A Rogue About Town ~ Review

A Rogue About Town
London League #2
By Rebecca Connolly

His life has become so complicated just because he saved a woman and child from a burning building. Rogue has never sought attention but one little act has made him the center of attention and his duties for the London League are being hurt by people seeking his help. And his alter ego Gabriel Statler, Lord Wharton must take special care to not be linked with Rogue. Rogue has never been known for his charm and lately, it has been even more scarce.

Amelia Berger needs help, she needs to find her long-absent father - the man she blames for her mother's broken heart. And from what she's heard the best person for this job is Rogue. But Amelia is not content to just sit back and wait for results she wants to take an active role in her search.

Rogue is sure of one thing about his newest client she is hiding something and he is determined to discover just what that something is. With little to go on and even less concrete evidence, this is one case that just might be worth his time and effort. And it will be something to get his mind off his aunt's matchmaking attempts. And unless he, as Lord Wharton, marries well and soon his aunt has threatened to withhold the inheritance he is to receive from her - not that Gabe really cares. Marriage is the last thing he has any desire for at present - that is until he attends the ball his aunt throws in his honor.

Amelia and Gabe are well-matched in wit and biting remarks. And the secrets they both hold could very well undo them both.

A Rogue About Town is the second book in the London League series and it can be read on its own with no drawbacks in following the storyline. This is a Regency Era piece that is a well-balanced blend of sarcasm, intrigue, mystery, and romance that is sure to delight. 




About the Book:

A disgruntled operative…

Gabriel Statler, Lord Wharton, has a problem. His duties as an operative for the Crown are being compromised for the sake of his cover, where he is known only as the Rogue. His days are now filled with trivial investigations, and none of the problems are ones he wants to solve. Then he meets a mysterious young woman who holds more secrets than he likes, and, against his better judgment, he takes her case. 

A determined client...

Amelia Berger needs the Rogue, and she needs everything he can offer without revealing everything she knows. Her secrets are her own, and she has far too many to risk revealing even one. But when working with Rogue turns into something entirely unexpected, she finds that the secrets she began with are not the ones she most needs to protect.

The White City ~ Review

The White City
True Colors #1
By Grace Hitchcock

Winnifred Wylde has a knack for observing what others miss and when she sees a woman abducted at the Chicago World's Fair she is determined to put a stop to these abductions. There is just one problem with her plan - the Chicago police, including her father Inspector Wylde, don't take her claims seriously. Her father blames her over-excitable imagination on the novels she spends her time reading.

Not one to be put off Winnie decides to matters into her own hands and solve this case on her own. But after 22 years her father knows that Winnie won't let this go and he assigns newly arrived from New York Detective Jude Thorpe to keep an eye on her. Playing nanny was the last thing Jude Thorpe expected to be stuck with but all too soon he finds his bodyguard duties the bright spot in his day.

But when Winnie goes undercover more is at stake than anyone every realized - not only is her life on the line so too is her heart.

This book is right at 250 pages but it is a fast-moving story so it feels much shorter. The story progression does not lag even when the action slows for the everyday duties Winnie is expected to fulfill as a lady of 1893. The main characters are likable and well developed. And as for the villain, let's just say ewww and even more so as his character is factually based. The build-up of suspense is just right and for those who prefer cleaner suspense, this just might be what you are looking for as it is not graphic or overly violent. It is interesting to see how societal dictates were so important in how one's life was expected to proceed - marry this person they have status, don't go out without an escort, dress up for dinner. Overall this was an intriguing and fascinating step back in time that I felt well worth the time spent between its covers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Mysterious Disappearances 

Taint the 

Chicago World’s Fair

Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Beauty in Flight ~ Review

Beauty in Flight
By Robin Patchen

Harper Cloud has repeatedly made the same mistake - trusting men who don't have her best interest at heart. Instead of seeing her as a person they've merely seen her as a decorative accessory. When her last boyfriend helped her land a stint in prison and ended her dreams of being a nurse she promised herself never again would she trust a man and his promises.

Derrick seems different - caring about her safety, offering her a job as a caretaker for his grandfather. But trust isn't easy for Harper to give at least not anymore. But when she feels as if danger has come too close for comfort she agrees to head east and care for Red. Leaving behind a stalker is worth putting a little trust in Derrick and he seems to have her best interests at heart for a change.

All too soon Harper finds herself getting to know Derrick and something has changed. Could she have once again made a mistake? Or is she just projecting her past experiences onto what could possibly be her best chance at remaking her life and regaining the respect she lost?

Beauty in Flight is an intriguing first book of a three book series in which Harper has to make some serious decisions that could be the making of her or completely shatter what is left of her life. And believe me, you'll want to have book 2 on hand as this one will most definitely leave you in suspense. Say cliffhanger!

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

About the Book:

Her beauty once opened doors, but the felony conviction slams them shut. 

Harper Cloud used to love the gilded glamour of Las Vegas, but on the far side of prison, she sees the cracks in the veneer. These days, she keeps her head down and focuses on the elderly patients in her care. Even her new wealthy east-coast boyfriend, Derrick, can't entice her away. She's trusted men before, and look where that got her.

She tries to brush off the feeling that she's being watched. But when she's followed home one night and her pursuer gets within a hair's breadth of grabbing her, she knows it's time to get away from Las Vegas.

Maybe Derrick can be trusted. Maybe his job offer—to care for his aging grandfather in Maryland—will be the second chance she needs.

But Derrick has secrets of his own, secrets that could take him down--and take Harper with him.

Can there be a second chance for someone like her?

The Lady and the Gent ~ Review

The Lady and the Gent 

London League #1

By Rebecca Connolly

Margaret Easton is 22 years old and has no marriage prospects even hinted at. Her parents are determined to see her married and if Society of Britain won't take notice of her she is to be wed to a gentleman of Europen descent. But Margaret loves her life in England and is determined to marry a gentleman who calls England home.  Only one man has captured her attention and she knows not his name or social status but they have exchanged 10 second moments since they first saw one another.

Rafe Thornton has never before noticed a lady but Margaret Easton has done just that. But he has secrets to keep and a duty to the Crown which Margaret has managed to distract him from. But when Margaret finds herself in need of a hero he happens to be there for her. But he needs to keep his true identity hidden so as to not compromise his work. To Margaret and those with whom he works, he is simply known as the Gent. And the Gent has a reputation one that as Margaret come to know him suits what she has seen in their 10 seconds.

But Margaret finds herself at the mercy of a chaperone who has motives that seem bent on destroying and her hopes for the future. What Margaret needs is a champion who will save her before time runs out. But can she trust her fate to a man whom she has barely spent any time with? Or will she have to hope that her parents will return before her ruination is complete?

If you love your Regency Era reading to be trimmed with treachery, intrigue, and romance you will enjoy this first book in the London League series. But a word of warning - don't read it if you have the habit of saying, "Just one more chapter," else you will be reading the night away as one more chapter is just not enough. I know because I ended the book on just such a promise that saw me seeing 5 am which is not good when morning comes before 7 am.  Wait for the weekend and not a workday.

About the Book:

A woman of great fortune…

Margaret Easton needs a husband, and she needs one now. Her parents are convinced that only a European will do, but Margaret wants nothing more than to stay in England. The trouble is that there is only one man Margaret can think of, or rather, one she cannot forget, and he wouldn’t do as a husband at all. Then she finds herself in his care unexpectedly, and her hunt becomes even more complicated than she could have ever imagined.

A man of great mystery…

Rafe Thornton has never said more than ten words to Margaret Easton, but she is rapidly becoming the sole occupant of his thoughts. She is distracting him from his operative work as the Gent, and keeps him from his usual focused nature, which he doesn’t mind at all. When she stumbles into his world, his work and his emotions collide, forcing him to choose between saving the Crown, and protecting his love.

Mending Fences ~ Review

Mending Fences
The Deacon's Family #1
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Luke Schrock is back home in Stoney Ridge and life there has gone on while he was in rehab. His past has made a definite impact on those who had to live through his pranks and jokes. And as part of his continued healing, he has been encouraged to mend fences with those he hurt over the years.

But mending these fences is more than offering an apology and receiving the expected forgiveness the Amish are known for. No, Luke is supposed to ask just how his careless and cruel antics have impacted each person's life. And with Luke's history, it is a long list to work through.

With trust at an all-time low, Luke has been offered a bed at Windmill Farm in exchange for helping Amos Lapp with a variety of chores. Another young person in need has been taken in by Fern and Amos and to Luke's surprise, Izzy Miller is immune to his charms. Worse Izzy seems to despise him and his ways. Izzy is making a new life for herself and she's known enough guys like Luke to not get caught in his trap of charm.

Mending Fences is the first book in The Deacon's Family series and it promises to be the first offering in some potentially momentous changes in Stoney Ridge. There is an unexpected link to the past which is tied to painful events is several character's lives. And most importantly we are shown the potential of what Luke's life might become. Those who have visited Stoney Ridge in the past will enjoy another visit with some old friends.

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


About the Book:

Every saint has a past. 

Every sinner has a future.

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused. 

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching. 

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge. 

Ladies of Intrigue ~ Review

Ladies of Intrigue
By Michelle Griep

Ladies of Intrigue is a collection of three delightful tales staring women who refuse to bow to the dictates of society when they see a wrong that needs to be remedied.

In The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady Helen Fletcher's return to her failing father's side is delayed when her ship is waylaid by those who are intent upon relieving the ship of its cargo. But when the very smuggler who caused her much consternation turns out to be her benefactor she's left with a quandary. Who is this Isaac Seaton? Is he truly a criminal as she first thought or is he righting a wrong as he claims?    

In The Doctor's Woman, Emmy Nelson is about to leave the life she knows and loves behind following her father's death. But when nearby Fort Snelling is in desperate need of a doctor she is the only hope for a wounded soldier. But before Emmy can use the skills that she learned from her father the new doctor arrives. But Dr. James Clark's methods are in conflict with much that Emmy knows but he needs her assistance to care for not only the soldiers but the Indians who have come under the protection of the army. Can the skills of a citified doctor and the methods that rely on old medicine of land ever work together or will they forever clash?

In A House of Secrets, Amanda Carston is determined to make an impact on St. Paul an in the process earn the approval of her father that she has always sought. There is just one problem - her proposed project has a short time constraint in place. When her fiance Joseph Blake doesn't help her as she expected she takes matters into her own hands, Little does she realize the danger she has just brought on others by her desire to help those in need.

If you like quick engaging reads this is a good option as there are 3 stories in this less than 300-page book. These would, in my opinion, fall into the gentle reads category. If you like historical with a dash of mystery and romance fiction that ends on an up note and you are looking for a cozy corner read snatch this one up and prepare your favorite tea for an enjoyable afternoon or two.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own. 


About the Book:

Can truth and love prevail

when no one is as they appear?

The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815

When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father-not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton's unusual secret?

The Doctor's Woman
Dakota Territory, 1862

Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side-by-side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.

A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890

Ladies' Aide Chairwoman Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul's ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a "haunted" house that's secretly owned by her beau-a home that's his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city's most infamous madam.

The Secrets of Paper and Ink ~ Review

The Secrets of Paper and Ink
By Lindsay Harrel

Sophia Barrett is trying to heal from the pain of the past - a past that ended with the death of her fiance. Her escape from the pain and stress is indulging in the works of her favorite author Robert Appleton. The healing she was sure had come was shattered when she has a session with a patient whose current situation reawakens her own hurt. At the suggestion of her boss and best friend, Sophia takes more time away to complete heal and deal with everything. A summer away in Cornwall, England the setting of her favorite books seems the ideal way to distance herself from all the reminders of what was.

Ginny Rose has spent the last five years in Cornwall as a wife and bookshop owner but with her husband's need for time alone she has had to shoulder the burden of running a shop that was her husband's dream. With the economic downturn and the lack of tourists, the shop is teetering on the edge. Determined to save her husband's dream and to be successful despite her naysaying parents Ginny does whatever she can to make money - even taking in a short-term renter.

As Ginny and Sophia each work through their losses they form a friendship that is about to lead to much more. With Sophia pitching in at the bookshop Ginny finally sees hope that she may be able to not only survive but make the shop successful. Helping Ginny organize the multitude of books hidden away in the back Sophia discovers a notebook that tells the story of Emily Fairfax, a young woman who must rebuild her life following the death of her father.

Emily's story touches Sophia and sends her on a journey of discovery. But her search has her accepting the assistance of Ginny's brother-in-law who just happens to share Sophia's love of books. But how do you find someone who may have lived more that one hundred and fifty years ago with just a name and general idea of time and place? Sophia is embarking on a search that may very well offer her the answers she needs so that she can move beyond the was of her life to the could be that lays before her.

First off this is a wonderful blend of 3 distinct lives that on their own could have been a story that the reader could connect with but when told together become something more. I really felt Emily's portion was what gave the book the extra touch that makes it something special. Her strength of character and perseverance gives hope to those who later discovered her story.

I will admit I now want to read the Robert Appleton books that so comforted Sophia, alas I fear that is not to be. This book is perfect for those who can't decide between historical or contemporary fiction as it offers both. Emily's portion takes place in the 1850s and 1860s while Sophia and Ginny's story takes place in the present day. Each chapter is clearly identified as to whose story thread is being followed so there is no need to worry about getting lost during the reading.  Fans of Rachel Hauck and Kristy Cambron's writing style will enjoy The Secrets of Paper and Ink.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook bloggers with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Brought together by a charming bookstore in England, three women fight to defy expectations, dream new dreams, and welcome love into their lives.

As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature.

Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance.

Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch.

Eager to know more of Emily’s story, Sophia goes on a quest—dragging Ginny and William with her—to discover the heart of the woman behind the beautiful entries. Soon Ginny’s need to save the bookstore becomes more than a way to save her marriage, and Sophia finds new purpose of her own. Together they find that sometimes both heartache and hope can reach across the centuries.