THE MacINNES AFFAIR by Blair McDowell is a contemporary
romance intertwined with a historical romance with a mystery subplot. The
present MacInnes and Glendenning investigate a mystery and the history tied to
their MacInnes and Glendenning 19th century ancestors. This is a
standalone romance read.
The Present
Canadian Lara MacInnes is getting away from her broken
engagement with a trip to Athdara castle B&B in Scotland. Athdara castle
has been in the Glendenning family for generations and the current generation
has done everything to ensure it continues on for many more. None more so than
the handsome Highlander Iain Glendenning. As Lara and Iain begin to discover
how much they have in common, they also discover the journals of a long ago
Glendenning woman in love with Lara’s very great-grandfather.
The Past
Elspeth Glendenning is in a carriage accident and rescued by
a rugged Highlander named Lachlan MacInnes. While the clans may have been
feuding since Culloden, Elspeth and Lachlan fall in love. They discover the
carriage wreck was not an accident and the two are caught up in events beyond
their control.
Lara and Iain research the long ago romance and historical
events that intertwine their two families. As these two work to uncover a
murder mystery from the past, they fall in love as well. Can this generation of
MacInnes and Glendenning’s solve a mystery that persists from their clans’
past?
I really enjoyed reading this entertaining contemporary and
historical romance mix. It was not what I was expecting from the genre listings
on the description because it is not a time-travel or paranormal romance. It
has two time-lines that intertwine, but no one travels to another time. That
said, both plot-lines are well written and I never felt confused as the two
stories shift from past to present and back again. The present day romance
progresses at a believable pace and the historical romance is filled with
situations that are appropriate to that time.
This is the type of book you can just fall into and get
engrossed by the history and mystery and not want to put down. This is the
first book I have read from this new to me author, but I will definitely be
looking for others.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
This is the Feature Post for Christi Caldwell and her new title THE BLUESTOCKING (Wicked Wallflowers Book 4). Below you will find a guest post from the author, an excerpt from the book, my book review and a Rafflecopter giveaway.
I am a proud Bluestocking, are you?
As always, good luck on the Rafflecopter giveaway!
***
You Might Be a Bluestocking If… with Author
Christi Caldwell
In my newest novel, The Bluestocking,
Gertrude, the eldest Killoran sister, has spent a lifetime being
underestimated—especially by her own family. She may seem as vulnerable as a
kitten, but given the chance she can be as fierce as a tiger. Her adopted
brother Stephen has just been snatched back by his true father, and she’ll be
damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the
Mad Marquess.
Still haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him
publicly despised, Lord Edwin holds only hatred for the Killorans—the people he
believes kidnapped his son. And not one of them will ever see the boy again.
But when Gertrude forces her way into the household and stubbornly insists that
she remain as Stephen’s governess, Edwin believes he may have found someone
madder than himself.
With every moment he shares with the
tenderhearted Gertrude, Edwin’s anger softens into admiration . . . and more.
It is possible that the woman he loathed may be the only person who can heal
his broken soul?
Gertrude was such a wonderful character to
write. She’s the eldest of her siblings and firmly on the shelf. She’s
incredibly diverse in her strengths and in her interests and in the knowledge
she possesses: it’s a knowledge that really is all-encompassing, spanning
furniture-making to the care of animals to skills for surviving on the streets.
In addition, she’s been responsible for educating the children in her family’s
care, and what I found so fascinating is that she knows the value of education
and what she’s been providing has been so important, and yet so many have
failed to appreciate the power of her contributions.
In honor of Gertrude, an intelligent, interesting,
and ultimately irresistible heroine, I have written a short game of “You
Might Be A Bluestocking If…” so you can test yourself to see what you
have in common with Gertrude.
You might be a bluestocking if…you have
more than one cat.
You might be a bluestocking if…your hands
are permanently ink stained from your writing.
You
might be a bluestocking if…you have an in-depth knowledge of ancient
furniture design.
You
might be a bluestocking if…you prefer lectures to balls.
You
might be a bluestocking if…you would rather have a book in your
hands than needlework.
The Bluestocking Excerpt
Who was this . . .
daughter of Diggory? The one few spoke of and about whom little was known.
Edwin pushed himself away
from the door, and folding his arms at his chest, he took slow, predatory steps
closer, walking a path around her. His earlier assessment in the darkened foyer
of the woman had proven correct. Drab brown hair. Nondescript brown eyes. Of
medium height, and in possession of a slender frame that left her cloak hanging
unflatteringly upon her, there was nothing extraordinary about the last unwed
Killoran. Which was no doubt why she’d not snagged herself a wealthy or
powerful husband as her sisters had already done. At his lengthy scrutiny, she
dared him with her eyes. And yet for her . . . ordinariness, there was a
strength of spirit that radiated, casting a soft blush upon cream-white cheeks,
that marked her as . . . interesting. She was interesting. He
stopped abruptly. Seeing this woman in any light except the darkened one was a
betrayal to his late wife and his children, both living and dead . . . and
himself.
“I was clear with my
demands. Get out now, Miss Diggory.”
The stubborn chit pursed
her slightly too-full lips. “As I said earlier, you were less clear than you
give yourself credit for,” she challenged, ignoring the latter part of his
directive. My God, she is an insolent bit of baggage. “And my name
is Killoran.”
The names were synonymous
and interchangeable.
Edwin stopped before her
so only a pace divided them. “And tell me, where was I not clear?” he purred.
“Was it the part about making sure Broderick Diggory hangs, as he deserves,
that was not clear?” The color bled from her cheeks. “Or was it my stated
intentions for your sisters . . . what are their names? Ophelia? Cleopatra?”
he asked, mocking that Shakespearean queen’s name, and the woman in front of
him frowned deeper. “How . . . unfortunate it would be if their business
ventures were both to fail.”
The young woman curled and
uncurled her coarse hands at her sides. “Do not threaten my
family,” she said coolly.
He’d hand it to her. She
remained undaunted.
“Or what, Miss
Diggory?” A muscle ticked at the corner of her right eye, but she did not rise
to the bait, either. “Will you set my townhouse afire and attempt to steal my
son . . . again?”
Her features leached even
more of their color, leaving those previously blushing cheeks a ghastly
grey-white. And for her earlier brave show, it was her turn to falter. “I
didn’t . . .” And he celebrated that triumph over his enemy.
“What was that?” he
barked, cupping a hand around his ear. “You didn’t what?” Destroy my
life? Shatter my family? “Kidnap my son?” he settled for, refusing to
voice aloud his greatest agonies before this of all women.
She flinched.
“Now leave, and tell
your real brother if he violates our arrangement once more,
using you or another one of your . . . sisters or his henchmen to do his work
for him, I’ll take you all down.” His in-laws’ earlier recriminations flooded
forward. It was just something else they’d been right about.
Edwin had stomped over to
his desk when he registered the absolute silence—more specifically, the lack of
retreating footfalls.
He turned back.
Miss Diggory jutted her
chin up defiantly. “No one sent me, my lord. I am here of my
own volition.”
He chuckled, that rusty,
ill-used laugh more a growl than anything that could ever be confused with a
real expression of mirth. No one came here of their own volition. As a rule,
the world avoided him.
Shifting direction, he
returned to the stubborn chit’s side, and leaning down, he placed his mouth
close to her temple once more and fought the maddening pull of whatever damned
perfume she dabbed behind her ears. “Do you think I’m foolish enough all these
years later to believe a lie dripping off a Diggory’s lips?”
The young woman’s back
moved up and down, an indication of her rapid breath. Of her fear. A lifetime
ago, he’d have sooner chopped off his left hand than deliberately taunt a woman
and take pleasure in her fear. No longer. That pathetic excuse of a man who’d
gotten his wife and babe killed, and the other son snatched, reveled in this
woman’s unease. “Hmm?” he prodded, and she jumped.
“I have no reason to lie
to you, my lord,” she said calmly, and as she spoke, her breath, containing a
whispery trace of honey, filtered from her lips and fanned his mouth. Another
unexpectedly sweet scent, at odds with her past and name and sins. It enticed,
drawing his gaze to her mouth and holding his focus there, mesmerized. “There
is nothing I want, need, or desire.” She darted her tongue out and traced the
plump seam of her lips. And God forgive him, his gut clenched. For even as
self-loathing spiraled through him, something far worse, far more perilous and
viler and more treacherous, held him in its snare: desire. “The
only reason I’ve come . . . the only worry I had . . . was for Stephen.”
Stephen.
That single name, spoken
aloud, snapped whatever siren’s trap she’d sucked him momentarily into.
“August.” Had there ever been a doubt as to his insanity, this quixotic
fascination with the woman’s slightly too-full mouth as she spoke was evidence
enough of it.
She tipped her head, and
one of the few brown strands that had managed a curl bounced at her shoulder.
Edwin flared his nostrils.
“His name is August Rudolph Thadeus Stephen Warren, the Earl of Greyley.” He
flicked a stare over her face. “You’ve no relation to him. He is His Lordship
to you.” Stalking over to the front of the room, he pulled the door open. “Now
that you’ve seen him”—he peeled his lip in a mocking sneer—“safely delivered to
his rightful home, you are dismissed. You may leave now.”
Gertrude Killoran drew in
a breath. “I am afraid I cannot do that.”
He narrowed his eyes. “And
whyever not?”
“I’m not leaving.”
“I beg your pardon?” What
more could she possibly want or expect of him?
The young woman clasped
her palms before her, like a nun at the abbey. “I’m staying.”
Confusion rooted around
his mind. “Staying?” he repeated. “Staying where?”
“Here.” She settled her
features into a serene expression he’d have believed impossible for a Diggory.
“Indefinitely,” she clarified.
Edwin rocked back on his
heels.
My God, I’ve finally found someone madder than myself.
***
My Book Review
RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
THE BLUESTOCKING (Wicked Wallflowers Book 4) by Christi
Caldwell is the historical romance I have been waiting for in this series. The
Mad Marquess is about to meet his match in more ways than one and it comes from
an unlikely source. This romance is a part of the Wallflowers series and the
romance plot can standalone, but there is a background storyline in all of the
books that I feel makes these books even more enjoyable if they are read in
order of publication.
Lord Edwin Warwick is known as the Mad Marquess to all in
the ton. He is accused in whispers of having started the fire that killed his
wife, son and unborn child. He discovers his son, Stephen was not killed in the
fire, but kidnapped.
Stephen is taken in by Broderick Killoran and his band of ‘siblings’
that have survived as a gang in the worst part of London. They were all abused
by the man, MacDiggory who ran the family and had Stephen kidnapped. MacDiggory
is now dead and Stephen is about to be returned to his true father and returned
to his place in refined society. Edwin demands that none of Stephen’s current ‘family’
may come with him to his new home or ever visit him again.
Gertrude Killoran has taken care of Stephen since he joined
the family. She refuses to follow the orders of the Marquess and send Stephen to
a new, unfamiliar place and life without her supervision. She pushes her way
into the Marquess’ home and refuses to let him bully her. She will be Stephen’s
governess no matter Edwin’s dislike.
As the days progress, both Gertrude and Edwin learn about
the misconceptions both harbor in regards to the other. Can these two find a
way to deal with their mistrust and pain and learn to trust the other with
their hearts?
Gertrude and Edwin come alive in this book! Ms. Caldwell’s
writing once again had me feeling every emotion on each page of this romance. Gertrude
came out of the shadows and blossomed in this book as she found her own strength
and found the power to help Edwin and Stephen heal as well. I loved Edwin’s
love for his son and cried during the scenes from their pasts. This is one of
those books and series that immerse you in the past and characters so that when
you put the book down, you have to take a minute to reorient yourself.
I can highly recommend this addition to the series. Keep the tissues handy and get ready to go on an emotional roller coaster ride to this HEA!
***
About the Book
Title: The Bluestocking
Author: Christi Caldwell
Release Date: May 7, 2019
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Summary
Gertrude,
the eldest Killoran sister, has spent a lifetime being
underestimated—especially by her own family. She may seem as vulnerable as a
kitten, but given the chance, she can be as fierce as a tiger. Her adopted
brother, Stephen, has just been snatched back by his true father, and she’ll be
damned if she relinquishes the boy to the man reviled throughout London as the
Mad Marquess.
Still
haunted by a deadly tragedy that left him publicly despised, Lord Edwin holds
only hatred for the Killorans—the people he believes kidnapped his son. And not
one of them will ever see the boy again. But when Gertrude forces her way into
the household and stubbornly insists that she remain as Stephen’s governess,
Edwin believes he may have found someone madder than himself.
With every moment he shares with the tenderhearted Gertrude, Edwin’s anger softens into admiration . . . and more. Is it possible that the woman he loathed may be the only person who can heal his broken soul?
***
Author Bio
USA
Today bestselling,
RITA-nominated author Christi Caldwell blames authors Julie Garwood and Judith
McNaught for luring her into the world of historical romance. When Christi was
at the University of Connecticut, she began writing her own tales of love. She
believes that the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she
rather enjoys torturing her couples before crafting them a well-deserved
happily ever after.
The
author of the Wicked Wallflowers series, which includes The Governess,
The Hellion, and The Vixen, Christi lives in southern
Connecticut, where she spends her time writing, chasing after her son, and
taking care of her twin princesses-in-training. Fans who want to keep up with
the latest news and information can sign up for Christi’s newsletter at www.ChristiCaldwell.com or
follow her on Facebook (AuthorChristiCaldwell) or Twitter (@ChristiCaldwell).
SEDUCED BY A SCOT (The Highland Grooms #6) by Julie London is a historical romance set in 1758 Scotland. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be easily read as a standalone.
Nichol Bain is a “fixer” for the aristocracy. He prides himself on finding a solution for any problem or making it disappear for a price. When a prominent Scottish family is on the verge of having a lucrative business deal fall apart, which is also tied to the marriage of their children, Nichol is summoned to find a solution. To save the deal and the problem of the family’s ward, who has been accused of enticing the future groom, Nichol believes he can easily use the ward to solve another of his problems of a rich bachelor looking for a bride.
Maura Darby has been a ward for several years after the death of her father. As she has grown into her beauty, she has been increasingly detested by the mother and daughter of the house. She has done her best to fade into the background, but it is never enough. She desperately wants to be able to make her own choices for her future, but it is just not possible in her current situation. When Nichol arrives to escort her to her new situation, he is captivated by her spirit and beauty.
As their journey takes them closer to the solution Nichol has thought out, he finds he is not at all sure it is the right one for all involved. He is challenged by Maura at every turn to see her a person rather than a problem to be solved and to see things from a different point of view. When he discovers a secret from his past, it could be that he needs a problem solver himself. Could it be he needs Maura for himself?
I enjoyed Nichol and Maura’s story. They both had unique backstories which made the plot more entertaining. The story moves at a good pace with several plot twists that keep the couple reevaluating and adjusting to their situations. The sex scenes are well written and appropriate to the growth of the romance. The romance plot and the H/h make this story a little different than your normal historical romance read and I enjoyed it as I have enjoyed so many of Ms. London’s previous books.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR BARON (What Happens in the Ballroom #1) by Diana Lloyd is a historical romance with a mystery of suspicious deaths in the hero’s family and a naïve heroine who seeks adventure, but ends up in hilarious situations. This entertaining story kept me reading to solve the mystery and laughing out loud at the heroine’s antics.
Elsinore Cosgrove, the youngest of six daughters of a duke, wishes only to seek out adventure and make her own decisions. When she believes she sees Lord Byron at a ball, she follows to get her copy of his poems signed. What happens is a comedy of errors that have her hastily engaged to a Scottish baron who does not even know her name. Elsinore is not happy to once again not have a say in her future, but she believes she can train her baron into the husband she wants.
Quin Graham has secrets, but rather than bring more scandal to his name, he agrees to an arranged marriage. Quin believes that once his bride gives him his heir, he will send her away for her own safety, but he begins to care too much for his curious and clever wife. As the threat escalates, Elsinore fights to not only stay with her new husband, but to uncover all of Quin’s secrets, while Quin tries to protect his new wife at all costs, including his heart.
I enjoyed this book so much. Elsinore is quirky, witty and so much fun. The predicaments she gets herself into are hilarious and the two books she has as guides for her marriage had me laughing out loud. Elsinore is also steadfast, smart and willing to fight, even Quin, to make her marriage a love match. Quin has had a tragic year before he meets Elsinore and fights to protect his heart, but Elsinore sneaks in and proves she is perfect for him and is willing to fight by his side for their future. The sex scenes are well written, hot and appropriate to the story.
Ms. Llyod has written a historical romance with an intriguing plot, wonderful characters, humor, heat and a much deserved HEA. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
Once again, upon opening a Mimi Matthews Victorian romance, I am completely absorbed into the era’s mores, clothing and prose as well as a beautifully written, emotional romance. THE MATRIMONIAL ADVERTISEMENT (Parish Orphans of Devon #1) is the first book in a new historical romance series.
Helena Reynolds is desperate to escape London. Her last hope is to be picked by ex-army Captain Justin Thornhill after answering an advertisement posted for him by his friends for a wife. She prays the coast of North Devon is far enough away from London and the protection of a husband is enough to save her.
Justin Thornhill returned to North Devon from being tortured as a captive in an Indian prison. After working for several years to improve his fortunes, he now owns Greyfriar’s Abbey and should be happy that his revenge is complete, but he realizes he wants a woman to help with the Abbey and occasionally warm his bed. He goes along with his friends’ advertisement idea and is shocked when a beautiful, refined young woman responds. Justin knows she is hiding something, but he cannot resist the opportunity of having Helena as his wife.
Justin will do everything in his power to protect Helena, even as he learns the secrets she keeps, because what started as a marriage of convenience from a matrimonial advertisement is turning into more. Helena feels safe with her husband and is bravely willing to share her secret to free herself and help others, but will she understand Justin’s own secrets that torture him and he has yet to share with her?
Ms. Matthews is my go-to author for historically accurate Victorian era romance. Her characters are so vivid and true to their time. The romance grows from meeting, to friendship, to caring, to love without any sex scenes. The emotional depth of Helena and Justin’s romance is portrayed in their pain, fear, ultimate caring and understanding. I always become emotionally attached to Ms. Matthews’ heroes and heroines. This book also uses two significant historical issues blended with the romance to add depth to Helena and Justin’s past and present decisions and actions. This is a story, romance and characters that will stay with me for a very long time to come. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
I love when I am asked to read a beloved genre book by a new to me author and can recommend it highly to others!
ANGELINA’S SECRET (Jeweled Dagger Series) by Diane Merrill Wigginton has everything I am looking for in a great historical romance read. A heroine who is true to her times, but independent and courageous set against a strong hero who is protective, but also values the heroine’s unique character and a plot and subplot that have adventure and intrigue twisting throughout the romance that keep you turning the pages.
Lady Angelina Stewart was born into a wealthy English aristocratic family that allowed her independence and to be as well educated as her beloved older brother, Jonathan in a time when most young ladies only cared about beauty and titles. Besides her education, two other things set Angelina apart. She has a bit of the sight, or a feeling when things are about to change in her life and she never wants to be wed. She is determined to never be owned by a man.
Captain Jude Deveraux is sailing the open seas as a French privateer for his king after receiving an award and title for bravery during battle. The Captain is also the Duke of Bayonne. He and his best friend Honore’ steal and plunder from unsuspecting ships and live for the adventure. A trap is set for the unsuspecting ship belonging to Angelina’s father. The trip is a birthday gift for Angelina from her father with her uncle to trade for their company. When the feisty Angelina stands up to the Captain pirate sparks begins to fly. A wager is made for the return of Angelina’s family ship and crew with safe passage if the cards favor Angelina.
Win or lose, Jude does not plan on letting the entrancing Angelina out of his life.
These two are meant to be together! Ms. Wigginton has written a hero and heroine that will be remembered long after the book is done. The secondary characters are also well developed and interesting. Set in the 18th century, my only slight problem with historical references was the white wedding gown. (Although possible, the white wedding gown didn’t become popular until the 19th century when Victoria wore one.)
This is a well written and entertaining historical romance, full of action, adventure and great characters. This is definitely a book and author to read and follow!
