Review: The Art of Love (Decades: A Journey of African-American Romance Book 4) by Suzette D. Harrison

The Blurb

Ava Lydell is chasing her dream. A gifted artist, she’s fled the violence of the Deep South for the seduction of sunny California. As luck would have it, the economic crisis of The Great Depression interferes with her hopes and plans. Without patronage and reliable sales, her fledgling art studio fails. Now, she faces poverty, eviction…and the distraction of a mysterious, young stranger engaged in a questionable trade that delivers danger to Ava’s front door.

In an age of Prohibition and poverty, Chase Jenkins has more than most Colored men. He’s savvy, successful, and hazardously employed. A bootlegger living on the wrong side of the law, he’s determined to discover who murdered his baby brother. He has no time for diversions. Especially one packaged in the form of a “midnight” beauty with sultry lips and curvaceous hips. Unable to deny her allure, he involves himself in her affairs despite better judgment. What begins as a crisis quickly becomes a risky romance. Join Chase and Ava on their journey to outlive danger and indulge in the art of love. 

My Review

Ms. Harrison knows how to throw a reader back in time and keep them there in a fantastic story. From the descriptions of the scenes, clothing, and even the vehicles, I was flung into the past as I read Chase and Ava’s romance.

Ava is a confident woman filled with fire, sass, courage and talent. She knew exactly who she was and what she wanted even though she didn’t know how to get there with her art. The book initially meets her in an argument and that’s how we get to know her throughout the story, not afraid to stand up for what’s hers. She had a true grit and strength, straight as an arrow with her personal morals without being overly judgmental when it came to other people’s lives. I really enjoyed this about her because it showed her tolerance for the way other people lived their lives and how she could still remain strong in her beliefs.

Chase – oh my goodness! The man was fine, smart, funny and just plain delicious. He’d taken risks in life and regretted that he’d lost his baby brother in the process, but not how he’d lived. Chase was a multi-dimensional character who swept me up with his charm. The kind of man I wanted Ava to end up with (but honestly wanted to keep for myself – a right and proper book boyfriend). He really knew how to handle himself. He made me sigh with his romantic gestures. Such a tough sweetie.

The twists, turns and revelations in the story made it a real page turner. A wonderful story that I hope continues with a couple of secondary characters that I wanted to see happily in love.

I give this book five out of five rose shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK

Review: The Viking Wants Forever by Koko Brown

The Blurb

A Love Frozen In Time…
Reese Johnson yearns for a life other than the world of drudgery she’s settled for as the manager of a comic book store. What’s that they say? Be careful what you wish for? Well that’s a motto Reese should have tattooed across her forehead. Because Loki, the Norse god of mischief, has just the remedy for the boring life of this woman who denounces his existence.

His recipe for disaster?
Take a 30 year-old woman and send her back in time as a pawn for revenge. Couple her with Eirik Sigurdsson, a Viking Warlord, too arrogant and baggage-laden to be of any use for anything, but battle and bed. Mix thoroughly, folding in a heavy dose of pride, a tyrannical king, and a sympathetic goddess. Bake at high until a white-hot love is unleashed and then forever frozen in time.

My Review

When it comes to time travel, you never know how its going to end up. I absolutely loved how the book ended (I won’t spoil it for you). A modern African American woman going back to Viking times was a risky direction to take the story. I’m here to attest that it worked out perfectly. Reese did some good things for herself, Eirik, and his people when she was thrown back in time. I’m talking clap worthy actions.

The chemistry between Eirik and Reese was incredible. Sweet with a lot of erotic. Ms. Brown certainly likes to keep a reader on their toes about the characters actions throughout the story because there were quite a few times that I wanted to have a chat with both Reese and Eirik to help them make the right decisions.

I give this book five out of five ship shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from AmazonUK

Spotlight and Giveaway The Marquis and I by Ella Quinn

GENRE: Historical Romance

 Ella will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

BLURB:

Trouble is no match for a lady of the extended Worthington family—except when it comes in the form of a most irresistible gentleman . . .

Lady Charlotte Carpenter’s brother-in-law has put an infamous brothel owner out of business—yet it is Charlotte who suffers the consequences. Abducted by thugs and held at an inn, she is plotting her escape when she’s suddenly rescued by a dashing gentleman. Only afterward does she realize she’s seen him before—with two courtesans! Unwilling to tarry with such a man, Charlotte makes her second escape. But it is too late to repair her reputation . . .

A known gossip has spied Charlotte’s movements, and his report is speeding through the rumor mill. Soon, everyone knows that Charlotte spent the night with Constantine, Marquis of Kenilworth. And everyone agrees the only answer is marriage—including Constantine himself, his overjoyed mother—and his mistress! But Charlotte’s abductors aren’t finished with her yet. Now Constantine will do anything to protect the spirited woman he loves and win her heart . . .

Excerpt:

Wife? Wed? No, no, no! Being betrothed was bad enough. But she could get out of that. But married! Lord Kenilworth was the last man in the world she would wed. Just the idea that he would touch her with the same hands he used to mistreat other women made her stomach lurch.

Charlotte quickly shoved the memory of his kiss aside. If she had known who he was, she would never have kissed him.

Taking a deep breath, she said with as firm a voice as she could muster, “Despite what his lordship said, I do not wish to marry him. There must be a way to—”

“That is neither here nor there, my dear.” Lady Bellamny waved away Charlotte’s complaint in a voice so composed it made her want to slaughter someone. Preferably Lord Kenilworth. “I stopped by Stanwood House to inform your sister I intended to be out of Town for a few days. Instead, I found your cousin Jane, Mrs. Addison. Knowing that I am a trustworthy friend of the family, she told me what had occurred. Unless I am mistaken, you were with Lord Kenilworth at least overnight, and you were seen entering the inn with him.” She raised a brow. “In a rather disheveled state.”

Charlotte decided to ignore her creased, dusty gown, and address the most important issue. “I did not exactly spend the night with him.” Not all night and, technically, she had entered the inn first. “He followed me into the inn. I—”

“Close enough, my lady.” His tone was as dry as sand. “We were seen together walking toward this place, and I held the door open for you.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat cruising the Caribbean and North America. Europe is next!

She loves having readers connect with her.

Website: www.ellaquinnauthor.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Blog http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom

The Marquis and I Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2s3Cqbp

Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2rI8cKu

Kobo http://bit.ly/2r8Dyet

iTunes http://apple.co/2tT1wZb

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Review: Breathless (Old West 2) by Beverly Jenkins #AARomance

The Blurb

A strong-willed beauty finds herself in the arms of the handsome drifter from her past, in this second book in the sizzling series set in the Old West, from USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins

As manager of one of the finest hotels in Arizona Territory, Portia Carmichael has respect and stability—qualities sorely missing from her harsh childhood. She refuses to jeopardize that by hitching herself to the wrong man. Suitors are plentiful, but none of them has ever looked quite as tempting as the family friend who just rode into town…and none has looked at her with such intensity and heat.

Duchess. That’s the nickname Kent Randolph gave Portia when she was a young girl. Now she’s a stunning, intelligent woman—and Kent has learned his share of hard lessons. After drifting through the West, he’s learned the value of a place to settle down, and in Portia’s arms he’s found that and more. But convincing her to trust him with her heart, not just her passion, will be the greatest challenge he’s known—and one he intends to win…

My Review

Oh my goodness, this was a fan yourself kind of story. As Ms. Jenkin’s books tend to be, it was steeped in history, this time about women’s suffrage so learning took place while I became enamored with Portia and Kent. They were spectacular, each possessed a strength of will and an ability to bend and grow. The heat between them sparked immediately, but there was a slow build to the blaze. A perfect romance between two remarkable characters.

I give this book five out of five horse shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Review: Silk & Scandal (Silk 1) by Cassandra Dean #HistoricalRomance

The Blurb

Eight years ago…
Thomas Cartwright and Lady Nicola Fitzgibbons were friends. Over the wall separating their homes, Thomas and Nicola talked of all things – his studies to become a barrister, her frustrations with a lady’s limitations.

All things end.
When her diplomat father gains a post in Hong Kong, Nicola must follow. Bored and alone, she falls into scandal. Mired in his studies of the law and aware of the need for circumspection, Thomas feels forced to sever their ties.

But now Lady Nicola is back…and she won’t let him ignore her...

My Review

This was one of the most adorable books I’ve read in a long time. I loved the way it started with an interaction of correspondences between the hero and heroine. So much happened in those letters; they told of their bond of friendship which they didn’t know at the time would lead to more.

Nicola is the type of heroine everyone likes because she goes after what she desires. Sometimes being so determined ends up with her embroiled in a scandal. Although she seemed like a nothing-could-bother-her sort of woman, my heart broke for her a few times during the story.

Thomas is a man with a sad past, and this gives him depth, allowing the reader to understand what motivates him to do what he does, even though it was not a good thing. Nicola ended up surprising me by being more than she portrayed herself to be. Their process of moving from friendship to something more was so romantic (I’m smiling as I recall that moment).

I give this book five out of five cement wall shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Spotlight: Wedding Matilda by Heather Hiestand #HistoricalRomance #Giveaway

Heather Hiestand will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

  

BLURB:

Sugared violets, buttercream…but he craves her kiss most of all…

Orphaned as a boy, Ewan Hales is proud to make his living as secretary to the manager at Redcake’s Tea Shop. But the startling news that he’s heir to the Earl of Fitzwalter changes everything. While tendering his resignation to lovely Matilda Redcake, however, Ewan is struck by her spirit, the luscious bow of her lips—and a realization. Matilda might not marry a working man—but will she wed a future nobleman?

Ewan’s unruly hair and roguish kisses are tempting, but Matilda has far too many problems to consider romance. With sabotage at a cake factory threatening the family empire, she must focus her considerable willpower on keeping Redcake’s from ruin—until she learns that her young son has been kidnapped. Together, she and Ewan must uncover the truth before they can savor the sweet freedom of love…

Excerpt:

Matilda saw the fingers of Ewan’s left hand were stained with ink and about to touch his trousers.

“Don’t do that!” She rushed forward without thinking and took his arm by the wrist. With her free hand she whipped a handkerchief from her coat pocket and wrapped it around his inky fingers.

He stared at her, his eyes widening, but the tilt of his lips had turned into a full grin. “Miss Redcake?”

She looked at his face, then at the wrist she held. Her cheeks warmed. “My goodness, I am so sorry.”

He squinted at her until she released his hand, so he could wipe away the ink as best he could. “Motherly instinct?”

She laced her fingers together behind her back in order to remind herself not to touch him. “I am afraid so. Jacob is fascinated by pens, and we have had some spectacular accidents. Please forgive me.”

He shook his head. “Not at all. It was an endearing impulse.”

His smile entranced her: a little crooked, a lot rakish. She felt like some trembling waitress, hoping to be courted by the great Ewan Hales, rather than his business superior. How charismatic he was when he showed his true self. Neither of them spoke until he gave a little shake of his head.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Heather Hiestand was born in Illinois, but her family migrated west before she started school. Since then she has claimed Washington State as home, except for a few years in California. She wrote her first story at age seven and went on to major in creative writing at the University of Washington. Her first published fiction was a mystery short story, but since then it has been all about the many flavors of romance. Heather’s first published romance short story was set in the Victorian period, and she continues to return, fascinated by the rapid changes of the nineteenth century. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. With her husband and son, she makes her home in a small town and supposedly works out of her tiny office, though she mostly writes in her easy chair in the living room.

For more information, visit Heather’s website at www.heatherhiestand.com. Heather loves to hear from readers! Her email is heather@heatherhiestand.com.

Social media:

Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heather-HiestandAnh-Leod/24271017921

Twitter http://twitter.com/heatherhiestand   

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/heatherhiestand/

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Matilda-Redcakes-Book-5-ebook/dp/B00Q1I2SD2/  

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wedding-matilda-heather-hiestand/1120817224

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Review: Chasing the Other Tisdale by Jessica Jefferson #HistoricalRomance

I couldn't resist the chance to read and review this historical romance when it came to my attention. So far Ms. Jefferson has kept up her impeccable track record when it comes to this series. 

Jessica will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

The Blurb

She’s the other sister . . . 

Overshadowed by the beauty of her older sister, Lillian is better known as the other Tisdale; unremarkable and unsure how she will ever deliver on the promise of her family's name. 

He’s a rake in need of reforming . . . 

Will Colton leads a frivolous existence, embracing notoriety instead of managing his family’s fortune. Determined to forget his financial burden and his father’s growing resentment, he maintains a lifestyle dedicated to pleasure and self-indulgence. 

When Will is invited to the Tisdale estate for an extended holiday, he never expects to become friends with the forgettable Lillian. But when a family secret comes to light, he must choose between leaving London and protecting the honor of one woman or staying and risking the reputation of another. 

Upon his return, Will finds the girl he left behind has come out of the shadows and into her own. Lillian’s finally the center of attention, and not all of it good. With his own reputation in tatters, can a reformed rake lure her out of the hands of London's bachelors and back into his own arms? Can he escape his past and reclaim her heart, or has he lost her forever?

My review

This is the third Tidsdale romance I’ve read and just like the others I loved it. This story took place over the span of a few years. The reader gets to experience Lillian and William transform as they age. Their growth endeared both of them more to me.

One of my favorite things about Ms. Jefferson’s writing is her ability to make me chuckle throughout the book. Her characters are funny which is always a plus for me.

There is one Tisdale left to get married and I’m looking forward to when that story gets released.

I give this book five out of five sketchbook shaped chocolate bars.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. 

Excerpt:

He didn’t try and crawl out of the hole he’d so easily dug for himself. Rather, instead of making an already awkward situation worse, he smiled. It was a cavalier sort of smile—one that she just knew he’d used hundreds of times before to get him out of this sort of trouble. Women were undoubtedly willing to forgive him most transgressions just by a flash of this winning grin.

Lord knew she was.

She’d never before met anyone so handsome, so charming, so…

A bolt of pain shot up her arm, as if God himself was punishing her for having such immoral thoughts.

“Enough,” he said. “We need to get you in front of a doctor. The sooner, the better.”

“Good idea,” she agreed. “How do you suggest we go about doing that?”

“First, we’ll need to secure your arm.”

She nodded. “You mean fashion a sling? I’m sure there’s something around here that we could use as rope. Perhaps ivy? There’s a great deal of it about the estate.”

His hand flew up to his chest. “What do you take me for, some sort of bushman? For heaven’s sake, I’m from Grosvenor Square, not some jungle. I wouldn’t have the slightest idea of how to go about accomplishing something like that.”

Lilly bit her lip. She’d never make it being jostled about without something to steady her arm. “Did you have something else in mind, then?”

Mr. Colton started removing his jacket. “I thought I’d use my shirt. I’ll rip some strips off of it and make the sling out of that.”

“Your shirt,” she repeated, suddenly questioning if she’d indeed suffered a head injury along with her broken arm.

He tossed the jacket to the ground behind him. “Yes.”

She was confused. “But then what will you wear?”

He was unfastening his waistcoat. “Nothing, I suppose .”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jessica Jefferson makes her home in northern Indiana, or as she likes to think of it—almost Chicago.  She is heavily inspired by classic sweeping, historical romance novels, but aims to take those key emotional elements and inject a fresh blend of quick dialogue and comedy.  She invites you to visit her at jessicajefferson.com and read more of her random romance musings.

Links and social media:

http://www.JessicaJefferson.com and http://www.embracingromance.com

Like me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Jefferson/545243542195152

Follow me at https://twitter.com/authorJessicaJ/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7376474.Jessica_Jefferson

Amazon Author Page- http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Jefferson/e/B00GI20W2K

Chasing the Other Tisdale, Compromising Miss Tisdale and Taming Miss Tisdale from Soul Mate Publishing, available now on Amazon!

Remember to follow the tour and leave comments. The more you comment the better your chances to win.

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/01/review-tour-chasing-other-tisdale-by.html

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Prah and Constantine Review: Lady Honor’s Debt by Maggie Anderson #HistoricalRomance

This month we have a lovely surprise for you. Ms. Empi Baryeh is reviewing this month’s book with us. You might know her as the author of two contemporary romance novels set in Ghana. She’s also an avid blogger. So after you finish with my review we can head on over to Constantine and Baryeh.  March has been an awesome month.

The blurb

Freedom. That’s all Lady Honor Baxendale wants—for her sisters and for herself. Honor has a bold plan to become financially independent, using a skill she learned at her father’s knee. She seeks the help of a solicitor and is pleased with her choice…as long as she can resist the solicitor himself.
Lord Edward Winborne has been happy to come to the aid of his four sisters in the past. But when a neighbor’s daughter, Lady Honor Baxendale, requests his help for a dangerous scheme she has in mind, he feels it his duty to dissuade her. When that fails, he wants to protect her, and then somehow finds he wants to do more. Much more. 

My Review

For me Lady Honor is one of those wild card heroines. You never really know what you’re going to get from her, but whatever it is, you know she’s going to end up on top. She’s conniving, strong, and possesses skills that you wouldn’t expect a lady of that time period to have.

I loved Edward. He’s the “go to” guy. Conservative in many ways and then there comes a point where you realize that he’s the kind of man who will always stick by his woman’s side, even when it annoys others.

The romance was gentle, building in intensity as the book progressed. An enjoyable quick read.

I give this book four out of five glasses (spectacles) shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Now to head on over to see what Constantine and Baryeh thought.

Review: NightHawk by Beverly Jenkins #HistoricalRomance

The Blurb

Outlaw.Preacher. Night Hawk. He's had many names, but he can't escape the past.

Since Ian Vance's beloved wife was murdered years ago, the hardened bounty hunter knows he'll never feel love or tenderness again, so he's made it his mission to ensure others get their justice. But when he's charged with delivering a sharp-eyed beauty to the law, Ian can't help but feel he may still have something left to lose.

Orphaned at twelve, Maggie Freeman has always found her way out of trouble. But now there's a vigilante mob at her back who would like nothing more than to see her hang for a crime she didn't commit. Maggie may have to accept help for the first time in her life . . . even if it's from the one man standing between her and freedom.

As the past closes in, the sassy prisoner and toughened lawman may just find a passion between them that could bring blinding happiness . . . if they'll let it.

My Review

Ms. Jenkins hits me once again with a huge helping of romance mixed with history. Not just African American, but this time she also threw in some Chinese American, and Native American, too. I hope I never get tired of reading her books because I sure would miss all the education I gain from her.

Maggie had me laughing and admiring her resilience and spunk after the hard life she’d lived. I fell in love with Preacher, aka Ian, aka Night Hawk, aka Delicious (that’s mine). What’s not to love about a hot man (did you see the cover?) who used to be a bad boy outlaw and reformed into a catch the bad guys bounty hunter and deputy Marshall. Now that’s a man.

I give this book five out of five shotgun shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Review: TAMING MISS TISDALE By Jessica Jefferson

After having read Compromising Miss Tisdale and loving it (read my review here), I jumped at the opportunity to read Taming Miss Tisdale. Ms. Jefferson is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card so remember to enter.

BLURB:  

Miss Tamsin Tisdale believes herself to be completely unsuitable for London life. After a myriad of social mishaps, and the potential ruination of her family name, she’s shipped away to her cousin’s northern estate. Only after she comes to her senses will she be welcomed home.

Marcus Winston, the Duke of Grayson, has a lackluster reputation. The last in a dying line, he’s endured a protected life—rank with privilege, encumbered by isolation. After a brief encounter with rebellion, he learns the devastating consequences of his carelessness and willingly accepts living life from inside his gilded cage.

However, a chance meeting with the brazen Miss Tisdale gives Marc the opportunity to reinvent himself into the man he’s always dreamed of being. When his deception comes to light, and ghosts from both their pasts threaten to unravel the intimacy they’ve come to cherish, will either of them set their fears aside long enough to embrace love? Or will Miss Tisdale’s stubbornness divide them?

My Review

You know how at the end of a great movie you clap. That’s what I did for Taming Miss Tisdale.  The characters were extraordinary, all of them were  interesting and dynamic, entertaining me with their snarky comments. 

I’ve liked Tamsin ever since book one, Compromising Miss Tisdale, which I also loved (see my review here). She has fire, heart, and a smart mouth. Marcus’ calm disposition was a perfect compliment to Tamsin's wilder spirit. Marcus had some spit in him too, coming out with some lines that made my mouth hang open.

Ms. Jefferson has set us up for another book in the series with a secondary character that had me laughing out loud, and I can’t wait until it comes out.

Taming Miss Tisdale as a stand alone, but I recommend Compromising Miss Tisdale, too.

I received this book for an honest review (but I would I have bought it if I wasn’t given the opportunity to review it).

I give this book five out five horse shaped chocolate bars.

Excerpt:

            Jason looked bored. “Get to the important part, Grayson. Was she beautiful?”

            Again, Marc was ill-prepared to answer such a question. Taken individually, that large mouth, those plump pink lips, her long nose, red hair, and freckled skin—nothing about her was spectacular by any means. But together, all those odd pieces and parts, which seemed so ordinary at first glance, fit together to form the picture of a particularly stunning woman.

            “Yes,” he answered quite simply. No need to give Jason any more fodder for discussion by rambling on like some sort of awful poet.

            Jason grinned from ear to ear. “Well, that is quite eventful, indeed.” He swept a crumb off his jacket sleeve. “Does this original have a name?”

            Marc stopped suddenly, his coffee halfway to his lips. “Name?”

            Jason laughed. “Yes, her name. This unique creature has to have a name. Diana? Aphrodite? Venus, perhaps?” Then Jason stopped laughing as realization spread over his face like a mordant rash. “You don’t know her bloody name, do you?”

            Marc set his cup down on the table and stared at it. “She never volunteered the information and I never bothered to ask.”

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Jessica Jefferson makes her home in northern Indiana, or as she likes to think of it—almost Chicago.  She is heavily inspired by classic sweeping, historical romance novels, but aims to take those key emotional elements and inject a fresh blend of quick dialogue and comedy.  She invites you to visit her at jessicajefferson.com and read more of her random romance musings.

http://www.JessicaJefferson.com and www.embracingromance.com

Like me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Jefferson/545243542195152

Follow me at https://twitter.com/authorJessicaJ/

AMAZON:  http://www.amazon.com/Taming-Miss-Tisdale-Jessica-Jefferson-ebook/dp/B00K5Y8W7Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401396150&sr=8-1&keywords=taming+miss+tisdale

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Review: Compromising Miss Tisdale by Jessica Jefferson

BLURB:  

Ambrosia Tisdale is the very picture of propriety and the epitome of what a respectable young lady should be. Haunted by a memory and compelled by her family, she pursues perfection to a fault.

The Earl of Bristol, Duncan Maddox, has returned to London after years of familial imposed exile. As the second son, he has led a life filled with frivolity, leisure, and a healthy dose of debauchery. Now his older brother has died, leaving the family’s flailing legacy in Duncan’s unwilling arms.

At the behest of his uncle, Duncan is advised to do the one thing that could provide instant fortune and respectability – he must marry. But there is only one prospect who meets the unique requirements to solve all the Earl’s problems – the lovely Miss Ambrosia Tisdale. But securing the prudent daughter of a Viscount’s hand proves to be more challenging than this scandal ridden second son of an Earl has bargained for.

With scandal, extortion, treachery, and even love itself threatening to keep him from his goal, will Duncan succeed in compromising Miss Tisdale?

My Review

This novel was everything a historical romance should be. I loved it.  The source of prim and proper Ambrosia’s perfectionism was unexpected. Tragedy can really alter a person. Duncan also changed in the wake of a different sort of tragedy, but he lunged in the opposite direction of Ambrosia by living the life of a rake.

The two were perfect together with an immediate heat that could have set the page on fire. Ms. Jefferson did a fabulous job of making the whole historical setting vivid and beautiful. One of the secondary characters, Ambrosia’s sister, had me laughing at her antics and anticipating her story. 

I give this story five out of five raindrop shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Super duper book review: Kiru Taye's Men of Valor series.

One day I went book crazy and bought all of the books in Kiru Taye’s Men of Valor series. I’m smiling because it was so worth it.

The romance  stories are set in pre-colonial Nigeria and were hot enough to make me turn off my kindle when I thought someone was reading over my shoulder. All of the novellas are connected, but can be read as stand alone books too. They are quick, flirty reads that will have you pressing the 'next page' button before you have time to process that you are reading at the speed of light.

I adore the covers, they are unique and true to the series.

The Blurb
A historical romance set in pre-colonial West Africa. A first of its kind.

In a time when men ruled their households with firm hands, can a quiet man tame his rebellious wife with persevering love?

Angry at being forced to marry a man not of her choosing, Adaku stubbornly shuns her new husband on their wedding night. However, she soon discovers there are worse things than giving into a man whose touch awakens her deep desires. In a land where fruitfulness is celebrated, she could soon be labeled a barren woman.

Obinna knows there are several ways to tame a rebellious woman. Patience and perseverance are two of them. Adaku is his treasure and he will never let her go. When her fears push her into his arms, will he be able to convince her to stay with him forever by unleashing the passion within her?

My Review

His Treasure  was immensely sweet with loads of passion thrown in. A story of a wife finally falling in love with her husband and letting go of the love she once thought she wanted. The hero was so patient and loving that it made my heart sigh. His Treasure was a quick eventful read.

The Blurb

This novella is book 2 in the Men of Valor historical romance series.

When a warrior seeks to claim a free-spirited woman, he soon discovers a tigress unwilling to be caged. Is the hunter about to be hunted?

As a young widow, Nneka yearns to be released from the obligations to her late husband’s family and live as an independent woman. With a past coloured by a brutal father, she’ll never yield to another man willingly and will do just about anything to attain that freedom including flouting the laws of the land.

Ikem was unable to claim Nneka once because his lineage meant he wasn’t good enough. Now fate has given him another chance. But he quickly discovers that claiming this unpredictable wildcat is easier said than done. Will he be able to convince her that succumbing to their passion is the key to her freedom?

My Review

His Strength was hot. Kiru Taye tightened the rope with this one (no spoilers from me). It was steamy yet romantic. The Alpha male, Ikem was also a soft teddy bear when it came to the heroine,  Nneka. Their story was more than sexual, Ms. Taye was able to develop and bring forth the depth within their relationship.  I recommend this book if you're looking for something that will make you blush and clap at the end.

The Blurb

With the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders and his honor at stake, can a Prince truly love a slave?

Ezinne is dismayed when her mistress presents her to Prince Emeka as a concubine to cater for his every need for a few weeks. She’s a slave whose previous encounters with men make her fear their brutality.

Yet the more she gets to know the powerful yet honorable prince, the easier he breaks down the walls around her heart. She soon comes to want him more than she wants anything else, even freedom.

But Emeka is the heir to the throne and Ezinne is a woman with secrets that threaten not just their budding relationship but a kingdom.

My Review

His Princess was the longest of the series and in my opinion it was the – I won’t tell you, I’ll let you formulate your own opinion. This book was fantastic. Throughout it I kept wondering how the hero and heroine would end up together. When the major revelation came I said, “Hot holy crap” out loud because I didn’t see it coming. And then Ms. Taye brought forth more surprises and all I could do was shake my head at the awesomeness of the story she had woven. Just like the other stories in the Men of Valor series, I whole heartedly recommend this book.

The Blurb
When a warrior’s restraint is tested, will he do his duty to the kingdom or succumb to the lure of a maiden?

Oma should fear the fierce warrior whose captive she’s become after she is seized while spying. The penalty is the lash of his whip. The ache in her body is not from the sting of his flogger but from the scorching heat of his touch. Still, she has to resist him if she wishes to safeguard the secrets she hides.

Jide is the prince’s closest guard. His duty is to keep the royal family safe, so he should deliver instant justice to the spy in his chambers. Yet the intense fire in the eyes of his beautiful prisoner Oma stirs him beyond that of any other maiden in his past. When his self-control is tried which will he choose—hand her over for punishment or defy the prince and protect her?

My Review
Her Protector was the sweetest novella I've ever read by Kiru, meaning there was no sex in it at all. I kept waiting for it to come, but it didn't, and I was okay with it because the story was wonderful. I love an alpha male and a strong heroine with a secret to hide.

All books were purchased from Amazon.com