Friday, February 28, 2014

WHEN YOU ARE MINE and LOVING YOU ALWAYS Cover Reveal

 
 
 
WHEN YOU ARE MINE (June 17, 2014; 9781455556816) introduces the story of Kerris Moreton, a foster child who has thrived despite her circumstances and is ready to open her own business and accept a marriage proposal. Unfortunately, the only thing missing in her would-be-fiancé Cam is the passionate connection he believes is overrated but Kerris craves. Lucky for her, she meets a man who lights her up like the Fourth of July.
 
Walsh Bennett is one of the East Coast’s most eligible bachelors, and Cam’s best friend. He’s used to plenty of female attention, but lately he’s been distracted by the one woman he can’t have. Kerris is the soulmate Walsh never thought he would fine, but too bad his best friend found her first.
 
 
 
LOVING YOU ALWAYS (October 17, 2014; 9781455556861) is book two in The Bennett’s Series. We don’t want to spoil anything, so you’ll just have to wait to see what happens with Kerris, Walsh and Cam in WHEN YOU ARE MINE first!
 
Author Kennedy Ryan has had several signs that she would be a writer, and finally circled back after years of gainful employment. She is a mom to a wonderful son living with autism. This is her debut novel and a percentage of her royalties are donated to families living with autism through her personal foundation as well as through TACA, Talk About Curing Autism. You can learn more about Kennedy Ryan at her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Release Day Blitz for Sun God Seeks...Surrogate? and Angel Seduced

Today Forever Romance is releasing two simply amazing paranormal romances that are not only steamy but humorous as well. Forever has kindly allowed me to share with you an excerpt from Sun God Seeks…Surrogate? by Mimi Pamfiloff, which I loved (read my review HERE) and Angel Seduced by Jamie Rush. And don’t forget to enter the grand prize giveaway at the bottom on the post.
 
 
 
 

SUN GOD SEEKS…SURROGATE? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff (February 25, 2014; Forever Mass Market; $6.00)

 

Living in New York City, Penelope Trudeau has seen a lot of weird stuff-but nothing like the insane redhead who accosts her with a wild proposition. Penelope will get a million dollars if she has a baby with the strange woman's brother. With her mother dying from a mysterious disease, Penelope can use the money. Yet the terrified waitress is adamant that her womb and eggs are not for sale . . . until she meets her intended mate. He's impressively built, gorgeous, and red-hot, literally. He's a freaking immortal Sun God.

 

For thousands of years, Kinich (Nick to his friends) didn't believe in fraternizing with humans, so procreating with them is definitely a no-no. But after one sizzling encounter with the beautiful, passionate Penelope, Nick begins to think he was wrong . . . until he realizes meeting Penelope was just another one of his crazy sister's schemes at manipulation. But now that he has Penelope in his life, he can't let her go. Especially because doing so means throwing her into the hands of his dangerous enemies.

 

About Mimi Jean Pamfiloff:

 

Before taking up a permanent residence in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mimi spent time living near NYC (became a shopaholic), in Mexico City (developed a taste for very spicy food), and Arizona (now hates jumping chollas, but pines for sherbet sunsets). Her love of pre-Hispanic culture, big cities, and romance inspires her to write when she's not busy with kids, hubby, work, and life...or getting sucked into a juicy novel.

 

 She hopes that someday leather pants for men will make a big comeback and that her writing might make you laugh when you need it most.
Social Media Links

Buy Links
 
 
Excerpt #1 from Sun God Seeks…Surrogate? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
The next morning, I slowly stretched my deliciously sore body while luxuriating in the softness of the silky sheets beneath me and the warm, oh-so-very-naked, well-built man snuggled to my side.
My heart fluttered when I opened my eyes and found Nick sleeping next to me, his bed-play-mussed, golden brown hair sweeping to one side across the pristine white pillow. His heavenly eyes were closed, allowing me to study the golden lashes fanning out against his bronzed face, looking like tiny threads of caramelized sugar. He was a picture of exquisite male perfection.
I sighed and resisted the urge to kiss his exposed, chiseled chest—yes, yes, perfectly tanned like the rest of him (nude sunbather?)and stroke the perfectly formed swells of his biceps, one of which was attached to the arm draped over my waist.
Last night had been the most…the most…
I sprang from the bed in horror. “Oh crap!”
Nick’s eyes instantly popped open. A warm smile swept across his face. “Oh, you’re up.” His large frame stretched across the length of the extra-long, king-size bed.
I stared at him, wondering what to say; somehow screaming, “Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!” didn’t seem appropriate.
Okay. Breathe, Penelope. Breathe. Just ask him what happened!
But I didn’t want to insult the guy. Because from the look of his delectable body, it had to have been the best night of my life.
That is…that is…if we did.
Of course you did! Look! Even your eggs are smoking a cigarette.
No! Demon crackers, no!
He rolled onto his side and propped his head up with his arm. “Why are you standing there, naked? Come back to bed.”
I glanced down my body. Oh crappity! I was naked.
I scrambled to the bathroom—a large, modern affair of stainless steel and glass—and grabbed a fluffy, white towel.
Oh shit. Oh shit. What was going on? I needed to go out there and ask him, point blank, what happened. Not with your iguana breath. You might melt the man’s face off.
As long as I get to keep his rockin’ body.
Pen!
I quickly found a bottle of mouthwash in the cabinet and swished. Then I checked the mirror and noticed I was wearing an odd-looking necklace with a large, shiny black stone dangling in the middle. Had he put it on me last night?
Darn it! Why couldn’t I remember what had happened?
Don’t be a child, Penelope. Just ask him.
Yes. That’s what I would do.
Again I glanced in the mirror. “Oh no,” I hissed at my reflection. My dark hair resembled a beehive, but without the symmetry. I ran my fingers through the mess a few times, but it was useless. I’d have to make a polite exit, go home, and ensure I looked hot enough on our next date to erase any memories of my current discombobulation. Is that even a word, Penelope? And do you really think he wants to date you? You’re a one-nighter for a guy like that.
Christ. What had I gotten myself into?
I took three quick breaths and opened the door. My heart ignited from the sight of him still propped up on one elbow and lying in bed with a smug, male smile stretched across his face. He looked frigging perfect, practically glowing. Dammit. So unfair!
“Everything okay?” he asked.
I smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, I needed to wrangle the tornado.” I pointed to my matted hair.
“You look sexy as hell.” He patted the empty space next to him. “Come here.”
Mischief sparkled in his eyes, and though I didn’t know him well, I knew what that look meant: Encore.
I held up my hands. “Whoa. I think we need to talk.”
His lower lip stuck out in a slight pout and his shimmering eyes seemed to glow against the backdrop of his toasty-almond-colored skin. Damn if he wasn’t the most irresistible man on the planet.
And he wanted me. Wow.
I slowly padded over to the bed. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but what happened last night?”
He cocked one brow, “You don’t remember?”
I shook my head and gave him an apologetic smile. “I’m sure it was…great. The best toe curling sex ever—but…no, I don’t remember a thing.”
His smile melted away. “Bloody Christ! Neither do I."
 
 
 
ANGEL SEDUCED by Jaime Rush (February 25, 2014; Forever Mass Market; $8.00)
Kye knows that her boyfriend Kasabian is in grave danger, investigating a series of kidnapped children. She knows he's pushing her away for her own safety, but she won't let him face it alone.

Kasabian will risk anything to rescue the children, and he has a bold plan to allow himself to be taken hostage by the kidnapper, Silva. While he tries to reason with Silva, Kye is racing again time to discover where the kidnapper is holding him .

If Kye is reunited with Kasabian, will their combined powers be enough? The fate of the Crescents-and Kye and Kasabian's hearts-hang in the balance.

About Jaime Rush
Things that go bump in the night have always fascinated Jaime Rush. Sometimes those things are human; other times, not so much. Now she has twisted them all together in the Hidden, a trilogy about humans with the essence of gods who walk the knife's edge between the glamour of Miami and a place filled with dark magick and dangerous beauty. 

Jaime is the author of the Offspring series and also writes under the name Tina Wainscott. She is the bestselling author of eighteen romance novels. She lives in Southwest Florida with her husband, daughter, and cat.  

Social Media Links

 
Excerpt # 2 from Angel Seduced by Jamie Rush:
It was damn annoying how Kye's attention kept straying to Kasabian through the night, how her mind kept replaying their conversation. Women gawked and flirted, but he didn't flirt back. She was glad to see him leave while she finished up with a client session after closing time.
Her relief evaporated when she stepped into the well-lit parking lot and spotted him leaning against a deep yellow sports car. As though he were waiting for her. The thought fluttered in her chest. Not helping, the Lotus's license plate read NOANGEL, and black angel wings spread across the hood. She told herself it was enough to enjoy the view. Men who took care of their bodies, working out enough to build muscle without looking too jacked up, were eye candy. No calories in looking.
The thick black heels of her short boots clunked on the asphalt. She felt such an odd pull toward him that she forced herself to give him a brief smile and bypass him.
“Aren’t you hot in that?” he asked, gesturing as though he were wearing a jacket.
She slowed to a stop in front of him. “Only when I dance.” No matter how warm she got, she never took off the black leather jacket with her patches and studs.
“And you didn’t dance.” He tilted his head, giving her an oh-my-gods-stop-my-heart pout. “Pity.”
"Are you flirting with me?"
"You make it sound like a crime."
"What you're hearing is surprise. I know it's painful for Caidos to feel desire, punishment you unfairly suffer because your angel forefathers fell to human temptation. Don't worry. As a therapist, I'm sworn to secrecy," she added. "Caido clients tell me it's easier to shut down their desire. Yet you do … feel desire."
"Ah, so you did sense it."
"You threw me off back at the bar. First that you were flirting, then that you asked me outright to feel you. I mean, to sense your feelings. You're different."
"Very. I don't usually flirt." He let his gaze drift down over her black leather skirt and fishnet stockings. His eyes met hers again, jumpstarting her heart. "You have a strange effect on me."
Ditto, buddy. Which made her all too aware that they were outside alone together.
His chuckle rolled across her skin. "Don't worry, I'm not waiting out here to pounce on you."
She'd forgotten how Caidos could pick up others' emotions. "But you are waiting for me."
"Yes, I am."
"You're not going to ask me out or anything, are you? Because I don't date." He didn't say anything, which made for a really awkward few seconds. "It's a general rule, nothing personal. If … that's what you were going to ask." She would have thwapped herself on the forehead if it wouldn't look stupid.
And, of course, as a Caido, he picked up everything she was feeling, which put a damned incredibly sexy smile on his face. "As much as I'd love to hook up with you, it's not feasible. Or wise."
He'd love to hook up with her. She tried to staunch her reaction to those words.
He gave her a sympathetic smile. "The love guru doesn't date? That seems sad."
She debated being obtuse but decided it was better that he knew she wasn't just playing hard to get. "Being involved with someone interferes with my abilities. The drama and distraction, even if things are going well, takes over my mind. All I get is noise when I read someone."
"And that terrifies you. Why?"
She really hated that he could read her. "Helping people is important to me."
"Which leads beautifully to the reason I'm waiting for you. The Caido/Deuce couple who came in and greeted you like you were their best friend, who danced together, and kissed … you helped them, didn't you?"
Kye had watched them snuggling together on the dance floor with just a tiny bit of longing. "Sorry, client confidentiality."
He rubbed his chin. "So you did help them. The only way they could be together is by doing the Essex. I assume you know about the exchange of essences that balances the Caido so he's not as sensitive to her emotions. Because it only temporarily ease his pain, a long-term relationship would mean that her essence would eventually be depleted. No self-respecting Caido would do that to someone he cares about. So how is it that they're together?"
She could only give him a general answer. "I've come up with a way to make the Essex permanent."
He pushed away from the car, interest crackling off him as he came closer. "Tell me more."
She fought the instinct to back up a step. "I've had a few mixed-Caido couples approach me about circumventing the pain. They hadn't meant to fall in love, but now they wanted to be together. I tried several different spells and magick devices, but nothing worked."
He crossed his arms in front of him and rocked back on his heels. "And you take it very hard when you can't fix someone."
"You get that from me too?"
"I suppose we both bear a similar burden in picking up feelings we have no business sensing. How does it work?"
She laid one of her hands on top of the other and let her fingers barely settle between each other. "With the Essex, you're limited to how much essence you can exchange, kind of the way my fingers can't slide together. That's why it's temporary. The Cobra, which I named for the tantric position, allows both essences to reach fully toward each other, like this." She laced her hands together, fingers straight so that they formed an X. "This starts the bonding process. The last step is when both parties actually pull each other's essence into their souls, permanently locking them together." Her fingers wrapped over her hands as though in prayer. "At least, I think it's permanent. The first couple did it four months ago and it's still holding strong."
"Why haven't I heard about this magick of yours? The Caido community should be buzzing."
"There are some side effects I'm still working out. The Caido is bombarded by every emotion he's ever repressed. It can be intense. One Caido even experienced a resurgence of buried memories."
Kasabian's eyes shimmered. "Buried memories?"
"It apparently caused some big problems, but he couldn't give me any details beyond that. He just wanted me to know that it happened."
He went silent for a few moments, rubbing his fingers across his mouth. "Can you do it so a Caido can simply experience desire?"
"Only if you have a committed partner who wants to be permanently bonded to you. Because that's what it does."
"That would not be a good thing. For any woman."
"Why?" The mystery of him pulled at her, the dark desire she'd sensed.
"Oh, love, there you go, needing to help even though you know you should run the other way." He lowered his chin, the street light reflecting off his razor-sharp jawline. "And you should. I'm forty ways fucked up."
She swallowed. No one had ever made her this off-balanced. "I do want to help. Too many messed up people are not only suffering but inflicting their misery on others."
"I assure you that I'm not inflicting my anything on anyone." He reached out with the back of his hand and brushed it down her cheek. "As much as I'd like to."
She stumbled back, his touch curling throughout her body. "I should go."
Hunger flashed in his eyes. "Yes, you should."
Go, run, and never look back.
 
 
 
One lucky grand prize winner  (US & Canada, only) will receive print copies of The Hidden series by Jaime Rush, the Accidentally Yours series by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff, the Lords of Deliverance series by Larissa Ione, and the Warriors of the Rift series by Cynthia Garner. To enter just fill out the form below.
 
 
 

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Mailbox Monday & Update



Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Books that arrived this week:

 
Movies the arrived this week:
 
 
Last Week on Simply Angela
 
 

Last week Simply Angela contained everything from Sun Gods (Sun GodSeeks…Surrogate?) to Scottish Lairds (The MacGregor’s Lady) who has a fancy for Rum Buns. The posting was spotty due to technical issues, but I did manage to post two reviews for two amazing—and completely different—romance books as well as a tasty treat inspired by The MacGregor’s Lady.

 

Coming up on the blog:

 

Reviews:

 

I am finally going to post my review for Darkening Around Me by Barbara J. Hancock and I cannot wait to share this lovely little gem of gothic fiction with all you lovelies.

 

My review for Waking Up Pregnant by Mira Lyn Kelly will also go live week.  Those of you who read Waking up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly will be please to find out what happened to Connor’s friend, Jeff.

 

Other Events:

 

25 Release Day Blitz for Sun God Seeks…Surrogate? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff and Angel Seduced by Jaime Rush

 

I will also be sharing my misadventures in knitting as well as two brilliant Classic British Literature DVD collections from PBS.

 

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Sun God Seeks...Surrogate? by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Title: Sun God Seeks...Surrogate?
Author: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Publisher: Forever (an imprint of Grand Central Publishing)
ISBN: 9781455546978
Release Date: Feb 25 2014
Formats Available: Mass Market/E-book
Price: $6.00 US/$7.00 CAN
How I read it: E-book via NetGalley
Rating: 3 Cups
 
 
A Deal from Heaven
 
Living in New York City, Penelope Trudeau has seen a lot of weird stuff-but nothing like the insane redhead who accosts her with a wild proposition. Penelope will get a million dollars if she has a baby with the strange woman's brother. With her mother dying from a mysterious disease, Penelope can use the money. Yet the terrified waitress is adamant that her womb and eggs are not for sale . . . until she meets her intended mate. He's impressively built, gorgeous, and red-hot, literally. He's a freaking immortal Sun God.
 
For thousands of years, Kinich (Nick to his friends) didn't believe in fraternizing with humans, so procreating with them is definitely a no-no. But after one sizzling encounter with the beautiful, passionate Penelope, Nick begins to think he was wrong . . . until he realizes meeting Penelope was just another one of his crazy sister's schemes at manipulation. But now that he has Penelope in his life, he can't let her go. Especially because doing so means throwing her into the hands of his dangerous enemies. (synopsis from NetGalley)
 
 
With her mother dying from a mysterious illness, Penelope Trudeau begins to think the crazy redhead who just offered her a million dollars to be the surrogate of her brother’s baby isn’t as crazy as she seems. Even though she has this whole ‘no wombs for rent’ policy, when she sees the redhead’s smokin’ hot brother, her ovaries quiver with delight.
 
There’s a reason Kinich is so hot and steamy…he’s the Sun God, who happens to be against gods procreating. But his sister, Cimil, is intent on playing her game of manipulation and thanks to her drugging the bottle of champagne he and Penelope drank, they may or may not have broken his rules on procreation. Things then turn into an all-out war to stop the apocalypse involving evil vampires, bloodthirsty Mayans, gods, goddess, demigods, and a Viking Vampire named Viktor (who kind of has a thing for Penelope’s mom) leaving the romance a little more than a bit abandoned.
 
Well…okay, so apparently the Accidently Yours series is not a series you can dive headfirst into in the middle of. When I first started reading the book, I was fine. It wasn’t until the revolving door of gods, demons, Mayans, and vampires appeared that I began feeling a little lost having not read the previous book in the series. I definitely needed a which-odd-god-is-which-and who-is out-to-get-them type of cheat sheet to follow.
 
But once I got past the feeling of being lost in a sea of characters, I kind of loved the weirdness of this book. The characters are just over the top in a way that makes you want to keep on reading. Both the Nick and Penelope were strong and intriguing. And while Cimil may be a bat crap crazy goddess gone wild type, she makes for some interesting reading.
 
If you are looking for a strong romance between the hero and heroine and a HEA, you may be more than a little disappointed. The chemistry is strong between Nick and Penelope, but the I-have-to-save-the-world plot takes over and the romance fades into a state of nonexistence. And the HEA, well let’s just say it’s more of a TBC (to be continued) which is sort of irritating but nevertheless the book piqued my interest so I will most definitely be reading the next book in the series (and the previous books).
 
Overall, the humor kept me glued to this fast paced read. Plus, Mimi Jean Pamfiloff’s witty use of the English language is highly addictive.
 
This is when I knew I was addicted to this book:

Without warning, he reached out and ran his thumb over my lower lip. “Why don’t we go up to my suite.” It wasn’t a question. 
Sweet devil’s food cake.
He hit on me?
Me?
For real?
It he had, then I was sooo over my head. One touch, one look, and I was ready to agree to anything he might ask. Dye my hair electric blue? Suuure. Rob a bank with a Twinkie? Anyyything you want. Have your baby? Ten of them? You betcha! (taken from the e-arc)

 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Recipe: Rum Buns



A serving maid unloaded two mugs and a plate of buns from a tray. The scents were heavenly. Rum, butter, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg…

She reached for another bun just as he did, and their hands bumped.
“After you, miss.”
She took up a bun, broke it in half, and passed him the larger portion. “You’re supposed to say my secret is safe with you.”
“Bun-swearing,” he said, regarding his pastry. “A kind of alimentary fealty my mother’s family would have understood all too well, except you aren’t making any secret of your shameless intentions. You’re going to waste a great deal of good coin on dresses and dancing slippers, spend many nights out until dawn, leading the unsuspecting swains around by their noses, then laugh them to scorn and catch the next ship for Boston. Not very sporting of you.” (taken from The MacGregor's Lady by Grace Burrowes) There was so much talk of Rum Buns in the steamy Scottish Victorian romance The MacGregor’s Lady by Grace Burrowes I just had to try my hand at making them. Fishing out my Gran’s recipe for Cinnamon Buns, I decided to Scottish it up just a bit and I must say that they were delicious. Now, if only I had Asher MacGregor, the Earl of Balfour, to share them with.



There was so much talk of Rum Buns in the steamy Scottish Victorian romance The MacGregor’s Lady by Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca, 978-1-4022-68724) I just had to try my hand at making them. 

Fishing out my Gran’s recipe for Cinnamon Buns, I decided to Scottish it up just a bit and I must say that they were delicious. Now, if only I had Asher MacGregor, the Earl of Balfour, to share them with. Le sigh.

The prep time is a little a long, but it will give you time for a little reading whilst waiting for the dough to rise. Oh, and don't forget The MacGregor's Lady is also available as an audiobook, so you can listen while baking. 
 

  
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Prep Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Yields: 2 dozen
 
 
 
Buns:
2 (1/4 ounce) packages dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup milk, scalded
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons rum flavoring
5 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:
Combine the first three ingredients and set aside (make twice in two separate bowls)
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped dried dates
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
½ tablespoon rum flavoring
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions:
1 Dissolve the yeast in warm water and set aside for 10-15 minutes to activate.
2 In a large bowl, combine the scalded milk, softened butter, sugar, eggs, salt and rum flavoring.
3 With a wooden spoon, stir together until well blended.

4 Add the yeast mixture and stir again.
5 Add the flour; stir until well mixed and the dough leaves the sides of the bowl.
6 Turn out on a floured surface and knead about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
7 Grease a large bowl and place the dough in it; turn to grease the top.
8 Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 1/2 hours).
9 Punch the dough down and divide in half.
10 Roll each dough half out on a floured surface to a 13x8" rectangle.
11 Melt butter and stir in rum flavoring.
12 Brush dough with melted butter.
13 Sprinkle filling over the dough rectangles and dust with cinnamon.
14 Roll each rectangle from one of the long sides like a jellyroll and seal the edges with melted
butter.
15 Slice in 1 1/2" slices and place 1" apart on a greased oven-safe cooling rack that is placed in a greased 13x9" pan and a greased 8" square pan.
16 Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes, or until doubled again.
17 Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden; remove from pans and cool on racks.
18 Serve warm.



Want to learn more about the romance novel that inspired me to whip up these tasty Rum Buns? Then please check out my review of The MacGregor’s Lady by Grace Burrowes and don’t forget to visit the author’s website to learn more about The MacGregor series. To read chapters 1 & 2 click HERE


Looking for a tea to accompany Rum Buns? Why not try Jamaican Rum tea from Culinary Teas.

The light rum flavor is perfect for either breakfast or afternoon and will awaken your inner sailor.








Looking for something a bit stronger with more of a Scottish feel to it? Then why not give Scottish Whisky Tea by the Edinburgh Tea and Coffee Company a go?

The malty taste of a fine Single Malt Scotch without the alcohol. This perfect tea for a winters day.





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Monday, February 17, 2014

The MacGregor's Lady by Grace Burrowes

Title: The MacGregor’s Lady
Author: Grace Burrowes
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 9781402268724
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: February 4, 2104
Formats Available: Mass Market Paperback & E-books $7.99
How I Read It: Mass Market Arc from Publisher
Rating: 4 Cups



What if the steps you take to avoid marriage…
Asher MacGregor’s new life as the Earl of Balfour is nothing but a string of obligations, such as squiring a Boston heiress around her first London season. Surprisingly, the girl is no more interested in matchmaking than he is, allowing him to mourn his first—and secret—wife in peace…or so he thinks.

Lead you straight to it?
Hannah Cooper intended to endure a social season, then get back to Boston as quickly as possible, sans spouse. She fears for the family she left behind if her scheming step-father is left too long to his own devices. The reticent Scottish earl is her savior—until they are stranded together on the moors and can no longer deny their attraction. For if Hannah and Asher fall in love, an ocean of impossibilities stands between them. (taken from the publishers website)



When Asher MacGregor, Earl of Balfour, is tasked with the job of escorting American heiress Hannah Cooper to London for the start of the season, he has nothing to fear as he knows he will find the heiress disagreeable. Although when Hannah is the complete opposite of what he expected, Asher soon realizes he may be in danger of falling for this woman.
 
Hannah Cooper has decided she has had enough of her stepfather’s schemes to get his hands on her money. And there is no way that she will ever consider marrying an English lord and leaving her dear grandmother behind in Boston. Yet as each day passes, Asher MacGregor is becoming more and more irresistible.
 
Asher MacGregor is deeply wounded, damaged, and conflicted. He’s a man who has had to walk in two different worlds, now he must return to Scotland and face his duties as Earl of Balfour after allowing his brothers to believe he was dead. He knows that it’s his duty to marry, but he was married once before and is still reeling from the death of his wife. When he meets Hannah he finds her uniqueness refreshing.
 
Hannah Cooper is so unlike your typical heroine. While she carries herself gracefully, she’s not concerned with her looks or what’s acceptable to society. Her main goal in life is to protect her grandmother, even if it means giving up her own dreams of happiness. When she meets Asher, she becomes the balm for his damaged soul and I think she starts believing that he may be able to give her the love that she craves.
 
The MacGregor’s Lady is filled with chemistry between Asher and Hannah from the start of the book and grows until the end. So the romance was spot on. I liked how the chemistry grew with the characters, it didn’t feel forced but rather a part of the characters themselves.
 
Parts of the novel were a bit slow, but it didn’t bog down the novel. I’m always going on about how Grace’s romances have that family saga quality to them and The MacGregor’s Lady is no exception.
 
What bothered me about this novel was that there was so much about Asher MacGregor’s return to the land of the living and how his family reacted that had me scratching my head wondering if I missed a book somewhere, which I haven’t. I really wish that there hadn’t been so many gaps in the Asher’s story.
 
Overall, the gaps almost killed me but I loved the tenderness and the heart of the story. The characters were amazing. And for fans of Grace’s first series, they will be pleasantly pleased to see Morland waltzing through the pages.
 
Asher and Hannah nibble on Rum Bums through most of the novel, so don't forget to stop by tomorrow for my recipe of these tasty treats!



Review also featured on Royal Reviews.
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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Wild Ophelia New Orleans Chili Dark Chocolate Bar--Review

New Orleans Chili Bar
Cayenne Chili Peppers + 70% cacao
Varietal: Louisiana Cayenne Chili Peppers
Where: Bayou Country, Louisiana
Flavor Profile: Dark chocolate with a warm, zinging hot spice and underlying tones of earthy red pepper.
Craft: These vine-ripened cayenne chili peppers are grown in the heart of South Louisiana's Bayou country. They are a distinct variety of the chili pepper family that stems from potato and tomato hybrid perennial shrubs. Also known as the Guinea spice, or cow-horn pepper, this red, hot pepper takes 100 days to age and ferment. High in vitamin A and containing amiable amounts of vitamin C & potassium, these vibrant fruits promote heart health. In creole cooking, this Bayou cayenne chili pepper is ubiquitous.
All Natural, No Preservatives, Gluten Free
Made with renewable energy on 100% recycled paperboard
 
To learn more about Wild Ophelia click HERE
 
 
My Thoughts: This was my first time trying a Wild Ophelia chocolate bar. I have to admit I was both excited and apprehensive about the New Orleans Chili.

While I’m always up for something spicy, I wasn’t sure if this would be overly spicy with the ancho and chipotle chili peppers and cayenne pepper. Surprisingly it was actually a nice mild spicy note that mixed brilliantly with the dark chocolate and cinnamon.
What I liked: I loved the taste—it was exquisite and high quality. I also liked that the product was all-natural, gluten free, preservative free, and made from ingredients that are grown in America.

What I wasn't too crazy about: While I loved the taste, I wished the texture would have been a bit smoother. If you look at the picture I took below, you can see the cinnamon and pepper, and it made the chocolate bar have a bit of a gritty texture to it. It’s wasn’t bad, I just wasn’t expecting it.


 
Will I buy this product again? YES
 
Will I try more Wilde Ophelia Products? YES 
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