Month: September 2018

Once a Scoundrel by Mary Jo Putney

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

Once a ScoundrelOnce a Scoundrel by Mary Jo Putney

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Redeemed Rogues, #3

Release Date: September 25, 2018

When Lady Aurora “Rory” Lawrence’s parents learn their youngest daughter has been captured by pirates and being held for an outrageous ransom, her father washes his hands of her, but her mother isn’t willing to let her be sold into slavery. She contacts Lord Kirkwood, who is referred to Gabriel Hawkins by a mutual friend (Gordon).

Gabriel is familiar with the Barbary Pirates, having been captured and escaped himself. He agrees to try and rescue the girl. He is shocked when he finds the man holding her is none other than the man he escaped from years ago. Malek Reis wants 50,000 pounds for Rory, which is an astronomical sum for one woman, but Gabriel learns that she refuses to be released without her cousin, Constance and the entire crew of the ship she was traveling on. When Rory and Gabriel see each other for the first time, she is nearly naked and being displayed to potential buyers. There is an instant connection between them and Gabriel knows he will do whatever is necessary to free this woman.

When he learns why Malek needs so much money, he offers his services to help him get back his wife and children who were taken by Malek’s evil cousin Gurkan. Malek doesn’t have the full ransom, but hopes to tempt Gurkan with exotic animals and if necessary Rory and Constance. Malek promises Gabriel that if they are successful, he will release all his captives.

They set out for Constantinople, with high hopes, but both knowing that Rory could end up enslaved in a harem if things do not go well. Gabriel and Rory grow closer, but neither can make promises for the future, nor can they fully explore what it between them without endangering Rory’s life. When they arrive in Turkey, things take a really bad turn and Gabriel calls upon the British Embassy for help. He is delighted to find one of his “Redeemed Rogues” is working at the embassy and is willing to help. But when Gabriel learns the women have been taken, it might be too late and Rory may be lost to him forever.

This was a good story, well written and action packed. The characters are likable, the imagery is well done, there are tense moments, a little heartache, a charming secondary romance and happy endings all around. The heat level of the book is on the low side, but as you read, you will understand why. I don’t really know why Gabriel was considered a “Scoundrel”, because in my opinion there was nothing “scoundrelly” about him, he was an absolutely wonderful hero and I was delighted for him at the end. This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problem at all.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.”

Scottish Devil by Tammy Andresen

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Novella2 Comments

Scottish Devil (Brethren of Stone Book 1)Scottish Devil by Tammy Andresen

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Brethren of the Stone #1
Publication Date: 8/30/18

The series premise is: After the death of their parents, six siblings unite around their eldest brother, Stone. They consider blood a binding oath and vow to protect one another. They all must face their own demons as they find love and their places in the world. I’m enjoyed meeting the brothers and sisters and learning more about them – but – I’m sorry that I read book .5 (Taming a Lady Wolfe – NOTE:  the title has changed since we published our review) first. That book may be the actual first book in the series, but it is the last book timewise, so while I’m ‘meeting’ them for the first time in this book, I already know their fates. The book is well plotted and well written and I enjoyed the read.

Stone Sinclair is a man of mammoth size who the locals refer to as Fire and Brimstone – which is their ‘polite’ way of referring to him as devil. In addition to his large size, he has a dark brooding visage and a gruff way of speaking. He’s actually a handsome man with a sweet and gentle heart, but others can never get past his size to know who he really is. Both of his parents have just died in a mineshaft collapse while they were trying to save the miners working there. Now, Stone is the new Earl and he just doesn’t feel ready for the task. He hadn’t had enough time with his father, at five and twenty, he had so much left to learn. Now, he has responsibility for his five siblings, the estates, shipping lines, mines – you name it. He just needs some time to grieve for his much-loved parents, but sadly, there just isn’t time for it. Stone fully intends to be a good, generous and caring steward of his people and his holdings.

Eliza McLaren has also just suffered a loss. Her mother passed away a month ago and Eliza blames the lords of the land for her mother’s death. Those lords who take and take and constantly add to their own coffers but don’t give anything back to their people. As far as Eliza is concerned, ALL lords fall into that category and she sorely resents that her father has dragged her from her home and her mourning in order to help one of his biggest clients through their transition period – from one Earl to the next.

The new earl certainly lives up to Eliza’s expectations in the way he looks – and the stories she has heard about him during their trip just cemented her opinion of him. During their first encounter, all Eliza could do was huff and humpf and that just set Stone’s teeth on edge. He certainly had no use for a snippy, judgmental young woman who didn’t even know him, yet had already formed an opinion of him.

It was so entertaining to watch these two strong-willed people match wits with each other and finally come to understand that those initial opinions were wrong. It was also a romantic read and I was delighted to find that both the hero and the heroine were virgins. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”