The Thornless Rose by Morgan O'Neill

The Thornless Rose
Elizabethan Time Travel #1

Morgan O'Neill
Medieval/Contemporary/Time Travel
Pub date: December 29, 2014 (ARC review)

H/h - Dr. Jonathan Brandon/Anne Howard
Setting: Present time/In the time of Elizabeth I.

Read in December, 2014.

My rating:

                                                        [spoiler alert]

Morgan O’Neill’s The Thornless Rose, Book 1 of the Elizabethan Time Travel, was my first book by the author(s). It was one of those books that keeps you on the edge constantly, where you must know what’s going to happen next. At least that’s how I felt when I read those 500+ pages (according to my ARC).

I have never been particularly interested in the history of Tudor England, until this book that is. Apart from it’s contemporary setting, this novel connects and heavily relies on that without being made to feel like taking a History lesson. The fusion of the historical facts with the fictional was done so well that you won’t think Dr. Jonathan Brandon wasn’t one of Queen Elizabeth I’s royal physicians! Some major historical figures such as Robert Dudley, Thomas Howard, the first Duke of Norfolk, Lettice Knollys, not to mention the venerable Queen Elizabeth I played their roles as needed throughout, which is why I had to research online to find out who was who and how they were related to the story. The authors’ knowledge of Tudor history was admirable.

Promo Spotlight and Giveaway: Fate: Adam and Evette by Maya James

Today, I'm hosting a promo spotlight on Maya James' contemporary erotic novella, Fate: Adam & Evette, as a part of the ongoing VBT. The giveaway includes a $10 Amazon/B&N GC, don't forget to enter via rafflecopter below!

Fate: Adam & Evette

Maya James

Fate is a fast paced novella about two people from opposite ends of the country trying to support each other as friends while denying their instant attraction for one another.

Adam and Evette have both recently ended relationships that were never meant to last. Each of them is longing for something more intense and meaningful, and fate brings them together online in a support system for rebounding daters. The only problem—they’re perfect for each other but too far away to do anything about it.

Will they help each other find love with someone else, or will Fate completely take over their destiny?

Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N

 

Beau Crusoe by Carla Kelly

Beau Crusoe

Carla Kelly
Historical Romance
Published in 2007

H/h - James "Beau Crusoe" Trevenen/Susannah Park
Setting: Regency (around 1809-10).

Read in January, 2015.

My rating:

                                                       [spoiler alert] 

Beau Crusoe would be my second book by Carla Kelly. Initially, I had no intentions of doing a full review. But after finishing the book, I felt compelled to do one. I read some, mostly negative, reviews that gave me all sorts of mixed feelings about this book. I HAD to see for myself how much of it was true... well, TBH, some were true but I’m glad that my feelings aren’t as ambivalent as I feared it’d be. I loved it actually despite everything.

James Trevenen, a son from an untitled but relatively wealthy family, went to sea at 10. Never did he ever imagine that at 21, he’d be faced with an experience that’d change his life forever. James is not your regular tall, dark (or fair) and handsome Romance hero. He’s rather quite ordinary to look at, though he’s got a pair of beautiful green eyes and a mischievous personality that catches your attention instantly. He lived the life of a true sailor, until one day when his ship, the Orion, sank. He and 4 other of his mates were dumped on a boat, with him holding the ship’s log as James was the highest ranking officer among them. As per Marine rule, he needed to record day to day activities on that log no matter what..........

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Undeniable by Amy Marie

Today, we're revealing the cover for Amy Marie's contemporary romance, Undeniable, book 3 of the Unexpected series. Hope you like it as much as I did. The giveaway includes a $20 Amazon GC, don't forget to enter via rafflecopter below!

Undeniable

Amy Marie

(Unexpected #3)

Three months to fall in love.

Three sentences destroys it all.

Seven years ago, free-spirited Hadley’s heart was shattered when her secret high school love, Ryder Blake, betrayed her with just a few harsh words. Now, in her twenties and unhappily committed to Braden, her boyfriend of two years, she is unknowingly still picking up the pieces, and beginning to realize her life is far from the one she always dreamed of having.

When sexy and all grown up Ryder walks back into her life, memories of their summer spent together causes her to want the old Hadley back. The Hadley that took risks and made her own rules, the Hadley that only Ryder Blake has ever dared to bring out.

Ryder has had his fair share of women since high school, but none have ever compared to the girl who stole his heart and disappeared with it. When his life starts to fall into place Hadley’s sudden reappearance and disgust towards him fuels his drive to win her back and never let her run again…even if she has a boyfriend, and even if he has to handcuff her to his bed.

He will persue.

She’ll push him away.

Sparks will fly.

Tempers will flare.

An undeniable chemistry will light it all on fire.