Review: The Highlander's Substitute Wife

Depending on what I think I'm in the mood to read, odds are more than favorable I'm going to find something that fits the bill in my TBR. I figured I was past due for another historical read, so I went diving into my obscene stash of Harlequin Historicals and just randomly picked a title.  My blind pick worked out fairly well, given that Terri Brisbin tends to be reliable and The Highlander's Substitute Wife is the first book in a multi-author trilogy.  This was a very solid read until it ran off the rails for me during the third act break-up.

After a surprise raid by the Campbell clan, Ross MacMillan is the new chieftain of the MacMillan clan after his childless uncle dies in battle. Besides his uncle's death, the costs were high and Ross knows the Campbells will be back. There's nothing for it, he and his two siblings need to marry (and fast!) to secure the necessary alliances to rebuild and protect their clan. Ross doesn't entirely trust the man but he goes to Iain MacDonnell and strikes an agreement to marry his eldest daughter.

Ross though, well he's a busy man rebuilding and reinforcing their holdings for the next, could happen at any moment, invasion.  So he sends a man in his place to wed Lilidh by proxy. One small fly in the ointment, it's not Lilidh hiding behind the veil, it's her younger sister Ilysa, the one with a whispered about deformity (a malformed arm) who has spent the last several years banished to a nunnery. 

Ilysa admits to the duplicity to Ross's man just as they're crossing into MacMillan territory, so this doesn't drag out for too long. Ross is decidedly not happy - mainly because he doesn't know what Ilysa's father is driving at by having him marry the other daughter.  But the fact remains he needs a MacDonnell bride and thus far her father seems to be keeping his promises with gold, supplies and fighting men.  It's just Ross is now waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

Ilysa loved the nunnery if only for the fact that she was away from her vile father and equally duplicitous sister. Why is Ilysa in a nunnery? Because of her sister. How does she end up married to Ross and not her sister?  You guessed it, her sister. Ilysa whose self-worth is nothing, blossoms with the MacMillan clan and naturally what we want to happen in a romance novel, happens.  These two fall in love.

A heroine with quiet strength but a mountain of insecurities and a smitten hero who helps to rebuild her confidence. So what's the problem? Nothing, until the third act break-up when our, up until that point, sensitive, understanding and competent hero turns stupid, believes lies when, quite frankly, he should know better and hangs our heroine out to dry. I just couldn't with this stupidity, especially when up to that point the hero doesn't display any of these tendencies to be, well, stupid. Picture me making a disgusted huffing noise when I got to this point in the book.

Of course the hero eventually realizes his error and is suitably contrite, but honestly I wanted him to have to crawl naked over over hot coals to earn the heroine's forgiveness, although honestly I'm not sure even that would have been enough for me.  The romance ends happily, although the overarching conflict of the villainous Campbell clan sticks around as fodder for the next two books in the trilogy.

So what are we left with? A really solid medieval romance until the third act break-up comes along to ruin everything. Could be I'm softening in my old age, but honestly this feels better than a C read to me, even with my problems with the last third of the story.  Brisbin has proven herself more than capable of writing good stories to this reader, albeit the execution of this one didn't entirely work for me.

Final Grade = B-

New Year, New Unusual Historicals for January 2023

Welcome to 2023, where the first month of the new year has zipped by in a flash and I'm struggling to find some blogging mojo - which to be fair has been a problem for a while. I can't really blame that on 2023. And while I'm officially one book behind in my GoodReads Challenge, I'm feeling OK about my reading at the moment even if I've only read one book that's knocked my socks off so far this month. I have been engaged and entertained though, so really what more could a girl ask for?  Well, how about new Unusual Historicals? The final months of 2022 were pretty slim on this front but there's several new January 2023 releases catching my eye...

An Alliance With His Enemy Princess by Lissa Morgan 

A royal decree

That will change their lives…

Norman knight Rolant Guyarde has come to conquer a Welsh fort, but when he meets its mistress, he realizes she’s the sword-wielding “soldier” he fought en route! Despite their being enemies, he finds himself intrigued by the brave, beautiful Princess Gwennan. When they’re forced into an uneasy alliance, Rolant helps her petition the king for her parents’ release from prison. But in exchange for their freedom, the king demands a price neither Rolant nor Gwennan expects!

If you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers you truly need to be reading medievals, because they're ripe for that trope.  Like her debut, which I read and enjoyed last year, Morgan sets her sophomore effort in Wales - which is not a terribly common setting in historical romance.  It also gives readers a fresh historical perspective to chew on outside of the England/Scotland settings that seem to proliferate in the sub genre.

The Lady Takes It All by Terri Brisbin (Kindle Unlimited)

When lies of the past are exposed, can love find the truth?

The Explorer – Joshua Robertson, a minor diplomat with distant noble connections, traveled the world in service to the Crown until he made his name with the amazing discovery of a buried Roman town in Northern Africa. However, rumors and innuendo threatened both his reputation and his work until he unexpectedly inherits a title and some lands from a distant relative. Now, protected by the title, no honorable man would raise the questions that plagued him from his past—questions about a partner who was cheated and never shared in the glory of the discoveries. Rumors of thievery and scandal and worse. Certainly, no man would, but a woman might. And does.

The Adversary -- Arabella MacGibbon spent her childhood watching her father’s decline and death because he was shamed and shunned as an impostor. Embittered and certain that the now-Lord cheated her father and contributed to his death, Arabella is determined to find proof of his perfidy and to reclaim her family’s honor. To do that, she must get close to the man and get access to his papers and records. Disguising her identity and being hired as his housekeeper may be the perfect opportunity to do it.

But what happens if the truth is inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst? Can her plan succeed if Arabella discovers there’s so much more to the man and the myth than she dreamt possible?

I think I've mentioned a time or two on this blog that I find Brisbin a very solid writer and I one-clicked this after I finished reading the blub. Yes, it's a Regency - but the hero is an explorer shrouded in scandal who hopes his new title will quiet the rumors and the heroine is the one out to avenge her father (so often it's the hero on these missions in historical romances...). Oh, and she's going to pose as a new housekeeper so she can snoop?  Can't wait to dive into this one...

Bianca and the Huntsman by Erica Ridley (Kindle Unlimited)

Enjoy a Regency-set reimagining of the classic tale of Snow White, featuring a strong, lovable heroine and a sexy, charming hero.

Lord Harry Lysander, an infamous rake known as The Huntsman, is desperately in need of money. He’ll do anything to save his earldom. Even accept a pile of gold in exchange for breaking the heart—and ruining the reputation—of the ton’s most terrifying dragon’s innocent stepdaughter. As long as the Huntsman doesn’t lose his own heart to her in the process…

The page count on Amazon lists this at category romance length (185 pages) and yes it's a Regency, but it's also a Snow White retelling - and quite frankly that's a fairy tale trope you don't see every day in the genre where Beauty & the Beast and Cinderella seem to reign supreme.

One Night With Her Viking Warrior by Sarah Rodi

Her forbidden love

Is back to claim her!

Once, Lady Rebekah shared a life-changing night with stable hand Rædan, but he disappeared the morning after. Now she’s consort to a cruel Saxon lord, and when Northmen lay siege to Ryestone Keep, Rebekah’s shocked to see Rædan leading the charge! This Viking warrior is not the man she remembers…and yet she finds herself drawn to him again. Taken as his hostage, Rebekah must decide—can she trust him with her life…and her dangerous secret? 

So here's a neat spin on a Viking romance - the heroine is hooked up with the dude of the Keep the hero is laying siege to...oh, and the hero and heroine share a past. Captive romances are always a tricky business for me, but that shared past is (more than likely) going to make the proceedings all the more palpable for me. Oh, and the fact that the Saxon Lord in question is "cruel" won't hurt matters either.

Her Lessons in Persuasion by Megan Frampton

To Lady Wilhelmina Bettesford, the “game” of finding a husband is a competitive sport she wants no part of…until her much-younger step mama forces her to play it. So when her stepmother asks sexy barrister Bram Townsend to pretend to woo the amateur astronomer to boost Wilhelmina’s popularity, it’s up to Wilhelmina to navigate a fake courtship that will keep the family from forcing her into a marriage—any marriage—before she finally receives the inheritance that will allow her to live as she wants.

The trouble is every time Bram takes her in his arms she has a most difficult time remembering theirs is an act…the make-believe passion feels very real indeed.

Bram Townsend is a man on the way up: living for his books and his beliefs. Squiring Lady Wilhelmina through London’s dusk-to-dawn social whirl is hardly an ordeal—she’s beautiful, bright, and bold, everything he finds tempting in a woman. Their deal means he can meet the “best” people while she keeps her family at bay. The challenge is he quickly finds himself wanting her to say “yes” when she’s so determined to say “no.” She persuaded him to make this impetuous bargain, but how can he convince her to make it real?

Amateur astronomer heroine? A barrister hero? And it's a Victorian! But my favorite part of this blurb has got to be the step-mother being the puppet master behind the fake relationship, a nice spin on the usual (where the hero and heroine cook up the idea on their own).  Oh, and it's the start of a new series.

(Note: I've known Megan for years and have a prior working relationship with her through the (sadly) defunct web site Heroes & Heartbreakers)

Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham (Reprint)

Genevieve de Renalt will do anything to escape her betrothed—even if it means trusting her enemy.

Irish warrior Bevan MacEgan cannot leave a lady in danger, but keeping her safe means endangering his own family. The king orders him to wed Genevieve to avoid bloodshed, but Bevan has sworn never to love again.

He keeps Genevieve at a distance but, as she begins to melt his heart, a shocking secret forces Bevan to make a terrible choice—one that could mean losing her forever.

Originally published by Harlequin Historical in 2007 (same title), Willingham continues her self-published reprint run of the MacEgan Brothers series with this, the third book. I seem to have completely hop-scotched around this series, having books 2-4 languishing in my TBR. Maybe I need to see if any of them meet this year's TBR Challenge themes?

Whew! A lot that caught my eye this month. In fact, at the time of this posting I've already started reading the Ridley.  What Unusual Historicals have caught your eye this month?

Unusual Historicals Spotlight September 2022: Small, But Mighty

Publishing, she's a fickle mistress. Some months are a bonanza for unusual historicals, see August 2022 which had 7 titles (7!) that caught my eye.  September 2022? Just three. At least the lighter months slow down the exponential growth of Ye Olde TBR - that's something right? 

Her Highlanders for One Night by Terri Brisbin 

Claiming the warrior 

For one night of pleasure! 

When Glynnis had to make a noble marriage, Iain Mackenzie Cameron’s illegitimacy stood in the way. She married another—but now she’s returned to the clan a widow, and Iain is an assured warrior, the chieftain’s heir. Glynnis would make him a more than suitable bride—except for her inability to produce heirs. Iain must marry elsewhere…but only after she claims one precious impassioned night with him!

 

This book immediately jumped up several spots in my TBR queue after finishing the previous book in the series, The Highlander's Inconvenient Bride, just last week. Glynnis was featured prominently in that story, assigned to the heroine betrothed to the future laird to help get her settled in, make her feel at home etc. Glynnis was not an evil other woman in that book but she was seen as something of a paragon, the type of heroine raised from the cradle to make the ideal nobleman's wife. And wouldn't you know it? She's in love with the guy born on the wrong side of the blanket. I'm expecting a lot of pining and angst and OMG CANNOT WAIT!

Secrets of Her Forbidden Knight by Ella Matthews 

She’s rescued a knight 

Now she needs the favor returned… 

When widowed Lady Johanne happens upon an injured knight, she sees an opportunity to form an alliance and protect her home, Castle Brae, from her enemies. The betrothal she proposes might be merely for appearances, but the very real attraction between her and Sir Alewyn thrills and disturbs her. For it’s clear he’s hiding something… 

Can she trust him with so much at stake?

Nothing gets me from the jump quite like a resourceful historical romance heroine. The kind of gal who is very much aware of how the world operates around her and finds a way to circumvent those challenges.  In other words, I like sneaky, resourceful heroines. And Lady Johanne here sounds right up my alley. There are enemies. Her home is threatened. So naturally when she stumbles across an injured knight she sees a potential solution to her problems.  This is the third book in The King's Knights series.

Countess of Scandal by Amanda McCabe (Reprint)

As children, Eliza Blacknall and William Denton ran wild over the fields of southern Ireland and swore they would be friends forever. Then fate took Will away to England, while Eliza stayed behind to become a proper Irish countess. 

Years later, Will finally makes his way home-as an English soldier sent to crush the Irish uprising. When he spies the lovely Eliza, he is captivated by the passionate woman she has become. But Eliza's passions have led her to join the Irish rebel cause, and Will and Eliza now find themselves on opposite sides of a dangerous conflict. 

When Ireland explodes in bloody rebellion, Will's regiment is ordered to the front lines, and he is forced to choose between his duty to the English king and his love for Eliza and their Irish homeland.

This former RITA finalist was originally published by Hachette in 2010 under McCabe's Laurel McKee pseudonym and is the first book in her Daughters of Erin series. Set in Ireland in the late 18th century, y'all need to ignore the fact that Amazon has this currently listed under subject headings for Victorian and Regency (Go home Amazon, you're drunk. Also time periods and eras should actually mean something...) Ahem, anyway. An Irish hero who leaves behind a childhood sweetheart and comes home to quash a rebellion in the name of the enemy while the heroine is on the other side of the fence. My own personal catalog (yes, I'm a nerd) tells me I have a print copy of this buried somewhere in the TBR Mountain Range of Doom. It's probably past time for me to unearth it.

What Unusual Historicals are you looking forward to this month?

Review: The Highlander's Inconvenient Bride

Sometimes the right book finds you at the right time, although in the case of The Highlander's Inconvenient Bride by Terri Brisbin, I think it was a matter of the right author finding me at the right time. That moment in time when you pick up a book, read the first chapter and realize that everything will be alright, you're in the hands of a pro. I inhaled this book.

When Robbie Cameron was a lad he was fostered by the MacLerie clan.  The younger daughter, Sheena, was a pest. Always underfoot, always trying to tag along with Robbie and her brother Aidan. One day Robbie has enough, lashes back in a typical young boy way and it ultimately leads to him being shamed and punished (a whipping...) by Sheena's father. This leads to hard feelings, avoidance and a simmering animosity between Sheena and Robbie that festers on until Robbie is eventually called home to his own clan.

In the years that follow, Robbie's fortunes change. He was the eldest son of a second son but circumstances soon find his father becoming laird, which means Robbie is now next in line. This is the 14th century Scottish highlands, alliances are everything, and a marriage between the MacLerie and Cameron clans is advantageous.  Yep, you guessed it - Sheena and Robbie are betrothed and neither of them is terribly happy about it.

Things get off on the wrong foot rather quickly, what with old grudges being hard to dismiss, especially grudges born out of a childhood hurt.  In Robbie's mind, Sheena is selfish and impetuous.  She only cares for herself and will make a terrible laird's wife.  To her mind, Sheena feels guilty over the childhood incident and a mess of other things - oh, like she's a constant disappointment to her father and mother who cast long, long shadows. She knows she'd make a terrible laird's wife thanks to a Big Secret that she is desperately trying to hide.  She was an outsider in her own clan and family and now here she is in unknown territory.  It's a disaster in the making.  

This book is spin-off of two series, A Highland Feuding and The MacLerie Clan, both of which are lengthy series. Honestly this could have been a disaster. The author has to engage new readers but satisfy fans who want to catch glimpses of past characters and Brisbin does an excellent job of this. The world-building is great, the secondary characters interesting, and for the first several early chapters they keep the reader engaged until Robbie and Sheena "get over" that past childhood incident.  I want to go back and READ. ALL. THE BOOKS! which is honestly the whole point of writing series.  You want the reader to be engaged and pick up the other books regardless of which book they start with.

The nature of Sheena's Big Secret is compelling and relatable. To give more away borders on spoiler territory, but I will disclose they are issues that many people in modern times struggle with and in a less enlightened medieval age probably would have had her burned at the stake as a witch or tortured by the Church for being possessed by the devil.  The fear in Sheena's life, the shame, the disappointment is a tangible, living, breathing thing.  It makes for engrossing conflict. (If you need spoilers: Sheena suffers from dyslexia and panic attacks)

For his part, Robbie is a dynamite hero. This is a guy who realizes through the course of the story how badly he has misjudged Sheena. How he truly never knew her at all.  Then, as he falls in love with her, he turns into the very best sort of romantic hero - the guy who will give up everything, do anything, to see her safe, loved, and protected.

I started this book before bedtime and finally forced myself to go to sleep at 1AM at the 75% mark. I woke up in the morning and my first order of business after caffeine (priorities, I haz them) was finishing this story.  I really, truly enjoyed it.  I've always liked Brisbin's stories but hot damn, why am I not reading her books like all the time?!

Final Grade = B+

Be Mine: Unusual Historicals Landing in February 2022

We're in the final days of February and I already feel like 2022 is going for some sort of land speed record. The best thing about February besides it being the shortest month on the calendar is it's a half-priced candy month! Because I'm all about the candy.  I'm also all about unusual historicals and there's some interesting choices this month to browse while snarfing down another chocolate heart.

 

The Lady Tempts an Heir by Harper St. George

Tall, dark, and brooding—to say that American Maxwell Crenshaw stood out in the glittering ballrooms of London is an understatement. He vowed never to set foot in England again, but when a summons from his father along with an ultimatum to secure his legacy has him crossing the Atlantic for the last time, reuniting him with the delectable Lady Helena March, he can’t deny the temptation she presents. Or the ideas she inspires… 

Lady Helena March is flirting with scandal. Instead of spending her time at teas and balls in search of another husband, as is expected of a young widow, Helena pours her energy into The London Home for Young Women. But Society gives no quarter to unmarried radicals who associate with illegitimate children and fallen women, and Helena’s funding is almost run out. So when the sinfully seductive Crenshaw heir suggests a fake engagement to save them both—him from an unwanted marriage and her from scorn and financial ruin—Helena finds herself too fascinated to refuse the sexy American. 

As their arrangement of convenience melts oh so deliciously into nights of passion, their deception starts to become real. But if Max knew the true reason Helena can never remarry, he wouldn’t look at her with such heat in his eyes. Or might the Crenshaw heir be willing to do whatever it takes to win the one woman he’s never been able to forget…

A heroine flirting with ruin and a hero looking to escape the trap of an unwanted marriage enter into a fake engagement of convenience (I mean, is there any other kind?). The third book in St. George's Gilded Age Heiresses series also tosses a Big Secret into the mix - because what would a fake engagement be without one?

Perfect Equation by Elizabeth Everett

Six years ago, Miss Letitia Fenley made a mistake, and she’s lived with the consequences ever since. Readying herself to compete for the prestigious Rosewood Prize for Mathematics, she is suddenly asked to take on another responsibility—managing Athena’s Retreat, a secret haven for England’s women scientists. Having spent the last six years on her own, Letty doesn’t want the offers of friendship from other club members and certainly doesn’t need any help from the insufferably attractive Lord Greycliff. 

Lord William Hughes, the Viscount Greycliff cannot afford to make any mistakes. His lifelong dream of becoming the director of a powerful clandestine agency is within his grasp. Tasked with helping Letty safeguard Athena’s Retreat, Grey is positive that he can control the antics of the various scientists as well as manage the tiny mathematician—despite their historic animosity and simmering tension. 

As Grey and Letty are forced to work together, their mutual dislike turns to admiration and eventually to something...magnetic. When faced with the possibility that Athena’s Retreat will close forever, they must make a choice. Will Grey turn down a chance to change history, or can Letty get to the root of the problem and prove that love is the ultimate answer?

I'll be honest, I've seen a ton of reviews for this book floating around the blogs already but my eyes tend to skip right over illustrated covers (yes, I'm aware I shouldn't do this and yes, I'm aware I shouldn't judge books by their covers, but y'all illustrated covers annoy me that much). Anyway, this is a Regency but THE HEROINE IS A MATHEMATICIAN!  Plus she sounds like a bit of a loner and apparently (according to reviews) the hero is wound a little tight. Sounds like a perfect match to me!

A Valentine to Die For by Aver Rigsly (ETA 4/21/24 - no longer for sale via Amazon)

Having a secret admirer can be deadly. 

Ricky Morris, private investigator on New York's elite Upper East Side, has forged a shady yet profitable life as a gumshoe for wealthy Manhattanites after burning the bridge to his law enforcement past. When women in the city are targeted by a sweet-toothed murderer in the week leading up to Valentine's Day, the last thing Ricky expects is to be hired by the younger brother of the man who ruined his life. 

Timothy Ward, young, fresh patrolman for the N.Y.P.D. who never thought he'd have to step outside the law, finds himself in desperate need of Ricky's help when he fears his brother, James Ward, the Deputy Chief, could be behind the murdering spree. 

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, both men will have to work in the shadows, putting their careers and lives on the line to get to the bottom of the murderer's sickly sweet and cruel plans. That is, if the burning heat of the undeniable—and very forbidden—lust between them doesn't consume them in the flames of reckless desire first...

I had no clue about this book until I ran across an blog tour excerpt over at Smexy Books and between the words "noir" and "New York City" it was a given I was at least going to stop and take a look.  I'm past due for a romantic suspense read that I can really sink my teeth into - one click!

The Highlander's Substitute Wife by Terri Brisbin 

She's the best wife... 

...he never wanted! 

Ross MacMillan lifts his bride's veil...and discovers it's not the woman he'd agreed to marry but her beautiful younger sister, Ilysa MacDonnell! The new MacMillan chieftain must accept Ilysa as his wife, for retaining his clan's lands depends on her father's support. But why is she there? Are her aims to help him or her father? Drawing out Ilysa's secrets will kindle an alliance more powerful—and passionate!—than Ross ever imagined...

Brisbin is a solid writer and Harlequin has tapped her to kick off their new multi-author Highland Alliances series - which centers around the Macmillan clan and what else? Arranged marriages. Hence "Highland Alliances."  Anyway, I'm a sucker for the "Hey, you're not the woman I was supposed to marry" trope, plus it sounds like the heroine is hiding secrets. I can't refuse that.

What Unusual Historicals are you looking forward to reading?

Just Keep Swimming: Unusual Historicals for August 2021

The hope back in January was that 2021 certainly had to be an improvement over 2020 and yeah, here we are. I think so many of us are feeling like we're barely keeping our heads above water (just keep swimming...) while everything around us is on fire - literally and figuratively.  It's just...a lot. I'm tired. You're tired. We're all tired. I don't have any sage advice other than platitudes, but one thing I do know is that you have to find your happiness where you can. And for me that's books. Even if I did find myself mired in a slump recently.  So let's try to find a moment of joy by browsing through some unusual historicals debuting in August that caught my eye.

Hitched to the Gunslinger by Michelle McLean

Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast. 

Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping. 

When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement. 

His optimism lasts about a minute and a half. 

Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible. 

But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. 

If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself. 

There goes his peace and quiet...

If you want more of "something" in Romancelandia you need to take a few fliers. I love historical westerns, which means I try to buy, read and support that particular sub genre.  McLean's latest being a western is enough for me, although I will admit that from the back cover blurb this sounds like it might be a Funny Ha Ha Historical Western - and admittedly those aren't my favorite. But I want westerns and here we are. Plus I'm here for the retiring gunslinger who gets more than he bargained for trope.

The Highlander's Inconvenient Bride by Terri Brisbin

Betrothed by duty 

To his enemy! 

To strengthen an alliance between their clans, future chieftain of the mighty Cameron Clan, Robbie Cameron, must marry Sheena MacLerie. Only, she is the last person he would have picked after her betrayal years ago. Now she is as infuriatingly elusive as ever—and, worse, seems intent on breaking their betrothal! Just what is his inconvenient bride hiding? Uncovering her secrets means earning her trust…but that also ignites a simmering passion!

Brisbin is a good, solid writer and a new medieval from her is always worth a look.  A hero who must marry a heroine who done him wrong and a heroine with a Big Secret.  Perfect fodder for a medieval!

The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall by Lotte R. James 

She arrived as a housekeeper 

Will she leave as a countess? 

To some, Thornhallow Hall might be tarnished by tales of vengeance and ghosts, but to new housekeeper Rebecca Merrickson it represents independence and peace from her tumultuous past. Until the estate’s owner, William Reid, the disappeared earl, unexpectedly returns… After clashing with him over the changes she’s made to the house, Rebecca slowly unearths the memories that haunt brooding Liam—and her defiance gives way to a shockingly improper attraction to her master!

James has self-published, but this is her debut for Harlequin Historical and I am ALL over this one. A housekeeper heroine, a long-lost earl returned home, and a rundown manor. Gothic ahoy!

The Sign of the Raven by L.C. Sharp

From glittering ballrooms to London’s dark underbelly, Ash & Juliana are back on the hunt for a murderer in the second installment of this thrilling historical mystery series from L.C. Sharp. 

The London ton protect their own. Even when it comes to murder. 

“There’s been an incident.” 

In the finer circles of 1749 London, incident is apparently the polite way to describe discovering a body with a gruesome wound and no sign of the killer. But for newlyweds Lady Juliana and Sir Edmund “Ash” Ashendon, it’s a chance to track down the culprit and right a wrong—something they are both intimately familiar with. 

Indeed, it is the only thing they are intimately familiar with. For the moment. 

Though their marriage may be one of convenience, there’s nothing convenient about learning the victim has ties to a name from their past: the dreaded Raven. And the Raven isn’t the only danger they face. The aristocracy protects its own, and in London’s darkest corners, no one wants to be unmasked. 

With Juliana’s life on the line, time is running out for Ash to find the killer before their marriage comes to an inconveniently bloody end.

Technically speaking, Carina is marketing this series as a historical mystery and this is the second book featuring the couple.  However, it definitely smells as if it has romance notes to it, and it could be a good fit for historical romance fans.  Also, it's set in the Georgian period, which is never terribly thick on the ground. Book one was featured May 2021 Unusual Historical post. 

The Breath Between Waves by Charlotte Anne Hamilton

Penelope Fletcher gave up everything to board the RMS Titanic. 

Forced to travel to America for her father's new job, Penelope left her home in Scotland, her beloved grandmother, and even her girlfriend, who promptly got engaged to someone else. Heartbroken, Penelope isn't looking forward to the weeklong journey. Or that her parents want her to find a husband in America. To make matters worse, she also has to share a cabin with a complete stranger. 

Ruby Cole, her spunky Irish roommate, is unlike anyone Penelope ever met. They become fast friends as they bond over crushing family expectations and sneaking into lush parties together. That Ruby likes women, too, comes as a surprise to Penelope, but she knows their affair can only be temporary. Because as soon as the Titanic arrives in New York, Penelope will have to marry someone of her father’s choosing. 

Before long, though, they’ll both have to decide what–and who–is really worth fighting for.

A debut from a Scottish author courtesy of Entangled, an F/F historical romance set aboard the Titanic. I'm curious how our heroine (who sounds like she's of a certain station...) finds herself saddled with a "spunky Irish roommate" - which means I'm going to have to read the book, right?  And in other good news, according to the author's web site she has a F/F 1920s historical in the pipeline for October 2021.

What unusual historicals are you looking forward to?

Thankful for Unusual Historicals: November 2020 Highlights

I’m not sure how November can feel like the fastest and slowest months at the same time, but it’s 2020 and I’ve given up trying to explain anything anymore. At this point it’s a minor miracle I’m not in a bunker surrounded by books and booze. The holidays are here, COVID cases are rising, and I don’t know a single person who isn’t tired down to their bones. My advice? Snatch your moments of joy where you can, make new traditions, be kind to yourself and others. What better way to take my own advice than to gaze upon some shiny new unusual historicals that debuted this month.... 

Confessions in B-Flat by Donna Hill 

The year is 1963. In Harlem, the epicenter of Black culture, the fight for equality has never been stronger. The time is now. Enough is enough. Yet even within its ranks, a different kind of battle rages. Love thy neighbor? Or rise up against your oppressors? 

Jason Tanner has just arrived in New York to help spread the message of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., of passive resistance, while beat poet Anita Hopkins believes the teachings of Malcolm X with all her heart: that the way to true freedom is “by any means necessary.” When Jason sees Anita perform her poetry at the iconic B-Flat lounge, he’s transfixed. And Anita has never met anyone who can match her wit for wit like this… 

One movement, two warring ideologies—can love be enough to unite them? 

So there will be some folks who think that a book set in 1963 shouldn’t be classified as “historical” and I’m going to tell those folks that they are wrong. Set nearly 60 years from the time it was published? Historical, y’all. Hill has a long romance pedigree, and I like that she’ll be addressing the different ideologies that sprung out of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Also, and this cannot be overstated - the heroine is a beat poet!!! 

Tempted by Her Viking Enemy by Terri Brisbin 

“What do I get if I help you?” 

“Whatever I have to give…” 

The only person who can help Katla flee a violent marriage is the Viking in her father’s dungeon, the strong and honorable Brandt Sigurdsson. Except Brandt is hungry to see justice done for his family’s destruction, the final vengeance on behalf of all the sons of Sigurd. Is there any persuasion she can offer that will free them both to live—and love—together? 

This is the fifth and final book in the Sons of Sigurd series and we’ve come to Brandt’s book. Brandt would be the brother whose wife and unborn child were murdered on their wedding day. Oh, not to mention that his father was also killed that day. So there’s been plenty of angsty build-up leading to this final installment. 

The Secret Agent by Elisabeth Hobbes 

My name is Sylvie Duchene and I am a dancer. There is no network. I am just a dancer. I know nothing. Please…I swear it… 

An unknown location, occupied France, 1944 

Dropping silently behind enemy lines, Sylvia Crichton, codename Monique, is determined to fight for the country of her birth and save it from its Nazi stranglehold. 

As one of the dancers at the nightclub Mirabelle, Sylvie’s mission is to entertain the club’s German clientele and learn their secrets. In a world of deception and lies, she can trust no one. Not even Mirabelle’s enigmatic piano player Felix… a part of the resistance or a collaborator? 

But despite her SOE training, nothing can prepare Sylvie for the horrors she is about to face – or the pain of losing those she grows closer to undercover… 

I’m not sure how I didn’t know about this book’s existence before now - but here we are. Hobbes has written some very enjoyable books for Harlequin Historical and I am here for anything French Resistance. 

The Captain’s Midwinter Bride by Liana De La Rosa (novella) 

Life at sea sharpened Captain Phillip Dalton into a shrewd and strategic military man...yet none of those skills prepared him for the intricacies of planning his daughter’s upcoming Christmas wedding. His family, most especially his wife, are all but strangers to him thanks to his service to the Crown. But if Phillip finds himself bewitched by his practical, charming, and guileless wife, he does his best to hide his struggles. 

Annalise Dalton raised two children and built a comfortable life for herself while her husband of convenience provided for them from afar. But now Phillip's home to stay, and she finds it impossible to ignore his gruff manner, brilliant blue eyes, or the gentle way he looks after her needs. And if Annalise is unnerved by the budding feelings her husband inspires in her, she does her best to hide how they unsettle her. 

When past secrets and misunderstandings threaten the tenuous steps they've taken to create a real and loving marriage, can Phillip and Annalise overcome the years they spent apart to forge a happy future together, and for every Christmas to come? 

I don’t know about y’all, but my struggles this year with lack of concentration hit epic status in November. Thank heaven for novellas, and lookie here - a Christmas novella! Featuring a sea captain hero and maybe not a hardcore marriage in trouble trope - but at the very least a falling in love after a marriage of convenience trope. Either way, gimme, gimme, gimme! 

Under the Warrior’s Protection by Ella Matthews 

Letting down her guard 

Might save her life… 

With their family name in tatters, Katherine Leofric and her sister are headed for a new life at their brother’s estate. They are escorted by the hardened Jarin, Earl of Borwyn, who Katherine believes is only after her dowry! Until her sister is abducted on the treacherous journey, and Katherine must rely on Jarin’s protection. Now, seeing a different side to the man she swore to hate, it’s her heart that’s most at risk! 

This is Matthews second book for Harlequin Historical and the Leofric brother was the hero in her first book, The Warrior Knight and the Widow. A medieval featuring “tattered” nobility and an enemy-to-lovers trope is Wendy catnip. 

What Unusual Historicals are you looking forward to reading?

Unusual Historicals Top Picks for June 2020

After a strange, upended spring, we now find ourselves in a strange, upended summer with most of us wondering what the heck autumn will bring. How much is my budget going to tank at the library? Will the kids be back in a traditional classroom setting come September? When might life feel normal enough to take a couple of vacation days again? Uncertain times call for snatching moments of joy when you can - and I think I speak for most of Romancelandia when I say books are a great way to find some joy. Here are some unusual historicals releasing in June that caught my eye:

A Duke, the Lady and a Baby by Vanessa Riley

Created by a shrewd countess, The Widow’s Grace is a secret society with a mission: to help ill-treated widows regain their status, their families, and even find true love again—or perhaps for the very first time . . .  

When headstrong West Indian heiress Patience Jordan questioned her English husband's mysterious suicide, she lost everything: her newborn son, Lionel, her fortune—and her freedom. Falsely imprisoned, she risks her life to be near her child—until The Widow's Grace gets her hired as her own son’s nanny. But working for his unsuspecting new guardian, Busick Strathmore, Duke of Repington, has perils of its own. Especially when Patience discovers his military strictness belies an ex-rake of unswerving honor—and unexpected passion . . .  

A wounded military hero, Busick is determined to resolve his dead cousin’s dangerous financial dealings for Lionel’s sake. But his investigation is a minor skirmish compared to dealing with the forthright, courageous, and alluring Patience. Somehow, she's breaking his rules, and sweeping past his defenses. Soon, between formidable enemies and obstacles, they form a fragile trust—but will it be enough to save the future they long to dare together? 

 Riley’s latest kicks off a series about a secret society that comes to the aid of mistreated widows and features a done-wrong heroine who loses everything when she dares to question the circumstances of her husband’s death. A mystery, a headstrong heroine, and a wounded hero. Sign me up!

Her Lady’s Honor by Renee Dahlia

The war might be over, but the battle for love has just begun.  

When Lady Eleanor “Nell” St. George arrives in Wales after serving as a veterinarian in the Great War, she doesn’t come alone. With her is her former captain’s beloved warhorse, which she promised to return to him—and a series of recurring nightmares that torment both her heart and her soul. She wants only to complete her task, then find refuge with her family, but when Nell meets the captain’s eldest daughter, all that changes.  

Beatrice Hughes is resigned to life as the dutiful daughter. Her mother grieves for the sons she lost to war; the care of the household and remaining siblings falls to Beatrice, and she manages it with a practical efficiency. But when a beautiful stranger shows up with her father’s horse, practicality is the last thing on her mind. Despite the differences in their social standing, Beatrice and Nell give in to their unlikely attraction, finding love where they least expect it. But not everything in the captain’s house is as it seems.  

When Beatrice’s mother disappears under mysterious circumstances, Nell must overcome her preconceptions to help Beatrice, however she’s able. Together they must find out what really happened that stormy night in the village, before everything Beatrice loves is lost—including Nell. 

It’s addressed a bit with a throwaway line in the blurb, but having finished this book very recently what struck me most about it was how much the author addresses class issues as part of the romantic conflict. Nell is a Lady and Beatrice is a woman with no life of her own, trapped by the circumstances of her birth. If the thought of reading another Duke fall in love with a chambermaid without a wisp of consequences has given you a case of the permanent eye-rolls, consider this book your antidote.

Captured By Her Enemy Knight by Nicole Locke

Captured by her enemy…  

Falling for the man  

Cressida Howe, the Archer, is a well-tuned weapon. But she’s also a woman captivated by a man—Eldric of Hawskmoor, the warrior knight her father ordered her to kill. Instead, for years, Cressida has simply watched him… 

Now she’s been captured by her formidable enemy, and her well-ordered world comes crashing down, for Eldric is even more compelling up close. Cressida curses her traitorous heart—this assassin has fallen for her target! 

This book has rolled around in Wendy Catnip. Questions of loyalty, a warrior heroine, and a mysterious knight that her father wants dead for some reason. Get in my eyeballs now.

Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian

Will Sedgwick can’t believe that after months of searching for his oldest friend, Martin Easterbrook is found hiding in an attic like a gothic nightmare. Intent on nursing Martin back to health, Will kindly kidnaps him and takes him to the countryside to recover, well away from the world.  

Martin doesn’t much care where he is or even how he got there. He’s much more concerned that the man he’s loved his entire life is currently waiting on him hand and foot, feeding him soup and making him tea. Martin knows he’s a lost cause, one he doesn’t want Will to waste his life on.  

As a lifetime of love transforms into a tender passion both men always desired but neither expected, can they envision a life free from the restrictions of the past, a life with each other? 

The next book in Sebastian’s Sedgwick’s series gives readers a fairy tale spin - although it’s a prince locked away in a tower (or attic, whatever) opposed to a princess. Library Journal gave it a starred review and called it a “life-affirming final act to the trilogy”

An Outlaw’s Honor by Terri Brisbin

When the only man she can trust is known for his dishonorable past, what could go wrong?

A Dishonorable Man
Thomas Brisbois of Kelso has only one goal when he arrives at the tournament--to defeat the only knight who ever bested him in battle. If he succeeds, the Scottish king will return to him his lands, his honor and his life. He has little interest in other prizes, and even less when he learns that the lord for whom his rival fights has included a daughter among the spoils at stake in their contest-- a lovely daughter with no desire to play the pawn, or to see her father's champion win. She is a distraction, all the more after she explains her own ideas about which knight shall have her, and how and when.  

A Desperate Woman
Annora may be a pawn in her father’s plans but she has no intention of letting that happen without a fight of her own. When she sees the frank desire in Thomas’ gaze for her, she makes her own offer—she’ll help him win if he’ll let her go. . . after he beds her. Her plans go awry when she discovers the truth of the man beneath the armor. The man who had lost everything and struggles to regain his life.  

Brisbin is a seasoned pro in medieval historical romance, so I always know I’ll be in good hands when I pick up one of her stories. Part of a multi-author series centered around a tournament, I love historical heroines who find themselves as pawns of men’s machinations but scheme to throw a wrench in the works. Naturally, in romance, schemes never seem to go according to plan.

What Unusual Historicals are you looking forward to reading?

Top 5 Unusual Historicals for November 2018

I love the ease of digital reading and online shopping, but when it comes to browsing I still struggle with missing the experience that brick and mortar retailers provide. Case in point, looking for historical romances published in November 2018 on The ‘Zon netted me a bunch of books with half naked women on the covers with “Daddy” in the title. Um, not what I’m looking for - thanks for that Amazon. Anyway, in between the combination of averting and rolling my eyes, I did uncover some intriguing sounding historicals - none of which had “Daddy” in the title.

Unmask Me If You Can by Shana Galen

This masked lord…

Lord Jasper, younger son of a marquess, suffered horrible burns fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. He wears a mask to hide his face from the stares and screams and finds comfort in the shadows. Jasper is an exceptional bounty hunter, so when a woman summons him to her deathbed and asks him to find her runaway daughter before she passes away, he doesn't refuse. Jasper is close to his quarry when he's knifed by an assailant. Imagine his surprise when he regains consciousness in the arms of the woman he seeks. Except she's not at all what he expected.

Is not the only one with scars.

On a remote cliff on the sea, Olivia Carlisle calls her five-year-old son in from an approaching storm. But the little boy is more interested in the man he's found on the trail to their hidden cottage. Olivia fears men and wants nothing more than to leave the injured man where she found him. But his knife wound is severe, and with the approaching storm, she knows leaving him will condemn him to death. As Jasper begins to heal, Olivia acknowledges her attraction to him, even though such emotions terrify her almost as much as returning to London. Jasper must convince her that her only chance at safety is to challenge the man who pursues her. They must travel into the lion's den—he to face his vulnerability and she to face her worst fears.

The fourth book in The Survivor’s series, this one has major Wendy Catnip: Beauty and the Beast and a heroine with a Big Secret who nurses the hero back to health. Reviews I’ve seen indicate that while past characters do show up, this book stands alone but noted that the heroine is a rape survivor. No indication on if that is graphically depicted, but a trigger warning all the same.

A Texas Christmas Reunion by Carol Arens

The neighborhood bad boy…

Is he back for good?

Widow Juliette Lindor believes in Christmas miracles. For the sake of her small children, she hopes there’s one that will restore her town to its former glory.

But when Trea Culverson returns, he brings all the passion she thought she’d never have again.

With the town firmly set against him, can she show them and Trea that trust and love are just as powerful as any Christmas gift?

I am a sucker for a Christmas-set redemption themed romances and a prodigal son with a bad boy reputation he has to live down is a personal favorite. This sounds like just the sort of romance I like curl up with on Christmas Eve.

Cadenza by Stella Riley

The performance finished in a flourish of technical brilliance and the young man rose from the harpsichord to a storm of applause.

Julian Langham was poised on the brink of a dazzling career when the lawyers lured him into making a catastrophic mistake. Now, instead of the concert platform, he has a title he doesn’t want, an estate verging on bankruptcy … and bewildering responsibilities for which he is totally unfitted.

And yet the wreckage of Julian’s life is not a completely ill wind. For Tom, Rob and Ellie it brings something that is almost a miracle … if they dare believe in it.

Meanwhile, first-cousins Arabella Brandon and Elizabeth Marsden embark on a daring escapade which will provide each of them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The adventure will last only a few weeks, after which everything will be the way it was before. Or so they think. What neither of them expects is for it to change a number of lives … most notably, their own.

And there is an additional complication of which they are wholly unaware. The famed omniscience of the Duke of Rockliffe.

The Regency has such a stranglehold on the genre that what inevitably happens to fans of either Georgian-set or Victorian-set romances is that we often get Faux Regency instead. This description for Riley’s sixth book in her Rockliffe series reads like the most Georgian thing ever. I’ve seen positive mentions for the previous books, and I have no idea how well this one may stand alone, but given that well-executed Georgian romances aren’t exactly thick on the ground, I wanted to mention this to Georgian lovers in the event Riley is a complete unknown to them.

A Healer for the Highlander by Terri Brisbin

She can save his son, but can she resist the Highland warrior?

A Highland Feuding story

Famed healer Anna MacKenzie is moved by Davidh of Clan Cameron’s request to help his ailing young son.

She wants to help—and the commander has unknowingly provided the introduction to the clan she’s been looking for. But Anna has a secret, one that could jeopardize the fast-growing, heated passion between them…

Terri Brisbin has written numerous medievals for Harlequin Historical and I’ve enjoyed her work in the past. This is the fifth book in her Highland Feuding series and I’m a sucker for heroines with Big Secrets and healers.

The Wise Virgin by Jo Beverley

It was quite daring of Edmund de Grave to rescue Lady Nicolette de Montelan before her father found out she was pregnant with an enemy family's child. Unfortunately, he kidnapped the wrong woman when Nicolette's cousin, Joan, took Nicolette’s place as the Blessed Virgin in the Christmas re-enactment—a last minute change that seemed fitting given her "condition".

Now, Lady Joan finds herself trapped in a cave on Christmas Eve with the great Edmund de Grave and neither are very happy about it. He's fuming because his plan was spoiled and worrying about his brother, now in enemy hands. She's perturbed that a man she thought a hero is the type to get a lady "with child" outside of marriage.

There's a battle brewing as the fires of ancient hatreds are stoked and the true spirit of Christmas is about to be tested.

Jo Beverley passed away in 2016, leaving behind a well-loved backlist and numerous fans. This is a digital reprint of a novella that first appeared in the 1999 anthology, The Brides of Christmas. From what I can determine, this is the first time the story has been available in digital, a welcome holiday present to her many fans!

What Unusual Historicals are you looking forward to this month?

Digital Review: Those Wacky Highlanders

Readers often talk about how digital has changed the way they read.  For me?  The only noticeable difference I see is the way I read short stories and novellas.  I've always enjoyed anthologies - being a quick, easy, and cost effective way to try multiple authors in one scoop.  But with digital?  It's just easier to read (and buy!) one short story or one novella by one author.  What Harlequin has done with Highlanders is give readers the traditional anthology format in digital by spotlighting three of their authors currently working in Scottish settings.

The Warrior And The Rose by Brenda Joyce is a story that I suspect will please her fans, but me?  Yeah, not so much.

Lady Juliana MacDougall is going to her family's chapel to pray for her brother's safe return (he's off fighting against Robert Bruce).  She thought she was far away from the war, until the war shows up to murder her bishop and burn down her chapel.  Alasdair Og came to exact vengeance after he discovers that Juliana's brother sent the bishop to spy on them.  Sworn enemies, that doesn't stop from Alasdair from admiring Juliana's spirited nature or from Juliana from noticing the hot and hunky highlander.

This is an I Hate You, I Hate You, We Are Sworn Enemies, Let's Have Sex, Now I Lurve You books.  Honestly, it's a story that probably could have worked in a full-length novel, where the author would have had more time to really develop the emotional complexities a relationship like this would entail.  But here?  It's rushed.  And sadly the sex is written in a vague sort of way, so you can't really chalk up the hate one minute, love the next stuff to some sizzling bedroom play.  If you're a fan of the author, or a big Scottish history nut (Juliana and Alasdair were apparently a real life couple) - then this maybe worth a whirl.  For me?  It was pretty unsatisfying.

Grade = D

The Forbidden Highlander by Terri Brisbin didn't light my world on fire, but it gets better the further along you read and the author does well with the short format.

James Murray is in love with Elizabeth MacLerie.  The fly in the ointment?  It's been arranged for James to marry Elizabeth's BFF.  So he convinces Elizabeth to run away with him, to find an old priest in a nearby area, so they can elope.  Sure, people will be pissed, but by then the deed will be done.  Except bad weather stalls their travel long enough for Elizabeth's disgruntled brother (who thinks his sister has been kidnapped) to give chase.

Part of this story reminded me of Romeo and Juliet in respect that James and Elizabeth strike me as dumb kids.  But the further the story rolls along, plus the introduction of Elizabeth's Big Secret spices things up a bit.  I liked that Elizabeth's past does effect James and he does react to it, and I also liked that he comes around ("Gee, I was kind of an asshat to her....") on his own and a third party doesn't need to point out the error of his ways.  It wasn't a super-spectacular read for me, but it was enjoyable.

Grade = B-

Rescued By The Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham has a pretty unsavory premise, but I ended up loving the journey the author took me on.

Celeste de Laurent's husband is dead and having provided no heir (let alone a spare!), her brother-in-law and wife are set to inherit big.  But Wifey isn't willing to chance it.  I mean, Celeste could still be pregnant and just not know it yet.  So when she's not trying to poison her with herbs to make her miscarry, she's openly threatening her.  Celeste's entire life has been built on protecting and providing for herself and her younger sister.  She knows she's not preggers and she's so scared of going back to desolate poverty that she concocts a scheme to get pregnant by....oh anyone will do.  But she decides to find Dougal MacKinloch, the guy she tossed over to marry her dead husband.  Why?  Because while she was madly in love with Dougal, love don't pay the rent.  Needless to say, Dougal is still smarting over that rejection.

So yeah, the heroine sounds like a total bitch, right?  But as a woman, you can understand it.  It's medieval Scotland.  As a woman if you don't marry well you're pretty much screwed (and not in a good way).  Having grown up in poverty, then throwing herself on the kindness of strangers to make a good match for her after her parents die -  it's not like she had a ton of options of throwing that all away just because she happened to be in love.  I suspect a lot of readers won't "like" her.  I'm not sure I always liked her - but I did understand her.

There's great emotional stuff here, and I loved that when Dougal thinks Celeste deceives him (again!) - his entire family rallies around him.  This was definitely my favorite story in the bunch.  Willingham packs a lot of angst in a short word count.

Grade = B

Yep, pretty much a standard anthology.  A story I didn't like, a story that I liked OK, and a story I liked quite a bit.  If you're a fan of Scottish historicals and looking for some new-to-you authors, this anthology isn't a bad way to go.

Unusual Historical Spotlight: China, Old School, Highlanders, Civil War, Western, Yachts, And Vikings

I'm going to do my darnedest to do one of these posts every month, highlighting "unusual" historicals that catch my eye.  I try to spread the wealth around among publishers, but dang - it's a venerable Harlequin-Palooza this month!  Have your shopping list handy.....

The Sword Dancer by Jeannie Lin - Harlequin Historical - May 21, 2013

Description:

Sword dancer Li Feng is used to living life on the edge of the law--a woman alone in the dangerous world of the Tang Dynasty has only her whirlwind reflexes to trust. She "will" discover the truth about her past, even if that means outwitting the most feared thief-catcher of them all....

Relentless, handsome and determined, Han sees life--and love--as black and white. Until he finally captures the spirited, courageous Li Feng, who makes him question everything he thought he knew about right and wrong. Soon he's faced with an impossible choice: betray the elusive sword dancer he is learning to love, or trust his long-disregarded heart and follow her to dangerous, tempting rebellion....

What Makes It Unusual?:  WooHoo!  More Tang Dynasty China from Lin!

Forever Wild by Louisa Rawlings - Samhain - Digital Only - May 21, 2013

Part of Samhain's Retro Romance Line, this was first published in 1986 by Popular Library (Warner Books)

Description:  

From the corruption of Boss Tweed’s New York to the Paris of the Impressionists, two couples fight to fulfill their greatest dreams and desires.

Willough, a well-bred child of wealth, yearns to take her place at the head of her father’s iron empire in the wilderness of the Adirondacks. Accustomed to polished city men, she finds herself drawn to the raw masculinity of Nat, her father’s foreman. Can she leave behind the trappings of city life and learn to embrace the rough country and rough man she is destined to love?

Marcy was born in the mountains, attached to the High Peaks, and yet she yearns to leave and see the world. Drew, Willough’s artist brother, has rejected his father’s business and thrown himself into painting. Together they travel the world, but is love enough to see them through the hard times?

 What Makes It Unusual?  I swooned when I read "Boss Tweed's New York."  Seriously.  1986?  This one could be chock full of Old School Shenanigans!

Highlanders by Brenda Joyce, Terri Brisbin & Michelle Willingham - HQN - Digital Only - June 1, 2013

Description:

The Warrior and the Rose by Brenda Joyce
Lady Juliana MacDougall prays for her loved ones to survive battle against Robert Bruce...but the battle comes to her when her lands are attacked by a band of Highlanders, including a man wearing the colors of her clan's worst enemy. Taken hostage by Alasdair Og, Juliana quickly learns he's as exceptional a lover as he is a ruthless warrior. But how can she ever love Alasdair when he's her blood enemy?

The Forbidden Highlander by Terri Brisbin
Honor-bound by an arranged betrothal, James Murray never anticipated falling in love with his intended bride's dearest friend instead. The passion between James and Elizabeth MacLerie is undeniable, but they are torn between love and loyalty to their clans....

Rescued by the Highland Warrior by Michelle Willingham
Celeste de Laurent is determined to never again live in poverty. After sacrificing love for a secure marriage, she now stands to lose everything as a widow. Her only hope is to bear an heir--and what better man to father her child, and save her from a terrible fate, than Dougal MacKinloch, the only man she ever loved?

 What Makes It Unusual?  Och!  Lassies lurve their Highlanders!  (Please note all three of these stories are connected to series by the authors).

An Outlaw In Wonderland by Lori Austin - Signet - June 4, 2013

Description:  

In a time of war, love has its own rewards...

Saving soldiers' lives at the Confederate army hospital Chimborazo, Annabeth Phelan is no ordinary Southern belle. She's never known work more exhausting or rewarding. And she's never known a man like Dr. Ethan Walsh, with his disarming gray eyes and peculiar ways. But now the Confederacy is charging her with another service: find the Union spy at Chimborazo.

Ethan's one passion is saving lives, and if he can do that by helping to end the war, he will--even if it means spying for the North. He's gotten used to fooling Confederates, but he can't bear lying to Annabeth. And together, they are about to discover a new passion--one that could even transcend the chaos of war.  

What Makes It Unusual?  OK, so yeah.  The title makes my brain hurt a wee bit.  And OK, so Chimborazo Hospital was in VIRGINIA and I'm not sure why the cover model is dressed like a cowgirl in Utah.  Whatever.  It's an American Historical!  Yippee!

Heart of the West by Penelope Williamson - Pocket - June 25, 2013 - Reprint (first published 1995)

Description:

She was torn between two brothers...

All her life proper Bostonian Clementine Kennicutt yearned to escape the pious tyranny of her father's rule. So when Gus McQueen rode into town and swept her off her feet, she was ready for him. Eloping with the carefree cowboy was the answer to her prayers... until she met his brother.

The One She Married...

In the Big Sky country of Montana, Clementine yearned to feel the simple love of a wife for her husband. She'd pledged her troth to Gus, and she swore she would die honoring her promise, but each day her heart betrayed her.

And The One She Was Born To Love...

Zach Rafferty's love was not like the soft affection of her husband -- it was the wanton need of a dangerous man. And, despite her promise, Clementine knew he was the one meant for her all along...

 What Makes It Unusual?: A western!  I would appreciate comments on this one - because I know Williamson has many fans out in Romancelandia.  I'm intrigued by this one, but the love triangle aspect makes me a little squeamish.....

A Lady Dares by Bronwyn Scott - Harlequin Historical - July 23, 2013

Description:

According to society, I, Elise Sutton, haven't been a lady for quite some time-a lady couldn't possibly run the family company and spend her days on London's crowded, tar-stained docks. And she most certainly wouldn't associate herself with the infamous Dorian Rowland-privateer, smuggler and the Scourge of Gibraltar himself.

But I need Rowland and his specialized expertise-especially with the wolves circling, waiting for me to fail. I yearn to feel alive, and Rowland, who can kiss like the devil, inflames my senses and makes me dare to break free....

What Makes It Unusual?  While set in 1839 England, the author puts a different spin on things by including yacht racing into her story.  Also, we should all buy this book if only for the cover art.  That hat rocks my world.

To Sin With A Viking by Michelle Willingham - Harlequin Historical - July 23, 2013

Description:

Caragh O Brannon defended herself bravely when the enemy landed-only, now she finds herself alone with one very angry Viking....

Styr Hardrata sailed to Ireland intending to trade, never expecting to find himself held captive in chains by a beautiful Irish maiden.

The fiercely handsome warrior both terrifies and allures Caragh, but he is forbidden territory. He is the enemy...and he is married. Yet Styr harbors a secret that just might set them both free....

What Makes It Unusual?  Vikings!

Whew!  I have several of these on tap already, waiting to be read and reviewed (the Lin, the Highlanders anthology and the Willingham).  Any of these catch your eye?  Read any good "unusual historicals" lately?