Review - - My Fake Rake

My Fake Rake
by Eva Leigh
The Union of Rakes - Book 1
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: November 26, 2019
Reviewed by Santa
 

In the first book in Eva Leigh's new Union of the Rakes series, a bluestocking enlists a faux suitor to help her land an ideal husband only to be blindsided by real desire…

Lady Grace Wyatt is content as a wallflower, focusing on scientific pursuits rather than the complications of society matches. But when a handsome, celebrated naturalist returns from abroad, Grace wishes, for once, to be noticed. Her solution: to “build” the perfect man, who will court her publicly and help her catch his eye. Grace’s colleague, anthropologist Sebastian Holloway, is just the blank slate she requires.

To further his own research on English society, Sebastian agrees to let Grace transform him from a bespectacled, bookish academic into a dashing—albeit fake—rake. Between secret lessons on how to be a rogue and exaggerated public flirtations, Grace’s feelings for Sebastian grow from friendship into undeniable, inconvenient, real attraction. If only she hadn’t asked him to help her marry someone else...

Sebastian is in love with brilliant, beautiful Grace, but their bargain is complete, and she desires another. Yet when he’s faced with losing her forever, Sebastian will do whatever it takes to tell her the truth, even if it means risking his own future—and his heart.

Santa's Thoughts:

I had the pleasure of reading My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh recently and it hit all the marks for me as a solid five star read! 

You see, I love me a good Beta hero! A bit rough around the edges but delicious nonetheless especially if they wear spectacles. In this reader’s opinion spectacles on a Beta is as delicious as pockets on a ballgown. For the most part, Betas are the most likely not to catch one’s eye but when they do - you are guaranteed to lose your heart. AND better yet is one who harbors an unrequited love for a certain lady in their life. Mr. Sebastian Halloway, bespectacled anthropologist, is one such hero.

The lady for whom he holds a tendre is also a kind of Beta heroine, if you will. Lady Grace Wyatt’s scholarly pursuits as a naturalist present her as a singular lady in a predominantly male world. She, too, harbors an unrequited love for another colleague who has yet to see her merits as a woman. She comes up with a plan to make this other man take notice and want to marry her so they can go off together on expeditions as husband and wife.

Sebastian is the perfect subject to transform into a fake rake. As lessons progress with the aid of Sebasian’s friend the Duke of Rotherby, Lady Grace soon recognizes that she has feelings for her fake rake which completely goes against her plans. 

This book will make you laugh and cheer and I guarantee you will shed a tear or two, as well!

Review - - The Duke's Stolen Bride

The Duke's Stolen Bride
by Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Reviewed by Santa
 

An urgent dilemma…

To save her impoverished family, Marian Langley will become a mistress. But she will not be just any mistress. Marian intends to become so skilled, so coveted, that she can set her own terms, retaining control over her body and her fate. Only one problem remains: finding a tutor…

A scandalous solution…

Other men deprive themselves of pleasure for propriety’s sake. Nathaniel, Duke of Warrington, would much rather be depraved. He slakes his desires with professionals who ask nothing of him but his coin. Marian’s proposal—that he train her without taking her virtue—is an intriguing diversion, until their lessons in seduction spin out of control.

And a most unlikely duchess…

When Marian is blackmailed into engagement by a man she despises, Nate impulsively steals her away. Though he never intended to take a wife, he can’t tolerate the idea of Marian forfeiting her freedom to another. But can he bear to give her what she demands—a real marriage?

Santa says...

The Duke’s Stolen Bride by Sophie Jordan is the newest addition to her The Rogue Files and it is another 5 Star for me. I have really enjoyed this series. We are introduced to our heroine, Marian Langley, in the previous books as governess and friend in the Duke of Autenberry’s household. She sent money home to her father and siblings but then her father fell ill and she returned home to care for him, staying after his death. Their circumstances quickly spiraled downward and she finds it more and more difficult to pay the bills and put food on the table.

And that is how she finds herself under a table, in a tavern, running from the coal peddler, one of many merchants she owes money to. As luck would have it the table she ends up under is the table of none other than a duke. A duke whose reputation precedes him. He is no other than the Duke of Warrington aka the Duke of Depravity. Marian intrigues him for no other reason than she lands at his feet, as any number of women do, but not for the usual reasons. He agrees not to give her away when the coal peddler storms in looking for her.

Marian’s problems don’t end there. She has a distasteful suiter who comes bearing gifts and keeps pressing his interest in her and if she does not agree to marriage to him he would be more than happy to press himself to her two younger sisters. Marian must come up with something more to do for her family. Tutoring and the sewing her sisters do are not enough to keep food on the table and their brother at Eton. 

Marion sees her only recourse is to become a mistress like the newly retired ‘widow’ who moved to their village a couple of years ago. Her friend, the widow Mrs. Ramsey, cautions her that it is not a lifestyle for everyone. But Marion is inexperienced and an innocent and would require some direction. She tells her of her encounter with the duke and decides to approach him to ask for his hand in her tutelage.

To say that Nathanial, the duke of Depravity, is shocked is an understatement. Once again, he is intrigued. An innocent wanting to be a sought after mistress. He reluctantly agrees and they set rules and requirements of their arrangement. Like never letting things go beyond kisses and caresses. What could go wrong? Love would never come into play - this a business arrangement. Its bounds are soon tested as her ‘suiter’ more aggressively plays his hand. The duke is left with little choice but to steal his bride.

Marian and Nate are a delight. I was rooting for them from the very beginning. I loved being introduced to the other Langley sisters. And I ask you, what English village wouldn’t be complete without a mysterious widow of unknown repute? I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Review - - Would Like to Meet

PJ, here. We all make mistakes. Recently, I made one when I accidentally assigned this book to be reviewed by Hellie after already receiving a review of the same title from Maria a few months ago. I blame my mistake on the fact that I was knee-deep in packing when the error occurred. Of course, it could also be due to the fact that I'm old but I reserve the right to pick my excuses so I'm discarding that one and sticking with the packing. ;-) My amazing Dish team members were very understanding and so, today I bring you not one, but two reviews of the debut novel, Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters. Enjoy!

Would Like to Meet

by Rachel Winters

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Release Date: December 3, 2019

Reviewed by Maria

  

Can you fall in love like they do in the movies?

It's Evie Summers's job to find out. Because if she can't convince her film agency's biggest client, Ezra Chester, to write the romantic-comedy screenplay he owes producers, her career will be over. The catch? Arrogant Ezra thinks rom-coms are unrealistic--and he'll only put pen to paper if Evie proves to him that it's possible to meet a man in real life the way it happens on the big screen.

Cynical Evie might not believe in happily ever after, but she'll do what it takes to save the job that's been her lifeline . . . even if it means reenacting iconic rom-com scenes in public. Spilling orange juice on a cute stranger? No problem. Leaving her number in books all over London to see who calls? Done. With a little help from her well-meaning friends and the adorable father-daughter duo who keep witnessing her humiliations, Evie is determined to show Ezra she can meet a man the way Sally met Harry. But can a workaholic who's given up on love find a meet-cute of her very own?

Maria says...

Rachel Winters has taken rom-com to another level. Her debut novel features a creative, smart heroine, Evie Summers, who in order to save her agency, and thereby her job must convince an Oscar winning screenwriter he has what it takes to write a romantic comedy.

In addition to being a wonderfully descriptive book that puts the reader right into the crazy world of a British film agency, she is also dead funny. Seriously. There are sections in this novel that are laugh out loud funny. I don’t mean lol, I mean I guffawed.

It was almost as if I were watching a movie instead of reading a novel, complete with a unique set of “Bridget Jones-esque” best friends who pop off the page and take you on a delicious journey as you flip from one scene to the next.

The plot relies on the fact that the heroine doesn’t know she’s being duped, and while I wasn't 100% convinced of that through line, the author gives the reader such an amazing, curl your toes, rom-com ending, I went along with it. The story will take you to a happily-ever-after-ville, with all the wonderful 'will-they, or won't-they' in between.

This is without a doubt a book that begs to be curled up with in your favorite chair, with a cast of characters that will live with you long after you’ve read the last page. It's a fun contemporary romance destined to be on my keeper shelf.

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

Would Like to Meet

by Rachel Winters

Publisher: Putnam/Random House

Release Date: December 3, 2019

Reviewed by Hellie 

Can you fall in love like they do in the movies?

It's Evie Summers's job to find out. Because if she can't convince her film agency's biggest client, Ezra Chester, to write the romantic-comedy screenplay he owes producers, her career will be over. The catch? He thinks rom-coms are unrealistic--and he'll only put pen to paper if Evie shows him that it's possible to meet a man in real life the way it happens on the big screen.

Cynical Evie might not believe in happily ever after, but she'll do what it takes to save the job that's been her lifeline . . . even if it means reenacting iconic rom-com scenes in public. Spilling orange juice on a cute stranger? No problem. Leaving her number in books all over London to see who calls? Done. With a little help from her well-meaning friends--and Ben and Anette, the adorable father-daughter duo who keep witnessing her humiliations--Evie is determined to prove she can meet a man the way Sally met Harry. But can a workaholic who's given up on love find a meet-cute of her very own?

Hellie’s Heeds:

Imagine you’re me and you were around the last time Chick Lit was popular; and imagine you’re me and you’ve seen, owned, and/or randomly quoted every rom-com movie as if they’re roadmaps to love. You can see why I am such a fan of this book. This book is the love letter for all the lovers of rom-coms and are unashamed to say so. You’ll laugh at each of the meet-cutes that comprise the novel--because the entire book is based on the heroine reliving every meet-cute ever written--and enjoy how horrible they actually go. In the movies, meet-cutes are actually cute. In Rachel Winters’ book, they’re the stuff that make you notorious at the local coffee shop. 

Now this is not to say you need to go and watch every rom-com ever made to get the jokes. By no means. The book is a stand alone and if you had never seen a rom-com before, you’d simply think this girl has some awful luck. But if you have seen a rom-com or two in your time, it will make the experience that much more enjoyable, as if you too are in on the joke. 

It’s action-packed and light on sexual tension (since there are possibilities for more than one love interest), but it was a quick read and I could not put it down. I didn’t notice I was missing love scenes--if anything, it reminded me of the chick-lit books of old I really enjoyed. So...it’s very rated PG-13, even with the erotic book club fiasco and the roommate who has a different sex partner every night. 

Since there are a couple of possibilities as far as the love interest goes, I am loathe to explain too much more, except that the author picked the right hero. There was a time or three where I was panicked it was going in one direction, but eventually it came around to the right Happily Ever After. This book is going immediately on my keeper shelf next to the Bromance, and it’s going on my list this year as best books of 2019. I’m also adding Rachel Winters to authors to watch. Enjoy!

Coastal Magic Author Spotlight - - Amalie Howard

Hi, everyone! This month I'm turning my Coastal Magic spotlight on a new-to-me author: Amalie Howard. I met Amalie at a book conference earlier this year but hadn't read any of her books until her newest, The Beast of Beswick, hit my Kindle. Oh my gosh, how have I not read this author before? I loved this story! It was everything I hope for in a historical romance with its brooding, scarred hero and damn-the-torpedoes-full-speed-ahead, heroine. Historical romance purists may take issue with some modern themes in this book (feminist heroines who take on the patriarchy) but I'm not among them. Astrid is brilliantly portrayed, wholly believable, and had my support the entire way. Then there's Thane. Oh, what that man has suffered. He could only be brought out of hiding by a woman as strong as he and I loved being there to watch it all unfold. Surrounding our couple, Howard has assembled a wonderful cast of secondary characters who provide humor, compassion, and conflict. I adored Thane's Aunt Mable and enjoyed watching Astrid's younger sister coming into her own. The rapid-fire dialogue, rich sensuality, cheeky servants, and impeccable storytelling kept me engaged from beginning to end. I laughed, cheered, cringed, and shed a few tears before reaching the immensely satisfying conclusion. Then, I wanted to go right back to the beginning and read the story all over again. So, you know what? I did! Now, I'll be downloading Amalie Howard's historical back list along with eagerly anticipating whatever she has in store for readers next. I can't wait!

The Beast of Beswick
by Amalie Howard
Publisher: Entangled:Amara
Release Date: November 26, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 

Beauty and the Beast meets Taming of the Shrew in this laugh-out-loud and heartfelt Regency romance.

Lord Nathaniel Harte, the disagreeable Duke of Beswick, spends his days smashing porcelain, antagonizing his servants, and snarling at anyone who gets too close. With a ruined face like his, it's hard to like much about the world. Especially smart-mouthed harpies—with lips better suited to kissing than speaking—who brave his castle with indecent proposals.

But Lady Astrid Everleigh will stop at nothing to see her younger sister safe from a notorious scoundrel, even if it means offering herself up on a silver platter to the forbidding Beast of Beswick himself. And by offer, she means what no highborn lady of sound and sensible mind would ever dream of—a tender of marriage with her as his bride.

 Q&A with Amalie Howard

Welcome Amalie! Thanks for visiting with me today. I’m so excited to see you at the Coastal Magic Convention in February!

Thanks for having me! I’m super excited to be a guest at Coastal Magic as well, and I can’t wait to chat with you in person!

Your newest book, THE BEAST OF BESWICK was released yesterday. What should readers expect in this story?

Yes! I’m so excited about this book. It’s Beauty and the Beast meets Taming of the Shrew, and I’m so proud to say that it received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

Readers should expect a sexy enemies-to-lovers romance with a smart heroine who has learned how to be resilient and independent, and a grouchy, war-scarred hero who doesn’t want anything to do with anyone. These two have not had the easiest of lives, and in their own way, each feels blocked off from love. When circumstances throw them together, sparks fly, and the shrew whose only passion is her books finds it in real life, and the beast who has hidden himself away opens up to someone new. I loved writing Astrid and Thane’s story and getting them to their hard-won HEA.

I also really enjoyed writing a clever, feminist heroine who wasn’t afraid to use her brain (intelligence is sexy!) or hide how well-read she was. In Astrid’s case, I wanted to show that being put in a box didn’t mean that she had to accept it or be stuck there forever—her choices mattered. And likewise, I wanted to write a hero who valued that kind of intelligence and who relished matching wits with her. I loved the verbal sparring (hello, foreplay!) in this romance, and hope readers will too.

I’m always up for a midnight snack and I like to imagine characters I’m reading about might be as well. What would Thane and Astrid sneak down to the kitchens to snack on after some late-night sexy times?

Haha, great question! I have a sexy scene at the end of the book that will definitely answer this question. So how about a sneak peek:

“I’m ravenous,” Astrid said, reaching for a piece of crusty bread and some cheese as Thane lowered the tray to the table. They didn’t talk as she filled a small plate with the offerings on the tray—some cold chicken, along with fresh fruit and a warm meat pie. He wasn’t hungry, but he watched her eat her fill.

“I was famished,” she said, licking her fingers clean with a sigh. He forced himself to behave at the sight of those elegant fingers disappearing into her mouth, but his body had other ideas. Time had not dulled his infatuation with her hands. “I only had a bit of Aunt Mabel’s whiskey on the way to North Stifford after luncheon at Harte House.”

“She’s a terrible influence.”

“She’s wonderful,” Astrid declared loyally, but then she giggled again. “Do you know she embroi­ders…”

Alas, (evil author laugh), to find out what the terrible and utterly unapologetic Aunt Mabel embroiders, you’ll have to read the book! Trust me, it’s quite scandalous!

I’m currently adventuring overseas and scouring the shops for quirky souvenirs. What’s the craziest souvenir you’ve ever brought home from a trip? Do you still have it?

Oh, very cool. I hope you have a fantastic trip! I love to travel and have been all over the world (29 countries so far). I usually collect postcards, small jewelry, art, books, and knick-knacks. The best souvenirs I’ve ever brought home were a gorgeous piece of golden art from Singapore and a beautiful statue of two lovers made of Murano glass from Venice. The craziest souvenir, however, has to go to the pair of battle swords I brought from New York Comic Con when my young adult science fiction book, THE ALMOST GIRL, came out. Still have them and I think they’re still pretty sharp.

The blurb for THE BEAST OF BESWICK calls this book “Beauty and the Beast meets Taming of the Shrew,” which makes me even more eager to read it! If you were cast in a fairy tale (modern or otherwise), which character would you want to be? Which character would your friends and family say you’re actually most like?

Suddenly, the Slytherin in me wants to answer—which means I’d want to be cast as Maleficent. She’s smart, she has magic, and she can change into a DRAGON! Deep down, she has a heart somewhere…right? RIGHT??

As far as family and friends, my daughter says I’m most like Belle because, and I quote, “you’re always so sweet and kind and nice. And you make books, which also kind of counts as reading, and because you look like her and you’re pretty.” Don’t worry, I’ll pay her $20 later, lol.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and the winter holidays are just around the corner. It’s the time of the year when those culinary wizards among us begin whipping up delicious cookies, breads, and other holiday goodies. So, tell me, what’s your favorite holiday kitchen disaster (yours or someone else’s)?

Favorite holiday kitchen disaster? Wow—so let’s go with the time that I moved to Colorado from New York and attempted to make my long-perfected, famous disappearing chocolate cake, only to find that when it came out of the oven, it was soup. Yes, you read that right…chocolate freaking soup.

Altitude, you guys, it’s a real thing. Who knew? Obviously, not me. Anyway, I learned after mourning the watery death of my beautiful cake. I went online and quickly learned (reading and self-education is the best, isn’t it?) that high-altitude baking is a THING. So if you’re like me and find yourself in mile-high territory, you’re going to need to add more liquid and more flour, lessen the sugar, and then increase baking temperature and decrease baking time. You’re welcome.

You’ve had a pretty adventurous life. Is there anything you haven’t done yet that’s on your must-experience list?

I have done a lot of cool things, including eating rocky mountain oysters (Google it, I dare you), skydiving, scuba diving, bungee-jumping, being on a TV show, riding a motorcycle, traveling the world, among other interesting bucket-listy things. But one day, I really want to learn how to fly a plane and get my pilot’s license. 

What’s on your writing horizon? Are you able to share any information about it?

I’m super excited for my first interracial historical romance coming out with Sourcebooks in late 2020/early 2021. It was announced a few months ago in Publishers Weekly: “Own-voices author Amalie Howard’s two interracial historical romances, starting with an epic love story spanning the pre-British Raj period in India to the glittering ballrooms of London, about an English duke and a fearless Anglo-Indian princess, who will defy all odds—culture, countries, and oceans—to be together.”

Thanks for visiting with us today, Amalie! Is there anything you’d like to add? Would you like to ask my readers a question?

Thank you so much for having me! To your readers, I just want to say a huge thank you for reading and supporting authors like me. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do, so thanks from the bottom of my heart. I hope you enjoy Astrid and Thane’s story!

As far as a question, next year is kind of a cool milestone year, so if you could complete one thing on your bucket list in 2020, what would it be? (Also, DO IT!!! I’ll be cheering you on from the sidelines!!)

I want to share the fun I had reading Thane and Astrid's story so TWO randomly chosen readers who comment on this post before 11:00 PM, November 28, will receive their choice of a Kindle copy or print copy of THE BEAST OF BESWICK. 

Winners must be 18 or older.
Print copy available to any address serviced by bookdepository.com


For more information about Amalie and her books, visit her website and connect with her online at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon. 

Review, Q&A, and Giveaway - - Restless Hearts

Restless Hearts
by B.J. Daniels
Montana Justice - Book 1
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: November 26, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 

He’s fighting for a second chance with his first love…before it’s too late.

The last time PI Blaze McClintock was on her family’s ranch, she left in handcuffs. She vowed then to never go home again…until her estranged father is accused of murder. He’s not a good man—this entire Montana town knows that. But Blaze believes her father is innocent and she’ll do anything to prove it, even ask the one man who broke her heart for help—the only man in town who’s on her side.No matter how hard he tried, Jake Horn could never forget Blaze. As teenagers, their passion ignited, leaving destruction in their wake. Now, years later, it’s obvious little has changed. But as they work together to unravel what really happened that night, a dangerous secret threatens to separate them for good. This time, though, Jake won’t let Blaze go without a fight—even if it means risking his own life.

My thoughts:

I love a good mystery. Pair it with a second-chance romance and I'm all in. But set it on a Montana ranch, populate it with intriguing characters, and weave in a plethora of twists and turns that keep me eagerly turning the pages until 4:00 - freakin' - AM in the morning and, obviously, I'm going to give it a 5-star review. 

Daniels drew me straight into Montana ranch life, the lives of these characters, and the mysteries that surround them. I quickly became invested in Blaze and Jake, their search for the truth, and their second chance at romance. My heart ached for Blaze, even as I admired her gutsy, take-charge personality. And Jake won my heart as surely as he won Blaze's. I mean, who doesn't love a guy who surprises you by cooking your favorite breakfast? Am I right? The secondary characters are complex and vividly drawn, adding depth and richness to the story, along with plenty of twists and turns.

I'm good at figuring out mysteries, usually by the middle of a book, but not this time. The mysteries in this book are so tightly, and expertly, woven that each time I was certain I had unraveled the threads Daniels would add a twist that sent me off in an entirely new direction. I was still trying to figure things out when the big reveals arrived. I love when an author does that! 

If you enjoy high-stakes, western romance with edge-of-your-seat tension, mysteries that keep you guessing, family conflict, and sigh-worthy romance, don't miss B.J. Daniels' Restless Hearts. 

Restless Hearts launches Daniels' new Montana Justice series for HQN. Book two, Heartbreaker, is set for release on March 24, 2020. I already have it on pre-order. 

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

Q&A with B.J. Daniels

Hello, B.J.! Thanks for visiting with me today. I just finished reading Restless Hearts, the book that launches your Montana Justice series. What can readers expect from this new series?

I love the idea of second chances - and not just at love. Some of the characters got into trouble with the law in their youths. Fortunately, Judge WT Landusky gave them a second chance. Now they will do anything for the judge who believe in paying it forward. So when the judge calls, my characters are ready to do whatever he asks. 

   

Both the heroines and heroes are strong so even though they find themselves in danger and are risking their lives, the judge knows they will find their way out and on the way, they’ll find love. J They also solve the mystery, of course!!

I love a woman who enjoys a hearty breakfast, especially when that breakfast is cooked by the man in her life. 😉 Blaze is a pushover for pancakes and bacon. What’s your dream breakfast and which fictional character would you most enjoy cooking it for you?

Shoot, I'd like Jake Horn to cook for me. But any time he asked, I'd make him what we call a Johnson Breakfast. This breakfast includes chicken fried venison, biscuits, and gravy, hash browns and eggs. And of course, homemade peach jam for any leftover biscuits. 

Restless Hearts kept me eagerly turning the pages – and trying to figure out the mystery – until almost 3:00 AM. What’s the last book that kept you reading into the wee hours of the night?

Sorry for keeping you up so late, but that is wonderful to hear!

I love page turners and am reading one right now! It is by Jane Corry titled MY HUSBAND'S WIFE. I have no idea how it is going to end, which is a treat for me. 

The winter holidays are just around the corner. Please tell us about your favorite holiday tradition?

Every year my husband and I and usually our three Springer Spaniels go up into the Little Rockies and get a Christmas tree. It's been a tradition for us now for more than twenty-five years. Then we come home and decorate it with ornaments that we have collected over those years, listening to Christmas music and recalling other holidays we've shared.

When can we expect the next book in the Montana Justice series? Are you able to share any information about it?

HEARTBREAKER comes out March 24th. This one was particularly fun for me because of all the twists and turns. My characters always surprise me. This one is set between two of my favorites places of Montana, Gardiner near the Yellowstone Park entrance and Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana. Also, I love seeing two characters who are so different find out just how much they are alike - after they are nearly killed and have saved themselves, of course. 

 .  

Thank you for answering my questions, B.J. Is there anything you’d like to add? Would you like to ask my readers a question?

Thank you. Good questions. This has been fun. I would ask readers how they feel about second-chance romance novels and if they've been given a second chance in their lives they'd like to share?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 27, will receive a copy of Restless Hearts. 
*Must be 18 or older.
*U.S. addresses only.

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway - - Diamond in the Rogue

Diamond in the Rogue
by Wendy LaCapra
Lords of Chance - Book 3
Publisher: Entangled:Scandalous
Release Date: November 11, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 

In an act of revenge, Lord Rayne kissed Lady Julia and was sent packing to America. But now he’s back to settle his affairs and give away his sister in marriage, until he meets up with the alluring yet innocent Lady Julia again. He doesn’t regret their first kiss, but he was never good enough for her.

Lady Julia had two years to forget the moody and mercurial Earl of Rayne. But one look, and she knows they’re meant to be together. Be damned with his and her brother’s objections, she’ll just jump on the back of Rayne’s departing carriage and compromise them both thoroughly.

Only, Julia never expected her forbidding Lord to be so good at resisting temptation...

My thoughts:

Since her 2015 debut, Wendy LaCapra has captivated me with her deeply emotional and sensual stories, becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her newest book, Diamond in the Rogue, brings readers the eagerly anticipated reckoning between the Earl of Rayne and Lady Julia and, I'm happy to report, exceeds my every expectation. 

LaCapra is a gifted wordsmith who excels at drawing me into her stories, her settings, her multi-layered characters, and their complex relationships. There is nothing easy about the relationship between Rayne and Julia, with its many tangled threads woven among family members, fractured friendships, and Rayne and Julia themselves. I enjoy characters who are flawed, who are forced to work for their happy endings, and I adored these two. I've been waiting for their story since book one, Scandal in Spades, released almost two years ago. There's a lot of fence mending to be done and, I'll be honest, I had no idea how LaCapra would accomplish it, but I couldn't wait to take the journey. That's something else I enjoy about LaCapra's books. Her characters are so realistic, so vibrantly depicted, that I never feel as though I'm reading about them. Instead, I become so invested in their lives, they become so important to me, that I take the journey with them. I feel their emotions, their fears, their frustrations, their hope, their love, and their happiness. It's an emotional roller coaster, to be sure, but one I happily take time and time again. 

This book will stand alone but for maximum enjoyment and a complete understanding not only of the characters but the events that have brought them to this point in their relationships, I strongly encourage you to read the books in order: Scandal in Spades, Heart's Desire, and Diamond in the Rogue. 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo

Diamond in the Rogue

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 25th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.

– Only one entry per household.

– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.

– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Wendy writes Historical Romance with a touch of intrigue & suspense. Her debut series, a trilogy about three Ladies who refuse to play by society's rules, was released by Entangled Scandalous in 2015. Her first indie, Her Duke at Daybreak, finaled in Romance Writers of America®'s RITA® contest.

Wendy was born a Jersey Girl, though most of her extended family lives in Maine. Trekking up and down the Northeast coast in the backseat of a car gave her plenty of opportunity not only to fight with her sister, but to read, to listen to her dad tell stories from history, and to dream up stories of her own.

She lives in NYC with her husband. Things she loves besides writing and reading and being an aunt to seven nieces and nephews include travel (50 states and all 7 continents), old things, pine trees, wine and pasta.

If you'd like to join her infrequent, never-shared mailing list for freebies and new-release information, sign up here: http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon