The Lost Laird from Her Past by Jeanine Englert

A second chance…With her first love!

Lady Brenna Stewart is grateful to be saved from her burning carriage—only her rescuer is Laird Garrick MacLean, the man she once loved and lost! He seems determined to protect her from the unknown enemy pursuing her across the Scottish Highlands. But, bitterly hurt by his past betrayal, she needs answers. Why did he abandon her? And how can she keep her heart safe now, when the connection between them is as strong as ever…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Totally gripping 

Garrick finds Brenna after a carriage accident and once they realise that someone is trying to kill her they make plans to get to her sisters house for safety but Garrick and Brenna were once close to being engaged and he disappeared without a trace… 

I loved Brenna, she is strong and determined, even though she doesn’t always feel that way, she is smart and was trying to take control of her life, even if things don’t always quite go to plan! Garrick left to go to rescue his sister but she is killed and he feels responsible so he kept away from his home and family, believing that he wasn’t worthy of them, and especially not worthy of Brenna. He is stubborn and resourceful, he is determined to keep Brenna safe but she makes him look inside himself and question his beliefs 

This book is full of danger and drama, set at a time when the English King was trying to take over the Scottish Highlands, Brenna and Garrick find themselves in the middle of a plot that could change their world but they must work together to find out what is going on and to keep Brenna safe, even if their feelings for each other aren’t quite as in the past as they had hoped 

I loved this book from the very first page, we were first introduced to Brenna and Garrick as part of her sister Moira’s story and I’m so glad that I was able to read their story, and become entwined in their lives. The danger at times felt so real that I had to remind myself that I was at home and safe, but that just shows how pulled in I was. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a romance full of drama and danger that will catch your attention and at times leave you gasping for breath with characters who you will adore

AM 🐾 x 

Purchase Link – https://books2read.com/u/b6Mwnp

Author Bio 

Jeanine Englert’s love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote, and her Grandmother’s bookshelves full of romance novels. She is a VIVIAN® and Golden Heart® Finalist as well as a Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award Winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland historical and historical romantic suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self-acceptance and redemption. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pups, as well as mysteries and romance with other readers. Visit her website at www.jeaninewrites.com.

Social Media Links –

FB: https://www.facebook.com/JeanineWrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanineWrites

Website: https://www.jeaninewrites.com

Goodreads:  The Lost Laird from Her Past by Jeanine Englert (goodreads.com)

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jeanine-englert?list=about

Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/JeanineWrites

 

While Away the Hours in Scotland Giveaway! (Open to UK / US)

Whether it’s too cold, too hot, or too rainy where you are, you can while away the hours with the first two books in the Falling for a Stewart Series: Eloping with the Laird and The Lost Laird from Her Past! Your prize also includes two Scottish blessing bracelets, one for you and one for a friend, and some lovely book swag! Happy reading!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494507/?

*Terms and Conditions –UK & US entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

A Defiant Maiden’s Knight by Melissa Oliver

A knight’s protection…That she doesn’t want…or need?

Joan Lovent may be losing her sight but she refuses to lose her independence too. So when Sir Warin de Talmont tells her it’s too perilous to be out alone in the city, she doesn’t pay him any heed. But with threats surrounding them, she begins to value his protection and helps with his dangerous work in return. If only the powerful connection between them wasn’t so impossible to ignore!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Totally brilliant and amazing

Warin is one of the Knights of Fortitude, tasked with protecting Henry III but his friend and fellow knight Thomas has also asked him to keep an eye on and protect his sister Joan whilst he is away from London 

I loved Joan as a character, she has an eye condition that is worsening and will one day make her blind but she is still determined to lead a relatively normal life and doesn’t let her condition stop her from doing anything she wants to. She is smart and protective of those she cares about and won’t let someone telling her that she can’t do something stop her which made me love her even more as a character. Warin doesn’t want to have to look after Joan and definitely doesn’t want her involved in the investigation of a plot against the King but she won’t take no for an answer and he soon learns just how valuable she can be. Warin is haunted by the death of his first wife but that doesn’t stop Joan getting under his skin and I loved seeing this big, strong, brave knight coming under her spell

Warin and Joan’s story caught me from the very first chapter and reminded me that anything can be possible, you may just have to do things for yourself or fight for what you believe in. They are both characters who are determined to get their own way but those sparks just made me love them more and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out more about the investigation Warin and his fellow knights are doing, the intrigue, drama and danger of it pulled me in and now has me wondering about what is happening and if the knights can stop the plot in time 

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a story with characters who you will love right from the start, a mystery and a story of personal change and development that will have you hooked right from the start

AM 🐾 x

UK Harper Collins- https://bit.ly/3isA6ng

Harlequin US https://bit.ly/3Jwt397

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09N1RD4D2/

Amazon US https://amzn.to/3udgZmC

Author Bio 

Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, palaces and all things historical.

Melissa is the WINNER of The Romantic Novelist Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight.

When she’s not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.

Social Media Links

Instagram @melissaoliverauthor

Twitter @melissaoauthor 

Facebook @melissaoliverauthor

www.melissaoliverauthor.com

The Knight’s Tempting Ally by Ella Matthews

A knight’s enemy

Becomes his closest ally…

Knight Theo Glenville will do whatever it takes to discover who’s plotting against his King. So befriending—and even romancing—his target’s middle daughter, Medea, is merely part of his sworn duty. But what isn’t? Falling under the spell of a woman who’s anything but plain in his eyes! Yet every day they become closer, the more torn he is between his allegiance to king or his heart…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Totally fabulous

Theo is one of the Kings Knights sworn to protect Edward III and there is a plot to try and draw England into a war with France. Medea’s father is suspected of being in league with the plotters and Theo has been tasked to investigate but things may not be as simple as they first seem

I loved both Theo and Medea, they are both independent people who aren’t fully accepted by the world around them but between the 2 of them, they have a chance to change the future. Neither wants to marry and they form an unlikely friendship whilst they look into what has been happening in court and the more I got to know them the more I loved them

This book is filled with drama and intrigue whilst also looking at the developing relationship between Medea and Theo. They are drawn to each other and as I reader I could see their feelings towards the other much sooner than they did but I think their denial and determination not to get hurt like they have been in the past makes perfect sense to their characters. If I could wish for one thing it would have been to hear more of the story from Theo’s point of view, there were times when hearing from him would have made the story work even better but that is me being picky! 

I totally loved this book, it kept me on my toes with the traitors plot and had me guessing who it might be from very early on

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a romance full of drama with characters you will love and plot twist that will keep you guessing 

AM 🐾 x

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knights-Tempting-Mills-Historical-Kings-ebook/dp/B09HGDZX9P

US – https://www.amazon.com/Knights-Tempting-Mills-Historical-Kings-ebook/dp/B09HGDZX9P

Author Bio

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

Social Media Links –

www.ellamatthews.co.uk

Twitter @ellamattauthor

The Magdalene Deception by Gary McAvoy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Utterly gripping 

Father Michael Dominic works in the Vatican Archives and he stumbles upon a document that leads him and journalist Hans Sinclair into an investigation that may shake the entire foundations of the Catholic Church

Both Michael and Hana were characters who I could get behind so quickly and I bonded with them almost instantly. They both have a passion and dedication that came across so strongly and their determination to uncover the truth made me like them even more. There were a lot of supporting characters and a part of me struggled to keep up with who everyone was and the role that they played, especially as the story bounced about between lots of different character viewpoints however as the story progressed and I learnt more about them it was easier to follow and i could see how everything was more connected than I had realised 

I loved the mysteries and suspense that ran through this book, it caught my attention right from the very off and had me unable to stop reading. It looks at regular religious legends but is written in such a way that I would forget that it is fiction, or is it? Maybe I’m still so entwined with the story as I write this review that I’m questioning the truth… 

There are so many things going for this book and it’s really hard to write a proper review because of the amount of spoilers so it’s one that people who enjoy a book that will catch your attention from the start with a mystery that will have you wondering and puzzling over (and if you are anything like me, possibly ending up googling at 2am!) with some brilliant characters 

AM 🐾 x

A Quiet Place to Kill by N R Daws

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Strange but addictive

A serial killer is roaming Scotney village and RAF station brutally murdering the girls of the ATA but can police detective Kenber and psychologist and ATA pilot Lizzie work together to catch them 

Lizzie has issues but she is also brilliant at what she does and without her insights Kember may not have been able to catch the killer, however at times I struggled with her as a character. She has a lot of internal struggles which can overwhelm her and makes it hard as a reader to connect to her, mainly because there are a lot of changes in her personality which can make it tough to fully understand her. However, now I have read her story I can see her as a more rounded character and I look forward to getting to know her more in the rest of the series 

Kember is a police detective of his time, he is stuck in his ways and is very suspicious of things he doesn’t know about or understand, including Lizzie’s use of psychology to look into the mind of the murdered and create a profile of the killer. He is good at his job and I found myself warming to him so quickly and I could picture him in my minds eye going about and conducting his investigation 

Two things initially drew me to this book, the first being the location where it is set, I live in Kent and have been to Scotney Castle many times before so it was easy for me to see the village and the Battle of Britain airfield, even though those in the book are fictional as they are places I know. The other thing that interested me was Lizzie’s job as an Air Transport Auxiliary pilot, without the crews of the ATA it would have been much harder to recover damaged aircraft for repair without using the resources of frontline pilots. It just so happened that a few weeks ago I heard a lecture from the Maidenhead museum which houses the ATA museum which charts the work of the ATA and the challenges that the crews, especially the women faced, to be able to fly all aircraft and not just the more basic ones like the Tiger Moth. I think that having this understanding of the ATA and the struggles going on behind the scenes really helped me to connect to the characters, their delight in flying as well as their frustrations and determination came through so strongly that I felt so connected to them and absorbed by their story

This means that there is a brilliant supporting cast of characters in this book and they work together to make it so addictive that I couldn’t put it down. The story telling and the descriptions were so vivid and compelling that I could see everything happening in my minds eye, it also kept me guessing right up to the end and I totally wasn’t expecting the killers identity 

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a historical murder mystery full of drama and twists that will catch your attention and have you unable to put it down 

AM 🐾 x

An Antique Murder by Norman Russell

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A murder mystery with a fabulous twist

A resident in a retirement home for actors has been murdered with a Nazi dagger and the police must work out what has happened 

This book is written from so many view points that it isn’t possible to talk about individual characters but they have all been created perfectly and the personality of each person shines though, more than once I ended up giggling from some of the residents antics. The characters and their lives came to life for me and more than once I went to google them and their care home, only to remember that it’s fiction and I think the shows how much I was drawn into the book

I’m not going to lie that at times this book was difficult to read as it does look at the Holocaust but it was written sympathetically and although I’m not sure of how much is written is true, it’s inclusion in the story works and gives the reader a different perspective on some of the characters

This story looks at how the image that people project to the world may not always the the truth and this is done several ways by different characters and it drew me into the story more wanting the know the truth

This book has the perfect blend of seriousness and humour that comes together to form a story that will stick with the reader long after the last page and as such I would recommend it to a lot of people but especially those who enjoy a murder mystery full of twists that will keep you wondering all the way to the end 

AM 🐾 x

Murder at the Manor by Anne Penketh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fabulous 

Rupert Iverson has been murdered at his 25th birthday party at his family home of Iverson Hall. There are a lot of suspects though, Rupert’s party was a fancy dress party in the style of Louis XIV, there is a lot of coastal erosion and Rupert’s father is on the council committee for that and the family rent the Hall out for parties which the neighbours totally hate 

This book mostly follows Julie, one of the detectives on the team investigating Rupert’s death. I did quite like Julie but at times she did really annoy me however I know that this was mostly because she is such a complex character. She works alongside Sam Clayton, Bullard and other detectives and seeing them working together made them feel more real to me. They bicker, they have their faults and they do or say things that maybe they shouldn’t but that makes them people rather than characters and I became invested in their lives 

I loved the fast paced nature of things and that as a reader it kept me guessing but looking back I wonder if there were clues and hints as to who the killer was. The story caught my interest right from the start and had me staying up way later than I should have just so I could keep reading

I’m not going to lie, there were some things in this book that I wasn’t keen on and at times it felt like some twists were put in just because, but I can totally see why they were there and how they made the story more complex and more compelling 

Overall I loved this book and it’s a crime drama that I would recommend to those who enjoy a book full of fast paced drama, full of twists and an ending that will keep you guessing

AM 🐾 x

Alaskan Christmas Escape by Juno Rushdan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So full of drama

Zee is in hiding following an incident in her past but things have caught up with her and now she is in danger and on the run with her former Navy SEAL neighbour John

Because of the nature of the story I struggled to connect with John and Zee but at the same time I got to see their fundamental personalities, their skills and ingenuity which I loved. I also got to to witness what they would do for each other, even whilst denying their feelings and I could see the strength of their bond which made them characters who I totally got behind

I really enjoyed this book, it’s action packed and full of drama but in a way that also made me struggle with it a bit and I know that sounds really weird but I didn’t feel like I could fully get to know the characters before something else happened which did make it harder for me to bond with them

I am however really hoping that there is another book after this in the series because I have to know what happens next in the underlying story! There is such a cliffhanger that I’m now incredibly impatient which I think shows how much I enjoyed this book overall

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a story that is so packed full of drama and danger that you don’t have time to catch your breath before something else happens 

AM 🐾 x

A Brutal Season by Judi Daykin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Addictive 

It’s summer and time for the carnival in the Norfolk town of Cromer but things start to go wrong when the carnival queen is murdered

This book follows multiple characters and storylines, including the police, Adele, a mum on the carnival committee and the sound technician for the local theatre, Jessie. I really enjoyed how the story was woven to encompass all areas of the story and how the strings get pulled together as the investigation progresses. Seeing things from different points of view was really good and it enabled me to become more entwined in the story and wanting to know what happened and how everything came together 

I will mention that this book does contain some domestic violence which is really challenging to read and I know may impact readers which is why I wanted to mention it. I think this difficult issue was dealt with sympathetically and with respect which can be hard to do

The carnival events run through the book and seeing the dedication of the committee members no matter what obstacles got thrown at them felt so real, and will feel that way, I’m sure, to the many readers who volunteer or organise events

This book caught my attention from the beginning and I found myself being pulled deeper into the story, staying up way later than I should because I couldn’t put it down

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a crime drama that will make you forget you are at home and instead pull you into the story right from the very first page

AM 🐾 x

Eloping with the Laird by Jeanine Englert

A man she can trust…

With her life…and her heart?

Ordered by her father to choose a husband by the end of the Highland Games—or he will select one for her—widow Moira Fraser hastily elopes with Rory McKenna, Laird of Blackmore. But they soon discover neither is free of the past. Rory has a price on his head, and needs an heir as soon as possible, and Moira’s horrible first marriage has left her afraid of letting her new husband close…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Totally fabulous 

Moira is being forced by her father to marry again following the death of her first husband and because she was abused and assaulted by her husband choosing someone who is quite close to death would suit her purposes quite well. Enter Rory, Laird of Blackmore, who has a family curse where all male descendants will die before their 24th birthday, Rory is 23

I totally loved Rory, he is kind and understanding, even though he has a limited amount of time he doesn’t force Moira to do anything she is uncomfortable with which I really respected, especially as I came to learn more about her past, which I’m not going to lie, was quite horrific. He is the kind of person I would want to spend time with so it was easier for me to bond with him. Moira made me laugh right from the first page, she is smart and determined, she is resourceful and loved by many people in her household. Her moving to Rory’s estate and quickly being adored by the staff really showed her true character and the kind of person she is

I loved the mystery running through the story as to the origins of the curse and what could be making Rory ill and seeing Moria, the Doctor and Rory’s Uncle Leo all come together made me feel so much more involved 

Rory and Moira’s story caught me from the very first page and more than once had me laughing out loud (sorry folks around me in the gym who must think I’m mad!) but it also has danger, drama and intrigue with twists and turns that had me on my toes

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a romance with amazing characters, a mystery and threats hanging over them which will keep you reading

AM 🐾 x

Purchase Link

https://books2read.com/u/31KKBl

Author Bio 

Jeanine Englert’s love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote, and her Grandmother’s bookshelves full of romance novels. She is a VIVIAN® and Golden Heart® Finalist as well as a Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award Winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland historical and historical romantic suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self-acceptance and redemption. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pups, as well as mysteries and romance with other readers. Visit her website at www.jeaninewrites.com.

Social Media Links –

FB: http://www.facebook.com/JeanineWrites

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanineWrites

Website: https://www.jeaninewrites.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55922667-the-highlander-s-secret-son

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jeanine-englert?list=about

Instagram: jeaninewrites

Warm up with a Scottish Highland Giveaway!(Open to UK / US)

Cozy up with a beautiful cashmere scarf made in Scotland, some book swag, and a Scottish Blessings bracelet while you read my latest Highlander romance, Eloping with the Laird! I hope you enjoy this first book in the Falling for a Stewart series! Happy reading!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494468/?

*Terms and Conditions –UK & US entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.