Blog tour & 5* review - A Wanton Woman by Vanessa Vale

Vanessa Vale

A Wanton Woman

Mail Order Bride of Slate Springs

November 3, 2016

Blurb: 

Celia Lawrence can't show her face in her conservative, small town. First, she discovered her husband in bed with another man's wife, and then she witnessed both their murders. While she didn't pull the trigger, small town gossip is not forgiving and everywhere she goes she is chastised for not being woman enough to keep her straying husband at home. Eager to flee her old life, Celia heads to Colorado as a mail-order bride.

As mayor of Slate Springs, Colorado, Luke Benson is expected to set the example. Their small town is hidden away in a remote mountainous region where few women have the courage or desire to tread. As mayor, it falls to him to test out their newly passed law and share a wife with his brother. The truth is, Luke has no interest in a woman of his own, and agrees to a mail-order bride out of duty, not anticipation.

His brother, Walker, is jaded and hard after the death of his first wife and unborn child. For Walker, loving again is out of the question. But a man has needs, and he'll eagerly take his pleasure from their new bride while expecting Luke to provide the tenderness and caring a woman expects.

A marriage based on everything but love should be doomed. But Celia, Luke and Walker discover one thing they have in common: desire. Will that be strong enough to survive the danger that follows Celia from Texas? Will desire be strong enough to teach the three that sometimes you have to risk everything for love?

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32802339-a-wanton-woman

Buy links:

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Review 

I've read a few Vanessa Vale books now, and this one is by far my favourite.  This is the first book in a new series based in a small mining town in the mountains where a new law has been passed that two men can marry one woman. Vanessa Vale has once again successfully combined two of my favourite sub genres - historical romance and menage romance - a combination that you don't come across too often.  It had romance, hot steamy sex, emotion and an interesting suspense storyline.

Luke is the mayor of Slate Springs and as he brought in the new law he is expected to set an example for the town by sharing a bride with his brother Walker. Luke turns to a mail order bride service, but he's not looking particularly looking forward to being married, he is doing it out of duty. Walker is even more reluctant to be married, as his first wife and unborn child tragically died. Celia is fleeing from her old life after her unfaithful husband was brutally murdered. Although she didn't kill him, the town still blamed her so she takes the only option she has - becoming a mail order bride. But she's shocked to discover that she hasn't just got one husband - she has two!

All three characters were likeable, but I especially loved Luke. He was very gentlemanly in public, but very naughty in the bedroom - the perfect combination! I really enjoyed the whole storyline, I can't really think of anything negative to say - except I wish it was longer as I didn't want it to end! Five stars.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

About the Author:

Who doesn't love the romance of the old West? USA Today Bestselling author Vanessa Vale takes the sensual appeal of rugged cowboys a step further with her bestselling books set in the Montana Territory. They are much more than just sexy historical westerns. They're deliciously naughty reads that sometimes push the boundaries of fantasy. It's pure escapism with quite a few very hot, very alpha cowboys.

When she's not writing, Vanessa savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class. She considers herself to be remarkably normal, exceedingly introverted and fairly vanilla, which does not explain her steamy stories and her fascination with cowboys, preferably more than one at a time.

She lives in the Wild Wild West where there's an endless source of 'research' material.

Author Links: 

Website: http://vanessavaleauthor.com/
Newsletter: http://vanessavaleauthor.com/free-book/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9835889.Vanessa_Vale
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Vale/e/B00PGB3AXC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vanessavaleauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamvanessavale
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Book review - Convincing The Secretary by Ava March - 4 stars

Convincing The Secretary by Ava March

M/M historical romance with BDSM 

4/5 stars 

Blurb 

Business and pleasure is a mix no gentleman should consider.

Lord Grayson Holloway goes after what he wants—be it in the law office on his clients’ behalf or in the bedchamber. His new position as partner puts him closer to achieving his goal of becoming the most successful solicitor in London. There’s just one problem—his new secretary. Broad of shoulder yet mild of manner, Edward tempts Gray like no other. Yet the young man barely notices him.

Edward Fenton tries to be a good secretary, but being in Lord Grayson’s hard, commanding presence rouses Edward’s most forbidden desires. Wicked, naughty desires no gentleman should consider giving in to, let alone with his new employer.

Gray is more than willing to mix business with pleasure. But convincing Edward to take a chance on a future with him? That might be the most challenging case Gray has ever taken on.

Warning: Includes buttoned-up gentlemen who become undone, improper use of a desk, spankings, and a big bad lord who has a soft spot for his virgin secretary. 

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Review 

Convincing the Secretary is an unique m/m historical romance that I really enjoyed. I don't come across many m/m historical romances so I was very excited to read this one, and it lived up to my expectations. There are some very steamy scenes, and some light BDSM elements - this book is hot! 

Lord Grayson has just become a partner in his law firm, and is well on his way to becoming the best lawyer in London. But he keeps getting distracted from his work goals by his handsome, mild mannered new secretary Edward. Edward is trying to be a good secretary but he is harbouring wicked thoughts about his boss. He doesn't want to be writing up boring reports, he wants to be on his knees servicing his Lord. Can Grayson convince Edward that business and pleasure does mix and that they could have a future together?

I loved Lord Grayson, he was delightfully grumpy and uptight. Edward was really sweet and was a perfect match for Gray. The chemistry between them was explosive and it resulted in some very sexy scenes, but I also enjoyed there relationship dynamics outside of the bedchamber. They were living in tough times and couldn't be open about their relationship, and I found this very interesting to read about. Convincing the Secretary is an entertaining, sexy read that I really enjoyed so it receives four out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - Rose by Vanessa Vale - 4 stars

Rose by Vanessa Vale

Historical romance with domestic discipline/spanking

4/5 stars 

Blurb 

#1 Amazon Bestseller

Rose Lenox has always been more comfortable on the back of a horse than wearing ribbons and bows. For years she’s been content working on the family ranch, but lately she’s finding herself wanting more. She’s determined to strike out on her own and find freedom from her unorthodox family.

Chance Goodman has watched Rose group from a spitfire little girl into a fiery woman. He’s wanted her for years, waiting patiently until he could make her his. When she leaves the Lenox ranch determined to abandon her former life and to stay good-bye to him, he knows now is the time he must claim her. Letting her go isn’t an option. Chance knows exactly what she needs… and he’s going to give it to her.

Author’s note: This is not a sweet romance and includes highly erotic love scenes featuring a dominant man and sensual play. If such material offends you, please do not read this book.

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Review 

This is a short and spicy historical romance that is ideal for when you want to escape from the real world for a couple of hours. There is a lot of hot, steamy sex and some great domestic discipline spanking scenes. If you're looking for lots of plot this book is probably not for you, but if you're after a quick, sexy, easy to read book then you'll probably like this lighthearted story. It's a fun, enjoyable romp that put a smile on my face. 

The hero, Chance, is a hunky, alpha cowboy who has wanted Rose for a long time. She's a tomboy who would rather be working the ranch wearing pants, than pretty dresses and ribbons like her sisters. Wanting more from life she leaves the ranch so she can strike out on her own, but Chance is determined to claim her and make her his.

I loved Rose, she is a real spitfire and is strong and independent - something that was not really encouraged in this time period. Chance is strong and sexy and is the perfect match for Rose, they make a great couple. Rose, Her Secret Desires receives four out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - Their Stolen Bride by Vanessa Vale - 4/5 stars

Their Stolen Bride

Historical BDSM menage romance 

4/5 stars 

Blurb

Being the daughter of a Butte copper king won't buy Mary Millard happiness, especially when she discovers her father's plan to marry her to a cruel man. Desperate, Mary makes an arrangement with a man she meets on a train: pretend to be my intended so I can delay the inevitable. But little does she know it isn't one man who will save her, but two.

Parker and Sully know the second they meet a beautiful passenger on the train to Butte that she will be their bride. They expected to court her properly, to acclimate to the unusual custom of being the wife of two men. Instead, she turns to them with an insane scheme to protect herself from a man they know to be anything but kind. But a fiancé won't protect her from a bad marriage. Only a husband can do that.

When Mary weds her Bridgewater men, she learns that while she has two big cowboys to protect her from her past, it's possible she has the power to save them right back. 

Purchase Links

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Barnes & Noble

GooglePlay

All Romance ebooks

Smashwords

Goodreads

Review 

I don't come across many historical romance novels with ménage relationships, so when I first discovered this series I was very happy. As with the previous books in the Bridgewater Ménage series, this book is smokin' hot. The heroes are take charge alpha types who keep their woman happy and satisfied in the bedroom, and keep her in line with a little erotic spanking. This is a nice, easy read that left me with a smile on my face. It's fun and sexy with an interesting storyline and fabulous characters.

Mary's rich father is determined to marry her off to a cold, cruel man so she takes drastic measures to avoid the marriage. Mary met Parker and Sully on a train and comes up with a scheme where she pretends to be engaged to one of them. But Parker and Sully have other ideas - the marriage should be real and it won't be to just one of them! But with danger looming can the two cowboys keep their new bride safe?

Mary is a great character, she's feisty and isn't afraid to go against convention. She was the perfect match for Parker and Sully, she could handle their dominant personalities and kept them on their toes. The chemistry between them was hot, hot, hot - they will set your eReader on fire! I really enjoyed this book so it receives four out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - Correcting the Coeds box set - 4/5 stars

Correcting the Coeds box set

1950s spanking romance box set

4/5 stars 

Blurb

The 1950s…when men were men, and women were spanked.

Featuring four brand new novellas:

A Husband for Betty by Sue Lyndon 

When Betty is sent to her college advisor on a disciplinary matter, she doesn’t expect Dr. David Bauer to scold her, make her stand in the corner, and propose marriage all within the hour. Yet that’s exactly what happens, and out of desperation to escape her family’s influence, the young coed finds herself saying yes to the handsome widower.

David is a strict man who has no compunction about baring his wife’s bottom for a sound spanking, but he’s also patient and caring. Betty feels blessed to be his wife, but she worries he views their union as nothing more than a marriage of convenience. Will he ever truly love her, and how will he react to the shameful secret she’s been keeping about her past?

Back to Her Future by Celeste Jones 

To keep peace with her roommate, Astrid agrees to try her time travel app, never imagining that this would be the one time Margo invented something that worked.

In an instant, Astrid is transported to 1956 and the dorm room of Richard "Dick" Johnson—Eagle Scout, straight arrow, spanker.

Dick Johnson has never met a girl like Astrid. Just because she says she's an exchange student from Canada doesn't mean she can flaunt the rules of proper ladylike behavior and he intends to help her understand American ways, even if the lessons are taught across his lap.

Astrid is charmed, and turned on, by Richard's old-fashioned ways, but she knows he'll never understand if she tells him the truth.

When the time comes for Astrid to return to 2016, will she be able to go Back To Her Future?

This book contains spanking, hip 50s slang, and some mocking of Canada. If such things offend you, please do not buy this book, eh?

Educating His Bride by Cara Bristol 

Never much interested in her studies, Margaret Atwater attends college hoping to graduate with an Mrs. degree instead of a bachelor’s. When she catches the eye of English Professor Henry Thurston, she’s thrilled to marry him, drop out of school, and begin a new life as a married woman and faculty wife. However, Henry is a kinky man who has much to teach his eager young bride—in, and out, of the bedroom. As Mrs. Henry Thurston, Margaret’s education has just begun.

Stepbrother’s Rules by Renee Rose 

LuAnn’s had a crush on her older, rebellious stepbrother since the year he lived with them—his last year of high school. Now, four weeks before graduating from Sarah Wharton Women’s College, she’s been kicked out for having boys in her dormitory, and he’s the one who shows up to collect her. With her parents away in Europe, he brings her to his place, because leaving a young woman unchaperoned isn’t done in 1957.

Brad makes it clear she is not to emulate the wild behavior of his youth, and he starts things out with a long, bare-bottomed punishment. Soon, though, he discovers his stepsister is all grown up, and having her under his authority makes her a temptation too delicious to resist. Before long, he’s strayed way past what is acceptable, turning her into his little girl and bringing her to the peaks of pleasure during her numerous punishments.

LuAnn brings out the dominant side of him, but with it comes the desire to take care of her and nurture the sweet innocence she’s been trying to cover up. He wants her for keeps, which means risking their parents’ disapproval and leaving his rebellious side behind forever.

Publisher’s Note: The book contains spanking, elements of ageplay and graphic sexual scenes. If such content offends you, please do not buy this book.

Goodreads link

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26112043-correcting-the-coeds?ac=1&from_search=true

Review 

Correcting the Coeds is a great collection of four romances set in the 1950s, and they all have a domestic discipline or spanking theme. These were the first stories that I'd read that were set in this decade and I found it really interesting and a refreshing change. I enjoyed all of the stories and I rated them all four stars. 

I've been a fan of Renee Rose for a while now, but the other three authors were new to me. I loved all of the stories so I'll definitely be checking out other books from all of these stories. This is a really unique collection of some seriously steamy romances that I recommend to readers who enjoy spanking stories. Correcting the Coeds receives four out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - She Whom I Love by Tess Bowery (historical ménage) 4 stars

She Whom I Love by Tess Bowery

F/F/M historical ménage romance 

4/5 stars 

Blurb 

Love would be simpler if it came with a script. 

Treading the Boards, Book 2

Marguerite Ceniza dies on the London stage each night, but her own life has barely begun. The ingénue is on the prowl for a lover, but while she burns with desire for Sophie, a confession could ruin their decade-long friendship. In the meantime there are always men vying to be her patron, and square-jawed, broad-shouldered James Glover can’t help but catch her eye. 

Sophie Armand has been a lady’s maid for too long, and she’s sick of keeping secrets. Her hidden scripts and the story of her birth are only the beginning. Her nights are haunted by desperate thoughts of the beguiling Marguerite, and of James, the handsome tradesman who whispers promises of forever into her ear. 

James has the kind of problem a lot of men would kill for—two women, both beautiful, both sensual, and both willing. Sophie wants marriage, while Marguerite’s only in it for fun, and choosing between them isn’t easy. 

What’s the worst that could happen if he secretly courts them both?

Their romantic triangle is complicated in the most delicious way, until a shadowy figure from Marguerite’s past threatens to destroy the budding relationship—and their lives.

Warning: Contains a lady’s maid with secret desires, a corset-maker who knows his way around a woman’s body, and an actress who never has to fake it. Rated for adult audiences only.

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Review 

I read a lot of ménage romances, but sadly I haven't come across many with f/f interaction, so I was very happy to discover this one. She Whom I Love is a F/F/M historical romance set in Regency London. History is not my strongpoint, so I've no idea if it's historically accurate or not, but I found it a fascinating and entertaining read. I really liked the fact that the main characters were all working class instead of members of the aristocracy, which is unusual in this type of story. All three characters had many layers to them and were interesting to read about. The storyline was intriguing with lots of passion, secrets and emotion.

James is a stay maker with a problem - he's fallen for two totally different women, and can't decide between them. Marguerite is a flamboyant actress who's looking for fun, and Sophie is a lady's maid who's looking for marriage. What James doesn't know is that Marguerite and Sophie are close friends - and they both want to be more than friends. This complicated love triangle turns steamy until danger looms in the form of someone from Marguerite's past.

The three main characters were all likable, although I initially wasn't sure about James as he seemed to be stringing the girls along. But believe me Sophie and Marguerite were more than a match for him and able to stand up for themselves! The chemistry between all three of them was hot, and I really enjoyed reading their love scenes which were wildly passionate. This is quite an unusual story, and I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy historical romances with an erotic twist. She Whom I Love receives four out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - Stepbrother's Rules by Renee Rose - 4 stars

Stepbrother's Rules by Renee Rose

1950s age play romance 

4/5 stars 

Blurb 

College Coed LuAnn should not be lusting over her gorgeous stepbrother, especially when he's taken on the temporary role of her guardian until her parents return home from Europe. She certainly shouldn't be calling him "daddy" and letting him give her bare-bottom spankings, bubble baths and massages with baby oil. But when she gets kicked out of her college dorm, Brad's the one who shows up to collect her, and before she knows it, everything is out of control. Her darkest fantasies are coming true, but when their parents return, will it all be over? Or is Brad playing for keeps? 

*** This naughty novella was originally published as part of the Correcting the Coeds 1950's spanking romance box set.***

Publisher's Note: The book contains spanking, elements of ageplay and graphic sexual scenes. If such content offends you, please do not buy this book.

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Review 

Stepbrother's Rules is an entertaining domestic discipline romance set in 1950s America. That was enough to get me interested in this book, but add in the taboo of a relationship between step siblings and you have a story that I just had to read. I've read many D/D 1950s style relationship stories, but this is this is the first one that I've read that is actually set in that timeframe. I liked this historical setting, it added an extra element to the story which I felt worked really well. The storyline was interesting, the hero was fabulous and the heat levels were off the scale. My only slight negative was the heroine - I know she had to be a bit immature and make mistakes for the story to work but at times I found her really annoying. Having said that I still really enjoyed this book, so it wasn't a big issue for me.

When LuAnn is kicked out of her college dorm, she is collected by her sexy stepbrother Brad. With her father and stepmother away Brad is responsible for her and decides to take her in hand. Her sometimes bratty behaviour leads to bare bottom spanking and other punishments. There is a spark between them, and they feel much more than brotherly/sisterly affection for each other. As their relationship gets more serious, can LuAnn and Brad overcome the many obstacles in their way?

There is also a Daddy Dom/little girl aspect to Brad and LuAnns relationship which I felt was handled well by the author. Renee Rose can certainly write a seriously steamy sex scene! There was more to the story than just sex though, there was also a decent storyline about forbidden desires and true love. I really enjoyed this book so it receives four out of five stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - Maiden Claimed by Ravyn Rayne (historical romance) 3.5/5stars

Maiden Claimed 

Historical Erotic Romance 

3.5/5 stars 

Blurb 

It was supposed to be a simple trip to the market in Paris. Nothing for Lady Hannah is ever simple. One secret after another.

The lies are mounting up.

Lady Hannah has made a deal with the devil. Worse, she's falling in love with him. There's no turning back.

A steamy medieval fantasy romance filled with spankings and erotic pleasures.

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Review 

Maiden Claimed is a fun and entertaining historical romance with a saucy twist. It's a short book, and personally I'd have preferred it to be a bit longer so that the story could have been fleshed out a bit. But if you're looking for a hot short read then this book could be for you.

Lady Hannah leads an exciting but complicated life as mistress to the King AND Queen, who she has loved for years. But after a shopping trip goes awry her life takes an even more complicated turn when she meets Lucas. Lies, passion and love combine to create a thoroughly entertaining story that receives three and a half stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - The Mistress and her Men by Minerva Howe(historicalménage) 4 stars

The Mistress and her Men by Minerva Howe

Historical BDSM MMF ménage romance 

4/5 stars 

Blurb 

The path to love isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes it’s a triangle.

When Simon realizes his dearest friend is in real trouble with gambling, whoring and daredeviling, he hits on the perfect solution: provide Matthias with an outlet for his self-destructive urges. While Simon would be more than willing to take on the task himself, Matthias has always fought their “unnatural” attraction.

As London’s Mistress of Discipline, Felice Grey wears her independent and scandalous reputation with confidence. She’ll take on Matthias for one night as a favor to Simon—even break her own rules to let Simon watch. She never expected that Matthias’s struggle against his feelings for Simon would touch her heart, or that she’d feel drawn to both men. Especially since Simon’s dominant nature makes it unlikely he’ll bend to her will.

Simon, barely surviving the night’s session, withdraws to his country estate in hopes that his two favorite people will find each other. Felice and Matthias must make a decision—let happiness fall by the wayside, or pursue it—and damn the risk.

Warning: Nothing can stop this femme domme from claiming both her men, and nothing can stop her from showing them how to claim each other. Not whips, or chains, or even too-tight corsets...

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Review 

I used to read a lot of historical romances but I ended up getting bored of them - well there's no chance of getting bored of this historical romance with a twist! It's racy little story with a MMF ménage romance, a BDSM theme and a Domme who knows what she wants and how to get it.  This book is set in the late 1700s when it was a hanging offence to be gay or have 'unnatural perversions', so this adds an intriguing backdrop to the story. 

Simon is a rich Viscount with strong feelings for his best friend Matthias. But Matthias has always bottled up his 'unnatural' feelings for Simon, which has caused to him punishing himself by gaming, brawling and losing his fortune. Simon comes up with a solution to help his friend work off his frustration and need for punishment, and arranges for the Mistress of Discipline, Felice, to help him. Things become intense and complicated between the trio, which leads to a fascinating story that I really enjoyed reading.

This is a fairly short book, so there's not a lot of room for character development, but it is still a great book that held my attention from start to finish. The BDSM scenes are imaginative, varied and very hot and the storyline is interesting. The Mistress and her Men gets four out of five stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - Bound With Honor by Megan Mulry (erotichistoricalromance) 5 stars

Bound with Honor by Megan Mulry

F/F/M/M erotic historical romance 

5/5 stars 

Blurb 

Lord Archibald Cambury, Marquess of Camburton, has never wanted for anything . . . except normalcy. Although he adores both of his loving mothers, and his vivacious twin sister with her two husbands, he wants a wife. One wife. Full stop. Is that so much to ask?

Miss Selina Ashby appears to be everything Archie has always wanted in a marchioness: demure, soft-spoken, and pretty, with a quick mind and delectable humor. Yes, she is a bit forward, but he chalks that up to youth. Yes, she has a very particular friend in Beatrix Farnsworth, but he chalks that up to loyalty. He is a lord; she is a lady; they are in love. And so they marry. That should be the end of it.

But when Archie discovers that his wife is as passionate with her particular friend Beatrix as he is with his particular friend Christopher, his world is shattered. He must decide if Selina’s love is big enough for both of them—and whether normalcy is truly more important than the love he feels for both the man and the woman who have become so dear to him.

Word count: 67,200; page count: 253

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Review 

Megan Mulry brings us another unique story with the latest book in her Regency Reimagined series. Bound with Honor is my favourite book in the series so far. The author has created some fabulous characters for this series, and stuffy aristocrat Lord Archibald Cambury is another well drawn, intriguing character. The other members of his family are all rather wild for the time and have unconventional relationships. Archie has always wanted a 'normal' relationship with a good, steady woman - and he has set his sights on writer Selina Ashby.

Selina has feelings for Archie, but she also has a female lover - Beatrix. Selina dreams of being able to have a relationship with both Archie and Beatrix - but this looks unlikely when her forward behaviour continues to shock Archie. What she doesn't know is that Archie also has a secret lover - his best friend Christopher. Can conservative Archie and free spirit Selina make a relationship work?

I adored Selina, she is a great character - she knows what (or who) she wants, and does all she can to get it. Selina is the complete opposite of Archie, who's stuffy behaviour sometimes got on my nerves, but they actually complimented each other's characters. Beatrix and Christopher were both great characters too, but I wish we could have gotten to know more about them. There are some hot scenes in this book which would definitely make a proper Regency Lady swoon!

Bound with Honor is a unusual historical romance and I really enjoyed it. This series is great fun to read, the author manages to put a brilliantly kinky, erotic twist on the usual Regency romantic stories. Bound With Honor receives five stars.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - The Duke and the Domina by Jenn Leblanc (time travelBDSMromance) 3 stars

The Duke and the Domina by Jenn Leblanc 

Time travel/historical BDSM romance 

3/5 stars 

Blurb 

He's poor. She's rich.
He's a sub. She's a switch.
It's not love.
It's a marriage of Kink-venience.

Grayson Locke Danforth, in his wildest of dreams, would never have expected two things.

The first was to be recalled from India by Queen Victoria where he worked for the quiet purposes of the crown. He must now become the Duke of Warrick after the tragic deaths of his father and brothers. However, tragedy is entirely in the eyes of the beholder and Grayson never wanted the title, or to return to his family. Grayson wanted to remain invisible, an outcast, a man in exile for the way his body and mind behaved.

The second was to be forced into marriage with a woman from the 21st century.
Lulu is no mere woman, however, she was a switch and worked as professional Dominatrix. When she wakes up in a strange house, a strange world, a strange body, she isn't quite sure what to think and is certain she's dreaming. Until the next day, when she's married off to a man she cannot control her want of.

Lulu and Warrick begin a life together that she could never have imagined. A life she could never have hoped for after being taken from everything she ever knew. Trust doesn't come easily to either of them, but it's the only thing they have.

Grayson will have to give in to his need to submit in order to get his wife to open up and allow him to posses her fully in return.

It's a cautious dance between two people who have never known trust, or love.

Purchase Links 

Amazon

Amazon.co.uk

Goodreads

Review 

Before I start this review I have to be honest and say that I generally don't enjoy time travel stories, but the blurb and BDSM aspects of the storyline appealed to me so I gave it a chance. There were parts of this story that I loved, and others that didn't work for me. I enjoyed the first and last thirds of the book, but the middle section felt slow and a little messy to me.  

The BDSM part of the storyline was great, I really enjoyed the scenes and the dynamics between the two main characters. Grayson's struggles to cope with his submissive side in a time when BDSM was not known about and definitely not accepted by society was fascinating to read. This all worked really well for me. 

As expected it was the time travel element that I struggled with, but that's probably more down to me than the author. Lulu just seemed to accept the fact that she traveled back in time and ended up in someone else's body too easily. I expected her to have many more problems accepting this and fitting in with her new life.

This is a unique book with intriguing characters, and I am glad that I read it. While I didn't love it, I did like it, so The Duke and the Domina receives three stars.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - Bound With Passion by Megan Mulry (historical MMFromance) 4 stars

Bound With Passion by Megan Mulry 

Historical MMF ménage romance 

4/5 stars 

Blurb

Lady Georgiana Elizabeth Cambury has been a "wild romping girl" all her life: dressing in trousers, riding astride, and doing just fine, thank you very much. Her father's exceedingly generous bequest--and her mother's liberal views of the world--have ensured that Georgie will never be a slave to the barbarous institutions of marriage or motherhood. Or so she thinks.

When she returns from five years in North Africa to boring Derbyshire for a brief, obligatory family visit, she finds herself in the midst of a legal snarl involving Mr. James Rushford and Lord Trevor Mayson--neighbors, lovers, and her two closest friends. Mayson's father has declared that he must marry or forfeit his vast inheritance, so Georgie blithely offers to walk down the aisle, in name only. Problem solved.

But try as she might, Georgie cannot ignore the passion that quickly blazes between all three of them. When her marriage of convenience turns into something much deeper, Georgie must decide if she is willing to give up the independence she has fought so hard to achieve--or if love is worth the ultimate surrender.

Word count: 73,000; page count: 253

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Review 

Bound for Passion is the third book in Megan Mulry's Regency Reimagined series, and it is my favourite so far. It's a fun, witty, extremely sexy Regency romp that was a delight to read.  This is an interesting series, I've loved the author's steamier take on historical romances. The characters in the series are all connected, so it's nice to catch up with much loved characters from previous books. This book can also be read as a standalone, you would have no problem following the story. 

Lady Georgiana Cambury is definitely not a simpering, pampered miss - she dresses scandalously in men's trousers, cuts her hair short, rides astride and has been running wild in North Africa for five years. Now she has to return home to her overly critical mother and a boring, quiet life. But it won't be as boring as she thought thanks to her good friend Trevor and his lover James. Trevor's father is insisting he marry or lose the estate he's worked hard to improve, and Georgie generously offers to marry him. After all, she has no plans to ever marry for love, so why shouldn't she marry her best friend in a marriage of convenience? But Trevor and James want more than a marriage of convenience, they want Georgie to permanently live with them in a committed ménage relationship. Will they convince Georgie to give up her freedom for a life in the country she professes to hate?

Georgie is a fascinating character, she is a free spirit in times where there were rigid rules for women. I loved both sides of her - the young, slightly effeminate lad George and the spirited, more ladylike Georgiana. Trevor and James were both really endearing, they are loving, a bit naughty and very sexy. The only slightly negative thing I can think of was the last part where Trevor and James make Georgie realise where her heart lays, I'm not exactly sure why, but it didn't really work for me.  This is a fun, unique historical romance that I enjoyed reading, so Bound for Passion receives four out of five stars. Now I'm looking forward to this next book which stars Georgie's brother Archie.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - Bound With Love by Megan Mulry (f/f historical romance)3.5 stars

Bound With Love by Megan Mulry 

F/f historical romance 

3.5/5 stars 

Synopsis 

A perfect life—until one letter threatens to unravel it all.

Lady Vanessa Cambury, Marchioness of Camburton, adores her life of bucolic contentment with her partner, acclaimed portrait painter Nora White. Together, they have raised two children from Vanessa’s first marriage and built a home filled with purpose, ease, happiness, and passion—always passion.

But when Nora receives word that the child she lost twenty years ago is alive and in England, ancient heartache threatens to destroy their idyll.

To salvage their love, they must come to a deeper understanding of who they are—in the world, and to one another. Nora must learn to overcome the dark shadows of her past. Vanessa must learn to put others’ needs before her own. And Nora’s stubborn daughter must find it in her heart to forgive the mother she thought abandoned her. This unconventional family must rely on the powerful links of love and mercy to bind them back together.

Word count: 34,000; page count: 136 

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Review 

I really wanted to fall in love with this book, as I enjoyed the previous book in the series, but parts of it fell a bit flat for me. The first half of the book was great and was heading for five stars, but I just kind of lost interest in the second half. I did still enjoy this book, it has lots of positives, but I think it had the potential to be so much 'more'. All that being said though, this is still a good f/f historical romance with two main characters that are easy to like and connect with.

Vanessa and Nora have been together for twenty years, and have raised Vanessa's two adult children together. In the first part of the book it alternates between their present day and when they first met. Nora has a traumatic past, which we learnt a lot more about. This section of the book was my favourite, it was so emotional. I loved how Vanessa helped Nora cope with what happened, and the love that grew between them was heartwarming to witness. When Nora receives an unexpected letter from someone claiming to know Nora's daughter, old wounds are opened up for both her and her daughter. Can the past be overcome so that they can be a happy family?

I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous book, it was like catching up with new friends. It was great to meet new characters too, especially Vanessa's two children who will be starring in the next two books I believe.  Bound With Love was a nice, quick read that gets three and a half stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis (historical ménage)4 stars

The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis

Historical MMF ménage romance 

4/5 stars 

Synopsis

A scorching Regency menage by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Madelynne Ellis.

Viola Marsh has been forced to live an austere life, locked away under the watchful eye of her spinster aunt. Only on Christmas Eve is she allowed her freedom, to take part in the tradition of wassailing. Cousins, Percy Gilling and Lord William Ricborough share a close and special relationship, and they require a very particular woman to satisfy their needs. What they’re not expecting is to find her poised beneath the mistletoe on a wintery hilltop.

A Regency menage about a wronged young woman and the men set upon claiming her. 

Purchase Links 

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Review 

The Kissing Bough is an absolutely charming book that succeeded in putting a big smile on my face.  I'm a big fan of MMF ménage stories, and this one was a delight to read.  It is set in Regency England at Christmas time which makes it even more magical. I just wish it was a bit longer as I loved this trio and wanted to hear more from them.

Viola has been living in disgrace after she was ruined at a party. Even though she was totally innocent no one in her family would believe her, so she has been living with her spinster aunt away from society. She is only allowed out on Christmas Eve to take part in the traditional wassailing ceremony.  While she is there she is spotted by lovers Percy and Lord William. Could she be the special woman that they've been looking for.

All three of the main characters are likable, although my personal favourite was Percy - he's adorable.  The interaction between the characters manages to be both sweet and steamy, with some very hot moments.  I liked the regency setting, the author portrayed it beautifully.  Can we have a sequel please?  I'd love to revisit this trio to see how their relationship progresses.  Four stars.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.

Book review - The Duke of Andelot by Delilah Marvelle(historicalromance) 4 stars

The Duke of Andelot by Delilah Marvelle 

Erotic historical romance 

4/5 stars 

Synopsis 

History just got sexy as hell...

WARNING: This book contains strong language and sexual content that may cause respectable people to swoon.

Long before becoming the flamboyant courtesan known to men as Madame de Maitenon, Thérèse Angelique Bouchard, dreamed of becoming an actress capable of commanding not only the stage but all of Paris. Until she meets an extraordinary aristocratic gentleman who sweeps her into his arms and the danger of his life, while offering her the sort of wealth she never imagined. What starts off as a seductive alliance, ends in her giving him the one thing she, as a mere bourgeoisie, cannot afford to give: her love.

After the murder of his older brothers, Gérard Antoine Tolbert, becomes the last heir to the powerful dukedom of Andelot, leaving him to fight for not only his life, but the allegiance he holds for the crown. During the final rise of the French Revolution that whispers of the violent change about to shake the entire country, Gérard meets an aspiring actress who introduces him into wanting more out of himself and life. In trying to protect her from their overly passionate alliance and those that want him dead, he must decide what matters most: his life or his heart.

This quirky, sexy and scandalous Regency/Victorian Historical Romance is part of a series.
SCHOOL OF GALLANTRY SERIES:

Book 1, Mistress of Pleasure
Book 2, Lord of Pleasure
Book 3, Lady of Pleasure
Book 4, Night of Pleasure
Book 5, Master of Pleasure
Book 6, Romancing Lady Stone
The FINALE, The Duke of Andelot

Purchase Links 

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Review 

The Duke of Andelot is a historical romance with a steamy side.  It is the last book in The School of Gallantry series. I haven't read any of the other books, but I still enjoyed this one - although it may have been a bit easier to follow at the beginning if I'd read the others first.  It is set in the French Revolution and the amount of detail included is impressive, the author has obviously done a lot of research into this period of history.

I liked both of the main characters, I thought they were well written and easy to connect to.  The chemistry between the hero and heroine was undeniable, and there were some very hot love scenes in this book.  The storyline is fairly complex, and covers thirty years, so I'm not going to describe it here and give anything away - but it is definitely entertaining to read.  I enjoyed the author's writing style and would read more from her in the future. Four stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Release blitz - Veronica: Fragrant Courtesans Book One by Siobhan Daiko

Veronica: Fragrant Courtesans Book One by Siobhan Daiko

Blurb

“So fragrant and delightful do I become, when I am in bed with someone who, I feel, adores and appreciates me, that the joy I bring exceeds all pleasure, so the ties of love, however close they seemed before, are knotted tighter still.”

Venice, Italy, 16th Century. 

Trapped in unhappy marriage, Veronica uses her wits to escape and takes the only other option open to her. After learning the art of seduction, she becomes a courtesan and gives herself to many rather than being owned by one. 

A talented poet and writer, she courts the cultural élite for fame and fortune.

But when disaster strikes and her life begins to unravel, will she finally give her heart to a man? And will she be strong enough to hold her own in a man’s world?

Advisory: Sensuously erotic, 18+

Universal buy link

http://viewbook.at/Veronica_FC1

Author Bio

Siobhan Daiko is an author of romantic historical fiction and a new series of erotic novellas featuring famous courtesans – strong women who held their own in a man’s world. A lover of all things Italian, Siobhan lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband and two cats. After a life of romance and adventure in Hong Kong, Australia and the UK she now spends her time, when she isn’t writing, enjoying the dolce vita near Venice. 

Website

https://siobhandaiko.wordpress.com/

http://fragrantpublishing.com/

Social Media

Facebook, Twitter @FCourtesans