Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 18

#Review: LOVE ON THE LINE by Anabelle Bryant

3.5  of 5 stars

I was intrigued when I read the blurb and was looking forward to reading the book. The story follows Lola, a tightrope walker, and Theodore, an earl which sets them at odds to begin with. Feelings, however soon develop between these two as they try to unravel the murder of Theodore's friend. What started out as a collaboration soon turned romantic, but I would have loved it if these two had more honest dialogue between them. As the story continues, the author reveals Lola's sordid past when she crosses a duke for his cruelty to a prized stallion. It was a noble thing to do to rescue the horse, even though it meant she had to run away after confessing to releasing the horse because of the duke's cruelty. 

I had figured out who the villain was early on and pretty much knew what would happen to the duke in order for Lola and Theodore to have their HEA. It seemed all too predictable, and I wished the author had put more thought into dealing with the duke. This is why I only gave the book 3.5 stars.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Excerpt: FAMILY PRIDE BLOOD FEVER by Deborah A. Bailey

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Deborah A. Bailey will be awarding a $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Book two of the Family Pride Paranormal Romance Series

After claiming Zora Mason as his mate, and fighting off a threat to the MacKinnon pride, Mac is more than ready to get back to managing his coffee bar and settling into mated bliss. But just when it looks like things are quieting down, Mac and Zora find more challenges ahead.

Plans for Zora and Mac’s official introduction to the pride, and the opening of the new coffee bar may be derailed when, gripped by a mysterious blood fever lingering after the leadership challenge, Mac is driven to the edge of his endurance as he fights to keep his inner lion under control.

Juggling her responsibilities in the business and her position as the mate of the pride leader becomes even more challenging when Zora is forced to confront her fear that Mac is changing into someone she doesn’t recognize.

As the fever pushes Mac to the edge, the revelation of an old, painful family secret proves to be the key to saving Mac’s life. Zora and Mac come up with a plan to end the threat of the fever forever, but that same plan may destroy them both.

Is their love strong enough to defeat the blood fever, so they can live happily ever after as mates?

Excerpt:

Mac rubbed his forehead. "Look, I can't help everybody right now, okay? I'm up to my eyeballs." He went over to the table and checked his phone.

"Mackenzie! I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. You've never been like this before."

Now Lena was the one calling him by his full name, and when she did it, she was one step away from going full lioness on his ass. "Grandma, just a month ago I was in a challenge, and I got mated. Now everybody wants me to do something for them. I've got a coffee bar to run and one to open!"

Instead of replying, she looked him up and down like she was appraising him. In lion form, she was a seasoned hunter and fighter. Though she was in her 70's, age hadn't slowed her down. In fact, her trim, toned body was the product of countless activities she busied herself with in both lion and human form.

"I see." Lena came over to the table, pulled out a chair and sat down. "What did you and Zora have a fight about? The business?"

"Me and Zora? What? I--how did you know? Did she call you?"

Lena chuckled. "She didn't have to. You're wound up. I've seen you under pressure before, and you've never been like this. Mackenzie, you've been a nomad for most of your adult life. I knew it would be…challenging to get mated."

"Please don't say, 'challenging.' Especially not after what I went through with Eldon."

"You did the right thing to take the challenge for your father. But now that you've tasted blood, you'll never be the same again." Lena crossed her legs. "Perhaps that's the problem."

"Grandma, I could've killed Eldon. When we were fighting, I wanted to tear him apart. Especially after he threatened Zora." Mac ran his fingers through his hair. "I've never felt that before."

"It's time to accept the beast inside you. Don't be ashamed of it," Lena said.

About the Author: Deborah A Bailey's Romantic Fantasy, Paranormal & Science Fiction Romance novels include suspense, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic heat.

Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers' Conference and have been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun and are included in, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales. She's the author of non-fiction books, and articles for various online publications.

Visit her website for more information and subscribe to the newsletter so you'll be the first to find out about giveaways, book launches and sneak peeks.

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Family Pride: Blood Fever and Family Pride: Love and Challenges will be on sale for 0.99 on Amazon, B&N, Apple & Kobo from 12/26/22 – 1/9/23

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#Review: THE RUNAWAY VISCOUNT by Darcy Burke

 

4 of 5 stars

This was another enjoyable read from Ms. Burke. The story is short and stays true to focusing on the two main characters as they chance meet and then reconnect two years later. I loved Juliana and her outlook on life. Although she didn't have a loving marriage, her now-deceased husband provided her with a generous allowance and home to secure her independence, and Juliana was thankful for his foresight. She loves her independence, and when she meets Lucas at an inn in a raging snowstorm, she's not shy about seducing him. When he leaves the next morning without a word, she's hurt and vows not to allow any man to hurt her again. 

Lucas was honorable, although a bit clueless about resolving conflicts he felt uncomfortable with. He realizes his mistake in leaving so abruptly when a house party has him face-to-face with Juliana again two years later; he is determined not to make the same mistake again. The plot moves along nicely without any lag time. The banter between these two was witty and funny at times, and I was happy to see that after a few more twists and turns, they finally got their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: THE MIRACLE OF LOVE by Meara Platt

 

4 of 5 stars

Deklan Quinton is the Crown's top agent, and when an international theft of a priceless international crown threatens to start a war, Deklan is assigned to protect Grace Montford, the daughter of the thief. Grace doesn't understand why she's in danger from foreign agents and has a hard time reconciling to the fact that Deklan is her protector until the incident is resolved, but the more time she spends with him, the more her heart is engaged. Can the delicate beauty tame the beast, or will Deklan leave her the minute the assignment is complete?

This was another cute story from Ms. Platt. I loved the opening scene when Deklan first becomes acquainted with Grace. That was both funny and touching, especially with the addition of his mother and aunt in the scene. Deklan lives a solitary life as an agent and bristles when Grace refers to him as a leopard--a solitary hunter who answers to no one. As the danger mounts, Deklan and Grace must race out of London and try to uncover the hiding spot of the royal crown. I thought the middle of the book dragged a bit, and of course, there's the "insta-love" of these two--already in love after only two days?? That's not very realistic, but it is the nature of these 'Book of Love' stories. Ms. Platt has delivered another enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: CINDERELLA AND THE DUKE by Lydia Drake

 

4 of 5 stars

Gregory Carter, Duke of Ashworth, has slept his way through most of the married ladies of the ton. He's a rake first class, and he likes it that way, although he doesn't enjoy being called out in a duel by unhappy husbands all the time. It has happened too many times, and he's grown weary of the whole charade. By chance, he meets spinster Julia Beaumont at a ball, and he's smitten with the outspoken young woman.  Julia is looking for a husband to get away from her stepmother, who treats her as little more than a servant. A happenstance meeting with the ton's most notorious rake sets Julia on a collision course between what she wants and what she can achieve. In her boldest action yet, she does the proposing, but will the duke rise to the challenge?

I've always enjoyed a good fairytale retelling, and this Cinderella tale had a nice spin. I especially enjoyed the banter between Gregory and Julia as they negotiated the terms of their marriage. The plot moved along at a good pace, with a few twists and turns along the way. I loved that Julia got a chance to tell her stepmother exactly what she thought of her. I thought the weakest part of the story, though, was about Julia's first love, or so she thought. It seemed a little far-fetched that the scoundrel would have waited 10 years to reappear in Julia's life, especially since everything we know about him was that he needed money. What had he been surviving on in the intervening years? It looks like the next book could be about Julia's stepsister and Gregory's friend, and I look forward to reading that one.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: A WICKED GAME by Kate Bateman

 

4 of 5 stars

I'm a fan of Ms. Bateman and "A Wicked Game" does not disappoint. I absolutely adored the banter, dares and counter dares between Harriett and Morgan. The author takes us on a wonderful journey showcasing their feelings and self-discovery. Although they have been antagonizing each other since they were children, there was always "something" between them that could not be denied. When Morgan comes home after his captivity in a French prison, all he can think about was making Harriet his, but Harriet doesn't believe he has good intentions toward her. She thinks he's toying with her as he's done their whole lives and even though she has secretly loved him for years, she's not ready to admit any such thing especially not to him.

There is a minor plot involving an evil French officer who is bent on finding a particular map that Harriet drew, and it was not surprising when he shows up in London. There are no major twists and turns in the story, but watching Morgan and Harriet finally confess their love for each other is a roller coaster ride enough. Now I can't wait to read Rhys's story next.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

#Review: THE MARRIAGE LIST by Ella Quinn

 2.5 of 5 stars
I was looking forward to reading this book as Ms. Quinn is one of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, this book was a mess. Instead of focusing on Lady Eleanor and Lord Montagu, there was chapter after chapter about many others of the Worthington clan. It's a huge family and too much of the book kept focusing on a brother or a cousin or a sister. It was so distracting. I just wanted to read about Eleanor and John, but I found myself skipping pages just to get back to their story. I hope the next book which will probably be about Eleanor's twin sister will be more succinct and focus on the love story.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

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BLURB:

   

By popular demand, USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn returns Regency England’s beloved extended family, The Worthingtons, for the first in a sparkling new spin-off series! Determined to tame the marriage market on their own terms and make advantageous love matches, three confident sisters draw up a list of qualities they expect their new beaus to meet. But as they are about to discover, people are hardly ever perfect and the road to love is far more thrilling and interesting than they could ever have imagined…

 

As part of a large, rambunctious family, Lady Eleanor Carpenter has gained some knowledge of what makes a successful marriage. She’s even compiled a list of essential qualifications in a potential husband. John, the Marquis of Montagu, seems of good character (check), with money enough to support a family (check). But what of the many other requirements on her list?

 

Montagu, meanwhile, believes the key to a comfortable life lies in marrying someone quiet and docile. Yet the one lady who captivates him could hardly be more different to what he envisioned. Lady Eleanor is as opinionated as she is lovely, determined to improve working conditions for coal miners, even at risk to her own safety.

 

From evenings at Almack’s to carriage rides in Hyde Park, this Season will contain many pleasures—and a few surprises that compel both John and Eleanor to rethink their expectations. For one thing is certain: love will not be defined by any list . . .

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side (political science professor and lawyer). Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

 

She is married to her wonderful husband of almost fourty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, a Great Dane named Lilibet, and a cat named Winnie. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement. She expects to be back on the boat in 2022.

 

Ella loves when readers connect with her.

 

Author Contact and Social Media:

 

Website:  https://www.ellaquinnauthor.com/

 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7044274.Ella_Quinn

 

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ella-quinn

 

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Ella-Quinn/e/B00CAE0FSQ

 

Buy Links:

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-List-Worthington-Brides/dp/142015446X

 

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#SALE .99 A VISCOUNT'S HEART FOR CHRISTMAS by Debra Elizabeth

 

An innocent young beauty, a seasoned spy and a mystery in the north that rages out of control sending their worlds on a collision course no one could foresee. 

 

Charles Bainbridge, Viscount Edgerton, is the regional spymaster and has no time for a wife. His work for the Home Office is a top priority for him, that is, until he meets Lady Courtney Darkin, the sister of his best friend the Duke of Wetherby. The last time he saw her, she was running wild, her pigtails flying behind her at the duke’s country estate. She wasn’t a little girl anymore and Edgerton felt like a thunder bolt had struck him when he first laid eyes on her. But he wasn’t the only one with an eye on the young beauty.

 

Lady Courtney Darkin is excited to come to London in preparation for her debut Season. There would be teas, musicals, dinners and balls—everything she’s been dreaming about for years. The first time she meets Lord Edgerton, however, her knees go weak. She’s smitten. No man had a right to be so beautiful—like a marble statue come to life. Can Courtney melt the tough exterior Lord Edgerton shows the world and open his heart to love?

 Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Viscounts-Heart-Christmas-Book-Innocence-ebook/dp/B08LCP8XTH

Reviewers Comments:

5 stars - This book was a pleasure to read. A wonderful light read. I haven't read romance in years but Regency period is my favorite and a good, clean and decent read was welcome. Thanks Ms. Debra. Amazon Customer

4 stars - Could easily picture all the characters in my mind and they were all very interesting. The story had me so enthralled I couldn’t stop reading. Amazon Customer

 

#Excerpt: WINTER DRAGON by Olena Nikitin

Winter Dragon
Olena Nikitin
(Season’s War, #2)
Publication date: December 18th 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

“When a Chaos mage fights, only blood and scorched earth remain.”

Mage War Chronicles

Some victories are more costly than others, and Ina was the one that paid the price.

Determined to rescue her dragon, the newly appointed royal witch embarks on a gruelling journey through the wintery Grey Mountains. The weather is not her only obstacle, as the enemy forces gathered in the kobold mines have only one goal.

To capture the Chaos mage and deliver her to the heart of the mountain.

With the help of Sa’Ren, Ina arrives at Castle Liath almost unscathed, but her joy is short-lived, as its granite walls hide a shocking revelation.

With blossoming love shattered by a possessive dragon’s claim and an impossible mission to fulfil, will the mysterious Blessing of the Mountain help or hinder her efforts to protect Cornovii?

Immerse yourself in the second book of Season’s War, where passion mix with cruelty and the world-changing power is buried deep in the ancient tomb guarded by the stern Mountain God.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

A flash of movement caught her attention. Next to the stables in the small courtyard, Ren danced with his sword. That was the only way she could describe his fluid, graceful movements as he glided around the small space. Relieved to see he’d recovered from their ordeal and fascinated by his technique, Ina grabbed the poker from the fire and clumsily followed his moves. Despite feeling embarrassed at her lack of skill, she followed the more straightforward combinations. If I can’t work my magic, it would be helpful to know a trick or two.

Ina had never trained in combat, as her mother and great aunt wanted her to comport herself as a lady, and by the time she started university, enough people had belittled her inability to work any branch of Order magic that all confidence to try it was gone. The few attacks the witch could manage, she had learned from her mercenary friends in the tavern. Not that she would ever start a tavern brawl—not on purpose at least—but after getting caught up in two fights in Gruff’s place, Janik, the bloody idiot, taught her how to disable any drunk man who saw a woman as an easy target. Ina pictured her former associate as she thrust the poker forward, pleased at how satisfying it felt.

‘Die!’ she shouted, preparing to kill the wardrobe when the door snapped open, and Ren charged into the room.

Despite his laboured breathing and heavy perspiration, the warrior’s eyes were focused as he looked around the small room, sword drawn and ready to strike the enemy. As he noticed Ina, alone, her poker pointed towards the wardrobe, he stepped closer and turned to the potential danger.

‘Ina? Move back. I’ll deal with this,’ Ren said slowly.

‘But Ren—’ she tried to say, but he raised his hand to silence her.

‘Step away from the wardrobe,’ he said, crossing the small room, not a single plank creaking beneath his feet.

Ina rolled her eyes and stepped aside. The warrior yanked the door open, revealing an empty interior and a few spiders running away from the sudden light. Still, it wasn’t good enough. Ren poked and prodded the back panel before he turned around to Ina.

‘My lady, who was attacking you?’ he asked, and despite the calm tone of his voice, Ina noticed how on edge he was.

‘Why does everyone always assume someone’s trying to kill me?’ She could not resist but answer his question with one of her own.

Ren just raised his eyebrow. ‘I saw through the window you were stabbing something and heard a commotion in your room, and you shouted, “Die!” when I was running up here. Care to tell me who was it and where they are now?’

Putting it like that, Ren had a point, and now it was her turn to explain. Pink shades of embarrassment blossomed on her cheeks as she started. ‘My magic is gone, for now. I can’t even start a fire, and I don’t know how long it will take to get it back. I saw you practising, and I wanted to learn.’ Ina tried to hide the poker behind her back. ‘That was what you saw in the window, and I may have tripped over the furniture a few times.’

Ren blinked several times, looking at her with disbelief. ‘You’re trying to tell me you practised Jian kata… with a poker?’ Something broke in him, and the warrior doubled over, laughing. He struggled to calm down, and gasping between bouts of laughing intertwined with cough, Ren stuttered, ‘But why, my lady?’

Ina huffed with exasperation. She was proud of her new moves, but Ren seemed to find it a joke. ‘I wanted to learn how to defend myself when my magic is depleted or blocked. I would like to know other ways to fight instead of always relying on magic and my Chaos. Right now, even a simpleton with enough strength could take me down. I don’t like it, Ren.’

Ren approached and reached behind her, taking the poker from her hand. ‘I will teach you, if you’d like.’ His eyes were smiling, and he behaved as if teaching her couldn’t make him happier.

Author Bio:

Olena Nikitin is our pen name. We are an enthusiastic couple of writers who are fascinated by the fantasy/paranormal romance genre and decided to write a book we would love to read

Behind the Pen name:

Olga - is Polish, armed with a wicked sense of humour and typical Slavic pessimism she is the wicked witch from the East. She has written stories since childhood, initially mostly about her work. As an emergency physician, she always has a story to tell and often not much time to write.

Mark is a typical English gentleman whose charm, refined taste and an impressive collection of books were tempting enough to make Olga leave her homeland. Don't tease him too much; this man has an impressive sword collection and he knows how to use it. He also can fix everything, including Polish syntax in English writing.

See more on our website: www.olenanikitin.uk

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GIVEAWAY!
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#FREE December 16-20, LOVE BY SECRETS by Debra Elizabeth

 

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

Blurb:
Eighteen-year-old Emily Stanton is excited to attend this season's society balls and begin her search for a husband. She is thrilled when the dashing and handsome Connor Preston begins to show her more attention. After each ball, Emily finds a love note in her drawstring reticule, and she expects a marriage proposal from Connor any day.

When her father objects and forces Emily to accept the proposal from Lady Tisbury's shy nephew, Ethan Richardson, instead, her heart is broken. How can she love her new husband when her heart belongs to the man who wrote her such beautiful love letters?
Excerpt:

Emily picked up her skirts, rushing down the hall. The butterflies roiled around her insides, and her heart pounded. She knocked on the study door. “Papa, are you in there?”

“Come in, Emily.”  

Emily burst through the door as her father put down the document on his desk. “Papa, it’s so good to see you.”

Riley stood and embraced his daughter. “So good to have you home, my dear Emily. I have missed you too. This old house is very quiet without you.”

“I’ve missed you too. Oh, and Mr. Giles sends his regards.”

“Did you enjoy your visit?” Riley asked. He sat down in his chair behind the desk.

“It was a lovely visit. I hadn’t realized how much I missed Mia until I was back in her company, but she is very happy with Mr. Giles. He’s a kind and generous husband. Their home is lovely, and Mia is delighted with it.”

“That’s good to hear. Giles is a good man. Emily, please sit down. I have a matter to discuss with you.”

Emily took a seat, waiting for her father to tell her the good news she hoped had finally arrived. “What matter, Papa?”

“I had a visit from young Mr. Richardson the other day. He would like to speak with you in private.”

Emily’s shoulders slumped. “What? Only Mr. Richardson?”

“Yes, who else? Who were you expecting?”

Emily felt a sharp stab in her heart and was so shocked that she could not draw air into her lungs. This was not the news she’d been expecting at all. How could this be? She didn’t want to speak to Mr. Richardson in private. No, this was all wrong. She had to fix it. “Papa, I thought it was, um, Mr. Preston who had come to see you.”

“Preston? No, I have not spoken to him. Emily, do you realize what this means? Mr. Richardson will propose marriage to you, and I have given him my blessing.”

Emily stood up and started pacing her father’s study. She wrung her hands together, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. “Papa, I don’t want to talk with Mr. Richardson. He’s nice enough, but he’s so dull. Please don’t make me speak with him.” She glanced at her father, and his eyes narrowed at her outburst. 

“Emily, what has gotten into you? Mr. Richardson will be an excellent choice as a husband, and he’s from one of the finest families around. You could not ask for a better match. You will want for nothing. I’m in favor of the union, and you should be too.”

Tears coursed down her cheeks. “But, I don’t love Mr. Richardson. I love Mr. Preston. Please, Papa, I know Mr. Preston will speak with you soon, perhaps even ask for an appointment at the ball. Please wait for his visit before you make a final decision,” she pleaded. She swiped at her cheeks to wipe away the tears. “Please, Papa.”

Riley stood. “Emily, dear. You are young and not wise in these matters. I only want the best for you. Love is not the only foundation for a good marriage. Love alone cannot put food on the table or warm you in the winter. You must be taken care of financially, and Richardson will do that as well as give you an ample allowance of your own. You will want for nothing.”

“But, Papa, you love Mama.”

“I do now, of course, but I did not love her when we married. I admired your mother while I courted her, and that admiration grew into love over the years. Richardson is a kind young man who admires you a great deal. I’m sure you will grow to love him as I did with your mother.”

“Papa, please wait. Don’t make me do this. I’m begging you.”

Riley reached out for his daughter. “Emily, enough of your silliness. I want you…” He stopped in mid-sentence and grabbed his left arm, pulling it close across to his chest.

Emily was stunned to see the grimace on her father’s face. “Papa, what’s wrong?” 

“Pain…” he sputtered before crashing to his knees. 

Emily’s hand flew to her mouth.  She watched in horror as her father crumpled to the floor. She rushed over to his prone body and picked up his hand. She patted it furiously. “Papa, can you hear me? Papa, please open your eyes.” 

With no response from her father, Emily rushed out of the study and into the hallway, calling for anyone who would answer. “Mama! Mrs. Jannell!”

Her panicked cry reverberated through the house, bringing her mother rushing to the study. “Emily, what are you shouting about?”

“It’s Papa. Come quick. He’s collapsed.”

Catherine ran into her husband’s study and knelt beside him. He was deathly pale, but his chest still rose with shallow breaths. “Emily, go find Mrs. Jannell. Tell her to send Joseph for the doctor with all due haste. Quickly, now.”

Tears streamed down Emily’s face. This was all her fault. She should have never argued with him. She stood by her father, paralyzed with guilt. What had she done?

Reviewer Comments:
5.0 out of 5 stars Love by secretsVerified PurchaseI really enjoy regency romances this one was Very well written and kept my interest. Would read this author again.
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a nice storyVerified PurchaseI really liked this book. It's been a long time searching for a story that was delightful without the filth.