Tall, Dark & Wicked by Madeline Hunter

I loved this story just as much as I loved the first book in the Wicked series. Madeline Hunter's plots are so intriguing with twists and turns that just keep the pages flying into the early hours of the morning. 

With her father charged with fraud against the Crown and imprisoned in Newgate, Padua seeks out the best barrister she can find, only to discover that he is not the old and gray-haired man she expected, but rather a very attractive rogue with a wicked gleam to his eyes - the sort of man who sends her pulse racing at a most inappropriate pace. Unfortunately, it turns out that he is also the man the Crown has asked to serve as prosecutor in the case. 

Ives is a man of principle. He never strays from duty or honor. Why then, is he suddenly acting out of character, engaging in spontaneous rendezvous with the daughter of a criminal and, worse yet, helping her save the man he is meant to condemn? Perhaps because there's just something about Padua Belvoire...something he has't been able to resist since she set foot in his study, tempting them both to embark on a passionate affair that could cost them everything they both hold dear: her father's freedom and his honor.

As clues begin to emerge, the unlikely pair embarks on a mission to find the truth behind Padua's father's conviction, but the more time they spend together, the more difficult parting will be once the trial begins. 
This is a beautifully written love story full of passion and a touch of adventure. Madeline Hunter is an exceptional author and since I cant wait to read more of her stories, I'm off to grab the third book in this delicious series: The Wicked Duke.

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Southern Writers Magazine - The Re-Write

A little over a month ago on March 1st, I was approached by the communications director for Southern Writers Magazine with an invitation to write a post for their blog. Always ready to grab a publicity opportunity that comes my way, I readily agreed to do it, and since it had just been decided a couple of days earlier that my most recent manuscript would have to be re-written, I even had a subject ready to go.
So if you're a writer who's facing a similar situation and you'd like to be assured that you're not alone, or if you're a reader/fan who would like a bit of insight into my writing experience, just head on over to Suite T and take a look at my post. And if you find it interesting, please take a second to share :)

The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne

This is the first book that I've read by this author and boy was it good! Kerrigan Byrne's skillful use of metaphor lifts the story off the page. Her characters are incredibly well-developed and real. I believe she's made it onto my auto buy list and I will definitely grabbing the next books in this delicious series!

Dorian Blackwell has survived a hellish existence and it has made him brutal and vengeful. There is no room in his life for love. In fact, he knows he is both incapable and unworthy of that particular emotion although a kind-hearted woman with golden hair soon tempts him in other more dangerous ways.

Farah Mackenzie leads a busy and somewhat monotonous life as Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley's employee at Scotland Yard. She doesn't expect to find her life threatened or to be abducted by England's most notorious villain and whisked off to his castle in the Highlands. As it turns out, the two have a common foe and the most expedient way for them to thwart this individual, is to marry. But Farah isn't about to agree to such an arrangement without any demands of her own. 

As desire threatens to consume them both and the past begins to catch up with the present, Dorian finds himself facing his worst fears and may perhaps discover that love can be his after all.

A great read that I found impossible to put down.

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The Scottish Duke by Karen Ranney

This plot captivated me from the very beginning. I absolutely LOVE a good Cinderella trope so this turned out to be the perfect read for me :)

Lorna Gordan is a servant at Blackhall Castle and she's been smitten by the dashing Duke of Kinross for years. She knows he's out of her reach, but wouldn't it be nice if he'd at least notice her for once? Dressed in an old gown and wig, she attends the costume ball that he's hosting. There, she finds herself engaged in a passionate tryst which goes completely awry when the duke finds out that he's bedded a virgin. This eventful evening will determine Lorna's future as she decides that the duke is not the man whom she thought him to be, and that she must make a new life for herself somewhere far away from his castle.

Alex Russell is convinced that Lorna was trying to entrap him. Why else would an innocent young woman lure him with sensual kisses and more? But when she vanishes from his life without a trace, he cannot seem to stop thinking about her or the insults that she threw his way when they parted. What he hadn't counted on was the possibility that he might have gotten her with child, so when news of her pregnancy reaches him, he sets out to find her, offering her a cottage on his estate so he can ensure her well-being. The only problem is that Lorna doesn't want anything from him and she certainly doesn't want him to take care of her.

Alex's inability to trust and Lorna's stubborn demand for independence, made this an interesting read. Throw in a villain for intrigue and you have a story that is well worth diving into. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 

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St. Patrick's Day Giveaway - Enter to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card

Put Up Your Duke by Megan Frampton

Another lovely offering from Megan Frampton!

Perfectly groomed Isabella has accepted the fact that she is to marry the Duke of Gage. It will be a typical society wedding in which she will gain an impressive title while her husband to be will have his debts settled. Love isn't up for consideration since such a sentiment won't be playing a part in the negotiations. But then the unthinkable happens! It is discovered that the Duke of Gage isn't really the Duke of Gage at all but that the title belongs to someone else - a man so devastatingly handsome that Isabella can barely take her eyes off of him.

Nicholas is unprepared to be a duke. He's also unprepared to give up his bachelor ways and inherit another man's fiancée - which is what he must do if he's to save the dukedom he just inherited from ruin and protect the tenants who now rely on him. Plus, whatever would the queen say if she found out that he'd turned down his birthright? As he begins looking forward to his wedding night, however, Nicholas discovers that his bride to be is not at all eager to share his bed - in fact, she's terrified. Determined to make her want him, he chooses to pull back, rather than rush ahead, leading to a sensual seduction that leaves them both breathless with increasing frequency. 

This was a wonderful story about a woman accustomed to a strict upbringing who finally breaks out of her shell and gains confidence through her husband's eagerness to discover who she really is beneath her perfect facade. It's a story of two people tossed together by circumstance and their growing appreciation and affection for each other as they face the ups and downs of high society. I found it to be extremely enjoyable and satisfying. A book that I would highly recommend!

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Valentine's Day Regency Romance Book Sweep

Today, I have a fun surprise that I’d like to share with you.

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I’ve teamed up with 45+ fantastic Regency romance authors to give away a huge collection of novels, PLUS a Kindle Fire to one lucky winner! 

You can win my novel His Scandalous Kiss, plus books from authors like Elizabeth Boyle and Mary Jo Putney.

Enter the giveaway by clicking here: bit.ly/regency-rom

Good luck, and enjoy!