Monday, 11 November 2019

New Release Spotlight, and Review: This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman




This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman

Introducing the Bow Street Bachelors—men who work undercover for London’s first official police force—and the women they serve to protect. . .and wed?

Shipping heiress Georgiana Caversteed is done with men who covet her purse more than her person. Even worse than the ton’s lecherous fortune hunters, however, is the cruel cousin determined to force Georgie into marriage. If only she could find a way to be . . . widowed? Georgie hatches a madcap scheme to wed a condemned criminal before he’s set to be executed. All she has to do is find an eligible bachelor in prison to marry her, and she’ll be free. What could possibly go wrong?

Benedict William Henry Wylde, scapegrace second son of the late Earl of Morcott and well-known rake, is in Newgate prison undercover, working for Bow Street. Georgie doesn’t realize who he is when she marries him—and she most certainly never expects to bump into her very-much-alive, and very handsome, husband of convenience at a society gathering weeks later. Soon Wylde finds himself courting his own wife, hoping to win her heart since he already has her hand. But how can this seductive rogue convince brazen, beautiful Georgie that he wants to be together…until actual death do they part?

 https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250305961


This is my first Kate Bateman novel and it's fabulous.

Georgiana Caversteed needs a husband to prevent her greedy cousin from snatching her inheritance away from her. Therefore, she hatches a plan which involves marrying a convict destined for the gallows at Newgate prison. However, the man she never expected to see again after her marriage isn't executed… he's very much alive, as is the memory of the kiss they shared to seal their devious contract.

I love the refreshing originality of the plot, it's unlike anything I've read previously. I devoured it in one sitting because I couldn't tear myself away. Georgiana is a strong and determined heroine, even though her idea to foil her cousin wasn't her finest hour. Benedict Wylde is a fine specimen of a hero and proves to be an honourable gentleman. His background suggests he'll try to outwit his newly acquired wife, but instead, he supports and respects her in her capacity as a business owner. Together, they make an exciting and intriguing couple.

In some way, what's possible for a woman to achieve nowadays compared to the nineteenth century differs greatly and I wonder if Georgiana achievements could be possible. Yet, I respect the author's vision for her leading lady because it created such an exhilarating story.

I'm patiently waiting for the next instalment of this wonderful new series but meanwhile, I'll pick up some of the author's other works.

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***





Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA® nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, and the novels in the Secrets & Spies series To Steal a Heart, A Raven’s Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart. When not writing novels that feature feisty, intelligent heroines and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss, Kate works as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several popular TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England. Follow her on Twitter to learn more.




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Location: Sundebru, Norway

Book Blog Tour Stop and Extract: Outreach by Shelly Berry



Outreach by Shelly Berry
When Emily was offered a new job in London, she was sure that her life was about to change – new friends, a career in the big city and the boyfriend she always wanted.

Her new life turns out to be more complicated than she expected. Her flatmates don’t understand her. Her colleagues mock everything about her. Even her father doesn’t support her. The only person who offers her any encouragement is David.

He’s married. He’s her manager. To Emily it’s clear that they have something special. As their relationship develops, everyone seems to want to sabotage their chances.

But some things are meant to be...


“So… what do you think?”
The question was out before I’d even shut the office door behind me. I turned around to see Eric hunched over a cigarette he was rolling. I tried to ignore my own craving for nicotine and pushed on.
“Refreshing, wasn’t she?”
Eric peered up at me over the glasses perched on the end of his nose.
“Well, that’s one word for her. Inexperienced is another.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“What? What happened to getting in fresh blood? A team of eager beavers who we can mould before they become carbon copies of our cynical old selves?” I slid into the chair opposite, where the girl in question had been sat only minutes before, and smiled at my manager mischievously. “Besides, with all that enthusiasm, she’ll be much harder to burn out.”
Eric shook his head and he eased himself out of his chair.
“Very funny David. And, whilst I admit, the energy she had clearly put into researching things she had no practical experience of is very impressive, I’m not convinced she’s up to it.”
“But isn’t that why we have a probation period?” I suggested, my hands held up in what I hoped was a diplomatic stance. Eric regarded me as he edged his way around the table towards the door. I gave him my widest smile, but the narrowing of his eyes told me that this time good humour alone wasn’t going to work.
“Well, whoever we give the job to, they’ll end up in your team, so it’s your hands that will be full if they struggle.”
I grasped a hand to my chest, my mouth open.
“Struggle? Once I’ve got my hands on her? Never!”
Eric rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his rounded stomach.
“You know what I mean. But,” He added with a point of his roll-up before I had time to protest, “I can see your point too. She was very impressive. I just don’t know if she’s a little timid and, well, naïve. But never mind that. I need a fag – and a cup of tea.”
He raised his eyebrows as he looked at his empty mug pointedly. I grinned again.
“Anything for my old mate Eric.”
Ignoring his groan, I held the door open for him before striding towards the kitchen. Swiftly I pulled out two mugs, diligently dished out tea bags and sugar, and filled them carefully from the urn above the sink, already precariously piled with crockery after the breakfast rush. I couldn’t help but smile to myself as I thought of her. So keen, so earnest, and more than eager to please. And that shy way of looking at me was hard not to take as a compliment. As I added the milk, I glanced at my reflection in the window. I hadn’t changed much since I was her age, physically anyway, but I was getting more and more aware of those greys, those lines clustered around my eyes and mouth, and the increasing snugness of the Levis that I’d already had to increase the waist size of in the last few years. Whilst I wasn’t about to admit to anyone else, seeing a twentysomething blush when I smiled at her was a real boost to the ego.
“Er, excuse me? Where are the biscuits?”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“In the biscuit tin. Where they are staying, if you’re serious about doing something about that.” I pointed at Eric’s stomach, and laughed again at his mumbled retort. “Anyway, shall I go and see if the next candidate has arrived yet?”
Eric slurped noisily at his tea.
“Go on then. And, David, one more thing.”
I turned from the door that I’d already half opened. Eric hesitated, his uncertainty clear in his tired eyes. I couldn’t help but soften. Eric had been a great manager since I started and, as we had got to know each other, a close friend. In our daily banter I sometimes forgot how hard his life had been – and how much the past was impacting his health now. I let the door close again.
“What’s up?”
He carefully spread his hands on the table.
“If we do offer Emily a job… just be careful.” He glanced up at me and frowned at my clear confusion. “I saw the way she looked at you David. It’s an overgrown schoolgirl crush waiting to happen. And I know how you like a bit of a flirt…”
My laughter was louder now, if for no reason than to hide my unease. Eric really knew me better that I’d like him to sometimes.
“Oh Eric, you have nothing to worry about. I know how to handle young women like, what did you say her name was? Emily?”
Eric nodded slowly.
“Well, honestly, it will be fine. Besides, everyone has crushes when they are young, right? Or even at our age? Or is it that it - you just want me all to yourself?”

I laughed again, walking out the office before he could respond, and strode over to the duty desk. Eric really did worry too much. Even if Emily did develop a crush on me, what was the big deal?


 Shelly Berry lives in Waltham Forest, London. Having gained a BA Joint Honours Degree in Visual Art and Sociology at Keele University and a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, she has since worked in the public sector with vulnerable adults and children – including those affected by mental illness, drug and alcohol misuse, disability, criminal behaviour, homelessness and domestic and sexual abuse. During this time, Shelly developed and nurtured her love of writing. As well as writing fiction, she has previously written for a number of blogs and now writes for the Waltham Forest Echo.

twitter @ShellyBerryUK
Author Photo credit Bianca Kirby.

 Giveaway to Win – 5 x PB copies of Outreach (UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK 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.

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Location: Sundebru, Norway
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