Passionate Promises: Nine Promises to Stir Your Passion

The Trevors #1

by Victoria Vane

Nine Promises to Stir Your Passions from Award-Winning, Bestselling Authors. Enter the dazzling world of brawny Vikings, Regency rogues, and sexy scoundrels as they take you on one romantic journey after the other in these tantalizing historicals filled with betrayal, intrigue, and passion.

Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen
A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron
To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans
A Highwayman's Honor by Michelle McLean
Lord Quickthorn's Bargain by Barbara Monajem
A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn
Wanted by the Warrior by Violetta Rand
A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane
Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

911 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2016

About the author

ABOUT VICTORIA VANE

Victoria Vane is a bestselling award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her books have received many accolades to include the 2016 Red Carpet Award for Jewel of the East, 2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Temptations as well as Library Journal Best E-Book romance of 2012 for The Devil DeVere series. Victoria also writes romantic historical fiction as Emery Lee. Look for her new Highland saga coming summer of 2017.


Contact info:
Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com Website: www.victoriavane.com
Blog: www.embracingromance.com
Blog:https://wildandwickedcowboys.wordpres...
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/YVeXrf
Twitter: @authorvictoriav Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1vONQZh
Amazon: http://amzn.to/10QMKT5 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1sccsM4
YOU TUBE : http://bit.ly/1yNtEMP

AWARDS & ACCOLADES
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for ROUGH RIDER
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for JEWEL OF THE EAST
2015 Red Carpet Finals for SLOW HAND
2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Tempatations
2014 Rone Nomination for The Sheik Retold also LASR Best Book 2013 Nominee
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES
Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012, LR Cafe Best Series Nominee 2012
A Wild Night's Bride
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
•IRC Reader's Choice historical romance nominee
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Virgin Huntress
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil You Know
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance Nominee
• LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil's Match
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Top Pick
• LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012
• LR Café Best Author Nominee 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Favorite Author 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
A Devil's Touch
Swept Away by Romance Best Novella 2013 nominee
A Breach of Promise , December 2011 Ellora's Cave
• Night Owl Reviews “Top Pick”
• Reading Romances 5 flames and “Pen Award”
• TBR Pile 5stars/Book of the month winner September 2012
• LASR Erotic Reviews 5 STAR/Book of the Month Nominee
• The Romance Studio 5 Sweetheart Nominee
• TRS CAPA Nominee 2012

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Passionate Promises" is Book 1 in the tantalizing new "Embracing Romance Anthology". Written by some very talented Historical Romance authors, such as... Violetta Rand, Victoria Vane, Collette Cameron, Ella Quin, Maggie Andersen, Bronwyn Evans, Christi Carlyle, Barbara Monajem and Michelle McLean (listed in no certain order).
Oh my, all in one amazing, passionate, wickedly delicious and mesmerizing book. Just wonderful!

Some of the stories in this book had been previously released, which I had already read, but I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading them again.
From Regency Rogues, absolute scoundrels, rakes, damsels in distress and some brawny Vikings, readers are sure to find everything they enjoy about Historical Romance. Rather sweet, passionate or sizzling romance the reader will find tantalizing and mesmerizing romance, which is surely to take the reader on a journey to a different era, where they can leave their worries behind, if only for moment in time. Readers will also find, betrayal, passionate kisses, intrigue, adventure, danget, passion, and romance. Oh, not to mention ancient feuds.
WOW, love, adventure, passion and tension is definitely abound. Here are only a taste of what readers will find in this amazing book. A must read!

Victoria Vane's "A Pledge of Passion" is written in her compelling and passionate voice. With a wicked scoundrel and an innocent young lady, both are looking for their HEA. But will they be able to grasp love or will lust be all that's between them? They will soon learn if their budding romance can survive life and circumstances or is it simply lust they found in each other’s arms. A keeper! I must have more, please! Ms. Vane is also the writer of some hot and sizzling Comptempory Romance.

Violetta Rand's "Wanted by the Warrior" is written in her unique and magical writing style. A forbidden love, vendettas, danger and passion threatens to tear not only this intriguing couple apart, but threatens to widen the gap between ancient rivals. Can these two lovers bring this vendetta to an end, will their love survive the turmoil or will they lose everything they hold dear because of a vendetta they had no part in making? An intriguing, fast paced tale. An absolute delight! Can't wait to read what's Ms. Rand has in store next for her readers. She writes with such passion and emotion. Ms. Rand also writes Comptemory Romance.

Collette Cameron written with passion where the characters find their second chance in love and life, if they will only grasp it and hold on tightly. A sweet romance where two characters had a budding romance with betrothal in the making, until one gives the other an ultimatum, choose between the love of their life or the responsibility to a parent. Fast paced, interesting tale of redemption and hopefully, a HEA, finally for this couple. Another keeper for Ms. Cameron.

This is only a few of the amazing, well written romances within this collection. Written with passion, love, and hopefully, a HEA, readers simply can't pass up on this collection. You are sure to find something that will capture your heart and keep you turning pages. Some absolutely wickedly delicious romances! Highly recommended for readers of the Historical Romance genre, complicated but passionate characters and who simply enjoy stories you will wish to read over and again. I did not read one story that was not fast paced, beautifully written and well executed. Can't wait for Book 2! Hurry to pick up your copy.
Please Note: I did not write a review for all of these stories, because frankly, just ran out of space. With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story. These are some very talented authors, who write sizzling realistic and tantalizing romance. A Historical Romance lovers dream read!


Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Aleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful box set full of magic, fantasy, and humor. But most of all passion!

To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans-5 stars

A saucy Cinderella type story. An interesting take on a classic theme and it did not disappoint. The characters were charming and the sexual tension was all but melting my Kindle.

Henry was a great character and proved to be real with his feelings and emotions. However, I did want to throttle him when his obsession with his mistress found him seeing similarities between her and Amy. But it did add that extra hurtle that they had to overcome and once Amy understood his reasoning, she proved to be a very endearing and compassionate character.

The story had humorous parts and had me grinning from time to time. My favorite being the search for Mr. Tinkles.

This is book in the Wicked Wagers series. It can be read as a standalone.

A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn-4 Stars

This story had a strong heroine with aspirations of running her Father’s business. However, she finds out that being a female denies her that dream. An American who loathes English men, she soon will realize that love does not discriminate.

“The very idea of an Englishman touching me is enough to make me feel ill.”

She does come off as cold and little stern. But that is who she is and that sets her apart from other heroines. It is her directness that attracts Frank, a man who is also wanting to prove himself, but yet, also needs an excuse to marry. For he wants to escape is overbearing Father.

It is with these two character agendas that make this story fun to read. The only thing that I found not to my liking were Jenny’s and Frank’s romance. It just did not seem overly romantic. But I had to keep in mind that their personalities were not that of typical romance characters.

A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron-5 stars

*I had already read this story and loved it, just copied my past review*

This was a lovely short story.

Collette has a way of bringing to life each character. It is hard to dislike anyone!(Except Miss Rossington). She makes the reader feel as if they were right there witnessing the events unfolding.

The story takes place at a ball, where the two main characters, Olivia and Allen, already know each other. Three years prior, Allen had proposed to Olivia after a short acquaintance. She declined his offer to elope and asked him to wait a year. His response? "Like bloody hell I will."

There is plenty of hurt pride to be had between the two of them. However, of course it ends happily ever after.

Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen-4 stars

One thing I can say about this story is that it made me say, “Wow, that is not how I thought this would go.” It started off to make it seem that Kate was going to have a romance with Lord Broughton. It had the makings of your typical romance but it really did not turn out that way. It threw me for a loop and it was like there were two stories being told.

On one hand there is Lord Broughton and his troubles and then there is Kate and Laurie, childhood friends and a one sided attraction (on his end) or so it would seem. It was like reading Kate grow up. She was headstrong and a little annoying, but she did not yet know her true feelings for Laurie. I felt a little bad for him and was not mad when it seemed like he was bossing her around, she needed that.

Kate and Lord Broughton stories intermingle and I liked the aspect of spies. But It did end a bit abruptly and I felt like it was unsolved.

A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane-4 stars

Two characters that were obviously meant to be with each other, find that fate has brought them together again. Much to Mariah’s chagrin.

I found this a very pleasant read, with dialogue that made me smile and secondary characters that were endearing. I found Lady Russell to be a funny character with matchmaking agenda and her penchant for laudanum while traveling to conveniently leave our two characters “alone” in the carriage.

It is book 2 in the Rules of Engagement series and can be read as a standalone.

A Highwayman's Honor by Michelle McLean-5 stars

I loved this story! I have a soft spot for a romantic Highwaymen and this one fit the bill! There is nothing like a thief (for lack of a better word) who is chivalrous and full of honor. It reminded me of Robin Hood and it was hard to put down. Swoon worthy writing and hero made this a very enjoyable read.

“Because you promised to protect me.”
“Always.” Jack kissed the top of her head and she shivered against him.

Major swoon!

I did wonder if our two almost star crossed lovers made it safely to their destination and if they truly did have a HEA. But I’m glad that their troubles were resolved. This was probably my favorite one in the whole box set.

Lord Quickthorn's Bargain by Barbara Monajem-5 stars

A magical romance with mischievous fairy folk that make this a truly fun read.
Lord Quickthorne finds himself beholden to a bargain to protect a woman whom one of the fairies is acquainted with. With the reputation of a Rogue he sets off to redeem himself and in a way, to recharge his own abilities, for he is part Fae as well. He meets Gwen and decides to grant the boon that she wants in exchange for satisfying his boredom.

I liked Lord Quickthorne, he was an entertaining hero and I loved that he was Fae. It was different than the other stories in the box set and it was refreshing and humorous.
Lord Quickthorne and Gwen’s romance was cute and magical. Their dialogue was funny and lighthearted. This story was the perfect balance of romance and magic.

Wanted by the Warrior by Violetta Rand-4 stars

Can’t go wrong with a Viking romance! Throw in some fantasy and it’s the perfect blend. Even if you do not know too much about Viking mythology, this story makes it easy to understand. It was an interesting blend of fantasy and romance. Victor and Sophia certainly had an attraction that even the Gods could not tear asunder.

However, this story does not tie up loose ends and has a cliffhanger of sorts. We learn that Sophia has powers as well, but does not go into further detail. I definitely want to know what’s in store for this two characters.

Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle-5 stars

Felicity’s is a character that has resigned herself to spinsterhood. Acting as chaperon to her cousin Amy, she has decided that men are liars and can’t be trusted.

When a famous Rogue starts making advances toward her, it takes all of her energy to not listen to her own body’s attraction to him.

It was interesting to take the journey with Felicity to find her true love and figure out that not all men are scoundrels. I liked the dialogue between Felicity and Lord Lindsay. He seemed like the perfect hero. He was witty and fun. His teasing of Felicity made me smile and I knew that our heroine was done for the minute we were introduced to his character.

Felicity’s advice to Amy not to tempt a rogue comes back to bite her in the hiney and we all can sit back and enjoy her journey to find her very own rogue.

*I received this box set in exchange for an honest review*

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anthologies because they give me a sample of authors I may never have read before. I had only read 2 of these authors before. I'm so excited to have new authors to follow as well!
To Challenge The Earl by Bronwen Evans
Bronwen Evans is one of my favorites and this story is a great example of why. Witty and sexy, it's the story of Amy Shipton and her neighbor Henry St. Giles who she has adored since she was a girl. After a drunken kiss in a dark garden, Henry realizes Amy is no longer the little girl he always thought of her as. A Cinderella type hunt ensues and what follows is a funny, romantic story with two absolutely endearing characters.

A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn
American heiress Genevieve McGowan is looking for a husband who will love her enough to live in America and be her partner running her father's shipping business. She really doesn't care where he is from as long as he's not English. When she travels to England for her aunt's wedding, she meets Lord Francis Trevor. Their attraction is instant. Will he satisfy all her requirements? I loved Frank and Jenny and how they were both willing to sacrifice for the one they loved.

A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron
A short but sweet story of second chances. Allen Wimpleton proposed to Olivia Kingsley 3 years ago but Olivia turned him down. Young and afraid to leave her father, she walked away from the love of her life to travel with her family to the Caribbean. Now she has returned to see if it's too late or if love can have a second chance.

Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen
Double your reading pleasure! Two love stories overlap in this book! Best friends since childhood, Laurie and Kat find themselves in a dangerous game of espionage. Lots of twists and turns and romance will keep you reading well into the early hours of the morning!

A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane
Nicolas Needham has fallen in love with Lady Mariah Morehaven. Nick, however, is a younger son and wants to improve his situation before proposing marriage. Lord Rochford, Nick's employer, needs to marry and so sends Nick to arrange his marriage contract. The bride he has selected? Lady Mariah, of course! This was a delightful story by new to me author Victoria Vane. This story is filled with steamy passion and sweet romance. I'll most definitely read more from this author.

A Highwayman's Honor by Michelle McLean
Lord John Ramsay (Jack) is a highwayman- a Robin Hood of sorts who returns money to those who were wrongfully treated by the very people he robs. When Elizabeth Harding's family carriage is robbed and Elizabeth left injured, John has no choice but to take her with him. This romantic suspense will keep you reading and rooting for an HEA for this couple.

Lord Quickthorn's Bargain by Barbara Monajem
Gwen Appleby goes to the fairy well hoping to find help in keeping her sister from setting her sights on the rake Lord Quickthorn. Little does she know that the fairy she's dealing with is Lord Quickthorn himself who is filling in for his sister, Polyanthus. A magical story of fairies, wishes, and romance.

Wanted by the Warrior by Violetta Rand
Lady Sophia Camerot's future has been planned since birth. She yearns for freedom. Knowing she's about to be betrothed, she decides to escape her prison home. Victor, son of King Faste, resuces Sophia when her escape turns dangerous. Though it defies her father and Victor is forbidden by law, the 2 lovers face their foes for the sake of true love.

Never Trust a Rogue by Christy Carlyle
Felicity is chaperoning her cousin Amelia at a house party and wants to warn her away from Lord Lindsay, a man so scandalous he even penned The Rogue's Rulebook. Felicity knows what it's like to be left heartbroken and wants to guard her cousin from such a fate. Lord Lindsay (Alex) isn't happy about attending this house party knowing his family is scheming to see him wed. But then he meets Felicity. A delightful tale of true love.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait to read more from these wonderful authors!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will have to say this Anthology name fits this book well. It sure is filled with passion and scoundrels which stir up a mess of trouble. I have found this set to be a delightful entertaining read that is filled with wonderful stories of love, passion, betrayal, intrigue, and so much more. I couldn’t wait to get to the next one each are better than the last. The authors put a lot of time and thought into giving a wonderful passion filled read at times which is funny. The ladies will not know what hit them as well as a few men will be left scratching their heads as to what just happened.

To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans
Poor Henry thought he would be able to pick the women of his dreams in his own time. With his brother’s death time is running out. Everyone expects him to marry the lady his brother was suppose to but she leaves him cold. He now has to find her a husband and his self a wife. Just none out there really gets his attention. His friends are about to give him a push that is going to leave him breathless.

Lady Amy has her heart set on finding a love match but her father just wants her to marry anyone he just wants her gone so he can live his life the way he wants to. Amy knows who she wants but always knew she couldn’t have him until his brother dies but he is still out of reach.

I loved these characters Ms. Evans pulls you in and takes you away to another place. This story is well written as these two must work out the puzzle of love with no help from their friends. They are about to go on a marry chase to find true love as tempers fly with lots of misunderstandings.

A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn
I totally loved this book it has a little bit of everything in it from a father who wants a son to help his daughter run the family business to a father who will do anything to control his children’s life. This may start out a little slow but sure doesn’t take long for the pace to pick up giving you an outstanding read. The world hasn’t let the woman vote yet nor run a company. Jenny needs to find a husband but none in America makes her heart beat fast. She and her aunt move on to Paris with no luck than to England where she stops looking. How can it be so hard to find one man she can love? She isn’t too fond of the British since they broke into her grandmother’s home and she died of a heart attack. What she finds is some over stuff English man and Frank whose father is controlling. You will not believe what this couple goes through to even see if they like each other must less a HAE.

This was well written with a wonderful plot. The author tells a compelling story that makes you turn the page to see what is going to happen next. She gives you wonderful character you will fall in love and laugh with. There are a few you will not be fond of. I am so looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Joann Maggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Challenge The Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A pure historical romance as only Ms Evans could pen. This is book 3 of the Wicked Wages Trilogy.

Henry St. Giles, the Earl of Cravenwood, was far from prepared to become an Earl but upon the death of his older brother the title was bestowed on him. Henry wanted to marry for love not like his parents loveless marriage.

In one of his drunken stoopers he finds himself in his garden. As he falls to the ground a beautiful woman comes to his aid. He makes improper advances on her and she reciprocates her mutual feelings. He inexplicably says the name of his former mistress. The mystery woman in his arms runs away. However, she has lost an earring and Henry makes it his mission to find her.

This book takes you on his journey for his mystery woman and for his love. This short story was full with interesting and life like characters. I would highly recommend this book. Ms Evans is a great story teller and never disappoints her readers.

A Kiss for Miss Kingsley written by Collette Cameron ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Olivia Kingsley agrees to attend a ball at the Viscount and Viscountess Wimpleton's mansion her only thoughts are to be able to see Allen Wimpleton their son.

Three years ago their budding romance was severed by her father insisting she travel with him to the Islands for a year. Allen wanted Olivia to elope even though they only knew each other for a short time. Olivia chose to leave with her father and asked Allen to wait for her. He said they were finished which broke her heart.

Although, one year became three Olivia pined for Allen. This book is adorable the way it builds up to their remeeting and discovering their love is still as intense and true.

A brief novella but fully packed with a complete story.

A Highwayman's Honor written by Michelle McClean ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A group of Highway bandits wait for their unsuspecting prey. The carriage carries Lord Harding's wealth as well as is wife and daughter Elizabet.
During the robbery Elizabet is shot and her fathers carriage bolts away leaving her on the ground. Lord John Ramsay, the leader of the masked gunmen, decides to care for her wound. He brings her to a cottage and takes care of her for a week.

During her recovery period things heat up between but are never really addressed. When she returns home she pines for her masked highwayman.

Weeks later Elizabet attends a ball and recognizes him as Lord John Ramsay. At this point, the story becomes a true give and take unrequited love tale. This is a romance novel at its best. Hats off to Ms McClean for her full satisfying story in a short novella.


I have received this book for an honest review. I have read 3 of the 9 stories they were terrific.

[(Nat) Reading Romances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology has stories by some of my favorite historical romance authors like Victoria Vane, Bronwen Evans, Collette Cameron, and Christy Carlyle! Today my review is for Christy Carlyle's Never Tempt a Rogue!

Felicity is a chaperone to her young cousin at a house party. Little do they know that this party is part of a scheme to find a bride for Lord Lindsay, the man who wrote The Rogue's Rulebook.

Such a delightful read! Christy is a very talented author, I was completely sucked in by this story. Not too long, not too short, the perfect length for the plot she wanted to unravel. The dialogue between Felicity and Lord Lindsay was fantastic, and I couldn't help falling in love with him.


I received this box set in exchange for an honest review.

[Dee Deacon Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans
Having no love from her family & seeing her mother suffer because her husband did not love her, all Lady Amy Shipton wants is someone to love her for her. Not for what she can bring to the marriage (bloodlines, connections, money) but FOR HER. Unfortunately, her father is pushing her to marry by the end of the season & he doesn't care who it is to...even going as far as forcing Lord Chesteron. So what's a girl to do...why make her own list & enlist the help of friends.
Henry St. Giles, the Earl of Cravenswood, never expected to inherit & especially wasn't expecting to inherit his brother's fiancee (although Henry has yet to make a formal proposal). He had held out hope the ton would accept his mistress as his wife, who he felt he loved for many years. Alas, she left him for none other that Lord Chesteron. So what's a gentleman to do?
Until the fateful night falling Lady Skye's ball. While completely drunk, Henry sits in his garden contemplating what to do about his deceased brother's fiancee, a worthless cousin who continues to pester him for money, missing his brother he hears a noise. While trying to stand he falls & hits his head. When he comes to he's being tended to by a soft body. In his stupor he starts making out with this body & mentions his former mistresses name. When he comes to he wonders if it was all in his imagination but no, this passionate woman leaves behind an earring. Now to find out who this earring belongs to & make her his wife.
The Earl of Cravenswood has come to her rescue again...interrupting the odious Lord Chesterton trying to claim a dance. Yes, Henry St. Giles is a man that Amy could love. She's already a little in love with him after he rescued her many years before after she fell off her horse. Unable to sleep after Lady Skye's ball Amy slips into her neighbor's garden (this neighbor juts happens to be the Earl of Cravenswood) & listens to Henry talking to his deceased brother. She has done this many times since Henry's brother died & feels she & Henry have a lot in common....they want someone to love them for them. She hears Henry fall & rushes to make sure he is alright. As she tends his head wound Henry kisses her & starts making love to her. She's lost in the moment until Henry mentions the name Millicent. As she abruptly leaves she loses an earring.
Come the next morning Amy is determined to find her earring & keep Henry from finding out she was the lady in the garden or he will feel compelled to offer her marriage. She'd love nothing more but she will not marry someone who is love with someone else. Henry is determined to spend the day finding the lady to whom the earring belongs. Hopefully with the help of his friends, the Marquess of Wolverstone & the Duke of Dangerfield.
What follows is an enchanting tale filled with humor, tears, misunderstanding & the delightful Tinkles.
A Cinderella story full of hope & angst for both the hero & heroine. The 3rd book in Bronwen Evans Wicked Wagers series is every bit as good as the first 2. Even though they can all be read as stand-alones I strongly encourage reading all 3...you won't be disappointed!!!

A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn
Miss Genevieve ”Jenny” MacGowan wants a husband who 1) wants her for herself (not her father’s money or shipping business); 2) will let her continue to be involved in the day to day business decisions; 3) has to be willing to move to America; & 4) most importantly he must NOT be an Englishman. Imagine her response when, while in London with her aunt, she meets an Englishman who is unlike any other she has met.
Lord Francis “Frank” Trevor as the second son of a controlling Duke he knows he will always be under his father’s thumb. Doing what he says, marrying who he says, when he says. It’s a life he’s come to expect. Which makes his brief escape to London while his father is in Scotland a sweet relief. Introduced to a beautiful woman at a ball, one who holds the English in disdain, sets into motion a whirlwind experience and makes Frank question his acceptance of the life his father expects him to live and the reveals a yearning to rebel.
Will Frank be able to convince Jenny that he meets her requirements and that he’s willing to give up the life he has for one in America? Will Jenny be able to accept that Frank is not a typical Englishman & let him into her heart? Will an outside force ruin any chance they have for happiness?
A beautiful tale of a strong lady knowing what she wants and going after it without taking anything away from an equally strong man. Looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron
Miss Olivia Kingsley has spent 3 years regretting the decision she made 3 years ago – saying no to the only man she’ll ever love. Now back in England Olivia agrees to her aunt's "addlepated" scheme to show up uninvited to a ball where her love will be attending. Unsure of her reception Olivia is full of nerves - will he give her the cut direct or does he still love her.
Allen Wimpleton had his heart broken 3 years ago. Now deciding to do his duty he thinks he knows who he plans on making his bride until his long ago love shows up unannounced at the ball he's attending. Has she come to rub it in that she refused him all those years ago or does she still love him?
Collette offers some very witty comments - had me laughing! Collette delivers as always!!!!

Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen
A short story that will keep you guessing the outcome. Maggi Andersen does a great job mixing up the hero/heroines in a way that keeps you reading.
Kate Kilgarth’s best friend is Lord Laurence, Laurie, and insists to him and everyone else that he’s only a friend. When Lord Jason Broughton returns to the nearby Broughton Hall and intrigues Kate. He is soon followed by his brother’s French widow, Angelique.
Kate travels to London to stay with her aunt for her season but quickly becomes bored with London society. Until she overhears a sinister plot. Feigning illness she returns home and quickly warns Lord Broughton about the plot. He insists she stay out of it. Returning to London she tells Laurie what she heard and against his & his father’s wishes she continues to investigate.
A kidnapping; who is a spy and who isn’t and an unlikely ally make for an entertaining story.

A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane
Lady Mariah Morehaven will be a rich & a Baroness in her own right after her father passes which means the fortune hunters will abound. Something she’s not happy about – she wants to marry for love. Until she meets the secretary of her cousin’s former fiancée. A promise made then broken has torn her heart in two.
Mister Nicholas Needham wants to prove himself before he thinks of marrying. Since his lineage is not of the aristocratic nature & with no patron he’s resigned to live a lonely life. Until he meets the cousin of his best friend from school who happens to be his employer. He makes a promise then breaks it, tearing his heart in half.
The story starts with the break-up letter then delves into the history leading up to the letter. From there it picks up three years later where Mariah’s father has passed and she finds she must marry to preserve her family’s fortune. Nicholas has been working out of the country when he finds himself sent back to England to negotiate the marriage of his current employer – with the one lady he’ll never forget. Will he be able to go through with the negotiations or will he swallow his pride & go after the love of his life? Will Mariah be able to forgive the heartbreak he caused?
Victoria Vane does a beautiful job of filling in any back history without taking away from the current story – only enhancing it. And she provides a tale where the heroine is the stubborn one & the hero will do anything to prove himself – a great twist on the usual HEA.

A Highwayman’s Honor by Michelle McLean
One thing Lord John Ramsey hates is a corrupt aristocrat & has resolved to do something about it. The one thing he doesn’t count on is the daughter of one such aristocrat – a daughter that fascinates him beyond reason.
Elizabet Harding knows how to take care of herself – something that comes in handy when her father’s carriage is held up by none other than The Highland Highwayman. A man that for some reason she trusts.
When she is shot by a henchman of the Highwayman’s & her parent’s horses & carriage run off leaving her to die the Highwayman tends her in his hideaway. An action that makes him wish things were different.
Upon meeting at a ball Elizabet realizes who her Highwayman but it is a little late as someone else has figured it out. Can John escape the hangman’s noose? Can Elizabet give up everything for the man she loves & will he let her?
Michelle McLean writes an action packed tale that will keep you captivated until the very end.

Lord Quickthorn’s Bargain by Barbara Monajem
Gwen Appleby knows her sister loves the gentleman she just broke her engagement with. She also knows the ludicrous plan she has to captivate & marry Lord Quickthorn, the most devilish rake to have come from their little town of Whiffle Force, will only end with her ruination & a broken heart. In hopes of saving her sister from making this huge mistake Gwen turns to the fairies of Whiffle Force & asks for a boon – keep Lord Quickthorn from seducing her sister.
Rex, Lord Quickthorn, has returned to his home in the village of Whiffle Force to rest & overcome the aches & pains of his body that have been increasing while his magic has been decreasing. And to try to figure out what it is he really wants. Though the townsfolk really do not want him there – all too aware of his reputation. Even so, he remains to allow his sister, Guardian of the Well, a short vacation.
Intrigued by the lovely woman who approaches his sister’s cottage & surprised by the amount of knowledge she has about his sister & fairies. When he hears the boon she requests he can’t help but have a little fun – her boon for having Lord Quickthorn turn his charms on her. Knowing nothing will come of it since he promised his sister no magic & no seductions. Willing to do anything to save her sister Gwen agrees – reminding herself she will always remain a spinster & remain in Whiffle Force for her own reasons.
What follows in a sweet story proving to each character that there is someone out there for everyone & there’s only one all-powerful magic. This is the first book of Barbara Monajem’s that I have read & I love the way she writes. Her story is full of humor, longing & the occasional “want to make you slap the character” situations. A totally entertaining tale.

Wanted by the Warrior by Violetta Rand
Lady Sophia Camerot, a Southlander – mortal, wants nothing more than to see the forbidden lands outside her father’s kingdom before he announces her engagement to a man she’s never met. Escaping with her maid the night her betrothal is to be announced she is attacked by a group of drunks. Saved by a man she’s never seen & knows he is different from her, she is returned to the castle in time to meet her betrothed – which she ultimately refuses.
Victor, a Northlander (a warrior god?) is entranced by the lovely Southlander he saves from a group of drunks. Knowing the dangers if he is caught he escorts her back to her father’s castle & witnesses the man who will become her husband. Fighting jealousy he leaves before he hears Sophia’s refusal. Unable to get her out of his mind he crosses the border again & sneaks into her room where he tries to determine if she feels the same as he does. Leaving her sleeping he enters a clearing & prays to Odin to bring her to him – swearing to protect her always.
Sophia suddenly finds herself in a clearing with the man who had saved her & is confused on how she came to be there. Demanding answers & receiving none she flees only to be captured by other creatures. Victor again saves her & they return to his father’s home – where no one is happy to have a Southlander amongst them. When a Guardsman attacks Sophia, Victor arrives in time & slits the Guardsman’s throat. Even though she was attacked by this man & Victor was saving her she cannot let him die & touches him. A touch that heals him – a touch witnessed by many. This healing changes things for Victor & Sophia’s circumstances.
Though entertaining this story was a little hard to follow along – especially not knowing for sure exactly what “being” Victor was.

Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle
A past mistake & broken heart have left Felicity Beckett no longer believing in happily ever afters. They’ve also left her with the realization that she’ll forever be a spinster. As such she agrees to chaperone her young cousin to her first house party in expectations of keeping her from being seduced by the one of the authors of The Rake’s Handbook.
Alexander Evering, Lord Lindsay, never expected to inherit the title. Never wanted to inherit the title. A fact he ponders on his way to his aunt & uncles for a stupid house party. A party where is sure to be lectured by his uncle about his new responsibilities. Imagine his surprise when the house party has been set up to find him a bride. Something he does not want. Until he is approached by a fire spitting beauty warning him to stay away from her impressionable cousin.
Christy Carlyle writes a spirited dance between the gentleman who always made his own decisions & the woman beneath him in station. Will he convince her to take the chance on love? Will those who disapprove in difference of station keep them apart? LOVED this heartwarming tale!!

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great box set with well known Historical Romance authors some I have read from when they came out . Here are a bit about the box set
Bronwen Evens
This is book 3 of the Wicked Wagers . Gere is Historical Romance .

This is a short Novella .Hero is Henry who becomes an Earl and Heroinine is Ally daughter of a Duke .
About the story . We have both Ally and Henry poking for true love in a marriage which is very unusual in the Ton . Ally has loved Henry since she was very young and he saved her . Meanwhile Henry lost his Mistress Millicent to another Lord . Lord Henry is devastated and the Marquis and the Duke from book 1and 2 make a bet with him . Either find a wife in a month or he has to pick one of the 2 ladies they name for him .
Henry every night goes to his garden and speaks to his deceased brother . During a ball Henry dances with Ally . When the ball finishes he goes to a brothel but nothing happens . He can't do anything You have to get this to find out the name of the Brothel . The name is brilliant. Henry then goes home to his Garden and speaks to his deceased brother again . He does fall and hits his head on a statue of Aphrodite . With blood coming out
Lady Ally sees that and she tries to help his . He then gropes her and kisses her . She is then felling very excited but he calls her Millicent (his former mistress) . Ally gets up and leaves . But she losses an earring . When Henry comes sees the earring he needs to find the owner . The next day he sees Ally in his garden looking for something . And low and behold his body is reacting to her .
They both are playing cat and mouse with each other for love . Does Henry confront Ally ??? They both have a few surprises for each other . And Marcus and Sabline are playing matchmaker

Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlye
We have Felicity as a chaperone. Her uncle sent her to a house Party so her cousin may find a husband . Lord Alex who is a viscount (Lord Lindsay ) wrote a handbook with his friends . And the book is Scandalous. The group of lords are called Rogues . Her cousin is infatuated with Lord Alex . Felicity goes up to Lord Alex and tells him to stay away from her cousin .
Lord Alex doesn't want anything to do with Felicity cousin .... He wants felicity . Lord Alex aunt who is having the party has other ideas .. Grab it and see .

Barbara Monajem is a great story that will have you laughing in some parts . This is the 4th one that I have read from Barbara
We have Lord Quickthorn that is part fai going back to the small village that he was from . He meets his half sister that is custodian of the wishing well. His sister wants a little break (a holiday) he agrees to take over . We have the heroine Gwen going to the well for a boon . She wants her prideful sister to say I'm sorry to Sir Charles . She and Sir Charles got into a fight and they both are to full of Pride to patch it up . Lord Quickthorn eyeing Gwen . Meanwhile Gwen's sister wants the Lord just for Spite . Do the misunderstanding work themselves off.

Collette Cameron's. A kiss for Miss Kingsley Hero is Allan . Heroine is Olivia
We have Olivia returning after 3 years in Barbados. She was in love with Allan . Allan now is a viscount that needs to do his duty and beget a hair . They meet again at a ball that Viscount Allan parents are holding . Olivia is heartbroken because she is still in Love with Allan and Allan feels betrayed. Olivia had promised to return after a yr meanwhile it has been 3 . Did Allan become Engaged or does Olivia stand a chance

I loved Michelle McLean Scottish Highway man story during King Charles time . The highway man is a Lord . He steals some bags of gold from a very rich merchant and kidnaps the daughter. Is he found out

Violetta Rand one was so fantastic . Part one to a new series .
We have Lady Sophia who was going to be engaged at midnight to someone . She wants one more night of freedom . Sophia and her cousin go out from the castle walls . They were told that the world ends near the castle walls but Lady Sophia is curious. That is where she meets Prince Victor . He has powers that he can't show. He prays for Lady Sophia to Odin . He prays for both of them to be together
I loved Victoria Vane one . How a young man made a promise to a lady who he wanted as a wife but not until he was financial secure . He told her to give him 3 yrs but he wrote to her to break it off . Why ???
Ella Quinn's one is about an American that is going to France to look for a husband . She needs her other half to help in the Company that her father started . The Heroine doesn't want an English man and defently no Lord .
She goes to France with her aunt . Then they both go to England . Her aunt is reunited with a lord she has always loved .
Our Heroine is introduced to Lord Frank . He is a dukes son . So there is 2 strikes again him. Only thing is Lord Frank's feeling is growing . Does Lord Frank forget about his family and make a go of it as a mer Mister . What does the Duke say

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine great historical romamces that range from by the book societal rules to a little bit of erotica all the way to paranormal. All of these books will make you want to read the others written by the authors.


To challenge the Earl of Cravenwood by Brownwen Evans. 5 stars.
A new version of Cinderella in which Cinderella doesn't want to be found. Holy crap this book gets to you to the point that you never want to put it down. This was a great romance story I would definitely recommend this to all historical romance lovers.

A promise of love by Ella Quin 5 stars.
A chance at love across the pond. When an American goes on a trip abroad inorder to find a husband her requirements are simple, it must be love and he must not be an Englishman. Now when she falls in love but its is with an Englishman what will she do. When a meddlesome father, and a hopeful suitor and a kidnapping thrown into the mix will they get their HEA? This is a suspensful historical romance with no cliffhanger.


A kiss for miss Kingsley. By Collette Cameron 4 stars.
An extremely short romance story about second chances that makes everything worth it. This is a romance that shows when you lose your chance at true love and you get it again never be afraid to take the risk and jump (waltz) for it. A great historical short romance.

Stirring Passion by Maggi Anderson 4 stars.
Intrigue at its finest. Two couples that have their paths entertwined, will they find what they seek and come out together? Two childhood bestfriends, when one starts to want more what is a girl to do but head to the ton and make her debut? But when she stumbles against a plot to betray England she puts her life on the line, will she be able to stop the plot and keep her friendship or will things go from bad to worse. Definitely a good romance with a little intrigue.

A pledge of passion by Victoria Vane 4 stars
An agreement made in starlight, misplaced nobility, and a second chance at true happiness. A romance that is all about fate playing a helping hand in romance.


A highwaymans honor by Michelle McLean 4 stars.
John is an aristocrat with a conscious. Those who have betrayed those who rely on him are now going to be his victims. Elizabeth is the daughter of one of his soon to be victims and when they finally meet they are both surprised of what is to come. Now when they are both put at risk due to people finding on what happened will either survive the scandal? This historical suspence romance makes you hold your breathe in hope of a happy ending. This is one you won't forget anytime soon.

Lord Quickthorns bargain by Barbara Monajem 5 stars.
Gwen knows her duty to her community and as such has decided to never mary but when her little sister decides to set her sights on the notorious rake Lord Quickthorn Gwen does the one thing she know she should never do. She asks for a boom from the fairies. When a bargain is made who is the real winner in the end? This is a HEA romance that will make you so happy that you read it.

Wanted by the warrior by Violetta Rand 4 stars.
A nice opening to a new series. This is part one of a romance that has a.little paranormal thrown into the mix. When a woman bound to another needs a bit of breething room what is she to do but leave the saftey of her home for a new adventure. When Victor finds her all he can think about is her and now will do anything to have her including breaking the laws of his people.


Never tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle 3 stars.
Alex, a new viscount, Felicity a spinster with a difficult past. When Felicity agreed to bring her cousin to a two week house party she never thought that she would have to fight the desires of her own heart. But now when her present past and future collide what will happen next? This one leaves you guessing at the end which depending on the style of books you like could be a good thing.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Passionate Promises
Authors: Victoria Vane, Bronwen Evans, Ella Quinn, Collette Cameron, Maggi Anderson, Michelle McLean, Violetta Rand, Barbara Monajem & Christy Carlyle
Publishers: Vane Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Passionate Promises" by:Victoria Vane, Bronwen Evans, Ella Quinn, Collette Cameron, Maggi Anderson, Michelle McLean, Violetta Rand, Barbara Monajem & Christy Caryle

My Thoughts....

All nine of these anthologies were simply good reading.

From:

To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans
Will Henry St. Giles marry for love?

A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn
Will Genevieve McGowan find the husband she wants?

A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron
How will this story pan out for Allen Wimpleton and Olivia Kingsley? Will
they get a second chance?

Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen
Interesting read about Laurie and Kat...with lots of twist and turns and in
the end will there be romance for these two?

A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane
What will happen when Nicolas Needham falls for Lady Mariah Morehaven when
it seems like someone else may may be interested. What will happen with this romance
as fate plays a helping hand?

Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle
What will happen when Alex and Felicity come together? What a interesting ending!

Wanted by the Warrior by Violetta Rand
This one has some paranormal in this romance ...part 1.

A Highwayman's Honor by Michelle McLean
This one is a good historical suspense romance with John and Elizabeth that will keep you on the
edge of your seat.

to

Lord Quickthorn's Bargain by Barbara Monajem....
This was a cute fairy tale story!

I found all of these stories well packed, well written and a fairly complete story leaving the reader wanting to read other stories written by these authors. I found many of the stories were different and so well told. Would I recommend "Passionate Promises?" Yes, especially if you like historical romances that have a little bit of it all. Truly they were all "Passionate Promises!"

Thank you to the author for a gift of the read and giving my honest my opinion of this novel.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read one of the stories in this book I received and ARC from Barbra Monajem for Lord Quickthorn's Bargain. I have read the other authors writing therefor I know I will also love the rest of the book once it is released.
My review for Lord Quikthorn's Bargain is five stars.
This story is set in the Little Cumberland village of Whiffle Force in a remote part of England.
Rex or Lord Quickthorn has been gone from Whiffle for awhile living in London. His magic is almost non existent when he returns. So when his sister Polyanthius who is the fairy in charge of the fairy well asks him to stand in for her so she can have a holiday she isn't to worried that he can mess things up.
What she doesn't know is that Gwen Appleby's sister Melisande has just broken off her betroth with Sir Charles Humphrey and is thinking of seducing Lord Quickthorn. Desperate to keep that from happening Gwen goes to the Fairy well to ask for a boon. Little does she know that the fairy she is asking is himself Lord Quickthorn. It gets really complicated after that. The fairy grants her wish on one condition. You will have to read the book to know what that is and how it all turns out.

I loved this anthology. The authors are all well known and did a wonderful job with each of their stories. Bronwen Evans, Ella Quinn, Collette Cameron, Maggi Andersen, Victoria Vane, Barbara Monajem, Michelle McLean, Violetta Rand, and Christy Carlyle I wont list all the books in this anthology as other blogs and reviewers already have. Suffice it to say that they are all represented in the wonderful books they write and have written. If you haven't read any of these authors writings this is a great way to get to know their works and writing style. If you have read them then you already know they will all be great reading.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passionate Promises is an anthology of 9 passionate stories, written by 9 wonderful authors.

The first book in the anthology is:
To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans

This story is about Henry St Giles, the Earl of Cravenswood. His two best friends have recently married and are in absolute love with their wives. Henry decides that he wants the happiness that they have, and wants to find his soulmate. His friends also think it's high time he married and they challenge him to find a woman to marry by the end of the season or he will have to marry a woman of their choosing, that woman being Lady Amy Shipton. Henry would prefer to choose his own wife, but he wouldn't be adverse to marrying Amy, so it's a win win situation in his eyes.

Amy has had a crush on Henry since he rescued her when she was a teenager and fell off a horse. That was a long time ago and she wants Henry to see her as a woman rather than the young girl she was when she had her accident.

Henry and Amy are neighbours, and Amy has often hidden in Henry's garden while he has been 'talking' to his brother who has passed away. On the night that Henry makes his wager, he ends up getting drunk and while in the garden he slips and cracks his head on the fountain. Luckily Amy is in the garden at the same time, and she runs to his aid. She lifts his head on to her lap and uses her handkerchief to stem the flow of blood from the wound. The next thing she knows, Henry is reaching up for her and kissing her. He doesn't know who she is, he's too drunk, but he knows she is beautiful. Things start getting very passionate until Henry murmurs his mistress's name. The mistress that has recently left him. Amy freezes when she realises he thinks he's kissing somebody else, and then she runs away.

Henry wakes the next day and he is in love. He has no idea who he was kissing, but he knows he has to find her and marry her. Fortunately he finds an earring that she must have dropped and just like Cinderella and her glass slipper, Henry is going to use the earring to trace it's owner.

When Amy realises she has lost her earring she panics. If Henry finds it and discovers who owns it, he will have to marry her because of them being so intimate in the garden. She believes he is in love with his mistress and is determined to find the earring because she will not marry a man who does not love her, despite the fact that she is in love with him. She goes back to the garden to search for it, and when she doesn't find it she is horrified to realise that Henry must have it.

Will he discover that the earring belongs to her, what will happen if he does. Will Henry be able to convince her that he is not in love with his mistress?

This was a really lovely read, which had me laughing at times, and emotional at others. There are some very passionate scenes which would have me reaching for my fan if I were in Regency times, but they were well written and not crude at all. I loved the main characters, and even though they needed their heads knocked together a couple of times, I enjoyed reading about their developing relationship.

The second book in this anthology is:
A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn

This is the story of Genevieve McGowan, she is an American Heiress who has travelled to Europe, Paris specifically, to try to find a husband. A husband that she will have a love match with, but one that will be happy to move back to America with her and help her run the family business. Sadly she has no luck in Paris because even if she was interested in a particular man, and they in her, they had no intention of moving abroad, or of, God forbid, working.

Genevieve travels to England next, a place in her opinion that is full of lazy aristocrats who she has no interest in even meeting, let alone marrying. She is only visiting England in order to attend her aunt's wedding. Through her aunt she meets Lord Francis Trevor, who prefers to be known as Frank. He is a breath of fresh air to her because he is unlike any of the other Englishmen she has met so far. He finds her utterly fascinating, and there is an instant rapport between them.

Sadly the woman who has sponsored Genevieve's stay in London is determined that she marry a man of her choosing. Add to that the fact that Frank's father will do anything to stop Frank marrying an American if he finds out about their love interest in each other, and you have a very exciting story.

Will Frank and Genevieve fall in love enough to wed, if they do, will their marriage attempts be thwarted? And if they do wed, will Frank be willing to give up his large family with little chance of seeing them ever again? Will Genevieve's father accept him as a son in law, after all, he's English!

This was a very enjoyable read. I loved Genevieve's determination and honesty, it was lovely to have a heroine who wasn't afraid to speak her mind, no matter what the cost.

Book 3 in the anthology is:
A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron

Monique Daoust, a fellow Buried Under Romance reviewer, rated it 5 Stars, and this is her review of the book....

"Olivia Kingsley is back in London after spending three years in the Tropics, dragged away by her eccentric father. Just before learning she would have to leave England, Allen Wimpleton had asked her to marry him, and when told, he gives Olivia an ultimatum: they elope and get married, or else they’re done. Olivia leaves with her family, heartbroken because Allen would not wait the one year the trip was initially supposed to last. Having no reason to remain in the Caribbean, Olivia needs to see Allen at least once more, so she and her brother Bradford arrive at a haut Ton function uninvited, so Olivia can see Allen and maybe get to understand why he acted the way he did. But upon setting eyes on him, Olivia remembers why she had been so infatuated with Allen, and he with her, but how can the damage be undone?

Collette Cameron’s A KISS FOR MISS KINGSLEY is a wink of a story! For a short story, the characters are admirably well defined, and I was wishing to know more about Bradford, because he’s irresistible! The banter between Bradford and Olivia and Bradford’s Aunt Muriel is priceless; it felt so natural, while being playful and funny. The prose is refined, light and sparkling like the best champagne. The descriptions are wonderfully vivid and at times quite hilarious. A KISS FOR MISS KINGSLEY is utterly charming, perfectly romantic; it’s a story that will leave you feeling happy and content!"

Book 4 in the anthology is:
Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen

This is quite a unique story in as much as there are two couples that end up together rather than just the one. Our 4 main characters are Kate Kilgarth and her childhood friend Lord Laurence (Laurie). Lord Broughton (Jason) and his brother's widow Angelique.

Laurie is in love with Kate but sadly she only sees him as a friend. She is more intrigued with the fascinating Lord Broughton who has returned home after his brother's death to take on and restore to it's former glory the family estate. Kate meets him while she is out picking berries on his land, and she is most put out when in no uncertain terms he tells her to keep off his land in future.

Angelique comes over from France to see Jason, he isn't sure what her game is, but he is suspicious of her motives thinking she may be a French spy. Peter, his late brother made mention of a very important list that must be kept hidden. Jason thinks that the fire that killed his brother may not have been an accident, and that it's all in connection with this important list.

Kate overhears a conversation which makes mention of the list and the fact that the men talking had killed Peter, and would kill Jason if necessary to get hold of it. She tells Jason what she has heard and from there everything spirals. Laurie's Godfather is one of the men under suspicion and he refuses to believe Kate and informs her that perhaps it's Jason that is the spy, working for France rather than his own country.

Twists, turns and intrigue follow, and amongst all the spying and scandal is the romance between the newly forming couples. Will Kate end up with lovesick Laurie, or the scintillating Jason. Will Angelique woo her brother in law, or will Laurie catch her eye? And who is the double crossing spy, will he/she be found out and will one of the couples end up being torn apart?

This book went far too quickly for me, and the ending seemed a bit up in the air. Despite that, I did enjoy it, and loved all the twists. It's nice when a book doesn't go as you expect it to.

Book 5 in the anthology is:
A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane

Monique Daoust, a fellow Buried Under Romance reviewer, rated it 5 Stars, and this is her review of the book....

Lady Mariah Morehaven never had a proper come out because her father fell ill, and she has been leading a lonely life since then. It all happened ten years before; she had fallen in love with Nicolas Needham, she was sure they were going to be married, but he told her it was over, and he broke her heart. Nicolas had, what he thought at his young age, reasonable reasons to give Mariah the cut. Mariah has to marry to secure her inheritance and her newly acquired title, and she has caught someone’s eye. Nicolas is now a secretary in the Foreign Service, he has been away a long time, and to his consternation, he will have to meet with Mariah to present another man’s marriage proposal!

A PLEDGE OF PASSION is another superb romance penned by the always fabulous Victoria. This rather long novella is filled with splendid characters: I loved Mariah, Nicolas is everything I like in a hero, and what to say about the eccentric and perfectly magnificent Lady Russell! I was completely engrossed in the characters’ lives right from the beginning. Ms. Vane fills in all the blanks as to what had happened ten years previous, and the story flows beautifully. The descriptions are so vivid, I felt as if I was attending the fête, the dialogues are simply delightful, the elegant prose flows easily, and there are several fabulous romantic twists to the story. What more could we ask for? Maybe Lord Rochford and Lady Cumberbatch?

Book 6 in the anthology is:
A Highwayman's Honor by Michelle McLean

This is a lovely Robin Hood type story. Lord John Ramsay is a gentleman by day, but by night he is a highwayman. He and his men take from corrupt and traitorous noblemen, and he uses his loot to try to right wrongs committed under Lord Cromwell's rule. It is during one particular robbery that he comes across Elizabeth Harding. John's sources told him that Elizabeth's father would be travelling alone that night, but plans had changed and not only was Elizabeth present, but so too was her mother. Despite that, the robbery had to go ahead. Elizabeth's father has done plenty of wrong things that need putting right.

During the robbery things get out of hand and Elizabeth ends up being injured. The carriage she was in that has her trussed up parents inside ends up disappearing when the horses are spooked by the gunshot, and John has no other option but to take Elizabeth with him to look after her.

What follows is the story of their romance. She doesn't know who he is, but she is definitely smitten with him by the time she has recovered and goes home. Will she ever find out who he really is, and what will happen if she does. If she can figure out who he is, what if somebody else does too, what if he is discovered. He could be hung for his crimes. Can Elizabeth risk giving her heart to a man with such a weight hanging over his head.

This is one of my favourite stories in the anthology, it has suspense, the dramatic, loveable rogue, and the lovely romance between two people who really shouldn't be together but are desperate to be. Good verses bad, and you can't wait to finish the story to see if and how good wins!

Book 7 in the anthology is:
Lord Quickthorn's Bargain by Barbara Monajem

This story is about two sisters. Gwen and Melisande Appleby. Mel is betrothed to Sir Charles Humphrey, a proper gentleman who shows her the utmost respect by expecting no physical affection until after they are wed. Mel wants that affection though, she wants passion, she wants to know that the man she will marry is going to be compatible in every way to her, in and out of the bedroom. When she tells him that she wants him to bed her, he is horrified, they argue and the wedding is called off. In a fit of pique, Mel tells Gwen that she is going to go after the town's biggest rake, certain he wouldn't refuse to be passionate with her and would want to marry her. The man she has in mind is Lord Quickthorn who has only recently returned home.

Gwen knows that Quickthorn could easily take advantage of her sister, and she also knows that if that were to happen that Mel would never forgive herself. She loves Charles, and visa versa, they just need chance to sit down and calmly discuss how Mel feels. But with Mel determined to at least make him jealous by wanting to get involved with Quickthorn, Gwen feels she has to do something to make sure that doesn't happen.

With that in mind, Gwen visits a fairy well. Her friend Polly, a fairy, will understand her plight and will hopefully offer her a boon without asking too much in return as has been the case in the past. Unfortunately Gwen doesn't realise that Polly has gone on holiday for a week, and her brother is taking over looking after the well and granting boons to those that ask. Her brother being none other than Quickthorn. Of course Gwen doesn't know his identity, and when she makes her wish that Quickthorn finds her sister undesirable, he grants the boon but with the payment of the man's desire having to be directed elsewhere. Elsewhere being Gwen.

Will Gwen find out that Quickthorn is the fairy she asked a boon from, will her sister indeed be safe from his charms, will SHE herself be safe from them. His reputation as a rake is well known, and he has loved and left many women in London. Will her heart be safe with him, will he be able to help Mel and Charles see sense and get back together?

What an adorable story this was, very funny in places, and even in the more dramatic moments I found myself smiling a lot while reading this. It's definitely a feel good story, made all the more special because of it being about fairies and magic.

Book 8 in the anthology is:
Wanted by the Warrior by Violetta Rand

Lady Sophia Camerot is feeling smothered. She can't go anywhere or do anything without being followed by a group of women who reported everything she did and said back to her father. She is the only heir to her father and her life has been planned out since her birth. She wants some freedom and she longs to quest out to the wild lands surrounding her father's land. Everyone including herself have been warned from an early age that the lands are dangerous and to stay away from them.

Sophia is to have her betrothal announced at midnight to a man she had never met, and she knew that if she was to have any taste of freedom it had to be before then. She convinces her friend Miriam to escort her outside the walls for just a couple of hours in disguise.

There is a school for orphaned girls not far from her home, and the girls often set up a campfire, sit around it, get drunk and tell all sorts of tales of love and lust. Sophia wants to slip among them unnoticed this night and listen to all their tales. Unfortunately before arriving she attracts the unwanted attention of a couple of drunk men who follow her to the fire and are determined to have their way with her.

Unknown to all of them, they are being watched by Victor and Dagar. They are from the supposed wild lands which in actual fact is an enlightened world. That world has long been separated from the North (Sophia's home) since a battle was started by the latter, and the separation was punishment to them. Once a year, the king of the enlightened world, Victor's father, allows his men Invisibilis nocte, the invisible night, a night where they can mix with Northerners for sexual gratification. On this night, Victor and Dagar are watching the women around the fire when they see Sophia and Miriam's plight. Although it's going against all rules, Victor comes to Sophia's aid which is how they meet.

The moment they touch is like magic, and despite taking her back to her father's keep, he knows that he won't be able to stay away from her. Rules get broken, betrothals too, and what follows is the consequences of those actions.

This was truly a fascinating read, I loved the mortal and immortal storyline, but it ended so abruptly because it's just part one in a story. I dislike huge cliffhangers like this one, and can't remember coming across one such as this in an anthology. That said, it's clever of the author because this story is so good, and so fascinating that you really have to look out for the next part to see what happens next!

The 9th and final book in the anthology is:
Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle

Felicity Beckett has had her heart broken in the past. She thought herself in love, and loved by a man who quickly dropped her when he became a Lord because she was beneath him and his status. Since then Felicity decided that she would never love again, and made herself a chaperone to her cousin Amy.

Amy has been invited to a two week house party and is very excited about the prospect of meeting Alex Evering, now known as Viscount Lindsay after inheriting the title when his brother unexpectedly passes away. Alex has a well earned reputation as a rogue, even penning a book with two of his friends called 'The Rogues' Rulebook', a book for young men looking for advice when ready to indulge in the ways of seduction etc. The last thing Felicity wants is for Amy to have anything to do with him, and she tells her that.

What she doesn't expect is to find herself strongly attracted to Alex, as he is to her. His aunt who is hosting the party and has invited every single eligible young woman for his choice of marriage partner, is horrified that he seems keen on a simple chaperone. She does everything in her power to keep them apart.

Can love win the day, can Alex convince Felicity to trust him despite his reputation, how can he manage to even find time alone with her when his aunt is doing all she can to thrust eligible young ladies at him at every opportunity. He doesn't want any of them, he only wants Felicity, and he has to get her to agree to marry him.

This is the perfect feel good story where you are rooting for the happy ending between Alex and Felicity. I was a delight to read, and made for the perfect ending to a perfect anthology.

All the books in this set were a joy to read, with most of them warranting a 5 star rating from me, and with just a couple earning a very respectable 4 stars. None of them were disappointing, and the different genres was a nice change from other anthologies I have read. In this one there is your lovely Regency romance, but you also have the magical story about the Fae, and of course the Viking mythology story as well. There is sweet romance, there is passionate romance, there is something for everybody to enjoy.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Janice Hougland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best anthologies I've had the privilege to read...all of the stories are A++++!
To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans
A hero’s (Henry) race to wed because needs must, a heroine’s (Amy) father forcing her to wed his choice of groom, a worship from afar by Amy for Henry, a scavenger hunt of sorts and misconceptions abound in this cute tale of a rather unusual courtship by Henry for Amy, who will marry only for love. A delicious romance!
A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn
A heroine (Jenny) is sent by her father to England to find a husband because she hadn’t found one she wanted to wed in America. She wants to marry for love and not for the groom’s love of her inheritance. The hero (Frank) is a second son dutifully bound to his father’s estate. Frank’s brother (the heir) and his wife decide that Frank is due for a holiday and invite him to London…scheming on the side for Frank to find a wife. The brothers’ father is a controlling despot who wants strict obedience from his children, even if it makes them unhappy. A complicated tale of finding true love and escaping from the clutches of a demon of a father and the heroine’s attempts to convince Frank she doesn’t care if he is a second son. A lively romance!
A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron
This short Regency novella is perfect for the busy reader who wants to read something from start to finish in a short amount of time. And…it has all the required elements for a completely wonderful historical romance: a heroine (Olivia) who feels she must honor her father’s wishes, a hero (Allen) who wants her to honor HIS wishes rather than her father’s, a long separation due to their differences, and a reunification that provides for their happy ever after! A truly sigh-worthy romance.
Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen
The hero (Jason) and the heroine (Kate) meet accidentally when Kate passes onto his land during a walk. Kate, who is preparing to go to London for her first season, likes what she sees in Jason but knows she must go through a season due to societal and familial pressures. But Kate is soon bored with London and when she accidentally overhears a treasonous plot she hies herself off for home to warn Jason. Despite everyone, including Jason, warning her to “stay out of it,” she continues to be an amateur sleuth and gets herself kidnapped in the process. But all comes right in the end and she and Jason DO get their happy ever after.
A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane
The heroine (Moriah) is an aristocratic heiress who must marry but wants to marry for love, not her fortune. The hero (non-aristocrat Nicholas) is sent by his employer in France, someone who desires Moriah for her fortune, to arrange for that marriage. But Moriah and Nicholas have a heartbreaking past and they must overcome the past’s stumbling blocks to pave the way to their own happy ever after…which is done admirably by Ms. Vane.
A Highwayman’s Honor by Michelle McLean
The hero (John) is involved in exacting retribution from certain coaches hiding the secret riches of wealthy aristocrats by being a highwayman while keeping it a secret as he also is a Lord who is a friend of the King and goes to court regularly. His secret double life is discovered by the heroine and thus begins a complicated and wonderful romance between the two. I was flicking the pages of this exciting romance very fast and stayed up much later than I usually do so I could finish it.
Lord Quickthorn’s Bargain by Barbara Monajem
Gwen has a bit of fairy magic in her and Rex is a temporary custodian of the fairy well where villagers go for boons and spells. Gwen goes to the well to request a boon to help her sister re-establish her relationship with her betrothed who hadn’t shown passion to her and thus she believes he doesn’t love her. However, the magical boon also establishes a passion between Rex and Gwen. The complicated plot and antics of the primary and secondary characters in this romp of a romance were handled well by this author all the way to the happy ever after for all parties.
Wanted By the Warrior by Violetta Rand
This short novella is only the first of two parts to this medieval romance. Sophia is a daughter of the king of the southlands and Victor is the son of a king of the mystic northlands and the southland and northland folk are enemies. When Victor saves Sophia from being accosted by ruffians as she slips out of the southlands for an “adventure” before being wed to a person of her father’s choosing, they are immediately drawn to each other as never before and thus begins the romantic tale of their secret and dangerous courtship. The author weaves the tale in such a way as to make a reader determined to get the second half of the story as soon as possible!
Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle
An untitled chaperone (Felicity) is with her young cousin at a house party in the country. She is convinced she is “on the shelf” permanently due to a romance that went badly years ago when her swain became an heir and decided to marry a titled lady instead of her. Lord Lindsay has just come into his inheritance because of his brother’s death and is now expected to cease his roguish ways, marry “well” and settle down on his estate. But when the two meet at the house party the sparks fly and there is no stopping the attraction despite conniving relatives. This was a lovely romance!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Challenge The Earl of Cravenswood/Bronwen Evans
This is Book #3 of the Wicked Wagers Triology therefore, in order to truly appreciate this book it is necessary to read the supporting volumes. That being said, I love what the storyline promises but I did get confused with the characters development.

A Promise of Love/Ella Quinn
People can and do fall in love at first sight and it's all the sweeter when both acknowledge it right away. But what about those pesky judgmental older folks so set in their ways? Jenny and Frank make a gallant escape to America before the past catches up. This is a a charming storyline that entertains and leaves you wanting more.

A Kiss For Miss Kingsley/Collette Cameron
This is a romance story and, happily, intrigue. Be careful of what you hear when hiding out in your hosts library.

Stirring Passions/Maggie Andersen
This story has a compelling storyline and is eloquently written. The characters are well developed and charming. The physical descriptions bring you into the story. There are a couple of twists like who will end up with whom, who is a spy, who is a traitor, but this book left me wanting more and I am glad to be introduced to an author that will deliver hours of entertainment.

A Pledge of Passion/Victoria Vane
Baroness and heiress Mariah and Nicholas sealed a vow with a kiss. Being a titled younger son he was deemed not proper for her so he walked away. Twelve years later he is negotiating her marriage contract...but a vow is a vow. This is well written and engaging. You can't go wrong.

A Highwayman's Honor/Michelle McLean
Who doesn't want to be taken by a tall, dark, sculptured highwayman. Lord John Ramsey, leader of the Highland Highwaymen, could no longer tolerate the peerage, under King Charles, pilfering their tenants to bare threads. He assumed a Robin Hood type roll to reclaim some of the monies taken from those who cannot afford to pay so he can donate it back. Her father deserved to be robbed of that which he took from his tenants. Elizabet, Lady Harding did not deserve to be shot by one of his men in the process. But she's up for the adventure, an what girl wouldn't. Always the man of integrity, John does all to keep her safe but does she want to return to her father? Love always shows the way.

Lord Quickthorn's Bargain/Barbara Monajem
This is a well written, engaging fantasy. It was fun as Rex Lord Quickthorn becomes custodian of the fairy well so his sister can take a well earned vacation. He has to hone up on his fairy powers and not a moment too soon because he needs to save his sister and he needs Gwen to do so. This is a great story. This is not my genre but I enjoyed this read and I want it as a series. Do not miss this story.

Wanted By The Warrior//Violetta Rand
Lady Sophie wants a real adventure, with real people that live outside the castle walls, before her betrothal is announced and she is once again a prisoner within the castle walls. There is a festival with the Northern's and Southerner's in the village and it is here Sophie meets her prince. This is a great, happy ever after story and I loved it.

Never Tempt A Rogue/Christy Carlyle
How I wish this was a full length novel. It is so refreshing to have a 'H' that knows what he wants and communicates his feelings directly. There is no playing games, except flirting, and no misinterpretation. This story involves struggle-between the classes-between insecurity and self. And our 'H' has talent, besides in the bed, that is endearing. Our 'h' is punishing herself for falling in love six years ago and trusting.This has left her assenting of a spinster future. Surprisingly, her insecurity is quelled by the knowledge that she was naive and he is still a despicable person. As with all of Carlyle's books, it is well written with some sentences that really stuck with me. She eloquently crafts plot lines and it leaves you wishing, as the pages turn, more of this treat will come to be savored. My imagination is already conjuring up what will be in the following volumes. This story is not done.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten stars? So far, two books read, and each merits 5 stars. As all the authors are excellent, I cannot wait to read all the other books!

A PLEDGE OF PASSION by Victoria Vane
Lady Mariah Morehaven never had a proper come out because her father fell ill, and she has been leading a lonely life since then. It all happened ten years before; she had fallen in love with Nicolas Needham, she was sure they were going to be married, but he old her it was over, and he broke her heart. Nicolas had, what he thought at his young age, reasonable reasons to give Mariah the cut. Mariah has to marry to secure her inheritance and her newly acquired title, and she has caught someone’s eye. Nicolas is now a secretary in the Foreign Service, he has been away a long time, and to his consternation, he will have to meet with Mariah to present another man’s marriage proposal!

A PLEDGE OF PASSION is another superb romance penned by the always fabulous Victoria. This rather long novella is filled with splendid characters: I loved Mariah, Nicolas is everything I like in a hero, and what to say about the eccentric and perfectly magnificent Lady Russell! I was completely engrossed in the characters’ lives right from the beginning. Ms. Vane fills in all the blanks as to what had happened ten years previous, and the story flows beautifully. The descriptions are so vivid, I felt as if I was attending the fête, the dialogues are simply delightful, the elegant prose flows easily, and there are several fabulous romantic twists to the story. What more could we ask for? Maybe Lord Rochford and Lady Cumberbatch?


A KISS FOR MISS KINGSLEY by Collette Cameron

Olivia Kingsley is back in London after spending three years in the Tropics, dragged away by her eccentric father. Just before learning she would have to leave England, Allen Wimpleton had asked her to marry him, and when told, he gives Olivia an ultimatum: they elope and get married, or else they’re done. Olivia leaves with her family, heartbroken because Allen would not wait the one year the trip was initially supposed to last. Having no reason to remain in the Caribbean, Olivia needs to see Allen at least once more, so she and her brother Bradford arrive at a haut Ton function uninvited, so Olivia can see Allen and maybe get to understand why he acted the way he did. But upon setting eyes on him, Olivia remembers why she had been so infatuated with Allen, and he with her, but how can the damage be undone?

Collette Cameron’s A KISS FOR MISS KINGSLEY is a wink of a story! For a short story, the characters are admirably well defined, and I was wishing to know more about Bradford, because he’s irresistible! The banter between Bradford and Olivia and Bradford’s Aunt Muriel is priceless; it felt so natural, while being playful and funny. The prose is refined, light and sparkling like the best champagne. The descriptions are wonderfully vivid and at times quite hilarious. A KISS FOR MISS KINGSLEY is utterly charming, perfectly romantic; it’s a story that will leave you feeling happy and content!


I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Diddly Do · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passionate Promises: Nine Promises to Stir Your Passion
TO CHALLENGE THE EARL OF CRAVENSWOOD-Bronwen Evans; Two friends challenge another to find a wife in six weeks on his own or he would offer and marry his neighbor Lady Amy Shipton. Bronwen never lets me down! Once again she kept my eyes stuck to the Kindle until I finished the book. Kudos Bronwen. Loved it 5 stars
A PROMISE OF LOVE-Ella Quinn; First book by this author, good read, good storyline about how American and London peoples mutual dislike for one another during 1818, however an American gal falls in love with a London gent. What happens next? Read the book to find out. 4 stars
A KISS FOR MISS KINGSLEY-Collette Cameron; God's toenails! After Allen Wimpleton gives Olivia an ultimatum she does what any good daughter does and loses the love of her life in doing so. Jump ahead three years and see what happens. 5 stars
STIRRING PASSION-Maggi Anderson; The new Lord Broughton is back and fixing up the family estate after a fire several years ago. Kate is walking home from Laurie's house and takes the shortcut through Lord Broughton's land and he catches her picking juicy blackberries along the river. Lord Broughton lets her know that she is never to step foot on his property again! What an engaging story, I couldn't put it down. Absolutely loved it! This is a new author to me but I look forward to reading more of her work. 5 stars
A PLEDGE OF PASSION-Victoria Vane; A secret love promise~will true love endure time? An intriguing read. I look forward to reading Marcus and Lydia's story A BREACH OF PROMISE. 4 stars
A HIGHWAYMAN'S HONOR-Michelle McLean; He did what he could to right some wrongs committed under Oliver Cromwell. He ends up taking care of his enemy's daughter. I loved this book and I know you will too! A new author to me but I will definitely be reading more of her work! 5 stars
LORD QUICKTHORN'S BARGAIN-Barbara Monajem; An enchanting tale of faeries and love. Will Gwen get the man she has dreamed about for years? Will her sister Melisande make up with her fiance' Charles? I'm not telling but the book will. 5 stars
WANTED BY THE WARRIOR-Violetta Rand; A story of humans and mythical creatures separated after a war never to see one another again. However once a year the mythical creatures found a way to sneak over to the humans. Oh my...Great book now I will have to buy the next one since this one is to be continued! 5 stars
NEVER TEMPT A ROGUE-Christy Carlyle; Wow-at a time when people from different social status's have an attraction for one another find that family interference can certainly get in the way. Love, love, loved this book! What a great book to end the EMBRACING ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY!! 5 stars

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing about buying a bundle like this, it will keep you entertained for hours and hours! I've read some of the authors, and others were new to me. I think that’s the best part of a bundle. You know you’ll enjoy some of the stories, AND you have the chance to sample other authors you haven’t read.

I hadn’t read any of Collette Cameron’s work (although I’ve promised myself I would), Michelle McLean, Violetta Rand, nor Christy Carlyle. So this was a really good bundle for me to read. Here are a few of my thoughts about several of the novellas.

A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron is a memorable read. I loved her writing style, and the descriptive thoughts of her characters.

Olivia, newly back to London from the topics, had a time of it readjusting to London, it’s dank, gloom and smell. She’d made a fool of herself years ago in London. She’d been fascinated by Allen Wimpleton. And now she was being pulled back into the ton. Her Aunt Muriel happened to be the helm of her ship. She had no choice, but to follow.

Chuckle-worth were the references to A Lady’s Guide to Proper Comportment.
Displaying envy or jealousy reflects poor breeding; therefore, a lady must exemplify graciousness at all times.
******
Victoria Vane’s A Pledge of Passion is full of wit with a titled heroine who has to marry, only to find the representative of her soon-to-be betrothed none other than the man who broke her heart. Worst stuff? He’s honorable, too. You’ll like this one.
******
I really enjoyed A Highwayman’s Honor by Michelle McLean. She’s a new-to-me author. I’ve always had a thing about pirates or highwaymen who are really honorable but in a dishonorable business.

John, known as Jack, can’t leave a young woman to die on a road out of London from a bullet wound. One of his men was responsible. Highway robbers had their values, too. This particular highway robber was well known. He was known as a gentlemen. The heroine is no wilting violet, you’ll discover. She’s also too good for her no-good father. Yes, I enjoyed this one very much.
******
I’m always quick to read one of Barbara Monajem’s stories, whether full-length novel or novella. Her stories very often involve a bit of magic or the paranormal. I find this keeps them very unique. In this bundle she authors, Lord Quickthorn’s Bargain.

Lord Quickthorn, Rex, is pretty much the rake, but he used to be a good boy and lived in a small village called Whiffle Force. His half-sister who runs this fairy land village, needs to spend some time away from the village and places Rex in charge. Rex, just coming from London, makes her a promise not to use any improper magic. Heck, he doubted he had any magic left in him. He hadn’t felt it for years. But true to his word, he didn’t use any improper magic, but a certain miss, Gwen Appleby, turns his head. Could he do the honorable thing? Gwen didn’t think so, for she knew his reputation. Yet, she sure would like to know what it feels like to kiss a man she’s attracted to. This was extremely funny, magical and a delight to read.
******
I particularly enjoyed To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans. Again, funny circumstances, witty characters and a most engaging read.
******
Christy Carlyle was a surprise to me. I hadn’t read any of her work. Never Tempt a Rogue was the last of the bundle, but again passionate. The dialog is most risqué for the times. It seems Lord Lindsay had written a book with two of his other friends, The Rogues’ Rulebook, which no one claims to have read, but any lady (older, no doubt), who could get a copy, did. While Lord Lindsay is defined by this book, a rogue he must be, Felicity Beckett, spent her days as a chaperone to her cousin, and tried to keep her mind centered on ‘proper’ thoughts. Throughout the novella, she trudged through Etiquette for Ladies.

"With overlong hair of burnished gold, sooty lashes over gray eyes, and lips that quirked in mockery often enough to rivet her gaze to their plush fullness, he was the essence of temptation."

How could any free woman resist the combination?

[L JONES · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasonable

Some of the stories were very good but some were irritating, particularly the first book which was simply spoilt by overly graphic and too often bedroom scenes. The two about magic, the first wasn't too bad the second was confusing and ended abruptly as did the final story.

[Louiseann Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Nine stories that were GREAT. On of which I already read and one I cannot find book two. But all the rest were GREAT!!!

[Carol Doucette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passionate promises: Nine Promises to stir Your

This is a good selection of historical romances that you'll love. There's also links to sequel s of the best books and links to the authors ,which makes it easy to find other books you'll like. Thank You Amazon.

[Patricia Schuette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passionate Premises

A very enjoyable group of stories by good authors. I intend to add these women to my list of favorites.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and entertaining

Every story worth the read. All different, all charming although I'd have liked an epilogue to tie up loose ends on the last one in the collection.

[Holly List · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ended too soon

Book was well written. Ended on a cliffhanger. If it had ended with a wedding, then it would have 4 stars. Hate stories where it end while getting good.

[Donna Foster]

A lot of good authors Regency and others

A lot of really good authors not long stories but it does take a long time to read because they're so many!