Showing posts with label Historical Romance Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Historical Romance Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, July 17, 2020

Reading Challenge - Summer Reading


For the 2020 year, my goal is to read 60 books. Thus far, I haven't made much progress, but this week I've knocked down 3 books. All have been 4 to 4.5 stars and for that reason, I'd like to share them with you.

Happy reading!

Winning Miss Wakefield (Wallflower Weddings #2)
Vivienne Lorret

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She's got nothing left to lose…

With her fiancĂ© suddenly engaged to another and her reputation in tatters, Merribeth Wakefield needs a bold plan to reclaim her life. She must be brave. Confident. She must … kiss a rake? The suggestion is ludicrous! Yet when Merribeth finds herself alone with the dark and brooding Lord Knightswold, suddenly the plan doesn't seem so farfetched. So she does something she never thought she'd do—she kisses him.

But he has everything to gain…

The Marquess of Knightswold—Bane to most—has no use for the affections of women. Well, none lasting longer than a single night. A plot for revenge weighs heavy on his mind, leaving no room for romance. But then a shy, witty miss borrows a kiss from him in a darkened room, and everything he thought he knew about innocent debutantes vanishes along with her.

When a twist of fate brings Merribeth within Bane's grasp, he'll have to resist her charms—or risk losing everything—for the sake of his heart.

A Scoundrel by Moonlight (Sons of Sin #4)
Anna Campbell
A Scoundrel by Moonlight (Sons of Sin, #4)
A woman seeks revenge by posing as a housemaid and taking down the rogue that broke her sister's heart in this character-driven, sinful, historical romance.

 A woman seeks revenge by posing as a housemaid and taking down the rogue that broke her sister's heart in this character-driven, sinful, historical romance. Justice. That's all Nell Trim wants-for her sister and for the countless other young women the Marquess of Leath has ruined with his wildly seductive ways. Now she has a bold plan to take him down . . . as long as she can resist the scoundrel's temptations herself. From the moment Nell meets James Fairbrother, the air positively sizzles. Yet for all his size and power, there's something amazingly tender in his touch. Could he really be such a depraved rogue? The only way to find out is to beat the devil at his own game . . . one tempting kiss at a time. Anything can happen in the moonlight . . .






When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Fairy Tales #2)
Eloisa James

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Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty . . . Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast. Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman. Linnet is not just any woman. She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love—in just two weeks.Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.If she decides to be very wicked indeed . . . what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?

Friday, January 17, 2020

Reading Challenge

Hi lovely readers,

Happy Friday! I'm going into this weekend reading my 6th book for the year. Hopefully I can keep up the pace and reach my goal of 60 books read for 2020 before the year is over. The pressure is on.
My next read: 

22608165
The Devilish Mr. Danvers (The Rakes of Fallow Hallow #2) by  Vivienne Lorret
For the first time in her life, Hedley Sinclair holds the keys to her own future. She's inherited the crumbling Greyson Park, but the disrepair does nothing to dissuade her. No one will ever lock her up again or attempt to take away what's hers. No one except Rafe Danvers—the charming, fiendish man from Fallow Hall. He's determined to claim Greyson Park, but if Hedley isn't careful, he'll claim her heart as well.

Rafe has every intention of ridding Greyson Park of the conniving Sinclairs once and for all. The last thing he expects is to find the beguiling Hedley—the younger sister of his former fiancĂ©e—standing in his way. With drastic measures called for, he plans to marry her off in order to regain control of the estate. The only trouble is, he can't seem to stop seducing her. Even worse, he can't help falling in love with her.
  Goodreads

Friday, December 13, 2019

Currently Reading

Hi everyone!
I hope you're having a wonderful week. I, for one, am thankful it's Friday. I've already got this weekend's read lined up...


Ten Kisses to Scandal by Vivienne Lorret

37868567
Goodreads
Description

Briar Bourne’s matchmaking career could be summed up in two words—comic disaster. Unless she can learn about the irresistible forces that draw men and women together, her professional future looks rather bleak. But Briar has an intriguing plan—enlisting London’s most irredeemable rake to teach her everything he knows about attraction. Given his notorious reputation, it’s no surprise that Nicholas Blacklowe, the Earl of Edgemont, requests one thing in exchange for his tutelage. For every lesson, he wants a kiss in return. And what harm could there be in a simple kiss? After all, Briar would never fall for a scoundrel…

Nicholas has no romantic notions about love, and no intention of changing his ways. He’s only helping Briar so that she can find the perfect bride for his jilted cousin. Yet Briar is so clever, so curious, so candid—so blasted tempting—that soon, Nicholas can’t stop wondering what it might be like if he was irresistible to her.

Ten lessons. Ten kisses. And a million ways to fall hopelessly, scandalously in love.
(Form Goodreads)

Friday, September 20, 2019

Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge 

Hi all,
I surpassed my 2019 reading challenge and will make a note to up it from 50 books in a year to 60 for 2020. That being said, I'm still working through my to read list and I'm so exited for this next book.
Sarah MacLean is on the top of my favorite historical romance author list and I've been waiting for the second installment within the Bareknuckle Bastards series for awhile and plan on finishing it this weekend. 
I want to wish you all happy reading!

Brazen and the Beast (The Bareknuckle Bastards #2)
by Sarah MacLean

40221961. sy475
Goodreads 
The Lady’s Plan

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly... until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.

The Bastard’s Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure... on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires... for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power... and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything... including their hearts.
 

Friday, August 30, 2019

Reading Challenge

Happy Friday! 
I'm excited for this long weekend. The hubs and I are getting out of town for a bit. I'm looking forward to relaxing and having a good time out in Palm Springs. Yes, it will be HOT but we'll keep cool by the pool. 
What I'll be reading: 

31931749From Duke Till Dawn (The London Underground #1) by Eva Leigh
Years ago, the Duke of Greyland gave his heart—and a princely sum of money—to a charming, destitute widow with unparalleled beauty. After one passionate night, she slipped from his bed and vanished without a trace. And just when he’s given up hope of ever seeing her again, Greyland finds her managing a gaming hell. He’s desperate to have her… until he discovers everything about his long-lost lover was a lie.
In truth, Cassandra Blake grew up on the streets, picking pockets to survive. Greyland was a mark—to be fleeced and forgotten—but her feelings for the duke became all too real. Once he learns of her deception, however, the heat in his eyes turns to ice. When her business partner absconds with the gaming hell proceeds—leaving unsavory investors out for blood—Cassandra must beg the man she betrayed for help.
Greyland wants compensation, too, and he’ll assist her under one condition: she doesn’t leave his sight until her debts are paid. But it’s not long before the real Cassandra—the smart, streetwise criminal—is stealing his heart all over again. 

Goodreads

And when that is finished I plan on starting:


The Darkest Promise (Lords of the Underworld #13) by Gena Showalter

35344027Possessed by the demon of Misery, Cameo isn't allowed to experience joy. If she dares, her memory is wiped clean. With no other recourse, she sneaks into a land more fantastical than any fairy tale, determined to find the one man with the key to her redemption.
Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual rules his kingdom with a single unwavering focus: to build his army and annihilate his enemies. Nothing distracts him - until Cameo. He is relentless in his quest to make her smile and seduce her into his bed.
As dark forces conspire against them, threatening to destroy the fragile bond they've forged, the once-calm Lazarus grows crazed. Every heart-stopping kiss and wicked touch causes Cameo to teeter on the brink of happiness. But if she falls, she risks forgetting him forever. 

Goodreads 


2019 Reading Challenge
Goal: 50 books
Actual: 59


 Wishing everyone HAPPY READING!

Friday, May 31, 2019

Reading Challenge Update

Hi all and happy Friday!

This weekend I'll be finishing up book 47 of 50. Yup, we're about half through the year and I'm already nearing my reading goal. INSANE! 
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When Strangers In The Night
He lives in the shadows. As the mysterious masked avenger known as the Ghost of St. Giles, Godric St. John's only goal is to protect the innocent of London. Until the night he confronts a fearless young lady pointing a pistol at his head—and realizes she is his wife.
Become Lovers...
Lady Margaret Reading has vowed to kill the Ghost of St. Giles—the man who murdered her one true love. Returning to London, and to the man she hasn't seen since their wedding day, Margaret does not recognize the man behind the mask. Fierce, commanding, and dangerous, the notorious Ghost of St. Giles is everything she feared he would be—and so much more.
Desire Is The Ultimate Danger
When passion flares, these two intimate strangers can't keep from revealing more of themselves than they had ever planned. But when Margaret learns the truth—that the Ghost is her husband—the game is up and the players must surrender...to the temptation that could destroy them both.

Friday, April 26, 2019

Reading Challenge

Hi!

making progress on my reading 2019 challenge. Thus far I've read 42 out of 50 books. I've also been lucky to find an amazing new (to me) series by Elizabeth Hoyt - Maiden Lane series.  I'm going to be starting book 4 this weekend.

Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane #4) 

Description:

13503895A MASKED MAN...
Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he's the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. B
ut the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles-protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.

A DANGEROUS WOMAN....

Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she's asked to tutor the Home's dour manager in the ways of society-flirtation, double-entendres, and scandalous liaisons-Isabel can't help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar-and his lips so tempting.

A PASSION NEITHER COULD DENY....

During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed.... But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything-the Home, Isabel...and his life.

Friday, February 15, 2019

Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge 2019 Update

I just finished book 20 of 50 for the 2019 year. On a roll! This weekend, I'll be reading Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas.

Marrying Winterborne by [Kleypas, Lisa]
Amazon     B&N
Description:

A ruthless tycoon
Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better . . .
A sheltered beauty
Helen has had little contact with the glittering, cynical world of London society. Yet Rhys’s determined seduction awakens an intense mutual passion. Helen’s gentle upbringing belies a stubborn conviction that only she can tame her unruly husband. As Rhys’s enemies conspire against them, Helen must trust him with her darkest secret. The risks are unthinkable . . . the reward, a lifetime of incomparable bliss. And it all begins with…
Marrying Mr. Winterborne

Friday, February 1, 2019

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)
31451010by 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


Monday, January 7, 2019

Friday, September 21, 2018

Review: The Day of the Duchess

The Day of the Duchess (Scandal & Scoundrel #3) 

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Amazon     B&N

 by Sarah Mac Lean


Friday, July 27, 2018

What I've Been Reading

If you like historical romance I highly recommend the series Love By Numbers by Sarah McLean.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love By Numbers #1)

6584134Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.
But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.
If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all—the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love.

Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (Love By Numbers #2) 

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Since being named on of London’s “Lords to Land” by a popular ladies’ magazine, Nicholas St. John has been relentlessly pursued by every matrimony-minded female in the ton. So when an opportunity to escape fashionable society presents itself, he eagerly jumps—only to land in the path of the most determined, damnably delicious woman he’s ever met!
The daughter of a titled wastrel, Lady Isabel Townsend has too many secrets and too little money. Though used to taking care of herself quite handily, her father’s recent passing has left Isabel at sea and in need of outside help to protect her young brother’s birthright. The sinfully handsome, eminently eligible Lord Nicholas could be the very salvation she seeks.
But the lady must be wary and not do anything reckless… like falling madly, passionately in love.
 

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart (Love By Numbers #3)

7963136 There is no telling where a scandal might lead...
She lives for passion.

Bold, impulsive, and a magnet for trouble, Juliana Fiori is no simpering English miss. She refuses to play by society’s rules: she speaks her mind, cares nothing for the approval of the ton, and can throw a punch with remarkable accuracy. Her scandalous nature makes her a favorite subject of London’s most practiced gossips... and precisely the kind of woman the Duke of Leighton wants far far away from him.
He swears by reputation.
Scandal is the last thing Simon Pearson has room for in his well-ordered world. The Duke of Disdain is too focused on keeping his title untainted and his secrets unknown. But when he discovers Juliana hiding in his carriage late one evening—risking everything he holds dear—he swears to teach the reckless beauty a lesson in propriety.
She has other plans, however; she wants two weeks to prove that even an unflappable duke is not above passion.

Saturday, April 7, 2018

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

 Highland Fling Scotch Cocktail Recipe 
Found: http://thewhiskeyjug.com/cocktails/scotch-cocktails/prohibition-era-scotch-cocktail-highland-fling/ 

Saturday, May 6, 2017

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
992518
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

 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, April 7, 2017

Friday Read

Image result for surrender to the HighlanderLooking 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.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

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.  

With all the recent rain, I'm looking forward to staying home: reading and writing is my goal! 
Have a great weekend.  

3864664The Book
Highland Scoundrel
Framed for a crime he did not commit, Duncan Campbell, the illegitimate son of a chieftain, has returned to the Highlands determined to clear his name after ten years in exile. He is drawn to the unforgettable sensual beauty of Jeannie Gordon, the headstrong girl who once pledged him her love, gave him her innocence, and then betrayed him. Now, in the glow of the moonlight, she defiantly shows Duncan the bad end of a pistol.
Jeannie is stunned to discover that the broad-chested brigand she just shot is the rogue who broke her heart years ago. No longer a starry-eyed girl but a woman with dangerous secrets, Jeannie cannot forgive Duncan's shattering mistrust of her—nor can she sign his death warrant by turning him in. Soon passion flares hotter and bolder than before, sealing a fate the onetime lovers can no longer deny. Caught up in a deadly game of murder and intrigue, Jeannie is willing to risk everything for a man and a love she vows never to lose again.


The Drink
Ingredients


Directions

Watch how to make this recipe.
Using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl until blended and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a 4-cup (or larger) measuring cup. Add the rum and then 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the butter mixture dissolves. Divide the buttered rum among 4 mugs. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks and serve.


This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional. It has not been tested for home use. From the Foodnetwork

Saturday, February 18, 2017

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.  

With all the recent rain, I'm looking forward to staying home: reading and writing is my goal! 
Have a great weekend.  

The Book 
Taming the Highlander (MacLerie Clan #1)
by Terri Brisbin

825834
Bought Bride Lady Jocelyn MacCallum had always believed she would marry for love. But the price of her brother's freedom was to become fearsome Connor MacLerie's new bride--a bargain that could cost Jocelyn her life.
From the moment she looked into Connor's sternly handsome face, Jocelyn began to hope that the rumors surrounding his first wife's death were false. His reputation was as wild and untamed as the Scottish moors. Would she find a way to reach the man beneath that forbidding exterior?

The Drink
Baby Guinness Shot
Ingredients

  • 1 ounce coffee liqueur
  • ½ ounce Irish creme

Instructions

    Baby Guinness Shot Recipe
  1. In a shot glass, pour the coffee liqueur. Invert a spoon and place it over the opening of the shot glass. Slowly pour the Irish creme over the spoon, taking care not to mix the two liquors. If you pour it slowly and carefully enough, the Irish creme will float on top of the coffee liqueur, creating the look of a tiny beer. (Found: thewateringmouth.com)






The Romance Reviews

The Romance Reviews