Forever's Historical Romance Blog Tour: Giveaway and Reviews!

As part of Forever's Historical Romance Blog Tour, I have reviews of three new historical romances, as well a contest for all three books! 

There will be three winners.


"Lady of Seduction"
 by Laurel McKee

Publisher: Forever
Release Date: May 31, 2011

Source: ARC sent by publisher

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

My Review:

This book was my favorite of the three! I loved it so much! I loved the romantic setting of a deserted island, a creepy old castle, and a loner hero. Grant was a former society favorite who became scarred and transformed from a dandy to an almost hermit like lifestyle.

I liked that the heroine was older and more experienced. That's always a refreshing change. Caroline seemed so strong in her own right without being 'feisty' or 'stubborn' or any of those other over-used descriptions of a historical romance heroine.

I really felt like Caroline and Grant had a deep connection. On their journey, they really seemed to be in it together. They had each other's backs. Even when they thought there was no way they could be together after the adventure ended, it felt like there was no way they could ever be separated.

A lot of times in romance, I get bored with too much mystery or adventure, but his time I was on the edge of my sett. The author does a great job of keeping the hero and heroine together while searching for clues so the mystery and romance went hand in hand.

I really liked the Irish setting, it was a nice change from the average read. I am curious as to whether the author's next series will be set in Ireland as well, because she writes about the Irish culture so beautifully.

Bottom Line: The perfect fun romantic adventure, with sizzling chemistry between the two leads.


"Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel"
 by Sue-Ellen Welfonder


Publisher: Forever
Release Date: Aug 1, 2011

Source: ARC sent by publisher

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


My Review:

This tale is a battle of wills told in a lush, romantic setting. It's a bit of an old-fashioned romance at times, but the leads are nice and the description of the setting is amazing. My favorite part of the book was the detailed setting. You'll feel like you're right there in the highland mist and fog.

Kendrew is pretty gruff and grouchy, but he's still likable because we get a lot of insight as to why he pushes Isobel away so much. Kendrew and Isobel have a lot of chemistry so their (sort of) love at first sight type of meeting is so believable. The air is electric whenever they are together.

The romance is the high point in this story, the book lagged for me during all the clan political drama. However, the Viking history is an interesting angle that I hadn't seen before in a highland romance. It was interesting and unique.

Bottom Line: The lovely romance and fascinating setting make up for any slow parts.


"Tamed by a Highlander"
 by Paula Quinn


Publisher: Forever
Release Date: July 1, 2011

Source: ARC sent by publisher

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


My Review:

I really love this series, I think these books are what historical romance is all about. While this installment isn't my favorite of the series, it's still an excellent highland story, all about the romance.

I'm a big fan of couples who are reunited after years apart and childhood sweetheart stories, and this book was both! I think it really added to the depth and intensity of their feelings for each other.

One thing I loved about the story was that both characters were so jealous! And honestly, they had good reason to be so jealous. Mairi was pretty much dating another man and Connor had a mean socialite practically attached to his side. I loved that Connor really beat himself up over acting like a jealous schoolboy, but he couldn't help it. Their jealousy really fired up their romance I think.

I really liked the beginning and middle of the book, it was just the end that slowed down for me. I think I missed a lot of the recurring characters from the story. We didn't get to spend much time with any of the supporting characters, and a full cast of characters was one of the things I enjoyed most about the other books. I am looking forward to Colin's story next, though.

Bottom Line: This is a great installment in one of my favorite historical romance series.



GIVEAWAY RULES:
Hachette books has generously provided three sets of all three books for readers of my blog! If you win, you will receive all three of these great books!

All you have to do is follow my blog publicly and leave a comment on this review with your email address! Please follow publicly or I can't tell that you are following :) Also, if you aren't comfortable leaving your email here, go ahead and leave a comment and then send me an email with your email addy
Extra Entries:
+1 Tweet this contest (leave link in comment)
+1 Post link in sidebar of your blog (leave link in comment)

Rules:
  • US and Canada only
  • No PO Boxes please
  • Must be a follower to enter
  • Extra entries are optional and can all be left in the same comment
  • Leave a comment with your email address
  • Books will be mailed out by Hachette
  • Must be 18 or over 
  • Ends Fri Aug 5
Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!  

31 comments

  1. Thank you so much for the giveaway! I follow publicly through GFC.

    smittenwithbooks (at) hotmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  2. GFC follower

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    littleone AT shaw DOt ca

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great giveaway! GFC follower=mk261274

    mk261274 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is such an amazing giveaway! Thanks!


    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. 3 in 1. I like it :D And I especially approve of those Scottish tales, but then I do love Ireland even more

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am due to read some good historical romances...please include me. I am a GFC follower.

    mmafsmith at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great giveawy.
    I am a GFC follower

    tweeted http://twitter.com/elaing8/status/94514439499419648

    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for the fantastic giveaway!

    reflectionsofabookaholic[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Please enter me in the giveaway. thanks
    GFC follower
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great giveaway and all three books look great. Thank you for hosting this giveaway.


    Extra: tweet:
    https://twitter.com/#!/JuneAnnM/status/94539826489073664

    GFC follower: June M.
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for sharing your views on these books and for hosting the awesome giveaway! Looking forward to reading them myself!

    GFC follower

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. A great selection of books, thanks for the chance to win.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lady of seduction sounds really good, I'll add that one to my list.
    :D

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great reviews and they each sound like wonderful reads! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    GFC follower
    lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm following on GFC @headlessfowl.

    headlessfowl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. GFC Krystal Larson edysicecreamlover18ATgmailDOTcom Thank you for the great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for this awesome giveaway! :D

    I'm a GFC follower - .Ambur.

    Ambur
    ambiepie_6(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  18. The first one sounds like so much fun! I don't think I've read a romance set in Ireland yet. :) Also, other than Outlander, I haven't read a highlander romance but I hope to pick one up soon.

    I follow. books[a]muggle-born.net

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm a GFC follower. These books sound wonderful.Thanks for the chance! augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've read a few books by these authors and the are fabulous! I hope I win!
    lvsgund @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for the giveaway!

    GFC Follower: lisajo85

    lisa(at)onceuponachapter(dot)com

    Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great reviews!
    "Lady of Seduction" sounds great. Plus I like the cover too!

    (Not an entry)

    ReplyDelete
  23. These all sound great, have read this first two in the series by Paula and looking forward to this one. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on them!

    gfc - pams00

    tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/pams00/status/95304879295307776

    pams00 @ aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great review! They each sound amazing!

    GFC: ruby95660

    Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Ruby95660/status/95396662293446656

    Blog Link: http://2011megareadingchallenge.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  25. Oops! I forgot my email =]
    Great review! They each sound amazing!

    GFC: ruby95660

    Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Ruby95660/status/95396662293446656

    Blog Link: http://2011megareadingchallenge.blogspot.com/

    ruby95660@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. i sooo can not wait to read these books..you can never go wrong with a man in a kilt *sigh*

    gfc follower
    seachele71@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for the great giveaway! I'm a GFC follower as audreyclair.
    twigerina@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. gfc follower

    felecia@twinoaksfl.org

    ReplyDelete
  29. I could have sworn I entered this already. Guess not
    GFC following as Jenn of Frequent Reader Infrequent Blogger

    jennlovesed14 at gmail

    Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/jdonnelly14/status/99423464045281280

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
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Thanks so much for your lovely comments!