Susan's Review of When the Marquess Mine by Caroline Linden

In the game of love…

Georgiana Lucas despises the arrogant and cruel Marquess of Westmorland even before learning that he's won the deed to her friend Kitty's home in a card game. Still, Georgiana assures Kitty the marquess wouldn't possibly come all the way to Derbyshire to throw them out—until he shows up, bloody and unconscious. Fearing that Kitty would rather see him die, Georgiana blurts out that he's her fiancé. She'll nurse the hateful man back to health and make him vow to leave and never return. The man who wakes up, though, is nothing like the heartless rogue Georgiana thought she knew…

You have to risk it all
He wakes up with no memory of being assaulted—or of who he is. The bewitching beauty tending him so devotedly calls him Rob and claims she's his fiancée even as she avoids his touch. Though he can't remember how he won her hand, he's now determined to win her heart. But as his memory returns and the truth is revealed, Rob must decide if the game is up—or if he'll take a chance on a love that defies all odds.



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Caroline Linden’s When the Marquess was Mine is the third novel in the Wagers of Sins series. It features socialite Georgiana Lucas and Rob, the Marquess of Westmoreland. I adored the well-paced romance that developed between Georgiana and Rob; loved the couple’s conversations and their chemistry sizzled. There was one slight problem—Georgie was engaged to someone else!

Sir Charles Winston has joined a card game at the Vega Club. He’s in over his head at a game of loo, wagers his home and loses to it to Robert Churchill-Gray, the Marquess of Westmorland. Georgina Lucas is enjoying a long visit with her friend Kitty in the country; the visit is interrupted when an urgent letter arrives from Kitty’s husband. Sir Charles has written to his wife to warn her that the Marquess may arrive at their country home-and warns her not to let him in.

Georgiana tells Kitty that the Marquess would not travel to the country to evict them-he’s too busy gambling and drinking in London. Georgiana is surprised to find Westmorland beaten, bloody and left for dead. She brings him to Kitty’s home and tells everyone that he’s her fiancé, Viscount Sterling. This ruse worked because Rob is suffering from amnesia. Loved that this plot twist put Georgiana and Rob is close company; Georgiana realized that she had misjudged Rob and was falling in love with him. Caroline Linden’s descriptive writing shines as the couple falls deeply in love.

The arrival of Lord Thomas Churchill-Gray adds another layer to the complex storyline. Thomas has been searching for his brother. He confronts Georgiana and they agree to meet the next day. Rob recognizes his brother and understands that he is not Georgiana’s fiancée-he’s the evil Lord Westmoreland!

Loved the complication of Georgiana’s engagement to Sterling played in the novel. I had wondered if he was a fictional character because he was mentioned, but not seen. Sterling and Georgiana’s step brother, Alistair are keeping a secret that threatens her financial security. Loved that Georgiana’s friend Sophie devised a fabulous plan to bring down Alistair at the Vega Club. The conclusion to the novel is perfectly paced – and full of tension and intrigue. Tempers rose as the pot increased with each deal of the cards, fortunes were wagered and accusations were made when the winner claimed the pot.

I highly recommend When the Marquess was Mine! Kudos to Caroline Linden for creating an original story filled with passion, intrigue and a bit of wagering! And the conclusion is perfect for the couple—just perfect!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the Author

Susan's Review of An Earl like You by Caroline Linden-- Wagers of Sin Book 2

When you gamble at love...

When Hugh Deveraux discovers his newly inherited earldom is bankrupt, he sets about rebuilding the family fortune—in the gaming hells of London. But the most daring wager he takes isn't at cards. A wealthy tradesman makes a tantalizing offer: marry the man's spinster daughter, and Hugh's debts will be paid and his fortune made. The only catch is that she must never know about their agreement.

You risk losing your heart...

Heiress Eliza Cross has given up hope of marriage until she meets the impossibly handsome Earl of Hastings, her father's new business partner. The earl is everything a gentleman should be, and is boldly attentive to her. It doesn't take long for Eliza to lose her heart and marry him.

But when Eliza discovers that there is more to the man she loves—and to her marriage—her trust is shattered. And it will take all of Hugh's power to prove that now his words of love are real.

An Earl Like You is a captivating marriage of convenience romance with a twist or two! The novel is well paced and the dialogue is superbly written. The enchanting love story which developed between Hugh Deveraux and Eliza Cross kept me turning the pages.

Hugh Deveraux, the Earl of Hastings, did not inherited a grand estate when his father passed. All of his family homes are mortgaged, his sister’s dowries are non-existent and he’s barely one step ahead of his creditors. Hugh leases out his family’s country estate and moves his mother and sisters to London. Society believes Hugh has come to town in search of a wife but, he travelled to London for a different reason. The Vega House, an upscale gambling salon, is located in London. Hugh is an astute card player and his plan is to win enough money to restore the family fortune.

Eliza Cross is the only child of Edward Cross, a wealthy business man. His fortune was made speculating on items during the British war. Cross is devoted to his daughter and sent her to Miss Upton’s Academy where she met her best friends Sophie and Georgiana. Eliza was aware that she was an heiress, not a lady, and preferred a quiet life in the country tending to her gardens and playing with her mischievous dog. I adored Eliza; she’s warm, friendly and caring—not the usual historical heroine.

Edward and Hugh cross paths at the Vega Club. Hugh makes a strategic error by staying in a card game. He should have taken his winnings and left the table. Instead, he has lost a huge amount of money. Cross passes along some information regarding Alderson, the man who won the card game to Hugh.

Was this meeting at the Vega Club a coincidence? Hugh accepts a dinner invitation from Edward Cross. He enjoys talking with Edward Cross’s shy daughter, Eliza. Cross has bought up Hugh’s debts and makes him an offer he can’t refuse. He will forgive Hugh’s debts and mortgage’s and provide a huge dowry if Hugh courts and marries Eliza.

I love Caroline Linden’s descriptive writing style and her dialogue—and both shine in this novel. I loved that while Hugh viewed his courtship as a job; he could not deny his sexual attraction to Eliza. Eliza’s sweet nature and innocence are tested several times during the novel. Eliza handles conflict with Hugh’s sisters and shows kindness to them. My favorite scene in the novel is when Hugh surprises Eliza with a picnic at Primrose Hill. He confesses that he wants Eliza for himself and the couple’s sensual walk in the woods is one of Ms. Linden’s best written passages.

An underlying subterfuge throughout An Earl Like You keeps the plot moving. Ms Linden’s tightly woven plot combined with Hugh and Eliza’s romance held my interest throughout the novel. Edward Cross could have been the villain in the novel. Loved how the author redeemed the self-motivated, shrewd business man who viewed the world as a calculated business decision. He loved Eliza with all his heart—he just went about securing her future in the wrong way. Loved that the friendship between Eliza, Sophie and Georgianna continued in this story. The conclusion to the novel had some surprising plot twists and reveals.

And the epilogue? It was perfect for the couple. Everything I wanted for them and more!

An Earl Like You has all the feels—it’s an emotional, deeply romantic novel with well-crafted characters and a fabulous storyline! I adored Eliza and loved it Hugh recognized that his wife was a true beauty. A love match that I highly recommend!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the Publisher

Click here to read the first chapter of An Earl Like You!
Click here to read my review of My Once and Future Duke!

Susan's Review of My Once and Future Duke by Caroline Linden

What happens at the infamous Vega Club . . .

Sophie Campbell is determined to be mistress of her own fate. Surviving on her skill at cards, she never risks what she can’t afford to lose. Yet when the Duke of Ware proposes a scandalous wager that’s too extravagant to refuse, she can’t resist. If she wins, she’ll get five thousand pounds, enough to secure her independence forever.

Stays at the Vega Club . . .

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, tells himself he’s at the Vega Club merely to save his reckless brother from losing everything, but he knows it’s a lie. He can’t keep his eyes off Sophie, and to get her he breaks his ironclad rule against gambling. If he wins, he wants her—for a week.

Until now.

A week with Jack could ruin what’s left of Sophie’s reputation. It might even cost her her heart. But when it comes to love, all bets are off . . .

About the Book

My Once And Future Duke

by Caroline Linden

Series

The Wagers of Sin

Genre

Adult

Historical Romance

Publisher

Avon Books

Publication Date

February 27, 2018

Amazon  |  Avon Romance  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks

Pinspirations!

Click here to check out Caroline Linden’s My Once And Future Duke Pinterest board!

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of MY ONCE AND FUTURE DUKE, we’re giving away five paperback sets of WHAT A WOMAN NEEDS and WHAT A GENTLEMAN WANTS by Caroline Linden!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. Five winners will each receive a paperback set of What a Woman Needs and What a Gentleman Wants by Caroline Linden.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 3/9/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Caroline Linden

Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer code before discovering that writing fiction was far more fun. Since then, the Boston Red Sox have won the World Series three times, which is not related but still worth mentioning. Her books have been translated into seventeen languages, and have won the NEC-RWA Reader’s Choice Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, the NJRW Golden Leaf Award, and RWA’s RITA Award. She lives in New England.

Author Links

    

Sophie Campbell is a smart, beautiful woman who supports herself by gambling. Her ability to calculate the odds combined with her ability to know when walk away from a game or a challenge has served her well. Jack Lindeville, the Duke of Ware, arrives at the Vega Club to pay his brother Philip’s substantial marker. He is captivated when he sees a woman in a crimson dress playing cards with his brother’s friends. Jack doesn’t see her face but, he acknowledges that something about her intrigues him.

Philip returns to the Vega club and insists that Sophie gamble with him. Sophie chooses the complicated game of hazard, figuring Philip would tire of the quick dice game. Sophie knew that hazard was a fool’s game—too many rules and the odds were too high. She was trouncing Philip until the Duke of Ware entered the room and stopped the game. Jack and Philip almost come to blows over Philip’s refusal to stop gambling. Sophie throws caution to the wind and accepts the Duke’s challenge to play hazard with him. Sophie’s reckless choice pushes the storyline in a new direction. Even though she knows she should walk away, Sophie accepts a final round of hazard with a 5,000 pound payout. Jack tells Sophie he desires a week of her time if he wins---which he does. Jack orders his coachman to take them to Alwyn, his country home.

At first, Caroline Linden’s decision to have Jack challenge Sophie to gamble with him seems out of character for him. Was he trying to teach Philip a lesson? Jack takes his responsibilities seriously. Has his desire for Sophie overruled his common sense? The challenge and its outcome drew me into the story and I read it in one sitting.

Caroline Linden’s descriptive writing style and the dialogue between the characters shines during Sophie and Jack’s stay at Alwyn. The author does a fabulous job creating sexual tension between the characters as they explore the country house. I loved the scene when Jack asks Sophie to play the piano for him. As Jack listens and watches Sophie play, he observes that the music piece means something to her. When Sophie leaves the room in tears, Jack realizes he has upset her. The banter between Sophie and Jack as they explore the attics is well done; they get into a detailed discussion of love and marriage. Jack’s desire for Sophie is apparent as the couple rummage through the attic—will he act upon it?

I have been waiting for the Duke of Ware’s story as he has appeared in several of the author’s novels. I had pictured him as a serious man. I was surprised when Jack made the bet with Sophie, it seemed so out of character. I enjoyed getting to know Jack and seeing him fall head over heels for Sophie. Love brought out the best in Jack. Setting the story at a gambling club provides a unique storyline opportunity; it allows the couple to meet and enables Jack to make a decision based on desire, not facts and figures. I adore Caroline Linden’s writing style. Jack and Sophie’s sensuous love scenes are perfectly written—filled with desire, passion and emotion. My Once and Future Duke has all the feels—it’s an exquisitely told deeply passionate story with fabulous characters and their journey proves that love is worth the gamble!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by publisher

This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

Susan's Review of At The Christmas Wedding

Snowed in at a castle full of handsome lords, three young ladies are about to have the holiday of their lives…

From the authors of At the Duke's Wedding.

Loved this anthology! The authors took the time to create a fabulous house party theme and crafted three wonderful stories about the couples who are snowed in for the holidays at Kingstag Castle.

The Duke and Duchess of Wessex leave their holiday house party in the hands of their daughter Serena and Viola Cavendish, the duchess’s secretary. Serena and Viola must supervise the duke’s troublesome sister Bridget, keep an eye on the mischievous Lady Sophronia and Serena’s friends.

Each story contains enough character and plot cross over to make for an enjoyable, delightful read! I felt that I was reading a book, not three separate stories.

Bridget’s play was woven throughout each of the three novellas. Loved that each author understood the character and her desire to write the play. I enjoyed reading every paragraph devoted to Bridget and her zany play and the unscripted ending was perfect!!

Caroline Linden’s Map of a Lady’s Heart is my favorite story within the anthology. I thought that the all of the characters were relatable and appealing. Ms. Linden did a fabulous job setting the scene and introducing all of the castle’s guests to the reader. The scene where Wes asks Viola to go outside to view the stars at night was exquisitely written. Loved that Wes understood that his love for Viola was the treasure he'd spent a lifetime looking for.

Maya Rodale’s piece features Lady Serena, Lord Gosling, Greyson Jones and Bridget’s play. Grey has loved Serena for years. He did not pursue her because she was engaged to his best friend. Grey views the house party at his opportunity to see if he is really in love with Serena. Loved the hysterically funny scenes when Lady Bridget and her aunt cast Grey as Serena’s love interest in the play. The witty dialogue, laugh out loud scenes from the play and pacing in this novella are superb.

And Bridget’s play? Will the Lonely Spinster choose the Lord Captain Pirate or the Lovesick Swan?The conclusion to this story was very romantic and perfect for the happy couple and playwright!

Katharine Ashe’s descriptive voice and the back and forth banter between Charlotte and Frye make the third novella in the anthology a charming read. I could feel how cold it was outside, understand Charlotte’s feelings towards Frye and understand why Frye loved the feisty Charlotte beyond words. The romance between the couple was delicately paced as Charlotte truly believes that Frye has jilted her best friend. Loved the added touch of the couple celebrating Christmas Eve at the inn. My favorite scene occurred when Charlotte tells an unconscious Frye that he is “forbidden to die’. It’s touching, perfectly executed and yes….made me cry! Ms. Ashe treats us to several fun plot twists and turns before the couple arrives at Kingstag Castle.

I enjoyed this fabulous anthology. It’s filled with great characters, fun and games and so much romance!

Reviewd by Susan Gorman

Book purchased via Amazon

Susan's Review of A Rake's Guide to Seduction by Caroline Linden

Anthony Hamilton cannot help it. The way he looks, the way he lives, his past—it all conspires to make him a man men fear, women desire. His name fills gossip circles in a seemingly endless, lurid drama. But he's never forgotten the only woman he's ever truly wanted—yet could never have…

Celia Reece knew Anthony well before he forged his scandalous reputation. The young man she remembers spoke kindly to her, made her laugh, and his devilish good looks always quickened her pulse. But Celia's mother had other designs—designs that didn't include marriage to Anthony. Now Celia is widowed, and her mother is intent on finding her a new husband. Refusing to let any obstacle stand in his path this time, Anthony sets out to win Celia's heart by using the same skills that made him London's most irresistible rake…

Caroline Linden’s A Rake’s Guide to Seduction is a twist on the second chance romance. The novel is part of the Reece family series and was originally published in 2008. Ms. Linden’s books are on my keeper shelves because I enjoy her descriptive writing style and her engaging characters - - and this book did not disappoint.

I adored Anthony Hamilton as he wasn’t what everyone in society assumed him to be. The author never misses an opportunity for someone to mention that Anthony sleeps with married women, gambles and is wealthy. Anthony Hamilton fascinated English society. Celia Reece loves to hear about her childhood friends escapades and has promised her mother than she would not associate with Mr. Hamilton. Caroline Linden takes a chance with the storyline in A Rakes Guide to Seduction when Celica marries Lord Andrew Bertram, not Anthony Hamilton. Celia and Bertie travel to the country to live with Bertie’s aging father. During the next four years, Celia records the details of her life in her journal. In the journal she describes her heartbreaks; her husband constantly ignores her, she is not allowed to visit London for the season and most importantly, she is unable to get pregnant. Bertie prefers to hunt, fish and party and Celia takes on the role of caregiver to Bertie’s father.

Anthony Hamilton is invited to a house party given by Duke of Exeter. Celia’s mother, the Dowager Duchess of Exeter has invited a group of Celia’s friends to the house party to cheer up her newly widowed daughter. Anthony and Celia get a second chance to renew their friendship. Loved that Anthony understood how lonely and out of place Celia felt at her own party. His anonymous notes were heartfelt and showed he cared for her. Anthony kept to himself at the house party but his actions indicated his feelings towards Celia. The couple’s chemistry sizzles --- but do they have a chance for happiness? Most of Celia’s family and friends believe that Anthony is a womanizing gambler. Will Celia believe in their love or make another mistake?

There were a lot of minor characters in the book. I enjoyed catching up with the Reece family members but I thought Rosalind, Celia’s mother, overplayed her hand with respects to Anthony. It was hard to keep track of Celia’s former friends and their husbands. I did enjoy Anthony’s uncle and her niece Molly. I liked that the author used the journal to move the story forward by four years. This plot device worked as the reader saw how Celia matured during her marriage while her husband’s life wasn’t changed at all. Loved the subtle storyline that the author wrote throughout the novel—about not judging people for their actions, not by their title, clothes or their fortune. Ms. Linden does a great job balancing the romance between Anthony and Celia and the house party intrigue. There were a few surprises at the end of the book which added to my enjoyment of it!

Check out Caroline Linden's website here for the first chapter of the book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher.

Susan's Review of The Secret of My Seduction by Caroline Linden

The Secret of My Seduction by Caroline Linden
A Scandalous novella
March 21, 2017

Rule #1: Be discreet

No one suspects Bathsheba Crawford of being the anonymous author of a wickedly scandalous series of naughty novels. But she is.

Rule #2: Do not fall in love

When she approaches her publisher, rakish Liam MacGregor, with an indecent proposal, he's shocked. But he accepts.

Rules were made to be broken …

The requirements for their affair are simple: complete secrecy and no romantic attachment. But the more they see each other … the more pleasure they find in each other's arms… the harder it becomes to remember the rules …

Read Chapter 1 at Caroline's Website! 

Susan's Review

Bathsheba Crawford has a dilemma. As the author of the popular Tales of Lady X series, she needs to spice up her stories to hold her reader’s interest. Bathsheba understands that she needs to experience passion in order to describe it. She discusses her idea with her publisher Liam MacGregor and propositions him!

Caroline Linden is a terrific writer! This fast-paced novella is a sexy read with two fabulous characters! Bathsheba is described as plain and is able to capitalize on this feature when she attends social functions. She hears gossip that she is able to incorporate in her stories because no one notices her. I loved watching her gain confidence in herself as she and Liam began their affair! Bathsheba describes Liam as a rake but, there are glimpses of his true character and family relationships during the story. Loved the clever dialogue between the characters as they push each other’s buttons. The couple’s chemistry sizzles! Caroline Linden writes an excellent story-she blends fantastic dialogue, meaningful social commentary and sensual romance in The Secret Of My Seduction.

So what happens when an experiment turns to true passion? Pick up your copy of The Secret Of My Seduction – and find out!

If you enjoy authors Katharine Ashe, Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas—you will love this novella! 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman 

Edited by Brian McGee 

ARC provided by the author. 

About the Author: Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer code before discovering that writing fiction was far more fun. Since then, the Boston Red Sox have won the World Series three times, which is not related but still worth mentioning. Her books have been translated into seventeen languages, and have won the NEC-RWA Reader's Choice Beanpot Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, the NJRW Golden Leaf Award, and RWA's RITA Award. She live in New England.

Tasty Virtual Tour for the SIX DEGREES OF SCANDAL by Caroline Linden

SIX DEGREES OF SCANDAL

Scandalous #4

Caroline Linden

Released March 29th, 2016

Avon Books

Olivia Townsend is in trouble and out of options. Pursued by a desperate man in search of a lost treasure, which she doesn’t have, she’s got only two things in her favor: her late husband’s diary, which she was never meant to see… and the man who was her first-and only-love. Losing him broke her heart, though she’s been careful to hide it for the last ten years. But when he comes to her aid and vows to stand by her this time, no matter what, she can’t help but hope things will be different this time.

James Weston has blamed himself for letting Olivia down when she needed him years ago, and he will not do it again. Fortunately, his unusual life has equipped him well to outsmart the villain chasing Olivia. Unfortunately, being so near her again threatens to expose every secret in his heart…even those that should stay hidden forever.

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Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a math degree from Harvard University and wrote computer software before turning to writing fiction. Ten years, twelve books, three Red Sox championships, and one dog later, she has never been happier with her decision. Her books have won the NEC Reader’s Choice Beanpot Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA’s RITA Award. Since she never won any prizes in math, she takes this as a sign that her decision was also a smart one. Visit her online at www.carolinelinden.com.

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 James pulled off his boots, and then his stockings, and then—to Olivia’s shock—he climbed up and stood on the highest rock, letting the water foam over his feet and wet his breeches. “Don’t you want to climb up?”

She looked longingly at the rocks. The thought of water running over her feet and ankles was tempting, but not worth it. “I’d get wet, and my mother would be displeased.”

“Pity that. It’s great fun.”

Slowly she looked down at her shoes and stockings. Maybe if she held up her skirts, very high . . . But that would also be improper. “I’d better not.”

“Oh,” he said in disappointment. “You’re a coward.”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “How rude!”

He shrugged, kicking at the water and sending a spray over the grass. “I can tell you want to get up here but you won’t.”

“I’d get all wet . . .”

“So walk around until your feet and skirt dry. That’s what my sisters do.”

Olivia stole another look at the frothing stream. “Your sisters climb up there?”

“And they’re even younger than you. But if you’re too scared . . .” He started to climb down.

Her mouth firmed. She was not scared. “Those rocks are slippery. I don’t want to fall.”

He grinned as if he knew he’d won. “I’ll hold your hand.”

And he did. Olivia peeled off her stockings and slippers, folded up her skirts as high as she dared—all the way above her knees—and carefully stepped into the water. She gasped at the cold initially, but it was a hot day and soon the water felt blissful. James held her hand as promised and coaxed her to stand on the topmost rock at the edge of the waterfall. She balanced on the wide flat stone and a grin spread across her face. The water rushed over her toes and ankles and she thought she’d never done anything this daring in her whole life. “How did I never discover this?”

Still holding her hand, James laughed. “Good girls stay at home.”

“So I’m a bad girl for coming out here?”

“No,” he said. “A curious girl. I like that kind.”

That allayed Olivia’s moment of worry. Curious didn’t sound so terrible. She exchanged a tentative smile with James.

When their feet had gone numb, he helped her climb down and back onto the grass.

“Do you play dolls still?” he asked as he put his boots back on.

Olivia shook out her skirts, relieved to see that she had kept dry except for a small spot on one side. “Sometimes.”

“Good. Follow me.” He started off.

“Mr. Weston!”

He turned at her indignant cry. “Call me Jamie. James if you must. You might as well come meet my sisters, who drove me from the house today with begging me to play dolls. My mother said I had to entertain them but they don’t like the way I play dolls.” He made an aggrieved expression. “Why can’t a doll put on a fine dress and then have a sword fight with another doll? What else have dolls got to do all day?” He shrugged. “You probably know better how to do it the way they want.”

“But—I can’t—”

“Why not?”

“I can’t go into town without permission,” Olivia finally said. Privately she was curious to meet the Westons. Her parents didn’t view most of the local families as their equal, and Olivia and Daphne weren’t allowed much contact with other children. And even though she didn’t spend as much time with dolls as Daphne did, she wasn’t immune to wanting to see the Weston girls’ dolls, which were sure to be much finer than anything at Kellan Hall. But if Mother saw her, she’d be in such trouble.

He grinned as if sensing another victory. “We don’t live in town anymore. We took possession of Haverstock House this week, right over the hill.”

Her eyes popped open. Haverstock House was the finest house in the county, and lay between Kellan Hall and town. It belonged to the elderly Earl of Malke, who rarely visited since his wife’s death. Now the Westons owned it?

“I expect my mother will call on your mother soon, now we’re neighbors,” he went on. “Will she let you come visit then?”

Olivia doubted it. “Perhaps.”

Jamie Weston flashed his confident grin once more. “I’ll wager a copper penny she will.”

Click the graphic below to get a pdf of the first issue of Caroline Linden's 50 Ways to Sin ! 

Six Degrees of Scandal is a fantastic second chance at love novel. Caroline Linden deliverers an engaging story filled with well-crafted characters, passion and mystery. There are several ongoing storylines —Olivia and Jamie’s romance, the secrets concerning Olivia’s late husband and the mysterious Lady Constance—which the author masterfully weaves together throughout the novel. The element of suspense in the main storyline kept me reading past my bedtime.

Olivia Townsend is being followed on her walk home from her late husband’s solicitor’s office. Thinking that she is being tracked by Lord Clary, one of her husband’s most undesirable friends, Olivia hits the person with a shovel. She is shocked to discover that she has injured her childhood sweetheart, Jamie Weston. While Jamie and Olivia are getting reacquainted, Olivia learns that Lord Clary tossed Penelope, Jamie’s sister, into the Thames River! Jamie explains that his sister has sent him to find Olivia. 

Jamie and Olivia join forces to solve the mystery of her late husband’s financial schemes and to uncover why Lord Clary is so interested in pursuing Olivia. Loved the adventure and suspense as Jamie and Olivia travelled toward the Isle of Thanet in their pursuit of clues to solve the mystery—they were one step ahead of Lord Clary. I adored the charming secondary character of Mr. Pike and the scenes where he flirted with Olivia! 

Caroline Linden descriptive writing style lends itself to romantic suspense. There are several novels and novellas in this series and the author is able to carry through several important plot lines through all of the stories without error. She is able to blend romance with suspense and engages the reader from the first few paragraphs of the story. Jamie and Olivia’s passionate romance intensifies as the couple uncovered a major clue in Olivia’s husband’s business dealings. The conclusion of the novel is perfect for the couple and I will admit that the author caught me by surprise when the identity of Lady Constance was revealed! 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman 

Edited by Jennifer McGee 

At The Billionaires Wedding ~~ Miranda Neville, CarolineLinden,Katharine Ashe and Maya Rodale

The Lady Authors have invited us to a modern fairy-tale wedding which takes place in an old English county estate. Romance writer Jane Sparks and her technology billionaire fiancé Duke Austen have planned a private wedding at Kingstag Castle in Dorset, England. Things are going along smoothly until Jane learns that Kingstag castle has burned down! After an Internet search, Duke saves the day and locates an alternate site for the wedding . The wedding venue is now Brampton House, an older family home which is being renovated into a hotel. Duke writes a large check to speed up the construction process. Jane sends her wedding planner Arwen Kilpatrick to check out Brampton house. 

The cast of characters is amazing. Each person adds to the story and makes an appearance or two in the other chapters in the book. Kudos to the Lady Authors for the continuity in this well plotted, romantic anthology!

The Best Laid Planner--author Miranda Neville

Miranda Neville sets the stage for the book with her characters of Harry, the charming handyman and Arwen, the no nonsense wedding planner. Their conversations made me laugh out loud and smile at the same time! Harry gives Arwen a tour of Brampton house and the grounds. Harry has a quick answer to all of Arwen’s questions about the guest rooms not having mini bars or fridges and the lack of wait staff. Arwen notices that there is no cell reception or Wi-Fi anywhere in the house or outside on the grounds. Harry dodges her question by suggesting that she walk a quarter of a mile up a hill to the family mausoleum for cell service (everyone walks up a hill to use their cell phone and laptop, right?).

Will Harry the handyman be able explain to Arwen that the hotel doesn't have a hotel manager? Or a commercial kitchen license? That the Internet won’t be working until after the wedding? And that he’s really not a handyman?

 Will You Be My Wi-Fi? --author Caroline Linden 

Caroline Linden's depiction of over worked corporate attorney Archer Quinn is spot on. Archer misses the familiar buzz of the incoming mail signal on his laptop and is desperate to download his email and check his voicemail. He is stressed because he can't work while he is on vacation! Archer searches for a signal and happens upon a cottage with a strong Wi-Fi signal. He immediately annoys chef Natalie Corcoran who is living at the cottage while writing a cookbook. I loved this career focused couple who have had little time for a social life. The story was sweet, sexy and so fun to read!

Natalie tempts Archer with her desserts-- will the lack of internet force Archer to take a day off from work and spend time with Natalie?

Can Archer fix the old computer in Natalie's cottage and restore the Wi-Fi? After the hotel refrigerator breaks ruining all of the desserts, can Arwen convince Natalie to bake the rehearsal cake and provide the dinner desserts in an afternoon?

The Day It Rained Books by Katharine Ashe

I loved this Cinderella story which has modern social themes sprinkled through the story. Cali and Piers's story included issues such as literacy, workplace harassment and corporate take overs. The hardworking Cali appealed to me. I understood why she wanted to leave her troubles behind her and enjoy herself at the wedding. Who wouldn't want an all expenses paid trip to England to a Billionaire's wedding? Piers is such a great hero. He has everyone's best interests at heart although he makes a huge miscalculation. Can Cali overcome her fears and forgive Piers?

Will Cali's mysterious benefactor be revealed? When Cali returns home will she meet the man in the park?

The ending of this story was not what I expected and was a bit of a nail biter-- and so worth it !

The Moment When You Fall In Love by Maya Rodale

Damien Knightley is in trouble. He's been challenged by a competitor to print exclusive pictures of the top secret Jane Sparks and Duke Austen wedding. And he's bet his family's newspaper.

He's got an in.....he's dating Roxanna Lane, the maid of honor. Damien doesn't like to lose.

Jane's bachelorette party is a riot. Maya Rodale had me laughing out loud during this chapter. Roxanna presents Jane with a sash with the words The Future Mrs Austen on it. Mimosas are served with breakfast and the party begins. The scene in the bar with Jane and her bridal party is hysterical-- laugh out loud funny and sweet and old fashioned -- all at the same time.

Can Roxanna get Jane out of the bar before the bride gets arrested? Does Roxanna have enough time to write her rehearsal speech? Will Damien keep his newspaper? Will Damien open his heart to Roxanna?

Enjoyed this book so much that I bought the three books in Maya Rodale's series about Jane and Duke's love story.

Looking forward to the next Lady Authors anthology...romance writing at it's best!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Lady Celeste says to read the epilogue .....it's awesome!

A book with a six pack rating is a must read!!!