Category: Release Day Blitz

A Deceptive Composition by Anna Lee Huber – Release Day Blitz

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Release Day BlitzLeave a comment

A Deceptive Composition (Lady Darby Mystery, #12)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady Darby #12
Publication Date: 6/18/24
Period: October, 1832
Number of Pages: 384

This book reminded me of a Tilt-a-Whirl with all of the plots and characters spinning in different directions simultaneously. Who were the good guys? Who were the bad guys? What was the motive? It was such a fantastic read that I wanted to start reading it again as soon as I was finished. For me, that isn’t an unusual reaction to this author as I don’t believe I have ever read one of her books that I didn’t love.

The opening of the book finds Kiera, Gage, seven-month-old Emma, and their servants still at the home of Gage’s father, Lord Gage. Lord Gage has been recovering from the near-fatal injury he suffered in the last book, and he’s coming along nicely. Gage and his father have always had an extremely contentious relationship and even that is evening out. So, all is right in their world at the moment – until a letter from Lord Gage’s long-estranged family arrives. Though he hasn’t been to his family’s home in over fifty years, his Aunt Amelia is asking him to come right away because his uncle has died – and she thinks it was murder.

Set in the beautiful, though harsh and unwelcoming, Cornish coast of England, our protagonists find themselves surrounded by people who don’t wish them to be there. What was the real purpose of luring them to Cornwall? Was there really a murder? His uncle has been buried for a while, so what is there to investigate? Can they even investigate? It seems there is something around every corner that causes the hairs on the backs of their necks to tickle. Does someone wish them ill?

This author does an exceptional job of conveying the fear, the anxiety, the anguish, the animosity, and she brings you and those feelings into situations that are both dangerous and poignant. With smugglers, murderers, kidnappers, and more than enough secrets to go around, there is never a dull moment.

Once you begin reading, you won’t be able to put it down, so be prepared with an extra-large drink, a snack or two, a comfy reading spot – and maybe a potty break. The mystery is engrossing, challenging, and interesting while the characters are very life-like and relatable – even the villains.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Secrets of a Highlanders Heart by Julie Johnstone – Release Day Blog Blitz

On By TracyIn Blog Tour, Book Publicity, Part of a Series, Release Day Blitz, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Will the truth of the past destroy the hope of their future?

How far will he go for vengeance?

Brus Stone remembers nothing of his life before he was rescued at the age of five summers and brought to live as part of the Northern Watch. Having been told his mother abandoned him, he’s about as willing to give his trust to a woman as he is to hand his sword to his enemy during battle. So when he’s tasked with accompanying a group of highlanders through the treacherous lands he helps patrol and he encounters a bonny lass who proves to be as brave as any warrior he’s ever met, he’s surprised by his pull to the lass and more than wary because of it. He steels himself against lowering his guard, but her open nature bemuses him, and her caring heart entices him. Each time he touches her he finds himself further drawn to the warmth she exudes and the possibility that believing in her will not result in betrayal. But a shocking revelation about his past obliterates everything he holds true and leaves him with a choice—give unwavering faith to the daughter of the enemy he didn’t know he had or raise his guard once more and secure the ultimate revenge.

How much will she lose for love?

Grace MacDonald is starting to wonder whether she’ll ever meet a man who sees her as an equal and not simply a potential wife to do as he bids. To complicate matters, her father wishes her to wed her childhood friend and fortify an important alliance between their clans. Though she wants to please her beloved father, her friend does not stir her heart or her desire, so she’s reluctant to accept his offer of marriage. When the party she’s travelling with is attacked and a Scottish warrior rescues her, she’s immediately drawn to the powerfully compelling man. Not only does he display a gentle caring side, but he also listens to what she says and seems to value her opinions. His every look, touch, and kiss ignite her in the way she’s been waiting for all her life. But Brus will not completely let her in. He has erected a barrier between them, and the harder she tries to breach it, the more withdrawn he becomes. She’s determined to prove to him that he can count on her, so they can grasp the glorious love she’s sure awaits them. Yet when a devastating secret comes to light, she must decide whether her loyalty remains with the father she’s always trusted or whether it belongs with the man she’s certain is her destiny.

LINKS:

Amazon – Goodreads – BookBub