Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt of Lady in Disguise by Lynsay Sands

by Lynsay Sands

Series n/a; standalone

Genre Adult Historical Romance

Publisher Avon Books

Publication Date June 25, 2019

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iBooks https://apple.co/2VN4e3F 

It’s a case of mistaken identities and unmistakable attraction in New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands’ classic historical romance! 

Lady Maggie Wentworth must support herself as an investigative reporter. Writing under another name, she’s been exposing the notorious scandals of the ton -- this time it’s the “working girls” of London. While interviewing the women, a client enters, and Maggie is shocked to see her beau. She changes clothes with one of the girls and flees out the window, only to be whisked away by a stranger.

Lord James is honoring a deathbed promise: watch over his late friend’s sister. Following Maggie to a house of ill repute, he’s stunned to see her emerge dressed as the notorious Lady X! Hard times must have driven her to such a desperate act, and he is intent on reforming the wanton chit. No amount of protest will stop him from saving her reputation. Now if only he can hold his own desires in check—and keep himself from falling in love.

My thoughts:

I love Lynsay Sands historical romances. They usually have a lot of fun banter and amusing situations. A Lady in Disguise is one of her earlier offerings that is being re-issued by Avon. This one is a stand alone and I had a lot of fun reading it. The chemistry between Maggie and James was off the charts. Their banter was a lot of fun. Maggie could be a frustrating character at times because she kept putting herself into dangerous situations. Someone was trying to kill her, but she kept brushing that off. Still, I didn't call the culprit, so that was a nice surprise. I do recommend this one. It was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

Enjoy this excerpt:

“Yes, I am Lord Ramsey. Your brother died saving my life, and his last request to me was that I see after you.”

Maggie was silent for a moment. She had known Gerald died bravely—his commanding officer had written the details of his leaping in front of a musket ball to save a comrade. However, she had never known whom he had died to save; the name had been left out. Now she stared at the man who had kidnapped her, the man her brother had saved…

She couldn’t help her suddenly tight expression or the tone of her voice as she snapped, “I see. Well, forgive me for pointing out something you may not wish to hear, my lord, but I doubt very much if smothering, typing up, or kidnapping me is what Gerald had in mind.”

Lord Ramsey grimaced, but after a moment said sternly, “It was not what I expected to be doing when I agreed. However, I doubt your brother expected you to get up to the things you have done.”

Maggie stiffened at his tone, indignant. “And just what is that supposed to mean?”

To celebrate the release of A LADY IN DISGUISE by Lynsay Sands, we’re giving away a paperback set of The Highlander’s Promise & Surrender to the Highlander by Lynsay Sands!

LINK: http://bit.ly/2VAwpOz 

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback set of The Highlander’s Promise & Surrender to the Highlander by Lynsay Sands. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Books. Giveaway ends 6/9/2019 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. 

ABOUT LYNSAY SANDS

LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Please visit her on the web at www.lynsaysands.net.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website http://www.lynsaysands.net/news.html
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynsay-Sands/125138040836322
Twitter https://twitter.com/lynsaysands
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33889462-immortally-yours
Amazon http://amzn.to/2CYW63A 

Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt of Bliss by Lynsay Sands

Author: Lynsay Sands

Publisher: Avon

Date of publication:  July 25, 2017

No one blends humor and sensuality like New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands in this captivating story of feuding nobles forced to marry…and destined to fall in love

Love thy neighbor, ’tis said. A fine idea, except when the neighbor in question is Lord Holden. Lady Helen Tiernay has complained frequently about his treatment of his people. Too frequently perhaps, for the king intends to curb their constant bickering by ordering them to wed. Helen can’t refuse a royal decree, but she’ll do everything possible to drive away her devilishly attractive husband-to-be.

Holden has faced all manner of horrors on the battlefield. But marriage to “the tyrant of Tiernay” is still a worrying prospect—until he glimpses Helen in the flesh. What flesh it is…soft, lush, made for his touch. If she weren’t so intent on thinking up devious ways to prevent consummating their bond, Helen would see how perfect they are together, and that a marriage begun as enemies can turn to absolute pleasure.

Bliss was recently re-issued by Avon. I have always been a fan of Ms. Sands's historical romances.  Somehow I missed this one the first time around. Lord Hethe Holden and Lady Helen Tierney have been feuding neighbors for years.  King Henry is tired of getting letters of complaint from both of them and orders them to marry.

I enjoyed this one.  There were a lot of funny moments that made me laugh.  That is one of the things that I have always loved about this author.  She has the ability to inject a lot of humor into her stories. Hethe and Helen were fun to watch as they slowly began to like and respect each other.  There is also mystery to solve.  Someone keeps trying to kill Hethe. (How that poor man wasn't in a coma by the end is anyone's guess) While, it wasn't too difficult to figure out who the bad guy was, the reason was a surprise.

If missed this one the first time around, I definitely recommend it.  It was a lot of fun to read.

Excerpt:

“Lady Tiernay,” Templetun greeted, jogging up the last few steps to come abreast of Hethe as he passed before their two hostesses. “May I introduce Lord Hethe of Holden. Lord Holden, this is Lady Helen of Tiernay and her aunt Lady Nell Shambleau.”

Hethe moved up another step so that his face and Helen’s were on a level, and managed a smile as he gazed into his fiance’s sky blue eyes that matched her gown. Actually, his mouth was responding to his nether regions, and it fashioned itself into a beaming grin of pleasure for the woman—until she smile back and said, “How do you do?”

His smile died an abrupt death, becoming a dismayed grimace. It wasn’t the woman’s words that affected him so but her foul breath that blew at him as she spoke. The shock of it made Hethe take a hasty step backward. He would have tumbled down the stairs had William not steadied him with a fist at his back.

“God’s teeth!” he gasped in horror, bringing a perplexed and even slightly offended look to their hostess’s face. It also brought him a rather sharp and confused look from Templetun, reminding him of his manners. Forcing a false smile of apology to his lips, Hethe turned his face slightly to avoid the noxious fumes and excused himself by muttering, “Nearly lost my footing.”

“Oh, well, you must be careful, my lord,” his betrothed breathed at him sweetly. Leaning closer, she snatched his arm through her own, presumably to save him from losing his balance again. She then smiled brightly and sighed gustily into his face. “Such a handsome man. We would not wish you to tumble down the stairs and break your neck! At least, not before the wedding, hmmm?” she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Hethe nearly whimpered. His head was swimming under the onslaught of her poisonous exhalations. Sweet Saint Simon! He had never smelled anything quite so raw or putrid. He hadn’t thought it possible for such a scent to come out of a human’s mouth. And the fact that it was coming from the sweet bow-shaped lips of the lovely woman before him just seemed to make the horror of it that much worse.

“Shall we go inside?” the woman’s aunt suggested cheerfully.

“Aye,” Lady Tiernay agreed. “I am sure you gentlemen are ready for a nice mug of ale after your journey.” She spoke the words to Hethe, her breath wafting over his face like an ill wind carrying the stench of death. Feeling his stomach roil, Hethe nodded faintly, more than eager for any excuse to move and avoid the situation he was in.

Lord love me, I have to marry this wench, he thought as he hurried rudely up the last step and into the keep, dragging her a step behind. She would be breathing this putrescence at him for the next fifty years or so, he thought faintly, too dismayed to even realize how rude he was being by pulling Lady Tiernay about and leaving her aunt and the others to follow.

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Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39399.Bliss 

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Author Info 

Lynsay Sands is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She's been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there's occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that's just a big bonus.

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Throwback Thursday: Always by Lyndsay Sands

Author: Lynsay Sands
First published in 2000 by Leisure books  Reissue by Avon in 2015.

Bastard daughter to the king, Rosamunde was raised in a convent and wholly prepared to take the veil . . . until King Henry declared she would wed Aric, one of his most valiant knights. Suddenly she found herself promising to love, honor, and obey.

Rosamunde's education had not covered a wedding night, but the handsome warrior she was now bound to seemed intent on giving her a lesson in the art of pleasure. In no time, Aric was certain she would surrender to the irresistible passion he promised.

And while Rosamunde's spirited nature often put her at odds with her new husband, his mastery in seduction was quickly melting her resolve—and capturing her heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed Always.  I am a big fan of Lynsay Sands vampire series, but I also love her historical romances.  When I pick up one of her books, I know I'm going to get lots of humor, mayhem and steamy bedroom scenes.  In Always, Rosamunde and Aric are forced to marry after meeting for like 5 minutes.  She thought she was going to become a nun, but her father had other plans for her.  Aric has been burned by love in the past and has no desire to marry ever.  

It was a lot of fun watching these two fall in love.  While the story was a bit longer than it needed to be, I almost didn't mind so much since their interactions made it worth while.  I even liked the mystery. All along,  I had my suspicions as to who was trying to kill Rosamunde and Aric. I was right, but I was wrong about the why,  The book has some wonderful peripheral characters that really enrich the story.  I highly recommend this throwback!

Throwback Thursday: Immortal Hunter by Lynsay Sands

Author: Lynsay Sands
First published in 2009 by Avon

Irresistible

Even vampires need a vacation. But Decker Argeneau's ends abruptly when he's asked to help hunt the group of rogue vampires targeting mortals - one that might include a defector in his own family. Before he can worry about that, though, he's got to rescue the latest victim. It's all part of the job, including taking a bullet for a beautiful doctor.

Insatiable

Dr. Danielle McGill doesn't know if she can trust the man who just saved her life. There are too many questions, such as what is the secret organization he says he's part of, and why do his wounds hardly bleed? However, with her sister in the hands of some dangerous men, she doesn't have much choice but to trust him.

Immortal

Except now Decker's talking about life mates and awakening a passion that's taking Dani beyond anything she's ever known. Being undead may not be half-bad...especially if it means spending forever with a man who would love her with his mind, body, and immortal soul.

Immortal Hunter is the 11th book in the Argeneau family vampire series.  I am just now catching up since the book count is up to 22 at present.  This book is also the second in the rogue vampire hunters trilogy.   I can't say that I have loved the last couple of books.  But this one was enjoyable.

I did find the story had a lot of the familiar humor that has been in past books.  I loved Decker.  I thought he was a sweetheart and adorable.  He treated Dani so well once he figured out she was his life mate.  As for Dani, it took me longer to warm up to her.  I thought she was kind of bitchy toward Decker for most of the book.  

My biggest complaint about the book is the length.  I felt like there was a lot of unnecessary stuff going on.  For instance, Dani's sister is still missing and while they are waiting to get Dani's cell phone fixed, they all decide to go shopping for the house at the mall?  Who does that?.  You have a rogue vampire on the loose and you go shopping at the mall?  Do you really need to be worried about pots and pans at this point?  I just thought that was strange.

I have already started listening to the last of the trilogy, Renegade Hunter.  It's Nicholas's story and I'm enjoying it so far.

Throwback Thursday: The Switch by Lynsay Sands

 

Author: Lynsay Sands
First published in 1999 by Leisure Books

When they first met Lord Jeremy William Radcliffe, Charlie and her twin sister, Elizabeth, were escaping from their uncle- taking turns acting the young gentleman to avoid detection. But Charlie couldn't help falling head over heels - and out of a window - for the handsome lord. Of course, that was only the beginning; Lord Radcliffe insisted on showing "him" and her lovely sister to London.

But how could he do that? With every touch, Radcliffe seemed unknowingly to incite indecent desires in Charlie, and his fraternal intent was certain to land her in a fine mess. Though it was a great game to play a boy, there was more fun in being female. And after one brush of his fiery lips when her guise was gone, Charlie swore to be nothing but his woman forevermore.

One of the things I love about Ms. Sands historical books is the humor that never lets up.  The Switch is a very amusing and at times confusing book. Confusing only when Charlie and her sister where playing each other.  Charlie and Beth are identical twins who are attempting to escape being sold into marriage by their uncle.  They decide to flee with one of them dressed as a boy.  They meet Radcliffe as they are fleeing and h takes them under his wing.

Radcliffe spends much of the book thinking Charlie is really a boy.  It was amusing to see his conflicting feelings toward Charlie as a boy and Charlie playing Beth.  It sounds more confusing than it is.  I did love how Radcliffe's plans for Charlie (as a boy) kept backfiring on him.  I think the brothel scenes were pretty funny.  I did think that I had the blackmailer all figured out, but I was pleasantly surprised to see I was wrong in the end.  It was a nice twist. The other characters in the book were a lot of fun.  This is definitely a book I would recommend!

Throwback Thursday: The Rogue Hunter by Lynsay Sands

Author: Lynsay Sands
First published in 2008 by Avon

Samantha Willan is a workaholic lawyer. She's grateful for some rest and relaxation in cottage country, and after a recent breakup she wants to stay as far away from romance as possible. Then she meets her irresistible new neighbor. There's something strange and mysterious about his eyes. Is it just her imagination, or are they locked on her neck?

Garrett Mortimer is a rogue hunter. His last assignment united Lucian Argeneau with his lifemate, and Mortimer is hoping this one will be less... adventurous. He's here to track down a reported rogue, but fun in the sun is every bloodsucker's nightmare. Worse, he can't seem to get his mind off Samantha, especially when he spies her skinny-dipping in the lake. After eight hundred years as a bachelor, is he ready to turn a volatile attraction into a lasting love affair?

A few years ago, I couldn't get enough of the Argeneau family from Ms. Sands Immortals series. Then, for some reason, I stopped reading them after book 9.  I noticed that book 10, The Rogue Hunter was available for download, so I figured it was a sign that it was time to get back into the series.  I'm glad I did.  

I missed the humor that this series has always contained.  This book didn't disappoint.  I thought this one was really funny. Sam and Mortimer were a great couple.  Their first few attempts at trying to have sex were outrageously funny.  There are two mysteries, but I think the relationship that develops between Sam and Mortimer is the better part of the book. This is a great addition to the series.  

Review: An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands

Author: Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon
Date of publication: June 2013

Annabel was about to take the veil to become a nun when her mother suddenly arrives at the Abbey to take her home… so that she can marry the Scottish laird who is betrothed to her runaway sister! She knows nothing about being a wife, nothing about how to run a household, and definitely nothing about the marriage bed!

But from the moment Ross MacKay sets eyes on Annabel, he is taken with his shy sweet bride… and the fact that she's blessed with lush curves only makes him utter his own prayers of thanks. But when an enemy endangers her life, he'll move the Highlands themselves to save her. For though Annabel's not the bride he planned for, she's the only woman he desires…


I really enjoy Ms. Sands historical romances.  Who doesn't love a sexy highlander?  An English Bride in Scotland was a fun read.   It was the perfect mix of romance, intrigue and humor.  Having grown up in an abbey surrounded by nuns, Annabel isn't exactly knowledgeable in the ways of men and women.  This made for some very funny scenes in the book.  I just love how Ross got around the "Wednesday" rule!

For the most part, Annabel and Ross were great characters.  Ross was very protective of Annabel from the start and with good reason.   I did have to roll my eyes at Annabel a few times as she does have some TSTL moments.  If you know someone is trying to kill you, why would you insist on leaving the safety of the keep?  Not too bright in my opinion.  I liked the solution to the mystery as well as the justice that was done in the end.  Talk about getting what you deserve!   The peripheral characters were a lot of fun as well, especially Ross's uncles.  They inserted a lot of humor into the story.
 
 I know fans of this author will enjoy this book.  It was just the right thing to escape for a little while.  

Throwback Thursday: The Loving Daylights by Lynsay Sands

Author: Lynsay Sands
First published in 2003 by Love Spell

Jane Spyrus can build any gadget B.L.I.S.S. needs in its international fight against crime, but she soon meets a fellow who shows her how to love the daylights out of something without batteries. 

When I first started listening to The Loving Daylights, I wasn't sure if I would keep listening   It was really unlike anything else that I have read by this author.  Once I gave into the silliness of the book, I found I enjoyed it.  This book is very silly.  I took it as a tongue-in-cheek  spy romance novel.  There are lots of funny scenes that had me laughing.  The shrink wrap condom scene was hilarious!  I started to enjoy the character names, such as Ira Maintrue and Dirk Ensecksi.  Say those really fast and see what you get. The characters themselves were fun. If you are looking for a really fun read that doesn't take itself seriously, then make sure to check this one out!

The Heiress

Author: Lynsay Sands
Publisher: HarperCollins, February 2011

Suzette is not like other heiresses; she wants a poor husband, a gentleman who will be so grateful for her dowry that he will allow her access to it so that she can pay off her father's gambling debts. When this alluring beauty encounters Daniel Woodrow -- handsome, titled, single...and even more impoverished than she could have hoped for -- it seems Suzette's wildest dreams have come true.

But Daniel has not been truthful. Tired of being accosted by an endless stream of vapid coquettes and their fortune-hunting mothers, Daniel has decided to plead poverty to stop them in their tracks. Yet here is a most refreshing and delectable lady, who claims to be thrilled by his penury. Now all Daniel has to do to find true happiness is to keep a little white lie alive...while avoiding a villain who's determined to prevent this union by any means necessary.

The Heiress is Suzette and Daniel’s story. They are characters that were first introduced in The Countess (see my review here) Most of the story takes place at the same time as The Countess. I liked Suzette’s character. She is funny, sassy and very curious. She has great passion that she isn’t afraid to explore. Daniel is a likable hero and I liked them as a couple. Daniel’s mother is also a very funny character and I hope to see more of her in a future book. I also hope Lisa and Robert get their own story.

As I mentioned, the first half of the book is pretty much the same story as the Countess, except told from Suzette and Daniel’s point of view. While it was interesting to see what was going on when they were out of the room in the first book, I found myself skimming over sections. There were many of the same conversations and this got boring after a while. The idea for the two books was a good one, but it just didn’t work well for me. The second half of the book deals with what happens on the second journey to Gretna Green. The ending was a bit rushed, but did tie up loose ends from the first book. In my opinion, both books could have been combined into one. That being said, I did enjoy the book and would recommend to anyone who read The Countess. 3 out of 5 stars

- Kari

* note: I read an Advanced Reader’s e-proof copy of The Heiress supplied courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers. I was not approached or compensated in anyway for this review. By receiving a complimentary copy, I am in no way obligated to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.*

The Countess

Author: Lynsay Sands
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The fairy tale courtship did not turn into a happily ever after…

Not until her husband dropped dead, that is. He had been horrible enough to Christiana during their short marriage, and she was not going to allow the traditional period of mourning to ruin her sisters’ debuts as well. So Christiana decides to put him on ice and go on as if nothing’s happened…

Until the real earl appears. Richard Fairgrave had every intention of confronting his villainous twin who robbed him of his name and title…only to discover that he’d died. Quietly assuming his identity, Richard must now deal with a maddening desire for his ravishing inherited “wife”—certainly a gold digger and possibly a murderess. And Christiana must deal with an unwanted new “husband”…and they both must figure out what to do before the ice melts!


The Countess is the first in a new series by Lynsay Sands that comes out this month. The second, The Heiress, follows in February 2011. I really enjoyed this book. It was charming, sexy, romantic, funny and intriguing. While it is a historical romance, I didn’t feel bogged down in details of clothing style or the period that I feel, at times, overpowers other books of the genre. The book has some real laugh out loud moments, most involving the unexpected death of "Dicky".

Christiana is the typical first born heiress who has not “worldly”, which leads to a funny scene when discussing marriage consummation with a family friend. She has spent the last year being demeaned and emotionally abused by her husband, so her spirits have been broken and she has no self confidence anymore. I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell and become the woman she was before she married. Richard is the hero that we all want to fall in love with because he is just so likable. The thing that appealed to me about this book was that there was no real angst between the couple. Their relationship flows pretty easily even though they are thrown into the relationship. They genuinely like and respect each other, almost from the first. The attraction is immediate and leads to some very steamy scenes. There is also a bit of mystery, the answer to which, I didn’t see coming.

I will add that the peripheral characters, especially the two sisters, are what really drew me into Richard and Christiana’s story. I personally can’t wait to read Suzette’s story, which is next in The Heiress. She was feisty, funny and unpredictable. I also hope that Lisa gets her own story as well. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good romance and fans of Ms. Sands will want to pick this up as well. You won’t be disappointed. 4 out of 5 stars.


-- Kari

* note: I read an Advanced Reader’s e-proof copy of The Countess supplied courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers. I was not approached or compensated in anyway for this review. By receiving a complimentary copy, I am in no way obligated to write a good or bad review. I am an honest reviewer and my reviews are based on my own opinion and only written by me.*