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 Viking She Would Have Married by Lucy Morris

In close quarters… With the Viking she’d loved and lost

A Shieldmaiden Sisters story—with her family fallen on hard times, Valda’s forced to join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. But this handsome jarl’s son is the man she’d planned to wed, until his bitter betrayal. Knowing she can never trust him, she must focus on saving her sisters…and not the intense connection that still burns between them!

Passion erupts when these bold, spirited Vikings are reunited!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gripping 

Valda is a Viking Shieldmaiden, a woman who can fight, but her family have fallen on hard times and she needs to earn enough silver so they can get land for a farm. The trader who offers her a place on his ship is her ex Halfdan who broke her heart… 

I loved both Valda and Halfdan. I previously met Valda in one of Ms Morris’ precious books and I’m so glad I got to read her story, she is a strong, determined and independent woman who has been hurt by men in the past and this does affect her outlook but I still found myself loving her so quickly, she isn’t a traditional main character, but then again this isn’t a traditional historical romance! Halfdan is still haunted by his breakup with Valda but he is also determined to get his half brother released from his fathers capture (as an aside, we do get to find out Eriks story next and I can’t wait!) but anyways where was I, Halfdan is honourable and in command but he rules with respect and not fear which I found very important and made me warm to him so quickly, he quickly became a character who I loved and I was totally caught up in his and Valdas story 

Both of them are very caught up in their past relationship, it’s a big part of the story and it didn’t surprise me at all when the flames came alive rekindling their romance again. They are brilliant characters but they are surrounded by so many fabulous people, I can’t write about them all but know that without them, the story wouldn’t be as good as it is! 

I don’t have much experience of Viking dragon boats and the culture as it’s not a part of history I was taught, but this book seamlessly mixes history with the story so the reader is drawn in and is pulled away from their everyday life and into the story and I loved this

As I’m sure you can tell, I totally adored this book and I would recommend it to so many people but especially those who enjoy a romance full of drama with characters who you will adore! 

AM 🐾 x

Purchase Links – https://books2read.com/u/mvWv2z

https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-viking-she-would-have-married-mills-boon-historical-shieldmaiden-sisters-book-1-lucy-morris?variant=39570861129806

Author Bio 

Lucy Morris has always been obsessed with myths and legends. Her books blend sweeping romance with vivid worldbuilding to whisk you away to another time and place filled with adventure. Expect passion, drama and vibrant characters.

Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry’s Chocolate Oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/LucyMorrisAuthor/

https://twitter.com/LMorris_Author

https://www.instagram.com/lucymorris.author/

The Viscount’s Lady Novelist by Alissa Baxter

Harriet Linfield is a lady novelist who has been disillusioned by love. She sets out to write more realistic tales about the emotion when she returns home to Linfield Court for the summer. Vowing to avoid any romantic entanglements along the way, she focuses instead on her writing and her plan to turn the estate she inherited from her uncle into a refuge for orphans.

Oliver, Viscount Wentford, is determined to restore his family fortunes. But his plans for the estate he inherited are in direct opposition to the wishes of Harriet, his new neighbour. Upon meeting her, Oliver is amused when, in response to his provocative comments, she informs him that she intends to make him the villain of her next book. But his amusement swiftly turns to dismay when circumstances align to show him in that exact light.

When an enemy comes back into Harriet’s life, she sees that love isn’t as clear-cut as the romantic tales she pens. But will the viscount manage to discard his villainous mantle to become Harriet’s real-life hero?

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Full of drama

Harriet is an heiress who has dreams of becoming a novelist but her life gets turned upside down when she meets her brothers friend, Oliver

Oliver is a geologist but is also incredibly knowledgeable about most things in the natural world so is incredibly different to Harriet who doesn’t have the same interest in nature. She sees the world through the writers artistic eye instead of the scientific one that Oliver and most of her family do, but these differences make them characters who work so well together. They start to find more common ground as the story goes on and their friendship develops quite fast and before too long so do their feelings towards each other

This book also has its own amount of drama, Harriet was previously half engaged to a man who turned out to be nothing like what she thought and who shot her brother. However he is back and is somehow leaving letters that she sent him in her room during events making Harriet fear for her safety, if he can get letters in then he can also harm her and I will admit this part of the story had a huge twist that I wasn’t expecting which helped to pull me in even further

I loved reading Harriet and Oliver’s story, there are so many hurdles that they have to cross but I was routing for them from very early on and seeing how their relationship developed and they started to understand parts of themselves that they didn’t think were there have made them characters who I will go back to again and again

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a historical romance full of drama and emotion that will keep you on your toes and unable to stop reading

AM 🐾 x

Praise

“A charming love story set in the English countryside that’s grounded in impeccable research.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

“Alissa Baxter’s writing is period perfect.” ~ Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author of The Matrimonial Advertisement

“This book is gorgeous!” ~ Rachel Burton, author of The Tearoom on the Bay

“A truly traditional Regency romance, with lots of witty banter, very reminiscent of Georgette Heyer. Recommended for anyone who likes a completely clean traditional Regency, with strongly authentic writing, historical accuracy and a satisfying romance. Baxter’s writing is excellent, and her dialogue, manners and settings are true to the era.” ~ Mary Kingswood, author of traditional Regency romances

“While immersing the reader in the mores and life of the Regency era, Alissa Baxter manages to write strong, independent heroines whom modern-day women will cheer and root for. Plus the addition of little details that wrap around the plot and the characters make reading her books all the more special because you never know when you might land on a little Easter egg morsel in the beautiful and engaging prose. Historicals with heart and engaging characters that read real—that’s what you get in Ms Baxter’s books.” ~ Zee Monodee, USA Today bestselling author

About the Author

Alissa Baxter was born in a small town in South Africa and grew up with her nose in a book on a poultry and cattle farm. At the age of eleven, she discovered her mother’s collection of Georgette Heyer novels. The first Heyer novel she ever read was Sylvester and she was hooked on Georgette Heyer after that. She read and reread her novels, and fell totally in love with the Regency period and Heyer’s grey-eyed heroes!

After university, where she majored in Political Science and French, she began writing her first Regency novel, before moving to England, which gave her further inspiration for her historical romances.

Alissa has lived in Durban and Cape Town but she eventually settled in Johannesburg where she lives with her husband and two sons. Alissa is the author of two chick-lit novels, Send and Receive and The Blog Affair, which have been re-released as The Truth About Series: The Truth about Clicking Send and Receive and The Truth About Cats and Bees.

Alissa’s Linfield Ladies Series features women in trend-setting roles in the Regency period who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways… at least eventually. The Viscount’s Lady Novelist is the second book in this series, following on from The Earl’s Lady Geologist.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Giveaway

Enter to win a $30 Amazon Gift Card!

https://gleam.io/i2VgS/the-viscounts-lady-novelist

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter. I am not responsible for this prize draw

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

Winning Back His Duchess by Amanda McCabe

Escape to beautiful Venice for this Victorian marriage reunited story…

An invitation to Venice…

To save their marriage!

Suggesting divorce to her estranged husband, Jamie, Duke of Byson, takes all of Rose Wilkins’s courage. Years of distance and heartbreak have taken a toll—she needs a new start. But Jamie won’t hear of divorce, because of the scandal alone. His counteroffer is a trip to Venice… Might discovering Venice’s delights together rekindle the still-simmering desire that drew Rose to Jamie as a starry-eyed young American heiress?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh my gosh!!!

Rose and Jamie’s marriage broke down when they lose their baby and Jamie started neglecting her and turned to drink but now he has changed and is determined to win back his wife 

Rose is considered a society beauty and is frequently out but it is taking its toll on her physically and she has become unwell. Rose is under such immense pressure in her life in London and it’s so clear to see how that impacts her life and seeing her start to unwind and allow her to be more herself made me warm to her so quickly. Jamie had a hill to climb as initially we see him through Roses eyes as the person and husband he was but as I started to get to know him, I realised that he had changed and that Rose really was very important to him which made me love him more and more. The only thing I would have wished for is to hear more of the story from Jamie’s point of view, to be able to understand him better but also to see his plans for winning Rose back and how he really felt about her being in his life more again

I totally loved Rose and Jamie’s story, they were so far apart, even to the stage where Rose went to him to request a divorce but she was willing to give him another chance, especially when it took them away from London. I really enjoyed reading about their time in Venice, it took them out of the traditional and allowed them to experience the sense of wonder and discovery of a new place. Thinking about it, it does actually reflect their relationship and how it changes and develops throughout the story which was written in so subtly that I almost missed it 

As you can tell, this has been one of my favourite books for a while and I would recommend it to so many people but especially those who enjoy a story full of emotions and drama where the characters find out more about themselves and what is important to them 

AM 🐾 x

Purchase Links –

US – https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Back-Duchess-Dollar-Duchesses/dp/1335407758/

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winning-Back-Duchess-Dollar-Duchesses/dp/1335407758/

Author Bio 

Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen–a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject…)

She’s never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion.  She lives in Santa Fe with a Poodle, a cat, a wonderful husband, and a very and far too many books and royal memorabilia collections.

When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network–even though she doesn’t cook.

 

Social Media Links

(4) Amanda McCabe Books | Facebook

Amanda McCabe (@amandamccabeauthor) • Instagram photos and videos

http://ammandamccabe.com

Amanda McCabe (@AmandaMcCabe01) / Twitter

The Return of Her Long-Lost Husband by Joanna Johnson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A story full of emotions

After years abroad following the sinking of his ship, Nathaniel has returned to his home and his wife Hester but his return isn’t quite how he expected 

I’m not going to lie, at times I really disliked Nathaniel. Whilst he couldn’t control the circumstances he faced overseas, he is self centred, blinkered and determined to think the worst of Hester even when she proves again and again that she isn’t the person he believes she is. I did however really like Hester, she is a complex character who has gone through some troubling times and even through she is initially doubtful of Nathaniel she allows him in and starts to hope that maybe things will be different this time around 

No matter what I thought of the characters at times, this book still drew me in and had me caught up in Nathaniel and Hester’s story right from the start. I wanted them to wake up and become the deeper, more complex characters that I knew they could be and by the end they did start to emerge and become that person

I really enjoyed reading Nathaniel and Hester’s story and I think in a way that my feelings towards Nathaniel wouldn’t have been as strong if I didn’t get emotionally involved in the characters and their story. As a result I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a historical romance that will draw you in and that will have you caring about the characters and their lives right from the start

AM 🐾 x

The Lady Tempts an Heir by Harper St. George

A fake engagement brings together a lady with bold and daring dreams, and the heir whose heart she captured—perfect for fans of Bridgerton!

Tall, dark, and brooding—to say that American Maxwell Crenshaw stood out in the glittering ballrooms of London is an understatement. He vowed never to set foot in England again, but when a summons from his father along with an ultimatum to secure his legacy has him crossing the Atlantic for the last time, reuniting him with the delectable Lady Helena March, he can’t deny the temptation she presents. Or the ideas she inspires…

Lady Helena March is flirting with scandal. Instead of spending her time at teas and balls in search of another husband, as is expected of a young widow, Helena pours her energy into The London Home for Young Women. But Society gives no quarter to unmarried radicals who associate with illegitimate children and fallen women, and Helena’s funding is almost run out. So when the sinfully seductive Crenshaw heir suggests a fake engagement to save them both—him from an unwanted marriage and her from scorn and financial ruin—Helena finds herself too fascinated to refuse the sexy American.

As their arrangement of convenience melts oh so deliciously into nights of passion, their deception starts to become real. But if Max knew the true reason Helena can never remarry, he wouldn’t look at her with such heat in his eyes. Or might the Crenshaw heir be willing to do whatever it takes to win the one woman he’s never been able to forget…

Praise for The Lady Tempts an Heir

“With sizzling chemistry, brilliant banter, and an unapologetically strong, feminist heroine, Harper St. George sets the pages ablaze!”—Christi Caldwell, USA Today bestselling author of Along Came a Lady

“Harper St. George just gets better and better with every book, penning the kind of page-turning stories that you will want to read again as soon as you finish each one. Max and Helena are my new favorite couple in the series.”—Lyssa Kay Adams, author of Isn’t it Bromantic?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Totally fabulous 

For various reasons both Helena and Maxwell need to be engaged so they agree to fake a courtship and engagement to get them both out of the situations they find themselves in but things don’t totally go to plan when their emotions become involved 

I totally loved this book from the very first page, Helena isn’t a traditional lady, she helps those less fortunate to herself including unwed mothers which society frowns upon and her determination to make a difference is what drew me to her so quickly. I loved to see how she changed and developed throughout the story becoming more the person who she could be and realising that maybe she can risk it all. Max is the son of an American steel tycoon and has come to London following news that his father was ill. His sisters were already married (and you absolutely must read their stories but anyways where was I) and living in the UK. He met Helena previously and she is the only person he could think that he would be happy to be fake engaged to and I found his evolution from a playboy type to a person who looks deeper and allows more emotions in really well written and devised and by the end I was team Max! 

Both Max and Helena are their own people and I think that is what drew me to their story, they can both function totally independently but together they have a chance and an opportunity to see what could happen and I really enjoyed seeing them learn more about themselves and each other. They both seemed so real to me, they leapt off the page and into my heart and I will admit to being sad to say goodbye to them at the end of the story 

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a more unconventional historical romance where the characters have a huge amount of personal development whist also fighting for what they believe in

AM 🐾 x

AMAZON | B & N | BOOKS-A-MILLION | BOOKSHOP | HUDSON BOOKSELLERS | INDIEBOUND | POWELL’S | TARGET | WALMART

About the Author

Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.

She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband’s amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at www.harperstgeorge.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

https://gleam.io/Edhg0/the-lady-tempts-an-heir

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

A Laird for the Governess by Catherine Tinley

A penniless governess

And the dour Laird of Ardmore

Lydia Farnham must travel to a remote Scottish island to work for widower Alasdair MacDonald, who doesn’t trust her or her unconventional teaching methods! Yet as his daughter flourishes, so, too, does the intense connection between Lydia and Alasdair. Only she should know better than to fall for the handsome laird when it could leave her without a job, or a home…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A tale of acceptance 

Lydia is a governess who m, through no fault of her own, has been dismissed from her position in London. She is offered a job on a remote Hebridean island in Scotland, teaching Mairead, a Lairds sickly child and whilst there she begins to find acceptance 

Lydia was one of my favourite heroines for a while, I think a part of me could see bits of me in her which drew me to her so easily. I loved how she integrated into island life but also her methods and her determination to do what’s right for Mairead over what she might want. She is kind but also determined, strong yet vulnerable and just so loveable. Alasdair (the Laird) was so not expecting Lydia when he advertised for a governess and he really struggles with her teaching methods, believing that being in a schoolroom is the best way to learn but as he starts to learn more about her, he starts to accept that actually she is very good at what she does and she is making a lot of difference to his daughters life. He is cautious but his main reason to be is because of Mairead and his love for her shines through and he is determined to make things better for his daughter. He is also very conscious of his role as Laird and throughout the book again and again we see his leadership come through but at the same time we see how much he is respected by those around him which made me warm to him and start to adore him as a character so quickly and that level of respect towards him as a character only got stronger as the story progressed

Whilst I loved both Lydia and Alasdair, I think my favourite character had to be Mairead. She is clever and determined, but also fun and full of life and she blossoms under Lydia’s tutelage. Lydia teaches in a way that works for Mairead where it doesn’t aways feel like education, such as counting chickens (and how many would be left if a fox got them) in the castle yards which encourages Mairead and lets her have a lot more faith in her abilities. I think Mairead also had the biggest change through the book becoming more confident and happier in herself as the story progressed 

The characters in this story really made it work for me, not just Lydia, Alasdair and Mairead but the supporting characters who live on the island. It looks at some of the realities of island life and the more I read the more I got pulled into that world and the characters lives. There is one possible spin off story that I would love to read but that may just be me not wanting to say goodbye! 

This book is full of ups and downs, twists and turns and the story and characters caught my attention and my heart from the very beginning. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a book that looks at the reality of life but through the eyes of some amazing characters who you will do quickly adore 

AM 🐾 x

Purchase Link – https://books2read.com/lairdgoverness

Author Bio 

Catherine Tinley is an award winning author of historical romance. She writes witty, heartwarming Regency love stories for Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her first book, Waltzing with the Earl, won the Rita Award for Best Historical Romance 2018, while Rags-to-Riches Wife won the RoNA Award for Best Historical Romance 2021 as well as the 2021 HOLT Medallion for Best Historical Romance.

She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings. After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, Sure Start, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, cats, and dog and can be reached at catherinetinley.com, on facebook, twitter, and instagram.

Social Media Links – https://linktr.ee/CTinley

Giveaway to Win Two signed copies of A Laird for the Governess (1 x UK/Ireland Winner, 1 INT Winner)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494477/? 

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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.

The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest by Virginia Heath

The earl she loved to hate…until she stayed in his mansion!

Sophie Gilbert has thwarted the standoffish new earl’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village which forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man. After the heartbreak in her past, it’s a revelation to feel her pulse racing and her body yearning for his touch…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fabulous

Rafe has inherited Hockley Hall and is determined to sell it so he and his brother Archie can live quietly together. Problem is that the villagers who live on the estate don’t like that plan because it happened to a neighbouring village that then got pulled down so they nominate Sophie to lead their rebellion 

Both Sophie and Rafe are strong, independent people who are doing what they think is right and it isn’t until an incident occurs that forces them together that they start to understand each other and as a result I liked both Sophie and Rafe. However they would both do things at times that would really really annoy me and would challenge my feelings towards them but then something would happen which would make me love them again. They aren’t traditional historical romance figures and I think that is something that I really liked about them, they were more like the ordinary person and as such they felt more real to me

There are a lot of different emotions running through this book and seeing how the characters dealt with that made them more genuine but it also showed who they truly were and how they coped. Sophie has a huge amount of upheaval and change and she comes away from it as a stronger person who I loved even more

A big shoutout must go to the cast of characters around Rafe and Sophie, from Archie and Aunt Jemima to the villagers, it all came together to make the story a totally addictive one that I adored

The various changes and challenges in this book pulled me in and had me all over the place and supporting everyone which to me shows the skill of Ms Heaths writing when it so easily could have ended another way 

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a romance with amazing characters who are loyal and determined and who you will quickly come to adore

AM 🐾 x

Purchase Link – https://books2read.com/veryvillage1   

Author Bio 

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty-two books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheathauthor

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/VirginiaHeath_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaheathwrites

Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest (Open INT)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494478/?

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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.