Heidi Reads...

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Blog Tour Review: Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She couldn’t forget…

Wealthy squire’s daughter Margaret Honeywell was always meant to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe, but it’s bastard-born Nicholas Seaton who has her heart. Raised alongside her on her father’s estate, Nicholas is the rumored son of notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim. When Fred frames him for theft, Nicholas escapes into the night, vowing to find his legendary sire. But Nicholas never returns. A decade later, he’s long been presumed dead.

He wouldn’t forgive…

After years spent on the continent, John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has finally come home to England. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he’s on a mission to restore his family’s honor. If he can mete out a bit of revenge along the way, so much the better. But he hasn’t reckoned for Maggie Honeywell. She’s bold and beautiful—and entirely convinced he’s someone else.

As danger closes in, St. Clare is torn between love and vengeance. Will he sacrifice one to gain the other? Or with a little luck—and a lot of daring—will he find a way to have them both?

My Review

Is there anything more satisfying than reading a gripping novel from start to finish is one sitting?! I absolutely loved being able to binge read Gentleman Jim and felt totally immersed in the story. I loved the depth of friendship in Nicholas and Maggie's youth, and they practically jumped off the page. They both changed drastically over time, but their core personalities are the same, allowing them to reignite that connection. The author skillfully reveals the most vulnerable parts of Nicholas that only Maggie can soothe, bringing layers to both characters that make them soulmates. Complex family relationships work to keep them apart, making it seem as though they cannot have a future together without sacrificing everything. I enjoyed the elements of intrigue, revenge, and the plot twists that kept me glued to the page, as well as the passionate romance. One of my favorites of 2020 for sure. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Praise for Gentleman Jim

"Tartly elegant. . . A vigorous, sparkling, and entertaining love story with plenty of Austen-ite wit."— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Matthews ups the ante with a wildly suspenseful romance..."— Library Journal, starred review

"Equally passionate and powerful...Mimi Matthews proves once again that she is a master of historical fiction in Gentleman Jim."— Readers' Favorite

"Rollicking and romantic, passionate and intriguing...Regency romance does not get any better than Gentleman Jim."— Relz Reviewz

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Her next romance, The Siren of Sussex, will be out in 2022 from Berkley/Penguin Random House.

GOODREADS

Follow the Blog Tour

Join the virtual blog tour of GENTLEMAN JIM; A TALE OF ROMANCE AND REVENGE, Mimi Matthews’s highly acclaimed new historical romance novel, November 9 through December 6, 2020. Forty-five popular blogs specializing in historical fiction, historical romance, and Austenesque fiction will join in the celebration of its release with exclusive excerpts, interviews, spotlights, or reviews of this new Regency-era novel set in Somerset, England.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

Nov 09 Relz Reviewz (Character Spotlight)

Nov 09 Life of Literature (Review)

Nov 09 Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog (Review)

Nov 10 Savvy Verse and Wit (Interview)

Nov 10 Greenish Bookshelf (Review)

Nov 11 Library of Clean Reads (Review)

Nov 11 Silver Petticoat Reviews (Excerpt)

Nov 12 Bookworm Lisa (Review)

Nov 12 Heidi Reads... (Review)

Nov 13 Lu's Reviews (Review)

Nov 14 The Green Mockingbird (Review)

Nov 15 Bookish Rantings (Review)

Nov 15 The Lit B**** (Review)

Nov 16 The Historical Fiction Reader (Review)

Nov 16 Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Nov 17 Inkwell Inspirations (Review)

Nov 17 Robin Loves Reading (Review)

Nov 18 Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

Nov 18 My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)

Nov 19 Laura's Reviews (Review)

Nov 20 Jorie Loves a Story (Spotlight)

Nov 20 Foxes and Fairy Tales (Review)

Nov 21 Gwendalyn's Books (Excerpt)

Nov 22 Romantically Inclined Reviews (Review)

Nov 22 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Nov 22 Vesper's Place (Spotlight)

Nov 23 Fiction Aficionado (Review)

Nov 23 Historical Fiction with Spirit (Review)

Nov 24 Let Them Read Books (Interview)

Nov 25 The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)

Nov 25 So Little Time… (Spotlight)

Nov 27 Among the Reads (Review)

Nov 28 Chicks, Rogues and Scandals (Review)

Nov 29 Book Bustle (Review)

Nov 30 Cup of Tea with that Book Please (Review)

Dec 01 Nurse Bookie (Review)

Dec 02 Confessions of a Book Addict (Review)

Dec 02 Impressions in Ink (Review)

Dec 03 From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

Dec 04 Relz Reviewz (Review)

Dec 04 Rosanne E. Lortz (Review)

Dec 05 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Review)

Dec 05 Probably at the Library (Review)

Dec 06 The Calico Critic (Excerpt)

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: One Way Home by Melanie Campbell

One Way Home Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for One Way Home by Melanie Campbell, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: One Way Home

Series: Whispers of Grace #2

Author: Melanie Campbell

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink

Release Date: November 1, 2020

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Women's Fiction

She’s hanging by a string—with only one chance left.

A recovering alcoholic and longtime widow, Sharon has struggled to build a new life. She’s made amends with her only daughter, Cassie, who’s been through a treacherous divorce. Cassie’s daughter, Renee, too young to understand her grandmother’s earlier mistakes, has become the light of Sharon’s life.

But Sharon can’t seem to escape from her past. Her mother’s deathbed confession haunts her. Convinced the answer to truly overcoming her addiction lies with her biological father, Sharon sends off a DNA test in the hope of finding him. When the results of the test aren’t as revealing as Sharon anticipates, she and Cassie team up to find the truth.

Meanwhile an old flame shows up. Sharon doesn’t think she can ever love again, but what Johnny offers seems like a dream come true. His charm and kindness shine so bright, Sharon can almost believe he’s changed.

As the search for her father continues to frustrate and tensions escalate with Cassie, Sharon wonders if leaving it all behind for a life with Johnny will save her crumbling heart. Will the truth set Sharon free? Or it will it be the final blow to her sobriety?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Excerpt:

I pulled my keys out of the ignition and reached for my purse. I shifted the rearview mirror so I could see my face and wipe away the mascara that was probably all over my cheeks by now. I shifted and glanced up, but I’d angled the mirror too low and it was reflecting my chest, not my face. Instead of smeared mascara and fine lines I saw the shirt I was wearing. The mermaid shirt Renee had given me for Christmas.

My throat ached, and I ran my hand over the mermaid’s silhouette. Because it reminded me of you, Grammy. Me, a mermaid. That was funny, but I didn’t laugh. I sighed and set the mirror at its proper angle. I didn’t know much about mermaids, but I was pretty sure they didn’t go to bars. I rested my head against the seat of my old Buick. I would never win mother of the year, but I still had a fighting chance of being a decent grandma.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Campbell’s debut novel, One Woman Falling, won the 2020 Oregon Christian Writer’s Cascade Award for contemporary fiction and is a finalist for the Selah Award for first novel. One Way Home, the second novel in her Whispers of Grace series, releases on November 1, 2020.

Melanie wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single-mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her family and several spoiled pets.

When not writing, Melanie enjoys exploring Oregon’s beautiful outdoors by hiking, kayaking, and going for drives in the country. In less-than-favorable weather conditions, you will find her enjoying an intriguing book and a strong cup of coffee.

CONNECT WITH MELANIE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of One Way Home and a $25 Amazon gift card!

One Way Home JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 10, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 17, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Friday, November 6, 2020

Review: Loving a Lady by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Ewan Campbell fought to free himself from his past. Quite literally. A former prizefighter, he now earns his living as an artist. But Ewan still fights more figurative opponents—dark memories that threaten to overwhelm him. Worse, when he is hired to assist a famous painter, Ewan finds himself falling for the man’s highborn niece, Lady Kildrum. Such feelings are pointless. Countesses do not fall in love with impoverished Highlanders, no matter what fairy tales say.

Violet Kerr, Lady Kildrum, struggles to make decisions. She is a countess in her own right, for heaven’s sake. Decision-making skills should flow through her blood. After all, her life’s path is clear—marry a nobleman, provide for her sisters, and see to the welfare of her tenants.

Though Violet has made one decision—

She must curb her attraction to Ewan Campbell, her uncle’s new art assistant. The lowly Highlander, no matter how alluring, is not a proper suitor for a countess. She definitely should not fantasize about the man.

Or, if she does, she should not allow such fantasies to lead to very real kissing. Because kissing could bring on the most difficult decision of all—

What happens if Violet chooses to fall in love with the one man she can never have?

My Review

I love how this series has a continuity plot that connects the books beyond the relationship of the group of men. It creates a mystery and sense of suspense while the main characters are also dealing with their immediate circumstances and obstacles. Ewan is full of contrasts which intrigue Violet, and I loved his depth of character that emerges through his art. Violet is in a unique position of power, however unprepared she feels for it. The way they develop a friendship and support each other through their personal struggles is lovely. Their attraction and chemistry is palpable, and brings a powerful tension to the story. This is a great addition to the series and I just can't wait for the next one!!!

Don't miss the previous books in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series . . .

Book tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Holidays Inc by Rachelle Paige Campbell #HIPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Holidays, Inc.

By Rachelle Paige Campbell

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 260 Pages

November 4, 2020 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

Former child actress, Danielle "Dani" Winter, left Hollywood to transform an old cinema into a dinner theater, seeing the project as her chance to take control of her future. The middle-of-nowhere location in Wisconsin is a perfect escape from backstabbing celebrity friends. The small town welcomes her help with open arms, but one man questions her plan.

After unsuccessful writing stints on both coasts, Paul Howell returns home to New Hope. He's shocked to discover that his sister has sold the family business to a beautiful woman. With the encouragement of his neighbors, he reluctantly agrees to write Dani's next musical.

Working together, they discover more similarities than differences and grow close. When Dani's former best friend and America's sweetheart, Kara Kensington arrives, their blossoming relationship is threatened in more ways than one.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Excerpt

“Come on.” He scoffed. “If she ended up here, can she really have a celebrity network? No offense.”

“Some offense taken.” She sighed. “I can list any number of reasons why someone might choose a town like New Hope.”

“Like she’s on the run from the law? Or she’s conning the town and planning to bolt?” His instincts about people swerved way off base with his last partner. If he’d been cheated by a friend of ten years, how could he believe Dani—a stranger—and her too-good-to-be-true job offer? She doesn’t judge me. He drank the rest of the coffee, quenching his dry mouth. Being a good listener didn’t absolve Dani of nefarious motives.

“You are so annoyingly stubborn. Ever think maybe this town is cheap enough she could buy half a block of downtown without feeling a pinch? Or maybe growing up in a city, she wanted a small-town life, like the reverse of you?” She drained her mug, set it in the sink, and grabbed a muffin from the breadbasket on the counter. “What do you need?”

“Answers.” He stared into his empty mug and frowned. If he possessed any coffee-ground reading clairvoyance, he wouldn’t have hit rock bottom.

“I can’t help you with Dani.” She peeled the wrapper off the muffin and took a large bite.

“I’ll settle for a different question. Why you haven’t changed this house?”

She swallowed and shrugged. “I’m not the sole owner. I can’t make choices without your input.”

About the Author

Rachelle Paige Campbell writes contemporary romance filled with heart and hope. No matter the location—big city, small town, or European kingdom—her feel-good stories always end with a happily ever after. She’s grateful for the support of her family, her robot floor cleaner, and her reluctant writing partner (her dog).

Tour Schedule