Blog Tour: DEVIL TO PAY by Renee Bernard **GIVEAWAY & REVIEW**

Readers–When you see the name Renee Bernard you think historical romance, not anymore. Ms. Bernard has written a romantic comedy with slight paranormal elements and I have to say it’s awesome.

 

My Thoughts:
Holy buckets of awesomeness I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Bernard creates a world that is intoxicatingly clever and fun. The dialog in this book is addicting and their no doubt you will laugh out loud many times while reading this book. How can you not laugh when the Archangels are having a poker night? It’s fabulous. The hero, Luke aka Lucifer is dreamy and sweet, yes, Lucifer is sweet (you’ll just have to read the book). He is CEO of H.E.LLC, yep you read that correctly, see there is that wit I am telling you about. Jayne is a heroine you’ll fall in love with. She is the typical girl next door trying to shine in the workforce and maybe find a date. Along with her bff and parents the cast of characters are amazing. Oh, wait, I forgot one character that stole my heart… His name is Malcolm and he is Lucifer’s personal assistant and let me tell you he is everything HOT and STEAMY. 🙂

Well done Ms Bernard! I am looking forward to his series.

*GIVEAWAY INFO*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure you enter to win a copy of DEVIL TO PAY. I will announce the winner on Saturday August 16th!

 

BUY: AMAZON | SMASHWORDS

-Romance Reader Girl

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Lady Rises by Renee Bernard *GIVEAWAY*

Readers- The much anticipated follow up to Lady Falls is out!! Lady Rises is out and if you are ready to find out what has happens next to Raven Wells you need to read Lady Rises. 

LADY RISES serves up the next relentless installment in the Black Rose Trilogy and leaves no doubt that Hell hath no fury like a woman wronged but when that woman is Raven Wells—the Devil himself would rather keep out of her way.

From the ashes of LADY FALLS, Raven Wells is transformed into Lady Serena Wellcott.  Now with wealth and power all her own, she is the founder of the Black Rose—a secret society dedicated to securing justice for women who have been abused or wronged in the private corridors of Victorian society.  She has dedicated her life to revenge, honing her skills at the bequest of others but biding her time until she has the two men she loathes most in this world in her sights.

Sir Phillip Warrick has scars of his own from their fateful encounter years before and his heart has never healed from the loss of his beautiful Raven and the irrevocable mistake of brutally ending their affair.  But when he found no trace of her, he let himself believe that she was dead.  Except Phillip isn’t that lucky.  When he is introduced to Lady Serena Wellcott at his cousin’s country home, his world begins to implode.  Because once again he has a tigress by the tail, except this time, it’s a dangerous mix of passion and poison when it becomes clear that what the lady wants most is his head on a platter.  If only he didn’t still love her with every fiber of his being…

In a dance of desire, Serena has her own struggles reconciling the man she once loved with the irresistible rake she has vowed to hate.  Vengeance is its own mistress and it’s a race to the finish as the Black Rose takes on a quest to carve out justice and find mercy even where it’s been forgotten.  Love may rule but Lady Serena Wellcott doesn’t believe in playing fairly and she also doesn’t believe in surrender.

**From acclaimed USA Today bestselling author, Renee Bernard, comes a new trilogy of gothic power and twisted sensuality.  Here’s a slice of historical romance not generally found in the mainstream—so pull up a chair, settle in for a good read and hang on!

**GIVEAWAY**

Leave a comment and you could win an eBook of Lady Rises.

BUY TODAY: AMAZON | SMASHWORDS |B&N

Don’t forget if you haven’t read Lady Falls it will 99 cents for just a few more weeks.

-Romance Reader Girl

*Book Blitz * Giveaway * Review* Lady Falls by Renee Bernard

Hi Readers, I have exciting news! Renee Bernard has a NEW historical series and book out today!! I was one of the lucky few that got a sneak preview. See my thoughts below. I am giving away a FREE Amazon copy of the book so leave your email in the comments and you could win Lady Falls.

My Thoughts: Holy Smokes this book is not your mama’s typical historical romance. I can’t say too many things or this will be a huge spoiler review (which I hate) so I am going to keep it as simple as I can. Ms. Bernard has created a story/series that is outside the normal historical romances boxes. Her heroine Raven Wells, is not the simpering miss or wallflower, oh no, she is a young lady that expresses her wants and takes action when action is needed. The story is great and there are moments when you say to yourself, “That’s a game changer.” or “Did that just happen?” The end–OMG–the end! OK, I need to stop before I give anything away.

This is the first book in a series. Second book, Lady Rises will be out in July and the last book, Lady Triumphs will be out in August. We don’t have to wait long for the follow ups. BONUS–This book is on sale for $0.99!

Don’t forget to leave a comment with your email to have the chance to win a copy of LADY FALLS.

BUY NOW: AMAZON | SMASHWORDS |B&N | 

Happy Reading!

-Romance Reader Girl

Cover Reveal: LADY FALLS by Renee Bernard

Renee Bernard’s newest series will be debuting this summer and look at the GORGEOUS cover for the first book!

Lady Falls, Book 1 in the Black Rose Trilogy 

“Marvelously daring, welcome to a sensual world that will test not only your mind but your heart.” – Delilah Marvelle, Award Winning Author

               “Delicious! A fabulous story that draws you in from the very first word and stays with you long after the finish. -“Máire Claremont, Award Winning Author

Raven Wells is no ordinary girl.  Plucked from an orphanage by a scheming earl, she has been raised like a thoroughbred, groomed for one purpose: Revenge.  Unfortunately, the Earl of Trent never let her in on the plan, so when she meets the man of her dreams, Sir Phillip Warrick, she has no idea that every lesson, every tutor and every impulsive inch of her was crafted for his seduction and destruction.  What she does know is that love is the prize she wants most and that nothing should stand in a woman’s way to getting what she wants.

Phillip Warrick is simply trying to recover his friendship with the earl, unaware that the man has spent years laying the foundation for destroying Phillip’s peace of mind.  What he does know is that the earl’s ward, Raven Wells, is mesmerizing, fascinating and apparently without reserve.  Witty, beautiful, impulsive and impossible—she is like a siren beckoning him to forget the rules and seize only the pleasures of the moment.

Together, their love will set in motion a series of events that no one can foresee.  Revenge creates more than one victim, but also more than one winner.  Raven Wells will be transformed into a force of nature the likes of which Victorian London has never experienced before.  LADY FALLS is the birth of the Black Rose and the end of innocence.

**

From acclaimed USA Today bestselling author, Renee Bernard, comes a new trilogy of gothic power and twisted sensuality.  Here’s a slice of historical romance not generally found in the mainstream—so pull up a chair, settle in for a good read and hang on!

 

 

-Romance Reader Girl

A Lady’s Pleasure is now an audiobook. *Giveaway*

What are you reading or should I say LISTENING to this weekend? Here is your chance to win an audio copy of A Lady’s Pleasure by Renee Bernard. If you would like the chance to win a FREE audio copy please leave a comment with your email.

Book Blurb: Merriam Everett has always been regarded as a shy, docile creature. But for one night, Merriam the Mouse has become a temptress who will recklessly take her pleasure with the arrogant earl who once slighted her, and then leave him aching with lust. A fine plan, if Merriam had not just seduced the wrong rogue! 

Drake Sotherton left England amid dark speculation and has returned to seek vengeance against Julian Clay, the man he believes murdered his wife. Convinced that the masked beauty who seduced him is Julian’s pawn, Drake tracks her down and proposes that she become his mistress for the Season. Every sensual desire, every secret longing will be explored…and fulfilled. 

But keeping his enemy close is a dangerous game. Merriam is an irresistible mix of innocence and abandon, and each encounter proves more soul-searing than the last. With a passion this wild, this wonderful, one Season will never be enough….

Listen to a sample of the book here.

Oh and this is book one in a very fun romantic series. You can purchase the books on Amazon and B&N. 

Connect with Renee Bernard via Facebook, Twitter and website.

Have a super weekend!
-Romance Reader Girl

My Top Reads for 2013, Part 2

Here is part two of my favorite reads for 2013. In case you are new to this blog I have a reading obsession with Historical Romances. What can I say? I love the setting of Regency and Victorian England with happily ever afters. I am working in more contemporary and paranormal for 2014 but 2013 was the year of Historical Romances.

A Taylor-Made Life by Kary Rader: Tissue Alert! This book requires tissues and time. I am not going to lie, this book is about two young people with cancer. Now don’t turn away, it’s a great story full of romance, laughs, hope and yes, sadness.  Still wanting to run? There is a sequel planned. Now what book with the leading characters that have cancer have a sequel? Not many. You’ll enjoy this read, I promise.

 

The Letter by Sandra Owens: I have been telling anyone that will listen to me about The Letter. This is one of my favorite, favorite books. I find, Ms. Owens to be a words smith and writes emotion so well. You will want to cry and laugh. Let me tell you any author that can have a three-legged cat and rabbit steal the show is pretty amazing!

 

 

Lady in Red by Maire Claremont: A deliciously dark Victorian romance is what you get when reading this book. Ms. Claremont does a wonderful job creating a setting that seems like the only way out is to fight. Her characters have an emotional depth that pulls you in wanting to know more about them. I felt this book was about taking back your identity and fighting for what’s right. The road is hard but worth every hard step.

 

Darius: Lord of Pleasures by Grace Burrowes: This story stirred many emotions for me. It’s about a woman who wants a child and her husband is not able to help in that area. He husband finds a man willing to get the job done and a relationship is formed. It’s a slow romantic build and the ending is surprising and yes you will need tissues. Ms. Burrowes knows how to write a story that doesn’t allow you to put it down.

 

Sweet Madness by Heather Snow: Conquering demons is the theme of this story. The H/h in this book are trying to fight through their demons by helping others and hiding. Ms. Snow does a fabulous job drawing you into the story and to the characters. You feel the emotional pain and triumphs the characters endure. A powerful read.

 

 

Desire Wears Diamonds by Renee Bernard: I have waited for what seems like forever to find out who was the Jackal that plagued the Jaded. It was an exciting conclusion to a fabulous series. Can I say having all six of the Jaded men in one story was aaaamazing and worth the wait. There is a quite a bit of action with all the usual Renee Bernard flare she puts into her stories. 

 

 

If You Give a Rake a Ruby by Shana Galen: What I found great about this book and series is that not everything or everyone is as they seem. Ms. Galen gives her characters a depth that you don’t see until you really get into this book. She then begins to peal layers off and we see the characters for who they really hard. It’s wonderful! This book had mystery, suspense, romance, heat and humor. It was great!

 

Flirting with Fortune by Erin Knightley: This was wonderful story of two real-like people. Ms. Knightley does a wonderful job creating characters that you could easily believe to be your friends or even yourself. I was submerged into this story with it’s wonderful banter and mysterious elements. When reading her stories I feel so happy and when having a rough time I always know Erin Knightley’s books will put a smile on my face.

 

I read so many fabulous books during my book challenge that I probably could post two additional blog post about them but then they wouldn’t be my top picks. If you have time this weekend pick up one of these books, I know you won’t be disappointed.

To my fellow American friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. To my friends around the world enjoy the rest of the week and enjoy your weekend. I hope you all find time to get some reading in.

-Romance Reader Girl

Desire Wears Diamonds by Renee Bernard is out on Audio!

Many of you know that Renee Bernard is one of my favorite authors. Her latest book Desire Wear Diamonds (A Jaded Gentleman Novel) is now an audiobook.

Have you ever wondered what the men of the Jaded sound like? I have and now I know! This is a great way to put a voice to the characters you love. I have listened to the first few chapters and I am enjoying hearing the different voices of the Jaded. Oh and Mrs. Clay is exactly as I imagined! Audiobooks are great for those of us who cannot sit down and read (we are busy!). I often will listen to an audiobook during my commute or working out at the gym. Give it a try- I think you will be pleasantly surprised! You can listen to a sample before purchasing the audiobook. I’m sure you’ll be hooked once you start listening. I was!

When betrayal is the only path open and passion is the only enemy he never anticipated…

The shy soldier and self-appointed guardian of the Jaded, Michael Rutherford, is faced with the ultimate test of his loyalty and honor when he meets the woman who is at once his perfect match and the worst choice he could ever make. The final battle with the Jaded’s greatest enemy will force him to choose between the brotherhood he has vowed to protect and shielding the innocent lady he comes to love. For Michael, it is a dance with the devil for a chance to taste the kisses of an angel.

Grace Porter is no ordinary wallflower or shy spinster hiding in the shadows of her brother’s London home. She is a quiet rebel with secrets of her own and a woman who dreams of an independent life, free to pursue her dreams as a writer. Her imagination holds the key to her survival, but it fuels her retreat from the colorless world around her.

Until Michael Rutherford’s arrival upturns her every fantasy and threatens her sanctuary with his lies. His embrace is intoxicating to her senses but Grace isn’t the kind of woman to lose her head – or her heart. 

it’s a knuckle-biting race to the finish for fans of the Jaded as fan favorite, Michael Rutherford, discovers the identity of the Jackal and Michael learns that sometimes the price to pay for justice is the sacrifice of hope and happiness. He will risk everything as the Jaded call him out as a traitor. Nothing is what it seems.

Purchase Desire Wear Diamonds on audio at audible.com. Also, for Kindle users depending on which model of Kindle you have (some have speakers) you can listen to it on the device and order it from Amazon.

-Romance Reader Girl

My Summer Favorites

As I approach the Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end of summer I realized I had an amazing summer of reading. Take a look below at what were my favorites between Memorial Day (end of May) and Labor Day (beginning of Sept). If you have some time this weekend enjoy one of these books! I know many of them will be on my to read again list. The list is in the order of when I read them this summer. Enjoy!

Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare:  This historical romance was hilarious. I had so many laugh out moments that I lost count. The H/h have a charisma that leaves you craving more. I had a great time reading this. I can guarantee there will be moments you will want to share the one-liners you’ll read. It is impossible not to like this book. You will smile a lot while reading it. This is my favorite book by Tessa Dare.

Out of Breath by Rebecca Donovan: The emotional hell Rebecca Donovan put me through to read how Emma and Evan make it gave me at least sixteen new strands of gray hair. It was an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it. *For this book you will want to go back and read the first book in the series, Reason to Breath. As cliche as it might sound there were moments I had to stop and catch my breath.

The Letter by Sandra Owens: I read this book in one day. It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. This book was written in a way that captured my heart and soul. I had never been completely engulfed in a story the way I was when reading The Letter. In my review I stated if you could only read only one historical romance this would be it. Really? Who would limit themselves to one historical romance? It was that powerful.

Desire Wear Diamonds by Renee Bernard: Oh! I have waited for what seems like forever to find out who was the Jackal was that plagued the Jaded. It was an exciting conclusion to a fabulous series. Can I say having all six men in one story was aaaamazing! There is a quite a bit of action with all the usual Renee Bernard flare she puts into her stories. NEWS FLASH- it will be on sale ($0.99) this weekend Aug. 30, Aug. 31 & Sept. 1. So if you are still waiting to pick up you should and read it this weekend! I bet you’ll want to go back and start from beginning with Revenge Wears Rubies, to get the full picture of the Jaded.

Unleashed by Sara Humpreys: Yes! I added a paranormal to my list of favorites this summer. This is uncharted waters for me but I am so happy I stepped outside my reading comfort zone for this. I loved it! It isn’t over the top paranormal. It really is a great romance with really fun characters (and it’s a series!). If you are unsure about paranormal I would start with this book and see where it takes you. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Untouched by Anna Campbell: Anna Campbell is an author I discovered halfway through the summer and I instantly felt that author/reader connection. I spent a good portion of my summer reading her books. This story was very dark and touching. The H/h have some big issues that need to be overcome and there are moments you are not sure if theses two will survive. I had moments where my heart just ached for these characters. It’s a beautifully written romantic story with twist and turns.

It was an wonderful summer full of reading. Many of the books listed here have full reviews on my blog. If you want more information please check them out.

Happy Reading!

-Romance Reader Girl

All about HIS voice…(Laura Kinsale’s Narrator)

While attending The Romantic Times Book Lover’s convention in Kansas City, I was lucky enough to meet Laura Kinsale (OMG! I met Laura Kinsale!!!) and listen to her pink headphones. She was showing off the voice that reads an excerpt from The Dream Hunter and let me tell you his voice could melt chocolate. The fabulous Renee Bernard recorded while I and the gorgeous Rachel Daven Skinner listened to Nicholas Boulton. They say first impressions are lasting.. I would say the video below shows that. Enjoy!

*Yes, I am wear a pink sparkly dress as it was the night of the ball!*

You can purchase The Dream Hunter by Laura Kinsale narrated by Nicholas Boulton on audible.com. He also narrates Flowers from the Storm.

Review: Desire Wears Diamonds (Jaded Gentleman #6), by Renee Bernard

Happy Monday Readers,

I can say that I have been waiting for what seems like FOREVER to read Desire Wears Diamonds. Renee Bernard’s final book in the Jaded Series comes to riveting conclusion.

**Readers, you can read this story as a standalone, but I ENCOURAGE you to start at the very beginning with Revenge Wears Rubies. You will be so happy you did!** 

Michael Rutherford has been known as the gentle giant of the Jaded. From the beginning he has appointed himself as the protector of the his fellow Jaded brothers. He has vowed to protect them from the evils that could befall them, when leaving India and returning to England. As the twist and turns have led the Jaded on a bumpy exciting ride, Michael has been at the forefront helping his fellow brothers through what evil is waiting. Finally, after three years of the Jaded being taunted Michael is ready to face the Jackal and put an end to the games he has put the gentleman through. However, nothing is ever that simple when facing the Jackal. Michael will be tested beyond all measures to save his fellow brothers, the woman he has fallen in love with and himself. Can he protect everyone as he has vowed to protect without losing himself?

Grace Porter lives a double life. By day she is the quiet spinster taking care of her elder brother’s home, just living an ordinary existence. By night she is a writer, feverishly writing stories about pirates in a mythical underworld. Her one dream is to leave her brother’s cold house, live on her own and write to her hearts content; leaving the harsh words of her brother behind and living in her mythical writing world. However, plans are going to change for Grace when Michael Rutherford appears in her drawing room one afternoon asking questions about her brother. She is consumed by him and is intrigued by his mysterious presence. Can Grace resists the force that is Michael Rutherford to live her dream of living on her own and writing?

We have been waiting from the start of this captivating series for the Jackal to be revealed (Sorry folks, you’re going to have to read the book to figure it out!) and we are not left wondering for long, as Ms. Bernard’s gives it up early in the story. Though true to form the Jaded will not have an easy go at him and we are left nail biting to the very end. There are moments where the brotherhood of the Jaded is tested and you are left breathless thinking it might be end of their friendship. In the midst of trying to take down the Jackal; Michael and Grace being to build a foundation for a wonderful friendship that blooms into a lovely passionate relationship.

Michael is truly funny. I don’t think we ever get to see how funny he is in the other stories, with all the other guys talking over him, but he is hilarious. That was such a treat for me. Funny and gentle as he is there was a moment in this book were I stopped and said, “Michael Rutherford is a badass and it’s hot!”

Oh and Grace, what can I say? She has the best wit and one-liners ever. She stole my heart and truth be known, I want to be Grace when I grow up.

All the boys are in this book, in the same room at the same time and you can’t help but snicker when they are bantering back and forth. It’s the true brotherhood that has kept this reader coming back from the start. It’s contagious and you feel like you are one of the Jaded. Ashe (his story- Seduction Wears Sapphires) plays a big role in this story and I have to admit that he has grown on me and I adored him in this story. We see all the characters that we have loved from the start and it is like coming home.

Ms. Bernard does a wonderful job wrapping up this series and you are left with no questions of what is happening with all the characters of the beloved Jaded. I am not going to lie, as I am a huge fan of this series I was excited and sad to see it come to an end. I have been waiting on the edge of my seat for this book and it was well worth the wait. By far one of my favorites series and books. Well done!

Oh, there is a bonus, Readers! At the end we get to read a penny novel written by A.R. Crimson. I really enjoyed it, as it is the center of Grace’s world.

Purchase Desire Wears Diamonds and other books by Renee Bernard on Amazon.

Reach out to Renee Bernard via her website or Facebook.

Read the Jaded Series from the start: