Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Bargaining With A Rake (A Whisper Of Scandal series) Book 1

By: Julie Johnstone


It will be difficult for the Duke of Kingsley (aka the Duke of Death) to re-enter society after an 11 year absence. The death of his wife has yet to be resolved and so we can count on the ton to make the worst of what is out there...only the duke and eldest daughter, Gillian, know what happened the night the duchess when over the cliff. Young Whitney does not recall the events of that night. 

Since returning to London, Gllian has received anonymous notes warning them not to re-enter society or the true story of what happened that night will be made public. And you will ask, who else was there? 

Father wants his daughters wed before the story becomes exacerbated thus ruining any chance of an advantageous ($$$$) match. Gillian met a fine specimen of a man behind some drapes as she hid from her father and his choice of suitor, the evil Mallorian. Later her friend, Sally, reintroduces her to the man who stole a kiss from her when she was 8 years old, Alex-Lord Lionhurst, who also hides in drapes from anxious, amorous females.  She is looking for his busienss partner, Drake. If she weds him, she can have a secure life and have her sister live away from scrutiny and accusations with her in America.

The story becomes very exciting as potential suitors try to make their play, the blackmailer makes some bold moves that affects several characters. I really enjoyed this drama, romance, mystery. There are sinister characters. There are humorous characters.  I can highly recommend this series as I have read it three times now. I also recommend the Audible narration by Tristan Hunt.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

The Secret Of Love Book 3 Rakes & Rebels: The Ravaneau Family

By: Cynthia Wright


She fell in love with Gabriel as a young girl 'I am going to marry him she tells Moette.

Let me just preface my review by saying that you must get the Audible narration to play along as you read. The French Tim Campbell has flawlessly created the characters-and ladies there is nothing like this voice a-la French.

He did not recognize the lady who had been on the plump side, had become a striking beauty and accomplished landscape artist. Four years ago she suggested he hide his portrait of King Francios I in a remote smugglers underground locker on her brother, Sebastian's, Trevarre estate. Now he's back to retrieve it and return it safely to France.

Lady Isabella 'Izzie' Trevarre is hiding secrets. One is her renewed attraction for Gabriel St. Briac, smuggler and rogue. Four years only made him more handsome and exciting. The second is her knowledge of who stole the portrait of the king of France, painted by Leonardo da Vinci. She reasons that her knowledge of art, especially da Vinci, will help Gabriel locate his only claim to family without revealing all she knows. She, and her dedicated maid, stow away on his ship only to be discovered before making landfall in France. And the journey commences across land to his home, all the while being pursued by Lt. Lynton, Customs Agent. He claims she has been kidnapped but he is vengeful after she repeatedly refused his addresses.

As their journey continues, they stop at his brother, Justin's, home where he brazenly attempts to seduce Izzie-all the better to get his little brother's ire up and open his eyes to love. Mother and father St. Briac are hilarious. Mother's intuition sends them on to Chateaux du Soleil, castle of King Francios I, where they learn that fairy tales sometimes do come true. But first the true culprit takes Izzie and Gabriel must save her because she means more to him than the da Vinci.

The author eloquently created characters and flawless physical descriptions. The story moved and presented exciting twists and turns. Her plotlines will stand the test of time and you will want to re-read this fine manuscript frequently