We are delighted to take part in celebrating the release day of Embracing the Knight is available now at: About Embracing the KnightSeries: Touched by Fire, Book 1 Miss Claire Ashford knows exactly what she wants out of life — to marry for love. When she finds herself alone in the woods with none other than notorious rake Ian Michael Caldwell, Viscount Knightly, her chances of a proper match are ruined. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of her reputation, but she is determined not to marry anyone out of obligation. For years, Ian has wanted nothing more than to, one day, marry Miss Claire Ashford. When fate forces them into a compromising situation, he vows to do just that. In spite of every effort, she refuses his suit. Not one to easily give up, Ian drafts assistance from an unlikely source. As her first season continues, Claire finds it increasingly difficult to keep her distance from Ian. His charm, and ability to stir feelings inside of her she didn’t know existed, makes it hard to remember why she refused him in the first place. With his relentless pursuit and her weakening resolve, she desperately wants to give in to him. However, after seeing he hasn’t changed his rakish ways, how can she trust him not to break her heart, again? Read an Excerpt from Embracing the KnightClaire stared at Ian’s backside and tried hard to keep her thoughts pure. For almost a full day now, she’d been awarded with the view, and combined with the man himself, her resolve wavered. Each hour it became increasingly difficult to remember why she disliked him. Although their situation was miserable, Ian had kept the tone light. He made her remember all those good times they had shared as children. Back then, and most of the time, her brother had balked at having his younger sister tag along, but Ian had always been sweet. Then, he grew up. “Ian, it’s hot. If we don’t stop soon, I will fall over.” “As you wish. Here is as good a spot as any.” Gratefully, she slid down, using a tree to balance her until making contact with the ground. She wanted to laugh at the change in herself. Not long ago, the idea of dirtying her skirts would have bothered her. Today, however, the cool dirt felt wonderful against her legs. Ian followed suit across from her, bringing the bag he’d fashioned from her petticoat and laying it between them. After being deprived of food for so long, the idea of having another pear had her mouth watering. “I don’t recall pears ever tasting so good.” She closed her eyes and sighed as she took a bite, savoring the juice on her tongue. “I see.” When she opened her eyes, she noticed Ian looking at her mouth strangely. He made no move to collect a pear for himself. Heat flooded her cheeks. Clearly, she had done something wrong. “Don’t you agree?” He grabbed a pear and turned to stare in the opposite direction. “Yes. They are delicious.” Silence filled the space between them as they finished their fruit. She moved her aching legs, although making sure to keep them covered by her skirt. This trek was exhausting, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could take. “How much longer do you suspect before we reach London?” She rubbed her aching neck thinking about how nice it would be to sleep in a bed. “It’s hard to say. Anxious to get back to Lord Higgins?” She snorted, uncaring how unladylike she sounded. “The only thing I could possibly miss about him is his dancing. That man sure knows the intricacies of the waltz.” “The waltz? Surely he can’t be better than me.” The cocky grin he shot her made her smile as she shook her head. Ian’s charm seemed to come as natural to him as breathing. Her lips tightened as the merriment wore away. She’d never seen a woman who wasn’t susceptible to him. “Considering we’ve never danced, I’m not a good judge.” He climbed to his feet and held out his hand, a sparkle in his eyes. “Dance with me.” “Here? Don’t be ridiculous.” The idea of dancing with Ian, here, in the middle of the forest did strange things to her stomach. It seemed too intimate. Considering their current circumstances, and their sleeping arrangements, they didn’t need any more intimacy between them. Ian crossed his arms. “Afraid you can’t keep up without the music? Don’t worry. I can lead the most inept of partners.” Refusing to be baited, she narrowed her eyes as she gently wrapped the pears back up. “I have no desire to waste my energy on ridiculous pursuits.” She got to her feet, slinging the pears over her shoulder. “I suppose we should continue on.” “Very well, but one day, you will dance with me.” She huffed. His long sigh betrayed his disappointment. He took the bag from her and began their trek. Narrowing her eyes on his back, she tried to figure him out. Considering what they were facing at the moment, she couldn’t understand his mood. Why did he work so hard to keep her entertained? “You can stop,” she said. “After all, it isn’t necessary.” Ian spun around to face her, confusion marring his brow. “What are you talking about?” “Charming me,” she explained, unable to keep the exasperation out of her voice. “Charming you?” “Yes. It will get you nowhere, and there is no time for it.” As if to emphasize her words, she took off, walking past him in the direction he’d been taking. The constant walking, the heat, and his positive attitude were weighing her down. He hurried until he was beside her. “Does that mean it is working?” “Yes. I mean no . . . it’s just irritating.” His warm fingers on her arm stopped her, and allowed him to turn her to face him. Gone was the playfulness he usually sported. His eyes were dark, his expression serious. She sucked in her breath, unable to take his intensity. “When did this happen? When did you start hating me?” She swallowed repeatedly, trying to dislodge the lump in her throat. Telling him the truth was impossible, for she never wanted him to know. The very thought of that day brought a flush to her cheeks. However, she couldn’t stand the pain in his eyes. “I don’t hate you,” she replied, knowing it to be the truth. No matter how hard she had tried, she couldn’t bring her heart to truly dislike him. His gaze dropped to her mouth, and her lips parted. Would he kiss her now? She always imagined her first kiss would be with Ian. Desperate to experience the feel of his lips on hers, she leaned forward. The sound of a bird crowing in a nearby tree startled her enough to clear the fog from her thoughts. She snapped back from him. Taking a deep breath, she turned away, knowing he didn’t want to kiss her, specifically. She was simply the only available woman present. “Claire.” His voice was barely above a whisper. She felt his hands on her shoulders, but she shrugged him off. Right now, she couldn’t face him. If she did, she’d be too tempted to allow him to use her as he’d done to so many other women. “I think we should keep moving.” “Of course,” he agreed, regret echoing in his voice. As he moved in front of her to lead the way, guilt swamped her. The feeling she’d made a huge mistake overwhelmed her. But, that couldn’t be true. No good would come from kissing Ian. So why couldn’t she shake the feeling? Why did depression have to settle on her shoulders? GiveawayJoin the Embracing the Knight giveaway contest from Oct 12 - 14, 2016! Click here to join the Rafflecopter giveaway --------------- Embracing the Knight is now available. Grab your copy today! About Jenn LangstonJenn Langston is a writer and a lover of historical romances. She developed her love of reading romance novels at a very young age. What began as the simple joy of reading developed into a passion to write. She lives in the beloved state of Texas where she was born and raised. With her husband, three beautiful children, a dog, three cats, and a ball python. She has a full house. There is never a dull moment, but always time to read and write. Visit the official Jenn Langston website at http://www.jennlangston.com Connect with Jenn Langston on Social Media Facebook | Twitter In partnership with We are delighted to take part in celebrating the release day of Embracing the Knight is available now at: About Embracing the KnightSeries: Touched by Fire, Book 1 Miss Claire Ashford knows exactly what she wants out of life — to marry for love. When she finds herself alone in the woods with none other than notorious rake Ian Michael Caldwell, Viscount Knightly, her chances of a proper match are ruined. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of her reputation, but she is determined not to marry anyone out of obligation. For years, Ian has wanted nothing more than to, one day, marry Miss Claire Ashford. When fate forces them into a compromising situation, he vows to do just that. In spite of every effort, she refuses his suit. Not one to easily give up, Ian drafts assistance from an unlikely source. As her first season continues, Claire finds it increasingly difficult to keep her distance from Ian. His charm, and ability to stir feelings inside of her she didn’t know existed, makes it hard to remember why she refused him in the first place. With his relentless pursuit and her weakening resolve, she desperately wants to give in to him. However, after seeing he hasn’t changed his rakish ways, how can she trust him not to break her heart, again? Read an Excerpt from Embracing the KnightClaire stared at Ian’s backside and tried hard to keep her thoughts pure. For almost a full day now, she’d been awarded with the view, and combined with the man himself, her resolve wavered. Each hour it became increasingly difficult to remember why she disliked him. Although their situation was miserable, Ian had kept the tone light. He made her remember all those good times they had shared as children. Back then, and most of the time, her brother had balked at having his younger sister tag along, but Ian had always been sweet. Then, he grew up. “Ian, it’s hot. If we don’t stop soon, I will fall over.” “As you wish. Here is as good a spot as any.” Gratefully, she slid down, using a tree to balance her until making contact with the ground. She wanted to laugh at the change in herself. Not long ago, the idea of dirtying her skirts would have bothered her. Today, however, the cool dirt felt wonderful against her legs. Ian followed suit across from her, bringing the bag he’d fashioned from her petticoat and laying it between them. After being deprived of food for so long, the idea of having another pear had her mouth watering. “I don’t recall pears ever tasting so good.” She closed her eyes and sighed as she took a bite, savoring the juice on her tongue. “I see.” When she opened her eyes, she noticed Ian looking at her mouth strangely. He made no move to collect a pear for himself. Heat flooded her cheeks. Clearly, she had done something wrong. “Don’t you agree?” He grabbed a pear and turned to stare in the opposite direction. “Yes. They are delicious.” Silence filled the space between them as they finished their fruit. She moved her aching legs, although making sure to keep them covered by her skirt. This trek was exhausting, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could take. “How much longer do you suspect before we reach London?” She rubbed her aching neck thinking about how nice it would be to sleep in a bed. “It’s hard to say. Anxious to get back to Lord Higgins?” She snorted, uncaring how unladylike she sounded. “The only thing I could possibly miss about him is his dancing. That man sure knows the intricacies of the waltz.” “The waltz? Surely he can’t be better than me.” The cocky grin he shot her made her smile as she shook her head. Ian’s charm seemed to come as natural to him as breathing. Her lips tightened as the merriment wore away. She’d never seen a woman who wasn’t susceptible to him. “Considering we’ve never danced, I’m not a good judge.” He climbed to his feet and held out his hand, a sparkle in his eyes. “Dance with me.” “Here? Don’t be ridiculous.” The idea of dancing with Ian, here, in the middle of the forest did strange things to her stomach. It seemed too intimate. Considering their current circumstances, and their sleeping arrangements, they didn’t need any more intimacy between them. Ian crossed his arms. “Afraid you can’t keep up without the music? Don’t worry. I can lead the most inept of partners.” Refusing to be baited, she narrowed her eyes as she gently wrapped the pears back up. “I have no desire to waste my energy on ridiculous pursuits.” She got to her feet, slinging the pears over her shoulder. “I suppose we should continue on.” “Very well, but one day, you will dance with me.” She huffed. His long sigh betrayed his disappointment. He took the bag from her and began their trek. Narrowing her eyes on his back, she tried to figure him out. Considering what they were facing at the moment, she couldn’t understand his mood. Why did he work so hard to keep her entertained? “You can stop,” she said. “After all, it isn’t necessary.” Ian spun around to face her, confusion marring his brow. “What are you talking about?” “Charming me,” she explained, unable to keep the exasperation out of her voice. “Charming you?” “Yes. It will get you nowhere, and there is no time for it.” As if to emphasize her words, she took off, walking past him in the direction he’d been taking. The constant walking, the heat, and his positive attitude were weighing her down. He hurried until he was beside her. “Does that mean it is working?” “Yes. I mean no . . . it’s just irritating.” His warm fingers on her arm stopped her, and allowed him to turn her to face him. Gone was the playfulness he usually sported. His eyes were dark, his expression serious. She sucked in her breath, unable to take his intensity. “When did this happen? When did you start hating me?” She swallowed repeatedly, trying to dislodge the lump in her throat. Telling him the truth was impossible, for she never wanted him to know. The very thought of that day brought a flush to her cheeks. However, she couldn’t stand the pain in his eyes. “I don’t hate you,” she replied, knowing it to be the truth. No matter how hard she had tried, she couldn’t bring her heart to truly dislike him. His gaze dropped to her mouth, and her lips parted. Would he kiss her now? She always imagined her first kiss would be with Ian. Desperate to experience the feel of his lips on hers, she leaned forward. The sound of a bird crowing in a nearby tree startled her enough to clear the fog from her thoughts. She snapped back from him. Taking a deep breath, she turned away, knowing he didn’t want to kiss her, specifically. She was simply the only available woman present. “Claire.” His voice was barely above a whisper. She felt his hands on her shoulders, but she shrugged him off. Right now, she couldn’t face him. If she did, she’d be too tempted to allow him to use her as he’d done to so many other women. “I think we should keep moving.” “Of course,” he agreed, regret echoing in his voice. As he moved in front of her to lead the way, guilt swamped her. The feeling she’d made a huge mistake overwhelmed her. But, that couldn’t be true. No good would come from kissing Ian. So why couldn’t she shake the feeling? Why did depression have to settle on her shoulders? GiveawayJoin the Embracing the Knight giveaway contest from Oct 12 - 14, 2016! Click here to join the Rafflecopter giveaway --------------- Embracing the Knight is now available. Grab your copy today! About Jenn LangstonJenn Langston is a writer and a lover of historical romances. She developed her love of reading romance novels at a very young age. What began as the simple joy of reading developed into a passion to write. She lives in the beloved state of Texas where she was born and raised. With her husband, three beautiful children, a dog, three cats, and a ball python. She has a full house. There is never a dull moment, but always time to read and write. Visit the official Jenn Langston website at http://www.jennlangston.com Connect with Jenn Langston on Social Media Facebook | Twitter In partnership with
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Genevra Thorne re-imagines the classic tale of Cupid and Psyche. Cupid was the Roman god of love and Psyche was a princess so beautiful that she unwittingly became a rival to Venus. Cupid was sent by his mother to make Psyche fall in love with someone terrible as punishment for daring to rival the gods. Instead, he fell in love with her himself. To protect her from Venus, Cupid had Psyche carried off from a cliff to a magic palace where he visited her every night. Ashton is a Sidhe with the power of Allure; to see him is to want him. When he saves Eden from her fall off a cliff, Eden looks straight into his heart, until his Allure takes her over. Ash is captivated by that moment when Eden saw him, not his Allure, and performs a forbidden spell to remove the memory of their first meeting from her mind. He then devotes his nights to courting her, with the intention of revealing himself only after he has won her heart. Yet, when the other women at the brothel reveal the truth of his beauty, Eden flees and Ash must find a way to assure her of his love. Worse is yet to come for the couple when Ash's family learns he altered Eden's memory for his chance at her heart. Even if she forgives him, can he escape his people's laws and live happily ever after? The concept of Allure is an interesting one. Ms. Thorne takes the idea of faerie glamour and twists it until appearance becomes a trap. She has explored this concept in previous works, but in A FAERIE TALE: THE BELOVED, she looks at it from the inside. What happens when no one can see the real you but only the surface? It is a terribly lonely existence and his Allure leaves Ash feeling trapped by his power. Like any good romance novel, love conquers all and the heart can see much deeper than the eyes. Giving Eden problems of her own with appearance balances the characters as they each have experience being judged on their appearance. Besides being an interesting retelling of a classic myth, the author provides a scathing critic of those who judge a book by its cover. No story is told on the first page; it is only begun. If you are looking for a great fantasy story this summer pick up a copy of A FAERIE TALE: THE BELOVED. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=21304#sthash.Pq9AddEJ.dpuf Memory is subjective and a single story can be told a thousand different ways. Colleen Donnelly plays with this concept in her novel MINE TO TELL. Anna Crouse's great-grandmother Julianne has been maligned for years as the bad woman. When Julianne disappeared for two weeks and came back pregnant, her husband banished her to a house at the edge of the property. Anna wants to know what really happened. Her neighbor Kyle joins her in this quest for the truth since as a child he was fascinated by Julianne's house. Anna finds the story Julianne left behind and translates it with Kyle's help. As the novel opens, Anna is engaged to Trevor. She is horrified by the way he takes her for granted, but seems unable to express her concerns as more than a general anxiety. She decides now is the time to find out what happened to Julianne. This will allow her to lift the stigma of "bad woman" that has attached itself to the Crouse women. She moves into Julianne's house and discovers that Julianne has left her story hidden in the attic, encoded into the family bible. At this point Kyle enters the story and helps Anna read Julianne's words. As Anna uncovers Julianne's story, she grows as a person and is able to reach for what she wants. This is a story of life of which romance is only a piece. It makes it very difficult to rate because it is not a romance novel and so by that yardstick is a poor read. Yet taken simply as a novel it is a compelling look at how truth is based on perception. How expectations shape how we see the world. This is a story that looks at life as a whole. If you are interested in general fiction, this is an interesting read. If you're looking for a romance novel, look elsewhere. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=21801#sthash.iq2bx2b6.dpuf retelling of Arthurian myth, MY ONCE AND FUTURE LOVE resurrects the knights of the round table. Morgan ab Myrddin is the son of Merlin and a half-breed immortal. He sees it as his sacred mission to free his father Merlin. Merlin has been trapped by Nimue in a cave. After being wounded, Morgan seeks shelter and meets Annora of Amberton. She is the rightful mistress of Amberton, but has been displaced by her devious uncle, Sir Roger. As they journey together, both Morgan and Annora must learn to look beyond the preconceptions of society. Only with open minds can they find love. Sir Roger has disposed Annora by convincing all but her most loyal retainers that she is mad. Morgan offers to escort her to the king and gain a physician's writ proving her sanity. They are joined on this journey by Morgan's friend Ninian, another immortal. Morgan struggles against his growing feeling for Annora as he feels her strong Christian upbringing will lead her to dismiss his magical life. Can Morgan find a way to free his father, save Annora from Sir Roger, and build a life with his love? Ms. Kaufman's novel is an engaging and fast paced read. However, at times the characters come across as melodramatic. Morgan's explanation of his powers to Annora is very poorly thought out. He gives no proof, but expects her to take a new worldview on faith. This seems silly, as Morgan can control the weather, and can easily offer Annora the proof she desires. Instead, he drags her to Ninian and plays out an overly dramatic death scene. Once Annora has seen this, there is no real reason for her to reject it. She either trusts her senses or she doesn't. The author is trying to show how difficult it is to accept a new worldview, but it comes across as forced. Morgan's immortality seems like a greater barrier to the couple's happiness. Many authors create ways to transform soulmates into immortals, fey, vampires, etc. Morgan, on the other hand, accepts that he will never meet his true mate. The reader is left wondering where this places Annora. Surely there is nothing to stop her from being Morgan's mate? While the plot has a few loopholes, MY ONCE AND FUTURE LOVE is a good addition to the Arthurian romance genre and well worth a look. It is a quick, simple read for a rainy day. - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=21727#sthash.GCt8ULOC.dpuf A true Cinderella story, Alanna Lucas' WISH UPON A WALTZ reunites curate's daughter Anastasia and Dante, the Earl of Huntingdon. Anastasia has spent the last eight years as Isabel Albryght's companion. Yet, it is now time for Isabel to have a season and Anna can no longer hide from the society that shunned her so cruelly for her error eight years ago. As Anna learns more about what happened between her and Mr. St. Clair eight years ago, she rediscovers her faith in love and hope for the future.
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AuthorElizabeth Ramsay is English tutor and ESL Teacher. Archives
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