Month: February 2019

Kilted Sin by Tammy Andresen

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, NovellaLeave a comment

Kilted Sin (Brethren of Stone Book 3)Kilted Sin by Tammy Andresen

Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Brethren of Stone #3
Publication Date: 2/12/19
Number of Pages: 133

This is an enjoyable, quick, one-sitting read. It is certainly the tamest in the series – no pirates, no rogue magistrates, no port blockades, no bad guys at all and it is my least favorite of the series so far. I love the characters, but they had some of the lowest self esteems I’ve read in a while. Each felt inadequate and insecure – she because her husband just abandoned her and took up with another woman and he because he just didn’t feel like he measured up to his older brothers. It was nice to see them find their worth and get their HEA.

Will Sinclair has bought the land adjacent to his brother Blair and he intends to raise barley. He has invested every cent he has in the land and he absolutely must get his crops planted. After a hot day of farming, he decides to stop at the loch and take a swim – only to have his horse, money, and clothing stolen by a beautiful young woman.

Gemma McClaren left her home in the south of Scotland to head to the Highlands where she has an inheritance waiting. She used up all of her money several days ago and hasn’t eaten since – and she’s walked the last fifty miles. When she sees a naked man at the loch, it is an opportunity too good to pass up. She pushes him into the loch, grabs his pants with his money and leaps on his horse.

When Will finds Gemma, sparks fly and he basically blackmails her into becoming the governess/nanny for the two young children that had been dropped off on his doorstep. As Will sees Gemma interact with the children he realizes she isn’t what she appeared to be, and as Gemma sees how Will interacts with others, she realizes that maybe not all men are worthless.

There were several things in the book that I hope were fixed before release day. For instance, Gemma’s eyes were blue in a couple of places and green in another; she was a seamstress in one place and a laundress in another; in one place it appeared that Will was planting and harvesting the same field at the same time and Fiona was four and six years old.

If you like a quick read with a lovely romance, you’ll enjoy this one.

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
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I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Believe In Me by Ella Quinn

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Believe in Me (The Worthingtons, #6)Believe in Me by Ella Quinn

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Worthingtons #6
Publication Date: 2/26/19
Number of Pages: 320
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5

WOW! There is a lot packed into this excellent, well-written, historically accurate book. I see discussions on the internet about an author not being able to make a book historically accurate and still have an interesting historical romance for today’s reader. Well, this author has done that, so maybe those others should just take lessons from Ms. Quinn.

One of the fabulous things in this book is catching up with all of the characters from previous books. Most of them make cameo appearances of one sort of another and it is lovely to visit with them. Another great thing is learning what it was truly like to travel during that time. Talk about a logistical nightmare! Then consider all of the things you have to take with you – especially for a trip outside of England. I loved the details of the trip and watching the romance grow as they progressed along the route. Additionally, I really liked the way Augusta was portrayed – she was a bluestocking in that she was very, very intelligent and interested in learning, but she was also a lady who liked fashions, shopping, etc. (all those lady things) rather than dressing in dull, drab gowns, having unkempt hair, and ink all over her fingers.

Lady Augusta Vivers wants a husband and children – but she wants them after she gets her university degree. There are only two or three universities that will admit women and the closest one of those is in Padua, Italy. She’s done all of her research and she’s even corresponded with the university there and they will admit her. Now, all she has to do is convince Matt, her brother and guardian to allow her to go. Her mother, however, puts a wrench in the works and demands that Augusta has at least one season before they even consider it. Augusta doesn’t figure that is a problem – “From what she had seen at the country assemblies, most men would rather talk about themselves. She would simply let them.” How wrong she is! Because she doesn’t interrupt them and just listens to them without comment, they think she adores them and the proposals come pouring in!

Lord Phineas Carter-Wood is a world traveler and scholar. He is also the apparent heir to his brother’s title. He doesn’t want to be, but his brother doesn’t seem to be able to sire anything but girls. Because of that, Phinn’s brother is wanting Phinn to marry and start his nursery. Phinn understands that the title needs to continue, but he doesn’t want to be the one to provide that continuation. However, he gives in and attends a few balls, soirees, and musicales with his sister-in-law in order to look over the crop of ladies on the marriage market. Imagine his surprise when he meets one that doesn’t bore him and actually carries on an intelligent conversation with him. How intriguing!

Augusta manages to create a stir (read that as mini-scandal) in the ton and is allowed to travel – chaperoned of course – to Paris. It is her plan to then head on to Padua to enter the university. Phinn doesn’t want to lose her and manages to attach himself to their traveling party. He wants to use the trip across Europe to convince her to marry him, but she is one stubborn wench!

This was a really fun read. It is filled with humor, danger, and a wonderful slow-burn romance. Try it, you’ll like it!

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview

“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.”