Throwback Thursday: Historical Romance Edition #37

Happy Thursday, everyone!  Zeee here from I Heart Romance hosting this weeks' Throwback Thursday:  Historical Romance Edition, a feature started by Buried Under Romance and Love Saves the World. 

What is Throwback Thursday?
Traditionally, Throwback Thursday celebrates nostalgia, asking participants to post a personal photo or an image from their past -- usually from 5 to 10 years ago. There are a lot of book blogs that also do a book-related Throwback Thursday. 

The Historical Romance Edition:
Since Tin of Love Saves the World and I are unapologetic lovers of historical romances, we've decided to focus on our beloved genre.

Here are our rules:
1. It must be posted on a Thursday.

2. It must be a historical romance novel published before October 3, 2008.

My pick for this week is The Handmaiden's Necklace  by Kat Martin, published on January 1, 2006.

BLURB

CAN A NECKLACE HOLD THE POWER TO RIGHT A LOVE GONE WRONG?
Five years ago Rafael, Duke of Sheffield, believed he was betrayed by the woman he loved and the pain haunts him still. When Rafe discovers that he was cruelly tricked, and that Danielle Duval was never unfaithful, he's desperate to win her back. But Dani is already on a steamer bound for America to marry another man. Impulsively, Rafe follows her and, trapping her in a compromising situation, quickly makes her his wife.

Promising her that with time he can prove his love and win her trust, Rafe presents her with a stunning necklace rumored to hold great power. As much as Dani wants to believe it can right the wrongs of the past, she fears there is one truth it cannot conceal, a truth that could cost her this second chance with Rafe, the only man she has ever loved ...

My Thoughts

Second chance love is perhaps one of my favorite romance tropes.  Handmaiden's Necklace really encapsulates this trope.  As my usual TBT book picks, I have read this book multiple times and it never gets old!  

Now, head over to Tin @ Love Saves the World and Ki Pha @ Doing Some Reading for their pick of the week.

Fellow historical romance readers are welcome to join us. Enter your link below so we can visit your TBT: HR Edition post for the week! (Then go here to copy the Link code to your blogs.)

Don't forget to leave some love! mwaaaah*

Review: Mini Reviews of Four Books by Grace Burrowes

Morgan and Archer, A Novella by Grace Burrowes
Publication date: November 2013
Series: Windham #8.5
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
 Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

~~Reviewed by Sharon~~

It is a short but sweet story. We first met Morgan in The Heir, she being the younger sister of Anna, Duchess of Westhaven. Morgan lost her hearing in an accident, but has regained partial hearing and she also can read lips. Archer is the cousin of Benjamin Hazlit, Earl of Hazleton, and an investigator trying to solve a plot against the Crown. Loved the interaction between Morgan and Archer and also how Morgan assisted Archer with solving the mystery. This is a novella so it moves along quickly, but I would recommend this book as well as the others in the Windham series.  

Rating:

Andrew: Lord of Dispair by Grace Burrowes
Publication date: December 3, 2013
Series: Lonely Lords #7
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
 Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

~~Reviewed by Sharon~~

Andrew has lived with guilt for years after a boating accident that cost him the life of his father and his brother Gareth's fiancée and feels that he is unworthy of anybody's love, including Astrid, his brother's sister-in-law. This story picks up a few years after Gareth's book where we saw Andrew leave England for a tour of the continent, leaving Astrid behind. Astrid loves Andrew, but when he leaves her and England, she knows she needs to move on with her life so she marries Herbert, Lord Amery, who ups and dies, leaving her in the family way. Andrew returns shortly after Herbert's death and although he is very much in love with Astrid, tells her that he can never marry her. Watching these two very lonely people go through the trials and tribulations of their past had me sobbing like a baby at times, but there was also the joy of seeing them work through their past guilt to get to their HEA. If you enjoy historical romances, then I highly recommend you adding Grace Burrowes to your list of authors.

Rating:

Douglas: Lord of Heartache by Grace Burrowes
Publication date: January 7, 2014
Series: Lonely Lords #8
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
 Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

~~Reviewed by Sharon~~

Douglas, Viscount Amery, came into his title upon the death of his older brother and finds that the not only is his estate in financial difficulty, but he knew absolutely nothing about how to go about making them profitable. Guinevere Hollister, who oversees her cousin's estates in his absence has an illegitimate daughter, Rose, who is the granddaughter of the Duke of Moreland. She is happy, but lonely, with her life and just wants to be left alone. Douglas is thinking about purchasing a property of Gwen's cousin, so he persuades Gwen to travel with him to the property to see if she thinks it would be a profitable purchase and to teach him about land husbandry. Gwen is awkward and uncertain around Douglas, but he is so gentle with her that you just want to swoon. There are a few tense moments when the Duke of Moreland sets out to have Gwen marry his heir, but Douglas knows that he is the only man who could ever make Gwen happy and is just as determined to win her love for himself. Once again, Grace Burrowes has written a story that will stay with you long after the book has ended.

Rating:

David: Lord of Honor by Grace Burrowes
Publication date: March 4, 2014
Series: Lonely Lords #9
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
 Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

~~Reviewed by Sharon~~

Grace Burrowes has once again written another magnificent Lonely Lords book.  David, Viscount Fairly, has inherited a high-class brothel, which he wants to be free from.  Letticia (Letty) Banks was a former mistress to David's late brother-in-law.  When David offers Letty the position of Madam at the brothel, she knows that it is not the life she wants, but must accept or be forced to find another protector, which she has no interest in doing.  Loved the interaction between David and Letty and the way they overcame the hurdles set in front of them to get to their very own HEA.

Rating:

Blog Tour: I Adored a Lord by Katharine Ashe with Excerpt & Giveaway

Release Date: July 29, 2014

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Hosted By: Tasty Book Tours

She’s intended for his brother. He’s destined for adventure. Then a dangerous mystery throws them together, and all they want is each other.
All that clever, passionate Ravenna Caulfield wants is to stay far away from high society’s mean girls.

All that handsome, heroic Lord Vitor Courtenay wants is to dash from dangerous adventure to adventure.

Now, snowbound in a castle with a bevy of the ton’s scheming maidens all competing for a prince’s hand in marriage, Ravenna’s worst nightmare has come true. Now, playing babysitter to a spoiled prince and his potential brides, Vitor is champing at the bit to be gone.
When a stolen kiss in a stable leads to a corpse in a suit of armor, a canine kidnapping, and any number of scandalous liaisons, Ravenna and Vitor find themselves wrapped in a mystery they’re perfectly paired to solve. But as for the mysteries of love and sex, Vitor’s not about to let Ravenna escape until he’s gotten what he desires…

Amazon

Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/06/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for-i.html

Cover Reveal: To Tempt an Earl by Kristin Vayden

Title: To Tempt an Earl (Greenford Waters Legacy, #2)

Author: Kristin Vayden

Genre: Regency

Series: Greenford Waters Legacy

About the Book

Tempting an Earl is not for the faint of heart. 
Thank heavens Bethanny is anything but faint!
Now, honest, perhaps--too honest, but never faint!
After all, why flirt when you can tempt? And why the devil would a woman choose to swoon when she could be kissed?
Of course, she'd never try something so...honest, yes that was the word, honest on anyone but Lord Graham. 
He's the only one she wants. 
He alone has her heart. 
And, he hadn’t a clue.
So it was only polite that she tell him. 
Now, if only her blasted guardian, the Duke of Clairmont, would see Graham as more of a suitor than his old friend.
Because Graham is anything but old and most certainly not just a friend, not after that kiss, or that touch. 
Though, if she were to lay all her cards on the table--which any gently bred woman ought--he wasn't completely aware it was her mouth, her lips, or her touch. 
But that's beside the point now, isn't it?

About the Author:

Kristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He's given her.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON

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I hope everyone enjoyed this cover reveal and look forward to the book's release!

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Mastering the Marquess by Lavinia Kent

Release Date: July 29, 2014

Genre: Historical Erotica Romance

Publisher: Loveswept

MASTERING THE MARQUESS

One night of fierce passion and unbound pleasure leaves two strangers craving much more in Lavinia Kent’s sumptuous novel of sensual discovery.

The time has come for the widow Louisa, Lady Brookingston, to move on, but she refuses to remarry at the cost of shaming her late husband’s memory. Their six years together were wedded bliss—even if a war injury prevented him from fulfilling his marital duties. Only one woman can help Louisa: Madame Rouge, the discreet proprietress of a club where London’s elite explore their wildest fantasies.

Geoffrey, the Marquess of Swanston, has no intention of agreeing to deflower an anonymous virgin. But when Madame Rouge tempts him with the absolute power he’ll have over a woman who knows nothing of carnal delights, he’s intrigued. Control is the one thing he cannot resist—and control is what he loses during his night with the blindfolded beauty. He longs to take her further, to leave his mark upon her perfect behind, but the mystery woman refuses to see him again. Instead Geoffrey reluctantly agrees to take a wife, the widow of his dear friend, Lord Brookingston—fating them both to a wicked surprise.

Mastering the Marquess is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.

  

Explore MASTERING THE MARQUESS

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Author Bio

Lavinia Kent is a former two-term president of the Washington Romance Writers and a four-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart nominee. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her family and an ever-changing menagerie of pets.

Website  Twitter  Facebook

Giveaway

A $25 egiftcard to Your ebook retailer of choice and a Loveswept mug.

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ARC Review: Lady Windermere's Lover by Miranda Neville

Lady Windermere's Lover by Miranda Neville 
Publication date: June 24, 2014
Series: The Wild Quartet #3
Publisher: Avon
 Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

~~Reviewed by Evelyn~~

Lady Windermere’s Loveris the third book in the Wild Quartet series by Miranda Neville. The hero and heroine, Lord and Lady Windermere (Damian and Cynthia), were strangers who suddenly found themselves married as partial settlement of a gambling debt.  Damien, who has little interest in being married to someone that he sees as plain and simple, immediately abandons his wife and goes into the foreign service.  When he returns a year later, he finds that Cynthia has become very pretty and more at ease with her position in society.  He begins to feel that perhaps they could have a future together, but he is plagued by rumors that she had taken a lover in his absence.

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed her writing style.  The story line held my interest and the pacing was even. The heroine, especially, was very likeable and the hero’s reactions to various situations were very believable.  In one chapter, both Cynthia and Damian draw portraits of each other which gives them new insight into their relationship.  I felt this scenario was particularly well written and I hoped that the author would follow this up later in the book.  She did.  What she didn’t do, however, was follow-up on another issue that haunted the couple, especially Cynthia, throughout the book, and this was disappointing.

I’m giving Lady Windermere’s Lover four stars because I felt the ending was far too abrupt.  It cried out for an epilogue to wind everything up, especially the issue I mentioned above, but instead I felt like the readers were left hanging.  Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I’m adding other books by Miranda Neville to my TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating:

Saturday Discussion: Alpha, Beta, Gamma: Who's Your Hero?

Anyone who's read more than one romance novel knows that heroes come in an endless array of varieties. Hot cops, rugged cowboys and soldiers from the ancient past to far future share shelf space with cultured aristocrats, suave billionaires, and brooding antiheroes, and that's only the introductory sampler pack. Sorting these gents can get tricky, but thankfully, we have a  pretty decent classification in place.

Alpha: Leaders of the pack, alpha males are in charge, and everybody knows it. Women want them, men want to be them. The alpha male favors action over words, is confident, maybe cocky, but never abusive or a jerk. He's well aware of his own appeal. He's used to getting what he wants, and when he gets the heroine of his choice in his sights, there's no stopping him until she feels the same way. If she leads him a merry chase, he's more than up to it, and she'll never doubt he's her man. Alphas are on the front lines of romance, and they (and we)  wouldn't have it any other way.

Beta: The beta male prefers brains over brawn. He's the nice guy, dependable, nurturing, but never wimpy or ineffective. He's solid, there for his heroine and patient enough to wait for her, no matter how long it takes. He probably doesn't think about  his own appearance much, as long as he doesn't scare small children and his heroine has no strong objections. The beta male is content to let the alphas take the first hit, and are always there to lend support however it's needed. Often found in friends to lovers stories, this guy may strike heroines and readers as nonthreatening, but don't be fooled, he's all man where and when it counts.

Gamma: The gamma male can be seen as the best of both worlds. Tough and tender by turns, this guy adapts to the needs of the moment. He may tote a weapon by day, and walk the floor with a sick baby by night. Whether the love of his life needs a strong defender or a listening ear, he's there for her, and expects the same treatment in return. He's a tricky one to pin down, strategic and clever, but able to charge into the fray when that's the most expedient thing to do. The lucky heroine who captures the gamma's heart will never be bored, always up for something new.

So, dear readers, which one of these fine fellows floats your reading boat? Introduce us to your favorite types and feel free to give examples. We can always use a few good fictional men to add to our TBR mountains.

ARC Review: For Her Spy Only by Robyn DeHart

For Her Spy Only by Robyn DeHart
Publication date: July 21, 2014
Series: Masquerading Mistresses #2 
Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous
Amazon |  Goodreads  B & N

~~Reviewed by Lisa~~

Alistair Devlin, Marquess of Coventry, is a brilliant, if peculiar man who does not suffer fools. He feels he is above the base needs and emotions the rest of humanity falls prey to. He works for the Crown as a spy and code breaker. Under the hard crust he shows the world is a caring, loyal and vulnerable man.

They met when he rescued Winifred (Wilmington) and her maid during a terrible snow storm. They had a brief affair while the snow was blowing. Fast forward six years and he is looking for a map maker, Winifred’s dead husband, Sir Mirren. Winifred is a strong, loving and very practical woman. Alistair needs several maps to break a code and is surprised to see Winifred again.  Throughout their story Alistair discovers he does have those pesky feelings and emotions and they are for her. He has never had much contact with children but finds he is drawn to Winifred’s son Oliver. There is murder, danger, misunderstandings, and ultimately tender acceptance and love. 

It was interesting seeing Alistair discover his emotions and his need to have Winifred near him, she clams him and does not always feel the need to fill every moment with conversation. As he discovers his need for her his protective instincts kick in and ends uncomfortable encounters with Oliver’s guardian and Winifred, I cheered! The danger he inadvertently puts Winifred in is the catalyst to him taking the step to have her in his life forever. 

Ms DeHart always brings a richness to her characters, she uses humor and fast paced conversations to keep you interested and wanting more. The grace with which Ms DeHart handles both Alistair’s and Oliver’s quiet ways is brilliant. I am excited to see what happens with the other members of the Seven.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating:

ARC Review: The Danger in Tempting an Earl by Sophie Barnes

The Danger in Tempting an Earl by Sophie Barnes
Publication date:  July 29, 2014
Series: At the Kingsborough Ball #3
Publisher: Avon
Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

~~Reviewed by Lisa~~

For Lady Katherine Langdon, widowed Viscountess Crosby, danger comes in two forms- Lucien Marvaine, Earl of Roxberry, who was the spare, and attempts on her life. The first is understandable; he’s handsome, has known her since her christening, they are friends and she finds herself attracted to him. The attraction is a bit disconcerting as she does not want to lose their friendship. A relationship that has become strained for reasons she is not sure of. The second form of danger has both her and Lucien at a loss.

When they meet again, Lucien is the Earl and Katherine is widowed. He sets about making her his as he should have done four years ago. He discovers the bright, confident woman he loves has been replaced with one that is timid, lacking self-confidence and wishes to blend into the background. 

The pace of the story fast and the conversations are lively and the characters are brilliant. The twists and turns are beautifully orchestrated to keep you on your toes. Watching Katherine re-emerge and become the “bold and brazen” woman she once was is fabulous. The delightful characters of Lucien’s sister and grandmother and Katherine’s friend, Louise are elegantly written and help to keep Lucien on his toes. The villain is artfully hidden until the climax of the book- brilliant. I always enjoy Ms. Barnes’ work and this is no exception, well done. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday #35: The Prince Who Loved Me by Karen Hawkins

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week an upcoming book I can’t wait to read is…

The Prince Who Loved Me by Karen Hawkins
Publication date: September 23, 2014
Series: The Oxenburg Princes #1
Published: Pocket Books
| Amazon

A handsome, rakish prince who doesn't believe in true love meets a stubborn lass who will settle for nothing less...

In a lighthearted retelling of a classic fairy tale, bestselling author Karen Hawkins gives Cinderella a Scottish twist!

Prince Aleksey Romanovin enjoys his carefree life, flirting—and more—with every lovely lady who crosses his path. But when the interfering Grand Duchess Natasha decides it's time for her grandson to wed, Aleksey finds himself in Scotland, determined to foil her plans. Brainy, bookish, and bespectacled, Bronwyn Murdoch seems the perfect answer—she isn't at all to the duchess' taste.

Living at the beck and call of her ambitious stepmother and social butterfly stepsisters, Bronwyn has little time for a handsome flirt—no matter how intoxicating his kisses are. After all, no spoiled, arrogant prince would be seriously interested in a firm-minded female like herself. So . . . wouldn't it be fun to turn his "game" upside down and prove that an ordinary woman can bring a prince to his knees?

Author Page: http://www.karenhawkins.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarenHawkins
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKarenHawkins
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4633.Karen_Hawkins

We all love Karen Hawkins' books and this new book sounds very interesting.
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Thanks for visiting the blog to see what book I'm waiting for this week! So...what book are you waiting for?

ARC Review: Why Lords Lose Their Hearts by Manda Collins

Why Lords Lose Their Hearts by Manda Collins 
Publication date: July 29, 2014
Publisher: St. Martins Paperbacks
 Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

~~Reviewed by Evelyn~~

Why Lords Lose their Hearts, a new romantic mystery by Manda Collins to be released on July 29, 2014, begins with a plot that promises excitement and intrigue, and main characters that are likeable and sympathetic.  The heroine, the young and beautiful Perdita, the Duchess of Ormond, has endured years of abuse at the hands of her husband, Gevase.  When he is accidentally killed by falling on the same knife that he was holding at her throat seconds earlier, she feels genuine relief.  This quickly turns into fear, however, as there is someone out there who blames her for the Duke’s death and wants her to pay for it with her own.

After Perdita’s sisters are threatened and an attempt is made on her own life, Lord Archer Lisle, private secretary to her late husband, vows that he will do anything it takes to protect her and to find out who is putting her life in danger.  He is also secretly in love with Perdita, and is determined to prove to her that it is safe to love again even though she no longer trusts her own judgment when it comes to men.

This is where the promises ended for me.  I had high hopes for this book, but I found the first half very slow and, at times, bogged down by endless dialogue that seemed to over-power the action.  The pace of the book improved in the second half, however, and the events that happened became more compelling, but when I finally reached the finale, with its expected twists and turns, it just didn’t ring true for me.

I’m giving this book three stars. I did like the characters in very much.  I felt they were well developed and their reactions to events in the story rang true.  I could recommend this book to someone who would enjoy reading it for the love story between Perdita and Archer and would ignore the short-comings of the style and the plot.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating:

Review: How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days or Less by Elizabeth Michels

How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less by Elizabeth Michels 
Publication date: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
 Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

~~Reviewed by Ezrah~~

HOW TO LOSE A LORD IN 10 DAYS OR LESS is the first book by Elizabeth Michels that I read. 

This book is the third of the series but can read as a standalone.  I initially picked up this book because I had read a couple of books with the same title (or very, very similar) last month and I loved it!  I thought that this book would be the same.  The story focuses on a stuffy aristocrat, Andrew Clifton, Lord Amberstall and country girl recluse, Katie Moore.  Both have been a little estranged in society and found each other, quite by accident on a country road when Andrew fell off his horse.  Once the two meet, sparks fly and they fall in love.

HOW TO LOSE had a lot of promise.  I love the stuffy-stickler-for-propriety aristocrat and an eccentric girl trope, unfortunately, I had a hard time finishing this book.  I honestly did not like both Katie and Andrew at all!  I felt that Katie was too much for Andrew.  Andrew, on the other hand, was too much of a stickler that I didn't warm up to him at all.  And although sparks were flying between the two, I wasn't into their paring.  It would have been a different story if there were more tender moments between them.  Unfortunately, this was not the case.  

The plot was ok, nothing really special, and a little bit unbelievable at certain parts.  I think it was when I found out why Andrew left society, that I find unbelievable.  Certainly it was a reason to be absent from society but it felt a little too weak, too cowardly.

HOW TO LOSE is an okay lighthearted read.  And although the book was a hard read for me, I am still glad that Andrew and Katie got their HEA.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: