I would love to expand HR a little further, with different viewpoints providing the readers with a variety of opinions. Two or three co-reviewers would be ideal to make this site more active and I happily welcome readers and writers who share my passion for historicals.

As I work full-time, in addition to editing one completed novel and working on another (while trying to find a minute or two for hubby ), I don’t always find the time to write up and post all the books I’ve read, meaning that it could be months to the next review.

On HR, I review books that I’ve bought, either in paper / hardback or ebook formats. I’m looking for readers/writers who wish to share their opinion of books they’ve bought and read. Novels reviewed can be both old and new. If you’re keen to write about your favourite historical, no problem! Unfortunately, I can’t provide co-reviewers with freebie copies but I’m happy to share novels I’ve bought and have no time to review. Who knows, we may even attract writers of historicals who are looking for reviews. Any offers and suggestions are of course welcome!

Feel free to send me a message with your queries, telling me a bit about yourself, and your background.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Steph

Blurb:

At the height of the French and Indian War, a young English widow ventures into the colonial frontier in search of a fresh start. She never expects to find it in the arms of the half-Shawnee, half-French warrior who makes her his prisoner in the raging battle to possess a continent – or to be aided by a mysterious white wolf and a holy man.

Review:

Rebecca Elliot, recently widowed, is on her way with her younger sister, Kate, to relatives staying in a remote fort. As their party travels at slow pace through thick forest, they find themselves viciously attacked. Rebecca barely manages to fight off one savage when she finds herself taken captive by another. In the melee, she loses sight of Kate.

Rebecca finds herself a prisoner of Shoka, a half-Shawnee warrior who fortunately speaks English. Despite his efforts to make her comfortable in his company, she keeps trying to escape. As they travel on, thrown together to survive in the wilderness, they begin to care for each other. Aware of their growing feelings, they’re unable to deny the truth to themselves – and to others. Yet dangers lurk from both native and white men, threatening their new-found love, and their lives. Only following a mysterious white wolf helps them escape the worst dangers. On their march towards the fort, they are forced to defend and fight for each other.

During their journey, Rebecca is re-united with her sister. But how much time will they have together, now that Kate has eyes only for a dashing Frenchman? And with a massacre unavoidable, their lives are once more in peril. Barely escaped with their lives, Rebecca has to confront her past to create her future. But does her future include Shoka?

Ms Trissel spins a very fine yarn with Through the Fire. Her vivid imagery takes you right back into the action. The colours, scents and views tickle the senses. The deep description of scenery and historical setting gave me just the right idea of what Rebecca went through, both physically and emotionally. Ms Trissel knows how to tell a wonderful tale.

A beautifully written love story, with enough dangers lurking to keep us on our toes. Perfect reading material.

5 out of 5 stars

Blurb:

Was she prepared to risk everything for love?

Bethany Penny mixes with the most elegant lords of the ton, but prefers to help London’s neediest residents. When a mysterious soldier appears in her soup line she suspects that beneath his cool demeanour and shabby coat he hides a wealth of secrets…

Major William Callaway has returned from war a damaged but determined man. Keeping his true identity concealed, he is thrown together with the copper-haired beauty Bethany. They must join forces to uncover a mystery that involves them both, but the risks they take may put them in grave danger…and the truth may tear them apart!

Review:

Bethany Penny is more concerned with feeding the poor residents of London rather than entertaining the mighty lords above stairs in the gaming halls. One day a stranger appears in their midst, not eating but asking questions instead. Bethany feels instantly drawn to him and the secrets he’s clearly hiding.

Major William Callaway returned from the war injured and depressed. But when men under his command die of food poisoning after attending soup lines, he has to investigate. It’s his duty. But when he is faced with Bethany Penny, co-owner of a gambling den and provider for the needy, can he strike her off the list of suspects?

The Lady’s Hazard is a well-written romance novel with a mystery. The characters have enough depth to be credible, without being clichéd. Their budding relationship is fraught with challenges as danger is edging closer.

This book was such a joy to read that I finished it within a day.

5 out of 5 stars

Blurb:

A Dangerous Obsession

Wealthy and powerful, Viscount Emilian St Xavier is haunted by whispers of his Romany past. When his comfortable world implodes with the news of his mother’s murder, he is determined to avenge her death – and Ariella de Warenne is the perfect object for his lust and revenge…

A Dangerous Passion

Ariella’s heritage guarantees her place in proper society, though she scorns the frivolous pursuits of the ton. Then she finds herself drawn to Emilian, the charismatic leader of the gypsy camp at Rose Hill. Though he warns her away, threatening to seduce and destroy her, she stubbornly refuses – just as determined to fight for their dangerous love…

Review:

Emilian St Xavier is caught between two very different worlds because of his bloodline – he was horn of an English viscount’s fling with a beautiful Romany woman. After inheriting both title and estate, he becomes a successful businessman. He is torn between his heart’s desires – to roam the world with his clan, or to maintain the estate as the most successful in the county. Neither has he any wish to marry – especially no Englishwoman! His liaisons with English ladies – mostly of the married kind – leaves him in no doubt as to what they see in him – an exotic lover. He intends to keep it this way.

Ariella de Warenne is a gently-bred young lady, yet fiercely independent, with a passion for books, politics and arts. She is resigned to remain unmarried because of her unusual interests – until she meets Emilian. As she falls deeper in love, she has to endure Emilian’s continued rejection of her as a potential wife. Yet they share intense moments of passion.

Will Ariella be able to convert Emilian to the idea of marriage? And what would such an unusual step bring? As dangers lurk all around them, both Ariella and Emilian are forced to confront their feelings, and re-think their attitudes.

A Dangerous Love is one of the most excitingly adventurous romance novels I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. The characters are well balanced, with enough depth and intelligence to keep the storyline credible. Just don’t be put off by the lengthy introduction to the characters’ background in the first chapter – once you’ve passed those pages, a real gem awaits you.

Excellent reading!

5 out of 5 stars

Blurb:

Strangers
With a wastrel brother and a treacherous former fiancé, Lady Nichola Westcott hardly expects the dangerously seductive Scot who kidnaps her to be a man of his word. Though Sir Alexander MacGruder promises not to hurt her, Nichola’s only value is as a pawn to be ransomed.

Enemies
Alexander’s goal is to avenge his father’s murder, not to become entangled with the enemy. But his desire to keep Nichola with him, in his home – in his bed – unwittingly makes her a target for those who have no qualms about shedding English blood.

Lovers
Now Nichola is trapped – by her powerful attraction to a man whose touch shakes her to the core. Unwilling and unable to resist each other, can Nichola and Alexander save a love that has enslaved them both?
Review:

Nichola is at her wits’ end. Her brother has wasted the family’s fortune and disappeared – leaving her to the unwanted attentions of one of his creditors, Alexander, a Scot. The Highlander wastes no time and decides on the spur of the moment to take her hostage – as her brother proves to be absent.

So an adventurous journey north begins for them both. Nichola is determined to escape Alexanders clutches – although she feels drawn to him, even considering him trustworthy. He would not harm her. Although another form of harm is done – to her heart.

Alexander did not expect to come away with the sister of the man he was after – but the attractive lady gave him no choice. Trying to keep her with him proves harder than he expected, as the clever girl keeps escaping. As he approached his home, with Nichola in tow, he is more determined than ever to keep her there. And not just as his English captive.

Ms Cosby’s debut novel is a great adventure, a sparring of intelligent minds caught up in the middle of political mayhem in Scotland. The characters are alive with wit and desire, and their attraction to each other is obvious. The plot is entertaining, and there are several unexpected twists and turns which just push you to read on.

A most engaging read. I’ve just ordered its sequel – His Woman. Can’t wait to hear about the adventures of another MacGruder brother.
5 out of 5 stars

Blurb:

We hear the notorious Mr R – while searching for a stolen artefact, has had his attention caught by the unlikeliest of treasures…

Stumbling upon his dowdy cousin Elinor on the Continent, Theo Ravenhurst hardly believes his luck. His dangerous lifestyle appears to have finally caught up with him, and her family connections could be put to excellent use…

Theo is convinced Elinor’s drab exterior disguises a fiery, passionate nature. He gives her the adventure she’s been yearning for – and along the way discovers his new-fond accomplice has talents beyond his wildest imagination…

Review:

Elinor Ravenhurst is content. She assists her mother in collating details of old buildings, creating sketches of pieces of masonry for her mother to research. On one such occasion, she encounters a stranger who shows an interest in her mother’s work – but who then turns out to be her cousin Theo, the black sheep of the family.

Intrigued by Theo’s adventurous lifestyle, Elinor allows him to draw her into his dealings, not unhappy at all about a change from her routine. This turns out to be his saving grace, as feisty Elinor does not shy away from danger. When they are invited to a count’s old castle, not only Elinor’s mother is delighted. As Theo and Elinor go in search of a stolen artefact, they work together, realising that they make an unbeatable team.

But as Elinor enjoys her first taste of independence, will she be prepared to give it all up again once Theo departs? And will Theo be happy in his life, seeking adventures all alone, when he could have a companion, however unwilling she might appear?

Louise Allen sets a fast pace in this adventurous and highly entertaining plot, which never loses credibility. The characters are stubborn and independent, just as you would expect. And the setting in France is delightfully continental.

My only bone of contention with this enjoyable adventure would be the slightly extended period of the characters’ misunderstanding of each others’ intentions –  the point had passed already when they really should know better.

A must-read!

4.5 out of 5 stars

Blurb:

When her selfish, flighty sister leaves home following a false promise of becoming the wife of a wealthy sugar plantation owner, Alyssa becomes solely responsible for her poor, deranged mother as well as for Thea’s bastard son. Viciously raped, then thrown out of the family home, the girl goes on the run, fleeing her cruel rapist

Alyssa’s journey is a perilous one. It will take her far from the Black Country to the wild shores of the Caribbean and put her in the path of evil men determined to despoil the young girl. For the palm-fringed island of Jamaica is home to a pernicious trade: white slavery…

Review:

Alyssa’s life is turned upside down when her sister Thea runs off, and a new landowner appears on the scene. She has been looking after her mother, confused since tragedy struck the family years earlier, and her sister’s blind son, scraping a living from selling vegetables at the market.

Following a brutal attack in her home, and sudden eviction following the event, she takes her mother and nephew in search for a safe haven, where she could manage to earn her keep. She makes unexpected friends in old Joseph Richardson, whom she suspects of deeper feelings for her, and young Paul Tarn and his spinster sister. But the whispers of suspicion follow Alyssa wherever she goes. Whore! She can hear them, see it in their eyes. The inhabitants of Wednesbury regard her as a fallen woman. She has to leave.

After another tragedy, wracked with guilt and determined not to accept charity from her new friends, Alyssa follows Thea’s trail all the way to Jamaica. Will she find her sister living happily in a large house, surrounded by servants? Or was there another fate awaiting flighty Thea?

This was the first novel I read by Meg Hutchinson and the detail and research of an experienced writer shine through the daunting storyline. Her description of life on the lower reaches of society is moving and frighteningly realistic.
However, I could not always sympathise with Alyssa. Her constant pangs of guilt over everything that happened to her family become a little tiring after a while. And while I could feel the sympathy and friendship between her and Joseph, her relationship to Paul remains barely existent.
The scenes in Jamaica were necessary for the storyline, yet they appeared rushed, as was the ending. As if Ms Hutchinson had run out of time.

Overall, this novel is a good read. The attention to detail is excellent and the setting and plot interesting.
3 out of 5 stars

Blurb:

Scotland, 1745. Against the bloody background of the Battle of Culloden, another war was waged and won – the price was honor, the victory, love.

Scottish beauty Serena MacGregor’s hatred of all English began as a child when she watched as a band of Englishmen attacked her mother. Her brother’s friend Brigham Langston was no exception to Serena’s loathing – despite his supposed loyalty to the Scottish cause… and his good looks.
…

Review:

Brigham is English. He is her brother’s best friend. And he is a Jacobite. Still Serena MacGregor wants nothing to do with him.; the memory of her mother being attacked by Redcoats a decade earlier too raw in her mind. She fights her increasing feelings for him, keeping her head high – and Brigham at a distance. At least that’s her plan.

But the English nobleman has other ideas. Bewitched by her pale beauty, he has set his mind to convincing the Scottish wildcat that not all Englishmen are the same. And that she will be his. In time.

As the Jacobite rising of 1745 unfolds, their fate seems sealed. Win or lose; live or die. Is there a future for them, amidst all the violence and despair?

Nora Roberts needs no introduction. She is a highly respected, widely published romance writer. Her novels are always full of exciting plots, with interesting characters that don’t always stick to the conventions of their times. Littered with historical detail, this is one Rebellion worth following.

4 out of 5 stars

Blurb:

Healing her warrior…

Connor MacEgan is a fighter; it is in his blood. But when his hands are crushed in a brutal attack, he finds he may never wield a sword – or touch a woman – ever again.

He becomes reliant on Aileen O’Duinne, whose determination matches his – for Aileen can no more ignore a person in pain than Connor can stop being a warrior.

But she also holds a secret, one of passion and deception, that could break their hearts long after she has bended his hands…

Review:

Aileen has one tough task ahead of her – to help heal the man she has always loved. When he is discovered – bruised, with his hands smashed – she moves heaven and earth to be given the chance to heal again. Against the odds – and the advice of her clansmen – her ministrations work. But with Connor slowly recovering, memories of days long gone come flooding back, leaving her to face the most difficult decision of her life.

Connor is a warrior. Wrong – he was a warrior! His hands rendered useless for combat, he gives in to self-pity and despair. He is certainly not man enough for any woman. And he wouldn’t know how to deal with a woman like Aileen anyway. But there is a secret, something that happened in his past. Could it be?

Michelle Willingham’s tale of medieval Ireland brings vividly to life the old ways, the Pagan ways. Female healers and fierce warriors feature in this gripping novel of Ireland in the process of change. The story flows swiftly. The characters are believable and have enough depth to keep the reader guessing as to their next step.

This is a well-paced novel about a man who has lost his sense of direction, and a woman on the edge of society. Definitely recommended reading.

4 out of 5 stars

Blurb:

His unexpected bride…

Wealthy landowner Simon Clare shuns Northumbrian society. With his son gravely ill, the last thing Simon needsis an interfering woman assuming command of his household and nursing young Robert – no matter how sensuous her figure, or how tempting her luscious lips.

Phoebe Benedict knows what it is to struggle, and finds herself drawn to the badly scarred recluse. Despite his tough exterior, she knows that Simon is a father who years for his son to recover – and a man who misses the tender embrace of a woman…

Review:

Annoyed by the sudden appearance of Phoebe on his doorstep, Simon barely allows her to remain at his home, certain that she would run at the first hurdle like so many before her. But Phoebe is no shrinking violet and remains by young Robert’s side. Despite her unusual tactics at healing the boy, her dedication to the boy’s recovery leads Simon to discover feelings he’d rather keep locked away. With his scars and past disappointments, he is not prepared to give in to this unwanted passion.

Phoebe has no choice – stay or return to her relatives in failure. No choice at all, then! During her days and nights at young Robert’s side, she tries a new way of caring for him, which seems to help him. As the boy comes to regard her with affection, Phoebe becomes aware of her growing feelings for the boy’s brooding father. But her impoverished status and Simon’s apparent indifference keep her doubtful about a shared future.

Michelle Styles managed to create an adventurous storyline, with enough drama to keep the main characters on their toes. The plot is fast paced and entertaining.

The passion between Phoebe and Simon comes across very well. Their denial made me want to scream at them! The characters are well rounded, with enough realism, hope and frustration as could be expected.

A definite must-read!!!

5 out of 5 stars