The Return of Her Lost Knight (Notorious Knights Book 3) by Melissa Oliver @melissaoauthor @MillsandBoon #bookreview #HistoricalRomance #PublicationDay

The Return of Her Lost Knight written by Melissa Oliver, publisher Mills & Boon Historical, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

Her second chance

With her lost love….

To avoid a forced marriage, Lady Gwenllian plans to escape to a convent. She couldn’t possibly honour another when her heart still belongs to Ralph de Kinnerton, the man she had to betray to save his life – only to hear of his death shortly after. So how is it possible he’s here at this Knight’s tournament? Now, the pull of their unfinished past forces Gwen to question the choice she’d made for her future…

To buy links:

The paperback is available from all good book retailers and can also be purchased online direct from Mills & Boon.

Notorious Knights – The Return Of Her Lost Knight (Mills & Boon Historical) (Notorious Knights, Book 3) – Mills & Boon UK (millsandboon.co.uk)

The ebook is available to download for kindle, kobo, iBooks.

https://amzn.to/3gPhcH4

REVIEW

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

It’s hard to believe that Melissa Oliver is a relatively new author with her first novel being published last summer. Melissa Oliver’s books are very readable, there’s a real sense of time and place and you can feel the atmosphere and tension between characters. The Return of Her Lost Knight is book 3 in the Notorious Knights trilogy, you can find my review for book one here: The Rebel Heiress and the Knight by Melissa Oliver @melissaoauthor @MillsandBoon @rararesources #HistoricalRomance #bookreview #blogtour | kraftireader (wordpress.com) and for book two here: Her Banished Knight’s Redemption by Melissa Oliver @melissaoauthor @MillsandBoon @rararesources @HarlequinBooks #HistoricalRomance #bookreview #blogtour | kraftireader (wordpress.com)

Each book in the trilogy can be read as a standalone as each instalment focuses on a new character. However, characters from previous stories do crop up in later reads so you can see a progression in their lives. I would therefore, highly recommend reading the books in order to fully understand and appreciate the era, the setting, the characters and also the books are just gorgeous you just don’t want to miss out!

Book 3 is Ralph De Kinnerton and Lady Gwenllian’s story. Six years ago this young couple were full of dreams and hopes for the future but betrayals and danger from a family source split the pair apart until an important knights tournament was to bring them back together again. However, a lot can happen in six years, for one thing Ralph was presumed dead so his return to tournament was filled with much trepidation as Ralph felt he had a ‘score’ to prove to gain his place as the rightful heir to his late father’s land. But to succeed Ralph has to remain incognito but the sight of his once best friend and childhood sweetheart, Lady Gwenllian, sets his emotions in a tailspin and his plan to gain recognition of his ‘inheritance’ becomes clouded with thoughts of Gwen.

However, wherever Gwen was his notorious cousin, Stephen le Gros, was close behind and Ralph has to keep his temper in check and his presence a secret till the time was right.

Gwen and Ralph were once so close but Gwen had to make the brave decision 6 years ago to let Ralph go for his own safety. Not many people know the true reasons for Gwen letting Ralph go and it’s something that Gwen is still very guarded about. Believing Ralph was dead has been hard to bare so finding out he was alive has brought so many conflicting feelings to the forefront of Gwen’s mind. Gwen is also hiding torment from her past that has shaped the path for her future.

Can Ralph fulfil his destiny and can Gwen learn to let events from the past go?

Another gorgeous historical romance that was filled with drama, danger, tension but there is also a wonderful endearing camaraderie between the notorious knights. I really enjoy historical romance stories it’s a journey that has the reader travelling back in time experiencing life in an unknown era with cultures to learn and sights to discover.

About the Author

Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and three daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, grand palaces and all things historical. She is the winner of The Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for new writers in 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight. When she’s not writing she loves to travel, paint and visit museums & art galleries.

Twitter: @melissaoauthor

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Her Banished Knight’s Redemption by Melissa Oliver @melissaoauthor @MillsandBoon @rararesources @HarlequinBooks #HistoricalRomance #bookreview #blogtour

Her Banished Knight’s Redemption written by Melissa Oliver, publisher Mills & Boon Historical, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

A lady’s need for protection 
A knight’s chance for redemption

Exiled Knight William Geraint answers only to himself. Yet, a mission to reunite lost heiress Lady Isabel de Clancey with her family is Will’s chance to finally atone for the torment of his past.  With every rushed mile, their intense attraction becomes dangerously thrilling.  He swore to protect Isabel not seduce her, but their desire for each other could threaten the redemption he’s worked so hard to achieve… 

Purchase Links

Mills and Boon – https://bit.ly/3opfj5I

Harlequin Books– https://bit.ly/3234EEv
Amazon UK- https://amzn.to/31LLVga
Amazon US- https://amzn.to/3kyXj6K

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Melissa Oliver’s latest novel: Her Banished Knight’s Redemption. Her Banished Knight’s Redemption is book two in the Notorious Knight’s series. Each book can be read as a standalone as it focuses on a new hero and heroine but character’s from past stories will crop up so I can highly recommend reading all the books in the series in order as they are sublime. The books in the series in order are:

The Rebel Heiress and The Knight

Her Banished Knight’s Redemption

The Return of Her Lost Knight (due out in the summer 2021)

Mills and Boon have one of the best team of historical romance writers that I have personally come across with Melissa Oliver being a relatively newcomer as Her Banished Knight’s Redemption is only her second novel. However, her work feels like she has been writing for years as you are instantly transported to an era long ago and can feel a sense of time and place with the atmosphere around you. What I enjoy about Mills & Boon Historical is that the characters have a great rapport and this bantering between the leads charm and entertain you throughout, often leading to a heated embrace.

Her Banished Knight’s Redemption is Isabel and Will’s story. Will has been living in exile in France even though he has been exonerated he still feels very much to blame for an event in the past. He has been given a mission that will reunite him with his past in more ways that one. Will has to find a young woman who was also banished from her past but recent matters need this to be addressed expediently and he has to bring her home to England to her rightful place. Isabel has not been back to England in over 12 years and has kept her heritage a secret until this strange but somehow familiar knight beckons her back to where she belongs. But does she belong back in a home that she has spent more time away from than in?

I adored this story by Melissa Oliver it was filled with drama, danger and dalliances of the heart. As Will escorts Isabel back to England they are faced with many challenges with their increasing friendship bringing a new set of emotions that the pair have to battle with. As we get to learn more about Isabel and Will their barriers against the past reveal surprisingly very similar traits of vulnerability, a sense of not belonging, a duty to their future but also a chance to break free of what is expected of them.

A gorgeous historical romance that will leave you wanting more.

About the Author

Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, palaces and all things historical.
Melissa is the WINNER of The Romantic Novelist Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight –  Book 1 Notorious Knights.

Twitter: @melissaoauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissaoliverauthor/

Under the Warrior’s Protection by Ella Matthews @ellamattauthor @MillsandBoon @rararesources #blogtour #bookreview #historicalromance

Under the Warrior’s Protection written by Ella Matthews, publisher Mills & Boon Historical, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

Letting down her guard…

Might save her life…

With their family name in tatters, Katherine Leofric and her sister are headed for a new life at their brother’s estate. They are escorted by the hardened Jarin, Earl of Borwyn, whom Katherine believes is only after her dowry! Then her sister is abducted on their treacherous journey, and Katherine must rely on Jarin’s protection. Now, seeing a different side to the man she’s sworn to hate, it’s her heart that’s most at risk!

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Warriors-Protection-House-Leofric/dp/0263277321

US – https://www.amazon.com/Under-Warriors-Protection-Historical-Leofric-ebook/dp/B0875K43GB

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Ella Matthews latest historical romance: Under the Warrior’s Protection. Under the Warrior’s Protection is book two in The House of Leofric series however, this is my first introduction to the work of Ella Matthews so I have come into this series with fresh eyes. The book is very readable as a standalone but I can totally appreciate reading all the books in the series to fully understand and enjoy the history of all the characters.

This story focuses on Katherine Leofric the oldest of the two Leofric sisters. Katherine is a very vulnerable character but has an inner strength that no-one can perceive through her “sprite” like figure. She has from a young age protected her younger sister from the cruelty that was portrayed to them all throughout her life.

Katherine and her sister are desperate to escape the clutches of their life at home and now their brother is getting married their future is looking brighter as they plan to live with them. To get to her brothers abode the journey is long and arduous and they have been assigned the protection of the Earl of Borwyn and his men. Katherine is not impressed with her protector as she has perceived ideas about his character and makes his life on the journey pretty miserable.

Jarin, Earl of Borwyn, cannot understand what he has done to Katherine Leofric to deserve such disdain but when the travellers are ambushed and Katherine’s sister is kidnapped the journey takes on a more dangerous pursuit of finding the sister and of their own survival.

As Jarin and Katherine are left to survive on their own barriers surrounding their relationship are slowly broken down and a friendship of sorts is created. We learn that not only Katherine’s life has been filled with cruelty and hardship but also Jarins’. With the status symbol of an earldom comes the responsibilities and Jarin is worried for the future of his people. He never thought the earldom would come to him and wasn’t prepared for it and his father gave little away of encouragement.

Through the dangers on the road Katherine and Jarin have to face the dangers of their heart being broken as their friendship soon heats up with desires becoming unbearable. Katherine believes she is not worthy of his love also he is intended to another and Jarin feels he must do the most honourable thing and marry someone else. Life of the heart becomes very complicated for the pair.

Under the Warrior’s Protection is a story filled with an adventure of the heart, soul and mind. It’s a mesmerising story of a gorgeous pairing that you instantly warm to and feel the need to protect as stories from their past are revealed. I really enjoyed this historical romance by Ella Matthews and look forward to discovering more from this author.

Author Bio –

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

Social Media Links – https://twitter.com/ellamattauthor

www.ellamatthews.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/ella.matthews.524381

Christmas with the Teashop Girls by Elaine Everest @ElaineEverest @ed_pr @panmacmillan #TeashopGirlsChristmas

Christmas with the Teashop Girls by Elaine Everest is out now, published by Pan Macmillan, priced £7.99 as paperback original.

Book Blurb

The friends return in a moving story of love, bravery and hope set in 1940 – a guaranteed winter warmer full of festive spirit. Bestseller Elaine Everest is the author of the much loved Woolworths Girls saga series.
It’s late 1940 and the war feels closer to home than ever for Rose Neville and her staff at the Lyon’s Teashop in Margate. The worry of rationing hangs overhead as the Nippies do their best to provide a happy smile and a hot cup of tea for their customers. When a bombing raid targets the Kent
coastline, Lyon’s is badly hit, throwing the future of the cafe into jeopardy.
The light in Rose’s life is her dashing fiancé Captain Ben Hargreaves and she’s busy planning their Christmas Eve wedding. But she must also plan to take two new stepdaughters into her life and get on the right side of her wealthy mother-in-law, Lady Diana. Is Rose ready to become a mother?
When Rose’s half-sister Eileen makes contact, it seems that Rose’s dreams of having a sibling are coming true at long last. But her friends begin to suspect that she’s hiding something… As the wedding draws near, the bombings intensify, putting everything and everyone Rose loves in danger.
Only one thing is for sure: it will be a Christmas she never forgets . . .

The book will be available to purchase from high street book stores, most supermarkets and also the online links below:

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/christmas-with-the-teashop-girls/elaine-everest/9781529015928

Hive: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Elaine-Everest/Christmas-with-the-Teashop-Girls/24958980

Amazon: https://amzn.to/33ZGcoD

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Elaine Everest’s latest novel: Christmas with the Teashop Girls.

Elaine Everest is a very good storyteller, her words take you back to an era that was filled with uncertainty and there’s a real sense of atmosphere. What I love about the attitude of the people from the war years was the community spirit, their resilience and their make do and mend survival tactics. These are times we need to keep remembering and learn from.

We are back in Margate with the girls we fell in love with in book one, The Teashop Girls, the Nippies from the Lyon’s teashop. The year is 1940 and war is visibly amongst the streets and cities but romance is keeping the girls going specifically with Rose and her blossoming romance with Ben.

With this book we get to learn more about Ben’s family and a trip to the city of London opens Rose and her mother Flora’s eyes to the full extent of the conflict. Meeting Ben’s mother brings up many surprises and Lady Diana proves to be a very resourceful woman.

Romance, danger and adventure are not far away for Rose, Lily, Katie, Flora and Mildred. With the introduction of new characters blending brilliantly with our much loved main characters Elaine Everest has written another great WWII saga. I found myself immersed in the story and become involved in the lives of all. When the sky blackened with the battle of the skies I could feel the intensity of what the characters were witnessing.

A story that is filled with nostalgia, community spirit, the highs and lows of life during conflict but most of all it’s a story with warmth, friendship and love.

About the Author

Elaine Everest is from North West Kent and she grew up listening to stories of the war years in her home town of Erith, which features in her bestselling Woolworths Girls series. A former journalist, and author of nonfiction books for dog owners, Elaine has written over sixty short stories for the women’s magazine market.
When she isn’t writing, Elaine runs The Write Place creative writing school in Hextable, Kent. She lives with her husband, Michael and sheepdog Henry. You can find out more about Elaine on Twitter @ElaineEverest or Facebook /elaine.everest

A Batchelor’s Pledge by Penny Hampson @penny_hampson @rararesources #blogtour #bookpromo

A Bachelor’s Pledge written by Penny Hampson, publisher PP & M Publishing, is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited and paperback format.

I am so pleased to be involved with the Publication Day Push celebrating and promoting the launch of Penny Hampson’s latest novel: A Batchelor’s Pledge. I have the pleasure of sharing a promo.

Book Blurb

The woman who haunts his dreams

Secret agent Phil Cullen is upset when he discovers that the young woman he rescued from Mrs Newbody’s establishment has absconded from his housekeeper’s care without a word. Thinking he has been deceived, he resolves to forget about her… something easier said than done.

The man she wants to forget

Sophia Turner is horrified when she is duped into entering a notorious house of ill-repute. Then a handsome stranger comes to her aid. Desperate that no one learns of this scandalous episode, Sophia flees to the one friend she knows she can trust. With luck, she will never see her mysterious rescuer again.

But fate has other plans…

Months later, Phil is on the trail of an elusive French agent and Sophia is a respectable lady’s companion when fate again intervenes, taking their lives on a collision course.

Traitors, spies, and shameful family secrets – will these bring Sophia and Phil together… or drive them apart?

Purchase Link – mybook.to/ABachelorsPledge

Author Bio – Some time ago Penny Hampson decided to follow her passion for history by studying with the Open University. She graduated with honours and went on to complete a post-graduate degree.

Penny then landed her dream role, working in an environment where she was surrounded by rare books and historical manuscripts. Flash forward nineteen years, and the opportunity came along to indulge her other main passion – writing. Penny joined the New Writers’ Scheme of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and  three years later published her debut novel, A Gentleman’s Promise, a historical mystery/romance and the first in The Gentlemen Series. An Officer’s Vow soon followed and the latest in the series is A Bachelor’s Pledge.

But never happy in a rut, Penny also writes contemporary suspense with paranormal and romantic elements. Her first book in this genre is The Unquiet Spirit, published by Darkstroke.

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

For more on Penny’s writing, visit her blog: https://pennyhampson.co.uk/blog/

Twitter: @penny_hampson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyhampsonauthor

Someday In Paris by Olivia Lara @olilara_writes @Aria_Fiction @rararesources #guestpost

Someday in Paris written by Olivia Lara, publisher Aria, is available NOW in ebook, kindleunlimited and paperback format.

‘An epic, sweeping romance about soulmates and second chances’ Holly Miller. 

‘An absolutely unforgettable love story’ Mandy Baggot. 

‘A deeply moving, richly evocative story of love, loss and the power of hope’ Miranda Dickinson. 

Book Blurb

Finding the one is only the beginning… 

1954. Zara is fifteen the first time she meets Leon. During a power cut in a small French museum, the two spend one short hour in the dark talking about their love for art, Monet and Paris. Neither knows what the other looks like. Both know their lives will never be the same. 

1963. In Paris, Leon no longer believes he will ever find the girl he lost that night. After dreaming about him for years, Zara thinks she has already found him. When they meet at an exhibition, they don’t recognise each other – yet the way they feel is so familiar… 

Over the course of twenty years, Zara and Leon are destined to fall in love again and again. But will they ever find a way to be together? 

‘It’s about dreams and taking chances. Missed opportunities and mistakes. Loss and sacrifice. But above all, it is about love. The kind of love that survives time, distance… even death. The kind of love I wish for you.’ 

A magical new love story about star-crossed lovers, perfect for hopeless romantics and fans of One Day and The Notebook. 

What readers are saying about Someday in Paris: 

‘I absolutely adored this book and stayed up late at night to finish it!! I couldn’t put it down. This was a truly epic love story’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘Magical, all-encompassing and timeless; an unforgettable romance’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘Without question 5.0 Exquisite Stars!! There are not enough magical adjectives to describe the beauty of this story!! Someday in Paris moved me beyond words and to quite a few tears’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘Some books leave you a print in your heart which make them difficult to forget … Emotive, sweet and unforgettable … The most beautiful book I’ve read in a while!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘This is a book for hopeless romantics, for those who dare to dream, and for those who believe in true love everlasting … I could not put it down’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘This book left me speechless. I haven’t read such an amazing story in a long time’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

‘I absolutely loved this book … The story kept me hanging on and reading late into the night’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Purchase Links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Someday-Paris-magical-hopeless-romantics-ebook/dp/B07ZWFLBB7/

Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/someday-in-paris

Apple US: https://books.apple.com/us/book/someday-in-paris/id1485748992

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/someday-in-paris-olivia-lara/1136248226?ean=9781838933142

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=Oay6DwAAQBAJ

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Someday-Paris-magical-hopeless-romantics-ebook/dp/B07ZWFLBB7/

Kobo UK: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/someday-in-paris

Apple UK: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/someday-in-paris/id1485748992

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Olivia Lara’s debut novel: Someday In Paris. I have the pleasure of sharing a guest post from the author with you. The book sounds fascinating and with my love of historical stories and set in Paris this is definitely one to add to my TBR.

Where do I get inspiration for my stories?

I don’t know how it is for other authors, but for me, every story is different in terms of how it all started.

For instance, Someday in Paris, my debut novel, is a story that’s been with me for years.

The first memory of the idea is from many years ago. I was on the high school graduation trip with my classmates, visiting Europe, and I picked up a book by an author I’d never heard of, Marc Levy. I read the story in one sitting, on the bus between Paris and Marseille and once I arrived in Marseille, I scribbled down thoughts for a story. It wasn’t related to what I’d read, but something in it sparked my imagination. Elements of that idea are in my debut novel, many years later…

Meeting my now husband a few months later added to the idea, so did our own love story and all our years together so far. Living in France in my twenties fueled the initial idea and gave me incredible settings (Paris, Colmar). Spending time in European museums, game me their world. So, you see, the answer to where it all started is most likely a sum of things, over the years. And when everything aligned, Zara and Leon’s story emerged almost like a movie and all I could do was to watch that ‘movie’, take mental notes, and hope I won’t forget anything important.

Sometimes I get ideas from articles, people I meet, songs I listen to, even nonfiction books I read. I am inspired by our travels (and can’t wait until we’re able to be on the road again), the places I called home, whether for a year or a decade. Poems I’ve always known or just discovered, and urban legends I remember from my childhood. Reading is an important part of my life and an important source of inspiration as well. I read across genres and I read all the time. Just released books, classics, books in English, Romanian, French. I am also passionate about theater and have tons of vinyl with Romanian theater plays I listen to all the time. And last but not least, I might see an interaction between two people that makes me want to take note. Maybe something they say or how they say it. Maybe a gesture. Even if I’m not consciously doing it, I’m always watching.

And then, just like that, a shiny, sparkly idea comes to me. I don’t write it down. I just let it simmer. If it comes back, if it makes me start to imagine the possibilities, if I begin seeing the ‘movie’ of that story, then I know I’m onto something special. It can take weeks, months or years. One thing is for sure. I’m never without ideas. Some I tried to write, but the ‘movie’ suddenly ended mid-way, so I have decided to shelve them and perhaps come back later. If and when that will actually happen, I don’t know.

Someday in Paris is the book of my heart. It is the kind of story I’ve always wanted to read and I guess I wanted it so badly, I decided to stop waiting and write it. I want to believe that all my stories are like that though, whether the idea came from my own life, from someone else’s, or from a dream…

The author is running a Goodreads giveaway for 50 kindle copies of Someday In Paris, open to US only. Please click on the link to enter.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/311490-someday-in-paris

Author Bio – OLIVIA LARA was born and raised in Bucharest in a family of booklovers and storytellers. Since university she has worked as a journalist and marketer in Romania, France and the United States. She is currently a marketing executive in San Francisco and lives in the Bay Area with her husband, young daughter and four cats. Someday in Paris is her first novel.

Social Media Links –

Twitter @olilara_writes,

Facebook http://facebook.com/olivialaraauthor

Instagram @olivialara.writes

Author website: olivia-lara.com

The Rebel Heiress and the Knight by Melissa Oliver @melissaoauthor @MillsandBoon @rararesources #HistoricalRomance #bookreview #blogtour

The Rebel Heiress and the Knight written by Melissa Oliver, publisher Mills & Boon Historical, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb
She must marry the knight

By order of the king!

Widow Eleanor of Tallany Castle knows her people are broken by the taxes demanded by King John. So when she’s ordered to marry Hugh de Villiers, a knight loyal to the king, she’s furious—even if he is handsome! As gallant Hugh begins to heal the scars of Eleanor’s abusive first marriage, she’s even more determined to keep her secret: she is the outlaw the king wants to send to the gallows!

Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Heiress-Knight-Mills-Historical-ebook/dp/B083XSFF8V/
US – https://www.amazon.com/Rebel-Heiress-Knight-Mills-Historical-ebook/dp/B083XSFF8V/

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour celebrating and promoting the launch of Melissa Oliver’s debut novel … what an accomplished debut it is as well.  I’ve read quite a few historical romances from Mills and Boon and I would say this new author’s storytelling is as good as her M & B colleagues.

I haven’t read many stories set in the 1200’s, I’m more a regency romance fan, but I soon found myself transported to this time.  A time when knights took an oath with their King and proclaimed an allegiance with him; to serve, to protect and to honour all obligations.  So when King John instructs his noble knight Hugh de Villiers to marry widow Lady Eleanor he is a little disappointed with this latest missive from the King.  See Hugh de Villiers enjoys being a solider and marriage was not on his agenda after his heart was broken years ago.

Lady Eleanor is also shocked with this new order from the King; after a disastrous marriage with her evil late husband Eleanor is still suffering emotionally and physically and she too had vowed not to open up her heart again.  However, they both must obey the King.

Hugh also has another missive and that is to catch the outlaws that are robbing the silver that’s been gleaned from the villagers of Tallany in respect of the King’s taxes.  Eleanor is very loyal to her villagers and condemns the taxations by the King and she puts plans in place to help out those in need.

The union between Eleanor and Hugh gets off to a rocky start; Eleanor has a secret and the closer she becomes with her new husband the more her life and her secret is put at risk.

A dangerous dalliance with emotions and desires but also a story staying true to your beliefs and what is deemed most honourable and correct despite what the hierarchy have sanctioned.

I found this novel by Melissa Oliver to be thrilling, dramatic, full of mystery and espionage but it was also charged with heat and longing. Lady Eleanor has found her knight but he’s also picked up more than he bargained for!

Author Bio

Growing up in Richmond- Upon-Thames, Melissa Oliver used to walk past the old Mills and Boon offices as a teen, and wistfully sigh that one day her dream of writing for them will come true. Amazingly, after all these years, it finally has…& now she can bring all those stories out onto the pages of her books. Melissa lives in south-west London with her gorgeous husband and equally gorgeous daughters, who share her passion for castles, palaces and all things historical.

Social Media Links – twitter- @melissaoauthor

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/melissaoliverauthor/

Captured by Her Enemy Knight by Nicole Locke @NicoleLockeNews @MillsandBoon @rararesources #historicalfiction #bookreview

Captured by Her Enemy Knight written by Nicole Locke, publisher Mills & Boon Historical, is available in ebook and paperback format from the 28th May 2020.

Book Blurb
Falling for the man

Cressida Howe, the Archer, is a well-tuned weapon. But she’s also a woman captivated by a man—Eldric of Hawskmoor, the warrior knight her father ordered her to kill. Instead, for years, Cressida has simply watched him… Now she’s been captured by her formidable enemy, and her well-ordered world comes crashing down, for Eldric is even more compelling up close. Cressida curses her traitorous heart—this assassin has fallen for her target!

Purchase Links
US – https://www.amazon.com/Captured-Enemy-Knight-Nicole-Locke-ebook/dp/B07ZVX9YPD
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Captured-Enemy-Knight-Mills-Historical-ebook/dp/B07ZS72ZHS/
https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335505552_captured-by-her-enemy-knight.html

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes

I am so pleased to be involved in the Mini Blog Blitz promoting and celebrating the launch of Nicole Locke’s latest historical romance; Captured by Her Enemy Knight.

Cressida Howe first and foremost is a well-trained mercenary.  She’s accepted all her missions and was successful in them all apart from one.  Her father has trained Cressida well but he is adamant that this latest task is completed.  However, the victim in question gets to Cressida first and she is captured once again by this giant of a man that first took her heart when they were just mere children.  Cressida has kept this longing for enemy warrior Eldric of Hawksmoor, a loyal knight of the King hidden as she believed she wasn’t worthy of love.

Cressida has never considered herself a woman but once she lets her heart speak of it’s longing for her enemy knight she learns there’s a lot more to her life than her skills with as a top class Archer.

I really enjoyed being catapulted back to the 13th century with Nicole Locke and her romantic clandestine adventures with mercenaries, knights and pirates.  There was a wonderful tender developing relationship with our two main characters that once they let their history unfold their hearts were then left to bloom.

I enjoyed the drama unfolding and I wanted more from the ending as feel like Cressida and Eldric’s story is only just beginning.

A historical romance that is filled with raw, honest drama and passion.

Author Bio –
Nicole first discovered romance novels hidden in her grandmother’s closet. Convinced hidden books must be better, Nicole greedily read them. It was only natural she should start writing them (but now not so secretly).

If she isn’t working on the next book in her historical series, she can be reached at NicoleLocke.com!
Social Media Links –
https://www.nicolelocke.com
https://www.instagram.com/nicolelockeauthor
https://www.facebook.com/NicoleLockeAuthor
Twitter @NicoleLockeNews

Giveaway to Win 5 x PB copies of Captured By Her Enemy Knight (Open INT)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494370/

**Publication Day Push** – Redeeming the Reclusive Earl by Virginia Heath @VirginiaHeath_ @MillsandBoon @rararesources #historicalromance

Redeeming the Reclusive Earl written by Virginia Heath, publisher Mills & Boon Historical is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

Book Blurb

His heart is a fortress… And she’s trespassing!
After losing all he holds dear in a horrific fire, Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, shuns the world—until he catches Effie Nithercott digging holes on his estate! He banishes the intrepid archaeologist and the unsettled feelings she rouses within him. But she returns even more determined and infuriatingly desirable than before! He wonders just how deep she’s prepared to dig—so far she’ll reach the man beneath his scars?

Purchase Link: http://mybook.to/reclusiveearl

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes

I am so pleased to be involved in the Publication Day Push for Virginia Heath’s latest historical romance: Redeeming the Reclusive Earl.

Virginia Heath’s stories have ignited a love for historical romances; I love being transported back in time to when life and love was conducted at a pace that was deemed correct and proper.  To when etiquette was paramount and women were starting to find the confidence to step out of their ‘mould’ and find some independence and interests out of the family home.  Redeeming the Reclusive Earl is one such story were the female lead in the story has carved herself a new mould, one that has alienated herself to any possible suitors.

Effie Nithercott has always been interested in words, in information and history mainly due to her father’s academia.  Since the sad passing of her father Effie has thrown herself into her interests with relish and has been conducting archaeological digs on a neighbours land.  However, since the change of ownership of the land in question Effie hasn’t had chance to introduce herself to the new owner.

Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, is the new owner of the land in question and since the terrible accident on his ship 18 months ago he has kept himself hidden from the outside world.  So living at his new residence with plenty of land to wander in he feels safe that he will be living in the solitude he desires, until one day he comes across someone digging holes in his land.  He’s furious!  But when he accosts the young chancer he’s shocked to discover a young woman wearing breeches, caked in mud and looking nothing like the women of society he’s had the pleasure of seeing in the past.  However, the sight before him finds him with feelings of appreciation that he’s not experience in a long time.

This first encounter between Effie and Max is a clash of wills but Max soon becomes enamoured by Effie’s brain and her strong will of character.

Redeeming the Reclusive Earl is such a charming read with a fabulous double act in Effie and Max.  Virginia Heath knows how to spin some great banter between her characters and I relished this.  Effie and Max were both vulnerable characters in their own right hiding behind their own emotional and physical scars.  I loved this story it was interesting, entertaining and such a gorgeous romance between two tortured souls.

Author Bio – When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheathauthor

Twitter: @VirginiaHeath_

Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of Redeeming the Reclusive Earl (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494368/

 

Mrs Boots by Deborah Carr @DebsCarr #bookreview #historicalfiction @0neMoreChapter

Mrs Boots written by Deborah Carr, publisher 0ne More Chapter (digital imprint of HarperCollins UK) is available in ebook format from 27th March 2020.  The book will be available in paperback in the summer.

Book Blurb

An incredible historical novel inspired by the true story behind the Boots empire.
Jersey 1885
On the beautiful island of Jersey, Florence Rowe lives a quiet life working in her father’s bookshop. Life for the Rowe family is good, but Florence can’t help yearning for more…
When Jesse Boot, the successful owner of Boots the chemist, arrives on the island, Florence is immediately captivated by his tales of life in a busy, bustling city on the mainland. For the first time ever, Florence imagines a life away from the constraints of Jersey society, of being someone more than just a shopgirl.
Until her parents reveal the shocking news they will refuse any marriage proposal from Mr Boot. Can Florence find a way to be with the man she loves and make a new life for herself?

To pre-order/buy link: https://amzn.to/3acpKC5

image courtesy of Google search

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. All opinions are my own and no content may be copied. However, authors and publishers may use elements of my reviews for quotes

Mrs Boots is book one in a new historical series inspired by Florence Boot, the woman behind the Boots empire. I devoured this story, it was so captivating, interesting and beautifully romantic. Florence is a headstrong young woman who wants to help those in need. She never wanted to marry but when she met Jesse Boot, the son of the founder of Boots the chemist, she found a kindred spirit with him. However, their friendship was frowned upon by her family. Her mother in particular made her opinions quite clear and as a mother myself I could see her point of view but I also knew to stop the power of love is impossible.

Deborah Carr’s words took me to an era were social etiquette was prevalent, religion and belief were very strong and the beliefs of Florence’s mother were true to her character and faith. The atmosphere of the storyline was perfect, I could sense a time and place. Hearing about the life in the stationery shop in Jersey sounded wonderful and it brought back pangs of nostalgia of visiting small independent shops receiving personal customer service with my grandparents. Just hearing that shop bell indicating a new customer brings back pangs of warm, fuzzy emotions.

The budding friendship between Jesse Boot and Florence was lovely, especially as it took Florence by surprise how her feelings soon changed.  Both Jesse and Florence had a desire to educate those less fortunate and giving them the opportunity to better themselves.  They also want to impart on all classes of society the importance of nutrition and health and make affordable medicine available to all.

When you start a new book series and so wish the other instalments were instantly available to enable you to binge read them all; this is how I felt about Mrs Boots. As soon as I finished reading I felt compelled to research both Jesse and Florence Boot and the legacy they’ve left behind is inspiring.

A gorgeous start to a new historical series that captivated, charmed and inspired me.

About the Author

USA TODAY best-selling author of The Poppy Field

Publisher: HarperCollins, One More Chapter

Deborah Carr lives on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands with her husband and three rescue dogs. She was described as ‘One to Watch’ by Good Housekeeping magazine for her debut historical romance, Broken Faces. Her book The Poppy Field, published by HarperCollins’ One More Chapter imprint to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War, was a USA TODAY best-seller.

The first book in her new Mrs Boots series, Mrs Boots, Book 1 is out on 27 March 2020 with Book 2, Mrs Boots of Pelham Street, being published in May.

Deborah is one third of The Blonde Plotters and Co-Founder of multi-award-winning tech start-up MyVLF.com – the first global virtual literary festival venue platform developed to connect readers and authors.

Follow Deborah:
Website: http://www.deborahcarr.org
Twitter: @DebsCarr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeborahCarrAuthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/deborahcarr/