A Night of Forever by Lori Brighton

Published By: Author
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance
Release Date: Aug 2013
Provided By: Myself
Series: Night

Who is Aidan Callaghan? Mary Ellen James is intent on uncovering the truth about the mysterious man. But as she soon finds out, some things are best left buried in the past.

- My Review -

* SOME SPOILERS FOR A NIGHT OF SECRETS *

Mary Ellen has seen her life go from a poor vicar's daughter to the sister-in-law of wealthy ship owner named Grayson Bellamount. When his friend Aidan Callaghan arrives at the home she shares with her older sister, she might just have experienced love at first sight. But the mysterious Aidan doesn't fit Mary Ellen's expectation of marrying a wealthy man with a title. A Night of Forever by Lori Brighton is the follow up novella to A Night of Secrets the first of the Night series, entailing the story of the second James sister.

Aidan, like his friend and comrade Grayson hides a dark secret. But when he encounters Mary Ellen something keeps drawing him back to her, even though Aidan knows he's no good for her. The same seems to be happening to Mary Ellen, as she finds herself constantly staring at him. But he's not what she expects in a man. Aidan throughout this short novella must however overcome his personal issues, for Mary Ellen's life counts on it. With a passionate romance brewing between the two however which will be the first to give in?

As a short novella, if you haven't read the first book you may be slightly confused when you pick up A Night of Forever. But I believe readers can easily understand the underlying tale outlined by Lori Brighton. She keeps the novella short, and simple, including only essential characters, while keeping the plot moving easily along. I personally read A Night of Forever before I decided to buy A Night of Secrets and it enticed me to do so, just so I could both follow along with the family, but also understand Grayson and Meg's story. A Night of Forever is preceded by A Night of Secrets and is followed by the soon to be released book #2, A Night of Redemption.

- Links -

Goodreads | Lori Brighton

A Night of Secrets by Lori Brighton

Published By: Author
Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance
Release Date: Feb 2011
Provided By: Myself
Series: Night

Grayson Bellamont has spent years on the Continent, fighting a war he cares nothing for. It is only while in the chaos of battle that he can hide what he truly is, a vampire. Returning to England, he finds his sister murdered and his seven-year-old niece missing. All over the country vampires are mysteriously dying. Grayson sets out to uncover the truth and locate his niece before it's too late. All leads point to Meg James, a vicar's daughter. Instinct tells him Meg is innocent, but the clues he uncovers warn she's guilty. One thing is clear, Meg awakens a warmth inside of him he thought long dead and Grayson is torn between a sense of duty and his desires.

Vowing to honor a promise, Meg concocts a lie to keep a stranger's child safe. She had no idea that protecting the child would mean putting her own life in danger. When Grayson arrives asking questions, Meg's unease flares. Who is this mysterious man who seems to appear and disappear as quickly as a spirit? A man with strength like no other? As he pushes ever closer, taking over her senses with his touch, his kiss and his unexpected honor, she realizes she has even more to lose. Meg is falling in love with Grayson, but will he believe her when the truth will condemn the one person he trusts the most?

- My Review -

When a woman mysteriously dies in front of Meg James one night in London, she vows to keep that women's daughter safe. As country vicar's daughter, Meg must cover up this girls identity and origins. Several years pass, and she has kept the secret for years, hiding the girl. But when dead bodies begin to show up, conveniently as Grayson Bellamount appears in town, Meg begins to fear her secret maybe let out. A Night of Secrets by Lori Brighton is a historical romance that will take readers through the mystery of "who done it", while also making you root for Meg all the way through.

All Grayson Bellamount wanted to was find his niece who had disappeared after his sister's and parents deaths, not be mixed up with a murder investigation. But when he bought the mansion next to the quiet stream and the James' cottage, this mysterious man was apparently asking for trouble. And Meg James never imagined swimming with a dead body, but she has and it just happens to be her best friend's abusive husband, Lord Brockwell. Questions begin to be asked and Meg becomes the center of the investigation. With a drunken father, and three siblings (Mary Ellen, Sally, and Hanna) to provided for she must make her case for freedom, not be hung by the constable. However, the whole town seems to be against Meg and her family, and the only ally lies with the speedy man whose kisses set her on fire: Grayson. Attraction begins to bloom between the two despite the desperate circumstances, and Grayson must ask himself the tough question: is she the one?

A Night of Secrets by Lori Brighton will keep readers interested and wanting to see Meg to safety just as much as Grayson. Its one of those books you'll stay up late reading, because of the pace and also the urgency of the story. Overall, the story is well put together, and the overlying plot line of the murder investigation never overly covers up the secondary plot, Meg's secret. In the end we see everything come together, and Lori Brighton does a wonderful job. A Night of Secrets is followed by a short novella (#1.5) called A Night of Forever (Mary Ellen's Story) and book #2 in the Night series is soon to be released called A Night of Redemption.

- Links -

Goodreads | Lori Brighton

The Fairy Tale Bride by Kelly McClymer

Published By: Author
Genre: Historical Regency Romance
Release Date: October 2010
Provided By: Myself
Series: Once Upon a Wedding

The Fensters were like many other proper Victorian families—in every way but one. Ignorning the grim convention that one married for wealth and title, these spirited siblings followed their hearts...and vowed to wed only for love.

Happily-ever-after is all she ever wanted...

Even though society thinks her all but unmarriageable, Miranda Fenster still believes in true love. She'll do anything to advance its cause, even confront the man whose disapproval is all that keeps her dear brother from making a romantic match. But Miranda's impetuous meeting with the Duke of Kerstone has a far different outcome than she intended. For when the cynical nobleman realizes she's been compromised by their tryst, he insists on nothing less than marriage. Now suddenly, the champion of fairy tale endings finds herself a most unlikely bride!

- My Review -

Vowing to marry for love, Miranda Fenster finds her own while fighting for her twin brother's true love. With a failed elopement, Miranda's brother Valentine is in a hopeless position, teetering on scandal. So Miranda does what any good fairy tale romantic sister would do, ask for help. But when she attempts to request help, it goes all wrong, and in the process Miranda is forced into a marriage of her own. As the first book in the Once Upon a Time series, The Fairy Tale Bride begins the stories of the seven Fenster siblings, and it is only proper to start with Miranda.

The Duke of Kerstone, Simon, has kept away from the marriage marked since his father's death for a reason. And when he is forced to submit to marrying Miranda, because of the scandal that might occur, things are not as he planned. With an "incurable illness" Simon must prepare Miranda for life without him. And with a rather wild spirit Miranda will be a hard on to prepare, especially since she must face being a grieving widow within months. However, Simon's plans for death, are slowly being to change course, for the arrival of Miranda has slowly led to him developing feelings.

Kelly McClymer with her first book in the Once Upon a Time series, did a honest job of recreating a romantic tale. Their might be a few flaws within the historical or fairy tale content here or their, but to be honest I read this for the plot, not the historical content. And I intend to read the rest of the series, to follow Miranda's crazy family. The series included seven books in total, the second follows Valentine and is titled The Star-Crossed Bride, while the rest follow the other Fenster girls.

- Links -

Goodreads | Kelly McClymer

His Captive by Diana Cosby

Published By: Zebra
Genre: historical Romance
Release Date: 1 November 2007
Provided By: Myself
Series: MacGruders

With a wastrel brother and a treacherous former fiancé, Lady Nichola Westcott hardly expects the dangerously seductive Scot who kidnaps her to be a man of his word. Though Sir Alexander MacGruder promises not to hurt her, Nichola's only value is as a pawn to be ransomed.

Alexander's goal is to avenge his father's murder, not to become entangled with the enemy. But his desire to keep Nichola with him, in his home—in his bed—unwittingly make her a target for those who have no qualms about shedding English blood.

Now Nichola is trapped—by her powerful attraction to a man whose touch shakes her to the core. Unwilling and unable to resist each other, can Nichola and Alexander save a love that has enslaved them both?

- My Review -

Loyalty lines have split up romances for centuries, and in the end either this split brings couples together through desire or draws them apart. When Nichola Westcott is kidnapped by a Scot wanting revenge on England, because of the on going war the lines become blurred. In Diana Cosby's His Captive, Nicola's adventure begins with a kidnapping that will result in more than just a ransom amount being paid.

Alexander MacGruder is on a mission for the rebel Scottish, to kidnap Lord Monceaux, the consort for the King of England in all matters involving Scotland. With a war that needs to be funded, Lord Monceaux's kidnapping ransom will afford rebel weapons. Miss information though has leads Alexander to kidnap the Lord's sister, Nicola. Attempting to stop her kidnapping has left Nicola at the mercy of the monstrous Scot, because everything she tries leaves her needing his help. Her need for help though will soon turn into more, and it becomes hard for the two enemies to keep apart as a romance blooms. But with their arrival to Alexander's home the two are at odds, for the war is just about to start between their hearts and their lands.

His Captive is the first in the MacGruder series by Diana Cosby, following romances that are potentially brought down due to split lines. It's an interesting book that l enjoyed due to the fact that I'm always looking for a historical romance fix, especially if it includes Scotsmen or men from Wales. Their are points when the book is a little slow, but overall Cosby's flow of writing and depth of characters are well developed. The series includes two additional books that follow Alexander's brothers Duncan (His Women) and Seathan (His Conquest).

- Links -

Goodreads | Diana Cosby

The Golden Leopard by Lynn Kerstan

Published By: Bell Bridge Books
Genre: Historical Regency Romance
Release Date: 24 July 2012 (Reprinted)
Provided By: Myself
Series: The Big Cat Series

Lady Jessica “Jessie” Carville gave up on up men six years ago, after being deserted by Lord Hugo Duran, the man she loved beyond all reason. She has carried on with her life and . . . shockingly . . . with her career. Although most of Society frowns upon a woman in business, Lady Jessica is a natural at collecting and selling antiques. She’s put the past behind her until one night at an auction, when Duran shows up. He’s back in England, and he has plans that involve her. Can she resist what he has in mind?

Duran, though willful and mysterious, is a gentleman—when it suits him. Yet he left his lover without so much a note saying why. Now he’s on a mission filled with danger. If he doesn’t succeed, he will die. Can he convince Jessica to help him without endangering her as well?

- My Review -

When your life is in the hand of an assassin, and you only have less than a month to find an India icon, the smart thing to do is show up at your ex-girlfriend's house. Currently that's Hugo Duran's life, except he shows up a little more politer in regency fashion. The first of the Big Cat Trilogy, Hugo's story is exciting, and keeps the reader interested from start to finish. A reprint of Lynn Kerstan's 2002 publication of The Golden Leopard will interest historical romance readers, as Hugo convinces Lady Jessica Carville to join him on his search for the India icon, a golden leopard.

"Jessie" Carville, isn't a conventional lady of the time, as a women in business she collects and sells antiques. She makes a joke of marriage, and shockingly enough for the public is good at her job. Left behind by Duran six years ago, Jessie has no need for a man in her life. And when Duran appears at her antique viewing, she has to decided to join him or stay out of his search for the golden leopard. With a sister in need of help, and a vicious brother-in-law, Jessie's mind is in debate whether to help Duran to gain a return favor or to leave him behind.

When Jessie's mind is made up it makes for an adventure she had no expectations of getting into. Kerstan's The Golden Leopard was a very detailed oriented adventure, that made a reader want to continue on looking for clues and to know if Duran would survive. Additional books in the trilogy included: Heart of the Tiger, and The Silver Lion, all books were previously published and are currently being re-released.

- Links -

Goodreads | Lynn Kerstan

Runaway Heart by Claudy Conn

Published By: Author

Genre: Historical Regency Romance

Release Date: 24 September 2012

Provided By: Myself

Spirited Chelsea decided she’d sooner run away to London than return to her vain and selfish guardian, Aunt Augusta.But in her wildest dreams, she never imagined her dear godmother would arrange a Season—or convince the ton’s most eligible bachelor to take her under his wing.

Lord Wainwright was a handsome rogue who was not interested in coy games and missish airs. He expected a country mouse with no polish, but instead he found a thoroughly engaging minx, and was oddly irritated by all the male attention she received.

Chelsea with her unspoiled eye saw beyond Wainwright’s pursuit of hedonism to the intriguing man underneath. But to her shock, it appeared his heart belonged to her horrid Aunt Augusta!

- My Review -

Runaway Heart, takes you for a spin and around the block. Through the love, hate relationships, and the underlying ones as well, Claudy Conn, in Runaway Heart brings you to the top of heartache and the to the downfall of miss guided presumptions, and back up again. Claudy's writing style is easily read, but just as polished as Lord Wainwright's shiny shoes. And the characters of Wainwright and Chelsea are relatable, yet different than many other regency characters I have had the experience of reading about.

Escaping the horrible grasps of Aunt Augusta, has always been what Chelsea has striven for since the death of her uncle. Abandoned at finishing school, Chelsea with the help of her friend Sam Martin escape and come into the care of her trustee Lord Lytton. Who has arranged soon after for Chelsea to have her day, her season, at the care of Lady Daisy Dobson. Chelsea a spirited girl is in search of her true love, and soon becomes thoroughly betaken by the Lord Wainwright, the most eligible bachelor in town. Taken under his wing, per favor of his Aunt Daisy, Wainwright, soon finds himself irritated not by Chelsea but the men that surround her. But, Wainwright finds he underestimated his first reaction to this country school girl. However, with Aunt Augusta pursuing Wainwright's heart, the question becomes will Chelsea be able to overcome her own relative to win out his heart?

Overall, Runaway Heart, gives you three really well written romances within its pages, some a more subtle while others are lovey dovey from the start. Claudy Conn does a wonderful job in her contribution to the historical regency romance novels, and keeps your heart in anticipation every step of the way.

- Links -

Goodreads | Claudy Conn | Smashwords

A Bride By Christmas

Published By: Harlequin

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: October 2008

Provided By: Friend

"Home for Christmas" by Heather Graham - It broke Travis's heart to see Isabelle go, but he was the Yankee captain who had commandeered her home and she was a daughter of the Confederacy. Yet even in the war-torn South, there was room for a Christmas miracle or two.

"The Wise Virgin" by Jo Beverley - Their families have feuded for generations. But will the love of Edmund de Grave and Joan Montelan overcome all this Christmas Eve--or will a family secret keep them apart forever? 

"Tumbleweed Christmas" by Candace Camp - "Bah humbug" rancher Daniel MacKenzie met his match in his new housekeeper, Melinda Ballard. She was determined to bring the holiday spirit into his home--and the magic of love into his heart.

- My Review -

A Bride by Christman, an anthology of three cleverly written Christmas tales includes: "Home for Christmas" by Heather Graham, "The Wise Virgin" by Jo Beverly, and "Tumbleweed Christmas" by Candace Camp. Each story within it's 100+ pages holds the magic of a romantic Christmas. The characters are charming and roguish, while sweet and caring, taking and encapsulating your heart.

In "Home for Christmas," we meet Travis, a handsome and battle tired Yankee captain, in the midst of the Civil War, and who has happened to confiscate Isabelle, a beautiful Confederate's immaculate home. With a rebelled beginning to their relationship (she tries to shoot Travis and his men), it's hard not to enjoy Isabelle's character. At points you even want to scream because of her stupidity and temper. While your rooting for Travis the whole way through, especially wanting him to survive battles such as Gettysburg. But, both characters are faced with a hard decision at the end: can they love the enemy?

Jo Beverley's story in this anthology is equally as entertaining as "Home for Christmas". A family feud,  a kidnapping, and a instant connection leaves the two character of Joan and Edmund fighting their feeling every second of their interaction. Edmund instantly takes a liking to the Joan a sharp tonged, courageous, virgin, who he takes on Christmas Eve. He himself a battle harden warrior, sees Joan for the women she really is, not the one she personifies for the courts. Together their dialogue and their necessity of solving their families' feud, leaves you cheering them on every step of the way, making for a bitter sweet ending.

The last of the anthology books is one of western origins. "Tumbleweed Christmas" follows the story of Melinda, a single mother trying to survive the newly settled west, with her son. Desperately in need of money Melinda approaches the town scrooge, Old Mr. Daniel MacKensie, to try and gain a ranch cook position. She soon finds that the towns people are wrong about him, he's not old at all, rather he's a rugged handsome cowboy. He might have some issues with kids, but soon we see MacKensie's real colors. And these real colors are brightened by Melinda's need to see him open his heart and home again.

If your looking for three heart warming Christmas stories, check out A Bride By Christmas, the book has a lot to offer within it's 377 pages, and you just can't go wrong with historical romances. Especially around Christmas time!

- Links -

Goodreads | Heather Graham | Jo Beverley | Candance Camp