#TheEmperorsAssassin #AutumnBardot #HFVBTBlogTours #Review

The Emperor’s Assassin
by Autumn Bardot

Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Flores Publishing
eBook & Paperback; 437 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

History paints her as the first female serial killer…

Locusta is the daughter of a winemaker in the Roman province of Gaul. She enjoys the indulged childhood of the elite, her concerns only about the day’s amusements. She rides gentle ponies, attends parties, reads Ovid, and learns the herbal arts from her servant. But the day after meeting her betrothed, Locusta discovers the consequences of possessing such dangerous knowledge.

Ordered to leave her pastoral life, Locusta is thrust into a world of intrigue, scandal, and murder—where treason lurks behind every corner and defying an emperor means death. Locusta’s life changes forever when a young Emperor Nero requires her herbal expertise. And commands her to be his personal poisoner. Caught in an imperial web, Locusta must embrace her profession or die.

Or is there another way out?

History paints her as the first female serial killer. Or is she yet another maligned woman in history?

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Autumn Bardot writes historical fiction and historical erotica. Her debut historical fiction is THE IMPALER’S WIFE. Her debut historical erotica is LEGENDS OF LUST.

Autumn, a pen name, has worked as an educator for more than sixteen years. She teaches literature, writing, and the magic of words. She has a passion for history and a special affinity for the unsung courageous females that history has neglected. Or misunderstood. Autumn lives in Southern California with her husband and every-growing family. She wishes she was one-tenth as brave as the women she writes about.

Historical Fiction
~ The Impaler’s Wife
~ Dragon Lady
~ The Emperor’s Assassin ( coming Oct 1, 2019 )

Historical Erotica ( Cleis Press)
~ Legends of Lust, Erotic Myths from around the World
~ Confessions of a Sheba Queen ( coming March 10, 2020)

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Coffee and Ink’s Review

Oh, yes! Another Autumn Bardot 😀 novel! I haven’t read anything of hers matching The Impaler’s Wife in scope and depth, but I honestly haven’t been disappointed by the books that followed. I especially loved this one, set in Rome and involving the herbal arts. Locasta has apparently been cast as a murderess by history, but the author has created a plausible setting to shed some light on her motivations.

Luckily the fictional Locasta has a knowledgeable slave who loves her and teaches her the art of concocting herbal remedies, until she begins to surpass her. Locasta’s remedies and potions become well known, which brings her riches but also notoriety. Eventually she is caught in a web of intrigue so tight only the love of a roman soldier can free her.

I highly recommend this book and anything else that comes from the pen of Autumn Bardot!

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 21
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 22
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Wednesday, October 23
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, October 25
Review at Al-Alhambra

Monday, October 28
Review at Red Headed Book Lady

Wednesday, October 30
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, October 31
Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Friday, November 1
Guest Post at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Monday, November 4
Review at Jessica Belmont

Tuesday, November 5
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Thursday, November 7
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog

Friday, November 8
Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Monday, November 11
Review at Books and Zebras
Interview at Jorie Loves A Story

Tuesday, November 12
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages

Thursday, November 14
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Friday, November 15
Review at Broken Teepee
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at Jorie Loves A Story
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Emperor’s Assassin! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to US residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Emperor’s Assassin

#AConvenientFiction #MimiMatthews #HFVBTBlogTours #Review

A Convenient Fiction
by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: October 22, 2019
Perfectly Proper Press

Series: Parish Orphans of Devon, Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance

 

 

The mysterious Alex Archer returns to England in Book 3 of Mimi Matthews’ USA Today bestselling Parish Orphans of Devon series.

She Needed A Husband…

It’s been three years since Laura Hayes’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.

He Wanted a Fortune…

Alex has no tolerance for sentiment. He’s returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it’s all the fault of Laura Hayes–a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.

From the beaches of Margate to the lavender fields of Provence, a grudging friendship slowly blossoms into something more. But when scandal threatens, can a man who has spent his entire life playing the villain, finally become a hero? Or will the lure of easy riches once again outweigh the demands of his heart?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for the Parish Orphans of Devon series

“For this impressive Victorian romance, Matthews crafts a tale that sparkles with chemistry and impresses with strong character development… an excellent series launch that will appeal to fans of Loretta Chase and Stephanie Laurens.” -Publishers Weekly (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“Matthews has a knack for creating slow-building chemistry and an intriguing plot with a social history twist.” -Library Journal (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“As always, Matthews’ attention to historical accuracy is impeccable.” -Kirkus Reviews (A Modest Independence)

“Mimi Matthews is an exceptional story-teller.” -Passages to the Past (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“Matthews is a bright, shining star in historical romance…” -Austenprose (A Modest Independence)

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews (A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty, The Matrimonial Advertisement) writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats.

For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.

Coffee and Ink’s Review

The author has quite a following of readers and no wonder :D. Not only is this story an excellent example of best laid plans gone awry, the social history of going to the seaside is fascinating. I think this is one of the longer romances by the author, as I’ve read some of her shorter fiction, but I didn’t enjoy them as much as this one. Highly recommended.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 22
Review at Courtney Clark

Wednesday, October 23
Review at The Lit Bitch

Thursday, October 24
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Friday, October 25
Review at Bookish Rantings

Monday, October 28
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Friday, November 1
Feature at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, November 4
Review at Austenprose

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Passages to the Past

Saturday, November 9
Review at Robin Loves Reading

Monday, November 11
Review at Lost_in_a_book_reviewer

Wednesday, November 13
Review at For the Sake of Good Taste

Friday, November 15
Review at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a signed paperback copy of A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

A Convenient Fiction

#TheBattersBox #AndyKutler #HFVBTBlogTours

The Batter’s Box
by Andy Kutler

Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Warriors Publishing Group
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

In 1946, a returning World War II veteran is determined to reclaim his place among professional baseball’s upper echelon and win back the woman he once fell for. Two months into the new season, at the top of his game, he abandons his team, casting aside his fame and riches and vanishing forever from the public eye. What drives a man to walk away from everything he cherishes, never to be heard from again?

The Batter’s Box follows the path of Will Jamison, a star player with the Washington Senators who enlists in the U.S. Army following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. When the war ends, Jamison returns to Washington, a decorated hero tormented by deep emotional scars. Burdened with a crushing guilt and harrowing memories he cannot escape, Jamison’s life is consumed by an explosive temper, sleepless nights, and a gradual descent into alcoholism. Will he continue, alone with his anguish and misery? Or will he level with those around him, including the woman he loves, and seek the professional care he desperately needs, even at the risk of exposing his most closely guarded secrets?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise

“We remember World War II as ‘the Good War, ‘ when right and wrong seemed so clear. We won, they lost, and our guys came home as heroes. But as gifted author Andy Kutler tells us in THE BATTER’S BOX, mortal combat is anything but good, heroism comes with a horrific price, and some of the most tragic wounds don’t bleed — and don’t go away. If you want to know what really happened at Bastogne in the terrible winter of 1944, read this powerful, haunting book.” — Daniel P. Bolger, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Ret.), author of Our Year of War: Two Brothers, Vietnam, and a Nation Divided

“Andy Kutler has the eyes and ears of combat soldiers and the heart of those who love them. The horror, courage, and camaraderie of battle rivals the grit of Once an Eagle, while the poignant authenticity of Will Jamison’s struggles with his hidden wounds highlight that, for many, the impact of war lingers far past the last shots of battle. THE BATTER’S BOX is a superb work of historical fiction that carries important lessons for today.” — William E. Rapp, Major General, U.S. Army (Ret.), Former Commandant, U.S. Army War College, and Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Military Academy

“The Batter’s Box is a riveting read. It is a love story and a war story and a novel with far more truth than fiction. I’m a psychiatrist specializing in treating men and women with post-traumatic stress disorder. If you love someone with that invisible wound, read this book. If you are curious and concerned about the condition, read this book. Most survivors of profound trauma lack a language to convey their life stories because those stories include the unspeakable. When the hero of this compelling novel speaks, we listen, we learn and we are transformed. If you are currently struggling with the impact of major trauma, reading passages here may be disturbing and ‘triggering.’ But I believe it is worth the risk because this book affirms your reality and your dignity.” –Frank M. Ochberg, MD, Former Associate Director, National Institute of Mental Health

“Historical fiction, if it reflects careful scholarship, is a powerful tool in the hands of a gifted writer, and can deepen our understanding of real events and people. Andy Kutler’s THE BATTER’S BOX offers an impressive addition to World War II literature, bringing fresh attention to the adjustment struggle faced by so many returning war veterans. Kutler’s depiction of one of the more heroic small-unit engagements in US Army history is both compelling and long overdue.” — Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, President & CEO Emeritus, The National WWII Museum

About the Author

Andy Kutler is a writer living in Arlington, Virginia. His debut novel, The Other Side of Life, was awarded a Bronze Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards, and Honorable Mention from Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB Awards. He has also authored a number of columns for the Huffington Post and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and spent more than a quarter century in public service, including with the United States Senate and the United States Secret Service, and as a consultant in the national security community.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 8
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Thursday, October 10
Feature at What Is That Book About

Monday, October 14
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Friday, October 18
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Monday, October 21
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 23
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, October 24
Review at Impressions In Ink

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Peaceful Pastime

Thursday, October 31
Review at Passages to the Past

Friday, November 1
Feature at Coffee and Ink

Tuesday, November 5
Review at Red Headed Book Lady

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Batter’s Box! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Batter’s Box

#TheSlightestChance #Paul Letters #HFVBTBlogTours #Review

The Slightest Chance
by Paul Letters

Publication Date: June 7, 2019
Blacksmith Books
Paperback; 296 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Military/WWII

 

 

In war, you can pretend to be someone you’re not. Yet, in war, people find out who you really are.

Hong Kong, 1941. Anglo-Australian civil servant Dominic Sotherly’s colonial sojourn in Hong Kong becomes complicated by his double life in both war and love. Enigmatic Englishwoman Gwen Harmison possesses secrets of her own – plus an unrelenting desire for liberty.

From gaiety at the Peninsula Hotel to persecution both inside and outside of internment, the story journeys from war-ravaged Hong Kong to war-weary China.

From real history, meet the Chinese admiral who led Hong Kong’s daring ‘Great Escape’ and the Japanese Christian soldier who risked his life for the enemy. And, uniquely during the occupation of Hong Kong, discover how one Englishwoman made history in her defiance of Imperial Japan.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Paul Letters is a novelist, journalist, broadcaster and part-time teacher of history and politics. He moved from London to the jungled fringes of Hong Kong in 2001. His earlier World War II novel, A Chance Kill, topped the South China Morning Post book charts.

In addition to historical features, he writes opinion pieces and magazine articles. Paul also broadcasts on Radio Television Hong Kong. His ‘This Month in History’ segment can be found as a podcast. Paul and his son James also present the chart-topping history podcast for kids and adults, ‘Dad and Me Love History’.

His website, and his daily on-this-day-in-World-War-Two twitter feed, can be found at paulletters.com.

Coffee and Ink’s Review

My apologies for the lateness of this review!

I have mixed feelings about this book, but I do recommend it if you like a good, fast-paced World War II drama. It would have been an easier read for me in the beginning if the author hadn’t used ?! in dialogue or put the story’s theme and title in italics, in case the reader might miss it. I’m not comfortable with the ending, and I can’t say why without giving too much away. I loved Gwen and her determination to reveal Japan’s atrocities in China to the world. Her journey is harrowing, helped and hindered by the three men in her life. Once the author turns to Gwen’s point of view, the story really takes off, and the last days in China as the country falls to Japan is very well told. Excellent research and attention to detail, the story had me on the edge of my seat.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 21
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 22
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads
Review at Al-Alhambra Book Reviews

Wednesday, October 23
Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Saturday, October 26
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Thursday, October 31
Review at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Slightest Chance by Paul Letters! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Slightest Chance

#ToTameaScandalousLady #LianaDelaRosa #HFVBTBlogTours

To Tame a Scandalous Lady
by Liana De la Rosa

Publication Date: October 21, 2019
Entangled Publishing/Amara
eBook; 400 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Regency/Victorian

 

 

In the wake of a fire that decimates his racing stock, Christian Andrews, the Marquess of Amstead, struggles to keep his family’s stud farm from slipping into ruin and painstakingly rebuilds the program. When one of his prime stallions is injured, he notices his new assistant trainer has a special way with the horses. As talented as the trainer is, once he realizes he is a she…and a very beautiful, spirited she at that…he should sack her before scandal breaks. But it’s only weeks before the high stakes race he’s counting on to build back his fortune, and Flora should be by his side for the win.

Miserable under the weight of the ton’s expectations, headstrong Lady Flora Campbell laments her privileged life in London. Embracing her dream of working with racehorses, she disguises herself as a lad and slips away to learn as much as she can from England’s premiere expert, Christian Andrews, never thinking of the scandal she courts but the glory to be had.

Although she develops a tendre for the dashing marquess, she can never let on that she’s not only a woman, but the daughter of a duke…

“Sparkling, sensual, and oh-so-smart!” —Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

About the Author

Liana De la Rosa is a historical romance writer whose stories are set in the Georgian and Late Regency periods. As a longtime fan of the romance genre, Liana can remember sneaking Harlequins into her bedroom to read on the sly. After her second child was born, her husband challenged her to write her own book and she’s been writing ever since. Liana is a proud graduate of the University of Arizona and enjoys cheering on her alma mater in all things (BEAR DOWN!). When she’s not writing witty heroes, saucy heroines, and secondary characters screaming for their own stories, she’s a wannabe domestic goddess and fashionista who wrangles a rambunctious brood of small children with her patient husband in Arizona.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Excerpt

Stars twinkled bright across the expanse of dark Suffolk sky, and Flora stumbled to a halt to simply admire the beauty on display above her. As a child in the Highlands, she used to love to stretch out on the banks of the nearby Loch Kilmorow with her father and siblings, and watch for shooting stars or mirrie dancers, delighting in the antics of the night sky. But as she grew older, she found she no longer had time for such fanciful diversions.
An odd sight in the barn snagged her attention. Light filtered from Bainrigh’s stall into the small outer yard, and her breath stuttered. Someone was in her mare’s stall. But why?
Flora prowled into the stables, yanking a whip off the wall as she passed the tack room, dragging the thick piece of leather behind her as she advanced down the walk toward Bainrigh’s stall. When she arrived outside the doorframe, she flicked her wrist, ready to strike any intruder intent on harming her friend.
As her eyes took in the sight before her, Flora’s hand grew slack until the whip slipped from her fingers altogether. Lord Amstead sat propped on a stool he’d nestled amongst the hay, Bainrigh’s black head hovering over his shoulder as she happily munched on slices of apples he cut from the fruit in his hand. They looked like old friends enjoying a peaceful moment together, and her heart lurched to see her temperamental mare so relaxed with the marquess.
“Your lass has been quite impatient for your arrival, and I have almost run out of apples.”
Flora shifted on her feet, suddenly feeling nervous. “I had not expected to find you here, my lord.”
“I’m sure you didn’t. But then, I’ve always had a weak spot for pretty ladies.”
She rolled her eyes when Bainrigh nuzzled his cheek.
“You’ve obviously found the way to her heart.” She tsked at her horse. “At the first sight of an apple or pear and she loses all her fierceness.”
“We all have our weaknesses,” he mumbled, patting Bainrigh on her neck. He considered Flora with a pucker between his brows. “Mine is relying too heavily on my instincts and not on logic.”
“Mine is speaking without forethought or care for the consequences.”
Lord Amstead pressed his lips together. “A flaw I find terribly surprising, considering how circumspect William was in all things.”
“Yes, well, being William took a great deal of effort”—Flora tugged on her waistcoat—“and I don’t just mean the disguise.”
“I’m sure not.” He studied her thoughtfully. “What do you hope to gain here?”
She ran her gloved hands along the top of the half door and avoided his gaze. “Knowledge. Experience. Amstead Gardens has a storied history, and yet you, my lord, have managed to make a name for yourself as a horseman amongst horsemen.” She swallowed. “I hope to own my own stud farm one day, and I was keen on learning from the very best.”
After a long pause, the marquess chuckled. “My. If you are trying to turn my head, you succeeded.”
Flora scoffed. “I’m sure you require no flattery, my lord.”

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 21
Review at The Romance Dish

Tuesday, October 22
Review at Historical Romance Lover

Wednesday, October 23
Review at Rose is Reading

Thursday, October 24
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, October 25
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Monday, October 28
Review at The Book Junkie Reads

Wednesday, October 30
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

Friday, November 1
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, November 4
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, November 7
Review at Nursebookie
Feature at The Lit Bitch

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

To Tame a Scandalous Lady

#TheHighlandersChristmasBride #VanessaKelly #HFVBTBlogTours #Review

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride
by Vanessa Kelly

Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Zebra Books
eBook & Paperback; 432 Pages

Series: Clan Kendrick, Book #2
Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish

 

 

In bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s irresistible Clan Kendrick series, Christmas in the Highlands means family, celebration—and for one brother, the beginning of a passionate adventure . . .

Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .

Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas. But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

Vanessa Kelly is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated in a number of contests, and she has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her books have been published in nine languages.

Vanessa’s latest book, The Highlander Who Protected Me, was a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and BookScan bestseller. Her Renegade Royals Series was a national bestseller, as was The Improper Princesses Series. My Fair Princess was named a Goodreads Romance of the Month and is a USA Today and BookScan bestseller. The Highlander’s Princess Bride, book 3 in the series, was a Barnes and Noble top 50 bestseller.

When she’s not dreaming of plots for her next Regency novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling books with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa’s latest news and contests–and to receive a free story–please sign up for her newsletter on her website.

Clan Kendrick Facebook Group | Facebook Author Page | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads

Coffee and Ink’s Review 

You have to love a heroine who is a failed nun in a Scottish nunnery who simply cannot follow the rules. With a sketchy past. And an irritable temperament. Donella Haddon wants to play by the rules, she wants to be safe from her family and her past, but the universe appears aligned against her.

Hoping to get into Donella’s father’s good graces, Logan Kendrick has offered to escort his wayward daughter back to Perth. He is ambitious and has secrets and worries of his own.

However, it’s 1819 and traveling without a chaperone is a good way to lose one’s reputation. And one’s heart.

This is well-written-page turner of a historical romance, with plenty of entanglements in societal and familial expectations, character angst and plot twists. I loved both characters, and though in a romance you know the characters will end up together in the end, the journey to get there was very entertaining. Recommended.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Coffee and Ink

Wednesday, October 30
Feature at A Book Geek
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Thursday, October 31
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Friday, November 1
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Excerpt at Donna’s Book Blog
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, November 2
Review at Fictitiouswonderland

Monday, November 4
Review at Nursebookie
Review at A Bookish Affair

Tuesday, November 5
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Bookish Rantings
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Thursday, November 7
Review at Unabridged Chick
Guest Post at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, November 8
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, November 11
Review at Jessica Belmont
Review at Stephanie’s Novel Fiction
Guest Post at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, November 12
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away signed copies of THE HIGHLANDER’S PRINCESS BRIDE and THE HIGHLANDER WHO PROTECTED ME + a $20 Amazon gift card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride

#StevePhysiocTour #HFVBTBlogTours #Review

The Walls of Lucca
by Steve Physioc

Publication Date: March 26, 2018
eBook & Paperback; 509 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

Winner of the 2019 Reader Views Historical Fiction Award
Winner of the 2019 Tyler R. Tichelaar Award for Best Historical Fiction

When Franco, a weary Italian soldier who’s seen some of the worst of World War I, stumbles onto the Martellino vineyard, he’s looking for work — not love. But he finds that and much more with Isabella, the feisty young woman who works there.

Franco pours himself into the vineyard, trying to create a wine that will save it from financial ruin and rescue him from his dark memories of war. But it’s not easy when Mussolini’s evil shadow continues to loom over all of Italy. It’s even harder when Susanna, the vineyard’s matriarch, invites that shadow to the vineyard with her involvement in Fascist politics — and one very sinister political operative.

Influenced by the teachings of A Course In Miracles, The Walls of Lucca is historical fiction that shows readers the power of love and forgiveness in the face of evil. Compelling, colorful characters populate an authentic, inspiring story of friendship, faith, love and loss in a tumultuous time in European history.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for The Walls of Lucca

“An absorbing, well-researched saga.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The Walls of Lucca is a tender, suspenseful and touching story sure to please fans of romance, political stories, and historical novels.” — BlueInk Review

“Author Steve Physioc has really managed to find the perfect balance of romance and real life.” – Readers’ Favorite

Above the Walls
by Steve Physioc

Publication Date: February 1, 2019
eBook & Paperback; 484 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

For eight years, the Fascist politician Alfredo Obizzi has kept quiet about his affair with Susanna Martellino, the matriarch of the Martellino vineyard. Now in 1938 Italy, Obizzi uses his growing political power to seek revenge on his past enemies, and Susanna and the vineyard’s spiritual sage, Isabella, are at the top of his list. Will faith and forgiveness be enough to lead the vineyard and its inhabitants through the bloodshed and heartbreak of World War II and Obizzi’s vengeance?

Meanwhile, the vineyard’s next generation, DeAngelo and Lily, have been best friends since they were born. But now — is it more? The star-crossed lovers must push through war, distance and outside forces to find out.

Praise for Above the Walls

“Once again, Physioc brings wartime Italy to vibrant life…Convincing historical fiction with a spiritual slant.” – Kirkus Reviews

“It was a delight to step back into the Martellino vineyard and to author Steve Physioc’s unique blend of romantic drama and harrowingly austere pre-war conditions.” – Readers Favorite

“To write I am astounded by Above the Walls is an understatement; this captivating book captured me and held me prisoner until the very end.” – Red Headed Book Lover blog

Amazon | IndieBound

About the Author

As an Emmy-winning radio and TV broadcaster for football, baseball and basketball, Steve Physioc has been telling stories for 40 years. After a trip to Italy with his wife, Stace, he was inspired to tell a different kind of story — his novels, The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls. He and Stace live in Kansas City and love to visit and spend time with their children, Ryan and Kevin, and three grandchildren.

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Coffee and Ink’s Review

This is a poignant and potent novel written in varying perspectives from landowner to land worker in 1920s Italy during the rise of Mussolini and fascism. The story takes us from the trenches of World War I to the vineyards of Tuscany where Socialism and Fascism strive to get a hold in the countryside. Meanwhile, the focus is on the grapes and the olives, the hard labor it takes to make a good bottle of wine excellent, and this keeps the characters together despite their differences—the love for what they are creating.

Like the grape vines and olive groves they tend, the families are still at the mercy of the weather, the trauma of the past and the uncertain future. Well written and well researched, the plot is riveting. If you have a love of Tuscany, I highly recommend this novel, but I also highly recommend the novel to all lovers of historical fiction. I’m very much looking forward to reading the sequel :).

Blog Tour Schedule

Sunday, October 6
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books (The Walls of Lucca)

Tuesday, October 8
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, October 10
Review at The Book Reader

Friday, October 11
Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Sunday, October 13
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books (Above the Walls)

Tuesday, October 15
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, October 17
Review at Coffee and Ink

Saturday, October 19
Review at Just Another Reader (The Walls of Lucca)

Monday, October 21
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews

Wednesday, October 23
Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, October 25
Review at Just Another Reader (Above the Walls)
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 25th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Steve Physioc