Blog Tour: The Highlander's Substitute Wife by Terri Brisbin

She’s the best wife… 

…he never wanted! 

Ross MacMillan lifts his bride’s veil…and discovers it’s not the woman he’d agreed to marry but her beautiful younger sister, Ilysa MacDonnell! The new MacMillan chieftain must accept Ilysa as his wife, for retaining his clan’s lands depends on her father’s support. But why is she there? Are her aims to help him or her father? Drawing out Ilysa’s secrets will kindle an alliance more powerful—and passionate!—than Ross ever imagined…

Highland Alliances:  Convenient marriages to save their clan!

Book 1: The Highlander's Substitute Wife by Terri Brisbin
Book 2: The Highlander's Tactical Marriage by Jenni Fletcher
Book 3: The Highlander’s Stolen Bride by Madeline Martin 

Purchase Link - www.books2read.com/HighlandersSubstituteWife

Review

Hauled from a life at the convent and back into her family's machinations, Ilysa MacDonnell finds herself married to a man who expected her older sister. Ross MacMillan needs MacDonnell support, but is his new wife a Trojan horse or the best thing that ever happened to him?

There's so much to like about this book starting from the biblical twist on mistaken identity and an arranged marriage. I especially liked Ilysa, whose kind and clever mind makes the best of her new marriage even as she misses the peace of the convent. Ross is trying his best though it takes him a while to realise Ilysa is part of that.

There are plots upon plots and as with most arranged marriages, trust takes a while to build, but I had no doubt that Ross and Ilysa truly cared for each other, despite an inauspicious start. I particularly liked how Ilysa's disability was neither minimised nor cured, but Ross was kind and thoughtful of her needs.

Of the side characters, Ilysa's maid Gavina is particularly delightful, with her brisk and straightforward manner, and the rest of the clan aren't far behind as they fall in love with Ilysa. We don't get to see much of Ross's siblings, but I have no doubt their own stories will be just as interesting!

Settle in with a nice bowl of soup for a comforting historical romance about an arranged marriage becoming so much more.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Award-winning, USA Today best-selling author Terri Brisbin is a mom, a wife, grandmom! and a dental hygienist and has sold more than 3 million copies of her historical and paranormal romance novels and novellas in more than 25 countries and 20 languages around the world. Her current and upcoming historical and paranormal/fantasy romances will be published by Dragonblade, Harlequin Historicals, and Oliver Heber Books, too.
Visit www.terribrisbin.com for more info about Terri, her works and upcoming events.
Connect with her on FB at www.facebook.com/terribrisbinauthor or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/terribrisbin

Social Media Links
www.facebook.com/terribrisbinauthor
www.instagram.com/terribrisbin

Blog Tour: Heartcross Castle by Christie Barlow

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what

A second chance…

When her grandfather Marley passes away Grace Power discovers she’s been left the beautiful but crumbling estate of Heartcross Castle. As a single mum of three, Grace has no idea what she’s going to do with it – but who can say no to a roof over their kids’ heads and a chance to get away from past hurts?

And a forever home

 Heartcross Castle is full of secrets – especially a lost security deposit box that holds the truth to everything… But when celebrity chef Andrew Glossop sets his eyes on the castle and, to make matters worse, mistakes Grace as the new housekeeper, Grace tells him there is absolutely NO CHANCE he is getting his hands on her home.

Devastated to have got it so wrong, Andrew will do anything to make it up to her – but is she willing to listen?

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B091BL4DX3
US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091BL4DX3 

Review

Seventh in the series but well able to stand on its own, Heartcross Castle is a welcome return to Heartcross, where the future is bright and love conquers all.

I'd give a quick warning for past spousal abuse, but from start to finish this grows into such a positive story about coming home and starting again. It's a joy to see Heartcross through the eyes of prodigal Grace as she brings her three sons to the village from which she ran away and reconnects with the people she left behind. The boys are such wonderful characters and their excitement and mischief are infectious, and in fact all of the characters (many of them from past books) are likeable good sorts. My favourite character might be Delia the chicken, but Hector comes a close second!

The hurts and mistakes of the past can't be erased, but the future is still up for grabs. If you're looking for a pick-me-up about things going right, curl up with this book and a glass of your favourite cheap wine!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of fifteen romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty's Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.

Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

When Christie isn’t writing she co-presents The Book Show on Radio Northwich, enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.

Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.

Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en
Twitter: @ChristieJBarlow
Facebook: Christie Barlow author

Blog Tour: Eloping with the Laird by Jeanine Englert (with UK/US giveaway!)

A man she can trust… 

With her life…and her heart?

Ordered by her father to choose a husband by the end of the Highland Games—or he will select one for her—widow Moira Fraser hastily elopes with Rory McKenna, Laird of Blackmore. But they soon discover neither is free of the past. Rory has a price on his head, and needs an heir as soon as possible, and Moira’s horrible first marriage has left her afraid of letting her new husband close…

Purchase Link
https://books2read.com/u/31KKBl

Review

Moira's past has left her scared of the future, while Rory believes he has none, thanks to a family history that some call a curse. This of course leaves them perfectly placed to find refuge and hope in each other, despite what seems like the whole world against them. I genuinely liked both the leads and how they treated each other, and so bought fully into their happy ever after. I do want to warn for mention of past spousal abuse, for any who may wish to avoid this, but I also appreciated seeing Moira's trauma treated gently and respectfully.

Can I take a moment to rave about Moira's pot plants? They pop up three times in the story - I won't spoil the fun (though everyone around me got to know as I came across them as I couldn't hold in the joy) but each time helped me fall a little more in love with Moira and Rory. I never thought pot plants could hold so much meaning!

Best enjoyed surrounded by greenery (plant moms of the world, rejoice!), this is a light and enjoyable historical romance!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio
Jeanine Englert’s love affair with mysteries and romance began with Nancy Drew, Murder She Wrote, and her Grandmother’s bookshelves full of romance novels. She is a VIVIAN® and Golden Heart® Finalist as well as a Silver Falchion, Maggie, and Daphne du Maurier Award Winner in historical romance and mystery. Her Scottish Highland historical and historical romantic suspense novels revolve around characters seeking self-acceptance and redemption. When she isn’t wrangling with her characters on the page, she can be found trying to convince her husband to watch her latest Masterpiece or BBC show obsession. She loves to talk about books, writing, her beloved rescue pups, as well as mysteries and romance with other readers. Visit her website at www.jeaninewrites.com.

Social Media Links
FB: http://www.facebook.com/JeanineWrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanineWrites
Website: https://www.jeaninewrites.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55922667-the-highlander-s-secret-son
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jeanine-englert?list=about
Instagram: jeaninewrites 

Warm up with a Scottish Highland Giveaway!(Open to UK / US) 

Cozy up with a beautiful cashmere scarf made in Scotland, some book swag, and a Scottish Blessings bracelet while you read my latest Highlander romance, Eloping with the Laird! I hope you enjoy this first book in the Falling for a Stewart series! Happy reading!  

*Terms and Conditions –UK & US entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

Raised by tutors and longing for her often-absent mother's approval, Tarisai has only ever wanted a family to belong to. When she is sent to the Children's Palace to vie for a place on the Prince's Council, a group who will be bound by blood and magic, it seems like a dream come true - except her mother sent her bound with a magical command: to gain the Prince's trust, and then kill him.

I was absolutely blown away by this book. The world-building is intricate and gorgeous, and world like and unlike our own, where Oluwan stands at the centre of a magically-bound empire and restless shades can be summoned by burning their possessions. The prose is incredible and I was immersed from the very first page, though I had to take some breaks to recover from the spell the book cast on me.

Tarisai is clever but naive, well-schooled but sheltered, doing the best she can with what she's got and making friends as well she can. Beyond her growth - a beautiful story in its own right - we have a story of empire, where unity means uniformity and peace is attained through silence. Being part of the Prince's Council would put Tarisai at the centre of power but she must decide what she truly wants and what future she wants to be part of.

This is one of the best books I've read in a long time and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Raybearer is available now in ebook and hard copy, and I've already ordered the sequel (it's a duology)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley; all opinions are my own

The Wedding Setup by Sonali Dev

Ayesha Shetty has spent the last seven years being the perfect Indian daughter but her old flame’s reappearance at her best friend’s wedding forces to face who she has become and what she really wants.

This is a beautiful and emotional story about grief and family, but also about finally choosing life and love. There’s a lot of feelings for such a short read, some of which resonated deeply. I would read a full novel about Ayesha but honestly this story was perfect as it was.

The Wedding Setup is available now exclusively on Amazon.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own

Beyond by Mercedes Lackey

Before the Arrows of the Queen and the magical companions, there was simply a small Duchy on the edge of sprawling and tyrannical empire. Tantalisingly close to breaking free from the Empire, Duke Kortas Valdemar is summoned to the imperial court. Victory means freedom, but defeat will mean the destruction of everything.

I've read Mercedes Lackey's books for what must be close to a couple of decades. They are always a comfortable read, her writing style familiar and comforting. While Beyond is all of these things, with plenty of details pointing forward to my beloved Valdemar books, there's an awful lot of back and forth discussion and it ends on a bit of an anticlimax. It also felt really quite short.

This will suit long-time readers like myself, but I'm not dying for the next one and I don't know how much appeal it would hold for those unfamiliar with Lackey's Velgarth books.

Beyond is available in ebook or hard copy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

Dogged by Death by Laura Scott

Back in town and struggling to get her veterinary practice off the ground, Ally never expects to find one of her clients with his head bashed in. Suddenly her attempts to grow her client list are complicated by trying to keep her true crime obsessed grandfather from investigating - and the lead detective being an old crush certainly doesn't help the situation.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book - Ally, her grandfather, the three widows he lives with, and Noah, along with the various townspeople. The author did a good job building the town of Willow Bluff and the people in it. Ally's work as a vet is integral to the story and well-explored. I'm definitely interested in reading more!

I was however put off by Ally constantly ignoring Noah's request that she stop investigating - and that this decision is supported by the text. If I was Noah, having a witness constantly interfering with the investigation and accusing you of incompetence would not lead to a date at the end. And for all the conversations and discoveries, it seems like the mystery was solved by accident and would've soon been solved by the police anyway? I guess it felt like a bit of a let-down.

There are the bones of a good series here and it's a solid cosy mystery with an enjoyable theme. Overall, a good read but not an outstanding one. If animal stories are your thing, this would be a good cosy mystery for you.

Dogged by Death is available in ebook and hard copy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own