Collection of Christmas-Themed Historicals: Part 1

Ready for some Holiday Reads?

I love researching and discovering new reads. I've only read a few treasured holiday-equse novels, but I want to change that by next year. I'll be working all the books from this collection into my TBR pile and hopefully getting to them before next Christmas.

I encourage you all to check out some of these titles and share your thoughts. Also, if you have some suggestions for me, send them to me! Maybe they'll make Part 2!

'The Christmas Knight' by Michele Sinclair

"Her Only Hope For The Season

With their father gone this Christmastide, Bronwyn de Breton and her two younger sisters are utterly vulnerable at unprotected Hunswick Castle. And their troubles are compounded when a fearsome knight arrives on the king's orders to take Hunswick as his own - and the youngest de Breton daughter as his wife.

Is A Man She's Never Met

Bronwyn would never let her little sister be forced to marry a man as rough and wild as the new lord is whispered to be. Yet someone must form an alliance with him, or all of Hunswick will be at risk. So she steps forward, pretending to be her own sister.

And A Love She Never Expected

But the new lord is not so easily fooled. He knows Bronwyn is not the woman he has promised to marry. And yet, no matter how duty-bound he may be, there is no resisting the golden-haired beauty who so fearlessly gives herself to him - and awakens a passion unlike any he's ever known..."Source

 ~*~

'The Christmas Countess' by Adrienne Basso

"A Woman With A Past...

Six years ago, Rebecca Tremaine, the daughter of a vicar, became pregnant by her fiance. When he died unexpectedly, Rebecca was heartbroken and disgraced. The child was stillborn-or so Rebecca believed. Now, she's both shocked and jubilant to discover that her relatives arranged for her baby girl, Lily, to be given to a distant family connection-Cameron Sinclair, Earl of Hampton. The widowed earl reluctantly agrees to let Rebecca visit Lily over Christmas at his home in Kent, where she finds that the little girl, while a darling, is alarmingly spoiled...and the handsome, confident earl is attractive beyond measure...

A Love For All Seasons...

Graceful, tender-hearted, and completely captivating, Rebecca fills Cameron Sinclair's home with warmth and light. There's no denying that her concern for Lily's behavior is well-founded. Just as he knows there's also no denying the ache he feels at the thought of her departure. After his wife's death three years ago, Cameron was adamant that he could never love another woman. But as the holiday season draws to a close, he can only hope that it is not too late to admit the joy of being proven thoroughly, delightfully wrong..."Source

~*~ 

'A Seduction At Christmas' by Cathy Maxwell

"She never expected it would come to this

Desperation and an empty stomach forced Fiona Lachlan to agree to a plan that ended up luring the wickedly notorious Duke of Holburn into trouble. Everything went terribly wrong, and now she has found herself posing as his ward! And while she swore nothing could make her desire a scoundrel, even if he was a duke, she is now drawing ever closer to the one man she cannot have . . .

"Beware of innocence!"

The Duke of Holburn had spent years heeding this warning, and in doing so, managed to avoid the virginal young ladies who had been put in his path. But now his wild ways have gotten him into real danger. There are killers at the door and a temptingly beautiful woman in his arms. He is about to find himself seduced . . . and he isn't quite sure he wants to resist this time."Source

 ~*~ 

'Twelve Nights' by Hope Tarr

"Bad boy Callum Fraser is head over heels for the first time in his life. Only his beloved, the Lady Alys, is keeping him out of her bed until their wedding Christmas morning. It's enough to drive a man crazy!

Still, he intends to make up for his restraint. There are many ways to seduce, and Callum's a master at all of them. His goal? To leave Alys shivering in desire, anticipating the many delicious ways he'll bring her pleasure on their wedding night and throughout the twelve days of Christmas.

At least that's the plan.until Alys's dead first husband shows up, very much alive!"Source

~*~

Add some of these Holiday reads to your carts or, if you've already read them, share your opinion and suggest some alternative! Leave feedback and tell me which Christmas Historicals keep you warm during the winter!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the collect next week... 

'My Lord Jack' by Hope Tarr -Review-

   A well-written and enjoyable Scottish-themed tale with Scot and French fusion. This story is a bit different from the cut-and-dry historicals we are all use to. 'Lord Jack' is an executioner; not some Duke or Viscount with limitless family coffers. And the heroine, Claudia,  is a feisty french women who is far from being the epitome of virginal chastity.  
   Claudia Valemont was the daughter of a courtesan and had became a courtesan herself. When both her mother and protector are beheaded and she next on the guillotine list, she flees for England to search for her father. She is dismayed when her search has her braving the unfamiliar Scottish terrain and is further delayed by a broken wheel on the mail coach she booked passage on for her journey to Linlithgow. It is Jack Campbell- Lord High Executioner for the Crown- whom saves her multiple times from dangerous situations and soon commits a crime of his own. Stealing her heart...

Read an excerpt: here

    Ever since he witnessed  his mothers brutal murder and then watching those responsible receive their due and be executed, Jack Campbell knew that he would become an executioner himself one day. He studied for years and became renowned as one of the best in the land. He has a reputation of dealing swift and effective executions, saving his 'clients' from as much agony as possible. He is appointed the position of Lord High Executioner for the Crown-an honor- even if he seldom encounters anyone who isn't a BIT leery of his profession.
   One day at an Inn, he is approached by a lovely Frenchwoman who mistakes him for a blacksmith and pleads with him to fix the wheel on the mail carriage which brought her thus far and was suppose to take her to Linlithgow. He can't help her with that problem but becomes almost-mezmirized by the stunning foreigner. And when he catches sight of his despicable half-brother, Callum, attacking her, he reacts instinctively and saves the damsel.
    Claudia Valemont has no where left to turn. Both her mother and lover, Philippe where beheaded as a result of the French Revolution and fearing she would be next, she flees to England in search of her father. She was left alone, unprotected and with very little left to her name, so the undertaking is a difficult one. Her frustrations peak as she learns her father, the seventh earl of Aberdaire, is not in London as she previously believed, but in Linlithgow, Scotland. She is further pushed to aggravation when the mail coach transporting her to Linlithgow breaks a wheel and is forced to stop at a coaching inn for the night in some bordering county in Scotland.
   With no money left rent a room at the inn,  Claudia's attempts to spin her fortunes and get the coach on it's way is met with unsuccessful results. As she moves about the coaching inn searching for another solution, she is 'set upon' by some drunk n'er do wells. A man named Callum McBride tries to accost her, but she is saved by Jack.
   Jack's help to a complete stranger can only span so wide, and when he refuses to take her to Linlithgow, she tries to steal a horse and gets caught. Facing the prospect of the hangman's noose, she is again saved by Jack when he speaks up for her and convinces the judge to spare her the hanging. This time around, however, the rescuing has some long-term effects when Claudia is put in Jack's custody for 6 months.
   She resigns to her fate with the devilishly handsome Scotsman, tries to make the best of the situation (even if he frustrates her heedlessly) and begins to develop feelings for him. Jack isn't immune to Claudia's allure either, despite his insistence on chastity,  and as their connection deepen and the treat against her life at the hands of his half-brother increases, Jack will find himself in the throes of love and passion and will do anything to protect his Claudia.

 Rating: 3 1/2 "Smooches"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is in the beginning when Claudia first begins staying with Jack. He tries to resist her and keep his carnal thoughts to himself, but one night, Claudia has a nightmare and starts to have a fit. Jack gave up his bed to her when she first started staying in his home and prefers to sleep on the floor; so when she starts to call out in distress, he has to get up and calm her down. After she's had time to compose herself, she asks Jack to stay with her. You start to see Jack's resistance crack as he obliges her. Claudia trustingly curls up besides Jack and I believe this is just the cutest scene!

   This story was fun, exciting and heartfelt. Jack, our unlikely hero, is such a unique character. He has compassion for all forms of life, despite the duties of his job, and it's his carefully masked tender side that will make readers fall in love. Even though the beginning reminded me of a RPG chat room (the damsel in distress in some strange coaching inn), I still liked the plot. The characters can't help but fall in love and with the add hints of danger and a delicious forbidden quality, 'My Lord Jack' is an excellent read for any rainy day and beyond!

[*re-released in ebook format by Carina Press]

[a special thanks to Hope Tarr for sending the EPUB file for review]

*Also check out Tarr's next Carina Press re-release, 'A Rogue's Pleasure'

Coffee Shop Conversations: Q&A with Author Hope Tarr

Hello all you fabulous dames, and welcome to Coffee Shop Conversations!

Under this segment of the blog, I will be conducting interviews with Authors, Book Bloggers and anyone else relevant to the literary world willing to answer my questions. The coffee shop is symbolic in the literary world as being the place where a lot of the magic happens. We write, converse and even (dare I mention it) eat/drink in these crowded, noisy, but strangely cozy, watering-holes. Coffee Shops are great places to just relax, let the hair down and talk about life, love and good books! So without further adieu, let's get to chatting with my special guest:

Author Hope Tarr

Hope Tarr is the award-winning author of thirteen historical and contemporary romance novels including THE TUTOR. You can find her online at www.HopeTarr.com where she has a weekly blog and regular contests as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

(Photo by BizUrban.com)

 Hope Tarr on the web:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Lady Jane's Salon

Hope's Latest Release:

'The Tutor'

(In Stores Today)

"I wish for you to tutor me in...sex."

"Lady Bea Lindsey is desperate. She's newly engaged to a very nice but dull gentleman and is fully aware that if she wants any joy in her marriage bed, she'll have to call the shots. But first she needs to be taught. And who better to instruct her than irresistibly sexy rogue Ralph Sylvester?

Ralph is surprised by Bea's request, but he can't turn down the woman he's lusted after for the past nine months. He agrees on one condition. For the next seven days and nights, Bea must relinquish total control to him. No pleasure will be off-limits, no act of lovemaking forbidden, no desire too shocking.

It's every man's fantasy... until the student surpasses the teacher..."Source

-Read an excerpt: here
-Read My Review: here

 Get Your Copy Today:

Barnes&Noble | Amazon | Borders

eHarlequin | Alibris

Q&A:

RJ:Hey Hope, how are you doing? I am so happy that you could stop by for a little chat. First off, congratulations on your new book, 'The Tutor', set to release July 1st, 2010 (already shipping with some book carriers as we speak). What have the past few months been like; with the pre and post release promotion and the feedback you've received thus far? What have you experienced emotionally as well as professionally with the completion of this new book?

HT:Closure! When I finished my "Men of Roxbury House" Victorian-set trilogy with UNTAMED a few years ago, I regretted not having the chance to deliver a Happily Ever After for my secondary characters in that book: Lady Bea Lindsey and former street rogue, Ralph Sylvester. I thought  maybe "someday" I'd do that in a novella or even a short story. The category format of Harlequin's Blaze line proved to be the perfect length and publishing home for accomplishing my objective.

RJ:Why don't you tell me and the readers a little bit about your book, 'The Tutor, from the author's point of view? This isn't your first book, how does it differ from your previous novels?  What were you trying to accomplish with this book and do you feel like it's 'mission accomplished?

HT:THE TUTOR is my thirteenth romance novel and very likely the closest to erotica I've ever delved. It's set in late-Victorian Scotland and, [as] I said, picks up where UNTAMED left off. Lady Beatrice Lindsey is all grown up and about to wed a decent but dull fellow whom she knows needs a map when it comes to taking a woman to bed. Determined to have decent sex if not love in her marriage, she turns to her secret crush, former street rogue, Ralph Sylvester for seven sexy nights of private lessons. 

THE TUTOR is well…”hawt,” and I think fans of super steamy historical romances will have a lot of fun with the book—at least I hope so!  

RJ:What challenges or difficulties did you face with the writing of this particular novel?

HT:It's always a bit of a challenge to add on to what was a series. Ralph and Bea first met in Untamed. Even though they had but a few brief scenes together, still the seeds of attraction were planted in that previous book. For an author it's always dicey when you're starting a book with a relationship in progress. I took great care to keep the sexual tension and emotional stakes high even at the start of The Tutor and to carry that tension throughout.

And as I said, the book is very sexy even for a Blaze, and I've written quite a few of them, contemporaries as well as historicals. But The Tutor more than any other book called for me to take a break from some boundaries. Fortunately an historical setting, in my case the 1890's, provides sufficient emotional distance for readers that an author can have more leeway when writing "those" scenes. At least that's what I tell myself. ((wink))

RJ:Where did the inspirations for your plot, characters and setting come from for 'The Tutor'?

HT:I'm a big fan of Robin Schone and The Lady's Tutor in particular was an inspiration for me. There's something about a Victorian woman taking charge of her sexuality by seeking out an experienced man as her tutor that's both titillating and empowering. Robin's heroine was a married woman while my Lady Bea is unmarried albeit newly engaged, but the principle is the same. They both have come to the conclusion that they deserve happiness, both in bed and in life beyond it. 

RJ:The first 3 adjectives that come to mind when describing your Hero and Heroine in 'The Tutor' are?

HT: I loathe "perfect" characters so both Bea and Ralph are gloriously flawed. At the same time, they're sensual, sexual, and caring about others beyond themselves, be it an abused cart horse or the humans in their lives. For both Ralph and Bea headstrong, passionate, and romantic pop to mind.

RJ:The writing process differs from author to author. Some are planners while others just jump right in. Some consider themselves night writers, while others need daylight and a park bench or a coffee shop (wink) to set the mood for creativity. What's your writing process and atmosphere like?

HT:I'm neither a planner or a pantzer. I'm what I call a puzzler. I start with a detailed synopsis but from there I write the scenes that come to me: jumbled, out of sequence, a mess basically. In the last few weeks, I cut and paste and move text around, basically stitching everything together and voila, it's a book. It's a terrible "process" but it's the only one that really works for me. Even selling on proposal--generally the first few chapters and synopsis--means I've usually written later scenes already.

RJ:When did you first start writing, and what inspired you to pick up a pen in the first place?

HT:I wrote my first book, Beyond Love's Reach between the ages of 12 and 14. It was Tudor-set and tender and of course terrible but the seed was planted. Enough said...

RJ:If you were mentoring an aspiring author, what advice would you give them? 

HT:Tenacity is almost as important as talent. I know a lot of wonderfully talented writers who've never finished a book.  Maybe some contest judge was too frank in his/her feedback, maybe they let a well-meaning but heavy handed critique partner rewrite their book, or maybe they're so enormously self-critical that anything less than a perfect manuscript caused them to set it aside. All of the above, none of the above, who knows. If you believe you're a writer, don't give up.

RJ:If you weren't writing and publishing novels, what profession would you most likely be engaged in right now? 

HT:Publicity. I write a mean press release and I love the promotion part of the business, so if I wasn't doing it for myself, I'd do it for other writers and/or causes about which I'm passionate.

RJ:What's your favorite romance novel of all-time?

HT:Among the classics: Jane Eyre and Rebecca are two favorites. Among contemporaries, as in writers living now, On Bear Mountain by Deborah Smith is a beautiful book.

RJ:What's coming up next for you (book-wise or otherwise) and do you have anything that you would like to say to the readers?

HT:I'm thrilled to have two of my back list single title historical romances, MY LORD JACK and A ROGUE'S PLEASURE, reissued with Carina Press in July 12th and August 16th, respectively. And coming November 10th is "Tomorrow's Destiny," my single-title novella in A HARLEQUIN CHRISTMAS CAROL, a Christmas anthology with Jacquie D'Alessandro and Betina Krahn.

RJ:Name something shocking or interesting about yourself that the readers don't know.

HT:Interesting, here's hoping (so to speak).  I'm a Co-Founder of Lady Jane's Salon (www.ladyjanesalon.com), New York City's first and so far only monthly reading series for romance fiction. We launched in February 2009 and we're booked through 2011.

Also from 1996 through 2002, I founded and directed a national grassroots campaign, The Pet Overpopulation STAMP OUT. The STAMP OUT's goal, a U.S. postal commemorative stamp urging the American public to "Spay/Neuter Your Pet--Save a Life" was reached in September 2002 and launched in a national ceremony emceed by Benji. :)

HT:Thank you so much for having me, Rita! 

And thank you so much for stopping by, Hope! To all the readers, be sure to make use of those links above to better acquaint your self with this fabulous author! This has been great and I hope all of you have enjoyed this (the first) edition of:

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for July 2010

Once again, I present this random quote by Mark Twain: "Patriotism is the last refuge for scoundrels."...with that out of the way... June has seen some spectacular releases, and July is sure to be filled with enough patriotic scoundrels to keep us entertained. Fire up those grills, set up the lawn chair, and prepare to spend some quality time with the family. But also make sure you pick up your copy of these anticipated releases once you've had your fill of hot dogs and screaming banshees (oops, I mean kids).

 Here are some Anticipated Releases for the Month of July 2010!

July 1st- Will see a beginning of a new month and the addition of these 2 wonderful novels. Make sure you add these Harlequin releases to your shopping cart TODAY! Later on in the day, check back for my interview with the fabulous Hope Tarr!

 'Paying The Virgin's Price' by Christine Merrill

"Chaperon Diana Price knew she was teetering on the edge of ruin. Her father had staked his fortune, and her virginity, at the card table—and lost! To the most notorious gamester in town...

Nathan Wardale had money, plenty of it, but it was a long time since he'd been considered a gentleman. Still, he never intended to pursue this debt. Until he met Diana Price in the flesh—and began to wonder just how long his honor would hold out..."Source

~*~

'The Tutor' by Hope Tarr

"Lady Bea Lindsey is desperate. She's newly engaged to a very nice but dull gentleman and is fully aware that if she wants any joy in her marriage bed, she'll have to call the shots. But first she needs to be taught. And who better to instruct her than irresistibly sexy rogue Ralph Sylvester?

Ralph is surprised by Bea's request, but he can't turn down the woman he's lusted after for the past nine months. He agrees on one condition. For the next seven days and nights, Bea must relinquish total control to him. No pleasure will be off-limits, no act of lovemaking forbidden, no desire too shocking.

It's every man's fantasy... until the student surpasses the teacher..."Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

June 6th- Will see 3 more spectacular novels hitting the store shelves. Also, author Jennifer Ashley will stop by that day to talk about her latest release and give away a copy of one of her back-list titles to one (1) lucky commenter. Make sure you stop by the blog that day and comment for your chance to win!

'Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage' by Jennifer Ashley

"Six years ago, eighteen-year-old Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized all of London by eloping the night of her come-out ball with the notorious rake, Lord Mac Mackenzie. After three turbulent years of marriage, she scandalized London once again--this time by leaving him. 

 Now the reformed Mac has returned, and he wants one thing: Isabella back in his life, his house, his bed. He'll do anything he has to, play any game, as long as he gets her back."Source 

[Read an excerpt: here]

 'The Wicked Wyckerly' by Patricia Rice

"When he becomes seventh Earl of Danecroft, rakish John Fitzhugh Wyckerly also inherits a crumbling estate and massive debts. Determined to do right, he reclaims his illegitimate daughter Penelope and heads to London in search of a very rich wife.
Abigail Merriweather's farm has been quiet since she lost custody of her four young half-siblings-until a roguish gentleman named Fitz stops for a rest, his rebellious daughter in tow. His etiquette is questionable, his parenting deplorable-so why does Abby delight in his flirtations? And when she seeks a suitor to help her regain the children, why does Fitz keep popping up?"Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'Daring A Duke' by Claudia Dain

"Jane Elliot of New York is in London for an adventure. Unfortunately, her two brothers are also in London and quite determined that Jane have no such thing, which does create a few problems, and really is so typical of brothers. What Jane did not expect was the Duke of Edenham to be quite so dashing and quite definitely the most handsome man she'd ever seen. She also did not expect to capture his attention upon the first look.
It was flattering, to be sure, but did Edenham have to be quite so bold with her two brothers looking on? Most inconvenient. How was a girl to have any sort of adventure at all with brothers snarling at her and a duke commanding her attention?
How? Why with Sophia Dalby's help, that's how. If there's one thing Sophia believes it's that every proper woman should have at least one very improper adventure."Source
[Read an excerpt: here]

  ~*~

-The M.Y.C day for this month is obviously Tuesday, July 27th, 2010. With some great novels by some great authors being releases, it would be wise to plan a trip to your local bookstore on this day. The following books are all being released on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010:

'Last Night's Scandal' by Loretta Chase

"After surviving the perils of Egypt, Peregrine Dalmay, Earl of Lisle, is back in London, facing the most dire threat of all: his irrational family . . . and Miss Olivia Wingate-Carsington. A descendant of notorious—but very aristocratic—swindlers, the delectable redhead has the ability to completely unhinge him and a long history of dragging him into her scandalous schemes.

Olivia may be Society's darling, but she's aware a respectable future looms menacingly. And so when Lisle is forced to go on a family mission, she sees this as the perfect chance for one last adventure—even if it is with the one man in the world she can't wrap around her finger. But really, she only wants to help . . .

Which is why Lisle and Olivia find themselves in a gloomy Scottish castle inhabited by spiteful ghosts and craven murderers . . . and a shocking secret: the greatest peril of all may be burning within their own stubborn hearts."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'A Kiss At Midnight' by Eloisa James

"Miss Kate Daltry doesn't believe in fairy tales . . . or happily ever after.

Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince . . . and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.

Gabriel likes his fiancée, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn't love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.

Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.

Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble . . .

Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune . . .

Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'Three Nights With A Scoundrel' by Tessa Dare

"The third time is the charm.

The bastard son of a nobleman, Julian Bellamy is now polished to perfection, enthralling the ton with wit and charm while clandestinely plotting to ruin the lords, ravish the ladies, and have the last laugh on a society that once spurned him. But meeting Leo Chatwick, a decent man and founder of the exclusive Stud Club, and Lily, Leo’s enchanting sister, made Julian reconsider his wild ways. When Leo’s tragic murder demands that Julian hunt for justice, he vows to see the woman he secretly loves married to a man of her own class.

Lily, however, has a very different husband in mind. She’s adored Julian forever, loves the man beneath the rakish facade, and wants to savor the delicious attraction they share — as his wife. His insistence on marrying her off only reinforces her intent to prove he is the only man for her. Obsessed with catching a killer, Julian sinks back to the gutters of his youth, forcing Lily to reach out with a sweet, reckless passion Julian can’t resist. Can her desire for a scoundrel save them both–or will dangerous secrets threaten more than their tender love?"Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'Swept Away By A Kiss' by Katharine Ashe

"A Secret Identity

When pirates storm Viscount Steven Ashford's ship upon the high seas, it brings him closer than ever to the nefarious criminal he seeks to ruin. Only one seductive detail threatens his victory: the scandalous beauty imprisoned with him, Lady Valerie Monroe. Temptation has never been so intoxicating or so forbidden, for Steven is disguised as a French priest. If they make it off the ship alive, to protect her from his enemies he must never see her again . . .

An Undeniable Love

Back in England, and under the ton's scrutiny for a reckless past she hasn't escaped, Valerie dreams of the breathtaking "man of the cloth" with whom she shared her greatest adventure. Then he reappears in society under his true identity, Viscount Ashford, but, despite the danger, their consuming passion cannot be denied. Now standing in the way of their desire are Valerie's wounded heart, Steven's lone destiny, and a villain who will stop at nothing to crush them both."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

~*~

'A Highland Duchess' by Karen Ranney

"The beautiful but haughty Duchess of Herridge is known to all the ton as the "Ice Queen." But to Ian McNair, the exquisite Emma is nothing like the rumors. Sensual and passionate, she moves him as no other woman has before. If only she were his wife and not his captive . . .

Little does Emma know that the dark and mysterious stranger who bursts into her bedroom to kidnap her is the powerful Earl of Buchane, and the only man who has been able to see past her proper faÇade. As the Ice Queen's defenses melt under the powerful passion she finds with her handsome captor, she begins to believe that love may be possible. Yet fate has decreed that the dream can never be—for pursuing it means sacrificing everything they hold dear: their honor, their futures . . . and perhaps their lives."Source

[Read an excerpt: here]

May your grills stay well heated and your bookshelves ever flowing... ENJOY!

'The Tutor' by Hope Tarr -Review-

   Entertaining, Exhilarating and Insanely Erotic, 'The Tutor' was one of those books I just couldn't put down. With a sinfully sensual plot, which in most Historicals cases, would have been watered down and drawn thin, Tarr filled 216 pages with eloquent longing and carnal satisfaction. Ralph Sylvester is a former street rogue whom got his life back on the straight and narrow after years of rough living. He works as his best friend (also and ex street thug), Rourke's personal secretary. (in the previous story UNTAMED) Bea Lindsey comes to Linlithgow, Scotland to visit her beloved sister Kate (Rourke's wife). She is also hiding away from scandal back in London. She befriends Ralph during her stay and the attraction is planted. 'The Tutor' picks up on the heels of those events with the departure of Bea from Linlithgow for 9 months (which is filled with longing desire for both characters). Upon her return, she presents Ralph with the proposition of a lifetime; to be her tutor...on sex. And the price she'll have to pay may just be her heart.

Read an excerpt: here

   The book starts off with a 13 year-old Ralph's life crashing down around him. His mother (for all intents and purposes) was a whore; going out many nights with different gentleman (a few of whom liked to rough woman up and knocked one of her teeth out, leaving her with a gap). When she leaves one night for one of her 'little strolls', she never returns. Soon Ralph gets turned out of their lodging house with no where to go. Alone, hungry and with no place to stay, Ralph becomes the perfect target for thievery-ring leader Johnnie Black.
   After all the years of dangerous and rough living, Ralph, at age 30, finds some subtle peace as the personal secretary to street rogue turned successful self-made businessman Patrick O'Rourke.
    From the moment Rourke's sister-in-law Bea came into his life, Ralph has always held a secret candle for her, even though he believed her to be out of his league.
   Bea Lindsey was the victim of some unwanted lecherous advances by a friend of her father, and when she fled London to find solace in Scotland with her sister Kate, she knew she was just running from her scandal and her problems. She is determined to learn from her mistakes and take her life into her own hands. Marrying Mr.Billingsby will give her the stability and security life with her father, the Earl of Romney,  never afforded. Hamilton Billingsby "never drinks to excess or uses strong language or gambles more than is fashionable". Life with Billingsby will be safe....and boring.
   She already tested the passionate waters with her fiance' and was left with much being desired. She decides that if she's going to marry him, she'll have to take the reigns and see to their mutual sexual pleasures. She believes a good sex life will be the factor in a successful marriage and substitute for the lack of love. Mr.Billingsby doesn't know what he is doing, and neither does Bea; but one man who does know a thing or two is Ralph Sylvester.
   Upon the night of her return to Linlithgow after leaving 9 months ago, Bea finds her way to Ralph's rooms and propositions him to teach her how to give and receive pleasure. Ralph has been lusting after Bea for sometime, and her return after 9 months has only validated his acute yearning for the mesmerizing woman. He sets the condition that they are to meet every night for a week at 9 o'clock and that she is to give herself up completely to the pleasure.
   After a startling discover that his fallen angle wasn't as fallen as she lead on to believe, the sexual encounters build up and become very enlightening to Bea. She and Ralph begin to feel deeper feelings for one another than they intended too.Ralph is no agonizing over his impending good-bye to the woman who fills his days with long and his nights with satisfaction. Bea is afraid to pursue something more with Ralph for fear he may reject her. But when push comes to shove, just asking for what one want proves to be the most useful lesson of them all.

::Rating:: 4 "Aww's" ::Rating:

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is the morning after Bea propositions Ralph to be her tutor. They are having breakfast and while Kate and Rourke are preoccupied with baby Lucy, Ralph begins toying around with Bea. He puts his hand on her knee and starts to explore, all while she tries to keep her composure. I thought this scene was funny because not only are they registering their mutual desire for each other in a convert way, but Bea doesn't just sit there and turn completely submissive to Ralph's ministrations. She actually teases him back a bit, which flips the tables on him and has him in need of some proper 'concealment'.

   This novel isn't just a treat, it's a whole repast. The beginning had my heart-lurching after only a few pages and the happily ever after wasn't reached over night. I felt the misunderstandings were a bit too stretched towards the end and that after they exchanged I love you's the plot got just a tad tedious, but overall, it was a great read. With lines like: "He wanted her to not just want him, but to need him. He wanted to be her food, her opium, her air. He wanted to snare her so that the breadth of her desire made it impossible to fathom ever leaving him. Not now. Not ever." you can feel the urgency and emotion within every page. And did I mention how HOT the male model is on the cover? Sexy beyond words, in my opinion. And the scenes were just as hot (they were steamy, sexy and even scandalized ME a few times). Make sure you keep a fire extinguisher close at hand when reading this book.

-Make certain that you stop by on July 1st, when Hope stops by the blog for a little chat about her latest book, life as an author, and offers some advice for aspiring authors! =D

*special thanks to Hope Tarr

for sending a review copy!

*Also check out the previous novel that introduced us to Bea and Ralph, 'Untamed', Kate and Rourke's story!