Book Review: An Irish Rogue by Suzanne Barrett

What might a charming rogue do to get a green card?

An Irish Rogue
by Suzanne Barrett

• File Size: 662 KB
• Print Length: 232 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (December 27, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006QZJ8SS

(Also available in print format)
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

Justine Farris would do anything for her dotty old aunt, but marrying Declan Walsh seems just plain crazy. Although the handsome handyman might be sent back to Ireland unless they pretend to tie the knot, how can Justine possibly say “I do” when they can’t agree on anything.

Declan would never have proposed to an independent, unconventional woman like Justine, but this is an emergency. Then, suddenly, he begins to wish that his temporary fiancée could stay in his arms forever. And where there’s a will, there’s a way…

Review:

This is a fun, engaging romance with very likable characters.
Declan is laying low until he can get a new job and renew his visa. He needs to hide from a vindictive ICE (immigration) agent.  Declan’s cousin helps him get a job at an out of the way house doing carpentry renovations. That’s not his field but he figures he can handle it.

Justine lives in the “fixer-upper” property with her eccentric aunt, Laverne,  and her new age, vegan sister, Willow. Justine is the business mind of the family, running her bookstore in town and managing the household. She is practical, down to earth and comfortably looking forward to marrying her teacher boyfriend. At least she was comfortable until her aunt hired this distracting, handsome, Irish rogue to work on the house. Now she can’t seem to stop ogling those flexing muscles while he’s working.

Justine can’t seem to stop herself from comparing the rugged, intense Irishman to her easygoing, poetry reading, sort of average, James. But she and James have many things in common, don’t they?  Irrepressibly she is drawn by the passion she experiences whenever she is near Declan.

Declan is intrigued by Justine but he is woman shy since he was feels he was betrayed by his ex-wife, Maura. He can’t stop thinking about Justine yet he struggles to tell her how he feels. 

When the ICE agent locates Declan the only way to keep him in the States is if he gets a green card through marriage. Justine impulsively tells the agent they are married and they have to begin a pretense for the spying eyes. But when it comes time for the hearing will Justine step away from her well ordered life and risk her heart with Declan? Can Declan respond to Justine’s willingness to love and can he learn to express his feelings in order to keep her by his side?

The writing is smooth making this a quick and easy read. The characters are strong, independent and flawed; very real. The secondary characters are quirky and further the fun elements of the story. The Irish brogue and words adds a flair that I really like.  The chemistry is immediate and visual but the romance builds slowly in a very nice progression of draw and resistance. Once again Ms. Barrett has provided a fine, entertaining romance.

~~~~~~~

Here are a few quotes showing the reactions of the protagonists when they first meet.
Justine watching Declan:

Something about the set of his shoulders, the easy way he moved, disturbed her. Deep inside a little flutter of unease rippled and then flared to a dazzling warmth. Location 116.

Declan following Justine:

He’d never given much thought to how women walked, but Justine Farris made him take notice. Her stride reminded him of a racehorse, each movement precise, yet fluid. Location 133.

Declan's second thoughts:

He offered her a wicked grin. Discovering the woman behind that cool business facade might prove the most intriguing challenge of all. Location 142.

Thank you Ms. Barrett for providing this book to read and review.

This story is set in California for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC challenge list.

Sourcebooks Shares Some Time Travel!

Shared from the desk of Sourcebooks' Publicist

Hello,

Love the idea of traveling back (or forward) in time? Ever wonder if there’s some kind of connection between you and the past, or felt as though you belonged in another era? Then Sourcebooks has the perfect eBook deal for you: a collection of some of our favorite “timeslip” romance and fiction titles on sale for $2.99! The full list of titles is below. The sale begins, so check them out!

As always, please be patient if our online retailers don’t have every single title uploaded to their discounted price points, but the promotions are set to begin on the start dates listed below. These deals are available with all major e-Book retailers!

Feel free to share the info with your blog readers, on Facebook and Twitter, and however else you’d like to spread the word.

You can always receive the latest information about our eBook deals by checking our eBook deals page, which also lists our eBook retailer partners:  http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/browse-our-lists/ebook-specials.html.

Enjoy!

Danielle

Sourcebooks, Inc. |  @SourcebooksCasa

Spring Forward – Timeslip eBooks for $2.99!

4/3/2012 – 4/16/2012

Catriona by Jeanette Baker (romance)

Known for her Scottish time travel and Irish historical romances, Jeanette Baker is an award-winning and bestselling author. A part of our Casablanca Classics line, Catriona is now back in print! Kate Sutherland is visited by the mystical, ghostly Catriona, her deceased ancestor, who transports Kate into the passion and bloodshed of 15th century Scotland. With ties in both the past and the present, Kate must now risk everything to right the wrongs of the past, or lock the door on history to pursue her future love.

A Cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware (fiction)

When a Hollywood scandal leaves her life and her marriage in ruins, Blythe Stowe escapes to the wild coast of Cornwall and a cottage by the sea. There she finds herself both physically drawn to her handsome neighbor, Lucas Teague, and literally drawn into a haunting 200-yearold love story as an elaborate family tree on his study wall sends her rushing back into the past. As Blythe struggles to make sense of what is happening and discovers family secrets that have been long concealed, she realizes Lucas holds the key to both her past and her future…

No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper (romance)

The Terminator meets My Fair Lady in this fascinating debut of black magic and brilliant ball gowns, named A Best Book of 2011 by both Publishers Weekly and Library Journal! Joan is from a time where demons run rampant and humanity is fighting for its existence. To prevent this terrible future, she is sent back to Victorian England to kill the magician responsible for unleashing the dark forces. To get close to her target, she’ll need Simon Grenville to teach her how to fit into polite society. Joan doesn’t mind practicing proper flirtation on Simon, but she can’t allow herself to be distracted by his gentle hands or devilish smile—the very future depends on it.

The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman

Elaine Coffman has written 19 novels and sold 5 million books. The Return of Black Douglas is a response to reader requests for books about the Scottish ancestors of Coffman’s bestselling seven-book historical Mackinnon series, the last of which was a New York Times bestseller. Isobella Douglas is pulled back in time by the ghost of her infamous ancestor The Black Douglas, where she encounters a Highland laird who’s completely captivated by the modern lass...

Whispers in the Sand by Barbara Erskine

Past and present collide in richly mysterious Egypt, where recently divorced Anna is retracing an Egyptian journey her great grandmother Louisa made from Luxor to the Valley of the Kings. As she follows Louisa's footsteps, Anna discovers both the chilling secret of the bottle and the terrifying specters that pursued her great grandmother. A thrilling suspense story, Whispers in the Sand is another gem from timeslip master Barbara Erskine.

Audio Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Jacob's Return by Annette Blair

This is a twisted tale of betrayal, sorrow, sin and stolen joy. It is engaging but goes a bit beyond what one might expect in an Amish story. 

Jacob's Return
by Annette Blair

Narrator: Ariana Westfield

• Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 10 hours and 11 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook
• Version: Unabridged
• Publisher: AudioLark Audio Books
• Audible.com Release Date: March 27, 2012
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007P5NBM2

Genre: Historical Romance, Amish
(Caveat -
I note this as it is unexpected in an Amish story:
there is a passionate scene in an adulterous relationship.)
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

 Product Description

Jacob Sauder abandons his Amish heritage when the woman he loves, Rachel Zook, agrees to marry his brother, Simon. Though he adapts to the ways of the “English” — even fathering twins — he remains an outsider. When the mother of his twins dies, Jacob knows only one way to raise his children — the Amish way. He brings them home to the community he vowed to leave forever. For his children he can do anything, even be strong when he sees Rachel, his love, married to his brother.

Years ago, Simon lied to ensure a future with Rachel Zook as his wife. Now Rachel is barren, a disappointment to him. Unaware of the lie Simon told to drive Jacob away, Rachel believes Jacob abandoned her when he left the Amish community. Shocked when he returns with two-year-old twins, Rachel knows there can be nothing between them, for marriage is a life-long commitment among the Amish. But the twins need a mother and Rachel loves children. As she cares for Jacob’s children as if they were her own, her feelings for him deepen into a love that cannot be.

Jacob’s Return is the story of a prodigal son, a forbidden love, and a fanatical preacher. As shocking as it is compelling, Jacob’s Return is both uplifting and unforgettable. A wonderful read, this is a universal story about love and faith in impossible circumstances.

Review:
When Jacob learns that he has twins and their mother has died he determines that he must take them home to be raised Amish. He knows it will be hard to see Rachel, his life long sweetheart, who married his brother, Simon, but he believes that the Amish life will be best for his children.

Jacob’s welcome isn’t assured but Rachel immediately welcomes him and the children. She is thrilled to help out with the twins especially since she has no children of her own. Simon is not glad to see his brother whose return interrupts his service of celebration becoming a Deacon. Simon clearly resents the welcome the prodigal son gets from their father, Rachel and others in the community.

Jacob soon learns that Simon has abused Rachel, shoving her around and verbally destroying her self- image.  When Jacob seeks to protect and comfort Rachel the comforting slides into passion.   Although their love is a joy, they know there is no future for them and they determine to try to do right and live as friends.  Jacob agrees to help Rachel purchase an old printing press so she can continue the neighborly newspaper she started as a teacher. Simon vehemently objects and brings Rachel before the elders on accusations of breaking family duties and church regulations.

As the warm bond between Jacob and Rachel deepens, Simon’s hate and bitterness grows. Rachel’s father, who is the church Bishop, finally lectures Simon and admonishes him to change his ways. It appears that perhaps Simon has had a change of heart until a new event triggers the most violent response yet.

If their sins are discovered it is likely either Jacob or Rachel, if not both, will be shunned. If Jacob takes the brunt of the punishment how can he stay near yet never being able to claim Rachel? If Jacob goes away how can Rachel raise the children without his love and support? If they both leave how will their fathers and friends feel about the lose?

The twists in this story raised a lot of thoughts to ponder. The passion in the romance didn’t disturb me, except that it was in an adulterous relationship which I usually choose not to read.  I was very surprised to read these behaviors as they are not generally associated with an Amish story. The natural emotions and sin  did make me think that Amish are human with the same extremes of emotions as any of us.  Although their disciplines may help to keep them from temptations, they too can stray into sin or there may be those who become twisted and evil.

I found the discussions regarding the newspaper, and some other practical issues, very interesting. I was saddened by the expectation of Jacob being forced away from his children and the woman he loves. I have always respected the Amish community but I wasn’t happy with the injustice of shunning one and yet allowing another forgiveness. I would have argued for a limited time of shunning if there is such a thing. Fortunately, Ms, Blair provided a satisfactory solution.

The writing flows nicely. I enjoyed the smooth narration and particularly liked some of the Amish words. The reading moved pretty seamlessly since I was engaged by the story and not the style. The narrator does a lovely job bringing the characters to life.  There were rather long silences between the chapter breaks which I found unusual, but once I knew what that was they didn’t detract from the emotional intensity of the story.

Thank you to AudioLark Audio Books for providing this book to listen to and review. I have enjoyed some other AudioLark productions and look forward to more.  Also thank you for providing an audio download copy for giveaway.

This story is set in Pennsylvania. I will add this to my ARC, New Author and Audio challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for AN AUDIO DOWNLOAD copy: 
 1. Visit the AudioLark website and tell me something that interests you there; something about the site or another book that you'd like in audio. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two more entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER.

* This contest is only open WORLDWIDE to anyone who can download an audio file.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 13, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on April 14 with 72 hours to complete the winners' form.
 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 2, 2012

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had another good week of reading with five books finished.  I posted four reviews, one with Giveaway, and a couple of  announcements.  I also posted my regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. 

Thanks again to the nice people who visited me last week. I got to visit a dozen on Sunday night but only one or two later in the week. I won't be able to visit tonight so I hope to  get to do that tomorrow night. 

These were last week's posts plus Winner posts not listed.

• It's Monday What are You Reading? March 26, 2012.

• Book Review: Home by Karen Wiesner; Inspirational Romantic Fiction  my rating 4.0.
  

• Book Review: Echo Falls by Jaime MacDougall; Paranormal Romance;  my rating 4.25.
  

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Believe it Or Not by Tawna Fenske; Contemporary Romance;  my rating 4.25. Ends 4/6.
  

• Blog Tour Announcement: How to Ravish a Rake.

•  Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 30, 2012.  Open Worldwide.  Ends 4/5.

• Announcement: Scott Nicholson and Ebookswag Free ebooks and Kindle Fire giveaway.

• Book Review: Beyond the Misty Shore by Vickie Hinze; Paranormal Romance;  my rating 4.25.  

• Sharing Beyond Books #42 Comment Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ends 4/6.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement April 1, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. Print

 

Believe It or Not
by Tawna Fenske

Fun read; Review and Giveaway linked above.

2. eBook/Kindle

 

An Irish Rogue

by Suzanne Barrett
Nice romance. I will post a review this week.

Product Description - click on title.
.

3.  Print (Kindle)

 

Love to Water My Soul (Dreamcatcher Series #2)
by Jane Kirkpatrick

WOW! Remarkable!! I'll post a review this week.
Book Description - click on title.

4. Audio (on MP3)

 

Jacob's Return

by Annette Blair

Some surprises in this Amish story.

Review will post on April 3.

Reviewing for Audiolark.

 Product Description - click on title.

5. Ebook (A Free Read)
 

 

Lethal Legacy

by Carol Ann Erhardt

I had to squeeze in a TBR and just for fun book.

This has been in my eBook folder for several years
as a Free Read from White Rose Press

It surprises me how complete a story can be in 14 pages.

It has a little mystery, a little romance and a taste of the author's writing.
Based on this quick read I would try Ms. Erhardt for a longer read.

This will go on my TBR and new Author challenge lists.

Description:
When Jessie Carter learned she'd inherited her great-grandmother's home and land in Tennessee, she took it as a sign from God to move away from the hurtful reminders of a broken relationship. Starting over seemed like a great idea--that is, until she arrived and found a dead body as part of her legacy.

Line Edits/Releases: I'll be uploading a beautiful, fully illustrated children's book tomorrow!

Currently reading:

1. Print
 

How To Ravish a Rake

by Vicky Dreiling

I am enjoying another fun Regency from Ms. Dreiling.

Reading for Forever Romance Blog Tour. 

Review and Giveaway to post 4/5.

Publication Date: March 27, 2012

SCANDALOUS DESIRES . . .

Amy Hardwick has one last Season to shake off her wallflower image and make a love match. If she can't, she'll set aside her dreams of romance and return home to a suitor who can provide security-if little else. What she doesn't count on is the inappropriate-and irresistible-attention lavished on her in a darkened library by rake extraordinaire Will "The Devil" Darcett . . .

DEVILISH DELIGHT

When Will is caught in a tryst with the ton's shyest miss, he knows he must offer for her hand. Yet Amy is not the shrinking violet she seems to be. Passion lies beneath her prim exterior and Will is eager to release it. But winning Amy isn't simply a matter of seduction; first, Will must convince her that he's mended his wicked ways . . .

2. eBook/Kindle

Promise Me

by Dee Julian

I just started this - it has a good hook.

Reading for author review.

Book Description
Publication Date: February 19, 2012
After a hasty promise to her dying fiancé jeopardizes the future of his illegitimate child, Lady Leah Sheridan vows to make amends for the gentleman’s lack of honor by personally seeing to his son’s financial needs. When the boy’s heartless mother abandons him, Leah finds herself nearing a disastrous scandal. To make matters worse, her fiancé’s older brother returns to England demanding answers she swore never to divulge.

As soon as the Duke of Chase meets the woman his deceased brother had intended to wed, he is unexpectedly captivated by the lady’s beauty, but he quickly suspects she is hiding a secret, making him more determined than ever to discover the truth behind his brother’s fatal accident.

Will Leah break her promise and confide in the only man who can keep her safe?

3. Audio
 

The Templar Chronicles 1 The Heretic

by Joe Nassise

This is a fully dramatized production and very exciting to listen to.

Reviewing for the Graphic Audio through AudioJukebox. 

At the end of the First Crusade, the church created a monastic military order known as the Knights Templar. Now, rising up from the ashes of history, they are the Vatican’s last defense in the war between good and evil…

Cade Williams is no ordinary man. His ability to cross over to the other side makes him uniquely qualified to command the Church’s special operations division. As a modern-day Knight, Cade can use the curse that has scarred his soul as a weapon against the forces of darkness. But a new kind of unholy war is brewing — and soon Cade may be the last man standing…between the living and the dead.

The desecration of Templar cemeteries has sparked a full-scale investigation. Cade and his team suspect that a cabal of necromancers is behind it all. Their purpose: to claim the legendary powers of a lost holy relic for their own ungodly campaign.

For Cade, there’s only one way to stop them — by tracking the dead himself…crossing the most sacred of battle lines…and facing his own terrifying demons.

4. Print
 

A Lady’s Revenge 

by Tracey Devlyn

This sounds like a read I'll like.
I expect I will start before week's end.

Reading for Sourcebooks;

Author interview and Review on April 11. 

Publication Date: April 3, 2012
"Dark historical suspense that will capture your imagination, fuel your fears, and captivate your heart." -- Kelsey Browning, co--founder of Romance University

Nothing Gets Between a Lady and Her Vengence...
In a daring rescue, beautiful and wily secret operative Cora deBeau is reunited with her childhood friend Guy Trevelyan, who wants so much more from her now than friendship ...

He'll Stoke the Fire Until They Both Go Up In Flames...
But Cora's mission against the French has become personal, and even the fire between her and Guy won't deter her. When it comes to getting sweet, cruel revenge, nothing will stand in a lady's way ...

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. 

[Reading and listening on my new MP3.]

Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around 1989 so I will enjoy it again. This week's reading will be Ezra and Nehemiah.

Line Edits: I plan on working on at least one print release this week and one line edit.

I carried over two books to read from March. There are 10 new titles lined up for April so minimum of 12 13 to read but I am nearly done three.  Adding the two review posts carried from March, it looks like I will still be doing at least four reviews a week. There are several repeat author books I am looking forward to and some new ones too.

April Scheduled:

April 3: Review Jacob's Return (Audio)

April 5:  Review and Giveaway How to Ravish a Rake (Print)

April 11: Author Interview and Review A Lady’s Revenge by Tracey Devlyn (Print)

April 12: Review Illusion by Frank Peretti
April 17: No Strings Giveaway Hop

April 26:  Author Interview and Review Untouched by Sarah Humphreys (Print)

Unscheduled but Planned for April:
Sourcebooks
A Light on the Veranda by Ciji Ware (NG) (carry over from March)
The Highlander's Prize by Mary Wine (Print)

Hachette-
Orbit - Rise of Empire (Riyria Revelations) by Michael J. Sullivan
Little Brown & Co:  The Book of Madness and Cures by Regina O'Melveny (With Giveaway!)
Possibly - Two additional Hachette books for April/May. I am waiting for confirmation and the books. 

AudioJukebox
The Heretic (Templar Chronicles 1) by Joe Nassise
The Withering of Willoughby and the Professor by Joe Bevilacqua
Possibly one or two more Audios to come.

Author Reviews:
Promise Me by Dee Julian (carry over from March)
Much Ado About Marshals by Jacquie Rogers
April/May additions if they fit:
Creative Spirit by Scott Nicholson
Foolish Games (Book 3 of the Family Heirlooms Series) by Karen Wiesner


[To be posted - I am setting these up for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.]

Sunday Words of Encouragement April 1, 2012

This is Palm Sunday of Holy Week for those of us who follow the Lord Christ Jesus. Our Pastor preached on how Jesus must have felt as he entered the City that day. He wept with the thought… ‘if you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace…’ Luke 19:41-42.

Jesus knew His own destiny even as a child and before.  He came to earth choosing to be an ambassador and knowing He would die.  Although he wept for the city, we can imagine that he was at peace as He had already accepted that He would be obedient ‘even to death, death on the cross.’  Philippians 2:5-8.  He may have suffered in sorrow and loss but He knew the joy and peace of the promise He and His father made to all men.  He did it all because He loves us with an unconditional love.  As an act of Grace: Jesus chose the nails. He could count it as joy for the result that His sacrifice would bring.  We too can have joy and peace because God is with us. All we need is belief that He is faithful to keep His promise.

After the message Pastor had us come forward to take a nail and put it in a cross.  Although we sorrow for the pain our sin caused, we can act with praise and thankfulness as our sins our covered by His love and sacrifice.

I was not familiar with this worship song that we sang this morning but it is wonderful.

This version has some marvelous Bible verses to share too!

We will worship the Lamb of glory
We will worship the King of kings
We will worship the Lamb of glory
We will worship the King

And with our hands lifted high
We will worship and sing
And with our hands lifted high
We come before You rejoicing
With our hands lifted high to the sky
As the world wonders why
We'll just tell them we're loving our King...Oh
We'll just tell them we're loving our King

A Verse for Today:

Hebrews 12:2 New International Version (NIV)

² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I give praise and thanks that I am who I am by His design and that I accept with complete conviction and faith that He is my Creator, my Redeemer, my Comforter and so much more.