Sydney Winward's Blog, page 6

Grace by Contract Book Tour

After her father uproots the family to the northern duchy of Brackenhurst, Grace Eldon and her four younger sisters struggle with a new life of hardship. Desperate to keep a roof over their heads amid mounting debts, she and her youngest sister seek employment in the Duke of Brackenhurst’s household despite fearsome rumors.

Scarred and maimed from a terrible fire Silas Isling, Duke of Brackenhurst, buries himself in his work to avoid the stares of pity and fear. When one of the new maids shows no fear at his appearance, he is intrigued. That is until his meddling steward gives her the task of cleaning Silas’ bookroom. It is a most unwelcome disruption since he prefers to be alone.

While a thief plagues his castle, an old nemesis reappears, and enemies invade in the guise of guests. Amidst the distractions and chaos, Grace brings some unexpected order. Once convinced his scars had stolen all hope for love, Silas finds his life forever changed by the quiet maid. Could she love a scarred Duke?

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast

A scarred duke. A merchant’s daughter. And a contract.

Grace by Contract is a sweet tale of two completely different people coming together through a contract between master and servant. The reader is pulled into the story with the author’s great attention to detail. You can’t help but admire Grace’s strength when it comes to protecting those she loves and going to great lengths to help provide for her family.

There were times when the story dragged because there were scenes that didn’t necessarily need to be included to progress the story and the romance. However, I do love all the world building the author did to make such a realistic and believable world. I really appreciate when writers take time to lay everything out like Rachel Rossano did to further engage their reader.

Fans of fairy tales and romance novels will love Rossano’s Grace by Contract. If you love sweet fairy tales and romance, this is a great read for you.

My rating: 4 stars

Silas

“Pardon, is this where tenants meet the bailiff?”

I lowered my cup to find two women had joined us beneath the pavilion roof. Rambler coughed on his wine. Our guard blinked back tears as he swallowed awkwardly. Only Terida answered them.

“Yes, it is. And who might you be?”

“I am Grace Eldon, and this is my sister Beauty.”

Grace assessed us all with dark eyes far too keen and bright for my comfort. She was sturdily built despite her diminutive stature and slender frame. Her second-most remarkable feature was her full head of dark hair. Bound as it was and tucked beneath her thin woolen cloak, its texture remained a mystery, but the thickness of it made me wonder what it felt like. Her sister was as fair as Grace was dark, with a hungry look about her that made me fear she would fade before my eyes.

“We come on behalf of our grandmother, Patience Faye.”

“Ah, Madam Faye.” Rambler opened his ledger and leafed through the pages.

“Would you like sustenance while you wait?” I indicated the mush that Terida had brought me.

The fair sister eagerly reached for the bowl, but her sister stopped her. “We are not here to accept charity; we are here to barter.” The dark-haired sister frowned as she eyed Rambler’s ledger. “Our grandmother owes five measures of barley meal and half the harvest of honey from her bees.”

“As well as a half measure of ground oats for each adult living on her land.” Rambler leveled an assessing gaze across the table at the sisters. “How many live in your grandmother’s house now?”

“We are seven.”

Rambler nodded to indicate she passed the test. “And how much of this payment do you bring with you?”

Grace straightened her shoulders and tightened her grip on her sister’s hand. “None, my lord.”

“I am not your master,” Rambler replied, as though he corrected people several times a day. “I am no nobleman, merely a servant.” He marked something in his ledger. “So, how do you wish to pay what is owed?”

Again the young woman stiffened her back. “We have no money. Is there a way to work off the debt? My sister and I are strong and hard workers.”

Rambler frowned. “The usual arrangement is financial compensation, not labor.”

Beauty reached again for the offered food.

“We have nothing to offer except labor.” Grace tugged on Beauty’s other hand, and the fairer sister hid her fingers in her skirts. “My father requires my remaining sisters’ help to care for our grandmother and keep the house while he works the land. We have hopes of being able to pay what we owe next year, but there is no chance of that this year.”

“Not even a small payment?” Rambler asked. His eyes assessed her with the narrowed intensity that brought rough and belligerent farmers all over the area to account. However, they had no effect on the diminutive pair before him.

Grace’s jaw clenched as though bracing for a blow, but her gaze never wavered. “As it is, we will starve with seven mouths to feed. Beauty and I need to find work even if Lord Brackenhurst forgives our debt.”

“Indenture.” The word passed my lips before I intended to speak. Rambler turned to regard me with a puzzled glare. The pair of girls looked up with matching expressions of surprise. However, their responses to my scarred features were completely different. Beauty turned away, hiding her face in horror. Grace, on the other hand, recovered quickly, meeting my gaze directly.

“I hope our difficulties will not become the latest topic for the gossip mill.” She glanced at Terida, who was clearing away the now-empty mugs. The tavern keeper’s wife ignored her, leaving the shelter of the pavilion to dash for the tavern across the road.

“Are you sure you want to go that route, my lord?” Rambler asked with an emphasis on my title.

I inclined my head slightly, avoiding what was certain to be an awkward realization of who I was on the young women’s part. “Seems the best fit, considering the needs on both sides.”

“One or five year contract?” Rambler asked as the two of us turned our attention back to the young women.

The younger sister had maneuvered herself behind Grace, completely ignoring the awkward angle of her sister’s arm in her efforts. Grace regarded the pair of us with a mixture of horror and pain. I hoped the source of her discomfort was more her sister’s arm-wrestling than Rambler’s suggestion. Then, she blinked and all emotion drained from her face.

“What benefit would a five-year contract be?”

“A greater length of reprieve from the yearly tributes,” Rambler suggested. “A wage, perhaps, could be negotiated, especially considering there are two of you.”

Grace’s already pale features turned almost white. For a moment, I feared she would faint. Was the prospect of being indentured to me that horrible? Or perhaps it was the thought of signing away five years of her life?

Rachel Rossano is a happily married mother of three children. She spends her days teaching, mothering, and keeping the chaos at bay. After the little ones are in bed, she immerses herself in the fantasy worlds of her books. Tales of romance, adventure, and virtue set in a medieval fantasy world are her preference, but she also writes speculative fantasy and a bit of science fiction.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Links

Website: https://www.rachelrossano.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelRossanoRambles
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelRossano
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anavrea
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-rossano 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Rossano/e/B004MV17GE
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1430209.Rachel_Rossano

$20 Amazon

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Book Review of The Betrayed by Kiera Cass

My Review

“You will never catch me as a groom.” -Etan Northcott’s famous last words

This book started right where the first ended. After losing everything, Hollis chooses to accompany her family to Isolte, but she can’t help but think she’s walking straight to her death.

After how The Betrothed absolutely shattered my heart, I didn’t have high hopes for The Betrayed. To my pleasant surprise, I found that I liked this book better than the last, and I especially liked Etan as a love interest. Hollis suffered a few growing pains in the last book, and in this, she grew up a little and did what needed to be done, no matter what it was.

Unfortunately, just like in book #1, I feel as if Kiera Cass just didn’t stick the landing. In the last two paragraphs, they find their happily ever after, and then it was just done. Nothing to drag it out, especially after how well the romance was built up until this point. Although the ending wasn’t satisfying for me as a reader, I still enjoyed the rest of the book.

My rating: 3.5 stars

Favorite Quote

“After everything our family has been through, I can’t think of anything more reckless than to drag someone else into it. I couldn’t believe he married anyone. You will never catch me as a groom.”

Blurb

Can you follow your heart when it’s already broken?

After fleeing Coroa and leaving the memory of her beloved Silas behind, Hollis is unsteadily adjusting to life in Isolte. The Eastoffe family’s affection is a balm on her weary spirit, though Etan, a surly cousin with a deep distaste for Coroans, threatens to upset the uneasy peace she’s found.

While tensions at home ratchet up, disquiet in the kingdom of Isolte is reaching a fever pitch. The Eastoffes may have the power to unseat a tyrannical king—but only with Hollis’s help.

Can a girl who’s lost it all put the fate of her adopted homeland over the secret longings of her heart?

Goodreads

Bloodscourge Release Day!

It’s Release Day!

I can hardly believe the day is finally here! Bloodscourge has officially been released into the wild, and I’m excited to find out what readers think of it. It got a 5-star review from the Paranormal Romance Guild. Here’s what they had to say:

If you love vampire books then I wouldn’t miss, not only this book but the entire series, it is a vampire lover’s dream.

Linda Tonis, Paranormal romance Guild

Dracula, danger, romance, family, and more! I’d like to thank all my readers for being such a huge support to me, and I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Blurb

Fate has given her a second chance. The only things Elisabeta knows how to do is lie, cheat, and swindle. When her brother learns of a treasure worth kingdoms lying in the heart of Ichor Knell, the great vampire city, he sends her to steal it. However, the key to the treasury is safeguarded by the captain of the guard, a brute named Dracula.

Dracula cannot resist the beautiful and mysterious Elisabeta. As danger erupts in Ichor Knell, he is forced into a precarious position to resist the evil within the city and to protect his family and the woman he cares for immensely.

Despite the connection he feels for her, the secrets she hides could be deadly to them both. Will the truth tie them for eternity or set them on a path of destruction?

Where to Buy It

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TW5TGW4/
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloodscourge-sydney-winward/1138678093
Applebooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/bloodscourge/id1550787905
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bloodscourge

Book Review of The Unseen Heir by Kenley Davidson

My Review

“I will always recognize you. No matter what face you wear.”

Wow!

This book was a mix of awesomeness, heartache, action, frustration, and love. From beginning to end, the characters are thrown into life and death situations, and I loved watching how it brought Leisa and Kyrion together. They understand each other so deeply, and even when they frustrate or hurt each other, they wouldn’t change a thing.

Kenley Davidson excels in writing sweet romance that builds up slowly and makes every moment of waiting worth it. The author’s action scenes are awe inspiring, and the sacrifices each character makes for the other will both warm your heart and bring you to tears.

Lovers of fantasy and romance will love the intricate world and unique magic in this series. Can’t wait for the third!

My rating: 5 stars

Favorite Quote

“How did you know it was me?”

For a split second, a tiny smile curved Kyrion’s lips, and it almost stopped Leisa’s heart. He was gorgeous even when he frowned, but when he smiled? He was irresistible.

“I told you before,” he said. “I will always recognize you. No matter what face you wear.”

“But–“

“Always.”

His eyes held hers firmly, allowing no room for doubt. No room for anything but her quickening pulse and the rush of blood to her cheeks.

Oh, heaven help her, but he was dangerous. And not just with a blade.

Blurb

Against all odds, Leisa has returned home to Farhall with news of Garimore’s treachery.

But her reception is far from the hero’s welcome she imagined. Instead, she finds herself a prisoner—to the growing fears and suspicions of a man she once considered a father.

To escape, she must forsake everything she once believed in, and leave behind all hope of answers about her past. But if she stays, it means betraying the fragile trust of the man who saved her life in Garimore.

Torn between her duty and her debt, Leisa is forced to flee with Kyrion, leaving behind the only home she can remember for the uncertain sanctuary of Dunmaren—Kingdom of Shadows, home of the night elves. There Leisa must confront her growing feelings for Kyrion, her fear of her own power, and the hostility of a people on the brink of war.

When dire news arrives from Farhall, both Leisa and Kyrion must decide where their ultimate loyalties lie. Can Kyrion find a path to peace that does not require him to give up the only woman he has ever loved? Or will Leisa have no choice but to save the kingdom she still loves at the cost of her own heart?

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Book Review of Covet Thy Neighbor by Denise Carbo

My Review

Divorce is hard. Divorce with kids is harder.

Single mom, Olivia Banner, is trying to make ends meet by taking on more hours at her job, going back to school, and taking care of her twin boys. But when a mysterious new neighbor moves in next door, she can’t help but be intrigued.

Covet Thy Neighbor takes on a lot of the struggles you will find in divorce, such as sharing the responsibilities of kids, moving on and finding love, and even doubting your self-worth. The author did a great job at showing the realities and difficulties of two households rather than one, and keeping a strong family unit despite the divorce.

My rating: 4 stars

Blurb

Single mom of twin boys, Olivia Banner, has her hands full juggling life’s demands. She doesn’t have time for her mysterious new neighbor or all the questions his presence conjures up, even if he is a handsome devil.

Toss in a complicated relationship with her ex-husband, meddlesome family members, and going back to school to provide a stable financial future for her and her boys and Olivia turns to her gal pals for guidance.

Sometimes playing it safe is the right choice, and other times leaping into the unknown can lead to all the dreams you never knew you had coming true.

Goodreads

Book Review of The Faceless Mage by Kenley Davidson

My Review

He is neither her friend, nor her enemy. But just one word from his master will give him no choice but to take her life.

The Faceless Mage is everything you want in a book. Magic. Romance. Secrets. Danger. Although the hero does little else besides act as her guard, there is so much depth to him. His raw emotions explode on every page, and you can feel his pain and hopeless existence.

You can’t help but to love Leisa. She is strong, skilled, and most of all brave. Her courage is admirable as she risks her life for the safety of her kingdom. In a world filled with uncertainty and suspicion, she puts her trust in the one person who is the most dangerous of them all.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters and story kept me hooked, and there was little else I wanted to do but turn page after page to find out what happened next. I’m looking forward to continuing this series with book 2!

My rating: 5 stars

Favorite Quote

“The ultimate freedom is to choose between hope and despair. As long as you feel you have no option but despair, you will always be a prisoner.”

Blurb

He’ll protect her with his last breath…
Until she becomes his next target.

Leisa’s ambitions used to be simple. Guard the princess. Hide her magic. Wait for her family to return.

But all of that changes when her king demands that she use her unique abilities to spy on the rival kingdom of Garimore.

Alone, far from home, and living a lie that grows more perilous by the day, Leisa’s task is complicated by her most dangerous enemy yet—the masked assassin known only as the Raven.

Everyone in the Five Thrones knows to fear him, but the Raven is not what Leisa expected. As silent as he is lethal, he provokes her curiosity as much as her fear, and hides secrets she’s determined to learn.

When her already precarious mission takes a deadly turn, Leisa must evade the Raven himself if she is to succeed. It’s never been done before, but Leisa is nothing if not stubborn. And if she doesn’t become the first to escape his blade, her entire kingdom will pay the price—in blood. 

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Book Review of Round of Applause by Marilyn Barr

My Review

I did not see that coming.

Anyone who has read Round of Applause by Marilyn Barr will know what I’m talking about. The author did a great job at keeping me guessing throughout the entire book, and when the twist popped up in the story, boy was I surprised! The dynamic between the heroes and heroine made sense, and I appreciated how carefully the author crafted the story.

I love how strong Aurora was as a character. She wanted to travel the world to find herself, and she found more than she thought possible in a little town called Strawberry. I loved watching her own up to her mistakes and her past and become stronger because of them.

One of my favorite characters in the story despite how little screen time he had? Ryan. What can I say? I love vampires! I loved his snarky attitude in both Bear with Me and Round of Applause, and I hope I get to see more of it in future books in the series. Other than him, Nate quickly found a place in my heart. He was so fun and hilarious! I enjoyed his sense of humor and the silly relationship he had with Gran.

The characters were great, the story awesome, and the world building fascinating. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

My rating: 5 stars

Favorite Quote

I wanted to rush the forcefield, but Ryan warned me not to vaporize myself until he was around to watch.

Blurb

Aurora Turner embarks on a post-graduate adventure to find her forever family only to be captured by the Sluagh, soul-sucking Fae exiles. While she is grateful to be rescued by the Strawberry shifters, her Prince Not-So-Charming is a little hasty when he starts picking out their wedding china.

Destiny gives James Martin a second chance at love. Aurora may prove to be more of a hazard to herself than the Sluagh ever were. He has the daunting task of keeping her away from sharp objects, and from ogling his best friend, Nate.

Nate Wagner is shocked when Aurora passes the prophesized shifter smell test identifying her as his mate. The beta male competes against the mature courtship skills of James with his own modern twist. However, will his devotion to James keep her out of his arms or will they create their perfect family—one they never dreamed of?

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Judith Sterling’s New Release Return of the Raven

Book Blurb

Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, is trapped in a loveless marriage and firmly entrenched in the medieval world. Along comes Griffin Nightshade, a historian from the future whose soul resonates with hers. He persuades her to return with him to the 1950s, but heeding her heart means courting danger from a curse that could spell her doom.

Haunted by his parents’ sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She’s hard to resist…and harder to set free.

The heart’s desire and history’s demands don’t always agree. Yet true love is eternal.

Excerpt

Held in the ballroom of a nearby hotel, the after-party boasted a band of musicians, savory food, a variety of drinks, and a three-tier, white-frosted cake. After consuming a sizeable portion of said cake and a goodly amount of fruit punch, Margaret sat beside Griffin against the wall, watching the other guests and the happy couple interact.

The bride and groom took to the dance floor and moved as though they were one body, which in essence they now were. Frank and Hannah also danced, talking and laughing as they often did around the manor.

Oh to be so happily joined with another. If only…

There it was again: the recurring, inevitable “if only.” Her nights were full of them. She lay in bed staring up at the darkened canopy, wishing he were there beside her. Perhaps ʼtwas wanton and wrong, or by some standards, ridiculous.

But the heart wants what it wants. Hers wanted Griffin. Not just for a day or even a year but forever. She loved him. ʼTwas as simple—and as complicated—as that.

He turned to her now, and his warm, brown eyes sparkled with an invitation. “Shall we dance?”

Her stomach dropped. “I don’t know how.”

He gestured to the dancing couples. “Look at the other women. And see that little boy and girl? If they can do it, so can we. You’ll put your left hand on my shoulder, and your right hand will hold mine. Then you’ll move your feet when I do. Don’t worry. I’ll guide you.”

“Well…” The need to touch him, to feel his hands on her again, outweighed her doubt. “I’ll try.”

He led her to the dance floor, and she did as he instructed. Leisurely, they began to move.

Always the teacher. What might I learn in your bed?

Heat flushed her cheeks. Thankfully, the dance was slow; perfect for a beginner such as she. But the gentle pace enfolded them in a mantle of intimacy.

“This song is called ‘When I Fall in Love.’” His voice was soft and low.

“Fall?”

He nodded in silence.

Aye, ʼtis very much like falling. Like stepping off the side of a cliff. Once you take that step, there’s no turning back and no stopping what’s to come.

What would come of her feelings? Heartache? “The melody is pleasing.”

“I’ve always thought so.”

She looked up at him and gazed into his eyes. “You were right. Dancing isn’t as difficult as I thought.” A grin escaped her lips. “Of course, ʼtwould be easier in different shoes.” Her “kitten heels” turned every step into a dare.

His smile stole her breath. “They’re not very practical, are they?”

“No. Nor are they comfortable.” She longed to kick them off and wiggle her cramped toes, but that must wait till later.

“You look lovely, though.”

Suddenly, the discomfort seemed worthwhile, and her heart shifted to a rhythm livelier than their dance. “Thank you. You look good yourself.”

“Thank you. You smell nice, too. Roses?”

“Aye.” His scent seemed an intoxicating mixture of nutmeg, cinnamon, and musk. “A new bubble bath.”

“I trust you had a better experience this time around.”

She gave him a rueful grin. “Easier perhaps, but not better. You weren’t there.”

His eyes darkened, beckoned her into their depths. “Meg.” He sounded breathless.

Her heart fluttered. “I should’ve made some excuse to summon you again. Would you have come?”

“I would have.”

“Would you have helped me from the tub?”

“If you needed help.”

Everything else in the ballroom faded into insignificance. There was only him. “What if I needed another kiss?”

His gaze dropped to her lips. “No one needs a kiss.”

“I beg to differ.” She needed so much more than that. Her stomach quivered. “But mayhap I should beg for something else.”

“Such as?” His husky voice caressed her ears.

“Use your imagination, Griff. You’ll think of something.”

He pulled her closer. The heat of his body mingled with hers. “You really shouldn’t say such things.”

“Why not? I’m thinking them.” And feeling things I never dreamed I could. Until you.

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. You’re dangerous.”

She winced. “And you’re on my foot.”

“Oh!” The pressure on her toes eased as he removed his foot. The song ended, and they stilled. “Forgive me. I’m a bit…flustered.”

You’re also irresistible. “I know how you can make amends.”

“How?”

“Kiss me.” She held her breath.

Buy Links

Amazon https://amzn.com/B08RYD2GW8
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8
Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8
Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/Return-Raven-Novels-Ravenwood-Book-ebook/dp/B08RYD2GW8
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/return-of-the-raven-judith-sterling/1138556276
Apple https://books.apple.com/us/book/return-of-the-raven/id1547199256

Author Bio

Judith Sterling is an award-winning author whose love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Whether penning medieval romance (The Novels of Ravenwood) or young adult paranormal fantasy (the Guardians of Erin series), her favorite themes include true love, destiny, time travel, healing, redemption, and finding the hidden magic which exists all around us. She loves to share that magic with readers and whisk them far away from their troubles, particularly to locations in the British Isles.

Her nonfiction books, written under Judith Marshall, have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons.

Social Media Links

Website – https://judithmarshallauthor.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/judithsterlingfiction/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16291161.Judith_Sterling
BookBub –  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judith-sterling
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MT3KB7L
The Wild Rose Press – https://www.thewildrosepress.com/authors/judith-sterling

Book Review of Marrying Miss Marshal by Lacy Williams

My Review

Lacy Williams has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I’ve read a few of her contemporary books, and I was excited to start her historical series. Marrying Miss Marshal was a sweet romance, a tale of two very different people connected by the same group of bad guys. I loved witnessing the way they came together and watching as the slow-burn romance unfolded.

One thing that bothered me was the lack of communication where upholding the law was concerned. For example, Chas overheard a very important conversation and could have prevented something catastrophic from happening, but…he didn’t. The bad guys were clear who they were from the beginning, so that wasn’t much of a surprise.

However, I did enjoy the book overall, and it was fun to see Lacy Williams writing in another genre than of what I’ve read so far. I would be interested to see how the rest of the books tie in with the exciting world the author has created.

My rating: 4 stars

Favorite Quote

“Stay here.”

She disappeared into the darkness. Only the muted sounds of boots scraping against stone told him she was still nearby.

Stay here. He mimicked her curt command silently. What did she think? He would wander off in the dark and get lost? She’d already made it clear what she thought of his abilities traversing this very canyon. Agitation and impatience made him restless, and he paced away from her horse.

And stepped right off the edge into nothing.

Blurb

She’s no lady…

Danna Carpenter is town marshal. And a darn good one. Even if she has to handle saloon brawls and rustlers alone. Who needs deputies anyway? All right, she’d welcome the help if any of the men in town would offer it. When a bank robbery goes bad, she has no choice but to accept the help of a city slicker…

He’s on a quest for revenge.

Chas O’Grady came West in search of cattle rustlers and found himself on the trail of a killer–one who took everything from him. Crossing paths with the pretty marshal was happenstance, but he can’t leave her deputy-less when she’s facing such grave danger.

Everything changes when Chas and Danna are stranded together in a snowstorm. The town council forces a marriage. And attraction turns to something more…

Will Chas give up his quest for revenge? Or will he lose the woman he loves forever?

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Book Review of Return of the Raven by Judith Sterling

My Review

Can love break her curse? Will she find happiness in the future?

Judith Sterling weaves an intricate tale as she ties together the entire series in this last book, Return of the Raven. Each book in the series has led up to an incredible tale of love and family. You can’t help but to root for Margaret and Griffin as the story progresses.

There are many twists and turns in the story, with awesome reveals that are only hinted at in the other books. You will laugh and cheer and cry as you read. Definitely a satisfying ending to a series well-done!

My rating: 5 stars

Blurb

Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, is trapped in a loveless marriage and firmly entrenched in the medieval world. Along comes Griffin Nightshade, a historian from the future whose soul resonates with hers. He persuades her to return with him to the 1950s, but heeding her heart means courting danger from a curse that could spell her doom.

Haunted by his parents’ sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She’s hard to resist…and harder to set free.

The heart’s desire and history’s demands don’t always agree. Yet true love is eternal. 

Amazon ~ Goodreads