NetGalley REVIEW w/ INTERVIEW - The Importance of Being Scandalous (Tale of Two Sisters, #1) by Kimberly Bell

He’ll go along with her scheme, even if it means ruining them both.

The Importance of Being Scandalous
Tale of Two Sisters, #1

by Kimberly Bell

Releasing July 25^th 2017
Entangled Select

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING SCANDALOUS (Tale of Two Sisters, #1) . . . LOVED IT. LOVED IT. LOVED IT. I can’t seem to say it just once. I loved this read. I loved the boy next door. I loved the unacceptable girl next door. I loved that they were childhood friends. I loved they made it work for each other. I loved they found love with each other. I loved their romance. I loved the way their romance came about. I loved this read from beginning to end.

The Tale of Two Sisters series has gotten off to a wonderful start. I loved Amelia (Mia) and Julia the undesirable next-door-neighbor-girls. They were beautiful together and separate they still made an impact. The two were mischief, adventurous, and romantics. That made the read feel full of mischief, adventure, romance, scandal, fun and more. Nick being second in line has his own mind. His family wants nothing to do with the neighbors or scandal.

Getting to know Nick and Mia was fun. Their family dynamics added to the read. The other secondary characters made the read fuller and richer. The writing was smooth, clean, clear and enticing. I want more. I look forward to Julia’s story. I have some ideas. I want to see if they pan out.

Tale of Two Sisters series:

The Importance of Being Scandalous – Tale of Two Sisters, #1

A Scandal by Any Other Name – Tale of Two Sisters, #2

BlurbA horse race in trousers on Rotten Row. Visiting a gaming hall in a dress that would make her mother faint. Sneaking an invitation to a masquerade ball attended by only the wickedest, most debauched members of society…
None of these things are scaring off bookish but strong-willed Amelia Bishop’s stuffy, egotistical fiancé.

The only thing left is to entice childhood friend Nicholas Wakefield into a truly engagement-ending scandal. The Wakefields are the height of propriety, and Nicholas’s parents have made it clear a wife from the neighboring Bishop family would be unacceptable…

But Nicholas would give up his family and his fortune if Amelia would ever see him as more than just a childhood friend. He’ll go along with her scheme, even if it means ruining them both, because he’s got a plan that will change her mind about him being merely the boy next door.

Nicholas tried to stay close to Amelia when they insinuated themselves into the crowd around Lady Chisholm, but Amelia kept insisting they should stand apart. He strongly suspected she was trying to insulate him from the scandal she was about to cause. He had no one but himself to blame for her thinking that way. Their whole lives, he’d let his family name hold too much sway. Somehow, he would have to convince her things were different now.

“I rather like the new styles from the continent,” some young miss made the mistake of saying.

“Nonsense,” Lady Chisholm barked. “They stray much too far from tradition.”

From the other side of the group, Amelia spoke up. “I don’t think they stray nearly far enough.”

“Excuse me?” Lady Chisholm gasped.

“I said I don’t think they stray nearly far enough.”

“I heard you, Lady Amelia. I only hoped I was mistaken.”

Amelia frowned. Nicholas thought she might give up, but then her shoulders straightened and she lifted her chin. “Are you mistaken often?”

“Rarely.” Montrose’s aunt peered at Amelia. “And what do you imagine might be appropriate attire for a young lady?”

“Trousers,” Amelia announced.

A murmur went up through the crowd. It was everything Nicholas could do to hold in a laugh. All the more so because he knew Amelia was being honest. In this regard, he was on Lady Chisholm’s side. He’d seen Amelia in trousers a number of times and he knew how distracting it was. Were it to become a popular trend in women’s fashion, the entire country would devolve into anarchy inside a week.

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Kimberly Bell writes historical romance from her cabin in South Lake Tahoe or the beaches of Southern California (it’s a super tough life).

She's a pretty hardcore introvert that loves dogs, cheeseburgers, and occasional day drinking. She also spends way too much time on twitter because she thinks she's super hilarious and she’s trying to get that rumor to catch on.

MY INTERVIEW WITH KIMBERLY BELL

How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work? 

My books all end up being funny, feminist historical romances. They also tend to be a fast read because I use a lot of quick-flowing dialogue.

What are some of your writing/publishing goals for this year?

I just finished the first five books I contracted two years ago, so this year is about taking a short breather and then knocking out the next three-book series.

Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally for you? 

Definitely a natural thing. I'm starting to pick up some deliberate craft techniques now, but my first book was my first attempt at writing a book, and I worry about -over-training and losing whatever that spark was that people saw in the first book.

Do you have a character that you have been working on for a long time that still isn't quite ready, but fills you with excitement to work on the story?

I don't have any that I have worked on a long time, but I do have a few I won't be able to get to for a few years, if at all. Every once in awhile their story comes at me louder than before, and I get a ton of new ideas for it.

If you could spend one-week with 5 fictional character, who would they be?

Oh, man. In no particular order: Hermione Granger, Sherlock Holmes (in Robert Downey Jr. or Benedict Cumberbatch form. I'm not picky), Jamie Fraser from Outlander, River Tam from Firefly, and Olivia Pope from Scandal.

Where would you spend one full year, if you could go ANYWhere?

Bed? :P Probably Italy. I haven't been yet, but it already has my favorite food, coffee, fashion, and architecture.

What would you do with this time?

Learn Italian, gain 50 pounds, and see every fresco in the country. 

Can you share you next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details?

I just finished edits on my fifth book, the sequel to The Importance of Being Scandalous that features Julia as the leading lady, and now I'm working out the details on a companion series that starts with a book for Jasper's twin-sister, Ruby.

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NetGalley REVIEW - My Hellion, My Heart (Lords of Essex, #3) by Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan

He fought battles for crown and country. She waged war for his heart.

My Hellion, My Heart
Lords of Essex, #3

by Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan

Releasing July 24^th 2017
Entangled Select

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . .. MY HELLION, MY HEART (Lords of Essex, #3) . . . I found so much to love about this third installment in the Lord of Essex series. I did not find an overwhelming connection to the previous books that would require one be familiar with them before reading this one. I did love Irina was my hero. She was daring, courageous, feisty, headstrong, intelligent, sassy and pure woman-on-a-mission. Henry had no idea what hit him and how it hit him so hard. He has loved her from afar and was determined she needed better. She was not going to settle for less than she felt she desired. And she felt she deserved Henry.

I loved the entanglements that Irina got into. I loved her wit, charm, and spunk. She kept the story moving for me and that was the best part for me. I found a bit of intrigue around a few corners and a bit of a surprise or disappointment. I guess that would be determined on how your mind work when reading.

Full steam ahead. For me this one has topped the cookie jar. Pick this one up and let the Lords of Essex take you on a journey to forever.

Lords of Essex series: 

My Rogue, My Ruin – Lords of Essex, #1

My Darling, My Disaster – Lords of Essex, #2

My Hellion, My Heart – Lords of Essex, #3

BlurbHe fought battles for crown and country. She waged war for his heart.

Lord Henry Radcliffe, the scarred but sinfully sexy Earl of Langlevit, is a beast. The only way Henry can exorcise the demons of his war-ravaged past is through intense physicality. In and out of bed. An endeavor that has no shortage of willing participants.

Intent on scandalizing London, Princess Irina Volkonsky is a hellion and every gentleman’s deepest desire...except for one. Irina knows better than to provoke the wickedly forbidding earl, but she will stop at nothing short of ruination to win the heart of the only man she’s ever loved.

But when one scandalous kiss makes dangerous passions ignite, neither of them can fight their sizzling attraction. When a sinister plot emerges to threaten them both, they will have to fight one last battle, this time for the ultimate prize...love.

 

“You’re good with children,” her sister commented as they left. “You should think about having some of your own.”

“I am content with yours, thank you.”

“Irina—”She stood, raising a hand and strode back to the window.

“I don’t want to fight with you about this, Lana. The truth is I have no interest in marrying anyone. And, yes, I do intend for London to be a repeat of Paris: diverting and fun. I won’t be anyone’s trophy.”

“Is it because of Lord Langlevit?”

Irina’s breath halted painfully in her lungs. She turned to face her sister, composing her face into a mask of indifference. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve carried a tendre for him for five years,” Lana said quietly. “Ever since you were fourteen. I suspect you still carry it, which is why no one else can measure up.”

A hundred reasons, excuses, words popped into Irina’s brain. Her sister had always been able to see right through her. She settled for four hard ones. “You mean my infatuation.”

“That doesn’t mean your feelings weren’t real.” Her sister rose unsteadily and met her at the window as Irina’s fingers wound into the folds of her skirts. “Certain events draw people close, tying them together in inexplicable ways. It’s not surprising that you...cared for Henry.”

“Hopelessly unrequited, as it were.”

“Be that as it may,” Lana said. “Henry is not the same man you knew, and I know you can see that for yourself. He has changed.”

“Because of France,” Irina whispered.

Lana nodded. “He’s never confided in me, but yes, Lady Langlevit has suggested that what happened to him is beyond understanding. I fear much of him was lost there.” She pulled Irina close. “I don’t want you to lose your heart to him and have it broken. You cannot save him, no matter how much you may wish to.” Her voice wavered. “Trust me, Henry does not want to be saved.”

“How do you know?”

“Because he told me so.”

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Amalie Howard’s love of romance developed after she started pilfering her grandmother’s novels in high school when she should have been studying. She has no regrets. A #1 Amazon bestseller and a national IPPY silver medalist, she is the author of My Rogue, My Ruin, the first in the Lords of Essex historical romance series, as well as several award-winning young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid’s IndieNext pick. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Visit her website for the latest news and information.

Angie Morgan lives in New Hampshire with her husband, their three daughters, a menagerie of pets, and an extensive collection of paperback romance novels. She’s the author of MY ROGUE, MY RUIN, the first book in the Lords of Essex historical romance series, as well as several young adult books, including The Dispossessed series written under the name Page Morgan. Critically acclaimed by Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, VOYA, and The Bulletin, Angie’s novels have been an IndieNext selection, a Seventeen Magazine Summer Book Club Read, and a #1 Amazon bestseller. Visit her website for the latest news and information

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NetGalley REVIEW - Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love, #3) by Callie Hutton

Forbidden fruit never tasted so sweet...

Denying the Duke
Lords and Ladies in Love, #3

by Callie Hutton

Releasing July 10^th 2017
Entangled Scandalous

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . DENYING THE DUKE (Lords and Ladies in Love, #3) . . . Second chance at your first love has a long hard road to travel through betrayal, deceit, pain, and conflicting emotions and hesitations. Alex was just a second son that fell in love with the wrong lady. She becomes promised to his older brother. The brother that will received the title. Unwilling to stick around and just accept what was to be he went out in the world to make something of himself and forget. He never dreamed that he would have to come back home to become duke or to find that his one love was never married and wanted nothing to do with him. Tired of being told what to do and how to do it, Patience wants to have nothing to do with the man that destroyed her world with one simple act. Even with her heart longing to be near him she refuses to just give in to his return.

This was a beautiful read in a second chance romance that was a road wore down by life, abuse, pain, sights seen and unseen. Alex and Patience have to overcome more than just the past they have an enemy out there looking to take away their possible happiness.

A historical romance that brings you to why you read romance. There was pain, sorrow, betrayal, deceit, romance, growth and more.  

Lords and Ladies in Love series:

Seducing the Marquess – Lords and Ladies in Love, #1

Marrying the Wrong Earl – Lords and Ladies in Love, #2

Denying the Duke – Lords and Ladies in Love, #3

Blurb

Four years ago, Alex, a second son, had planned a life together with Lady Patience. However, when Patience was betrothed to his brother, the heir, Alex left his family’s estate and joined the military.

Alex returns to assume the title Duke of Bedford when his brother unexpectedly dies. He is unprepared for both his new responsibilities and the reunion with Patience. The horrors of war are a heavy burden, and when he learns that Patience never married his brother, he is stunned.

Patience withstood the bullying of her fiancé and her father for four long years. She refuses to marry Alex just because he’s the duke, especially if he no longer loves her. How would that be better than what she has already endured? Promises made in their youth are not enough to overcome the changes life has wrought for them but love can grow and transform, if only Patience could believe that.

Dragging his thoughts back to the present, he walked from the church graveyard where all the Dukes of Bedford were buried in the family mausoleum, to the Abbey, his boots making a sucking sound in the mud.

He stopped on the stone pathway and studied the building. It looked exactly as it had all his life, and for generations before that. He, however, had changed significantly from the angry, brokenhearted young man who had left. War had carved him into a bitter, bedeviled-by-ghosts man. No softness remained from that addlepated young man in love.

Precisely how he liked it.

Patience, otherwise known as the Duchess of Bedford, would be holding court for the mourners who had come to comfort her on the death of her husband. Since he’d had no contact with his family in the four years he’d been gone, he had no idea if she and Cyrus had children. Of course, there wasn’t a son, or Alex would not have been summoned home to take up his duties as the new Duke of Bedford.

He snorted. One could only hope the pater was spinning in his grave as the prodigal son returned to assume the title he’d held so dear. He no more desired to be the duke than his father would have wanted him to be.

His thoughts returned to the Duchess of Bedford. It seemed nothing had changed since he left. Under the law, as his brother’s widow, Patience was just as off-limits to him as she had been as Cyrus’s betrothed. Of course, he had no reason to believe he still felt the same about her as he had four years ago. That Alex was dead, and he had the vile memories and dark dreams to prove it.

Before he could reach for the front door latch, the door opened. A new butler, unknown to him, stood there, stiff as a board. “Welcome home, Your Grace.”

Your Grace.

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USA Today bestselling author, Callie Hutton, author of more than twenty-five historical romance books, writes humorous and spicy Regency with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with two rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. And her almost three year old twin grandsons “The Twinadoes.”  Find her online at her Website, for a complete list of all her books and sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests and exclusive subscriber content.

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