Harlequin Historical

The sepia tones of the cover, and the moody scene of a couple in period dress walking on a beach with a biplane overhead, were the first things to catch my attention. Then I saw that it was a 20th Century Harlequin Historical—I hadn't heard of this new, or new-ish, line and was very happy to see it.

I have seen many reviews on this book but I thought I would add my two cents.

I really enjoyed Sarah Elliot's first book, Reforming the Rake, so was eager to read this.

Though not as enjoyable as her first book it was still good. Another story where the heroine has known the hero since she was a child- with the twist that the hero is her brother's friend. I love the plot but the dialogue is not as peppy as the first book which was about her brother.

Baseborn Tristan Carlisle had fought his way to a knighthood.  On the threshold of gaining land and power, he would not be distracted from his ultimate goal.  Until, deep in the Bohemian forest, he encountered a gypsey woman with unforgettable green eyes....

I was swept away into another time from the start. The characters were simply enriching and I found myself caught up in their lives as if they were real people.

It was a fascinating tale with an intriguing plot. I loved this book. I think I found a new author to add to my favourites! 

Another good historical by Joanne Rock.  Sir Tristan Carlisle and his knights have been assigned to bring Princess Anne and her group of Ladies in Waiting to England to marry the King.  He is not interested in any of the ladies until Arabella Rowan arrives.  He has seen her in the forest and believes she is not a noble at all.  He discovers that she really is of noble blood, but her dark looks

"Determined not to enter into a forced marriage, Julia could see no way out-unless she were to become a ruined woman! Notorious rake Paine Ramsden was reputed to have no qualms about seducing innocents, so maybe he would help with her...predicament.

Certainly, Paine deserved his rakish reputation, yet Julia was so achingly pure, one night with her might just ruin him! Awakening Julia's sensuality aroused unfamiliar feelings in him-was it too late to make them both respectable?"

I really enjoyed reading Maverick Wild. It was fast paced and kept my interest all the way through. It was hard to put it down.