Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor

ABOUT THE BOOK

Wild, Wild Rake, the next sweeping, emotional, witty, and sharp romance in the Cavensham Heiresses series from beloved author Janna MacGregor.

Her first marriage was an epic fail.

Lady Avalon Warwyk never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry—that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town.

Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after?

Devan Farris—charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian—is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with a vicar with a wild reputation—even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside—a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her. . .until death do they part?

Praise for the Cavensham Heiresses series

“Full-bodied romance…with intelligence and heart.”—New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell

“Sparkling…MacGregor brings England’s Regency era to life.” —Publishers Weekly

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REVIEW

What I liked: The story came at a time I needed a lighthearted romance, and this undertook that well. Avalon and Devon are adorable together. 

Avalon's betrothal felt authentic to the time: an arranged marriage and a courtesan who becomes a mistress, then a life mate. Through all of that, it was refreshing to see Avalon develop a loose friendship rather than the standard jealousy and vindictiveness. Due to her marriage situation, the mission Avalon adapts is a worthy one. She is doing a very charitable thing by aiding those down on their luck. Avalon does not feel like the typical reserved, snotty, and stuffy lady of wealth found in that time frame, and this endeared her to me pretty quickly. Devon is splendid as the witty, charming vicar. He uses that appeal to gain favor, but not in a sleazy way. Not once did I feel Devon was insincere in his actions or words. 

What I didn't like: The romantic conflict felt pretty thin to me. It almost felt a little insulting to Avalon's intelligence, but I could be projecting. The situation did not ruin the experience for me, only a minor irritation. Ultimately, the resolution was satisfactory.

Wild Wild Rake is an incredibly enjoyable Historical Romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Avalon and Devon's tale.

The Lasaran by Dianne Duvall Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers the first novel in a thrilling new sci-fi romance series full of action, intrigue, humor, and happily-ever-afters. 

Taelon searches the galaxy for his younger sister, who mysteriously disappeared while on a diplomatic mission. When an ally reveals that she was seized and is being held prisoner on Earth, Taelon descends upon the blue planet, intent on freeing her and exacting vengeance. However, all does not go as planned. Before he can find her, Taelon is captured and becomes the subject of torturous experiments. 

For what feels like an eternity, all he knows is pain and fury… until a mind tentatively touches his own and a woman’s voice forever changes his world. 

After suffering tragic losses, Lisa is finally beginning to carve out a future for herself when chance sends her to the Anomalous Cognition Research Institute. What at first appears to be a benign organization seeking participants for a psychic study instead turns out to be a government facility harboring a much darker intent. Lisa discovers this too late and soon becomes the unwilling subject of a terrifying experiment. 

Just as fear and desperation threaten to consume her, a deep, compelling voice penetrates the looming insanity and lends her hope.Having seen only the worst of humanity, Taelon is shocked when Lisa risks everything to free him.

Together the two make their escape, and Taelon finds himself fascinated by the small human woman who—despite all she’s suffered—can still laugh and tease and lure smiles from him. Friendship swiftly grows between them as they work together to evade soldiers intent on capturing them and find themselves hunted by mystifying preternatural beings. 

Through it all, Lisa steadfastly remains by his side, stealing more of his heart each day while she helps him unravel the mystery of his sister’s fate. Can they find his sister before the hunters find them? If they survive their quest, will Taelon have to bid Lisa farewell… or can he coax her into leaving her planet and joining him for the adventure of a lifetime?

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REVIEW

The Lasaran by Dianne Duvall is a new series that takes place in her Immortal Guardian world. The Lasaran fits well into the current universe, and it generates an intriguing opposition that will seemingly affect both stories moving forward. 

The conflict is such that it draws the reader in immediately. I concluded this story in less than 24 hours. The leads are charming, brave, intelligent, and committed to doing the right thing. It was extremely easy to side with them through the various challenges in the story.

Simply put, this book is an excellent start to the Aldebarian Alliance series. If you enjoy sci-fi romantic thrillers, The Lasaran is a must-read. And if you have not read the Immortal Guardian series, a great deal of background information is present. Although it is unnecessary to enjoy The Lasaran, it will provide a more broad picture of what is going on in their universe.

The Lasaran by Dianne Duvall Blog Tour Stop

We are beyond excited to be celebrate this release from Dianne Duvall with you today by participating in the blog tour! THE LASARAN is the first book in a brand new sci-fi romance series, Aldebarian Alliance.  Keep reading to find out more about the title below. Click here to reserve your copy today!

And don't forget to check out Dianne's top 5 favorite sci-fi movies at the bottom of this post! 

Thanks Dianne!

The Lasaran

Book #1 Aldebarian Alliance

By Dianne Duvall

April 21, 2020

New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers the first novel in a thrilling new sci-fi romance series full of action, intrigue, humor, and happily-ever-afters.

Taelon searches the galaxy for his younger sister, who mysteriously disappeared while on a diplomatic mission. When an ally reveals that she was seized and is being held prisoner on Earth, Taelon descends upon the blue planet, intent on freeing her and exacting vengeance. However, all does not go as planned. Before he can find her, Taelon is captured and becomes the subject of torturous experiments. For what feels like an eternity, all he knows is pain and fury… until a mind tentatively touches his own and a woman’s voice forever changes his world.

After suffering tragic losses, Lisa is finally beginning to carve out a future for herself when chance sends her to the Anomalous Cognition Research Institute. What at first appears to be a benign organization seeking participants for a psychic study instead turns out to be a government facility harboring a much darker intent. Lisa discovers this too late and soon becomes the unwilling subject of a terrifying experiment. Just as fear and desperation threaten to consume her, a deep, compelling voice penetrates the looming insanity and lends her hope.

Having seen only the worst of humanity, Taelon is shocked when Lisa risks everything to free him. Together the two make their escape, and Taelon finds himself fascinated by the small human woman who—despite all she’s suffered—can still laugh and tease and lure smiles from him. Friendship swiftly grows between them as they work together to evade soldiers intent on capturing them and find themselves hunted by mystifying preternatural beings. Through it all, Lisa steadfastly remains by his side, stealing more of his heart each day while she helps him unravel the mystery of his sister’s fate. Can they find his sister before the hunters find them? If they survive their quest, will Taelon have to bid Lisa farewell… or can he coax her into leaving her planet and joining him for the adventure of a lifetime?

Kindle | Kobo | B&N |  iBooks | Audible | Paperpack 

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The Immortal Guardians Series:

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians, #1) 

Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, #2)

Phantom Shadows (Immortal Guardians, #3) 

In Still Darkness (Immortal Guardians, #3.5) 

Darkness Rises (Immortal Guardians, #4) 

Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians, #5) 

Phantom Embrace (Immortal Guardians, #5.5)

Shadows Strike (Immortal Guardians, #6) 

Blade of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 7) 

Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 8)

Death of Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book 9)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and "wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews, and/or Night Owl Reviews.

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Goodreads | Book Bub | Instagram

Tour-Wide Giveaway:

- (1) $50 Amazon Gift Card
- (2) An Aldebarian Alliance, Immortal Guardians, and The Gifted Ones by Dianne Duvall Prize Pack

*Please be aware, that should conditions worsen due to COVID-19, the author reserves the right to substitute an Amazon.com gift card of their choice amount for the prize pack. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. 

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Top 5 Favorite Sci-Fi Movies

Hello! Thanks so much for helping me celebrate the release of THE LASARAN, the first book in my new Aldebarian Alliance series. If you love sci-fi and paranormal romance that features strong men who adore strong women, and boasts lots of action, passion, humor, and happily-ever-afters, then I think you’ll enjoy this series.

Though romance and its many sub-genres has long been my favorite reading pleasure, many of my favorite films fall under the headings of sci-fi and horror. Since the hero of THE LASARAN hails from another planet I thought I would share my Top 5 Favorite Sci-Fi Movies:

1

ALIENS

There is nothing in this movie that I don’t like. I love it from beginning to end and have lost count of the number of times I’ve watched it.

2

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2.

I love movies that combine action with comedy. Throw sci-fi in and give me likable characters and I’ll watch it again and again. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 has it all. And the intro is one of my all-time favorites. There have been many times when I didn’t have time to watch the whole movie and just watched the intro for a fun pick-me-up.

3

THE FIFTH ELEMENT

This is such a fun movie. Leeloo (Milla Jovavitch’s character) reminds me a lot of Ami, a character in my Immortal Guardians series. She can kick a LOT of butt, yet she’s also sweet and vulnerable. Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis’s character) is a lot of fun, too. And everything from the visuals to the music, directing, and casting appeals to the independent filmmaker in me.

4

LIVE DIE REPEAT: EDGE OF TOMORROW

What can I say? I love reluctant heroes (which is why I also love Korben Dallas). And as I mentioned earlier, I really enjoy movies that combine action with comedy. This movie has plenty of both.

5

GALAXY QUEST

I never grow tired of watching this one. It always makes me laugh. I love the characters, the plot… all of it. And since I grew up watching old Star Trek re-runs, seeing these “TV actors” react to being thrust into what amounts to a live version of their show is vastly entertaining.

So what about you? What are some of your favorite sci-fi movies?

REVIEW

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones

ABOUT THE BOOK

New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones is back with the first novel in the brand-new snarky, sassy, wickedly fun Sunshine Vicram series—A Bad Day for Sunshine!

"Laugh-out-loud funny, intensely suspenseful, page-turning fun." - New York Times Bestselling author Allison Brennan

"A Bad Day For Sunshine is a great day for the rest of us." - Lee Child, New York Times bestselling author

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose.

Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, strong cups of coffee—and, now, a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff—thanks to her adorably meddlesome parents who nominated her—and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of this is reminding Sunshine why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that the trouble at her daughter’s new school, plus and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and, well, the forecast looks anything but sunny.

But even clouds have their silver linings. This one's got Levi, Sunshine's sexy, almost-old-flame, and a fiery-hot US Marshal. With temperatures rising everywhere she turns, Del Sol's normally cool-minded sheriff is finding herself knee-deep in drama and danger. Can Sunshine face the call of duty—and find the kidnapper who's terrorizing her beloved hometown—without falling head over high heels in love...or worse?

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REVIEW

I am a tremendous fan of Darynda Jones. Having read her Charlie Davidson series, I was eager to dive into A Bad Day for Sunshine, and she did not disappoint. Sunshine Vicram is the new sheriff in her hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico.  She has a complicated past, a promising future, and a strange and enlightening first case.

Sunshine is a fun lead. She is sassy, intelligent, and hilarious. Her initial days on the job are portrayed with endearing lightheartedness, and drama when appropriate. Conflicts in Del Sol, at times, have an otherworldly edge which the entire cast takes in stride. No disbelief or arguing the logic, the cast accepts it and does what is necessary. A deeper mystery is at play here as well, one that I cannot wait to experience in more novels.

If you have read Charlie Davidson, you will love Sunshine. If you haven't, but like a good crime mystery with humor and heart, you should give A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones a try.

Highland Sword A Royal Highlander Novel by May McGoldrick

ABOUT THE BOOK

Scottish pride, persuasion, and passion—this is Highland romance at its breathtaking best.

From USA Today bestselling author May McGoldrick comes Highland Sword, the third book in the Royal Highlander series.

A VOW FOR VENGEANCE

Fleeing to the Highlands after her father’s murder, fiery Morrigan Drummond has a score to settle with Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for his death. Trained to fight alongside the other rebels determined to break Britain’s hold on Scotland, she swears to avenge her father’s death—until a chance encounter with a barrister as proud and principled as she is presents her with a hard choice…and a bittersweet temptation.

A PLEA FOR PASSION

Aidan Grant has never encountered another woman like dangerous beauty Morrigan—and he has the bruises to prove it. Yet she could be the key to defending two innocent men, as well as striking a death blow to the reprehensible Burney. Convincing Morrigan to help him will take time, but Aidan is willing to wait if it means victory over corrupt government forces and freedom for his people…and Morrigan’s hand in marriage. Can two warriors committed to a cause stand down long enough to open their hearts to a love fierce enough to last…forever?

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REVIEW

I encountered no issues following the events or relationships in Highland Sword despite not reading any prior novels in this series. Against a historical Scottish backdrop, Morrigan and Aiden search for vengeance. Both characters are determined and capable in their quests, whether they are working together toward a goal or individually. Morrigan is a strong-willed, fun heroine, and Aiden is well suited to calm Morrigan's storm. The romance between Morrigan and Aiden was slow to take effect, but I enjoyed the pacing of it. I found their snarky and flirtatious encounters to be endearing. I enjoyed reading Highland Sword and recommend it for lovers of historical romantic fiction.