Romance Novel - Second Hand

All The Sweet Tomorrows, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

Review from: Shira

This is a romance novel which relates part two of the adventures of a woman named Skye O'Malley during the era of Queen Elizabeth of England in the 1500's. Skye herself is Irish. This book, which is a sequel toSkye O'Malley, takes the reader from England to a small duchy on the Riviera to Algeria to Morocco to Paris and back to England.

The author has clearly done extensive research on the historical era in which she has set her book. She seamlessly incorporates real-life historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth and real historical events such as the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in Paris into her story line. The heroine of the book, Skye O'Malley, is portrayed as a very strong, independent, intelligent, but passionate individual.

The reason I've included a review of this book on my web site is that part of it is set in Algeria and Morocco. I don't want to give away too much of the plot by telling you what goes on there, but suffice it to say Skye is called back to the Orient to attempt rescuing someone dear to her from slavery.

As I noted above, this book is a sequel to another called Skye O'Malley. Although the story in All The Sweet Tomorrows is theoretically structured to stand on its own, I would urge you to read the first book before you start this one. This one depends heavily on characters who first appeared in Skye O'Malley, and bases their motives in this book on events that occurred in the first one. Yes, it does offer brief explanations of what went before, but if you don't read Skye O'Malley first you'll probably feel as if you walked into a movie when it was 3/4 of the way finished.

Like many romance novels, this book definitely contains some sex scenes. However, its scenes are more frequent and more explicit than those I've seen in many other romance novels. Although they didn't bother me, readers who prefer books to be less, um, passionate probably wouldn't appreciate this one. Skye is one lusty woman, and the author treats us to many detailed reports of what goes on in her bed.

The Dutchess, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

Review from: Just Romance

As the daughter of the richest man in England, Allegra Morgan attracts a number of fortune hunters willing to overlook her flawed pedigree to gain her enormous wealth. Her most ardent suitor is the arrogant but impoverished Quinton Hunter, duke of Sedgwick, who has little to offer a prospective wife except his grand title. Allegra decides that if she must marry, she might as well be a duchess. So she agrees to the match with one condition: her husband must never ask for her love. She has seen the misery love can cause and has vowed to give her heart to no man--especially a dangerously alluring duke. Quinton is dazzled by his new wife's grace and fortitude, as well as the fierce desire that rages between them. Despite his best intentions, he finds himself falling in love with her. Then the terrors of the French Revolution hit close to home, and the two of them set off on a treacherous adventure that could cost them everything . . . including their final chance at happiness.

Philippa, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

Review From: The Best Reviews

"Fine sixteenth century romance"

In 1519 Giles FitzHugh breaks off his betrothal to Phillipa Meredith, a Lady in Waiting to Queen Katherine of Aragon, because he has decided to take holy vows instead. Stunned because she had expected to one day marry Giles, she informs him there will be no one else. Her mother Rosamund asks her uncle Sir Thomas Bolton to find a husband for his niece. Thomas selects an Earl, Crispin St. Clair as the groom.

Crispin finds the charming outrageous Phillipa quite fun as he sees her inexperience and youth as an asset. He courts her with passion and she falls in love with him. She accepts his proposal even as the Kings of England and France prepare for a historic meeting. Phillipa has knowledge that a plot to kill Henry is afoot and must be stopped.

Bertrice Small fans will take immense pleasure with her latest heated historical romance starring two enchanting protagonists caught in the middle of major events that shape that part of the world for years to come. The story line is action-packed but clearly belongs to the intrepid heroine as she rebounds with love but also deals with treachery. PHILLIPA is a fine sixteenth century romance with a strong cast caught in the maelstrom of momentous happenings.

Harriet Klausner

To Love Again, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

Review From: From the back page of the book.

Beautiful, headstrong, and defiant, Cailin Drusus possesses the pride of her Celtic-born mother, though she has been reared amid her Roman father's wealth and privilege. When Cailin's family is destroyed and their farmland seized, she marries Wulf Ironfist, a Saxon of enormous strength and power--a gentle giant who opens the door to a world of heady sensuality. But her happiness is short-lived. For an unknown enemy drugs her as she labors in childbirth--and she awakens to find herself sold to a slave merchant and transported to Byzantium, not knowing what happened to her child. . . .

Hellion, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

Review From: RT Book Reviews

By King Henry's command, Isabelle of Langston, "Belle from Hell," must wed Hugh Faunconier, rightful owner of Isabelle's lands. Irate at the Henry's demand and fiercely protective of her lands, Isabelle dares to defy Hugh, yet the sensual warrior's skills soon bring Isabelle delights and a love she savors.

Nothing can tear the lovers apart, not court intrigues, nor jealousy. When Hugh doesn't return from a mission, Isabelle dares to confront Henry, using her woman's wiles to convince him to allow her to go after to her beloved.

Isabelle finds Hugh, but he is not the man she remembers. His memory gone, he is trapped by the sensual Vivienne d'Bretagne, held captive by her black magic and sexual appetites.

Belle must enter the d'Bretagne keep by becoming Vivienne's brother's love slave or lose Hugh forever. Like Hugh, she is enchanted by the spiraling sexual ecstasy her captor brings. Belle will risk all to save Hugh and free herself from Guy d'Bretagne's spell.

In this massmarket release Lust's Leading Lady pens a scorching romance that will satisfy fans of the erotic and exotic. Certainly not for the timid, HELLION is a lush blend of adventure and romance Bertrice Small fans crave.

—Kathe Robin

The Kadin, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

Review: harper collins

Abducted from a life of privilege, she was sold into slavery in a distant land. For Lady Janet Leslie there would be no escaping the harem of the wealthy and powerful Sultan Selim. But from the moment the handsome ruler spied his breathtaking "Cyra," was captivated -- by the fiery desire that coursed through his veins. She belonged to him, body and soul -yet it was he who was enslaved.

Praised for her keen sense of history and remarkable storytelling powers, the bestselling author of The Spitfire displays the passionate magic that has made her a national favorite -sweeping the reader into the romantic past, from the magnificence of Renaissance Europe to the perfumed splendor of a Sultan's court.

This Heart of Mine, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

Review: Bertrice Small

Velvet de Marisco, youngest of Skye's children, and Adam's beloved daughter, is the wife of the Earl of BrocCairn. Believing her husband killed in a duel, Velvet goes off with her brother to meet their parents in India. But the Portuguese governor of Cambay, angry at the de Mariscos, kidnaps Velvet and sends her as a gift to Akbar, the Grand Mughal of India. The Mughal falls in love with his English rose, making her his 40th wife. Content with her new life and her baby daughter, Yasaman, Velvet is horrified to find that the earl is not dead. She is forced to return to England, but Akbar will not allow her to take her child. Heartbroken, Velvet must now use all her wiles to reunite herself with the earl. 16th C. England and India.

Love Wild and Fair, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

Review: Shira

This book is the sequel to The Kadin. I would urge you to read The Kadin before tackling this one, because the plot of Love Wild And Fair depends heavily on the characters and events of the earlier book. At the beginning of the book, Janet Leslie's rather bratty teen-aged great-granddaughter Catriona Hay displays the not-so-noble trait of deciding to run from her problems. Every time something displeases her, off she goes. Despite all of this, her fiancé Patrick Leslie manages to wind up married to her. Although I'm not quite sure why he still wanted her after her frequent temper tantrums... In any event, after their marriage Cat persuades her gallant husband to take her to the Scottish court in Edinburgh. James Stewart VI was king, and Queen Elizabeth was reigning in England. Patrick Leslie had severe misgivings about spending time at court and attracting the attention of spoiled James Stewart, but of course his beautiful wife got her way. Cat quickly discovered that her husband was right to mistrust a Stewart.

Unconquered, Bertrice Small - RM 7.00

From the Inside Flap

A breathless novel of sensual daring and fiery adventure, UNCONQUERED introduces the brilliant outspoken Miranda, who would give up nothing for a man, and whose spirited ways and breathtaking sensuality would sweep her into perilous escapades of brutality and erotic discovery...

If You Deceive, Kresley Cole - RM 7.00

Review: romancenovelsiread.com

Burning vengeance… Ethan MacCarrick was a heartbreakingly handsome rake until a powerful nobleman ordered him brutally beaten and his face scarred for a crime he didn’t commit. Ethan’s reprisal — bankrupting the nobleman and forcing his exile — does little to appease his wrath.

Ten years later, a haughty, mysterious beauty enchants Ethan — the daughter of his enemy. At last, Ethan will have the revenge he’s craved; he’ll promise her marriage, seduce her, then cast her aside. Bitter hardships… When Madeleine van Rowen’s family was suddenly plunged into destitution and dishonor, she steeled herself against further heartache.

She never weakened, never trusted, until a towering, scarred Highlander relentlessly pursues her, breaking down her defenses. At what price forgiveness? The passion between them burns hotter than Ethan’s fury, and soon he finds he can’t let her go. But when Madeleine uncovers the truth about him, can Ethan convince her to accept all he now offers — when he once destroyed everything she had?

Undone, Virginia Henley - RM 7.00

Review: Fantastic Fiction

Secrets, desire, and intrigue swirl in this sexy and charming historical romance set in Georgian England by New York Times–bestselling author Virginia Henley. Beautiful Irish sisters Maria and Elizabeth Gunning dream of taking the stage in London until their ambitious mother finds out that career would wreck their chances for marriage. Undeterred by the family's lack of money and status, their mother introduces the "Gorgeous Gunnings" to society under false pretenses, with dazzling success. Maria immediately enters into an advantageous, though loveless, marriage. Pursued by many, Elizabeth is only interested in the dangerous and handsome John Campbell, the Duke of Argyll, the only man who knows her secret. Though he returns her passion, John cannot marry a woman without standing. What will happen if Elizabeth is forced to marry the odious Duke of Hamilton to resolve her father's gambling debts? The plot never flags in this tale of star-crossed lovers, and Henley adds richness to the story through her detailed description of Georgian life and society. Ginger Curwen

Notorious, Virginia Henley - RM 7.00

Review: Night Owl Reviews

Brianna de Beauchamp, a girl from a very wealthy English family has been betrothed to her long time friend Lincoln Robert de Warenne. Their relationship is not a passionate one, but one created for political gain. Wolf Mortimer, the son of a marcherlord has spotted Brianna while he is visiting her father’s castle and has set his sights on marrying her. It’s not as simple as breaking a betrothal or fleeing off to be married. History has to take place around the coming together of Brianna and Wolf. Politics will intervene and make their lives go all crazy. Edward, King of England, is on the throne and all is not well. Edward is a weak king and allows his lover, Hugh Despencer, to rule the country and control the Kings seal. King Edward is also married and Hugh likes to punish Queen Isabelle. King Edward only married her for land and heirs, since he likes men. Edward is a submissive and likes to be dictated to. When the Kings lover is in power politics is never stable. In Notorious, Ms. Henley spins a wonderful tale of political intrigue, love, and betrayal. You will live the life of the strong-minded aristocrat Brianna. She will take you from living in a country castle to being a queen’s lady in waiting. You will experience what’s it’s really like to live through war and intrigue and come out with love on the other side. There’s much more than a love story in a Virginia Henley book. You will live history as if you were there. If you love reading about true events, mixed with a love story, Ms. Henley should be at the top of your list. Virginia knows how to spin history and passion and come out with a page-turner.

Highlander Unbound, Julia London - RM 7.00

Review: All readers

Even though it is 1816 and a few years have passed since the armed combat ended, Navy Captain Liam Lockhart still suffers from battle fatigue. However, he has other concerns besides his nightmares as his family is broke. He agrees with the proposal to steal back a gold beastie heirloom from the English branch of the family for the Scottish Lockharts to sell.

In London in the house where he rents a room at usury rates he meets nine year old Natalie, granddaughter of his nasty landlord. Through the child who constantly visits him, Liam meets Ellen, the lass' mother. Liam falls in love with Ellen, but she seduces the location of the heirloom from him and steals it to insure a future for Natalie. Liam is filled with rage and a need of vengeance for he allowed passion to hurt his family and devastate his honor. He will follow Ellen's trail to wherever it leads, for he will regain the beastie and avenge the betrayal.

Readers will appreciate this exciting Regency romance in which a sailor scorned is someone to beware of as Ellen will learn. Natalie is too precocious though readers will understand her need for any companionship beyond her mom. The lead couple is a delightful duo, who make the tale, as Ellen feels bad for what she did to the man she loves, but like any lioness feels her first priority is her cub.

Harriet Klausner 

Wicked Fantasy, Nicole Jordan - RM 7.00

Review: Becs Bookshelf

In her latest sizzling Regency historical, New York Times best-selling author Nicole Jordan captivates with her breathtaking sensuality and unforgettable romance. When a bold adventurer abducts an heiress for her own protection, their ensuing battle of wills ignites in explosive passion and unexpected love. Book 3 of Nicole's fabulous PARADISE series. 

HE IS HER MOST WICKED FANTASY... AND NO PROPER SUITOR FOR A LADY. 

Since the night Trey Deverill's stunning kiss melted her senses, Antonia Maitland has harbored a fascination for the infamous adventurer. But Deverill is nothing she needs in a husband, and when he abducts her -- for her own protection -- and then shockingly proposes marriage, a battle of wills ensues that proves dangerously irresistible. 
Antonia's charming wit and vibrant beauty make her England's most sought-after heiress. Yet it's her fiery spirit and awakening sensuality that stir a need in Deverill so fierce he would challenge the devil himself to possess her. 
From the glittering ballrooms of London to the splendor of the Cornish coast, Deverill sweeps Antonia into unforgettable passion. But a treacherous plot threatens their lives and their chance for the grandest adventure of all: true love.

Ecstasy, Nicole Jordan - RM 7.00

Review: Amazon

From Publishers Weekly

The fourth installment in Jordan's Regency-era Notorious series (Desire, etc.) is devoted to spirited Raven Kendrick, whom readers will recognize from The Passion. Raven is on the verge of fulfilling her deceased mother's greatest wish-to wed a nobleman. Her good fortune takes a turn for the worst, however, when she's abducted en route to the nuptials by jilted suitor Sean Lasseter and taken to his brother, Kell's, gaming hell. Sensual scenes abound between Raven and Kell after he rescues her from Sean's certain abuse, including an outlandish one in which Kell tends Raven, who is suffering from the effects of an aphrodisiac given to her by Sean. Before long, Raven realizes that only marriage will repair her reputation, and when an honor-bound Kell reluctantly offers, she accepts even though the prickly Irishman is rumored to have murdered his uncle. Inevitably, Kell and Raven are unable to keep their physical passion from turning into love, but to Jordan's credit, their bond is founded upon mutual admiration, not merely great sex. Sean's reappearance adds a dash of danger, and the love scenes, while numerous, aren't gratuitous. The real joy here, however, comes from watching Kell and Raven overcome their pasts and their fears so they can build a future together.

To Tempt A Scotsman, Victoria Dahl - RM 7.00

Review: Mrs Giggles

To Tempt A Scotsman has a really nice cover. If the sheet is lower, the guy will have nothing more to hide from the world, at least from the rear view. But don't be led into thinking that Victoria Dahl's debut historical romance is an erotic one though, because it is a rather typical mainstream historical romance when it comes to the heat level.

Nineteen-year old Alexandra Huntington, our heroine, was ruined a year or so ago when a duel was fought over her honor and one of the participants died in the duel. When the story opens, Alexandra is managing her brother's estate in Yorkshire while trying to put the past behind her. However, the past will come back to haunt her when Collin Blackburn, our hero, shows up at her doorstep. He is the brother of the man who died in the duel and he wants to nail down the other man. It seems that Alexandra is the only person who can provide him with any lead on the man's whereabouts so he wants answers from Alexandra, answers that she may not readily give. However, because the Ton is a small world, these two will realize that they are going to see a whole lot of each other as they both happen to have some unexpected mutual acquaintances.

On paper, the characters are fine. They aren't too original in the sense that there is much about these characters that conform to standard tropes to the point that the reader can guess the extent of Alexandra's ruination long before the author reveals just how much - or little, in this case - that Alexandra is actually ruined. However, their relationship is one that I find quite lifeless and dull. This is because the author jumps the gun by having the characters move past second base very quickly in the story, therefore reducing sexual tension to a minimum. The author instead relies on some tedious mini-episodes of misunderstanding here and there whenever needed to spice up things. It is quite unfortunate that the author's name is Victoria Dahl because I can easily imagine some unflattering play on her last name to highlight the dreary execution of this story. Not that I'll do that, of course, because I can afford to be nice when dullness is the only crime of this story.

At any rate, I find that To Tempt A Scotsman is quite a dull story to read. I like how the author attempted to have her characters talk and behave sensibly, even if the end result isn't always sensible, so perhaps the dullness of this story is just a debut author bump in the road. I suppose I will only have to wait for the next book to be sure.

This Duchess of Mine, Eloisa James - RM 7.00

Review: The Book Smugglers

Wedding bells celebrating the arranged marriage between the lovely Duchess of Beaumont and her staid, imperturbable duke had scarcely fallen silent when a shocking discovery sent Jemma running from the ducal mansion. For the next nine years she cavorted abroad, creating one delicious scandal after another (if one is to believe the rumors).
Elijah, Duke of Beaumont, did believe those rumors.
But the handsome duke needs an heir, so he summons his seductive wife home. Jemma laughs at Elijah’s cool eyes and icy heart—but to her secret shock, she doesn’t share his feelings. In fact, she wants the impossible: her husband’s heart at her feet.
But what manner of seduction will make a man fall desperately in love…with his own wife?

The Decadent Duke, Virginia Henley - RM 7.00

Review: ck2skwipsandkritiques

Youngest daughter of the Duke of Gordon, Lady Georgina “Georgy” Gordon has yet to make her “debut”  but knows beforehand that her mother has great expectations for the last of her chicks.  Having watched her mother match up her four sisters with rich, powerful and noble families Georgy knows that the Duchess of Gordon has even higher ambitions for her – in short nothing less than a duke will do!    In fact, Georgy also knows that that her mother has already  earmarked the handsome, but dull and boring Francis Russell, Duke of Bedford as the main target.  Pressured by her family, Georgy is willing to play along with her mother’s fantasy, but does so only to catch the eye of the Duke of Bedford’s younger brother, John Russell, the one roguish man whom she truly has a disturbing attraction to!
*** No one, but Ms. Virginia Henley, the “queen of sensual historical romances” can thread together fiction with real history and make it come alive to so entrance the reader.  History was just not meant to be so entertaining – interesting yes –  but not deliriously sensual and energetic!  Yet, Henley does it again with the Decadent Duke, a fictionalized account which weaves in historical events along with  prominent leading figures of the times in another brilliantly played out tapestry of sensual rapture. 
I am not a historical purist so, if the author uses literary license to rearrange dates, etc. then that is perfectly okay with me.  The fact I recognize the names and their fame or their part in history is enough for me to simply sit back and enjoy the tableau Ms. Henley fictionalizes in order to enhance her story.  Who is to say that Georgina and John’s love story was not just that, namely a perfect love match.  With all the politically arranged marriages that took place in those days, why couldn’t theirs have been the real deal – after all the factual history does record that Lady Georgina  and John Russell, Duke of Bedford did end up having ten children together!
Some of the things I most loved about the story was how Ms. Henley affected Georgy into such an adorable and lovable minx, and allowed her such latitude in being able to unleash her spontaneity and not afraid to push the limits of propriety.  There were times that Gerogy probably should have had her “arse tanned” for her brat-like behavior, but her interaction with John Russell’s three sons, especially young Johnny and being able to coax him out of his shell to realize life could be filled with laughter as well as pain was truly heartwarming and only endeared her more to me. 
Once again Ms. Henley serves her special blend of romance and history that will fire up your imagination with passion and have you sighing with pleasure.  Lovers of historical romance will never be disappointed with the excellence of Ms. Henley’s efforts to deliver brilliance time after time!   Very Highly Recommended!

The King Of Torts, John Grisham - RM 7.00

Review: Review of Books

In The King of Torts, John Grisham takes on the tort lawyers, attorneys who file large class action suits that brings massive payouts from corporations. A few of those dollars make it into the plaintiff's wallets, but huge amounts go to the lawyers who represent them. Clay Carter is a public defender close to burn out and disgruntled by his lack of a career. A mysterious man in black then comes to him with inside information on a drug that causes people to commit murder, and if Carter sets up his own law firm, he can win huge payouts with this information. This sets Carter on a furious path to wealth and the moniker "King of Torts" as the man in black continues to feed him inside information on different companies. In typical Grisham fashion, there in no gray area and there's a clear delineation between good and evil, lots of thrills, and a predictable ending. The King of Torts has gathered mixed reviews, probably due to each reviewers preference, or lack thereof, for Grisham's literary style.

Cosmic Top Secret: The Unseen Agenda, Jon King - RM 7.00

Review: Amazon

By Mr. Barry M. King "The Voice"

OK I'm biased, as one of the individuals mentioned in the book, someone whom has actually experienced firsthand the workings of black programs, all I can say is kindly give the book an open minded read. My experiences are given in the book and I guess its up to you the reader to judge the authenticity of mine and others claims. By the way I am a Disclosure Project witness with Dr Steven Greer and his team in the USA. They check your testimony very thoroghly. True or False, in your eyes, the information in this book is explosive, believe me.
From one whom knows the truth............
(and if you are wondering, NO, I'm NOT related to Jon)