#Author Feature and Book #Review: The Duchess Hunt by Jennifer Haymore

This is a fun read -- bit of a Cinderella story with some mystery.
The Duchess Hunt (House of Trent)
by Jennifer Haymore

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Forever (June 25, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455523399
• ISBN-13: 978-1455523399

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: June 25, 2013 | Series: House of Trent (Book 1)
THE DUKE'S DESIRE
Simon Hawkins, duke of Trent, is no stranger to scandal. Rumors and innuendo have darkened the House of Trent for decades, and it has fallen to Simon to restore his tattered family name. He lives by a strict code of honor, but when he is called home to investigate his mother's disappearance, the distinguished duke will tangle with temptation. For there waits the only woman he has ever loved-and the last woman he should desire . . .

Sarah Osborne has spent her life dreaming of Simon's touch. But dukes do not long for lady's maids-or so Sarah believes, until a stolen kiss sparks a passion that could be her ultimate undoing. As the couple begins a forbidden romance, a cunning enemy plots to destroy the duke and everything he loves. Now, caught in a blackmailer's web, Simon faces an agonizing choice: sacrifice his family's future or break Sarah's heart.

Review:
Sarah is the gardener’s daughter. As a precocious youngster she was rescued from an attacking blackberry bush by the ‘lord of the manor’, a young Simon. He took her into the house for medical care and his eccentric mother welcomed her to the family clan for schooling and play time. She grew up with the five boys and little baby Esme as playmates even though she ultimately became a housemaid dreaming impossible dreams about loving Simon.

Simon is serious and dedicated to restoring the family reputation after the scandals his promiscuous parents made of their lives. Nearing 30 he realizes that it is time for him to seek a proper wife. Problem is he has difficulty being attracted by any woman but Sarah even when he is in London and she is home on the family estate.

Simon is called home and gathers all of his siblings because their mother, with her man and maidservant, has disappeared. There is no sign of struggle and it is possible that she took off for an unannounced visit but it is unlikely that she would worry the family with no word at all. Simon begins a different ‘Duchess Hunt.’ He decides to investigate in London and takes along Esme with Sarah now elevated to the position of Lady Companion.

Sarah is strong and calm and helps to steady Esme who is uncomfortable in society settings. But residing in the same house presents a strong temptation for Simon and Sarah. At first Simon is reluctant to ‘dally’ with a servant even though he doesn’t think of her as such. But Sarah has weighed the costs and accepted that she wants a season with Simon before he moves on to marry someone else.

A local peer coerces Simon into a marriage proposal for his suitable young daughter. Simon feels  nothing.for the girl who has clearly been groomed to marry nobility.  Simon is too honorable to continue the liaison with Sarah and Sarah learns that having an affair without losing one’s heart is easier said than done.

I liked the underlying touch of mystery with the mother’s disappearance and the facts used to blackmail Simon. I particularly liked how Ms. Haymore found a way to face the blackmail and how the family pulls together. The Duchess is not yet found by the end of the story but there are solid leads to follow.

Simon and Sarah make a warm pair. The sexual interaction is pretty steamy although done with a premise of love and discovery. I enjoyed not only the primary characters in this story but also the secondary characters. I especially like the eldest, illegitimate brother, Sam, the out of control angry, second son, Luke, and the resilient, if timid, Esme. The other two brothers, Mark and Theo, have warm personalities too. I look forward to more stories to continue with the other siblings. I recommend this story to historical romance fans who especially like a touch of Cinderella happiness.

This is the second book for June 1 spotlight event. I received this book from Forever/Hachette for an honest review.
I am happy to be participating in a Blog tour for this title and What a Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling.

Jennifer shares her TOP 5 Favorite Period Actors with us:
·                  #5 Hugh Jackman in Les Miserables
·                  #4 Paul Bettany (Chaucer in A Knight’s Tale and Dr. Stephen Maturin in Master & Commander)
·                  #3 Liam Neeson as Rob Roy
·                  #2 Clark Gable as Rhett Butler
·                  #1-Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy

Learn more about Jennifer at: 
JenniferHaymore.com
Twitter @jenniferhaymore 
Facebook.com/jenniferhaymore-author

Click HERE FOR A CHANCE to WIN both books!

#Author Feature and Book #Review: What A Wicked Earl Wants by Vicky Dreiling

This story has wonderful characters, fun dialogue and good conflict that makes it engaging.

What a Wicked Earl Wants (Sinful Scoundrels)
by Vicky Dreiling

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Forever (May 28, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455522872
• ISBN-13: 978-1455522873

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: May 28, 2013 | Series: Sinful Scoundrels
WILL A RAKE'S WICKED WAYS

Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for ...

LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?

It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar's daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura's good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ...

Review:
Andrew is a notorious rake who has vowed never to marry. He lost his parents and younger brother to an accident when he was away at University. Although he has never thought it through he apparently figures if he doesn’t get close to anyone he can’t suffer the pain of loss. So all of his relationships are superficial and that is the way he likes it.

Laura is a young widow with a teenage stepson. She loved her husband, although he was twenty four years older. When he became sick shortly after their marriage Laura cared for him through his illness and became mother to young Justin. Justin is now 17 and pushing the boundaries with the wrong friends. He is drinking, carousing and staying out all night.

Andrew, the Earl of Bellington and known as "Bell" is attracted to the beautiful widow. He spots her son hiding a flask at a ball. The next day he calls on Laura to return the flask. They are interrupted by a visit of the boy's uncle and guardian, Montclief, who threatens to take Justin away if he discovers he is misbehaving. In an effort to assure Montclief that she can handle the boy, and he will have male guidance, Laura announces that she and Andrew are engaged.

The attraction between them sizzles but Laura has no plans to marry again. If she did she would want a forever kind of man, not a short term love. Andrew realizes that Laura, as a Vicar’s daughter, is not a woman to dally with. But Andrew allowed the pretend engagement and has committed to help with Justin. The pair spend time together allowing a friendship to grow. The proximity becomes hard to resist and Laura begins to think she will regret it if she doesn’t follow her heart and at least have a short time with Andrew.

I really liked Laura and Andrew. The chemistry between them is wonderful and the dialogue is playful and fun. Montclief’s threat and the emotional walls of the couple keep the story interesting as it moves along. Montclief is a good villain and Laura's friend, Lady Atherton, is lovely secondary character. There is some sexual interaction but it is only a small element of the story that is much richer by reason of the well developed characters and conflict. The story is engaging and the love that grows is sweet and full. I recommend this to romance readers who love it when a rake falls in love! I look forward to more books in this series.

I received this book from Forever/Hachette for an honest review.
I am happy to be participating in a Blog tour for this title and The Duchess Hunt by Jennifer Haymore.

Vicky shares her TOP 5 Favorite Period Actresses with us:
1.       Jennifer Ehle in BBC version of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
2.       Emma Thompson in SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
3.       Kate Winslet in SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
4.       Gwynneth Paltrow in EMMA
5.       Maggie Smith as the Dowager Duchess in DOWNTON ABBEY (I just love the outspoken matriarchs!)

Learn more about Vicky at:
VickyDreiling.com
Twitter @vickydreiling
Facebook.com/vicky.dreiling

Click HERE FOR A CHANCE to WIN both books!

Saturday Snapshot (June 1, 2013) Growing Garden

This week I am sharing some of the growing bounty from our own garden. :-)

Our first meal from the garden was a week ago and included potatoes and garlic.
Here is a photo of the fresh picked goodies.

Here is the cooked meal. 
My DH is sometimes called "One Pot Bob". 

This week we had beans and green peppers. 

Soon we will have corn and tomatoes. 

It has been a lot of fun going out each week to photograph the progress in the garden!

Thanks to all who stop by and visit. I didn't get to visit last week so I hope to make up for it this Saturday.

A big Thank You to Alyce at Alyce of At Home With Books who has hosted this meme for a number of years. She is taking a summer hiatus at her blog and the new host will be Melissa at West Metro Mommy. Thank you to Melissa for picking up the responsibility. 

To participate in the Saturday Snapshot meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky being hosted this summer by West Metro Mommy. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 31, 2013

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.]

Happy Friday!!  Is everyone ready for June? Hard to believe but time flies.

[***I'm sorry I have bad news for the international entrants -- I have to ask you to stick with GCs as the new postage rates have almost doubled. What might have been a $6.25 mail out is now close to $12.00.]

Thank you to all who entered the May 24 Pick. There were No Automatic wins this week. (Automatic winners are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). There were SIX titles blocked by multiple picks this week with one won!

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from May 24 Pick:

Llehn gets a GC

Emily gets (a blocked title) Bride by Command

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

Are you ready for summer heat and some type of summer water?

With Books of course! 

New Book Group #39 May 31, 2013 - Plenty of "summer" titles!
Oops - I never added all the links last month so no promises on these either.

Pairs:
Hannah Howell
     Highland Hearts and Highland Destiny
Catherine Anderson
     My Sunshine and Blue Skies
Elizabeth Lowell
     Remember Summer and Too Hot to Handle
Singles:
Touched by Fire by Kathleen O'Reilly
Playing with Fire by Gena Showalter
Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
That Summer by Joan Wolf
Shadow of the Sun by Tammy Hilz

Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
Summer at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Summer by the Cottage by Susan Wiggs
Shadow Beach by Barbara Freethy
It All Began at Monte Carlo by Elizabeth Adler

 
New Book Group #38 April 20, 2013
Here is a group with many mysteries.  Links to be added as I get time.

Pairs:
Amanda Scott
      Abducted Heiress and Highland Bride
Sandra Brown
     Texas! Chase and Exclusive (spine wear) (not the covers as on the links)
A Murderous Yarn by Monica Ferris
Deadly Advise by Roberta Isleib
Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson 
On Deadly Ground (Love Inspired Suspense) by Lauren Nichols
Happy Never After by Kathy Hogan Trocheck
Female Intellignece by Jane Heller
Improper English by Katie MacAllister
Sheer Dynamite by Jennifer Skully
Golden Chances by Rebbecca Hagen Lee
Caitlin's Guardian Angel by Marie Ferrarella
Burning Alive by Shannon K. Butcher
Awaken the Senses by Nalini Singh


New Book Group #37 March 22, 2013

As I am linking these titles it is clear to me why they were in my TBR boxes and it is really hard to let them go but I have soooo many. Better that they find good reader homes than sit on my shelves, or in a box, and collect dust. 
Pairs:
Carly Phillips
     The Heartbreaker and Simply Sinful
Singles:
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.
Bride by Command by Linda Winstead Jones
To Tame a Rebel by Georgina Gentry
While Passion Sleeps by Shirlee Busbee
Lord Liar by Laurie Grant
Lady in Red by Karen Hawkins
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
Marry Me, Maddie by Rita Herron
Lady Ice by Joan Hohl
Dark Roots & Cowboy Boots by LuAnn McLane
Only My Dreams by Anna Blundy



New Book Group #36 February 15, 2013

Pairs:
Tara Taylor Quinn
     Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
Tom Clancy
     Power Play: Cold War (paperback) and Power Play: Ruthless.com (audio cassette tapes)
Singles:
Timeline by Michael Crichton
Bride of Shadow Canyon by Stacey Kayne
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Always a Lady by Sharon Sala
Her Wedding Wish by Jillian Hart


New Book Group #35 January 11, 2013
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing 

Pairs
Mary Baxter
    His Touch and One Summer Evening
Singles-- I found a couple of boxes of romances (a lot of Harlequins) that I haven't gotten to read over the past 8 years so... I will send them off to others to read!
Never Say Never Again by Tori Carrington
*Merger of Fortunes by Peggy Moreland
*The Banker's Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham
* The Millionaire's Daughter by Sophie Weston


New Book Group #34 December 7, 2012--- (All gone)

New Book Group #33 October 27, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

SINGLES - CHRISTMAS TITLES (Better sizes for international) 
*Deck the Halls by Arlene James (slight spine creasing)
*A Holiday Prayer by Deb Kastner  (slight spine creasing)


New Book Group #32 October 5, 2012

- Oops upside down book! NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one - A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley
Please Remember This by Katleen Giles Seidel
The Boy's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries) by Margaret Frazer


New Book Group #31 August 31, 2012
I pulled some more books from several of my boxes.

An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)


New Book Group #30 July 27, 2012
This time I pulled some books from one of my older boxes.
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Wild Escapade by Lisa Bingham
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander (postage too much - replaced with GC)

New Book Group #29 June 29, 2012
*asterisks indicate lighter, smaller books possibly suitable for international mailing

Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
*One is the Lonliest Number - Tom Clancey's Net Force

New Book Group #28 May 18, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #27 April 13, 2012 (All gone)

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012--- (All gone)

New Group #25 January 12, 2012---(All gone)

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser


New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011---(All gone)

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011
Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books Group #20
Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books: Group #19
Primary Colors - audio tapes
*Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!---(All gone).

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick in November 27, 2009 and in three years I have posted 33 groups of 16 (528) books to find new homes! (November 2012)

I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want! I am happy to say that so far about 516 books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed.

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $5.00 and $6.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.
WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

1/14/11 New List #17--- (All gone)

12/3/10 Book Set: #16
Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown  (postage too much - replaced with GC)

List #15---(All gone)

List #14---(All gone)

Here is set #13 of Used books! ---(All gone)

Group #12---(All gone)

Group #11
Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

List #1
Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2---(All gone)

Pick #3---(All gone)

Pick #4
Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Pick #5
See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel
Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6---(All gone)

Pick #7
Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape
Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8
(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape
The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9
On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray
Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes
Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10---(All Gone)

Winner of Magnificent Devices

Giveaway Ending May 24, 2013

4 Book Set Giveaway: Magnificent Devices

Winner: Annie

Annie please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and send your mailing info.  Please reply within 72 hours!