Historical Romance 101: What Makes A Amazing Hero and Personal Favorites

For today we will be offering something special where we talk about Amazing heroes and what our favorites are and why!! Come and check out what we have for ya. Also make sure you check out these other sweet ladies choices as well. Feminist Fairy Tales; Quinns Book Nook; On A Book Bender

Short Book Review-Married At Midnight

Married At Midnight
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
Jo Beverly
Tanya Anne Crosby
Samantha James
Anthology
Paperback
Avon Romance
Published September 1996
400 Pages
Georgian Historical Romance

FOUR BRIDES, FOUR BEGINNINGS. . .FOUR STORIES OF ROMANCE FROM THE INCOMPARABLE KATHLEEN E. WOODIWISS, and JO BEVERLEY, TANYA ANNE CROSBY, and SAMANTHA JAMES — MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT by — KATHLEEN E. WOODIWISS — The wedding of Jeff Birmingham of THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER and his new bride Raelynn inflames the jealous ire of a determined rival. . . — MARR… more »IED AT MIDNIGHT by

JO BEVERLEY

A women abandoned on the battlefield discovers that dreams can cone true when an honorable commanding officer gallantly offers his name. . .

MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT by

TANYA ANNE CROSBY

A rebellious heiress who must wed by the stroke of midnight learns that a twist of fate has fulfilled her heart_s deepest desire. . .

MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT by

SAMANTHA JAMES

A young woman_s reckless scheme to defy her father_s ultimatum leads to a hasty union and unexpected passion. . .

Celebrate the glorious, magical moment of new beginnings with for uncertain couples joined by a passionate promise–and surprised by unforeseen love.FOUR BRIDES, FOUR BEGINNINGS. . .FOUR STORIES OF ROMANCE FROM THE INCOMPARABLE KATHLEEN E. WOODIWISS, and JO BEVERLEY, TANYA ANNE CROSBY, and SAMANTHA JAMES

MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT by

KATHLEEN E. WOODIWISS

The wedding of Jeff Birmingham of THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER and his new bride Raelynn inflames the jealous ire of a determined rival. . .

MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT by

JO BEVERLEY

A women abandoned on the battlefield discovers that dreams can cone true when an honorable commanding officer gallantly offers his name. . .

MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT by

TANYA ANNE CROSBY

A rebellious heiress who must wed by the stroke of midnight learns that a twist of fate has fulfilled her heart�s deepest desire. . .

MARRIED AT MIDNIGHT by

SAMANTHA JAMES

A young woman�s reckless scheme to defy her father�s ultimatum leads to a hasty union and unexpected passion. . .

Celebrate the glorious, magical moment of new beginnings with for uncertain couples joined by a passionate promise–and surprised by unforeseen love.

My Review
Married At Midnight is four short stories written by four amazingly talented authors. Each story was very unique and even though very short, were all very entertaining and witty. The Four stories were 1. Determined Bride-Jo Beverly 2. A Kiss After Midnight -Tanya Anne Crosby 3. Scandal’s Bride-Samantha James 4. Beyond The Kiss-Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. All of each story were beautifully written and carried on the theme of getting married quick, and the falling in love came after they get hitched, which a bit refreshing. Even though they were all too short for my taste, and I felt like there were some things missing as far as plot and characterization….that’s the way it usually goes though with anthology, you always feel as though there is something missing….its why I don’t read them too often. This time I felt like I hadn’t read one in a while and its always good to shake things up a bit. Overall one of the best anthology’s I have ever read, especially when these stories were written by some of my favorite authors!!! A Wonderful compilation of four love stories that will leave you thirsting for more!!! Very Entertaining and Fun!!! 

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms 

Book Review-The Truest Heart

The Truest Heart
Samantha James
Avon,
353 Pages
Published June 2001
Medieval Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-380-80586-X

Synopsis:
Did fate send her a villain with the blackest soul…or a lover with The Truest Heart

Her name is her only crime, yet Lady Gillian must take refuge in a humble cottage on the on the stormy Cornish coast, hiding from a king who seeks her death for her father’s treason. Now destiny has sent Gillian a cure for her loneliness: a handsome shipwrecked stranger washed ashore on a perilous tide who requires a kind lady’s gentle touch to heal his broken body and tormented spirit.

His own name–Gareth–is all that he remembers. Yet he knows he has found paradise in the company of an exquisite beauty whose caress is sweet rapture and whose smile warms his soul. But as his memories slowly return, so does the dark task entrusted to him by King John. If he fails, a young boy will surely perish. Yet how can he betray Gillian, whose passionate love has lit a blaze in Gareth’s heart that no vengeful king’s decree could ever extinguish?

My Review:
Lady Gillian after being sent away by her father into hiding, when King John wants both her and her brothers head. So she goes into hiding in Cornwall. Knowing that no one except the man that shields and protects her knows of her identity. When a mysterious injured man shows up on the beach washed on the shore after a shipwreck, Gillian risks everything to tend him. When he awakens however, she is startled surprised to find out that he remembers nothing but his name Gareth. The more Gillian tends Gareth, the more she starts falling for this handsome man who takes her breath away. She also learns to trust with her heart the more she spends time in his presence, and a startling desire rises between the two of them that could light the fires. When Gareth’s memory slowly returns, he starts to realize truths about his past, that could ruin everything that he has built with Gillian, who has stolen his heart. Will Gareth be able to protect both Gillian, his love and his son who is the hands of King John? And will the love he shares with Gillian be enough?

This was a truly romantic love story that took my breath away as I was reading it. I vow that Samantha James is the sort of author that steals into her readers hearts. This is the kind of story, that will have you on the edge of your seats and wondering what the outcome is. I love reading historical romances, especially in this time period, where you never know what the outcome may be, but you know you will be feeling satisfied at the end. We have Gillian whose mourns the loss of her father, who had a hand in a assasination attempt on King John, and then being split apart from a loving brother, and to be isolated, but then finds solace in Gareth’s arms and finds the greatest pleasure and love she has ever known. Gareth gets frustrated after losing his memory, not knowing of his past or family or where he has come from. But when he meets the beauiful Gillian who has helped tend to him when he was injured, he finds himself falling in love with the captivating yet innocent young woman whom has pain in her eyes. Though they both will face struggles that may seem unsurmountable, they will also discover a tender yet powerful love.

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms

Book Review-The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell

The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell
The McBride Trilogy
Samantha James
Avon,
375 Pages
Published April 2007
Victorian Historical
ISBN: 978-0-06-089645-4

Synopsis:
A cruel twist of fate changed Simon Blackwell’s life irreparably. A man of intense passions, he resolved to deny his emotions and desires forever, taking refuge in the wilds of the moorlands and shutting himself off from the world. But on one extraordinary night, on a rare trip to London, the unthinkable occurs. An intoxicatingly beautiful stranger stirs the sensuous hunger he has sworn to resist. Simon Blackwell believed that no woman could tempt him.

No woman . . . save Annabel McBride.

Annabel knows nothing of Simon’s secret pain. But one irresistible kiss plunges her into marriage with a man she scarcely knows, a man who hides a shattered past. She can feel the blistering heat of the fire that smolders within this exquisitely handsome man, making her yearn for much more than the union in name only he has promised her.

But Simon dares not love again–for fragile love can be lost in an instant. And now Annabel must find a way to open his heart to the most glorious risk of all . . .

My Review:
Annabel McBride has always longed for the love and passion that she has seen within in her own family, and children of her own. When a almost accident puts Simon Blackwell in her path, she doesn’t know if she should run away or draw closer. After sharing a passionate embrace and then having to be married when caught, Annabel hopes that she will be loved in this marriage, however all her hopes are dashed when it is more than obvious that Simon has no intention of sharing a bed with her let alone a lifetime. Simon after having a tragic past and losing most of whom he loved, is hesitant to be in love once more, and if he lost Annabel he knows he could never go through it a second time. So he goes about trying to avoid her, but her influence is everywhere on his estate, and when Annabel goes about to seduce her own husband, Simon knows he doesn’t stand a chance, and when they both find a heightened desire and passion, the rulebook that Simon has placed on their marriage goes out the window, and true love will be replaced.

I found that even though I enjoyed reading Annabel’s story, the first half of the book seemed to go very slow and there were times that I had a hard time getting through it. I have read many books of Samantha James and thought that this one I could get through easily, but I was wrong. I mean once it reached a certain point I could hardly put it down, however it was reaching that point that was the problem. I don’t kow if it was me or the way the story was written, but that was a big issue for me. But I still recommend reading this book, it was a great read, and I am glad that I did read it. This is a fun series to read, so I do recommend reading it.

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
The Seduction of a Unknown Lady
Bride of a Wicked Scotsman
 

Book Review-His Wicked Ways

His Wicked Ways
Mckay Series
Samantha James
Avon,
356 Pages,
Published September 1999
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-380-80586-3

Synopsis:
From across the Scottish Highlands strides Cameron McKay, the last member of the once powerful Clan MacKay. Handsome, fearless, and determined, he is a man who catches the eye of many a woman… yet he has but one goal–to find Meredith, last daughter of the Clan Munro…and force her to provide him with an heir.

HIS UNSPOKEN VOW

When Cameron MacKay kidnaps Meredith from the gentle confines of the priory where she has sought refuge, he discovers that he is powerless to resist her tender beauty and is captivated by her bold bargaining for her freedom. And although she is the precious daughter of his sworn enemy, Cameron finds himself tempted to abandon his quest to bend her to his will.

Meredith had vowed long ago never to trust any man…for men and their ways cause pain to those they love. Her head told her not to give in to the dangerous desire she felt for Cameron; but her heart hoped that he had finally abandoned his wicked ways…

My Review:
When Cameron MacKay, his brothers, and his father are ambushed by what they think are the Munro Clan, Cameron vows vengence. Having losing his father and his brother, he is Laird of his clan now, and knows that he has to strike a blow to the one that deceived him and his brothers. So he plans on kidnapping the young beautiful daughter who is in the priory and has been for some time. When Meredith is attacked and having not knowing the culprit, she enters the priory, not knowing who to trust in her own home. But then she is kidnapped by Cameron MacKay and having a viotile personality, she has great fear of the one that holds her life in the palm of his hand. Cameron blaming Meredith’s father for his families death, he wants him to suffer a small portion of the way he is suffering. So he plans a way for it to look like Meredith has died, and since she is his only daughter, he knows it is the perfect way. However he hardly knows what to do now, that he has Meredith, all he knows is that she unlike any other woman he has known. She entices and captivates his attention, and he goes about to defending her to his clan. Time goes by, and before Cameron realizes it he finds a tender response that he feels toward the one he once saw as his enemy, he now wants as his lover and the mother of his future child. Throughout this book there is a tender love story that will break down the harden walls of Cameron’s heart and show him the meaning of true love.

I really have enjoyed reading this, and the more that I read of Samantha James, the more I love her!!! She has such  a way with her writing, that captures the attention of her readers, where she definitely has won a place on my bookshelves of books to keep. I found Meredith having such a inner strength, that I found endearing. Even though she is taken into the Clan of MacKay, who despise her at first, she eventually finds a way to make friends, and really connect with those that viewed her once as a most hated enemy. Cameron is a bitter man who hates the Munroe Clan, and for good reason. However it was interesting seeing him soften up his heart toward Meredith, who is a loving and gentle woman who doesn’t understand the hatred that is directed to her and those that she loves. I found it to be a very compelling story that pulled at my heart strings, from beginning to end I found it to be a very vivid story.

My Grade On This Book
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
His Wicked Promise

Book Review- A Promise Given

A Promise Given
Samantha James
Avon,
379 Pages,
Published Jan 1998
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-380-78608-7

Synopsis:
A PROMISE GIVEN
The proud head of his Highland clan, Ian MacGregor has returned, cloaked in secrets, to the place where he spent many carefree years, in order to marry Margaret Kincaid–the lowlands lass to whom he has been betrothed since his youth. But it is the wild spirited and hauntingly beautiful Sabrina Kincaid who catches Ian’s eye. And when Margaret mysteriously vanishes, he willingly accepts Sabrina as his bride in her sister’s stead.


A PROMISE KEPT
Dutybound to honor her father’s wish, Sabrina reluctantly agrees to wed the rugged chieftain–though she fears the rumors of Ian’s dark past. . .and the whispers that now blame him for Margaret’s disappearance. But her sensuous soul bids her to pay no heed to her doubts and mistrust, and to submit instead to the searing passions that burn within her. For Ian’s stirring yet tender caress speaks of a noble, gentle heart. And if peril is Sabrina’s fate, so be it–for she is determined to learn the truths that will set them both free and carry them aloft together on the wings of incomparable love.

My Review:
A Promise Given is one of the classics of Samantha James. Its a re-read for me, but its been a few years since I have read it. I wanted to read this one because I hadn’t read it in a while, and I was in the mood for a love story among the highlands. Which is where this story takes place, when William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were fighting against England for Scotland(Samantha James Website). Its a turbulant time to be sure, it starts out in the 1300’s.  Sabrina Kincaid is one of the daughters of her father, who is the Laird of the Kincaid Clan. Her father has always blamed her for her mothers death, her older sister Margaret her father has always favored. Sabrina has always been the one to be given tasks, and kept continually busy, and always criticized and ridiculed by her father and even at times her sister. When she takes a swim in the lake, she turns to find Ian Macgregor, who she knew when she was young. Both his father and his step mother have recently passed away and he has become the head of his clan. So he comes to the Dunvely Keep to honor the agreement of his marriage between Margaret and himself. When Margaret disappears however, Sabrina is put in her sister’s place to be married to Ian. Sabrina is very against being married to Ian, she has just lost her sister, but she doesn’t want to be forced into marriage. But she knows of her duty so she does, even though things between Sabrina and Ian are tense to say the least. But there is a stirring and rising desire between them, that cannot be denied. Where they will find tender and beautiful love that blossoms endure present dangers that could destroy it.

This was a beautiful and enchanting love story that will pull you in. I found that this was one of my favorites of Samantha James that I have read.  I have always loved the whole scottish theme to story, especially love stories. We have strong virile men, kilts, swords and filled with adventure. What more could a girl want in a good romance right? The only thing that I didn’t really like about this book is the lack of trust between Sabrina and Ian. After their relationship develops and they start to fall in love with one another, their is a lack of trust. What is love without trust right? At least for me there is, but other than that it was a great enjoyable read. The writing was well written which flowed smoothly and drew me in from the first to the last page. A truly remarkable story that will endear the characters to your heart.

My Grade For This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Book Review- The Seduction Of An Unknown Lady

The Seduction Of An Unknown Lady
(The MacBride Family)
Samantha James
Avon,
360 Pages,
Published April 2008
Victorian Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-089649-2

Synopsis:
Seduction is something Fionna Hawkes knows nothing about. So when she encounters a sexy stranger on a moonlit street, her first instinct is to defend herself against her darkly handsome suitor. But letting go of suspicion and allowing herself to fall for Lord Aidan McBride brings even greater danger. In his eyes, she glimpses a powerful passion she longs to fulfill. In his arms, she aches with the secret she longs to unburden. A secret that could cost her her livelihood–and her life.

Aidan could never resist a mystery, especially one as mesmerizing as the lovely Miss Hawkes! Drawing her into the shelter of his embrace, he won’t rest until he convinces her to reveal everything. Braving the danger that stalks Fionna at every turn, Aidan is determined to defend her–and just as determined to claim her as his own.

My Review:
Fiona Hawkes, owns a bookstore and is secretly a writer of famous horror novels, that have swept across London. She is known as F.J. Sparrow, and everyone in London raves about her writings. However she has to keep her secret, it would be a great scandal if it would be found out that Sparrow is actually a woman writer. There is also another reason she keep such a secret, her father has passed away and her mother is in a Asylum, mad with grief.  The best time for her to think is at night, where she goes for walks since she is a woman of the night, especially according to her novels. Then she thinks she hears someone behind her, like a ghost, but no one is there. But then she turns around and comes face to face with Lord Aiden McBride, so what does a woman do at night and there is a strange man behind her? Well you defend yourself but against a military man that may be more challenging which Aiden points out to her. Lord Aiden Mcbride has recently come back from India having resigned his commission over guilt of thinking he killed 47 of his men that were under his command. After coming home to England and he visits with his brother, he suggests to him what he needs most is the soft touch of a woman. So while out taking a walk Aiden is attacked by a beautiful and enticing young woman, or at least she attempts to attack him, and thus begins the road to their courtship. Aiden is captivated by this woman of secrets, who keeps to herself but has a hidden passion beneath that exterior that heats his blood.  Fiona will learn the rough road of learning to trust and the true test of love, amidst the dangerous plot that may destroy them both.

The Seduction of an Unknown Lady is the second book in the MacBride Family Series. Which after reading this one I want to read the other two books in the series. This is one of her more newer books, since I haven’t read her in a few years, it was good to start a unknown series. Her other books and series I have read from, but this one is totally new to me, and it was a adventure. Its a little bit different than her other ones, since the ones I have read from her took place in the Highlands, so it was a chance of scene. But whatever she writes, she does good with and the same is true with this one. Fiona had her good and bad moments I think for me I loved her as a heroine but what I didn’t really agree with about her character is that she wasn’t willing to tell her secrets to the one that she fell in love with. Especially since he has this deep tormented past, that he can’t find himself to forgive for and has only told his brother about, but when he confides in her she is unable to do the same. For some reason, that was the only disagreement I had with the book. I mean it obviously caused some tense moments for sure, but what I loved about this book is that their love was strong enough to withstand anything coming against them. It had the perfect amount of passion, danger, suspense, strong characters that make for a spectacular read!!!

My Grade For This Book
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell
Bride of a Wicked Scotsman