high school sweethearts Ivy and Blake’s relationship imploded and both their lives were changed forever. Ivy became a rock star and Blake lost not only his dreams of a successful NFL career, but his reputation. Ivy’s angry song about their breakup, called “Size Matters”; hit the top of the charts and Blake became a national laughingstock. He’s salvaged his career and returned to Rosewood to be the high school football coach, regaining his status as town hero and leading the boys to the state championships.

When a tornado whips through town and destroys the high school gymnasium and stadium, a committee is formed to help rebuild and plan some charity fundraisers. Blake’s grandmother requests that Ivy return to Rosewood for the events. Forced back together for the good of their hometown and their careers, Ivy and Blake have no choice but to put aside their differences, stop running from their pasts, and finally face the music.

Excerpt

God must be rewarding him for his patience. That had to be the answer. There was no other reason why he would trip over a scenario this sweet. Ivy was outside wearing nothing but a pair of bikini bottoms and a frown.

Blake killed the engine and slowly pulled his boat up to the dock. He tied it up, taking careful steps to secure his baby and make Ivy wait as long as humanly possible. From what he could see, she wasn’t going anywhere, even if she wanted to.

He climbed onto the dock and strolled causally over to the Hudson cabin with his hands thrust into his pockets. Taking his time, Blake soaked in every delicious detail, from Ivy’s irritated scowl to the full globes of her breasts pressed beneath her inadequate hands. He’d never been so jealous of a pair of hands in his life.

His jeans tightened uncomfortably as his inspection ran over her mostly bare body. He was frankly surprised by the reaction. Not because she wasn’t a beautiful and sexy woman—she was; that was a given—but because his dick had a deep, abiding hatred of Ivy. So did the rest of him, but it was his penis that had become the center of national attention for being woefully inadequate. At the moment, however, he had ample evidence to the contrary.

Pre-order Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/RSWFCR

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1thSDBN

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1lDKwcN

Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1jpY0vv

Author Biography

Andrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her boyfriend and their collection of animals including a Siberian Husky that sheds like nobody's business.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://andrealaurence.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAndreaLaurence

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Andrea_Laurence

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5398672.Andrea_Laurence

FINE COOKING CAKES AND CUPCAKES

Amazon UK Link

If you have a sweet tooth and don't worry about the calories, then this cookbook is for you.  Mouth watering pictures, easy to follow recipes and great 'How to Tips'.  I can not wait to start with recipe No.1 and work my way through.

BETRAYED BY REBECCA YORK

                                              

I give this book 4 stars.

This book is about a quiet girl, a tough hero, a brother and theft.  The story line is easy to follow and I would love it- if I was in trouble that I was stuck with this guy as he seems possible of achieving anything.

Book Information

BETRAYED

Author: Rebecca York

Release Date: July 1, 2014

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Summary

There is a spy in S&D systems who is leaking top-secret information that could lead to extreme disaster. It's up to Shane Gallagher to uncover the mole and set things right.

Systems analyst Elena Reyes had no intention of stealing company secrets until her brother's life was threatened by the cruelest of mobsters. When Elena finally confesses her deeds to Shane, he's ready to do everything he can to keep her out of danger. But will Shane's help be enough to protect them, or will his good intentions leave them all for dead?

Excerpt

Elena had never thought about seducIng a man. She wasn’t even sure of her moves. But she knew that Shane wanted her, even if he wasn’t prepared to admit it. She also knew he felt protective of her, which was probably part of the conflict he must be feeling.

Before he could come up with another objection, she cupped the back of his head with her hands and brought his face down as she raised her own head toward him.

She hadn’t been sure what would happen. Or perhaps she’d been afraid that he’d wrench himself away from her. But the danger must have affected his emotions as well as her own. When their lips met, it was as though someone had tossed a match into a pile of gasoline- soaked kindling. Invisible flames rose as heat flared between them.

She heard him growl her name and felt him gather her closer as he kissed her with purpose, running his hands up and down her back.

The heat coming off him made her dizzy. She should be afraid, but she kept kissing him, letting him feel all the passion that she’d held inside herself for so long.

Opening her lips, she invited him to explore her mouth, then did the same with him, absorbing his taste and the way the mouth-to-mouth contact sent shock waves to every part of her body.

“You know that you’re playing with fire?” he asked.

“I know what I want.”

“Then take off your clothes.”

Again, a dose of reality. Was she ready to get undressed in front of him? Or was she going to back away—the way he hoped she would.

She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of scaring her off. Not because she was trying to score any points, but because what she wanted hadn’t changed, even if he was trying to make her take a step back.

She did step back, but only a few feet. She kept her gaze on him as she reached for the hem of the T-shirt and pulled it over her head, then let it drop on the floor so that she stood before him naked to the waist…

Buy Links

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1fqHeqY

Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1rlPwaU

iTunes - http://bit.ly/1nGZOjH

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca York’s writing has been compared to that of Dick Francis, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Maggie Shayne. Her award-winning books have been translated into twenty-two languages and optioned for film. A recipient of the RWA Centennial Award, she lives in Maryland near Washington, DC, which is often the setting of her romantic suspense novels.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://rebeccayork.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8110.Rebecca_York

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-York/122426234846

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaYork43

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY     http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/07c23611/