romance

Vacation Book #3: The Governess Club: Claire, by Ellie Macdonald

/ Cheryl Harper / Leave a comment

GCI don’t remember where I first saw this cover, but it’s so pretty that I remembered it. That’s a good cover! So it was one of the early purchases I made in my recent book buying binge and yesterday it was my reward for a frustrating too-many hours. What I enjoyed most was the twist on a popular Regency romance setup. I’ve read more than one story with a down-on-her-luck lady is working in service. I like these heroines because they’re usually independent and strong enough to take care of themselves even against heavy odds. What I haven’t seen is an earl serving as a tutor. He’s been forced to find a job (oh dear) and it offers the perfect hiding place. Jacob’s arrogance almost betrays him until Claire corrects him. Their relationship has this feeling of what might happen below stairs. I love a good ball as much as any historical reader, but I enjoyed how The Governess Club: Claire showed romance in the servant’s quarters as well.

Also, it’s the beginning of a series. Visit elliemacdonald.com to find out about the next books!

About the book:

For fans of Christina Dodd and Elizabeth Boyle. Claire Bannister just wants to be a good teacher so that she and the other ladies of the Governess Club can make enough money to leave their jobs and start their own school in the country. But when the new sinfully handsome and utterly distracting tutor arrives, Claire finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance that could change the course of her future.  Jacob Knightly has a secret. He is actually the notorious Earl of Rimmel. He’s just posing as a tutor to escape his reputation in the city. He never expected to fall in love with the kind and beautiful governess. She is the first person to love him for himself and not his title. But when Jacob’s true identity is revealed, Claire realizes she has risked her reputation and her heart on a man she doesn’t truly know. Will Jacob be able to convince her that the Wild Earl has been tamed and that she is the true countess of his heart?

Vacation Book #2: The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks

/ Cheryl Harper / 2 Comments

VWDDThe second book I snatched up after I sent in Round 1 revisions on Santa, Bring My Baby Back was The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks. I really enjoyed Howard the doughnut-eating bear shifter and his match Elsa’s story so I was looking forward to Dougal the Scottish, be-kilted vampire. There were (at least) three things that made this such an enjoyable read:

1. The cast of characters. Since it’s number 14 in the series, you’ve had a chance to meet and really love a big variety of heroes and heroines so it’s nice to see their stories continue.

2. The humor. I laughed at Dougal and his muskrat sporran. Also, Laszlo and his buttons and his fox shifter (who has the funniest line in the book in my opinion)…so cute. I’m going to try to remember to use “Do you expect me to turn a kumquat into caviar?” in everyday conversation. Let’s try to make this happen.

3. International scope. I don’t read much of anything with Japanese or Chinese settings. I’m not sure why that is, but visiting the Tiger shifters and Japan were really interesting, unusual places that I don’t see a lot of.

But besides all that, what you have here is a big, tough, wounded guy who is such a romantic. And even if Leah is oblivious to a lot of things, she doesn’t stand a chance against that. Lucky! The ending was emotional (I sniffled) and satisfying.

About the book:

He’s Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he’s ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There’s even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal’s gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

 

Can’t Help Falling in Love Excerpt: The Bookstore Kiss

/ Cheryl Harper / Leave a comment

His face was determined as he leaned towards her, and she lost her breath because it looked like he was going to kiss her.

Then he did, his lips a warm shock against hers.

This kiss was a sweet hello. His lips settled on hers in an easy slide. When she gripped his shoulders and tried to pull him closer, he smiled against her lips and his tongue was a quick tease over her bottom lip before he rested his forehead against hers. Randa didn’t move. She was afraid to. He was going to step back, and she didn’t want him to. She wanted to stay right here with him. Finally he took a deep breath and leaned back just enough to look her in the eyes. “There’s this one other thing I’ve been dying to do.”

“Yes.” Randa nodded her head. She had no idea what it was, but she was ready.

Tony squeezed his eyes shut for just a second. The sound he made when he opened them again was somewhere between a laugh and a moan. Maybe it was both. Randa understood exactly what that felt like.

He pressed forward to kiss her again, his hand a hot support against the back of her head and his lips aggressively seductive. This time he coaxed her lips open and teased her tongue with his. Each tentative touch sent a shiver of awareness through her. She wanted to press her breasts against his chest, get closer, so much closer, but the seat belt pinned her down. Her breath was long gone when Tony ended the kiss, his breath coming in quiet pants as he stared into her eyes, but when his hand rested on her knee she tried to gasp. And when he touched her thigh, lightly rubbing his hand on bare skin, she lost her mind.

She actually bit her lip to keep from moaning like a porn star. Because a man touched her thigh. It was a little like she was back in high school but so much hotter.

Seduced in front of a bookstore. Did it get any better? More private, certainly. But better, no way. Tony’s eyes were hot as he stared down at her.

Randa squeezed the hand on her thigh and said, “Satisfied?”

The look in his eyes was predatory. Tony shook his head. “No way. Not even close.”

Randa licked her lips. “Good. Me either.”