Wednesday, 1 May 2019

New Release Spotlight: The Sins of the Sire by Emily Royal



The Sins of the Sire by Emily Royal
Two years ago, English noblewoman, Elyssia De Montford, risked her life to free the Highlander held prisoner by her sadistic fiancĂ©. She cannot forget the man who first stirred her heart–a memory that burns anew when she finds herself once more on the road to Scotland.
Tavish MacLean has sworn vengeance. It’s been six years since his beloved sister was raped and murdered by an English lord, a tragedy which almost destroyed his family. On his deathbed, his father demanded retribution and Tavish pledged before his clan to enslave the lord’s daughter then send her back to her father, pregnant with a Scottish bastard. When he learns that she is travelling north, he seizes his opportunity and orders her abduction.
But when his men fling the prisoner before him, Tavish recognises Elyssia, the woman who once saved his life. Loyalty to his clan trumps the debt he owes her and he claims Elyssia as his captive. Though she’s one of the hated English, her willing body ignites passion in him at night, though she fights him at every turn during the day. As time passes, he questions his loyalty, finding himself increasingly enthralled by his fiery captive.
Treachery surrounds Clan MacLean. When long-buried secrets come to light, Tavish must risk his life and his clan, or all that he holds dear will be destroyed.

Amazon UK      Amazon US 


Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, UK and has always had a passion for romance and strong alpha heroes. After graduating from Oxford University and enjoying a brief dream of becoming an airline pilot, she started a career in financial services in order to indulge her love of mathematics.

She now lives in rural Scotland with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. She reignited her passion for romance when she joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association under their New Writers’ Scheme.

When not working on algebra or keeping Twinkle from slithering over the keyboard, Emily enjoys painting and playing the piano. She can often be found wandering about the hills of Scotland looking for inspiration.


Twitter: @eroyalauthor


Emily Royal is running two giveaways for newsletter subscribers:
Giveaway #1 - notebook + mug with cover image + Scottish treats (UK only)

Giveaway #2 - notebook + 2 Scottish coasters (International)

So long as you are on Emily Royal’s mailing list by 10th May when the draw is happening, you will be eligible to win.




Tuesday, 30 April 2019

Release Day Spotlight & Review: Anything But A Duke by Christy Carlyle



ANYTHING BUT A DUKE
Avon Books | On Sale: 4/30/19
Mass Market | ISBN:  9780062853974 |$7.99
Also available in E-Book | E-Book ISBN:  9780062854001



Self-made man Aidan Iverson has seen more closed doors in his thirty years than he’s ever cared to count. As a member of the elite Duke’s Den, he has all the money he could possibly need. However, the one thing he can’t purchase is true power. If roguish Aidan can’t buy his way into society’s hallowed halls, he’ll resort to a more extreme measure: marriage.
Brought up to be a proper lady, the only thing Diana Ashby desires is to be left alone. Knowing his desire to enter her world, Diana strikes a deal to arrange Aidan’s marriage to the perfect lady—as long as that lady isn’t her. As Diana and Aidan set out to find him an aristocratic match, neither are prepared for the passion that ignites between them or the love they can’t ignore.

* Publishers Weekly: “Fans of historical romance with strong, intelligent heroines will adore this novel, in which emotionally vulnerable, highly motivated characters complete the sensuous story.” Full Review
* Kirkus Reviews: “Mature, interesting, and romantic protagonists elevate a familiar story.” Full review




Anything But A Duke is the second novel in the Duke's Den series and a standalone. 

Aiden Iverson has achieved much during his life, despite his poor upbringing. He's rich and successful, however, without a title, he's unable to achieve the social status he needs to further his business ambitions. So, when it's suggested to him to find a wife from a noble family, he decides the idea has merit. If only, he could get the young woman who saved his life, out of his mind! 

Diana Ashby has had a charmed life and upbringing and privileged education. She's inherited her late father's enthusiasm for inventions and she's determined to follow her dreams to become a renowned inventor. However, with family funds at a critically low level, she agrees to marry if she fails to secure an investor for her latest invention. With a coveted invitation to the Duke's Den to present her current idea to them, she comes face to face with the gentleman she saved...the one she can't get out of her mind. Her bid fails, but after a proposition, she can't refuse, the result far exceeds her wildest dreams. 

Slow burn romances are a favourite of mine and Diana and Aiden spend most of their time trying to ignore their desires for each other. Both hope to gain what they want as they work together, but the result is the opposite either expected...or was it? 

Set during the early years of Queen Victoria's reign, I particularly enjoyed getting to know Diana Ashby. A woman who enjoyed creating inventions rather pursue activities more associated with young ladies of the time. Within the novel, the author mentions in passing, a Lady Lovelace, a woman acquainted with Aiden Iverson. Even without the mention of this name, I have wondered if this pioneering woman (presuming it's a reference to Lady Ada Lovelace) was the inspiration for the character of Diana. Their work and interests differ, but both were actively working and researching in a world dominated by men. Truly inspirational and an added dimension to this story I appreciated. 

Overall, a well thought out and enticing narrative with a sizzling undercurrent of romance. This is my first novel by this author and I definitely need to read more in this series. 

***arc received courtesy of Avon via Edelweiss+***




Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings. For information please visit: http://christycarlyle.com/


PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES
A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING (ISBN: 9780062853950)