This book a major page turner that I could not put down from cover to cover lost some sleep but was so worth it! Bravo Jess Russell for this is her debut book but she writes  as if she had been an established author for decades! I would give a bazillion stars if allowed. I absolutely loved this beautifully written, fast paced regency. I am so forward to more books by this wonderful New York City author. 

The Dressmaker's Duke by Jess Russell

5/5 stars

Reviewed by Barb Batlan-Massabrook

Setting: End of March, 

1810, London, England 

Heroe of this story is the handsome but all aloof Rhys Alistair James Merrick, The Duke of Roydan who has many insecurities for loosing his mother at age eight, a woman who had showered him with love and then being brought up by an above his cold selfish mean evil, the former Duke of Roydan, hisfather. His allofness is really a shyness and insecurities and he never wants to grow up like his cruel father who was always whoring and mistreating others. So the ton and the papers have decided to make fun of him as in character drawings as 'the Monk. He did have selfish vain mistress he recently ended and that is how he meets up with the dressmaker as Daria Battersby former mistress of five years ordered five more gowns and other female flipperies as he calls them, but his association had already ended, but Olivia demands payment. He agrees only if she she will model and walk with them on! As some parts are hilarious for example comparing her walk to just looking at lines of a fine horse without seeing it run he might be purchasing. I love when humor pokes it's head from such serious lonely type of character made it that much more fun to read. 

The reader will find that Rhys is actually a very complicated, lonely human being whom you can't help but feel empathy, and fall in love with. Who wouldn't want to heal this handsome abused Duke's wounds. He can tell those who only befriend him for his title and then there is Olive only a dressmaker that does not care a bit about his title and refuses his over generous offer to be a contracted mistress though he is honest stating he is to be married soon. It is only to save his mother's favorite estate and lands which you will have to read the reasons and why as this would be a major spoiler which I don't want to do so the readers will enjoy even more. Let's just say this marriage is just your usual ton arranged marriage where each party us unsuitable and even desire the marriage. Just seems it's the family relations that are definitely pulling for this marriage especially the harpy mother-law to be who is a definite piece of work!

The heroine of this book widower Mrs.Olivia Jane Weston some would lower class is an independent young woman determined to make it on her own and not be some man's property  or else have no choice but to make money on their back in the oldest profession as a prostitute. This is not even option for this straight laced young beautiful young dress designer, seamstress and secret painter.

Olivia has had such a tragic life, loosing a parent at such a young age and as she had been married to a young soldier who dies unexpectedly in an unusual accident during his military training. Olivia is widowed at the young age 25 and  at the same time lost a baby due to premature birth. Afterward she was told she could no longer have any more children and was now barren. Olivia knows the choices are very slim for a woman without a protector it's either prostitution or go into to trade, she chose the later. As she is an extremely talented dress designer and seamstress, but new to town as she hasn't been in London in thirteen years for reasons  she keeps to herself. She befriends the older nurse caring for her and also a widower Mrs. Eggatine Wiggins she call Egg affectionately. When Olivia lost her baby Egg become a mother figure in her life as well as her best friend and decided to go into the dressmaking business together.

 The business is hurting after spending so much money and time on the former mistress's garments! Olivia and Egg  are near starving and need help as her business partner and as Egg is very sick and the Duke has dumped her best customer  his mistress Daria who owes her for five gowns and other smaller garments she had made and assumed would pay for and spent a fortune on! Sometimes slipping meals just to pay for the garments materials!Of course the greety and vengeful ex-mistress claimed he would pay and thinks they will get back together. In Olivia's defense how would she know that arrangement had ended and demanded payment! Rhys pays her after realizing it was the attractive woman he had met earlier an oddity pawn shop and helped her not get robbed from the owner who had been Lording him up and down and ignoring nobody Olivia. After all only the titled seem to count to this owners eyes, but to Rhys Duke of Roydan felt the stirrings of something he did not know what, bit wanted to further examine about the mysterious Mrs. Olivia Weston. Once his usual empty feeling returned he would leave it at that and move on.

Then due to Rhys  instant attraction to this mere tradeswoman either to find out she is nothing special ask for the gowns he had paid for back which sets Olivia in a panic as the ex-mistress Daria Battersby has them and Olivia has nearly spent all the funds! So Rhys tells her she must compensate in some other way!  The rest you the reader will have to read this exceptional book and expect to be dazzled. The attraction and chemistry between these two is instant as you can feel it as well as their past heartaches, hardships, and secrets.  They are both two good people trying to make the right choices yet aren't exactly honest and forthcoming plus their are villains in the midst besides a spiteful ex mistress determined to get him back and ruin Olivia! The sad part besides Both the couple hardships and abuse in the past is Rhys has only loved his mother and not sure what's love even is so it was wonderful to watch his heart starts to open and how these two finally resolve their differences and secrets and mistrust and find love.

It has every element you want in a beautifully written historical regency romance: suspense, drama, humor, revenge, mystery, betrayal, unrequited love, and of course love. Plus riveting scenes and adventure with so many twist and turns the reader is never sure what is going to happen next, I always love that is an exceptional book! I also loved the secondary character like Rhys Uncle Bertram and Olivia's friends Jeb and Hazel. Just have a hankie or box of Lenox nearby as some scenes are a wee bit emotional, again that tells me I am reading a very special and powerful book to get that kind of emotions out of me.

All in all this was a spectacular book I enjoyed immensely! I can't praise "The Dressmakers Duke enough it is the rare book that will touch your heart and steal your soul. Absolutely loved it! 

 This book a major page turner that I could not put down from cover to cover lost some sleep but was so worth it! Bravo Jess Russell for this is her debut book but she writes  as if she had been an established author for decades! I would give a bazillion stars if allowed. I absolutely loved this beautifully written, fast paced regency. I am so forward to more books by this wonderful New York City author. 

The Dressmaker's Duke by Jess Russell

5/5 stars

Reviewed by Barb Batlan-Massabrook

Setting: End of March, 

1810, London, England 

Heroe of this story is the handsome but all aloof Rhys Alistair James Merrick, The Duke of Roydan who has many insecurities for loosing his mother at age eight, a woman who had showered him with love and then being brought up by an above his cold selfish mean evil, the former Duke of Roydan, hisfather. His allofness is really a shyness and insecurities and he never wants to grow up like his cruel father who was always whoring and mistreating others. So the ton and the papers have decided to make fun of him as in character drawings as 'the Monk. He did have selfish vain mistress he recently ended and that is how he meets up with the dressmaker as Daria Battersby former mistress of five years ordered five more gowns and other female flipperies as he calls them, but his association had already ended, but Olivia demands payment. He agrees only if she she will model and walk with them on! As some parts are hilarious for example comparing her walk to just looking at lines of a fine horse without seeing it run he might be purchasing. I love when humor pokes it's head from such serious lonely type of character made it that much more fun to read. 

The reader will find that Rhys is actually a very complicated, lonely human being whom you can't help but feel empathy, and fall in love with. Who wouldn't want to heal this handsome abused Duke's wounds. He can tell those who only befriend him for his title and then there is Olive only a dressmaker that does not care a bit about his title and refuses his over generous offer to be a contracted mistress though he is honest stating he is to be married soon. It is only to save his mother's favorite estate and lands which you will have to read the reasons and why as this would be a major spoiler which I don't want to do so the readers will enjoy even more. Let's just say this marriage is just your usual ton arranged marriage where each party us unsuitable and even desire the marriage. Just seems it's the family relations that are definitely pulling for this marriage especially the harpy mother-law to be who is a definite piece of work!

The heroine of this book widower Mrs.Olivia Jane Weston some would lower class is an independent young woman determined to make it on her own and not be some man's property  or else have no choice but to make money on their back in the oldest profession as a prostitute. This is not even option for this straight laced young beautiful young dress designer, seamstress and secret painter.

Olivia has had such a tragic life, loosing a parent at such a young age and as she had been married to a young soldier who dies unexpectedly in an unusual accident during his military training. Olivia is widowed at the young age 25 and  at the same time lost a baby due to premature birth. Afterward she was told she could no longer have any more children and was now barren. Olivia knows the choices are very slim for a woman without a protector it's either prostitution or go into to trade, she chose the later. As she is an extremely talented dress designer and seamstress, but new to town as she hasn't been in London in thirteen years for reasons  she keeps to herself. She befriends the older nurse caring for her and also a widower Mrs. Eggatine Wiggins she call Egg affectionately. When Olivia lost her baby Egg become a mother figure in her life as well as her best friend and decided to go into the dressmaking business together.

 The business is hurting after spending so much money and time on the former mistress's garments! Olivia and Egg  are near starving and need help as her business partner and as Egg is very sick and the Duke has dumped her best customer  his mistress Daria who owes her for five gowns and other smaller garments she had made and assumed would pay for and spent a fortune on! Sometimes slipping meals just to pay for the garments materials!Of course the greety and vengeful ex-mistress claimed he would pay and thinks they will get back together. In Olivia's defense how would she know that arrangement had ended and demanded payment! Rhys pays her after realizing it was the attractive woman he had met earlier an oddity pawn shop and helped her not get robbed from the owner who had been Lording him up and down and ignoring nobody Olivia. After all only the titled seem to count to this owners eyes, but to Rhys Duke of Roydan felt the stirrings of something he did not know what, bit wanted to further examine about the mysterious Mrs. Olivia Weston. Once his usual empty feeling returned he would leave it at that and move on.

Then due to Rhys  instant attraction to this mere tradeswoman either to find out she is nothing special ask for the gowns he had paid for back which sets Olivia in a panic as the ex-mistress Daria Battersby has them and Olivia has nearly spent all the funds! So Rhys tells her she must compensate in some other way!  The rest you the reader will have to read this exceptional book and expect to be dazzled. The attraction and chemistry between these two is instant as you can feel it as well as their past heartaches, hardships, and secrets.  They are both two good people trying to make the right choices yet aren't exactly honest and forthcoming plus their are villains in the midst besides a spiteful ex mistress determined to get him back and ruin Olivia! The sad part besides Both the couple hardships and abuse in the past is Rhys has only loved his mother and not sure what's love even is so it was wonderful to watch his heart starts to open and how these two finally resolve their differences and secrets and mistrust and find love.

It has every element you want in a beautifully written historical regency romance: suspense, drama, humor, revenge, mystery, betrayal, unrequited love, and of course love. Plus riveting scenes and adventure with so many twist and turns the reader is never sure what is going to happen next, I always love that is an exceptional book! I also loved the secondary character like Rhys Uncle Bertram and Olivia's friends Jeb and Hazel. Just have a hankie or box of Lenox nearby as some scenes are a wee bit emotional, again that tells me I am reading a very special and powerful book to get that kind of emotions out of me.

All in all this was a spectacular book I enjoyed immensely! I can't praise "The Dressmakers Duke enough it is the rare book that will touch your heart and steal your soul. Absolutely loved it! 

I haven't read a book by this Vanessa Kelly since the  Stantons Series in 2009 with her debut Mastering The Marquess (Stantons Series)  book 1  and   Book 2 Sex and the Single Earl in 2010 of the same series. I absolutely love both of these book and now I see I need to go through her back list and catch.  How to to Tempt A Royal Highlander is actually book 4 in The Renegade Royals series but you can read as a stand alone as I had no problem with since this is the first book I have read in this series. I do plan on read the first three as this book was absolutely wonderful.




London November 1815
It is about the heroine is Eden ( Edie) Whitney  who is caught in a scandal kissing Sir Malcolm Bannister a rake of the worst kind and in a secluded hallway. To  make matters worse the one who catches her is non other then Lady Morgan, the biggest gossip in all of London. As if matter could even get worst society decides to to snub her well that's the ton!  Eden is depressed enough feeling an emptiness since her twin sister was swept off her feet and married to Wolf Endicott of course she is happy as her sister had been in love with Wolf forever. It os just she is not there for her as she had been her entire life. Now to make matters worse her Mama want Edie away from London to the Scottish Highland for the Winter to give time for the gossip to calm down.




Alastair  Gilbride has been avoiding his responsibilities and decides to face them and go home to Scotland he is heir to Scottish earldom and has not been home in ten years escaping an arranged earldom. He is also a spy to the crown so thing get extremely interesting in this story. Alec also decides Edie would make an excellent choice as a bride if only he could convince her.

What a a fast page turner read this is a single sitting as it was one of those I can't put down books and so beautifully written. Plus I really love a the humor Evie's mother supplied this book. This was a joy to read and I look forward to more books by this author. I highly recommend the exceptional How to Tempt a Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly it was a fun face paced book that I think any reader of
historical romance will be delighted to read.



****Disclaimer....I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

The fabulous and wonderful USA Today best selling Scottish historical author has done it again with another brilliant and wonderful  new serie,called Highland Wars. This is the third book in this series and it is absolutly riveting! So hold onto you seat and what a  great ride is is! Game on.....the epic battle continues.


Medievial Scotland, Western Isles

This story surrounds Ceana MacRae and Macrath Mor who both fought hard and won at the Bloody War Games and now have the current title as Prince and Princess of Sitheil which they are only allowed to keep for five years Now the story continues,  as Ceana and  Macrath are just married and given only five years to hold on to their tiles which seems unfair for all the sweat blood and tears they had to suffer just to get the title yet it not permanent . Now they want to go after those in charge of the Games, the corrupt council but seems like they seem to have enemies at every corner whether present, past or future!

Seems hopeless yet the future of Scotland,their love as well as well as their very lives are at stake! Can Ceanna and Macrath's love survive this? Can they survive this? You will just have to read this fabulous and captivating book and find out!

Another wonderful Eliza Knight book that you won't be able to put down as I know I couldn't. I highly recommend you read this book it totally dazzled me. Also make sure you check out Ms. Knight's wonderful   Stolen Brides series , Tales from the Tudor Court series, Highland Bound series and others as all her books are spectaular fun reads which I highly recommend.

American Ghost Whisperer Kendra Chase is fed up with some angry spirits not easy persuading angry spirits to her way of thinking isn't easy , but she knows she will be free at last and have a long deserved and over due holiday in lovely Edinburgh. Well that is until she get an unanticipated job that takes her to Scotland's north coast to a small fishing village called Pennard, which is getting ready to be dug up for a historical restoration many of the locals are are not thrilled by this new development especially some without a body or living heart of the supernatural variety. Plus protesting paranormal activity has been reported!

Graeme MacGrath the hero of this amazing story is promised to keeps the peace well that is until these humans start making a racket and throw everything in disarray causing a disturbance that breaks the shield between this world and the old paranormal world. Of course the attraction is immediate when he sees the beautiful Kendra which Graeme seems to resent even more as he just doesn't have the time for it!

The chemistry and attraction and it is obvious the solution join the same teams then be opposite sides. Of course this  brings them even closer and things begin to heat up but can they keep away from the one thing that is not allowed by opening up their hearts! You will have to read this marvelous book to find out.

For me a enormous fan on four four legged friend Jack was one of my favorite character's in this read as Ms, Welfonder also puts an adorable little beastie in her books which I love. Of course I loved watching how Kemdra and Graeme come together for their well deserved happily ever after!

I am a major fan of Sue-Ellen Welfonder as I have been reading her books for close to 25 years! Believe me  when I say her books are rock solid in story and flow, with her brilliant mind and imagination. Haunted Warrior the first in her Highland Ghostbuster series and  is definitely one for my keeper shelve! As all of her books always are whether paranormal under pen name Allie MacKay or historical under Sue-Ellen Welfonder. Anyone can feel her love of the people, animals and land through her written word whether describing a love scene or a piece of haggis. Ms. Wdefinitely has a way about her that sounds so inviting you feel as you are there with her book characters. Yes she is that talented and I always so look forward to her exceptional books that always leave me feeling satisfied though sometime I wish they don't have to end!

I highly recommend Haunted Warrior by is absolutely brilliant and a joy to read!


Sue-Ellen Welfonder has new release coming out August 25, 2015 called  to Desire a Highlander by Sue-Ellen Welfonder which is book 2 in her wonderful  Scandalous Series. Make sure you pick up a copy or pre-order today.

England, 1791

This is the seventh book in the Wherlocke series by best selling author Hannah Howell whose books I tend to devour as she is one of my favorite authors as I have be reading her books for close to 25 year and this book is no different as I absolutely loved it! 

The heroine of this story is Lady Primrose Wooten whose father recently  died under mysterious circumstances and now her brother is missing and as the vultures are swarming in on (her her greedy and evil relative)  whom she suspects might of possibly murdered her father for his wealth. Now Lady Primroseshe fears her brother might be next on her list so if much urgency she must find her brother. She bumps into Sir Vaughn daughter literally falling directly into his broad chest. Now with his ability to track he is the best choice to help find her brother and keep her safe.

This book is about Sir Benet Vaughn a man whose special gift is t track and sense danger and  isn't afraid of much except maybe a lady with a pistol. He considers himself an honorable man but with her by his side to keep her safe her can't seem to help but to desire her and even thought he knows it's wrongs woth so much danger  and  havac in her life he doesn't know how much longer he can resist her.

This is another fun adventure that Miss Howell take you on another grand ride in her wonderful world of historical romance with a touch of paranormal. As always I devoured another Hannah Howell book which was brilliant and touches your heart and soul and a few giggles with some humor. Of course it is always fun to watch how her couple and open their hearts to each other. I highly recommend this wonderful series.

I was given this book by netgalley.com for an honest review

The Wherlock series by Hannah Howell

If He's Wicked #1

If He's Sinful #2

If He's Wild #3

If He's Dangerous #4

If He's Tempted #5

If He's Daring #6

If He's Noble # 7 ( Will be released 7/28/2015)

This is the first book in Joanne Wadsworth new series The Matheson Brothers (Book One) and what a lovely introduction
at that. There is shape shifters, fae lore but also an amazing adventure and mystery. Do I have your attention? It sure had mine!

In the past 12th century Gilleoin was gifted and has the shape shifting ability to turn into a bear, he also mated with one with faerie blood which they did in secrecy. His clan was called Matheson.

This book is about Isla and Iain Matheson: as (Isla Matheson)whom is running from the one her ancestor prophesied would be hers highland warrior (Iain Matheson). Isla knows she is running out of time, but why as she knows once he captures her she will no longer be able to deny him anything! It also sets the 12 century prophesy into motion, which Isla is not ready for. As it will set her back through time to when their clan began.

Highland warrior shifter, Iain Matheson, has fallen for the beautiful Isla and will do anything to keep her! Iain will even dive into a portal she falls into as he would die for his known mate! Yet they both soon find out the games are over! They both have a mission to save their future lines and save from both the past and the future, yet how will this be accomplished? Must read this exceptional read to find out! Another spectacular read that will blow you away!

Note: I truly loved this original unique story as I think everyone will just want to warn you there is a cliffhanger at the end, but it really goes hand in hand with the story. Plus the fact this fabulous author bangs out her books rather quickly another talent of Ms. Wadsworth. If you love mystic, magic, love and adventure then this is definitely the book for you!

I really love thr style of writing that this New Zealand author has it is refreshing and unique and pretty spectaular it my opinion. Always grabs my attention from the beginning to the end never quite sure what will happen next with that element of surprise. I highly recommed and what aa awesome start to a new series. I read each and every book in her Last series Highland Heat which was fabulous I expect this series will be jist as much fun if not more so. I highly recommend you real all of Joanne Wadsworth book as she totally dazzles me. Of course you might moss a few hours of sleep not be able to put her books down! Love, love, loved it!

Series by Joanne Wadsworth

Highlander Heat
Highlander's Captive, #0.5 (Short Story 11,000 words)
Highlander's Castle, #1
Highlander's Magic, #2
Highlander's Charm, #3
Highlander's Guardian, #4
Highlander's Faerie, #5
Highlander's Champion, #6
The Matheson Brothers (Highlander Romance)
Highlander's Desire, #1
Highlander's Passion, #2
Highlander's Seduction, #3
Clan Matheson (Highlander Romance)
Highlander's Kiss, #1
Highlander's Heart, #2
Highlander's Sword, #3
Bodyguards
Witness Pursuit, #1
Bodyguard Pursuit, #2
Magio-Earth (Princes and Swords - NA Romance)
Protector, #1
Warrior, #2
Hunter, #2.5 (Short Story of 12,000 words)
Enchanter, #3

Fabulous Author Joanne Wadsworth does it again in book 2 of her wonderful  time travel paranormal Mattheson Brothers series. This is an exceptional page turner and again another fabulous book, that you won't be able to put down . This New Zealand author is a fantastic and unique storyteller that I highly recommend! 

Setting...Scotland, 1210

The Matheson Brothers triplets know as the power of three sent back in time as to when the Matheson  Clan began. The brothers mission is to find their soul mates and destiny  to save their future clan to continue to exist to save from extinction. This book is about Matheson brother, a Highland shifter , that can shift into bear form called Finlay and the heroine in this story is about Arabel  a Fae who has the fire wielding ability the thing is she fears getting too close to Finlay as she is afraid she will kill him as she still hasn't been able to control her power and fears she will kill Finlay. As she can feel Finlay as she has a lot of powers and with the help with another of her kind and their combined power can make Finlay believe each time they meet it is the first time. The problem is each time Finlay meets Arabel he falls completely in love with her yet after each meeting he forgets her which begone to be very frustrating to Finlay.

There is also a fair share of villains and evil in this story one plans to distroy Arabel village and Finlay being the food and honorable man he is knows time is of the essence to save and protect his beloved Arabel as well as her people. So Finlay knows he has to figure a way for he and Arabel to be together for love and to save both all the people they care about, their families and friends, as well as each other. The problem is how can they do this without dying! Finlay fears loosing Arabel from her enemiesBtho want to distroy and have been killing people from her village.  Now as for Arabel who can't seem to get a hold of her emotions! She fears killing Finlay with her own fire wielding power that she could always control until recently. 

Fate can be a very cruel mistress what is to happen to this ill fated couple where doom seem to be coming at every direction? You  the reader will have to read this spectacular book to find the results and what other adventure and drama this ill fated couple have to endure. 

Another spectacular read that Ms. Wadsworth pens with that golden pen of her! I absolutely loved this brilliant storyline filled with so much action packed adventure, mystery, suspense, drama and even a few giggles at some humorous scenes and of course the romance and love. Of course who doesn't love a visit to historic Scotland? I could nearly feel the chill from the winds near the loch, smell the  sweet scented heather while tripping over some thistles doing some frolicking up a mountain! 

I can't praise this book enough as it is definitely one for the keeper shelf. I loved Highland Passion as I did with Highland Desire book one of the Matheson Brother series and can't wait for Kirk's story in Highlander's Seduction.   I also highly recommend Ms,Wadsworth Highlander Heat Series as another I read and reviewed the entire fabulous series, all 7 books which are always all my honest reviews. 

Highlander Series by Joanne Wadsworth

Highlander Heat 

Highlander's Captive, #0.5 (Short Story 11,000 words)

Highlander's Castle, #1

Highlander's Magic, #2

Highlander's Charm, #3

Highlander's Guardian, #4

Highlander's Faerie, #5

Highlander's Champion, #6

The Matheson Brothers (Highlander Romance)

Highlander's Desire, #1

Highlander's Passion, #2

Highlander's Seduction, #3

Clan Matheson (Highlander Romance)

Highlander's Kiss, #1

Highlander's Heart, #2

Highlander's Sword, #3

  

1511 Scotland

5/5

Beloved Imposter - Book one, The Scottish Highland Trilogy

 Felicia Campbell  is being forced to marriage by Uncle and King to marry a man three times her age and with an evil reputation and his last wife died under user mysterious and shady circumstance that look like he might of done the deed himself and murder his own wife!Felicia is a smart lass and act calm so she can plot her escape with the help with Felicia's beautiful friend Janet Cameron whom was in fact betrothed and in love with her cousin Jamie devised a plan to help her escape. Like all thing they don't go as planned as the lassies had devised a plan to make Felicia look like Janet. As Felicia is kidnapped by her Clan's most hated enemy Clan Maclean as they thought they were kidnapping Janet Cameron as they were bride napping the thing is the groom to be one Rory Maclean had no idea or a hand in this bride napping plot!

Worse still was the fact that her abductors were from Clan Maclean - a clan that was a bitter enemy of Clan Campbell as the older MacLeans though a Bride and an heir could solve their problems.  Rorys's  older brother is missing and his father dead and they need someone to stay and lead the clan plus to stop all the bloodshed. Rory plan is to resolve  and make peace with these enemy clans and get back to the sea.

Long ago the Laird of MacCleans had tried to murder his barren  Campbell wife who could not provide him with an heir a curse  and as an act of revenge had been put to the MacLeans that no bride would live long and prosper as Rory had already lost two wives and swore never to marry again! 

His reaction to the woman his clan mistakenly brought home to him was that he would take Felicia thinking she is Janet Cameron would of returned her to Clan Cameron straight away except that she brought out feelings and passion he though he lost long ago. Felicia too is conflicted as feeling start to unravel as she knows this is wrong to feel anything except contempt and hate for any MacClean no matter how bonnie he might be! 

This is a wonderful book with all the emotions you would want in a Scottish historical romance with hate, guilt, passion, conflict, mystery, betrayal, mistaken identity, kidnapping, suspense and even a paranormal element and of course eventually everlasting love. It was fun to read how these two enemies come together and of course very romantic to the core. Patricia Potter is a wonderful author and one I have enjoyed for many years. I look forward in continuing to read this fabulous trilogy. I highly recommend fantastic read! 

The Scottish Highlands Trilogy

Beloved Imposter Book 1

Beloved Stranger Book 2

Beloved Warrior Book 3

This is the first book in the Scottish Strife Series called The Highland Chief by Dana D'Angelo. 

It is about a son Chief to Clan MacGregor going to great lengths to try to save his dying father as Rory and his brothers all gave up hope in his survival until they hear about this famed Scottish healer whom resides in the dreaded England. A place and people they hated and despise.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but the problem is this healer would rather take her own life they help the MacGregors. Rory considers taking the healer against her will until the healers beautiful daughter offers volunteer to go in her mother's place stating she is as a healer as well. Darra's decision agreed and made since her mum has not been able to function since her fathers death as she she has been in a grief stricken state.

Dara knows that escape is the only way she will survive from these cruel savage Highlander beasts,but  soon realizes these Highlander's are not the beasts she was always told they were. The only thing that she needs to protect is her fragile tender heart for fear she might leave with it broken to bits! Lady Darra Berchelaine has heard horrible evil cruel stories about these savage highlanders  but then realize they had planned  to kidnap her Scottish Mum  so she decide she had to take immediate action no matter what the cost! Her Mum who ran away from Scotland before her birth and who has been grief stricken state since her fathers recent passing. She has been her the one taking care of her people and caring for the sick since her fathers passing and her mother unable to function.

As Rory and Darra travel together and you can feel their chemistry feeling she will do her duty and marry an old unfeeling English gentleman and this might be her last chance at passion before she has to return to England. and meet her cold fate. Will she take a chance on love? How will Darra  be able return to England with her heart still in tact? Yet there are many obstacles in this couples way besides each ones families opposition one being Scottish and English although half English. 

I really enjoyed this book as the author really brings you into historic Scotland and the conflicts this couple will face and need to overcome. It was fast paced read with kept me turning the pages from cover to cover. I highly recommend as I adored The Highland Chief ( Scottish Strife Series) book one by Dana D'Angelo as I am looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.

Other Books by the Author:

First Kisses - A Medieval Romance Edition (FREE) 

The Knights of Honor Trilogy:

One True Knight - Book 1

A Knight's Duty - Book 2

Fallen Knight - Book 3 

(Trilogy Boxed Set also available)

Novellas:

The Promise 

Heart of a Knight

I haven't read a book by this Vanessa Kelly since the  Stantons Series in 2009 with her debut Mastering The Marquess (Stantons Series)  book 1  and   Book 2 Sex and the Single Earl in 2010 of the same series. I absolutely love both of these book and now I see I need to go through her back list and catch.  How to to Marry A Royal Highlander is actually book 4 in The Renegade Royals series but you can read as a stand alone as I had no problem with since this is the first book I have read in this series. I do plan on read the first three as this book was absolutely wonderful.

London November 1815

It is about the heroine is Eden ( Edie) Whitney  who is caught in a scandal kissing Sir Malcolm Bannister a rake of the worst kind and in a secluded hallway. To  make matters worse the one who catches her is non other then Lady Morgan, the biggest gossip in all of London. As if matter could even get worst society decides to to snub her well that's the ton!  Eden is depressed enough feeling an emptiness since her twin sister was swept off her feet and married to Wolf Endicott of course she is happy as her sister had been in love with Wolf forever. It os just she is not there for her as she had been her entire life. Now to make matters worse her Mama want Edie away from London to the Scottish Highland for the Winter to give time for the gossip to calm down.

Alastair  Gilbride has been avoiding his responsibilities and decides to face them and go home to Scotland he is heir to Scottish earldom and has not been home in ten years escaping an arranged earldom. He is also a spy to the crown so thing get extremely interesting in this story. Alec also decides Edie would make an excellent choice as a bride if only he could convince her.

What a a fast page turner read this is a single sitting as it was one of those I can't put down books and so beautifully written. Plus I really love a the humor Evie's mother supplied this book. This was a joy to read and I look forward to more books by this author. I highly recommend the exceptional How to Marry a Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly it was a fun face paced book that I think any reader of historical romance will be delighted to read. 

****Disclaimer....I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Frances Housden really outdid herself in the fourth book in her best selling Chieftain series with "Chieftain in the Making" with so many elements that I was never certain what was going to happen next. It was both captivating and magical which I enjoyed very much. I also enjoy when character's from previous books in the series make an appearance. Another exceptional read in the Chieftain series.


1091.....

In this story Rob is the  21 year old McArthur heir , is caught on the wrong side of the Border and held for ransom where he meets the beautiful Sixteen year old Half Norman and hard Scottish beauty Melinda La Mont. She is the daughter of the Norman Baron Henry La Mont that is holding Rob for ransom. One thing leads to another and Rob and Melinda fall in love. The secret is the Wolfsdale Manor where Rob is being held is none other the place where Rob was born and had been his Grandfather's home for his first eleven years.  Woldfsdale had been granted to Melinda's father plus a Barony from King William for his services to the Crown. This piece of information Rob does not share with his beloved  Melinda or anyone else for he knows his life would be forfeit if  her father ever found out.

Promises were  made claiming Rob  will send Melinda  when they find out the ransom was paid and he is to return home to Scotland to his home at Cragenlaw. Of course Rob has twisted emotions not want to leave his beloved whom he had made a woman during his captivity plus her father had been gone an entire month. Melinda promised to wait for Rob. He had gone to look for her about nine months later not realizing she would be giving birth, Rob hoping to get a glimpse of Melinda not knowing if she was alive or dead. He follows a white stag and meets a group of Gypsies camping on the woods and meets a young female dwarf  Rowena who can read fortunes as one might call a seer. Two years have passed and Rob finds out finds out Melinda had given birth to his two twin son's, yet never even sent word to him that he was a father. So Rob decides with some help from some gypsy friends and his best friend also a dwarf named Nhaimeth he has been friends since a young lad, to abduct and marry his beloved Melinda plus he never wants his sons to be called bastards. A title he has had to endure  his entire life.

Melinda has never held her second born twin son named Ralf, the one that looks like the father that abandoned her. As Melinda  is not the same happy, free spirited girl,  she had been two years ago, when her sons were conceived. Melinda can't even look at Ralf, blaming him being so huge for nearly killing her during the birth. Even at two years of age she has never held him and only will  nurse her first born son named Harry and her wet-nursemaid nurses Ralf. He is the reason Melinda blame she nearly died in childbirth,  Ralf being so large nearly coming out feet first. Luckily they were able to turn him  while in the womb or she most likely would of  died.

After being abducted by some gypsies things don't go exactly as planned as Melinda fears being murdered and once she finds out Rob is behind these shenanigans she does not exactly give him the warm loving reception he was expecting . Melinda calling him a bastard saying she hates him and then he see's her rejection of Ralf one of his sons, the one that most resembles Rob! Well he no longer has her on that high pedestal plus after the forced marriage. Melinda saying she will never make love to him again definitely breaking  Rob's heart and spirit.

There is so much misunderstanding and mistrust plus her father wants her only so he can have an his heir the real reason he left her alone with with a captive in the manor for a month! Plus he has hand picked a Norman Knight for her to wed. Then her father wants the heir, the first born child as he doesn't care about the second twin or  his own daughter. As he was always disappointed her not being a male a true heir, but to him her first born  son will do nicely. As long as they have royal bloodlines is all that matters. Plus his wicked leman is an enemy of Rob's family as well and never sure what she is planning, as she and Melinda dislike each other right from the being. Yet her father, Henry La Mont so worried of appearances lies to everyone else calling his leman Brodwyn, Melinda's campanion. So many lies, deceit, racism treachery with much mystery and suspense, betrayal, unrequited love, enchantment, magic, folklore, and at long last love.

I really loved the dwarf story in this book but you will have to read this wonderful book to find out the details. Plus I love the mention of true history in a fictional historical is always wonderful with the mention of actual of actual famous people in Scottish, Saxon, and Norman history.

I highly recommend  this  wonderful captivating  page turner Chieftain in the Making" and those of you like me who love history and romance will love Rob and Melinda's story. I also recommend you read all Frances Housden books in the Chieftain Series as they are all reads that you won't be able to put down!  A riveting soul catching series you won't be able to forget!


The Chieftain Series

1. The Chieftain's Curse - Book 1
2. Chieftain By Command - Book 2
3. The Chieftain's Feud - Book 3
4. Chieftain in the Making - Book 4

Spectacular read not surprising since I absolutely love Hannah Howell and have been a huge fan for many years. This is book one is Ms. Howells  Murray series and I think there like 19 books and they are all magnificent reads in my opinion. This is the book that started it all and I highly recommend you read this wonderful  it  definitely one for the reread and keeper shelf . Yes it is that exceptional of a read.

1430, Scotland

This story is about Laird of Duncoill Clan,  Balfour Murray as his young  half brother Eric has been kidnapped by his clans worst enemy clan Beaton and as the boy was once left to die  as a newborn for the wolves since Balfour father had an affair with Beatons long dead wife. This is what started the war between clans. Though both parents are long dead but now the dying Beaton wants Eric as heir. The infant he left got the wolves all those years ago. The trouble is Eric is a Murray and many will just murder a teenage boy as others Beacon's want that wealth and title and feel entitled to so. They don't think Eric will past. Day once Beacon dies. They also fear for Beacon's known cruelty as they know Eric will never accept Beacon as his Father and wonder is he will force this through torture. There Mak 

The heroine of this story is Maldie Kirkaldy who promised revenge on her mother's deathbed  to murder and kill the Beaton of Dubblinn whom used and discarded which left them in a life of poverty and starvation. Maldie's mother had to whore for them to be able survive yet Maldie disgusted at her mother's way of life. Plus a mother who had even wanted her own daughter to join in her profession which Maldie refused holding onto her virginity for dear life. All Maldie want is to kill Beaton her sire and get her revenge but needs help and then she finds the Murray whom had just been beaten in a skirmish with the Beatons that was supposed to be a peace truce but as usually Beaton betrayed them. Balfour's brother is injured near death and Maldie offers her skills as a healer though they know the lass must have secrets to show up in the middle of a bloody battle but also know the old healer at Murray household is useless so they accepts,her offer not to mention she is the bonniest woman Balfour has ever behold and has know immediately he wants her in his bed as well.

This book was so beautifully written and there is so much action, adventure and emotion, deception, betrayal, murder and love. Even how two brothers being in love with the same lass. I found this unique secondary storyline although how it is resolved is bittersweet. I really felt bad for Nigel knowing he didn't have a chance with Maldie. Plus I felt bad for how Maldie grew up with an emotionally abusive mother and and a father she never met but was beyond evil. I understood her reasons for keeping her secret and think I would of chosen the same path in her place as Balfour would never believe a daughter of Beacon's would want to murder him, but I felt for Maldie's pain when he accused her of spying. 

I really hated this book to end it was one of those rare those books that so many character's have that endearing quality not just the main couple, but Balfour's  bro there's Nigel, and Eric, even Maldie's Uncle Colin from the Kirkcaldy Clan. I cannot praise this book enough and all the dangerous on slip of a lass can get into. Some moment made me giggle too as Hannah Howell is one of those rare writers that really brings the reader into the story.  It's heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time. I highly recommend you start with this book I'd you are just venturing into her Murray Clan series as it is a spectacular series and I highly recommend. I would give this book a bazillion stars if allowed. I totally loved Highland Destiny by Hannah Howell who has always been a favorite author of mine! 

I got this book from NetGalley.com for an honest review.

 

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