Her Royal Payne by Shana Galen - Kindle edition

Her Royal Payne

by Shana Galen

★★★★★

Her Royal Payne is the next chapter in the

Survivors Series by Shana Galen. Rowden Payne

has written his own lifes path as he wanted to live it. 

"Some of them had bet against him of course, 

but most of them were smart enough to bet 

against the German. Rowden wasn't known

as The Royal Payne for nothing."

As things had gone for him, he knew he would 

never marry again. But of course, no historical,

romance writer worth her salt could let that stand. 

Rowden had the German on the ropes. 

"Even as his mind screamed, 'No!, his head turned 

to glance...."

Of course, he should not have turned his head. 

The most beautiful eyes of hazel were staring 

back at him.

And this is how a beautiful love story begins. 

I have enjoyed every chapter so far of the

Survivors Series. Have you ever heard the saying,

"Every story you have ever read was written

with the same 25 letters." 

So how can every story in this series be completely

its own? But Shana Galen manages that. She 

writes these characters that you feel close to. 

You feel like you know them. They are imperfect

and honorable. I hope you will find your way to

The Survivors. You do not need to start from the

beginning of the series. Each hero, each heroine 

have their own stories. And they are all 

wonderful stories. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Sweet Rogue of Mine by Shana Galen

 Sweet Rogue of Mine

by Shana Galen

Sweet Rogue of Mine is Book 9 of the

Survivors Series. It's easily my favorite 

Shana Galen series. Scheduled for 

February 9, 2021. 

Prudence Howard is humble and honest. 

She is kind to those around her. Pru will help 

anyone that needs it. And for some reason,

trouble seems to follow her around. Just waiting

for a chance to strike. 

Then there is Nash Pope. He has survived war, losing

his sight and bullets. He has survived his own best 

efforts to do himself in. Nash finds himself wandering

his property only to wind up stuck in the mud. 

Then he hears a woman singing. His life is forever changed. 

The next day, Prudence discovers his blindness. She tells

him that had she known, she would not have helped him

the day before. He is shocked that she would not have

helped him if she had known he was blind. As she explains 

to him, "Those who are blind or deaf or crippled want to be 

treated with the same dignity as everyone else."

"You offered assistance because you thought I had perfect vision."

"Exactly. I thought you were just being a typical man and

refusing help out of stupidity."

Nash all but choked at that statement. 

"But if turns out you were just being determined. I have been 

scolded by enough one-legged beggars to know that they 

would rather do it on their own. It's a point of pride. 

To offer assistance would be to imply I thought you were not

competent. I did not mean to make you feel so. 

"That is certainly an .....interesting way of thinking

about the world."

This gives you all you need to know about Pru. 

Nash and Pru have so many things against them. The world

does not generally look kindly at those with mental health 

issues or a wide open way of looking at life. Can the two 

of them come to terms? With each other? With those 

around them? Those that have left them? Those that have

been there thru the worst with them? 

Shana Galen has added a wonderful chapter to this series. 

 The Survivors continue on. Living and loving and enjoying life. 

Review by Lisa Hutson

Pre-order Spotlight on The Highlander's Excellent Adventure by Shana Galen

Meet Ines and Duncan & Emmeline and Stratford from 

The Highlander's Excellent Adventure

Coming September 8th! 

Available for pre-order! 

Amazon ❤  Barnes & Noble  ❤  iBooks  ❤  KOBO Print: Coming September 8th Goodreads

Just because they've run away...

Ines Neves and Emmeline Wellesley have both run away. Ines hid in a carriage from a tedious suitor, only to find, too late, the carriage had traveled out of London, not just around the block. To make matters worse, the carriage is that of a stranger: a handsome Highlander. Or perhaps a big, strapping Highlander makes matters better? Emmeline Wellesley has had four Seasons and cannot tolerate another. To force her mother to listen to her, she's run away. But things haven't gone well. She's been locked in a closet, had all her money stolen, and somehow adopted a dog. When an old family friend shows up to save her, she doesn't exactly welcome his help.

Doesn't mean they don't want to be found.

Duncan Murray doesn't know what to make of the Portuguese-speaking woman in his carriage. She refuses to return to London, so he takes her to meet Nash Pope, a so-called friend who speaks Portuguese. On the way, he meets up with former soldier Stratford Fortescue and Stratford's opinionated distant cousin, Miss Wellesley. The four travel together to Nash's estate, and that's when everything goes really wrong. On the run to Scotland, Duncan finds himself increasingly attracted to Ines, even though he knows he can never marry her. Stratford has always wanted Emmeline, but his family secret means he doesn't deserve her. This excellent adventure might bring the couples together, but only if they manage to elude gun shots, a murderous brother-in-law, a vicious dog, and outlaws.

Shana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com

Kisses and Scandal by Shana Galen - Part of a Survivors Anthology

Kisses and Scandal

Part of a Survivors Anthology

by Shana Galen

★★★★★

Kisses and Scandal is the newest story in

the latest Shana Galen Anthology. These are

the friends and relatives of the characters in

the Survivors Series. 

Philomena is the daughter of a duke. She is 

quite beautiful. Phil has been hopeful for some 

time now. Hopeful to fall into a love story. She

knows it can happen. She has seen it happen!

But it might be too late for her. She knows her 

duty. Philomena must marry a man of 
substance. Money and status. She knows all that.
But is it too much to ask for a man that 
she can love as well? One who will love her?

James Finnegan is a lowly footman. Of course,
that is not what Lady Philomena sees when she
looks at James. She sees the love of her heart.
Handsome and sweet. James can make her laugh 
at the same time he makes her blood run warm.

Over time, James finds that he feels the same way. 
Unfortunately, during that time, James finds himself
in a spot. While it is a dangerous spot for him, it is 
also set to be a terrible spot for Lady Philomena. 

Can they find a way to keep James safe at the 
same time keeping Philomena safe? Because of 
their enormous differences in stature, they can 
never go any further with their feelings.
Or can they? 

Review by Lisa Hutson  

Susan's Review of How the Lady Was Won by Shana Galen-Survivors 7

When a master of disguise marries a woman who sees right through him…
     Lady Daphne, daughter of the Duke of Warcliffe, is one of the Three Suns. Society revolves around her. But there’s one person who doesn’t seem to know she’s alive—her own husband. Lady Daphne was thrilled to marry Colin FitzRoy, the son of her mother’s dear friend, seven years before. But then he left for the army, and their marriage never really had a chance. Now she’s in trouble, and Colin has reentered her life. She’s determined to refuse his help, especially after the way he’s treated her, but Colin can be persuasive…especially when he has her alone.

Baring it all is part of the seduction.
     Colin FitzRoy was known as The Pretender during the war. He’s an expert in the art of disguise, but even when he takes off the mask, he hides who he really is. Colin pretends he doesn’t have feelings, but when he’s thrust together with his estranged wife, his buried emotions resurface. Before long, Colin is juggling an elderly pug, a wife-hunting Scotsman, and a duplicitous street urchin in an effort to keep Daphne safe. But his greatest challenge is not only to seduce her but to win her heart

Lady Daphne FitzRoy is aware that her husband has returned to London after a seven- year absence. She is not amused that he has not returned home. In fact, Colin FitzRoy has been in England for over a year. Colin’s reluctance to reunite with his wife piqued my interest and drew me into Shana Galen’s new novel.

I adored the characters in this fast-paced story. Shana Galen has a knack for creating strong heroines. Daphne may wear her signature color of pink and her gowns may contain an overabundance of bows but, she’s a strong , determined woman. Her big mistake? She overplayed her hand at a game of cards and owes a small fortune to the wrong person. I admired Daphne for owning her mistake and wanting to be the one to fix it.

Colin’s sobriquet in the Survivor’s group was The Pretender. He had the ability to assume another’s identity and could blend into a crowd. He was devastated after his mother’s death and he learned to keep his feelings to himself. He didn’t want to form an attachment to anyone or fall in love as he might lose them. Colin endeared himself to me when he remembered conversations with his mother and when he took care of Pugsley, his mother’s pug.

Loved how the story unfolded. Colin figures out that Daphne is in serious trouble. He enlists a few of the Survivors to help Daphne. Loved Duncan Murray—such a great character—and his mission? To find a bride. Each scene that contained Duncan was a pleasure to read! The banter between Daphne and Colin was fabulous-I enjoyed their entertaining conversations! The chemistry between the couple was more of a slow burn with a few sparks! Colin was definitely attracted to Daphne but he struggled with their relationship. The balance between intrigue and danger was perfect—this book held my interest and each page reveled something important about the couple’s journey.

How the Lady was Won is part of the author’s Survivors series—but can be read and enjoyed as a stand- alone book. I enjoyed this fast-paced novel, adored the characters and loved Colin and Daphne’s journey.

If you are looking for an entertaining character driven novel—pick up a copy of How the Lady was Won-you will love it!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the author

Bachelors of Bond Street (How to Brew a Perfect Kiss) by Shana Galen

Bachelors of Bond Street

How to Brew a Perfect Kiss

by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

 

Doesn't everyone love a book that gives you

three stories in one?? I surely do.

I just finished this anthology.

Bachelors of Bond Street

They are all connected by shops on Bond street.

Each with unique story.

My favorite of the three was by Shana Galen.

How to Brew a Perfect Kiss.

 

It is a wonderful romantic story of

Thomas Gaines and Raeni Sawyer.

Raeni is in a terrible way. Running from a

bad situation and the horrible people after her.

 

But Thomas has been in that place before.

He knows how it feels and he is now in

a position to help.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Raeni is

beautiful, determined, tough and smart.

Will Thomas really be able to help?

Can she allow Thomas to put himself

in danger to help her?

Will she learn to serve in the

Bond Street Coffee & Tobacco shop??

 

Review by Lisa Hutson



A Duke A Dozen by Shana Galen

A Duke A Dozen

by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

And the Survivors series rolls on!

A Duke a Dozen is book 6.

The story of the doomed duke and

the wanton widow.

Goodness, what a story!

Phineas had 4 older brothers. He never dreamed he

would be Duke. He never wanted to be Duke! But,

the key word is HAD. He had four older brothers.

And now, its up to Phineas marry right and keep

the Ducal line going on.

 

Annabel has found herself with all the freedom in the

world. But for some reason, society has decided

she must suffer more. Now, a widow after a horrible

marriage, all she wants is her quiet life and her

daughter. Annabels cruel husband took their

daughter away. But she had no idea where he

had put the child.

Phineas is taken with Annabel at first sight. He 

realizes pretty quickly that she has no trust in men.

But he is determined to use his power to help

Annabel find her daughter. Annabel cannot understand

why he wants to help her so much. 

 

Can she ever learn to trust? Will they find her 

daughter? Will Phineas survive the Dukedom

when so many others could not? 

 

Review by Lisa Hutson 



The Claiming of the Shrew by Shana Galen

The Claiming of the Shrew

by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

 

This is book 5 of the wonderful Shana Galen

series called The Survivors.

The Survivors are a group of military men. In various

chapters of their lives. Married. Not married. Struggling 

with their pasts in different ways. But one thing that is 

the same for all of them, they count on each other. 

For situation back up. They depend on advice. 

Some time ago, Benedict Draven married a young woman.

Catarina Neves. It was a marriage of convenience.

It provided escape for her, from a terrible home with her father.

This marriage saved her. It gave her a chance to become

a successful business woman using her lacemaking skills.

While she was making her life, Draven was off living his own life.

 

Five years later, Catarina appears in his life. She is requesting

an annulment. Claiming she wants to marry someone else.

But something about the request doesn't feel right to Benedict.

He asks questions but Catarina is not giving him clear answers.

He can feel there is something wrong.

 

Draven cannot just sign the papers and walk away. He is

married to Catarina after all. Even though they don't know

each other well, he feels a connection. She is in trouble.

But what can he do? Can she take care of this by herself?

Catarina has managed her life for all this time. She keeps

telling him it is all right. But is it?

The Claiming of the Shrew is a wonderful

marriage-of-convenience story. People that are capable and

strong, but deep inside, very insecure. Can the two of them

meet in the middle somewhere? You have to read it

to find out. And I recommend that you do!

 

Review by Lisa Hutson



Unmask Me if you Can by Shana Galen

 Unmask Me If You Can

by Shana Galen

★★★★★

 

The Survivors are a group of friends. They have survived

horrible experiences. And they can always depend on each other.

Lord Jasper has forced himself to live in the shadows. He feels like

the burns he survived are too much for most people to see. He has

a super power. To find things. To find people.

Olivia has been hiding away. To protect her son as well as herself.

Her son, Richard, is the product of a vicious rape. Withernsea

was engaged to Olivia. He decided to show Olivia some of what

she had to look forward to after their marriage. She became

pregnant. Her only choice was to run and hide.

 Jasper was tricked into finding her. He was injured just as he neared

her home. While he was out playing, Richard found him. Olivia

nursed him back to health. In the process, she taught Jasper that

his scars were not the real him. They came to know each other.

But now, the mystery slowly unravels. Jasper helps Olivia to

get her own life back. She struggles to trust him. Jasper struggles

to let her into his life. It's a true love story. But the only way

it has a happily ever after ending is if they both allow it.

The title says it all, Unmask Me If You Can.

I received an advance copy to read.

Review by Lisa Hutson





An Affair with a Spare by Shana Galen

An Affair with a Spare

by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

The third book in the Survivor series.

The story of Rafe and Collette is different from the rest
in the series. Actually, different from any other books. At least,
any others I have read.
Rafe is loyal to his group and country. Without limit.
Collette is the daughter of a vicious murderer.
Or at least that is what everyone believes.

Shana Galen has written a story of learning to trust. And to
never ever give up. So can they figure a way to be together??
It seems so impossible.
And then, what do you know about groundhogs??

The survivors in this series are such interesting characters.
And every story we learn more and more about them.
Though each story is a stand alone.

 

Review by Lisa Hutson




 

 

 

 



Third Sons a Charm by Shana Galen

Third Sons a Charm

by Shana Galen
☆☆☆☆☆

The beginning of a new series for Shana Galen!

The cover starts everything off beautifully.

Not a fluffy romance but a very romantic story all the same.

Leave it to Shana Galen to write a character like

Lady Lorraine. Lorrie knows no bounds. Mischievous and

determined. A teacher down in her soul.

The moment Lorrie meets Ewan Mastyn, she thinks of him

as the Viking. The people that know him best call him

the Protector. He is hired as bodyguard for

Lady Lorraine. She will try his patience and use every

trick in the book to get her way. 

It's a test of wills. Lady Lorraine, her parents

and Ewan all have their own agendas and ideas about

the right thing. Who will win?

Third Sons a Charm is not a soft sort of romantic story.
There is action, mystery and adventure.
The characters are full of personality.
They are not shallow or predictable at all.
In fact the story is full of twists and surprises
at every turn. The tale will not turn you loose.
It's a story full of emotional fireworks.
Not your typical romance. But it will
send your heart to pitter-patter all the same.
It makes me excited to read the next one
in this series.


I got a copy of this story from the author
in exchange for an honest review
Review by Lisa Hutson