#Review: DUCHESS IF YOU CAN by Anabelle Bryant

 

2 of 5 stars

Ambrose, the Duke of Aylesford, takes his duties very seriously and has never had a scandal attached to his name, but when his brother Martin becomes involved in a potential scandal at a brothel, Ambrose feels he has no choice in fixing the problem. He throws money at it although this time money doesn't solve it. While investigating the madam of the brothel, he runs into Scarlett Wynn, an intriguing young woman who ends up saving his life from thugs who were bent on killing him. It was a fleeting encounter, but when they cross paths again, Ambrose cannot keep thoughts of her out of his mind. Scarlett is running her own investigation trying to find her seamstress friend who moonlights at the brothel. Can these two meet halfway to solve the mystery?

I wanted to like this book and though the beginning was a little slow, it was necessary to set up the mystery of why the brothel girls were disappearing. Scarlett belongs to a small group of women, the Maidens of Mayhem, who are trying to right wrongs against women one case at a time. I was looking forward to seeing them in action, but aside from a few meetings, the Maidens have no active role in the book. Scarlett is determined to find her friend Linie and the conclusion of this arc was most unsatisfying. There was one sentence about her and that's it. Without any spoilers I was most disappointed that the main villain's conclusion had no effect rippling effect on anything else. After most of the book kept mentioning these two characters throughout, the ending hardly mentions them at all.

I don't enjoy giving bad reviews, but this storyline could have been so much better with a little more fleshing out of the different character arcs. Where is the justice?

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

#Excerpt: PROTECTOR by BJ Wane

Protector
BJ Wane
(Doms of Mountain Bend, #1)
Publication date: March 31st 2021
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense, Western

Deputy Sheriff Shawn McDuff can’t figure out why the new teacher in Mountain Bend seems so familiar, but Lisa Halldor’s evasive answers to his inquiries confirms his suspicions they have met before. When he sees her struggling to focus and respond during a scene at his private club, he intervenes and finds himself as drawn to Lisa’s submissive nature as he is determined to unearth her secrets.

Lisa never forgot the teenage boy who came to her rescue the first night in a new foster home, but she never imagines a nameless, faceless stalker will send her fleeing to his hometown for safety twenty years later. When it becomes obvious Shawn’s memory isn’t as acute as hers about that night, she keeps that fond memory to herself.

A threat against Lisa’s life forces the truth from her, but will Shawn’s protectiveness be enough to save her from a person so determined to see her dead? Shawn’s long ago vow to keep Lisa safe is put to the test as he works fast to make sure she hasn’t come into his life again just to be taken away by a madman.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Hello again.”

With her heart thumping overtime, Lisa gazed at Shawn McDuff over the hood of her car. He regarded her with a quizzical expression, and her mouth went dry, her palms turning clammy as she took in the late-day bristles darkening his jawline and the tilt to his head. She couldn’t help thinking about him this past week, recalling his potent stare, broad shoulders, and imposing height, and wishing she’d impacted his life as much as he had hers.

“Sorry. I didn’t notice you. Hello, Sheriff.” Lisa waved her hand toward the schools. “What brings you here?”

“Deputy Sheriff. A tussle between two high schoolers that revealed the pot they were fighting over. Their parents just picked them up.” He strode around the car and reached past her to open her driver’s side door, his thick forearm brushing her hip. Ignoring her hasty sidestep, he leaned on top of the open door and asked, “How are you liking it here?”

Lisa took a deep breath, forcing herself to get her act together. She’d never stuttered over a man before, and usually enjoyed getting to know new people. Even though they’d met before, they’d been so young, and it was such a long time ago, and under difficult circumstances. It was dumb to be hurt he didn’t remember her, and likely not in her best interest if something she said or did reminded him. His stay in that foster home must have been longer, and worse than the few hours of her memory. She doubted he would appreciate the past showing up on his doorstep.

“I love it. Everyone has been so nice, and welcoming, but I really need to get going. I have an appointment to look at a rental.”

Shawn nodded, stepping out of her way. “That would be the Zimmermans’ place, right? I ran into Drew yesterday.”

She stood close enough to glimpse his eyes under his hat, warming from his intense focus. “How did you know I was staying at their B&B?”

He shrugged. “I asked about you. You’ve made quite a change with your move from Arizona, Ms. Halldor.”

Her shoulders went rigid at hearing that, the thought of someone, anyone, prying into her life rubbing her wrong after all the grief she’d suffered from picking up a crazed stalker. “Yes, well, sometimes change is good, or necessary. If you’ll excuse me.”

Shawn tipped his hat, his tone a shade rougher as he said, “I hope it’s a good move for you. Get those tires replaced soon.”

Author Bio:

Author of sizzling hot romance with a touch of suspense. Long and Short Reviews erotic romance of the month winner for Hannah and the Dom Next Door and gold star recipient for Amy's Redemption. I live in the Midwest with my husband, love dogs and enjoy reading and working puzzles. We have traveled extensively throughout the states, Canada and just once overseas, but I now much prefer being homebody. My favorite genre to read is suspense.

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Review: TITANIAN'S PHOENIX by Victoria Saccenti

 

 

4 of 5 stars

I was first drawn to this book by the cover. It was striking. Ms. Saccenti weaves an intriguing urban fantasy with all the romance and action you could ask for. I loved Maya. She was a tough New York girl who is thrown into a world of magic when she is kidnapped. When she stumbles into a seedy bar for help, she finds herself drawn to Soren. Little does she know that Soren is her eternal mate. Can she reconcile her ordinary life with one of magic and romance with Soren?

Ms. Saccenti is a new author for me and I'm so glad that I read this book. She weaves a magical world seamlessly as she introduces new elements of the magical world while slowly teasing out Maya's abilities. Soren was so strong and honorable when all he wanted was to mate with her. Sex is a huge part of the mating ritual so readers should be aware there are many graphic sex scenes in the book. The secondary characters are as intriguing as Soren and Maya and I couldn't put the book down. I'm looking forward to finding out what's next for the group.

I voluntarily read the story and all opinions are my own.

 

#Review: THE UNEXPECTED WIFE by Jess Michaels

 

  4 of 5 stars

Investigator Owen Gregory is on the case of a murder of an Earl's brother. The more clues Owen uncovers, the stranger the case becomes. He's found 3 wives and he travels to the village of wife number 3, Celeste Montgomery. From the moment Owen meets Celeste, he feels an instant connection with the young widow. He decides against his better judgment and returns to London with Celeste in tow. His reasoning is that she may help with the case. Celeste Montgomery has been ignored all her life first by her parents and then by her dead husband or her non-husband because she wasn't legally married to him. When Owen asks her to travel to London, she jumps at the chance to leave the small village behind and to spend more time with the gentle investigator. Can they keep their relationship professional or will emotions carry them both away even if it jeopardizes the case?

I'm a fan of Ms Michaels. She always has unique story lines and this one was the first of its kind that I've read. I loved Owen. He was so honorable and tried so very hard to keep his relationship with Celeste professional, but the more time he spends in her company, the more he likes her. Celeste's character was an unexpected surprise. She was not the weak and fragile creature Owen first meets and I loved her fiesty personality. The author does a great job teasing out the details about the other two wives as well. Be warned though, there are graphic sex scenes in this book. I can't wait to see what happens to them!

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

 

#Review: A ROGUE TO REMEMBER by Emily Sullivan

 

4 of 5 stars

 

A Rogue to Remember touches on a number of tropes and Ms. Sullivan does a good job with her debut romance. Alec Gresham didn't have a choice 5 years ago when he left Lottie. Her uncle Sir Alfred reminded him he was not good enough for his niece and pushed Alec into Crown service. Fully aware that his career could be ruined if he contacted Lottie again, Alec spent the next 5 years becoming an elite spy. Lottie has never forgotten her true love and was hurt when he left her without even a goodbye. When Lottie runs away from her stifling life in London, it's Alec her uncle sends to find her who and bring her home. Neither Alec nor Lottie can keep their buried feelings from exploding once again, but can they learn to trust each other again?

I enjoyed the story and it had a decent pace. It was a little slow in spots, but the author does a good job of teasing out the full story of Sir Alfred's actions in keeping the young lovers apart. Lottie was a strong willed young lady who wanted to take her future into her own hands and I liked her spirit, but it was Alec who was my favorite in the story. He suffered so much and I was happy he finally learned the truth about his parents. I'm looking forward to Rafe's story in the next League of Scoundrels book.

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

#Review: THE DUKE OF CHARM by Alexa Aston

 

  4 of 5 stars

George, the Duke of Colebourne, is best friends with West and his sister Lady Samantha Wallace and has always had a fondness her, but when his feelings for her turn more serious, he runs away and proposes to another woman. Samantha has been in love with George for as long as she can remember and is crushed when he tells her, he's set to marry another. To hide her disappointment she marries another and that sets in motion a chain of events that will change her life. Five years later they are thrown together at a house party, but Samantha is no longer the naive young woman she once was and is determined to never marry again. Can George convince her that he's changed and wants to dedicate his life to her now?

I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Aston does a brilliant job of teasing out the details of Samantha's unhappy marriage, but Samantha is no wilting wallflower and through her own determination, she flees her inlaw's home in the north. George aka the Duke of Charm was indeed a charming rogue and it takes him years to realize he's been in love with Samantha all along. I enjoyed Samantha's refusal to immediately fall under George's spell. Of course, they end up with their own HEA and I enjoyed the epilogue years in the future. My only little criticism is that there was no mention of her brother West once he leaves the house party. I understand he'll get his own book, but would have loved even a 1-sentence tease of what was to come.

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

#Excerpt: LOST IN NOWHERE by Barbara Pietron

Lost in Nowhere
Barbara Pietron
(Legacy in Legend, #3)
Publication date: April 20th 2021
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Jeni has fully accepted her spiritual ability, and yet she’s unnerved by the apparition of Marielle, the ghost of a pioneer girl asking for help.

As the ghost’s tragic love story unfolds in her dreams, Jeni’s resistance melts and she resolves to save the soul of Marielle’s lost love. When she discovers her own impulses cause Marielle to act uncharacteristically, Jeni believes she can change the past.

Despite warnings against meddling with time, Jeni’s convinced she can save the soul of Marielle’s lover. Deep inside a dream and intent on her quest, Jeni is lured into a trap that binds her soul to Marielle’s. With no allies, no knowledge about crossing through time and with limited 18th century resources, Jeni is terrified: failure will leave her soul trapped in the past, or worse . . . lost in nowhere.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Ice reached for the teardrop-shaped planchette. It was about the size of his palm and had a hole in the middle. When Jeni’s fingers rested across from his, they stared at each other, waiting for something to happen.

“Since you haven’t done this before, you might want to circle around the Ouija board allowing the momentum to take on a life of its own,” the medium prompted. “Use a very light touch.”

They followed her advice, gliding the wooden piece smoothly over the board.

A few moments later, the medium said, “Go ahead and ask if she’s here.”

Jeni closed her eyes, presumably thinking about the girl in the legend, since that was their theory on how and why the spirit appeared to her. After a minute or so, remembering the instruction sheet, Ice said, “We invite only good spirits to talk with us.” Then he asked, “Is there a spirit here?”

The planchette moved immediately, nearly jerking from beneath their fingers, startling Ice when it moved to the alphabet.

Scraping sounds filled the small room as the wooden piece trundled across the heavy cardboard. “H… E… L… P.”

Jeni’s eyes had snapped open when the planchette began moving, and Ice could feel the weight of her stare.

“What is your name?” he asked.

Again, the disc glided over the alphabet. “M,” Ice said. “A… R… I… E.” It continued to move. “L… L… E.”

“Marielle?” He exchanged a glance with Jeni as the planchette slid to “Yes.” Then he asked, “Are you the girl from the Kaskaskia legend?”

The piece twitched, but remained on the Yes.

Checking on Jeni, Ice was glad to see she looked more fascinated than freaked out. He felt no animosity from the presence and his rapidly beating heart was beginning to calm. “What do you need help with?”

A long scrape brought the planchette back to the alphabet. “S… A… V… E… M… Y… L… O… V… E.”

“Who is your love?” Ice asked.

“A… M… A… K… A… P… A.”

Feeling confident that they knew who they were actually talking to, Ice asked, “Do you need help crossing to the other side?”

The planchette slid toward the moon on the right corner of the board and rested briefly on “No.” Then it went back to the alphabet: “H… E… I… S… N… O… W… H… E… R… E.”

Frowning, Ice looked first at Jeni, then at the medium. “He’s not on the other side?”

The disc returned to “No.”

“Is that why you haven’t crossed over?”

Their fingers followed the shuffle of the wooden piece to “Yes.”

Ice thought for a moment about his next question and came up with, “Why do you think we can help you?”

This time the planchette moved to the center of the board, between the Yes and No. It twisted under their fingers causing Ice and Jeni to hold their arms in a contorted position. When it stopped, the narrow end of the teardrop pointed at Jeni.

Her eyes widened. In the smallest voice, Jeni asked, “Is it pointing at me?”

Ice asked, “You think Jeni can help you?”

The indicator shifted left to “Yes,” then continued to spell out: “S… H… E… K… N… O… W… S.”

Jeni flinched, deep creases forming on her brow. She drew her lips into a pucker.

Reading her confusion, Ice asked, “What does she know that will help you?”

“F… I… N… D… H… I… M.”

Author Bio:

Having a love for witches and vampires before they were trendy, Barbara gravitates toward stories with supernatural elements both when she reads and when she writes. Although classified as young adult, her books are enjoyed by a wide audience--pre-teen through adult.

Barbara's novel Thunderstone was awarded 2013 Book of the Year Finalist status by Forward Reviews and before it was published, Thunderstone was a quarter-finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakout Novel Award contest, winning a review by Publisher's Weekly.

When she's not writing, Barbara works in a library where she's tortured by all the books she has yet to read. She's a cult fan of the movies Labyrinth and Nightmare Before Christmas and a fan of all things Tim Burton. Barbara lives in Royal Oak, Michigan with her husband, daughter and a cat that often acts like a dog.

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#Review: DEVIL IN HER BED by Kerrigan Byrne

  3 of 5 stars

The Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, is a woman of many faces. She is on a mission of revenge for the massacre of her family and she does and takes whatever she needs to unravel that horrific event. She has no use for men except for what they can give her-the information she needs to bring the villains to justice. When the Devil of Dorset comes into her orbit, she craves his attention like she never has a man's attention before. The man is an enigma and no one really knows anything about him, but Francesca wants to be the one to find out everything about the man. Can they come together without destroying their fragile trust?

I wasn't a fan of Chandler and found it hard to connect with him because he had so many disguises and personalities throughout the book. He becomes obsessed with Francesca and she with him, but there are too many secrets between them. There is passion, lust and sex, but not really trust. I did love that Francesca was such a strong heroine who could take care of herself throughout the book. There are twists and turns throughout the book, but the final one was quite unexpected. There is lots of graphic sex scenes in the book so readers who don't like that should avoid this book.

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

 

#Excerpt: SECRETS OF A DUKE'S DAUGHTER by Samantha Holt

Secrets of a Duke’s Daughter
Samantha Holt
(The Duchess’s Investigative Society, #1)
Publication date: March 8th 2021
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance

A duke’s daughter must be prepared for whatever life—and love—throws her way…

Lady Cassandra Fallon is finally ready to take control of her life and join her late mother’s investigative society. She’s more than confident she can do the job—even when her first case involves a potentially deadly scandal. What she’s not quite prepared for is her brother’s attractive (and increasingly distracting) friend acting as her self-appointed bodyguard…

When Lord Luke promised his best friend he’d keep an eye on Cassie, he meant it. But the brazen and entirely too alluring woman she’s become is a far cry from the mischievous, freckled girl she used to be. Luke knows a lowly viscount has no business longing for (or touching) a duke’s daughter. But against all reason…he does…

She craves independence. He only craves her. An epic battle of the sexes is at hand. But will love be enough to get them to happily ever after? Cassie and Luke will soon find out…

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Anton will not be pleased you are keeping secrets.”

“Anton is not here, and even if he were, he would not be as tiresome as you are being.” She shook her head. “I know you mean well, Luke, but I am not going to get into trouble as my brother fears and it is rather tedious to be treated as though I am still a little girl.”

Oh he well knew that. If she were, he would not have to dwell on how womanly she appeared in her powder blue pelisse. More slender than technically fashionable, her figure still teased, the coat hugging under her breasts and offering a hint of curves.

Luke prided himself on being an equal opportunities sort of a man, finding himself attracted to a variety of traits but there was something about the tall length of Cassie that made him want to claw at his gut to rid himself of the itch there.

If he had a penny for every time he’d thought of her naked over the last year or so he’d be, well, still too poor to afford Cassie’s upkeep but it would certainly buy a decent meal. His desire to see her long legs, bare and spread out on his sheets, or those delicate breasts free of their confines bordered on the obscene.

He clenched his jaw and watched their progression through the busy London streets. Drivers cursed one another and pedestrians darted between the vehicles, slowing the journey to an agonizing pace. He needed it over as soon as possible so he could breathe Cassie-free air and rid himself of this madness.

Because, damn it, she was Anton’s little sister.

“I will never understand why you do Anton’s bidding. Surely you have better things to do with your time?”

He allowed a tight smile. Cassie had little idea quite how wild he had been back in his college days and how close he had come to ruining his life forever. He considered that perhaps he should tell her and frighten her away for good, but he couldn’t bring himself to see the disappointment in her gaze.

“I gave Anton my word to protect you, Little Cassie, and I am a man of my word.”

She made a dismissive noise and lifted her gaze to the roof of the closed carriage. “You men and your word. I would rather see action than words.”

Luke’s throat tightened and he swallowed hard, but the knot did not budge. She wanted action. He wanted to give it to her. By some miracle, he managed to remain on his seat and resist the desire to leap across the gap between them and pin her to her chair, ensuring they went absolutely nowhere while he showed her exactly what sort of action he was capable of.

“I am here, in your carriage, escorting you to your friend’s house.” He forced a relaxed smile that felt borderline fraudulent. “That is action, Cassie.”

The redness in Cassie’s cheeks deepened. “Must you be so…relentless.”

“I must.”

“Well, I do not care what anyone has told you, it is a frustrating trait.”

Luke smirked to himself. Frustrated by him she might be, but he doubted Cassie felt even half of the frustration he suffered by simply being in her company.

Today would be a long day.

Author Bio:

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Samantha Holt is known for fun, witty, and usually steamy historical romances. She's been a full-time writer for longer than she ever thought possible having originally trained as a nurse and an archaeologist. She's a champion napper, owner of too many animals, mum to twins, and lives in a small village near the very middle of England.

She's usually writing (or napping) but when she's not, Samantha is plotting (books of course!) with her husband, drinking coffee, climbing hills that are far too high for her fitness levels or visiting stately homes and pretending she's posh.

You can claim a free book by signing to to her newsletter www.samanthaholtromance.com

If you're not sure where to start, why not try:

Capturing the Bride (The Kidnap Club #1). A fun Regency read full of spice and an unusual heroine trying to escape an arranged marriage and a hero who has no idea how to keep his hands off her!

You're the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone.

There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea (The Inheritance Clause #1) is a fun, steamy read focused on the Templeton family as they fight to save their inheritance.

Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read.

To Steal a Highlander's Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape.

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#SALE .99 DARE TO LOVE A SPY by Debra Elizabeth

 

Blurb:

Miss Hannah Richardson is enjoying a Season in London. She's not looking for a husband, at least not this Season. She wants to enjoy herself before settling down to married life. All that changes, however, when she sees the Duke of Wetherby. He's tall, dark and impossibly handsome and someone Hannah wants to get to know better.

Camden Darkin, the Duke of Wetherby, is not fond of attending soirees, dinners or balls, but his latest mission for the Crown demands he mingle with the ton. He has vowed not to marry because of his dangerous work and the constant bevy of beauties anxious mothers throw into his path is not tempting him in the least. That is, until he meets Hannah Richardson, a young woman unlike any other he's ever met. Can he learn to love or will his hardened heart rob him of the very thing he needs the most. 

Read for FREE with KindleUnlimited

Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Love-Spy-Book-Innocence-ebook/dp/B01IWR62CW/ref=twoen-20

Reviewer’s Comments:

 

"I loved the murder-mystery flair thatseemed present and the deliciously tense undertone of the spy network.These points gave lots of flavor to the budding romance and caused lotsof conflict well so we ended up with a really meaty story" Unabridged Andra

 

"A very well-written book, I highly recommend it for those who love a witty, fast-paced Regency romance." Notes from a Romantic Heart

 

"Besides the strong love story plot there is also a murder mystery plot. I love a good love story, but a murder mystery just added another level and dimension to the story - plus an extra star in this review." Ally, Goodreads reader

 

"All in all, Dare to Love a Spy is a charming love story with an intriguing mystery to boot, and I recommend it to any fans of historical romance." Anna, Goodreads reader

 

"This story pulled me in from the first digital page and I carried my Kindle all over the house, reading while I cooked, baked cookies, and fed my toddler!" Dawn, Goodreads reader

 

Excerpt:

 

Camden descended the stairs leading into the garden and kept to the shadows as he moved closer to the couple. He had to make sure that Charles was safe. Just as he was about to turn the corner and spy on them, a sound alerted him that he was not alone in stalking Charles and Lady Sargent. He turned, ready to defend himself and Charles, if necessary, only to be confronted by Miss Richardson. What was she doing in the garden? She could easily foil the opportunity for Charles to get answers from Lady Sargent. He did the only thing he could think of.

He pulled the delectable Miss Richardson into his arms.

Her eyes flashed and she opened her mouth to protest, but before she uttered a sound, his lips captured hers. The kiss was hard and demanding, and when he teased his tongue across her lips, they parted, inviting him in.

He deepened the kiss, and his tongue swept over hers as he explored every inch of her exquisite mouth. He wanted to keep on kissing her all night, but he heard Charles and Lady Sargent whispering as they headed back into the parlor. He reluctantly broke the kiss and set Hannah back on her feet.

She stood dazed, staring at him while she got her bearings back. He was about to apologize for his impetuous kiss when she slapped him hard across the face. “How dare you?” she choked out. “You wicked man.”

Camden rubbed the sting on his cheek. “That’s quite the slap; certainly not something I’m used to. My apologies, Miss Richardson, but tell me this—if you didn’t want me to kiss you, why did you follow me into the garden?”

Hannah’s entire being was burning with indignation, her cheeks a flaming red and her lips swollen from his kiss. She was irresistible. He wanted to kiss her again, but did not relish the idea of another slap. He waited for her answer, but none was forthcoming.

“Just as I thought. You crave wickedness and wanted me to kiss you. Perhaps it would be prudent for you to return to the other guests now. Unless, of course, you’d like me to kiss you again? Is that why you’re still out here in the garden?”

 

 

 

 

#Review: MY DARLING DUKE by Stacey Reid

 

  5 of 5 stars

Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton, is reclusive and hasn't been seen in society in years. While there have been much gossip and rumors about him in the past, none of it was true. However, when he receives word that he is betrothed to Miss Kitty Danvers, he is intrigued especially since he's never met the young woman. The more he reads about Kitty, the more he wants to meet her. The ballroom is shocked when his name is announced and no one is more shocked than Kitty. She came up with the scheme of their betrothal to save her mother and sister from impending poverty. Having her name linked with the duke has helped her sister attract gentlemen. She never meant to hurt anyone and when she comes face to face with the duke who wears a mask covering half his face and is in a bath chair, she is fascinated with the elusive man. When he orders her to visit him in Scotland, neither of them could predict where the visit would take them. Can Kitty help Alexander out of the darkness in his mind or will he ruin her disavowing their engagement?

I absolutely loved this story. Alexander was such a strong character having endured and fought to recover from a devastating injury when his home goes up in flames. I felt such empathy for him and admired him as well. He is determined to live a lonely existence in the silence of his castle, that is, until Kitty comes to visit. She fascinates him and begins to chip away the ice around his heart. Kitty was such a strong and fiesty young woman especially how she is willing to do anything and sacrifice everything to help her mother and sisters. As she gets to know Alexander, she begins to understand his reluctance to interact with anyone, but she also is not willing to walk away from the scarred duke who is slowly worming his way into her heart. Ms. Reid does a masterful job with Alexander's character teasing out the details of his injury and all that he endures to reclaim even a shred of independence. I loved the interactions between Kitty and Alexander especially the humorous ones. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. 

 

#Excerpt: THIEVES by Greg Jolley

Thieves
Greg Jolley
(Obscurité de Floride Trilogy, #1)
Publication date: February 15th 2021
Genres: Adult, Suspense

From Tropea, Italy to Michigan and Florida, the thieves Molly and April Danser are on the run, trying to escape from an enraged ex-US Marshal. He is hell bent on stopping them once and for all, his twisted black heart fired up for revenge and their total destruction. Will the sisters elude his blood-soaked hunt? They have their smarts and resource but have never faced a pursuit like this.

Can they somehow put an end to his blood lust?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Chapter Twenty-Nine

A Day to Do

April woke at first light, seeing she had slept on top of the bed instead of climbing in under the blankets. After putting the coffee percolator on the burner, she went and checked the boat’s position at the lower helm. Starting the engines, she steered southeast in the northward Gulf Stream and watched the blue swells until the boat was pretty much in the same location as the day before.

“At least eat,” she instructed herself, it being twenty-four hours or more since her last meal. Opening a can of stew, she ate it cold with a spoon while sipping coffee. Looking at the closed laptop at her elbow, she hesitated to reach for it.

“Only one way to deal with fear.” She opened the lid and started the computer.

Her fingers unsteady above the keys, the vision from the previous day’s nightmare came fully into view. The big dark doorway at Klave’s. Her imagination ran with and gave her the rolling door crashing down and up fast like steel teeth chomping, chewing.

“Back off.” Her shoulders shuddered, and she barked at the vignette.

Opening a secure internet browser, she launched the messaging application.

After addressing an email to Allison, she froze for a minute, her fingertips quivering. The three hardest words she ever typed displayed.

April: Did she die?

Hitting send, she stared at those three words, waiting for the reply that she couldn’t will Allison to answer.

***

Sometime later, she opened a browser alongside the messaging application where her question to Allison still floated without an answer. The local television stations had previously recorded ‘on scene’ footage ripe with frightful images of Klave’s with the breathless voices of newscasters. There were no details of any worth.

Opening the online Daytona Beach News-Journal, the story was in the banner.

Three Killed in a Possible Attempted Robbery

April read that David Klave was declared dead on the scene. She learned that Molly’s pal, Dennis, was also murdered, evidence suggesting that he was trying to cover and protect another victim. No other names were offered, pending notification of next to kin. One man had been shot twice and was expected to survive. He was being attended to in the ICU at Memorial Medical Hospital. There was nothing about the third victim. No mention of Molly or her status.

She saw her own name given as one of the ‘persons of interest.’

Klave’s employees were quoted as saying that the suspect had a long face that was injured. He had driven off in a late model red Corvette, heading north.

She read three more news reports in the Ormond Beach, Orlando, and St. Augustine newspapers, the body count making the story a headliner. There was no additional information, only a recap and worthless commentary.

She closed the browser and looked to the messaging application.

No reply from Allison.

She sent the text again and waited ten long and painful minutes.

Leaving the table for the flying bridge, she grabbed a bottle of water and a package of the saltines she had seen her sister snacking on. The light went out over the middle of the galley as she left, and she made a mental note to put in a fresh bulb.

Up top, the breeze was sweeping away the heat of the day. She checked her location, fired the engines, and spent the next hour staring at the ocean until she had the boat back in place.

Climbing down the ladder, she went inside and saw that Allison had not replied.

“My beautiful Molly…” she held her eyes closed, “… I’m still hoping.”

She spent the rest of that day at the lower helm, getting up every half hour to look for a message from Allison.

As the sun set at her back, she went inside to look again. The darkening galley reminded her to find a package of light bulbs and a step-ladder. She found both in the click-lock supply closet and had the dead bulb out and was poised to twist in the new one when it slipped from her fingers. It shattered, and she got a new one from the closet, along with the dustpan and broom. The second bulb went in easily, and she climbed down to sweep up the aluminum cone and shards.

The messaging application pinged.

Instead of hurrying to it, she stalled, fearful of the news. She finished up the sweeping and stepped to the table, the ball of her right foot landing on a stabbing missed piece of glass.

“Brilliant.” She felt the deep cut as she swung around on the bench and looked to the message screen.

April: Did she die?

Ali: Don’t know.

April: Find out.

Ali: I’m on it. It is a fuck storm here. Wasn’t here when it happened. Parts store.

April: You learn anything?

Ali: Yes, of course.

Author Bio:

Greg Jolley (also published under Gregory French) earned a master of art in writing from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of sixteen novels and one collection about the fictional, film industry-based Danser family. He currently lives in the Very Small town of Ormond Beach, Florida

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