Kidnapped By a Rogue by Margaret Mallory... A Review

I recently had the good fortune of receiving an eGalley of Kidnapped by a Rogue from author, Margaret Mallory.  Margaret posted on her Facebook page that she was looking for a handful of reviewers and I immediately volunteered! I love her writing and she has never, and I mean never, disappointed me! Her newest novel, out today (Monday, July 9th), is no exception.

Immersing the reader into a story rich in Scottish history and adding a hunky Highlander with a spunky independent lady is only the beginning... you'll find within the pages of Kidnapped by a Rogue, romance, sex, jealousy, deceit, intrigue, secrets, hope, humor and adventure. I loved this book! When I started reading it, I literally could not put it down! It is the 3rd book in a series, but the story stands on its own, so no need to have to read the previous 2 (but after reading this one, you're going to want more!)

Briefly (and without giving too much away) Finn is our hunk, who is a second son, meaning he will not inherit his father's lands. He's an amazing warrior who not only can wield a weapon, but can also wield a pretty good smile and has all the ladies aflutter. (Yes, he's very charming!) In his heart, he just wants a plot of land he can call his own, and it is this desire that causes him to accept a request to kidnap, Lady Margaret...

Well, Margaret is actually in need of kidnapping. Her husband has thrown her out and annulled the marriage (you'll have to read the book to discover why!) and now her older brothers want to marry her off to forge an alliance with anyone that they think will make their clan stronger, but she wants no part of that. So when Margaret finally "meets" Finn, sparks fly for a lot of reasons and Margaret willingly goes... and that's when the real fun begins...

If you enjoy romance, and if find Highlanders sexy as hell, READ THIS! Margaret Mallory's writing is wonderful, her stories are rich in details and are just fun to read. You will fall for Finn and be rooting for Lady Margaret and him to conquer all the obstacles to be together. You'll also be turning those pages as fast as you can! 

Dark Witch by Nora Roberts… A Review

It has been a while since I've read any Nora Roberts, but like an old friend you haven't seen in years, it feels just like yesterday that you were visiting. I was excited when I read about the new trilogy Nora Roberts had planned, the Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy, because it's setting was Ireland, and it had a bit of magic for fun. I have never been disappointed in any novel I've read by Nora Roberts, and Dark Witch was no exception! Filled with a beautiful ancient landscape, a curse, romance and compelling characters, Dark Witch had me totally absorbed and turning the pages late into the night.

Dark Witch opens in the year 1263, with Sorcha, the original Dark Witch, and her three children. We learn that another powerful witch, Cabhan, has lusted after Sorcha and her powers and will stop at nothing to have her and her powers. A powerful fight ensues and a curse follows all the descendants of these two through present time, which is where we land next - County Mayo, 2013. In present day we meet Iona Sheehan, who never quite fit in anywhere before, who decides to travel to her ancestors home in Ireland, to start her life fresh. With the stories from her Nana, County Mayo is no stranger to her. She sells almost all her belongings and makes the trip, to find her cousins, who welcome her with open arms. But there is a purpose for her being there, a purpose she doesn't quite understand until she gets there. Oh, Nana has shared the folklore and the stories, but it all becomes very real once she's decided that she will be staying in County Mayo- permanently. Without giving away any spoilers here, with Iona finding her way "home" to County Mayo, the curse is stirred and all hell breaks loose. But not before we have some romance, explore the ancient ruins of Ireland and mix a good potion or two.

Nora Roberts is a master with mixing all these elements together into a great story. The romance is almost perfect, the history of the area is wonderfully shared as the characters explore their world, and the magic seems real. My only nagging qualm is that I really didn't like our protagonist Iona. I thought she was a bit whimpy and not up to par with what I would have expected. But that put aside, I enjoyed the story, all the other characters, who we will no doubt see again in books 2 & 3, and I can't wait for the second book in the trilogy, Shadow Spell, to come out. But I'll have to wait because it won't be out until March. Ugh! I warn you though, Dark Witch ends at a place where you're looking for the rest of the story! I know that's the usual with these trilogies, but I thought there would be a bit more wrap up where it ended. I wanted to start reading book 2 immediately because of it!

Historical romance with the backdrop of Ireland is what Dark Witch is all about, and a great beginning to the Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy.

Legacy by Jeanette Baker... A Review

Legacy by Jeanette Baker...

When a distant relative bequeaths a Scottish castle to Christina Murray, the beautiful college professor is off to a distant land to claim her inheritance. It is there that she meets Ian Douglas, a breathtakingly handsome man who may hold the key to the secrets of Traquair House...and to her heart. As Christina enters the elusive passageway to love, her all-too-lifelike dreams reveal that she is tied to three ghostly ancestors: Katrine, a spirited Jacobite, in love with an Englishman...Jeanne, a Renaissance wife accused of witchcraft...and Mairi, the medieval maid Who shares a forbidden passion with England's king.

Destined to become the curse's next victim, Christina travels through time to unveil the mystery of her family. But she soon discovers that her assumptions about Ian and their, newly found love, as well as her own life, may have put her in grave danger....

Do you love Historical Romance? Does just the mention of Scotland make you imagine foggy cliffs and mysterious men? Ladies, do yourself a favor and pick this one up! I can't resist a Scottish romance, but when you add an ancient curse, ghostly ancestors, and a bit of time travel, then I'm totally sold! And as soon as I started reading Legacy by Jeanette Baker I fell in love with her writing. Her characters are well developed, the setting is painted beautifully onto the page, and the story just takes you by the hand and leads you away...

The story begins with Christina Murray receiving a mysterious letter from Lady Maxwell along with a plane ticket to Scotland. When she arrives, she finds Lady Maxwell on her deathbed, and one look at Christina was all she needed to finish her life. Fear gripped Lady Maxwell as she looked upon Christina's face, and she died. At this point I was wondering if it was coincidental, but we are soon to find out that Christina is the spitting image of one of the cursed ancestors of Traquair House. And the real reason for Lady Maxwell to want to meet Christina was soon to be revealed - Lady Maxwell's husband willed his estate, the castle, Traquair House, to Christina. What comes along with Traquair House is the curse...

As the story unfolds, the stories of the other three women, Christina's ancestor's that were doomed by the curse, are also revealed. We are transported back in time and place, and treated to what seems like 4 stories, as each woman steps forward to share their forbidden love and life with the reader. The stories are woven seamlessly together, and are passionate, sexy, and painful. And each story stays within its historical context, as Jeanette Baker immerses us in the sights and sounds of the day. I loved being transported back, and almost didn't want to come back to the present. Christina must resolve to solve the mysteries behind all their lives so as not to suffer the same ill fated curse.

I rate this delicious! A multi-layered story that doesn't loose it in the details. Equal parts of mystery and romance, I enjoyed it thoroughly and hope to add more Jeanette Baker novels on my shelves! I want to thank Sourcebooks for the review copy of this Cassablanca Classic Romance!

Barely a Lady by Eileen Dreyer... A Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway!

Barely a Lady... Book One in the Drake's Rakes Series

Giveaway Has Ended!

Congrats to Aimee, Cheryl and Chanelle!

Olivia Grace has secrets that could destroy her. One of the greatest of these is the Earl of Gracechurch, who married and divorced her five years earlier. Abandoned and disgraced, Grace has survived those years at the edge of respectability. Then she stumbles over Jack on the battlefield of Waterloo, and he becomes an even more dangerous secret. For not only is he unconscious, he is clad in an enemy uniform.

But worse, when Jack finally wakes in Olivia's care, he can't remember how he came to be on a battlefield in Belgium. In fact, he can remember nothing of the last five years. He thinks he and Olivia are still blissfully together. To keep him from being hanged for a traitor, Olivia must pretend she and Jack are still married. To unearth the real traitors, Olivia and Jack must unravel the truth hidden within his faulty memory. To save themselves and the friends who have given them sanctuary, they must stand against their enemies, even as they both keep their secrets. In the end, can they risk everything to help Jack recover his lost memories, even though the truth may destroy them both?

Eileen Dreyer will not disappoint Historical Romance readers in Barely a Lady. What I found refreshing was the setting of this romance. Coming out of the pages of my usual Highlander romances, Barely a Lady is set during the 1815's, in Brussels and during the Battle of Waterloo. Dukes & Dutchesses, Lady's and Earls fill the pages, but so does deceit, betrayals, scandals, passion and treason (And let me tell you backstabbing doesn't even come close to what Olivia experiences from her husbands family). Well developed strong characters (and Olivia makes a perfect heroine), that seem to command the page even from the start, a good story with plenty of history and romance. The romance between Jack and Olivia was enjoyable, but Gervaise is an "interesting" charmer (and Jack's friend) and part of the picture too. Plus, Jack's amnesia makes for some very interesting reading! A good leisurely read for summer!

About Eileen Dreyer... Dreyer won her first publishing award in 1987, being named the best new Contemporary Romance Author by Romantic Times. Since that time she has also garnered not only five other writing awards from Romantic Times, but five RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, which secures her only the fourth place in the Romance Writers of America prestigious Hall of Fame. Since extending her reach to suspense, she has also garnered a coveted Anthony Award nomination for her last paperback, Bad Medicine. She has over three million books in print world wide, and has made regular appearances on the Waldenbook and B.Dalton bestsellers list, and now the USA Today list. Eileen is an addicted traveler, having sung in some of the best Irish pubs in the world, and admits she sees research as a handy way to salve her insatiable curiosity. She counts film producers, police detectives and Olympic athletes as some of her sources and friends. She's also trained in forensic nursing and death investigation, although she doesn't see herself actively working in the field, unless this writing thing doesn't pan out. You can learn more about Eileen at her website EileenDreyer.com.

Want to know a few fun fact about Eileen?

* Eileen has written 25 contemporary romances as Kathl

een Korbel and am a member of the RWA Hall of Fame.

* Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet were the models for Jack and Olivia.

* All my characters did their own stunts.

* Olivia's name was originally Annie. My characters' names tend to change as I write the book and get to know them better. And Olivia wasn't an Annie. I try and make sure all the names are corrected in editing, but occasionally, I miss one or two.

Now, if all that doesn't entice you, courtesy of Hachette Book Group I have 3 copies of Barely a Lady for a GIVEAWAY! Here's How to Enter...

Giveaway Has Ended!

* Let's all get in a little romance in this summer! All you need to do to enter is leave a comment with your email address!

* If you want to Tweet or Blog about the giveaway, that's great too! You'll get a bonus entry for spreading the word! Just leave me a link to where you tweeted or blogged!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (No PO boxes). The books will be shipped to the winners directly from the publisher. Contest ends 11:59pm EST on July 27th. I will randomly pick the winners the next day and email them! (please check your email.. winner must reply to me within 3 days! Thanks!) Good Luck!

I want to thank Anna of Hachette Book Group for sending along a copy of Barely a Lady to review! Today's post is also part of Eileen Dreyer's Blog Tour for Barely a Lady!

Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory... Blog Tour, Review & GIVEAWAY!

And the Winners are... Debbie, Bailey, Jenna, Cheryl and Stephenia! Congrats to all the winners! Thanks for joining in on all the fun by entering, tweeting and blogging! Will let you know who that last person is as soon as I hear from HER!

HOW CAN THIS PASSIONATE KNIGHT...

Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie's love for a chance at vengeance.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST?

Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife-only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Then just as Linnet begins to make amends, she's tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie's love - this time forever.

Today Margaret Mallory's makes a stop at Chick with Books on her Virtual Blog Tour for Knight of Passion! Margaret Mallory NEVER disappoints me with her historical romances. Her writing is wonderful, her settings are beautiful and she always adds a bit of humor to make us smile. Knight of Passion is HOT, filled with enough sexual tension and passion to ignite the pages of your paperback, and delivers on the historical side too, as it's sprinkled with historical places, people and facts that create a well-rounded story (and it never loses its sizzle even with a bit of history thrown in!)

Knight of Passion is the third and final book in Margaret Mallory's All The King's Men Series. This is the story of Jamie Rayburn & Lady Linnet. Jamie is the son of Lady Catherine Rayburn & step son of William FitzAlan, whom we met in the first book of the series, Knight of Desire. Jamie was just a toddler in Knight of Desire, but we did meet him again in the second book of the series, Knight of Pleasure, a little older and getting his feet wet as a squire. Finally Margaret gives Jamie his own story! And it was worth waiting for!

I loved Knight of Passion! It has all the qualities I love in a historical romance... A hunky knight, with a true sense of honor! A feisty heroine, who has a mind of her own and can take care of herself, but is still vulnerable. A love story that is not bound by time or place, but is filled with the missteps and passions of what every romance is made up of. Plus a good bit of adventure! Margaret Mallory creates characters that almost leap from the pages, with backgrounds and personalities that we come to love & know so well. The romance between Jamie & Linnet grows from when they are teenagers, develops into something more meaningful and is quite believable. And not only does her historical research touch on the politics of the day, and the proper etiquette when dealing with a queen, but also we get to experience the beautiful dresses of the day (along with how hard it is to get back into them with only 2 hands...)! There are wonderful twists & turns to the plot that will have your reading late into the night along with a bit of the supernatural & superstitions here and there. Love romances? Love historical romances? I would recommend Knight of Passion by Margaret Mallory! (She is one of my favorite historical romance writers!) Here's a something about her...

Margaret Mallory started out as a Midwest girl. Except for two years in Africa, she grew up in small towns in northern Michigan, where her dad was a county extension agent. She received degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School, and then headed to Washington, DC to save the world. When that failed, she packed up and moved to the Pacific Northwest for no reason except that it was beautiful and far from her last jobs and boyfriends. She admits to having a vague notion of finding herself a park ranger with a dog. The man she met was not a park ranger, but he was willing to get the dog. Marriage and children soon followed. Margaret spent many rewarding—but rather wearing—years in jobs devoted to improving services for abused children and care for the elderly. Not long ago, she surprised (shocked?) her friends and family by abandoning her legal career—and steady job—to write novels. She is thrilled to spend her days writing stories of love and adventure, instead of going to endless meetings. After all, she has always loved romantic tales, heroic deeds, and happy endings. And, at long last, she can satisfy her passion for justice by punishing the bad and rewarding the worthy—in the pages of her novels.

Did you know THESE Fun Facts about Margaret Mallory?

1. My husband has yet to read one of my books out of fear he might laugh at the wrong parts and not be forgiven.

2. My nineteen-year-old son made me cut out the love scenes — literally, with scissors-so he could read my book “without being traumatized.”

3. A male friend advised me, “If you had a different cover and different title, men might read this book.”

4. My father-in-law STILL thinks it’s funny to say the models on the cover look just like my husband and me — ha,ha,ha,ha.

5. They all love my sexy covers — whether they admit it or not.

What would Margaret Mallory like readers to walk away with after reading her books?

"I want to sweep my readers away to another time and place. Women need pleasurable escape reading. I want my book to help them forget about the hassles of their day and to leave them with a warm and satisfying happy ending."

Learn more about the author and her books at Margaret Mallory's website. You can also read an excerpt of Knight of Passion while you're there!

Would you like a chance to get your own copy!? Courtesy of Hachette Book Group I have a GIVEAWAY for 5 copies of Knight of Passion! Here's how to enter...

To Enter this Giveaway...

*For one entry leave me a comment with your email address!

*Get an extra entry for following my blog! Just leave a comment letting me know you're a follower! ( Not a follower yet? No problem, sign up by clicking on the 'followers" button on the sidebar to the left! Just let me know you became a new follower!)

*Blog or tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (No PO boxes). The books will be shipped to the winners directly from the publisher. Contest ends 11:59pm EST on June 28th. I will randomly pick the winners the next day and email them! (please check your email.. winner must reply to me within 3 days! Thanks!) Good Luck!

*I want to thank Anna of Hachette Book Group for sending along a copy Knight of Passion to review!

KINDLE READERS! Want to Read the First Book in the Trilogy!? Knight of Desire is only $1.99 in the Kindle Store!

Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn... A Review and a Giveaway!

Surrender to your Every Desire...

Take a Peek at your emails... I've got 3 winners...

Back of the Book... Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she’s been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown’s most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal–and a bold rescue–land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.

As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he’s not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire…and desperate for more. With Davina’s secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can’t live without...

What Did I Think? When the book opens we meet Davina Montgomery. It's 1685 just prior to the coronation of a new English King after the death of King Charles. We are at Saint Christopher's Abbey, there's a bit of banter between Davina and her friend and obvious protector, Edward, about her "secret", and the danger to her if she's found out. No sooner do we learn that little teaser of a tidbit, when we are thrown into a bloody battle for survival. An enemy army is attacking the Abbey! This is where we get a glimpse of what Davina is really made of- she's not content to hide locked up in the castle tower... She goes for her quiver and bow! Of course she almost kills Rob MacGregor, the Highlander who will soon whisk her off...

Paula Quinn gives us a strong heroine, political intrigue and hunk of a hero in our Highlander, Rob MacGregor. I love historical romances, and there is plenty of depth to Ravished by a Highlander. It's evident that Paula Quinn does her homework when it comes to the history, but she writes great characters too! Davina and Rob are fun, and the tension is HOT! But the characters surrounding our hero & heroine are well written too. I thoroughly enjoyed Ravished by a Highlander, with memorable characters, a well written story, a perfect setting and enough twists & turns to you keep you turning those pages. Ravished by a Highlander is book #1 in a new 4 book series called The Children of the Mist, based on the grown children of Callum & Kate MacGregor (who starred in Laird of the Mist). So there's plenty of Scottish romance from Paula Quinn to come AND plenty to catch up on if her writing is new to you! ( She's written more Scottish romances besides Laird of the Mist.)You can learn more about Paula and her books at Paula Quinn's website! And if you missed her great guest post on Chick with Books about writing her Highlander Romances, you can find it HERE! But in the meantime, would you like a chance to win a copy of Ravished by a Highlander?! Courtesy of Anna from Hachette Book Group, I have 3 copies to give away! Here's how to Enter...

To Enter this giveaway...

*For one entry leave me a comment with your email address!

*Get an extra entry for following my blog! Just leave a comment letting me know you're a follower! ( Not a follower yet? No problem, sign up by clicking on the 'followers" button on the sidebar to the left! Just let me know you became a new follower!)

*Blog or tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (No PO boxes). The books will be shipped to the winners directly from the publisher. Contest ends 11:59pm EST on May 29th. I will randomly pick the winners the next day and email them! (please check your email.. winner must reply to me within 3 days! Thanks!) Good Luck!

*BTW, I want to thank Anna of Hachette Book Group for sending along a copy of Ravished by a Highlander to review! Thanks Anna!

Writing "Highlander" Romances in the 21st Century... a Guest Post by Historical Romance Author Paula Quinn

A Guest Post by Romance Author Paula Quinn...

Today I want to welcome guest author Paula Quinn! She's the lovely lady whose book Ravished by a Highlander I just turned the last page on and was totally swept away by. If you love romance with a good Highlander and Historical Romance, you'll want to put Paula Quinn on your reading list... And that's what Paula is guest posting about today- how she writes those wonderful "Highlander" romances...

Writing "Highlander" romances in the 21st century, where Paula gets her stories and how she keeps them fresh...

It isn’t difficult for me to write Highlander romances in the 21st century because I don’t always live in the 21st century. One of my passions is the past. Give me a time machine and I’m outta here—at least, until I need an Advil. Not everyone would prefer to live a few centuries ago, but the Highlands and Scotland are synonymous with romance. It’s the whole wind-swept moors, rugged guy in a plaid who knows how to handle a big sword thing. The fact that these men no longer exist makes them more interesting to create—or read about.

I don’t usually start out with an idea of a story line/plot, but rather with a character. They always come to me first. People are what make history exciting. Once I know my hero or heroine’s goals and desires, I can build around it. Rob MacGregor came to me long before I began writing my latest release, Ravished By A Highlander. He was immediately dominant, taking full charge of my ideas and showing me the path he was meant to take. Some scenes weren’t going to fly, which upset my pragmatic, obstinate alpha male, but I’m the boss of him no matter how big his Claymore Still, I never plan how a story is going to proceed unless I have to do a proposal—which I dislike. Every scene has the potential to change the flow of the tale. I prefer to let my characters lead the way and I’ll polish up as we go.

Keeping my stories fresh can be a bit of a challenge. After all, there are millions of romances out there. How many different ways are there to fall in love? But I think that as an historical romance author I have a tiny advantage. Because my stories take place in the past, the possibilities are endless. I mean, I have eighteen centuries to choose from, each with a very unique flavor. In my new Children of the Mist series, the action begins in 17th century Scotland during the Stuart reign and will end with William of Orange taking the throne. I love the political intrigue surrounding the period, the social and religious unrest that give the tale more depth and pull the best, or the worst from a hero or heroine. Drop any character into a tumultuous era, test his loyalties, and watch him come alive. Give him and his lady an almost impossible obstacle to overcome before falling in love and a little free reign to do it, and the story will come to life around them.

I want to thank Paula for stopping by and sharing her insights into her historical romance writing today! It's so interesting to actually get a glimpse of the writing process and the history that motivates an author. Now about her latest novel Ravished by a Highlander...

Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she's been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown's most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal--and a bold rescue--land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.

As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he's not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire...and desperate for more. With Davina's secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can't live without.

Ravished by a Highlander was HOT, fun and full of wonderful characters! Stop back this week to read my review of Paula Quinn's latest novel, Ravished by a Highlander, and there will be a GIVEAWAY too!

Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory! Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Knight of Pleasure

Historical Romance that Sizzles

by Margaret Mallory

Ladies, this one is for YOU!

THE GREATEST PASSION
Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a French nobleman to form a political alliance, she agrees. But

that's before the devilishly charming Sir Stephen Carleton captures her heart-and tempts her to betray her betrothed, her king, and her country.

IS WORTH THE GREATEST PERIL
Sir Stephen Carleton enjoys his many female admirers-until he dedicates himself to winning the lovely Isobel. So when a threat against the king leads Isobel into mortal danger, Stephen has a chance to prove that he is more than a knight of pleasure...and that love can conquer all.

The year is 1409, Northumberland England, when we meet 13 year old Isobel sword fighting with wooden swords outside the walls of Hume Castle as the boys her age were practicing inside with real swords... "Twas so unfair!" she complained. And so we get a small glimpse into the little girl with spunk, who will grow into an amazing woman!

Betrothed to an old man at age 13, losing all her lands and inheritance by the devilish trickery of a boy she knew in her youth, and who had grown into quite a man, upon her husbands death, and finally falling in love with a man she should resist! This story has got it all!

Margaret Mallory is one of my favorite authors of historical romance! I first read her when she published her book, Knight of Pleasure, which is the first book in this series "All the King's Men". Her writing is fabulous, making you feel you are actually in 15th century England! Her thorough historical research is evident. Her characters leap from the page... and the romance sizzles! We first met Sir Stephen Carleton in the first book, Knight of Desire, as the younger brother of William FitzAlan, the hunk who stole the show and won the hand of the girl! Stephen had a "hero's heart" at the age of 13, and showed us the meaning of gallantry! Margaret Mallory loved the character Stephen so much she just had to give him his own book!

I loved this book! It's not necessary to have read the first book Knight of Desire to enjoy Knight of Pleasure, but I would pick that one up too! Would you like to read a little excerpt of Knight of Pleasure? Here's the link to Margaret Mallory's website where you can read a little! How about winning a copy of Knight of Pleasure?! Courtesy of Anna of Hachette Book Group I have 5 copies to give away! 5 of my lucky readers are going to win one! Here's how...

To Enter this giveaway...

*For one entry leave me a comment with your email address!

*Get an extra entry for following my blog! Just leave a comment letting me know you're a follower! ( Not a follower yet? No problem, sign up by clicking on the 'followers" button on the sidebar to the right! Just let me know you became a new follower!)

*Blog or tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only.(No PO boxes). The books will be shipped to the winners directly from the publisher. Contest ends 11:59pm EST on Dec. 26th. I will randomly pick the winners the next day and email them! (please check your email.. winner must reply to me within 3 days! Thanks!) Good Luck!

This is part of the Knight of Pleasure Blog Tour! Here are some of the other Blogs participating in the tour...

http://froggaritavillesbookcase.blogspot.com/

www.bibliophilicbookblog.com

http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com

http://libslibrary.blogspot.com/

http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com

http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/

http://www.brokenteepee.blogspot.com

http://www.saveyspender.com

http://blog.lyndacoker.net

http://bridget3420.blogspot.com

http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com

http://myoverstuffedbookshelf.blogspot.com/http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com

http://alphaheroes.blogspot.com

http://razloversbookblog.blogspot.com/

www.findthetimetoread.blogspot.com

http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/

http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/

MARGARET MALLORY recently surprised her friends and family by abandoning her legal career-and her steady job-to write tales of romance and adventure. At long last, she can satisfy her passion for justice by punishing the bad and rewarding the worthy-in the pages of her novels, of course. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and their two college-age children. KNIGHT OF DESIRE was her first book, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is her second.

*P.S. This Book is Kindle Ready!

Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory........ Blog Tour! Book Review & Giveaway!

Knight of Desire Blog Tour & GIVEAWAY!

Be Swept Away in a time where an honorable knight named William will steal your heart.... Knight of Desire

Who's getting swept away? CONGRATs to Rachie2004, aitmama, LadyVampire, LibraryGrinch, and throuthehaze for winning copies of Knight of Desire! AND Thanks to everyone who joined in on the fun!

About the Book...

Fearless in Battle

"His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.

Tender in Bed!

Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she's keeping secrets, and dare not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives."

On a cool October night a beautiful young girl sneaks out into the stables to take a last ride before she is to be married.... She surprises a young knight sleeping in the stable... it is an encounter that neither one of them will ever forget.... And neither will you! This is a wonderful story! Rich with passion and great characters! Catherine is a strong willed independent woman, even as a young girl. Beautiful & smart! William FitzAlan is noble, kind, loyal, brave and gorgeous! Their romance is sizzling! Their marriage is complicated... Catherine's first marriage was to a cruel, abusive man. Not knowing anything other than the pain & suffering she felt at the hands of her first husband, she is afraid to put her trust in William ( in bed & in his heart). Unable to avoid the "inevitable", she is ultimately surprised & delighted at the passion between them! And slowly they try to resolve the other issues in their lives- the secrets that still separate them & the trust they must put in eachother to survive the turmoil around them.

Knight of Desire is a historical romance and Margaret Mallory certainly did her homework! The setting for Knight of Desire is 600 years ago during the Welsh rebellion, when the welsh were fighting to take over as much of England as possible. Knight of Desire has everything you'd want in a great story: political intrigue, love, lust, loyalty & friendship and plenty of suspense! You will not be able to put it down! I couldn't! I became totally absorbed in the lives of William & Catherine! And I have 5 copies of Knight of Desire to give away!!!

A Little About Margaret Mallory...

Why write about medieval times?..People often ask me how I happened to choose the early 1400’s as the setting for my first book, KNIGHT OF DESIRE. What more exciting period could I find? I have a king who usurped the throne from his cousin, rebellions and traitorous plots everywhere, and one of England’s greatest kings is a prince who is beginning to show the man he will become.

In truth, I love history and would be happy writing stories set in different times and places. What I particularly like about the medieval period—besides all the adventure an

d political intrigue—is that it lends itself so well to stories with themes of honor and loyalty. And then there are the knights, of course...

A Little More Personal...

Margaret Mallory started out as a Midwest girl. Except for two years in Africa, she grew up in small towns in northern Michigan. Not long ago, she surprised (shocked?) her friends and family by abandoning her legal career—and steady job—to write novels. She is thrilled to spend her days writing stories of love and adventure, instead of going to endless meetings. After all, she has always loved romantic tales, heroic deeds, and happy endings. And, at long last, she can satisfy her passion for justice by punishing the bad and rewarding the worthy—in the pages of her novels. Want to learn more about Margaret? Check out her Website !

About the Giveaway:

Courtesy of Anna Balasai of Hachette Books I have 5 copies of Knight of Desire for a giveaway! Thanks Anna!

Here's how to Enter:

• Leave a comment with your email address for one entry!
• For another entry become a follower and leave a comment telling me you just became a follower! (if you're already a follower you'll get an extra entry by entering!)
• For another entry Blog or Tweet about this giveaway and leave me a comment with the link.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only.(No PO boxes). The books will be shipped to the winners directly from the publishers. Contest ends 11:59pm EST on July 18, 2009. I will randomly pick the winners the next day and email them! (please check your email...) Good Luck!

Be sure to check out the other stops on The Knight of Desire Blog Tour...

Readaholic, This Book for Free, Must Read Faster, Yankee Romance Reviewers, This That and Other Things, Book Soulmates, The Epic Rat, Foreign Circus Library, Happily Forever After, Love Impossible, Morbid Romantic, Books and Needlepoint, Bookin with Bingo, A Journey of Books, Seductive Musings, Alpha Heroes, All About {n}, Anna's Book Blog, Marta's Meanderings, Review from Here, Starting Fresh, Maria's Space, Darby's Closet

*P.S. This book is Kindle Ready! (not part of the giveaway though!)