Reading Challenge

 Reading Challenge Update

Hi everyone!
I hope you all had a great week. I'm really looking forward to this weekend. What will I be reading?
My Wicked Marquess (Inferno Club #1) by Gaelen Foley. This will be number 67 for the year!

Goodreads

Description:

To restore family honor the Marquess of Rotherstone faces his most dangerous mission—finding the perfect bride...

To London's aristocracy, the Inferno Club is a scandalous society of men no proper young lady would acknowledge. But though they are publicly notorious for pursuing all manner of debauchery, in private they are warriors who would do anything to protect king and country.

The Marquess of Rotherstone has decided it's time to restore the family's good name. But as a member of the Inferno Club, he knows there is only one way to redeem himself in Society's eyes: marry a lady of impeccable beauty and breeding, whose reputation is, above all, spotless.

Someone quite unlike Daphne Starling. True, she's temptingly lovely, but a jilted suitor has nearly ruined her reputation. Still, Max cannot resist her allure—or the challenge of proving London's gossips wrong. He would do anything to win her hand . . . and show that even a wicked marquess can make a perfect husband. (Goodreads)

Reading Challenge Update

Hi everyone!

With the year flying by, I've been doing my best to meet my reading goal for 2019. I'm at 66% and my current read is:

The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1)

by Tessa Dare

When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love… 

Goodreads

Reading Challenge Update

Reading Challenge Update

This weekend's read is Scandal Wears Satin (The Dressmakers #2)

Description:

From the Journals of Sophia Noirot: A dress is a weapon. It must dazzle his eye, raise his temperature... and empty his purse.

A blue-eyed innocent on the outside and a shark on the inside, dressmaker Sophy Noirot could sell sand to Bedouins. Selling Maison Noirot's beautiful designs to aristocratic ladies is a little harder, especially since a recent family scandal has made an enemy of one of society's fashion leaders. Turning scandal to the shop's advantage requires every iota of Sophy's skills, leaving her little patience for a big, reckless rake like the Earl of Longmore. The gorgeous lummox can't keep more than one idea in his head at a time, and his idea is taking off all of Sophy's clothes.

But when Longmore's sister, Noirot's wealthiest, favorite customer, runs away, Sophy can't let him bumble after her on his own. In hot pursuit with the one man who tempts her beyond reason, she finds desire has never slipped on so smoothly. 

Currently Reading

Hi All!
This has been a long and crazy week. Looking forward to spending the weekend with family and watching the Super Bowl. We have a party every year that is just amazing!
I've also been working toward one of my goals for 2019 - to read 50 books. I just started my 14th book. 

The Warrior of Clan Kincaid (Highland Warrior)
by Lily Blackwood

Description:
LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS

Derryth MacClaren is on the run. Traveling under heavy guard, she has been sent from her castle home to avoid capture by the vicious nobleman known as the Wolf, who has vowed revenge against the Clan Kincaid, and any who support them. When a surprise attack leaves her vulnerable, Derryth ends up in the hands of an enemy warrior who claims her, with the Wolf’s blessing, as his prize. But her captor’s gentle words and touch seduce her heart—and body—completely...and when she discovers the tattoo on his arm that proves him to be the legendary, long-believed dead son of the murdered Laird of Kincaid, Derryth knows she must find a way to alter his fate—and her own.

Cull has no memory of his family or past—all he knows is the life of a warrior, trained to fight on behalf of the Scottish king. If he can help the king’s law officer of the North, the Wolf of Badenoch, defeat a rebellious faction of Highlanders, Cull will be met with untold riches beyond possessing beautiful, innocent Derryth. But now that she has informed him of who he really is—Cullen Braewick, the youngest son of the slain laird—he is torn. If Cull exacts revenge against the Wolf, who executed his father, he stands to lose the precious lass who he has come to love. What is he willing to sacrifice for Derryth to keep her safe...and in his arms?

Purchase

Amazon

B&N

Man Candy Monday

Today's new project inspiration. Happy Monday! 

Currently Reading: 2019 Reading Challenge

Hi everyone!
My 20198 reading goal was 40 books and I ended with 43. For 2019 I'm going to aim for 50. This is going to be a busy year, but hopefully I'll find some down time. I've got 1 book down so far and this is the next:
 A Scot in the Dark (Scandal & Scoundrel #2)

by 

Sarah MacLean

Amazon   B&N

Description:

Lonesome Lily Turned Scandalous Siren
Miss Lillian Hargrove has lived much of her life alone in a gilded cage, longing for love and companionship. When an artist offers her pretty promises and begs her to pose for a scandalous portrait, Lily doesn't hesitate...until the lying libertine leaves her in disgrace. With the painting now public, Lily has no choice but to turn to the one man who might save her from ruin.

Highland Devil turned Halfhearted Duke
The Duke of Warnick loathes all things English, none more so than the aristocracy. It does not matter that the imposing Scotsman has inherited one of the most venerable dukedoms in Britain—he wants nothing to do with it, especially when he discovers that the unwanted title comes with a troublesome ward, one who is far too old and far too beautiful to be his problem.

Tartan Comes to Town
Warnick arrives in London with a single goal: get the chit married and see her become someone else's problem, then return to a normal, quiet life in Scotland. It's the perfect plan, until Lily declares she'll only marry for love...and the Scot finds that there is one thing in England he likes far too much... 

Kick Back Saturday

Hi everyone!
 

Welcome to Kick Back Saturday! In my opinion, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday is to curl up with a book, a delicious cup of coffee or cocktail, and hang out with my writing partner, my sweet pup, Kelly!

Join me every Saturday for a book blurb and a new, tasty drink recipe - coffee or cocktail...?

Take up a book, mix a drink, and kick back.  

The Book 
 This week I have 2 books I've been reading: 

Amazon

The Bride (Lairds's Fiancees #1)

By the king's edict, Alec Kincaid, mightiest of the Scottish lairds, must take an English bride. And Jaime the youngest daughter of Baron Jamison, is his choice. From his first glimpse of the proud and beautiful English lady, Alec felt a burning hunger stir within him. This was a woman worthy of his fearless warrior's spirit. And he aches to touch her, tame her, possess her...forever.
But with the wedding vows, Jamie pledges her own secret oath: She will never surrender her love to this Highland barbarian. He was everything her heart warned her against -- an arrogant, brooding scoundrel whose rough good looks and seductive embrace fire her blood. But when strange accidents begin to threaten Jamie's life and an old rumor that Alec killed his first wife spreads anew, something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer her senses.  

Amazon

When a Scot Tries the Knot (Castles Ever After #3)
 On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.
A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.
Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.
 
The Drink

  

Found: http://thewhiskeyjug.com/cocktails/scotch-cocktails/prohibition-era-scotch-cocktail-highland-fling/ 

Kick Back Saturday

Hi everyone!
 

Welcome to Kick Back Saturday! In my opinion, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday is to curl up with a book, a delicious cup of coffee or cocktail, and hang out with my writing partner, my sweet pup, Kelly!

Join me every Saturday for a book blurb and a new, tasty drink recipe - coffee or cocktail...?

Take up a book, mix a drink, and kick back. 

The Book

The MacLean Groom (Highland Lairds Trilogy #1)
by Kathleen Harrington
4 of 5 Stars

Amazon

Description:
Married by Decree
He is her family's ancient foe, but never has Lady Joanna Macdonald seen a man she wants more. Still, she hides from Rory MacLean--the dashing laird whom King James has ordered her to marry--hoping to save her family's honor. For the pretty young lass knows that once she is wed, her trembling passion will be a difficult secret to keep hidden from her determined bridegroom.
Bound by Desire
For Rory MacLean, this marriage was merely a means to secure his fortune. But when he finally sets eyes upon his heiress bride, Rory is enraptured, and determined to have her, body and soul. But first the rugged Highlands warrior has to make the spirited, innocent beauty desire the man she has been taught all her life to hate. And by slow and sinful seduction, Rory MacLean will show sweet Janna that he is truly the husband her heart is destined for.

The Drink 

Whiskey Daisy - from the Spruce

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
• Sparkling water or club soda to top 

 Instructions

1. Pour the liquors, juice, and syrup into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add crushed ice.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Top with a splash of soda

 

Friday Read

Looking for a fun Friday read? 

Surrender to the Highlander (MacLerie Clan, #2)
by Terri Brisbin

Description: 
Torn between honor and desire...Innocent Margriet Gunnarsdottir carried a heavy secret. She faced a perilous journey to the wild and distant north of Scotland, and her safety lay in her adopted disguise--a nun's habit! But her only protector, a proud, rough-hewn Highlander, made her ache to share her crushing burden.Rurik Erengislsson had sworn to see her home and unharmed. A woman promised to the service of God should be shielded and honored--not desired! Yet Rurik was tempted beyond reason to make this beautiful waif his own.

Goodreads