Sweetest Scoundrel by Elizabeth Hoyt

I've enjoyed several of Hoyt's Maiden Lane novels so far, and although I know I haven't read them in order, it has quickly become one of my favorite romance series.
Sweetest Scoundrel offers so much of what I love about Hoyt's writing - a grittiness that sets it apart from most other romances as she dives fearlessly into a rougher way of London life during the early 1800's, exploring a difference between class and position that's wonderfully engaging.

Untitled Asa Makepeace, is the owner of Harte's Folly, a pleasure garden  with a theater that he has devoted himself to rebuilding with the help of his investor, the Duke of Montgomery. But Montgomery has traveled and left his sister in charge, and she insists on knowing how Asa is spending her brother's money - indeed, she demands to go over his books. To Asa's mind, she's stubborn and annoying, reserved and standoffish. He argues with her at every turn until gradually, he gets to know her, and discovers a kind a loving woman, imprisoned by her past, and takes it upon himself to try and set her free.

Eve Dinwoody, Montgomery's illegitimate sister, is shocked when her first meeting with Mr. Makepeace finds him keeping company with a nude opera singer. But, determined to know how he's spending her brother's money or cut him off, she stands her ground. Burdened by terrible memories that make her terrified of dogs and men, she shields herself behind a hard exterior, accompanied always by her loyal footman who has sworn to keep her safe from harm. But as she becomes better acquainted with Asa, temptation sneaks in. He is unlike any man she has ever met before. But can she overcome her fears and pursue the love she desires when threats begin to target the theater and she finds her life in danger?

This novel offered wonderful character growth, an intriguing story between a working class scoundrel and a lady, that I found both refreshing and authentic. I cannot wait to grab another Maiden Lane novel to enjoy.

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Visit Elizabeth Hoyt online.

The Spinster's Guide to Scandalous Behavior by Jennifer McQuiston

If you've always longed to visit the moors and coastal landscape of southern England, this novel paints a perfect picture of the wind-blown cliffs, of broad expanses of heather filling the vista, and of birds nesting upon the ragged rocks. Set primarily against the backdrop of a small rundown fishing village, McQuiston has created a sweeping scenery, so vivid that I felt as though I was walking along the path to Heathmore cottage myself - a two bedroom, dilapidated home that is at the center of this romance. 

When unconventional Lucy Westmore inherits the property from her recently deceased spinster aunt, only to discover that her father has sold it on her behalf to the Marquess of Branston, Lucy  is livid. And rightly so. After all, she is of age and so, the decision to sell the property ought to be hers. But her parents don't see it that way. Her father thinks she should take the money with a thank you and a smile, while her mother is desperate for her to have the Season that she's already waited much too long for - no time for cottages.
But Lucy has other plans. Rash and determined, she takes off for Cornwall on her own, only to discover that the only person willing to help her in her mad endeavor, is the very man whom she wishes to thwart. Because there is no way on earth that she is letting the marquess have her cottage. She will fight tooth and nail for it if she has to, even as she finds herself succumbing to his charms.

This was a delightful read. The feud between Lucy and Branston was vastly entertaining. Uncovering the secret value of the property and the truth regarding Branston's sister also kept the pages turning fast. There was passion  and humor in spades, not to mention a love as expansive as the moors themselves. A wonderful story that I would highly recommended!

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Visit Jennifer McQuiston online

Romantic relaxation on Netflix and Amazon Prime

I've recently found myself with a bit more spare time on my hands than usual, and decided to take advantage by looking for movies that I could just allow myself to sink right into, just as I would with a Julia Quinn novel :) Well, imagine how pleased I was by the recent updates on both Netflix and Amazon Prime. I know that many of you have probably seen Kate and Leopold years ago when it first came out, but I hadn't, so when I spotted it on Netflix, it was instantly added to my 'watch with immediate haste' list. But, then I continued browsing and I found two other gems that, as a romance addict, I simply had to share with my fellow appreciators of this totally awesome genre.
So if you haven't seen Doctor Thorne, add it right now. It's a four part miniseries, brought to you by Julian Fellowes who wrote Downton Abbey. Set during the Victorian era, this is a period piece based on a novel by Anthony Trollope. And it's wonderful.
Equally so is The Age of Adaline. Okay, so I wasn't one hundred percent sure about this one when I started watching it, but I do believe it has since become one of my all-time favorite films. It stands out and is masterfully written with so much emotion that you'll want to keep your tissues close at hand while watching. And that's the way it should be. So make sure there won't be anything to interrupt you while you're savoring the incredible experience you're bound to have with this one. 
And if you're in the mood for something a bit lighter and you did see Kate and Leopold back in the day before I did, you can always try The Holiday. It has a pretty big cast in the form of Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black, and really hits the cute and cuddly factor :)

I'm adding the various trailers below for your convenience. Drop a line if you'd like to share your thoughts about any of them or if you'd like to add more suggestions. And until then, happy viewing to you all!

Doctor Thorne - Available on Amazon

The Age of Adaline - Available on Amazon

The Holiday - Available on Netflix & Amazon

Kate & Leopold - Available on Netflix

Incidentally, while double checking the availability of these, I spotted Becoming Jane on Netflix, so that settles what I'll be watching tonight :)

You're Invited To Attend HIS SCANDALOUS KISS Pre-release Party

Her Ladyship, the Countess of Duncaster, cordially invites you to an evening soiree in honor of an upcoming release featuring her guests, Mary Bourneville and Mr. Heartly.

To Commence At 6' O Clock Eastern Time

On The 22ND Of July

The Celebration Will Last For One Hour

And Entertainments Will Be Provided.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There will be ebooks and gift cards up for grabs as we select our ballgowns, share our favorite scenes from Thorncliff Manor, and discuss wounded heroes in romantic fiction. 

So bring your tiaras and order your carriage, because this is one party you won't want to miss!

Click HERE to join the fun.

Order your copy today

Recommended Summer Reading for historical romance buffs

Summer vacation is just around the corner which means you'll hopefully have a few relaxing sun-filled days in which to just sit back and enjoy a great novel. Or ten :) And if you're an e-book fan, there are so many great reads at discounted prices! So, without further ado, here's a list of the books I plan to devour. Just click on the image for more details and purchase options.

FREEBIES

Deals for $0.99

A Note from Lady Duncaster's Diary - Secrets At Thorncliff Manor

Thorncliff Manor, June 12th, 1820

It's a curious thing...this business of getting older. One day you're chasing butterflies and squealing at the sound of thunder, and the next, you're wondering how these moments of innocent marvel could possibly have happened so long ago. Time is an interesting concept in that regard. I've known it to pass by with tedious slowness when forced to endure disagreeable company. But looking back - especially when thinking of George - it all happened so fast. Too fast.
I was only seventeen when he and I met, in India, of all places. But then again, that was where my parents were stationed and he was the man charged with the responsibility of bringing me back to England to meet my betrothed. 
Things certainly didn't turn out as expected where he was concerned, but that is hardly surprising considering the fact that we spent six months together, secluded at sea. And George...well, I would be lying if I said he wasn't the finest gentleman I'd ever seen when I first laid eyes on him. It was at the governor's ball, the night before our departure. I had no idea who he was when we were first introduced, and so, hoydenish fool that I was, I fear I was rather rude to him. He told me later that he'd thought of throwing me overboard several times during the weeks that followed. Frankly, I cannot blame him, for I had set my mind on being difficult - to fight the restrictions that were being imposed on me with increasing force the closer we came to England. After all, I was to be a Society bride - a dainty young thing who would sip her tea with perfect poise and never argue a point with anyone. But how was I to adhere to such rules? I'd been living abroad for most of my life, had ridden on Elephants and grown accustomed to sitting cross-legged on the floor while eating supper with my nanny. I had also been taught to shoot at bats with a bow and arrow - a practice that prove quite useful when our ship, the Endurance, came under attack from pirates. George didn't want to admit it at first, but I always knew he was proud of how well I handled myself against those barbarians. Which was fortunate indeed, or things might have turned out very differently for us.
It was our first adventure of many. He and I quickly discovered a mutual interest in seeing the world. We loved to travel - to share new discoveries and to explore places most people of our acquaintance would only ever read about in books. And I loved him, with all of my heart and soul. Not having him here by my side is undoubtedly the worst sort of pain I have ever had to endure. But at least I can find some distraction and pleasure in watching the younger generation enjoy the splendor of the home we once shared. Thorncliff is such a magnificent place, and if the Heartlys are right in their estimation, then the treasure George sought - the one his father supposedly hid here within Thorncliff's walls - is as real as the love George and I had for each other. If only I'd seen it sooner...
Perhaps it's just as well. Perhaps this is an adventure that's better left for the younger generation, for Viscount and Viscountess Spencer, for the Duke and Duchess of Stonegate and for Mr. and Mrs. Heartly.

You can find out more about the Secrets at Thorncliff Manor and order your next copy - A Phantom of the Opera inspired romance -  HERE

Wounded hero reading list

Hey everyone,

An article I've written for RT MAGAZINE about the wounded hero has just been published in the July issue. The idea to examine the appeal of such a hero came to me with the upcoming release of His Scandalous Kiss. Here, a tortured soldier carrying both physical and psychological scars has given up on both love and happiness. Instead, he seeks only revenge. Until he meets a mysterious young woman at a masquerade ball, that is.
Working on this article proved to be not only fun but extremely interesting. It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing Eloisa James, Elizabeth Hoyt, Mary Balogh and Valerie Bowman, all of whom have written memorable heroes with wounds galore. So I contacted them in order to get their take on why wounded heroes are so well-loved and was absolutely thrilled with their insight. If you'd like to know what they had to say, you'll have to grab a digital issue of RT Magazine HERE as I cannot share the piece myself due to copyright issues.

But, what I can do, is offer a reading list of wounded hero stories for you to sink your teeth into this summer - you can click on the images to find out more. Any that you'd like to add? Just comment below :)