MacFarland's Lass

Title: MacFarland's Lass
Author: Glynnis Campbell
Series: Scottish Lasses, book 1
Copyright: 2014 ebook
Source: Amazon

published description: When Florie Gilder, the once-respected jeweler to Queen Mary, claims sanctuary in an abandoned church for a crime she didn't commit, huntsman Rane MacFarland, a local hero of the common folk, vows to protect her. But when his overlord charges him with preventing the fugitive lass's escape, Rane finds himself torn between duty and desire when he begins to fall for his spirited captive. And when powerful foes conspire to turn Rane and Florie against each other, they need courage, wits, and, most of all, love, to survive.

Freebie. It was ok, not outstanding but, a decent read. Characters were likeable and the setting was cool - just not awesome.

Laiden's Daughter

Title: Laiden's Daughter
Author: Suzan Tisdale
Series: The Clan MacDougall, book 1
Copyright: 2013 ebook
Source: Amazon

published description: Scotland, 1344
She believes men are not honorable nor are they kind-until she meets one that changes her heart forever.
Betrayed by lies told before her birth, Aishlinn is raised by a harsh and cruel stepfather. Her life is forever changed one horrifying night when she is forced to flee England for the safety of the Scottish Highlands. Rescued by a fierce band of highland warriors, Aishlinn soon learns that honorable men do exist. She finds a strength she never knew she possessed and it will be tested to the limits when she is forced to make a heart-wrenching decision…allow the English to kill those she loves, or surrender for the crime she committed.

She is everything he never knew he wanted in a woman….

As a fierce highland warrior, Duncan McEwan has survived numerous battles, bed countless women, and survived a horrific storm at sea. He has scaled mountains and even survived hand-to-claw battle with a cat-o’mountain. But none of that could have prepared him for how his life forever changed one fateful spring day when he rescued a lass from a freezing stream. He will do anything to keep her as his own and will risk everything to keep her out of the hands of the English.

Freebie. Totally good / entertaining...followed historical romance formula sure but, still good...might seek out more of the series.

Falling for the Highlander

Title: Falling for the Highlander
Author: Lynsay Sands

Copyright: 2017 ebook
Source: Library

published description:
Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.
Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries’ shameful offer, but Murine tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love.

Fairly historical romance formula-ish but, still fun - likeable characters - made you want to hang out with all the brothers.

The Masked Heart

Title: The Masked Heart
Author: Karla Darcy
Series: Sweet Deception Regency, book 1
Copyright: 2012 ebook
Source: Amazon

published description: Miss Blaine Meriweather is a young woman of good family whose estate is in financial shambles. How will she care for her brother and sister? Out of options, she becomes the astonishing actress La Solitaire! Imagine the scandal if anyone discovers her identity! Blaine’s wild success saves her family. All should be well. The only thing she hadn't counted on was Lord Farrington, who is determined to make La Solitaire his mistress! Blaine’s finest acting is required to save her virtue, her family, and their honor. It would have been so easy, if only Blaine hadn’t fallen in love....

Freebie. Downloaded a while ago and just got around to it...totally unrealistic but, a lot of fun .

Murder in Morningside Heights

Title: Murder in Morningside Heights
Author: Victoria Thompson
Series: Gaslight Mystery
Copyright: 2016 Hardback
Source: Library

published description: After spending his first few weeks as a private detective by investigating infidelities of the wealthy, Frank has a more serious case at hand.

Abigail Northrup of Tarrytown, New York, was her parents’ pride and joy. After graduating from a prestigious women’s college in Morningside Heights, she took a job there as an instructor. She also joined the ranks of the New Women, ladies planning for a life without a husband in which they make their own decisions and make a difference in the world. Unfortunately, her murder ended all that.

When the police declare the incident a random attack and refuse to investigate further, Abigail’s parents request Frank’s help. Of course, he’ll need Sarah’s assistance as she’s more familiar with the world of academia, and it will be far easier for her to interview the lady professors. Yet difficulties arise as they learn that although Miss Northrup may have been an exemplary student and teacher, she lived in a world of secrets and lies…

 Like this series a lot - this one was great - the whole gang pretty much working together to solve the case this time.

Time of Fog and Fire

Title: Time of Fog and Fire
Author: Rhys Bowen
Copyright: 2016, Hardback
Series: Molly Murphy Series, Book 16
Source: Library

published description: Molly Murphy Sullivan's husband Daniel, a police captain in turn-of-the-century New York City, is in a precarious position. The new police commissioner wants him off the force altogether. So when Daniel’s offered an assignment from John Wilkie, head of the secret service, he’s eager to accept. Molly can’t draw any details of the assignment out of him, even where he’ll be working. But when she spots him in San Francisco during a movie news segment, she starts to wonder if he’s in even more danger than she had first believed. And then she receives a strange and cryptic letter from him, leading her to conclude that he wants her to join him in San Francisco. Molly knows that if Daniel’s turning to her rather than John Wilkie or his contacts in the police force, something must have gone terribly wrong. What can she do for him that the police can’t? Especially when she doesn’t even know what his assignment is? Embarking on a cross-country journey with her young son, Molly can’t fathom what’s in store for her, but she knows it might be dangerous―in fact, it might put all of their lives at risk.

Was good. I figured out who was who a little early but, was really nice that Daniel finally showed Molly some recognition and appreciation. Good action.

Mistress of Pleasure

Title: Mistress of Pleasure
Author: Delilah Marvelle
Series: School of Gallantry, book 1
Copyright: ebook 2015
Source: Amazon

published description: Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother's school in London where gentlemen receive instruction--in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain independent and free from men and their overbearing expectations. But when Maybelle lays eyes on the Duke of Rutherford, who is well-known for his gentlemanly ways, she can't resist. Neither she or the duke are prepared for what their attraction is about to do not only to their sanity but their hearts.

Freebie. A little ridiculous but, pretty fun.

Highland Destiny

Title: Highland Destiny
Author: Hannah Howell
Series: The Murrays
Copyright: Paperback, 2008
Source: Library

published description: Here, in the Scottish highlands of the 15th century, a powerful knight meets his match in a mysterious beauty bent on revenge. When destiny brought Sir Balfour Murray and his wounded brother down the same road as Maldie Kirkaldy, she offered her services as a nurse even as she tried to deny the desire this dark-eyed knight had ignited at first sight. Soon they discover that they both share a mission of vengeance, but Maldie cannot tell him her true identity--to do so would brand her a spy. Sworn to avenge his family as chief of the Doncoill Clan, Balfour vows to destroy his greatest foe, with Maldie at his side. Yet Balfour knows that he can no more afford to trust her than he can ignore his lust for this sultry beauty. Now, he is not only determined to unearth her deepest secrets, but also to pursue his passion for her. And nothing will stand in his way. 

Not bad...like the setting, decently interesting characters.

The Adventuress

Title: The Adventuress
Author: Tasha Alexander
Copyright: 2015, Hardback
Series: The Lady Emily Ashton Series, Book 10
Source: Library

published description: Emily and husband Colin have come to the French Riviera for what should be a joyous occasion - the engagement party of her lifelong friend Jeremy, Duke of Bainbridge, and Amity Wells, an American heiress. But the merrymaking is cut short with the shocking death of one of the party in an apparent suicide. Not convinced by the coroner's verdict, Emily must employ all of her investigative skills to discover the truth and avert another tragedy.

A little slow to start but, then got into it after a few chapters and it was good. Gotta say that Amity drove me a little nuts but, guess that was a little bit the point.

The Devil's Workshop

Title: The Devil's Workshop
Author: Alex Grecian
Copyright: Hardback, 2014
Series: Scotland Yard's Murder Squad, book 3
Source: Library

published description: London, 1890. A small group of the city’s elite, fed up with the murder rate, have made it their business to capture violent criminals and mete out their own terrible brand of retribution. Now they are taking it a step further: They have arranged for four murderers to escape from prison, and into the group’s hands.

But the plan goes wrong. The killers elude them, and now it is up to Walter Day, Nevil Hammersmith, and the rest of Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad to hunt the convicts down before they can resume their bloody spree. But the Murder Squad may already be too late. The killers have retribution in mind, and one of them is heading straight toward a member of the Murder Squad, and his family.

And that isn’t even the worst of it. During the escape, one of the killers has stumbled upon the location of another notorious murderer, one thought gone for good, but who is now prepared to join forces with them.

And Saucy Jack has learned some new tricks while he’s been away.

Took a little work to get in to this one and even after I did I still skimmed some. Lots of reviews said how this was the best in the series so, maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for this at the time. I'll keep going with the series though - like the time period, like the characters, like the mystery.

The Edge of Dreams

Title: The Edge of Dreams
Author: Rhys Bowen
Copyright: 2015, Hardback
Series: Molly Murphy Series, Book 14
Source: Library

published description: Molly Murphy Sullivan's husband Daniel, a captain in the New York City police force, is stumped. He's chasing a murderer whose victims have nothing in common-nothing except for the taunting notes that are delivered to Daniel after each murder. And when Daniel receives a note immediately after Molly and her young son Liam are in a terrible train crash, Daniel and Molly both begin to fear that maybe Molly herself was the target. Molly's detective instincts are humming, but finding the time to dig deeper into this case is a challenge. She's healing from injuries sustained in the crash and also sidetracked by her friends Sid and Gus's most recent hobby, dream analysis. And when Molly herself starts suffering from strange dreams, she wonders if they just might hold the key to solving Daniel's murder case.

Mystery was good, most of the family time was good - I like that it seems like there is more mutual respect between Molly & Daniel - wasn't quite as frustrating with the 'little woman at home' stuff. I know it is historical fiction but, even if it was how it was that stuff drives me crazy.

Emerald Desire

Title: Emerald Desire
Author: Lynette Vinet
Copyright: 2013, ebook
Series: The Emerald Trilogy, book 1
Source: Amazon

published description: As wild and beautiful as the Irish countryside, Dera Brennan gives herself to the Irish rebel leader, Quint Flannery, with delirious abandon. But Quint is not one to be tied down by the shackles of love. To spite her faithless lover, Dera impulsively marries the haughty and imperious Lord Avery Fairfax, Quint's notorious enemy. Yet even after Avery is murdered and Quint is suspected of the heinous deed, Dera's heart yearns again for the love and passion she shared with Quint. Can old hurts be forgiven and forgotten in time for Quint and Dera to reclaim their emerald desire?

Freebie. I finished it but, it was work...very frustrating - series of unfortunate events, everyone lying, the 'hero' being a cheater, shallow characters, etc.

Twelfth Night

Title: Twelfth Night
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Copyright: 2014, ebook
Series: A Lady Julia Mystery
Source: Library

Amazon description: To mark the passing of another decade, the esteemed—and eccentric—March family have assembled at Bellmont Abbey to perform the Twelfth Night Revels for their sleepy English village. But before Lady Julia and her handsome, sleuthing husband, Nicolas Brisbane, can take to the stage, a ruckus in the stable yard demands their attention. An abandoned infant is found nestled in the steel helm of St. George. What's more, their only lead is the local legend of a haunted cottage and its ghastly inhabitant—who seems to have returned. Once again, Lady Julia and Nicholas take up the challenge to investigate, and when the source of the mystery is revealed, they'll be faced with an impossible choice—one that will alter the course of their lives…forever.

I hadn't read one of these in a while - I like Julia and Brisbane so, it was cool to get back to the series a little bit. I've missed a couple novellas though, like this one so, will have to go search them out.

The Counterfeit Heiress

Title: The Counterfeit Heiress
Author: Tasha Alexander
Copyright: 2014, Hardback
Series: The Lady Emily Ashton Series, Book 9
Source: Library

Published description: After an odd encounter at a grand masquerade ball, Lady Emily becomes embroiled in the murder investigation of one of the guests, a sometime actress trying to pass herself off as the mysterious heiress and world traveler Estella Lamar. Each small discovery, however, leads to more questions.  Was the intended victim Miss Lamar or the imposter?  And who would want either of them dead?

As Emily and Colin try to make sense of all this, a larger puzzle begins to emerge:  No one has actually seen Estella Lamar in years, since her only contact has been through letters and the occasional blurry news photograph.  Is she even alive?  Emily and Colin’s investigation of this double mystery takes them from London to Paris, where, along with their friend Cécile, they must scour the darkest corners of the city in search of the truth.

I enjoy the time period and the terrific relationship between Emily and Colin - actual equals most of the time. The mystery wasn't one of my favorites but, was pretty good.