Tag: Victoria Roberts

Guest Review: Kilts and Daggers by Victoria Roberts

Posted May 7, 2015 by Tracy in Reviews | 0 Comments

Guest Review: Kilts and Daggers by Victoria RobertsReviewer: Tracy
Kilts and Daggers by Victoria Roberts
Series: Highland Spies #2
Also in this series: My Highland Spy
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: May 5th 2015
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
three-half-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

Ever since Lady Grace Walsingham discovered her uncle and sister are spies for the Crown, she has yearned for adventure. She's counting the days until she can leave barbaric Scotland behind, even if she must endure the Highland captain's company for weeks.

The Laird's Captain of the Guard, Fagan Murray has a simple mission: escort the haughty Lady Grace back to England. But nothing is ever easy. The sharp-tongued woman needles him at every turn. But when a menacing threat follows them on their journey, Fagan's grudging tolerance for Grace turns to respect...and into a perilous attraction that could seal their fate.

Tracy’s review of Kilts and Daggers (Highland Spies #2) by Victoria Roberts

Lady Grace is in the Highlands for her sister Ravenna’s wedding. Grace doesn’t like the Highlands and she wants to go back to England. She misses her sister, however, so is there a month before she’s ready to leave.

She has been butting heads with the Captain of the Guard but when he kisses her she can’t seem to get enough. They keep their kissing trysts a secret but it doesn’t stop Grace and Fagan from arguing constantly. Grace is engaged to a Lord in England and feeling the way she does when Fagan kisses her makes her think that maybe she shouldn’t be marrying for a station in life but more for love and passion.

Grace also believes, now that she found out her sister worked for and her uncle still works for the Crown as spies, that she also wants to work as a spy. She figures, how hard could it be? As much as Ravenna tries to make her see that it’s not a glamorous life Grace is determined. Almost getting kidnapped scares her but as she has no idea why anyone would want to kidnap her she’s set in her ideas about spying.

Grace eventually is on her way home with Fagan and other guards when they are overcome and she is kidnapped she start to rethink just about everything in her life and decides that changes need to be made.

I’ll admit that I don’t normally like romances where the hero and heroine are arguing all the damn time. I find it annoying and ridiculous, but that’s just me. This story, however, got me to actually like the mounting tension between Fagan and Grace and I was looking forward to seeing them get together. I think the difference in this story was due to the fact that even though they were arguing they were kissing in between so we got a bit of a respite. lol

I really enjoyed Fagan’s character in this story. He was stubborn but he cared about those he loved and wanted to take care of them. He was a bit overbearing at times with Grace but frankly she needed that direction in her life.

Grace was a bit of a whiny girl but considering her youth it was understandable. She came to her sense about a lot of things while being held against her will and she was strong enough to realize the mistakes that she’d made and stand up for herself. I had to admire her strength.

Overall a good story that was fun and entertaining.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

This title is available from Sourcebooks Casablanca. You can buy it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

three-half-stars

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Teaser Tour: Kilts & Daggers by Victoria Roberts

Posted April 29, 2015 by Rowena in Promotions | 0 Comments

9781402292033KILTS AND DAGGERS by Victoria Roberts TEASER TOUR! – Day 2

Fagan Murray and Grace Walsingham, the hero and heroine in Victoria Roberts’ new Highland romance, KILTS AND DAGGERS, have a very interesting relationship. In their first meeting, the stubborn guard of Laird Ruiari ends up with a black eye from the sharp-tongued and hot-headed sister of Ravenna, a spy for the English crown.

You won’t want to miss the hilarious banter between Fagan and Grace that begins in My Highland Spy (Highland Spies, book 1) and fills the pages of Kilts and Daggers (Highland Spies, book 2).

Will these English-Scottish enemies ever see eye-to-eye?

FAGAN AND GRACE TEASER 2

Excerpt from My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts

While the uninvited company sat in the great hall, Fagan listened to the woman’s endless prattle. Although she spoke in a low tone, he could still hear every word. Meanwhile, the driver hadn’t uttered a single peep. Who knew? Perhaps he was unable to get in a word or two.

“The castle is beautiful. Don’t you think so, George? I’m not surprised my sister has been away for so long if she’s been living like this. Our small manor house doesn’t even begin to compare. Why do you think the tapestries have nothing but swords, shields, and scenes of war, and what is that imbedded into the mantle over there? It looks like a giant cat sitting upright. I despise cats as much as Ravenna despises dogs.”

When there was a moment of blessed silence, Fagan said a silent prayer that the rant was over. Of course he spoke too soon.

“The Highland men and women certainly dress differently than we do, even when we’re out in the country. Why do you think the Scottish men wear those ridiculous skirts, George?”

Enough was enough. Fagan approached the table and gave her a roguish grin. “’Tisnae a skirt, lass. If I work something under it, then it would be called a skirt.”

Victoria Roberts' KILTS AND DAGGERS

Kilts and Daggers
By Victoria Roberts

My Highland Spy, Book 2
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Scottish Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781402292033
May 5, 2015
$7.99 Mass Market Paperback

About the Book

“This book begs to be read and reread.”—RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars on My Highland Spy

Ever since Lady Grace Walsingham discovered her uncle and sister are spies for the Crown, she has yearned for adventure. She’s counting the days until she can leave barbaric Scotland behind, even if she must endure Highland captain Fagan Murray’s company for weeks.

Fagan has a simple mission: escort the haughty Lady Grace back to England. But nothing is ever easy. The sharp-tongued woman needles him at every turn. But when a menacing threat follows them on their journey, Fagan’s grudging tolerance for Grace turns to respect…and into a perilous attraction that could seal their fate.

More praise for My Highland Spy:

“Beautiful! This book has it all.”—Night Owl Reviews, 4.5 Stars, Reviewer Top Pick

“One of the best… an outstanding Scottish romance.”—Romance Reviews, 5 Stars

“An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love with a braw Highland hero and strong English heroine any reader will love.”—Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master

Highland Spies series:

My Highland Spy (Book 1)
Kilts and Daggers (Book 2)
Plaids and Petticoats (Book 3)

Buy the Book

MY HIGHLAND SPY (Book 1)

Amazon | Apple | B&N | BAM | !ndigo | IndieBound | Kobo

KILTS AND DAGGERS (Book 2)

Amazon | Apple | B&N | BAM | !ndigo | IndieBound

Victoria RobertsAbout the Author

Victoria Roberts writes sexy, award-winning Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. Prior to ever picking up a single romance novel, she penned her first young adult novella at 16 years old. Who knew her leather-studded motorcycle hero would trade in his ride and emerge as a kilt wearing Highlander wielding a broadsword? Victoria lives with her husband and their two beautiful children in western Pennsylvania.

Connect with Victoria Roberts

Website – www.VictoriaRobertsAuthor.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/victoria.roberts.395
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763317.Victoria_Roberts

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Open April 27 – June 1

Giveaway for 3 copies of MY HIGHLAND SPY by Victoria Roberts

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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Guest Review: My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts

Posted September 9, 2014 by Tracy in Reviews | 0 Comments

Guest Review: My Highland Spy by Victoria RobertsReviewer: Tracy
My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts
Series: Highland Spies #1
Also in this series: Kilts and Daggers
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: September 2nd 2014
Add It: Goodreads
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
four-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

This Highland Laird won't bow to the Crown Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do-he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.

But this lady spy might make him...Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess-a job easier said than done-she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.

If she doesn't betray him first Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

 

Tracy’s review of My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts

Ravenna, who lives in London with her siblings, is a spy for the crown. Her parents were spies before her and she is keeping up the family tradition. She’s not thrilled when she hears that she’s being sent to the Highlands to spy on a laird. She will act as his son’s governess and try to see what’s up with the laird and the clan.

Ruairi Sutherland was supposed to send his young son to Edinburgh to be taught to speak English and to be taught English ways. Ruairi states that his wife is gravely ill and he cannot comply. Because of this the King is sending a governess that will teach his son English.

Ravenna is shocked when she meets Ruairi. He is handsome and not a barbarian at all – she’s been told that all highlanders are barbarians. She immediately takes a liking to the man but knows that nothing can come of that lust as she’s spying on him.

As the weeks pass Ravenna comes to fall in love with Ruairi’s son, Torquil, and she fears she’s falling in love with Ruairi as well. She’s knows that Ruairi is a good man and would not bear arms against the Crown but she knows he’s hiding something. When strange people are seen around the clan lands and then tragedy strikes, Ravenna is determined to find out what’s going on. Unfortunately her sister, who doesn’t know she’s a spy, may be the one person who can blow her cover.

This was a good story. I really liked both Ruairi and Ravenna a lot individually and together they were even better. There were also secondary characters – the captain of the guard as well as Torquil, Ruairi’s son made the story that much better.

I did feel that they lust/attraction happened pretty damned quickly. It happened almost immediately and that was a bit of a shock. The whole book takes weeks and weeks, I believe, but the way it was told I had a hard time getting a grasp on the exact timeline. I think that we could have gotten a bit more in depth with the love relationship in the time allotted and that would have solidified it all for me that much more.

Despite that issue I really liked the book and will definitely be reading the next in the series.

Rating: 3.75/4 out of 5

This title is available from Sourcebooks Casablanca. You can buy it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

four-stars

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What I Read Last Week

Posted June 2, 2014 by Tracy in Features | 5 Comments

Hi All,

This past week was a sad one as my father-in-law died suddenly on the 29th.  He was 76 and was a good man who loved his family dearly.  He was always there with his one-liners and had a great dry, sarcastic humor.  He was a LA County Sheriff for many years and was a veteran as well.  He will be greatly missed.

Needless to say I’m not up for long book descriptions so I’m only going to be listing what I read and their ratings.

Legend (Wolf Lake book 1) by Jennifer Kohout 
3 out of 5

To Wed a Wicked Highlander (Bad Boys of the Highlands #3) by Victoria Roberts
3.5 out of 5

The Kraken King, Part VII: The Kraken King and the Empress’s Eyes (Iron Seas #4.7) by Meljean Brook
5 out of 5

Fall From India Place (On Dublin Street #4) by Samantha Young
4 out of 5

Knight of My Dreams by Lynsay Sands
3.5 out of 5

The Kraken King, Part VIII: The Kraken King and the Greatest Adventure (Iron Seas #4.8) by Meljean Brook
5 out of 5 
 
Everything I Know by Josh Lanyon
3.5 out of 5

The Virgin’s Guide to Misbehaving (Bluebonnet #4) by Jessica Clare
4 out of 5

Two for One (The Club #1) by Ann B. Harrison
3 out of 5

Happy Reading! 

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Guest Review: To Wed A Wicked Highlander by Victoria Roberts

Posted October 23, 2013 by Judith in Reviews | 0 Comments

To Wed A Wicked HighlanderJudith’s review of To Wed A Wicked Highlander (Bad boys of the Highlands, #3) by Victoria Roberts

Laird Alexander MacDonnell must choose between his duty or losing his heart forever to the woman who betrayed him—his own wife.

Lady Sybella MacKenzie is forced to search for her clan’s ancient seeing stone under the roof of her father’s enemy. When she finds the precious artifact, will she choose the family who raised her, or will she stand with the man who has captured her soul?

It is little wonder that we contemporary romance readers find the Scots traditions and historical context so winsome.  This book is one of those that is soaked clear through with the politics of the Clans and with the myths and beliefs that often drive people to do really hurtful things.  This is also one of those books that I think some of us would buy simply for the cover.  Boy Howdy!!  Living then certainly wasn’t easy but if the guys looked like this there had to be some joy in the living.  Anyway, this is another historical romance that is not lighthearted or easy to read in the sense that there’s lots going on.  You’ll find love and sex and passion and suspense, betrayal and disappointment, death and life all mixed in with the struggles of one woman to sort out what life really has for her and to deal with a family that is just about as dysfunctional as they come.  To be a woman in that time was to be a pawn in numerous ways, but when politics and wealth and the greed for land was all at stake, I can’t imagine any of us wanting to be her.

I am also not sure that anyone living then really trusted anyone else to any degree.  Of course, people had their bff’s even then, but when the future of a clan was at stake then the trust factors became pretty superficial.  Even those paid well could be bought for even greater amounts of money.  It is little wonder that the life expectancy of those long ago lairds and their ladies was so brief.  Add in the treachery of one family pretending to make peace through a political marriage, and you have the makings of a volatile situation as well that of a very good historical romance.

This is the third in the trilogy about “bad boy” Scotsmen, and it is a really terrific read.  It is the kind of book you can sink your teeth into and it is laced all the way through with the ups and downs of politics, the reader’s hopes that the main characters can transcend the betrayal of the moment and find genuine affection and connection, and the reality that hundreds of years of history are working against them.  This author’s sense of historical integrity is evident and this book is one of those that teaches as much about the historical realities as it manages to tell a compelling love story.  It’s the kind of book I really need to read amid the lighter fare we reviewers encounter all the time.  Don’t get me wrong:  I love the lighthearted and fluffy romances, the erotic novellas and the contemporary love stories about wounded heroes or second chance relationships.  But every now and then I really need to settle down and sink my teeth into a complicated and serious historical novel full of color and vitality and populated with characters who may or may not be what they appear to be.

This is a really good read and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.  I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.

The Series:
Book Cover Book Cover Book Cover

You can read more from Judith at Dr J’s Book Place.

This title is available from Sourcebooks Casablanca. You can buy it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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