Month: February 2019

When Love Leads To Scandal by Sophie Barnes

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820)3 Comments

When Love Leads To Scandal (The Townsbridges Book 1)When Love Leads To Scandal by Sophie Barnes

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Townsbridges #1
Publication Date: 2/19/19
Number of Pages: 81

This short novella was a lovely introduction to the Townsbridges. It is a refreshing change because all three of the families involved in the story are loving and supportive from the parents on down. I liked the Townsbridge family but would have liked getting a little better feel for each of the siblings. Charles is heir to Viscount Roxley and he has four siblings — two younger brothers, James and William as well as two sisters, Sarah and Athena. You will absolutely love Athena and she might become your favorite character. I did expect a hint and/or a set-up for the next book to be contained in this book, but I didn’t see it. I also hope Robert gets his eyes opened and a HEA in a future book.

Charles loves his early morning walks in the park. There are few people there at that time and those that are aren’t paying any attention to him. He is startled when he hears a commotion and sees a young lady running toward him yelling, “My bonnet! Please, please, please, stop my bonnet!” Charles takes a slight jog to the left, saves the bonnet and meets the most intriguing young lady. Who is she? He can’t quit thinking about her. A few days later he has the answer to that question. She is the betrothed of his best friend Robert.

I’m not sure what to make of Robert. I have a hard time picturing a man like Charles being best friends with the sort of man Robert appears to be. I certainly can’t picture the kind of loyalty that Charles displays to him. There are hints about the reason Robert behaves as he does and I’ll be excited to see if he gets his own book so that we can maybe understand a little better.

Lady Bethany Andrews is the daughter of an Earl and her mother is American. She’s vivacious, joyful and loves life. She is amazed that she’s managed to become suitably betrothed even before her first season begins. Of course, she owes that to the close confines of a ship as she and her parents return from a family visit to America. But then – she met that intriguing man in the park – too bad she didn’t meet him first because he makes her heart race and her skin tingle. Oh well, too late now. She wasn’t expecting to marry for love.

Bethany and Charles fight their attraction and each is determined that nothing will come of it, but it is so hard when they are constantly thrown together. The tension is palpable and the author does an excellent job of showing their turmoil and resolve not to hurt Robert or cause a scandal.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, but I would have liked it to be just a little longer so I could get to know the Townsbridges a little better – I didn’t even get a real feel for their ages. I love how loving and loyal they are to each other.

I can certainly recommend it as an excellent read.

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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.”

Seven Nights with the Scot by Gerri Russell

On By TracyIn Elizabethan Era (1558-1603), Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's Reviews, Tudor Era (1485-1603)Leave a comment

Seven Nights with a Scot (All The King’s Men, #1)Seven Nights with a Scot by Gerri Russell
Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: All the King’s Men, #1

Release Date: February 21, 2019

Vivian Sinclair is the ward of King James of Scotland and to save her life, he marries her off to his old friend Dugald Campbell. Vivian is a gifted healer and the king believes she will be able to help Dugald. And Dugald will help her, keeping her safe from the witch trials that have reached a frenzied peak. The king doesn’t believe Vivian is a witch, but he knows that her gift of healing and her visons of the future would have her condemned. He knows she is not happy with his decision, but it is the only way he can help her.

Six months later, Vivian’s husband is dying and has called for his son Rupert. Rupert is King James’ “witch hunter” Dugald tells him that Vivian is not a witch – but innocently betrays her by telling Rupert of her visions. Rupert declares her a witch and promises to destroy her once his father passes. Frantic, Vivian tries to escape, she stays with Dugald until he passes and then sneaks out of the castle. She makes her way to the village and has a vision – a child will be killed by a horse – she knows she should keep going, but cannot leave a child to die. She saves the child and is injured in the process.

Quinn Douglas is one of the King’s Elite Guard – he has been sent by his brother to collect Vivian. The king betrothed her to Reid Douglas when he learned Dugald was dying. As Reid is on a mission for the king, he sends his twin and fellow guard to bring Vivian to his castle. Quinn tends to her injuries and tells her of the king’s decree – she is not happy, but knows with Rupert following her, she is safer with Quinn than on her own.

They set off and it soon becomes clear that Vivian is being hunted and they will not be safe until they reach Reid’s home. As they run for their lives, Quinn falls in love with her – but knows that they can never be, she is promised to his brother. Vivian feels the same and when she has several visions, she tries to distance herself from Quinn. But when she has a vision that includes Quinn and the rest of their party being trapped by Rupert, she takes a leap of faith and trusts him with her biggest, most dangerous secret – her ability to see the future.

But even knowing the future might not be enough to save her when Rupert catches them.

This was a very exciting read, with lots of action, suspense, sexual tension and a very evil villain. I enjoyed the fast paced flow of the book, especially the end, when there are several nail-biting moments, unexpected twists and an ending that must be read to be believed. I am not sure if the copy I read is the final version, but there were some minor title errors and a fair bit of modern verbiage – nothing that really detracted from the story, but definitely were not period correct. Even with those small details, I would happily recommend this book and look forward to reading about the rest of the “King’s Men”

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