Review: When A Scot Ties The Knot by Tessa Dare

 

I kissed a man in a skirt…and I liked it.

Maybe those aren’t the exact lyrics but, thanks to WHEN A SCOT TIES THE KNOT, I wouldn’t be opposed to a revision. It worked for our bluestocking heroine well enough!

A little falsehood from the past snowballs into an engagement Maddie Gracechurch never anticipated nor wanted. The same childhood fantasy becomes a Highland Captain’s  ticket to a stable life for his loyal troop. Where lies meet opportunity, can love exist too?

Read an excerpt: here

Madeline Gracechurch uses her boundless imagination to avoid the embarrassment of rejection her first London season by creating a fictitious relationship with an officer at war. This small lie blossoms into a full blown long distance relationship complete with smarmy letters posted for her parents' benefit and a heroic death that frees her to peaceful spinsterhood. But when a very real Captain Logan MacKenzie shows up on her doorstep years later- the tangled web of lies Maddie concocted will take more than a little finessing to undo.

Logan grew up rough, unloved and experiencing horrors of battle in a war that ended with him and his troop without a proper home to be welcomed to.  His hard exterior may ward off nefarious foes, but will it aide his claim on a castle bequeathed to him and the betrothed he never proposed to? 

The silly girl whose incriminating letters of their faux-engagement found their way to his camp over the years has grown into a gorgeous, maddening woman who proves cleverer at shirking his will than any enemy on the battlefield. To provide a home for his loyal followers Logan must get Maddie to submit to a marriage she never wanted in the first place; but also risks his heart as well as hers in the venture.

Rating: 4 Red Roses

My Favorite Part of the Book: Was the beginning- with the letters. This could have been a boring, unfeeling info dump but I enjoyed them immensely. I could have gone on and read a full book of Maddie’s letters to a supposed fantasy fiancé. The letters helped display Madeline’s brain (and the author's fun, tangible writing style) in an unassuming way. It made me think of Lisa Kleypas’ Love in the Afternoon which starts off similarly and I love when authors with a strong voice flex them this way.

Overall, it was another HIT of a love story from Tessa Dare. Again, she writes in a way that speaks close to home and entertains thoroughly.

A few gripes: There were these amazing secondary characters she developed- I wanted more! We have this incredible grandmother who disappeared halfway through the book and pops up sporadically towards the end. And then the band of forgotten soldiers- they all had their own quirks and a dynamic I would have enjoyed getting to see more of.

I have a heavy dislike for the “I am fighting against love/I am not worthy of love” angle most rom-novels adopt, and felt a bit cheated with the MoC plot since consummation took so long to occur, but the spirited heroine (an all-time favorite now), dazzling supporting cast, and expert writing style keep readers fully entwined and satisfied!

I love a good marriage of convenience story, I love the pen-pals (however one-sided) to lovers angle, I love Highlanders and Bluestockings—the way these elements were weaved together, while not always in the proportions I love, were compelling and heartfelt. 

Basically, Read it. Now.

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare -Review-

If I won the lottery, I'd buy a castle; Lucky for the heroine of this magnificent tale, she happened to inherit one - scary, yet severely sexy duke included! 

Izzy's life wasn't exactly akin to the characters' in her father's widely acclaimed stories. She was incredibly "plain" and exceedingly poor- but through a crazy twist of fate she now finds herself the new landlady of a dilapidated castle. 
Ransom Vane is the scarred and ornery duke hiding away in said castle and not exactly thrilled at the new intrusions Izzy's warped fairytale lucky has wrought. Sparks will fly, someone's sanity is questioned and two hearts join in this latest pleaser from Tessa Dare!

Recommendation of the Week: 4/8/12 - 4/14/12

'A Night To Surrender'

by Tessa Dare

Welcome to Spindle Cove, where ladies with delicate constitutions come for the sea air, and men in their prime are…nowhere to be found.

Or are they?

Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men. It is a haven for those who live there.

Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn’t belong here. So far as he can tell, there’s nothing in this place but spinsters…and sheep. But he has no choice, he has orders to gather a militia. It’s a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna Finch—a woman who is determined to save her personal utopia from the invasion of Bram’s makeshift army.

Susanna has no use for aggravating men; Bram has sworn off interfering women. The scene is set for an epic battle…but who can be named the winner when both have so much to lose?

My Thoughts: Tessa Dare is an author who's works I became aquainted with last year. I JUST took this book out from my local library, and with all the hype surrounding it, I can't WAIT to crack it open!

Read a review of 'A Night To Surrender' at Smexy Books: here

What do YOU think of this week's Recommendation? Have you read it yet? What are your thoughts? 

Until Next Week<3...

Book Video: Maya Banks New Highlander Trilogy!

I am sure most of you recall the Operation Auction initiative that took place a few months ago where the romance community banded together in order to raise money and show support to a fellow romancer who lost her husband in a horrible act of senseless violence. Authors, publishers, bloggers, and the like donated items to be auctioned off via ebay and the proceeds went to the widowed blogger and her children.

Historical Romance Author, Tessa Dare (Who has an amazing historical coming out on August 30th entitled 'A Night To Surrender') donated her time and effort on a genius, personalized book video using the hilarious props in her kids' play room to promote the winner's books or upcoming series. The highests bidder was author Maya Banks (who has a steaming Highlander series coming out soon, the first book,'In Bed with a Highlander', also coming out on August 30th). So below are her book covers which you can click on for more info on that book and under that...

THE MOST EPIC BOOK VIDEO OF THE YEAR!!!!!

Visit the authors' site for more info on their upcoming books and feel free to pimp this book video to the utmost. I've probably watched it about 6 times already. What did YOU think of it?

If you didn't get a chance to bid on something during the auction and would like to make a cash donation to support the cause, you can still do so at the website: Operation Auction

"Fa-La-La-La-Love": X-mas Guest Post and Giveaway with Tessa Dare

Fa-la-la-la-love
One of the things I love best about the Christmas season is music.  I love Christmas carols, of course, but also just music in general.  I first met Mr. Dare at Christmastime, while I was working overseas and experiencing my first hot, humid Christmas in a tropical country.  When you’re far away from home, familiar holiday traditions take on a whole new level of importance.  An American friend of mine conjured up a box of Stove-Top stuffing, and it was like a Christmas miracle.

Author Preview: Tessa Dare

Tessa Dare

"Tessa Dare is a part-time librarian¹, full-time mommy² and swing-shift writer³ living in Southern California.
Tessa lived a rather nomadic childhood in the Midwest. As a girl, she discovered that no matter how many times she moved, two kinds of friends traveled with her: the friends in books, and the friends in her head. She still converses with both sets daily.
Tessa writes fresh and flirty historical romance, a blog, and the stray magazine article. To the chagrin of her family, Tessa does not write grocery lists, Christmas cards, or timely checks to utility companies⁴. She shares a tiny bungalow with her husband, their two children, a dog, and dust bunnies.⁵
Tessa enjoys a good book, a good laugh, a good long walk in the woods, a good movie, a good meal, a glass of good wine, and the company of good people.
Tessa is represented by Helen Breitwieser of Cornerstone Literary Agency.
Tessa did not expect to enjoy writing about herself in third person, but what do you know? Tessa does.⁶
Oh, and Tessa would love to hear from you!"

Subscript Detail:

¹ Currently, more like part-part-part-time.
² However, the darelings are now in school or preschool.
³ And I do a lot of my writing during their school.
⁴ I actually did send a few cards last year.
⁵ Some lovely ladies come to corral them every other week.
⁶ Why so many footnotes? Because I’mTessa is oddly superstitiouslazy about changing this, the very first bio she ever wrote. A more official-sounding bio and press kit are in the works.

M.Y.C Day Releases: July 2010 ... One single day, SO many books!

   As all of you know, on the 1st of every month, I come out with a list of anticipated upcoming releases you should definitely add to your bookshelves. A pretty common occurrence I noticed was, that for each month, there always seems to be one day where the number of great new releases are all bundled up. I have taken to calling such days with these occurrences M.Y.C Days. M.Y.C stands for Mark Your Calendar, and should you be hoping to kill multiple birds with one stone, the M.Y.C day is that time to do it.
   In July, the M.Y.C day is Tuesday, July 27th 2010 (TODAY). That day is upon us now, so hire your hackney and mosey on down to ye ole Barnes&Noble to get your copy of the following titles (as featured in the Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for July 2010):

1.)'Last Night's Scandal' by Loretta Chase

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2.)'A Kiss At Midnight' by Eloisa James

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 3.)'Three Nights With A Scoundrel' by Tessa Dare

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4.)'Swept Away By A Kiss' by Katharine Ashe

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5.)'A Highland Duchess' by Karen Ranney

As stated, the titles listed above are ALL being released today! Have fun lugging home your arm full of new releases ;)!

Until Next Post<3...

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

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'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]

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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]

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'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]

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-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]

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'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]

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'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]

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'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]

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'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!

Coming Soon: Anticipated Releases for June 2010

   Let's Jump For Joy! It's Finally June! May has come and gone and brought with it, a lot of fabulously new books which are now perched somewhere in our bookshelves. In June we will see some wonderfully new additions coming our way! Like the new Johanna Lindsey novel for instance! I know, I can hardly wait!





 Here's what you should look out for in the Month of June:

-June 1st  is today! The following are the new releases scheduled to come out today! Run out and go bother the cashiers at your local B&N, Borders, or convenient drug store with a romance rack!

'Taste Of Temptation' by Cheryl Holt

"Helen Hamilton is a twenty-five-year old spinster, with no income and no prospects, who struggles to care for her two orphaned sisters. Destitute and only a heartbeat away from the streets, Helen applies for a position as a governess to the younger siblings of Captain Tristan Odell, the oldest and illegitimate son of the notorious philanderer, Earl of Hastings. But when Tristan turns Helen away, her future seems as desperate as her options.

Determined to do whatever it takes to support her sisters, Helen ends up at a brothel, where she agrees to sell herself as a mistress to a client of wealth and prestige. She even drinks a potion to make men desire her — and is shocked when the man who buys her is none other than Tristan. He too is shocked — and aroused by the possibilities. He hires Helen, but offers her more than a position as governess. Enmeshed in an affair of unrestrained desire, their passion quickly grows, as does an unexpected danger that could soon destroy them both..."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Taste Of Temptation': here (click 'Sneak Preview')

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'The Forbidden Rose' by Joanna Bourne

"A career is blooming...

A glittering French aristocrat is on the run, disguised as a British governess. England's top spy has a score to settle with her family. But as they're drawn inexorably into the intrigue and madness of Revolutionary Paris, they gamble on a love to which neither of them will admit."Source

Read an excerpt from 'Forbidden Rose': here

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'To Kiss A Count' by Amanda McCabe

 "Leaving exotic Sicily behind, and with it her heart, Thalia Chase returns to England to visit her sister—and to try to forget the enigmatic Italian Count di Fabrizzi. She's shocked to suddenly see him in Bath—and in the company of a suspected thief!
Marco, Count di Fabrizzi, is on a dangerous mission and doesn't need the beautiful Lady Chase hindering his progress. But she is intent on adventure—so what is a gentleman to do when a lady is so insistent, and so very passionate?" Source

-Read an excerpt from 'To Kiss A Count': here

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'To Surrender To A Rouge' by Cara Elliott

"An expert in antiquities, Lady Alessandra della Giamatti arrives in Bath to excavate newly discovered Roman ruins-only to find herself caught in a web of evil intrigue by a blackmailer threatening to expose her scandalous past. The one man who can help her is Lord James "Black Jack" Pierson, a fellow member of the expedition and a sinfully handsome rogue whose tempting presence ignites a different sort of danger.

Jack has clashed with Alessandra in the past, so when she suddenly surrenders her body he can't help being suspicious. Is she a scheming temptress? Or is she truly a lady in trouble? As desire and deceptions swirl around them, Alessandra and Jack must find a way to win each other's trust. For if they don't work together to uncover a shocking truth, their enemy-and their own simmering passions-may destroy them and everything they cherish."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'To Surrender To A Rouge': here

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-June 8th

'Tempting A Proper Lady' by Debra Mullins

"A Most Improper Alliance

Two years ago, dashing Captain Samuel Breedlove disappeared without a word. But he's resurfaced in London a wealthy man, only to discover his fiancée preparing to wed another. Now Samuel needs to restore his good name and expose a villain—and tempting, temptable Cilla seems an ideal accomplice.

Priscilla Burke knows the marriage of her charge, Annabelle Bailey, to the Earl of Raventhorpe must be perfect. It would be madness for her to even consider doing anything that would mar this beautiful day and destroy her fledgling career as a wedding planner. Why then is she so drawn to this irresistible stranger who insists she help him sabotage the impending affair?

But a proper lady's desire is nothing to toy with. And a man whose character has been questioned cannot allow himself to dream of happily ever after. This not-so-innocent seduction may have unforeseen consequences . . ."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Tempting A Proper Lady': here

-June 15th will mark the release of yet another Johanna Lindsey novel. This one is listed as being apart of the beloved Mallory series; all you JL fans can stop salivating now (or at least until you reach the epilogue)!
 

'That Perfect Someone' by Johanna Lindsey

"Nine years ago, Richard Allen fled England and his controlling father. Determined to live his own life, he took to the sea and settled in the Caribbean, joining a band of treasure-hunting pirates and adopting the persona of a carefree, seductive Frenchman named Jean Paul to guard the secrets of his past. When he slips back into England to carry out an urgent task, Richard becomes infatuated with a married woman, Georgina Malory. But his reckless attempt to woo Georgina at a masked ball turns out to be the worst mistake of his life because it brings him face to face with another beautiful woman.
Thrilled that her solicitors have finally come up with a way to free her from her betrothal contract to the Earl of Manford’s son who abandoned her years ago, heiress Julia Miller is ready for the marriage mart and hopes to find that perfect someone at her friend Georgina’s ball. Charmed by a masked Frenchman who gives her her first kiss, she can’t help but pursue this mysterious man—until she makes a shocking discovery. Now, to avoid falling into a ruthless nobleman’s trap, Julia must enter a risky, intimate charade with a man she never believed she could love."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'That Perfect Someone': here

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-June 22nd

'Twice Tempted By A Rouge' by Tessa Dare

"Luck is a double-edged sword for brooding war hero Rhys St. Maur. His death wish went unanswered on the battlefield, while fate allowed the murder of his friend in the elite gentlemen’s society known as the Stud Club. Out of options, Rhys returns to his ancestral home on the moors of Devonshire, expecting anything but a chance at redemption in the arms of a beautiful innkeeper, who dares him to take on the demons of his past — and the sweet temptation of a woman’s love.

Meredith Maddox believes in hard work, not fate, and romance isn’t part of her plan. But when Rhys returns, battle-scarred, world-weary, and more dangerously attractive than ever, the lovely widow is torn between determination and desire. As a deep mystery and dangerous smugglers threaten much more than their passionate reckoning, Meredith discovers that she must trust everything to a wager her heart placed long ago."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Twice Tempted By A Rouge': here
-For a funny video made about the Stud Club Trilogy (from which this book is apart of) featuring the Author Tessa Dare click: here

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-June 29th looks to be the M.Y.C (mark your calender) a.k.a 'Big Day' in June 2010. A lot of amazing authors had a meeting where they discussed the perfect day to suffocate us avid readers with their much sought-after new releases. The following books are set to be released on Tuesday, June 29th 2010!!

'My Dangerous Duke' by Gaelen Foley

"The Inferno Club: In public, this scandalous society of London aristocrats is notorious for pursuing all manner of debauchery. But in private, they are warriors who would do anything to protect king and country . . .

They say that the very name of Warrington is cursed . . .

From a time as old as the cold stone of the duke's ancestral castle, the Warrington men have been plagued by tragedy. But Rohan Kilburn, the Duke of Warrington, has vowed to escape the predestined torment by forsaking love and devoting his life to the Inferno Club and its secret mission.

And then she is brought to him unbidden by cutthroats hoping to calm the duke's infamous temper—a sacrificial virgin of sorts. But even overpowered, Kate Madsen will be no man's sacrifice. And the duke's price for claiming her may be what he has sworn never to give—the heart he has so long and fiercely guarded—to the beautiful hostage he was never meant to love." Source

-Read an excerpt from 'My Dangerous Duke': here
-Watch this INCREDIBLE book trailer for the Inferno Club series: here

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'Love In The Afternoon' by Lisa Kleypas

"As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man—just to avoid spinsterhood?

Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep…and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix’s innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can’t be denied…"Source

-Read an excerpt from 'Love In The Afternoon': here

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'The Brazen Bride' by Stephanie Laurens

"Shipwrecked, wounded, he risks all to pursue his mission - only to discover a partner as daring and brazen as he.

Fiery, tempestuous, a queen in her own realm, she rescues a warrior - only to find her heart under siege.

Bound by passion, linked by need, together they must brave the enemy's gauntlet to win all their hearts' desire." Source

-Read an excerpt from 'The Brazen Bride': here

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'A Groom Of One's Own' by Maya Rodale

"Miss Harlow's Marriage In High Life
London, 1823

A handsome duke. His beautiful soon-to-be duchess. A whirlwind courtship. It is this author's privilege to report on the event all of London is talking about: the upcoming wedding of the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon to the only daughter of the Duke of Richmond. Every details of the "Wedding of the Year" will be reported in these pages as a London Weekly exclusive.

But I, Miss Sophie Harlow, must confess to a secret infatuation with this "double duke" that can only lead to trouble. It is impossible that this notoriously upstanding gentleman would ever jilt his bride for a scandalous female newspaper writer. And yet...the arrival of a foreign prince, the discovery of a shocking secret, and one passionate kiss could change everything. Will this perfect duke risk the scandal of the year to marry the woman his heart desires?

There are only just three more weeks until the wedding…" Source

-Read an excerpt from 'A Groom Of One's Own': here

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'I Kissed An Earl' by Julia Anne Long

"Violet Redmond's family and fortune might be formidable and her beauty and wit matchless—but her infamous flare for mischief keeps all but the most lionhearted suitors at bay. Only Violet knows what will assuage her restlessness: a man who doesn't bore her to tears, and a clue to the fate of her missing brother. She never dreamed she'd find both with a man whose own pedigree is far from impeccable.

"Savage" is what the women of the ton whisper about the newly styled Earl of Ardmay—albeit with shivers of pleasure. Born an English bastard, raised on the high seas, he's on a mission to capture a notorious pirate for vengeance. But while Violet's belief in her brother's innocence maddens him, her courage awes him . . . and her sensuality finally undoes him. Now the man who once lost everything and the girl who has everything to lose are bound by a passion that could either end in betrayal . . . or become everything they ever dreamed."Source

-Read an excerpt from 'I Kissed An Earl': here

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'The Duke's Captive' by Adele Ashworth

"Vengeance would be his . . .

Ian Wentworth arrives in London with one goal: revenge. Now a duke of enormous wealth, he should settle down to the business of marrying and producing heirs. But nightmares of an ordeal from his past haunt him at every turn. All those he believes responsible have paid with their lives. All but one: Viola Bennington-Jones, the lovely Lady Cheshire. And he will not rest until he sees the tempting beauty suffer.

Viola keeps her secrets—and there are many—safe from society's prying eyes. When she first spies Ian at a glittering ball, the rush of recognition immediately turns to panic. Does he remember the tender touches that once passed between them? Does he feel the electric passion that binds them still? Or does he blame her for the awful horrors her kin bestowed upon him? The enigmatic duke holds her captive: in desperate thrall to his powerful sensuality, her future—and her heart—in his hands."Source

So mark your calenders and get ready to clean off the reading glasses; because June 2010 looks to be THE month to blow your life's savings at Barnes and Noble!