The Lord and the Lady Astronomer ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Lord and the Lady Astronomer by Alissa Baxter, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

 The Lord and the Lady Astronomer

 The Grantham Girls #3

 By Alissa Baxter

 Abigail Grantham is beyond pleased when her uncle, Lord Longmore, invites her to aid him in his newest astronomical endeavor. Abigail will  be helping her uncle and his neighbor, Viscount William Rochvale chart the night sky. While Abigail is more than happy to lend a hand, she hopes to observe a comet.

 William never expected to be intrigued by Lord Longmore's niece, but   Abigail is not only intelligent but beautiful and she shares several of the same interests that he does.  A potential romance seems likely, until Wiliam's less than suitable, flirtatious cousin Gerald Burnby decides to pay her particular attention. But Abigail, though drawn to Gerald"s looks and lively personality has been warned away about a potential suit from the rakish man by both her Aunt Longmore and cousin Henrietta.

What follows is a series of unfortunate misunderstandings that may stand in the way of everyone's future happiness. And add to it a bit of intrigue - mystery always makes everything better, except when there are misunderstandings about it.

This was a fun read as the youngest Grantham sister gets her chance to shine in her chosen passion - astronomy. If you love clean reading regency romance - here is a new addition to your Fall TBR list. Bump it to the top and curl up in a favorite corner - it's that good.

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Title: The Lord and the Lady Astronomer
Series: The Grantham Girls #3
Author: Alissa Baxter
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing
Release Date: November 1, 2023
Genre: Regency/Historical Romance (Sweet, wholesome)

Can wishing upon a star ever come true? 

Abigail Grantham has always taken a keen interest in astronomy since her brother Sir John Grantham enlisted her aid as a young girl to keep records of his astronomical discoveries. Abigail is delighted when her uncle, Lord Longmore, invites her to stay at Longmore Hall in Buckinghamshire as he needs her assistance to compile a star chart. 

When Abigail arrives at the Hall, her Aunt Longmore introduces her to local society. However, Abigail also spends a great deal of time in her uncle’s observatory, viewing the night skies alongside her uncle’s neighbor, fellow astronomer William, Viscount Rochvale. 

Lord Rochvale is intrigued by Abigail, and when he discovers that they share an interest in ancient buildings and Roman history, he contrives to become better acquainted with her away from her uncle’s observatory, taking her to places of archaeological interest with a view to winning her heart. But the astronomical project they are working on makes courtship difficult, and William’s plans are further frustrated by his rakish cousin Gerald Burnby, who becomes a frequent visitor to Longmore Hall, seeking out Abigail too.  

After a valuable Roman urn disappears from Longmore Hall, a series of mysterious occurrences unravel, presenting a puzzle Abigail has no idea how to solve. However, when events escalate into peril, Abigail discovers that it is the night sky that holds the secret to the missing urn—as well as to her stolen heart.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books In This Series

 

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About the Author

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance during her long university holidays. After travelling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency novel, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. Alissa then published two chick lit novels before returning to her favourite era with her Linfield Ladies Series, a trio of Regency romances that feature women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways... at least eventually. Her new Dragonblade trilogy, The Grantham Girls, continues this inspiring theme.

Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Alissa by visiting alissabaxter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 6, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 13, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

To Deceive a Kingdom ~ Review

To Deceive a Kingdom
A Princess & the Pea Retelling
(The Shattered Tales)

By Kathryn Radaker

Ceris never wanted to be a princess, much less pretend to be one. But an act of betrayal finds her in just such a position. Now her very good friend and member of the royal family, Evla, has Ceris caught in something she may not be able to get out of. How can she pretend to be a foreign princess who is come to work out the details of a royal alliance, so to speak, between the two countries? What's worse, she has to prove the power of her magic to even be considered worthy of this potential alliance. Ceris knows she doesn't have magic anywhere close to what a pure-blood, or near pure-blood, would possess. 

Aieldir is a disappointment to his family. As heir to the Lianthiran throne he is expected to be better than he is and expected to marry the expected Searon princess. When Evla manages to find the nearly drowned Searon princess, Aieldir is bothered by something. Something he can't quite place. But when he does, he'll be faced with a decision - reveal what he knows, bide his time, or help the "princess" in her efforts.

To Deceive a Kingdom is part of the Shattered Tales series and is based on the Princess and a Pea. This is a unique retelling in that the revelation of personal magic is the test. And what a series of tests for someone who believed she could not perform such tasks. I found this to be a good read as the story unfolded, I was drawn deeper into it. This was definitely a late-night type of book, which isn't so good when you have an early morning (as in before 5:00 a.m. with less than 2 hours of sleep), but it was so worth the late afternoon lag!  This was the first book I've read by Kathryn Radaker, and look forward to more stories from her in the future. Fae, magic, and secrets what could be better - a touch of romance, of course, all while facing insurmountable difficulties!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Magic is dying. Everyone is lying.

Ceris is quite content in her role as a horse trainer’s assistant by day and medicinal smuggler by night. But when one of her closest friends betrays her and draws her into a plot of her own, Ceris has to pretend to be a foreign princess to save her smuggling ring…and herself. She may have to go so far as to marry the prince if she can’t find a way out of her friend’s scheme.

Aieldir was born a reluctant secret-keeper and raised to be King of the Lianthiran Fae. But his kingdom’s magic is weakening, and rumors of revolt are circulating. As the heir to the throne, the burden to marry a powerful princess from Searon and secure his kingdom’s future weighs heavily on his shoulders. But when his mysterious “princess” shows up half-drowned, he soon suspects she’s not who she claims to be.

Will Ceris let down her wall of deception long enough to see the man beneath the crown? Can Aieldir possibly put his future—and his heart—in the hands of a fraud? Or will their schemes and secrets shatter their fragile trust, dooming their kingdom as well as their own happily-ever-after?

Suspended in the Stars ~ Review

Suspended in the Stars
Xerus Galaxy Saga #1
By E.A. Hendryx

When word reaches the Phenomena, aboard the circus spaceship Midway, that the Queen is dead, Talie must mask her true feelings that the news has awoken in her. Avoiding distractions is vital to her role as the Soaring Staress. One mistake could send her crashing to the ground. And that could be so very bad in more ways than one. 

In the midst of her private thoughts, she is confronted by Renner Cartha, a rogue royal guard seeking refuge aboard the Midway. Not his best-thought-out plan but what he has to work with. Convincing Talie to help him just might be a little more difficult than he expected. Talie is determined to help, but Renner has to agree to her method of hiding him among the rest of the circus. Can you say fake romance?

But nothing is ever easy, and soon Renner and Talie have to stay two steps ahead of someone who seems uniquely talented in tracking Renner. But Renner is on a mission, a mission that is of vital importance. One that could determine the fates of many. (Cue dramatic music)

This book pulled me in from the first page. Each successive chapter added a new layer to the depth and intrigue of the story. There are secrets being kept by both Talie and Renner, which just adds to the intrigue. One has to wonder just what is so important to keep hidden. I have to admit I love space-themed adventure sci-fi fantasy that is well-written. And if there is a hint or two of romance or the potential of one even better. This book hits all of those little things that make for a book that I look forward to rereading. Even better, this is the first book in the Xerus Galaxy Saga, and I, for one, can't wait to get my hands on book two. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A girl in hiding. A boy on the run. The fate of the galaxy between them.

When Talie Zarna is forced to hide rogue soldier, Renner Cartha, her life isn't the only thing threatened. Living as the famed Soaring Staress on the circus spaceship Midway masks her true identity, but Renner's very presence threatens to draw unwanted attention.

To Win Her Kiss

To Win Her Kiss

The Brookshire Brothers #2

By Miranda D. Nelson

Maggie York is about to go to London, the only problem is that her elder brother insists that it be now during the Christmas season. Not that she has a problem with being in London mind you, she just worries about her two younger sisters who will be without any family during this time.

Matthew Reed, Maggie's London neighbor, has no excitement about London or his ordered stay there over Christmas. But there are expectations, and his father is insistent that he do his duty and represent the family at this time. Even more upsetting, his father expects him to seriously apply himself to finding a wife.

Two more different people could not be expected to form an attachment, much less a friendship. But when Maggie finds herself in an entanglement, she needs Matthew's assistance in freeing herself. Slowly the two form a neighborly understanding over their shared hedge. Though, in all honesty, Matthew is a big grouch most of the time, and his manners in society lack big time. But somehow, when Maggie most needs his help, he offers it. 

Matthew makes it clear he will never love. Unfortunately, his declaration just might be the thing that breaks Maggie's spirit and her heart. Can a curmudgeon change his mind and not only find love but win it in return? Matthew is determined to do all he can after getting embroiled in a scandal that has London Society's tongues wagging. 

This is a sweet story set during the Christmas season. Can love be found after a marriage of convenience? This is a story of second chances and new beginnings. I have to say Matthew's former friends are quite the troublemakers. This is the first book by Miranda Nelson that I have read, and look forward to reading the rest of this series. The few glimpses I got of Matthew's brothers, I really look forward to learning more about them. 

Though there are ups and downs, overall, I'd say this is a book that leaves one with a feel-good frame of mind. So if you want a good clean read with a hint of scandal, some family drama, and lots of Christmas fun, you'll want to read To Win Her Kiss. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

If he was going to ruin her reputation, he might as well make it clear that was what he was doing.

Matthew Reed would rather be anywhere but London this Christmas, and nothing but his duty to his father could keep him there. Though he anticipates a dreadful holiday of forced socialization, he does not expect his animated neighbor who is as beautiful as she is aggravating. As he attempts to navigate London society while keeping himself protected from his past, he begins to question whether everyone is as self-serving as he supposed.

On the other hand, Maggie York could not be more excited to reenter society, and at Christmas no less! Though confused by her brother’s increased sway over her, she is determined to enjoy herself. She soon finds herself just as determined to know her neighbor better, a gentleman who is as surly as he is intriguing.

When an unwanted marriage proposal makes Maggie scramble for another solution, Matthew’s unexpected idea may be her best chance. As Christmas draws nearer, Matthew and Maggie must brave society and rely on each other to find their happy ending.

Release Day for To Kill the Dawn

It's Release Day for Kill the Dawn! Enjoy Emily Hayse's retelling of Hamlet as the 8th book in the A Classic Retold series.

Blurb: 

After a devastating wound and the loss of his beloved father, Hakkr is trying to pick up the pieces of his life. But when his father's last conquest, a mysterious thrall, shares a terrible secret, Hakkr's life only further unravels as incident after incident leads him to the chilling realization that his people's enemies are not the only ones who want him dead. Set in a wild northern world of wolf-hunts and Viking warfare, Kill the Dawn is a breathtaking new retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet, full of heart, beauty, and bittersweet sacrifice.

Available to purchase at https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Dawn-Emily-Hayse-ebook/dp/B0CF872CMK?

Find the author on social media

Facebook @EmilyHayse

Instagram @theherosinger

Twitter @theherosinger)

BLURB:

After a devastating wound and the loss of his beloved father, Hakkr is trying to pick up the pieces of his life. But when his father's last conquest, a mysterious thrall, shares a terrible secret, Hakkr's life only further unravels as incident after incident leads him to the chilling realization that his people's enemies are not the only ones who want him dead. Set in a wild northern world of wolf-hunts and Viking warfare, Kill the Dawn is a breathtaking new retelling of Shakespeare's Hamlet, full of heart, beauty, and bittersweet sacrifice.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/168128759-kill-the-dawn

AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://emilyhayse.com/

Deadly Yellowstone Secrets ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Deadly Yellowstone Secrets by Kari Trumbo, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Deadly Yellowstone Secrets

By Kari Trumbo

Rumors have a way of getting some of the truth right. And Yellowstone's say someone on the inside is helping poachers. And when a poacher hunting one of the bears Tamala Roth is studying sees her, she suddenly becomes his newest target. 

Yellowstone Ranger Clint Jackson is determined to stop the hunter who has made the national park his hunting grounds. And to do that he'll have to keep Naturalist Tamala Roth safe. But Tamala can't identify her hunter, but there is something about him-something familiar. 

As Clint and Tamala fight to stay alive and ahead of the poachers their efforts are hindered by an incoming blizzard. Can they survive and discover who is desperate enough to brave a blizzard to silence her? And who do they trust?

Deadly Yellowstone Secrets definitely keeps the suspense going full force and I loved how there was this natural distrust between the rangers and the naturalists. This played well into the poachers' hands while adding an additional unknown into the mix. This is part of the Love Inspired Suspense Inspirational Romance series which means this is a clean read so no gory, graphic details to keep you up at night. And the romance is sweet. Overall, this is a highly recommended book in my opinion. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Deadly Yellowstone Secrets
Author: Kari Trumbo
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Yellowstone National Park hides a secret 

                                         and uncovering it could be fatal. 

Someone’s hunting bears in Yellowstone National Park—and now Tamala Roth’s the next mark. With a killer at her heels, Tamala must trust Ranger Clint Jackson to safeguard her while searching for the poacher. But when a blizzard traps them in with a criminal who will stop at nothing to silence them, survival becomes a dangerous game.  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

Kari Trumbo is an international bestselling author of historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She makes her home in Minnesota - where lakes and frigid temps are plentiful - with her family and husband of over twenty years. Reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one's listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits are her favorite things. She loves chatting on social media, so be sure to look her up.

Connect with Kari by visiting karitrumbo.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed print copy of Deadly Yellowstone Secrets and a $25 visa gift card!

(1) winner will win a signed print copy of Deadly Yellowstone Secrets and a signed print copy of Operation: Restoration!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 1, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 8, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Mountain Storm Survival ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Mountain Storm Survival by Cathy McDavid, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Mountain Storm Survival

Mountain Rescue
By Cathy McDavid

Ten years ago, Kate Spencer made the biggest mistake of her young life, and she's been paying for it ever since. But she's been given a chance to seek the forgiveness she so desperately needs. Now, she just needs Rand Walkins to listen to her.

Rand can't believe that the woman who ruined his life has been hired to help out at the wrangler youth camp he's called home for the last few years. To his way of thinking she got what she deserved and he's not ready to talk to her or forgive her. But as he observes her, she's not quite what he expected.

But when the annual overnight trail ride goes wrong, Rand is going to have to put his mistrust aside if he, Kate, and two young teens hope to survive.

Mountain Storm Survival is intense page-turning suspense. With nature and killers threatening them, Rand and Kate will have to work together if they hope to not only survive but to stop the killers. This is a book of second chances and forgiveness. But will their chance at something more come? Or will today be all they are given? 

This book, being a Love Inspired Suspense offering, promises a happy-ending, clean-reading suspense, and G-rated romance - a perfect blend! This book is part of the author's Mountain Rescue series but is totally a standalone series. Highly recommended for anyone looking for their next good read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Mountain Storm Survival
Author: Cathy McDavid
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A brutal storm. Relentless pursuers. 

And more than their lives are on the line… 

Helping with youth wrangler camp is how Kate Spencer is atoning for her past. But now she and ranch manager Rand Walkins are trapped in the Superstition Mountains with two girls as illegal miners hunt them down. Rand has every reason not to trust Kate, much less forgive her. But working together is the only way they’ll escape from the danger that threatens them all…  

New York Times Bestselling Author

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

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About the Author

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author CATHY MCDAVID wrote her first book at sixteen. The self-illustrated children’s story featured a young girl whose lack of responsibility nearly resulted in the demise of her pet fish. It’s quite possible the book was an autobiography, but Cathy’s not telling. She wrote her second book, and first romance, at nineteen with the help of a portable Smith Corona typewriter. One never knows how the unrequited crush on a college professor will affect their eventual career. These days, with over 57 titles and 1.6 million books in print, she still incorporates a little of her own life in each story. A lover of all things western and former avid horsewoman, her stories include riding, ranching, and rodeo because, well, who doesn’t enjoy a good cowboy romance? Mother of grown twins and married to her own real-life sweetheart, Cathy is living her dream penning heart-stopping suspense thrillers and heart-touching family dramas for Harlequin.

Connect with Cathy by visiting cathymcdavid.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a print copy of both Blizzard Refuge and Her Surprise Cowboy Groom, a $5 Starbucks gift card and a cowboy coffee mug!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 31, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 7, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!