Amber Lin

02_Betraying Mercy
Publisher: Harlequin E
Released: August 4, 2014
Source: Review copy from HFVBT
Rating: ★★★★

Can she be more than a mistress?

With a tarnished reputation, Mercy Lyndhurst expected to become the Earl of Rochford’s mistress, not his wife. Immediately abandoned by her husband after their wedding, Mercy transformed herself from commoner to countess, vowing to protect the lands and people her husband was forced to leave.

Over the past six years, William has restored the family fortune all the while tortured by his memories of Mercy…and the dark night he killed a man. When a threat draws him home, William learns just how much has changed—including his wife. While the passion still flares between them, he fears he has wounded her too badly to regain her trust. But as the danger grows they must unite to save the estate…and possibly their marriage.

BETRAYING MERCY is a dark and delicious romance set in late 18th century England. Two unlikely childhood friends, the son of an earl and the daughter of the town drunk, are reunited by a tragic event. William, the Earl of Rochford, is summoned home after many years by a cryptic message: “A legacy of riches. Beware the ghosts and witches.” His first night back in the village starts with him killing a man, and ends with a hasty marriage to lowborn Mercy to save her reputation. Then, William departs in a flurry of guilt, not to be seen again for six years.

Mercy was an amazing heroine, using her new status as a countess to save her struggling village from an unscrupulous businessman. She was very smart, brave, and not afraid to get her hands dirty, and no sitting around, pining for her absent husband. When William returns after six years at sea, Mercy is conflicted. There’s still a spark between them, but can she trust him not to ruin her secret project or abandon her again?

BETRAYING MERCY was a short read, but there was a lot of excitement packed into its 134 pages. There’s mystery, deception, betrayal, attempted murder, and plenty of passion. The story had a captivating Gothic atmosphere, which I loved. There were parts I wish had been more fleshed out, and a couple of loose ends that are niggling at me, so, of course I’m hoping for a sequel.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT AMBER LIN

Amber Lin writes erotic romance with damaged souls and deep emotion.

Her debut novel, Giving It Up, received The Romance Review’s Top Pick, Night Owl Top Pick, and 5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies. RT Book Reviews gave it 4.5 stars, calling it “truly extraordinary.” She has been published by Loose Id, Carina Press, and Entangled.

Amber married her high school sweetheart, birthed a kid who’s smarter than she is, and spends her nights writing down her dirty thoughts. In other words, life is good.

For more information on Amber Lin and her novels please visit her website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest, and Goodreads. Sign up for Amber Lin’s Newsletter.

AMBER’S BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, August 4
Review at Reviews by Molly

Tuesday, August 5
Spotlight & Excerpt at Romantic Historical Reviews

Wednesday, August 6
Review at The Librarian Fatale

Thursday, August 7
Review at From the TBR Pile
Interview & Giveaway at Girl Meets Books

Friday, August 8
Facebook Launch Party, 7:00-9:00pm EST

Saturday, August 9
Spotlight at I Heart Reading

Monday, August 11
Review at Pure Textuality

Tuesday, August 12
Review at Book of Secrets

Wednesday, August 13
Spotlight & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, August 14
Spotlight & Giveaway at SOS Aloha

Monday, August 18
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, August 19
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession

Friday, August 22
Interview at Curling Up by the Fire

FallingPirate
Series: Men of Fortune, #2
Publisher: Entangled
Released: July 21, 2014
Source: Review copy provided by Rock Star PR
Rating: ★★★★

London, 1820

After the deaths of his parents and a dark, troubled childhood, Captain Nate Bowen vowed he would have his revenge. But he never expected to have the tool of his revenge dropped so neatly into his lap. Juliana Hargate is not only the daughter of his enemy, but is destitute, very much alone – and exquisitely desirable. And now that Nate has saved her life, she’s at his complete mercy…

Captive. All Juliana wanted was to clear her father’s name. Instead, she’s been struck with amnesia – unable to recall even her name – and imprisoned by a tall, imposing, and entirely unscrupulous pirate. A pirate whose eyes seem to look past her skirts and many petticoats, and whose touch sends delicious ripples of desire through her. With every passing day, she finds herself tempted to give him the very thing he’s determined to take…

FALLING FOR THE PIRATE is the second book in Amber Lin’s Men of Fortune series, though it can easily be read stand-alone. I love steamy tales of revenge, and this one was well done, especially since it was sweet and romantic too. Ms. Lin (her alter-ego too!) is a talented storyteller with an engaging writing style I always enjoy.

I really loved the hero of this story. Nate was a tortured soul, hell bent on revenge against the man who ruined his life and destroyed his family. Even with all that emotional baggage, he was generous and kind, especially to those less fortunate or at his mercy – like the captured daughter of his enemy.

Juliana was a strong character too. She’s an upper class lady who lost it all when her father was charged with embezzlement. She was willing to risk her life to prove his innocence – even after he abandoned her. A botched attempt at breaking into her father’s old office lands her in the hands of a pirate and an unfortunate case of amnesia.

Nate and Juliana’s story was precarious at first, of course, but also sexy and sweet. I was rooting for Nate to make the right decision, and wanting to see how far he would take his revenge. The plot had a steady pace with a couple surprising twists along the way. My only gripes were that there were no high seas adventure and swashbuckling! Nate had a fabulous ship, but alas, it stayed by the shore.

FALLING FOR THE PIRATE is a sexy and exciting story, perfect for fans of Regency romance and revenge.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the book tour company in exchange for an honest review.