A SONG AT TWILIGHT by Pamela Sherwood hits all the right notes. Even with the varying tempo and key changes, it crescendos nicely and resolves in a happy fermata. This book will thrill any music or poetry lover with its quotations, but with murder and politics, A SONG AT TWILIGHT will raise the roof for every reader. I give it four stars.
A SONG AT TWILIGHT tells the tale of how Miss Sophie Tresilian and Mr. Robin Pendarvis conquer the challenging stanzas in their path to greatness. When they first meet, Sophie is seventeen and just preparing for her come out. Robin, twenty-five, has just arrived in Cornwall in order to be with his ailing great uncle. It is very nearly love at first sight for both of them, but Robin has some secrets that explode in his face, leaving him in the heart-wrenching position of having to choose between his family or Sophie. The story plays out over the span of six years, and thus gains the categorization as an epic love story.
I really enjoyed A SONG AT TWILIGHT. The characters were well-illustrated through their interactions, and the development of the romantic relationship between Sophie and Robin was absolutely realistic. While the book has a happy ending, Sophie and Robin have to deal with serious challenges and work through difficulties to get it. I loved the fact that while the characters' feelings and thoughts are documented, there were no overbearing, repetitive narratives where Sophie or Robin ruminates over ridiculous insecurities. The editing was also well done.
The romance is appropriately timed, but still rates as a 3 on the heat scale for the descriptors utilized.
There were only a few noteworthy issues. The pacing of the book feels extremely slow in the beginning. I had difficulty getting into the book, partly because I didn't see a way out of the gloom and doom for the protagonists. I repeatedly had to check to see how many pages were in the book to motivate myself to keep reading. The pacing picks up at the middle though, and continues comfortably until the end.
There was also a part where Sir Nankivell's slander is dropped into the plotline, but the slander is only given a proper introduction after the drama is resolved. It felt like I was missing a page in the book, or the pages were out of order. Either way, it was a tad confusing and made me stop to look back and see where I missed something. I had a similar feeling with a few of the characters. Some of the references to other characters' challenges made me wonder if A SONG AT TWILIGHT was the second or third book in a series. Their situations were briefly and appropriately described, though, so I didn't feel like I was missing any information necessary to this novel.
Finally, while the murder mystery is excellently done with some crafty foreshadowing via Sophie's reading materials and a lovely twist in the end, the existence of Nathalie and the interference of Nankivell was so predictable, I felt as if the characters had eaten stupid for breakfast, their naivety and oversight seemingly out of character for them.
Issues aside, I really enjoyed the A SONG AT TWILIGHT, and I highly recommend it for any lover of poetry, music, or historical fiction.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10692.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
A Lady's Secret Weapon by Tracey Devlyn - 3 stars
A LADY'S SECRET WEAPON by Tracey Devlyn provides some thrilling action and drama, but could use a better title and some indication on the cover that it is the third book in a series. I'm still not sure what the secret weapon is, but titles and backstories aside, the book was a nice read. I give it 3 stars.
In A LADY'S SECRET WEAPON, Ethan de Beau, Viscount Danforth, is a secret agent of Nexus, the black ops division of England's Foreign Office. Ethan endeavors to tie up the loose ends of the Napoleonic War by capturing a former Nexus agent and traitor in London. His investigation leads him to an orphanage/home for boys and causes him to cross paths with Sydney Hunt, the intriguing proprietress of the Hunt Employment Agency, who is also investigating the orphanage, but for different reasons. Their investigations essentially become a joint effort and sparks fly. They must face many of the challenges typical to romantic relationships: traditional gender roles, past hurts and other emotional baggage, and danger from French spies and evil headmasters.
I enjoyed A LADY'S SECRET WEAPON, but would have enjoyed it much, much more had I known it was book 3 in a series. This series definitely needs to be read in order. It was obvious there were several backstories to the current drama, but they were not adequately described in this book for it to stand alone on the shelf. Certain connections between characters and events were confusing because there was no explanation, e.g., how Ethan's sister and Sydney are acquainted.
The novel also seemed to lack any real character development, but I suspect that the previous two books supply enough information to show more growth. And while the book has a happy ending, it feels abrupt and incomplete, as if Ethan and Sydney's happy ending will be more fully described in the next book. The romance is appropriately timed, but still garners a heat rating of 3 out of 5 for the descriptors utilized.
Once I came to the realization that this was the third book in the series, I was able to accept that I wouldn't have all my questions answered, which helped me ignore that issue and instead enjoy the plot. The plot was definitely unique and interesting, especially the explanation of the French scheme involving the orphanage. For a moment I thought perhaps there was something paranormal about what was happening at the orphanage, but was pleasantly surprised when I learned the truth. I love it when a novel can blindside me with twists I couldn't imagine. The editing was also well done; no pesky grammar problems or typos to distract the reader.
I enjoyed A LADY'S SECRET WEAPON, and I recommend it for any lover of historical mysteries.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=10798.
In A LADY'S SECRET WEAPON, Ethan de Beau, Viscount Danforth, is a secret agent of Nexus, the black ops division of England's Foreign Office. Ethan endeavors to tie up the loose ends of the Napoleonic War by capturing a former Nexus agent and traitor in London. His investigation leads him to an orphanage/home for boys and causes him to cross paths with Sydney Hunt, the intriguing proprietress of the Hunt Employment Agency, who is also investigating the orphanage, but for different reasons. Their investigations essentially become a joint effort and sparks fly. They must face many of the challenges typical to romantic relationships: traditional gender roles, past hurts and other emotional baggage, and danger from French spies and evil headmasters.
I enjoyed A LADY'S SECRET WEAPON, but would have enjoyed it much, much more had I known it was book 3 in a series. This series definitely needs to be read in order. It was obvious there were several backstories to the current drama, but they were not adequately described in this book for it to stand alone on the shelf. Certain connections between characters and events were confusing because there was no explanation, e.g., how Ethan's sister and Sydney are acquainted.
The novel also seemed to lack any real character development, but I suspect that the previous two books supply enough information to show more growth. And while the book has a happy ending, it feels abrupt and incomplete, as if Ethan and Sydney's happy ending will be more fully described in the next book. The romance is appropriately timed, but still garners a heat rating of 3 out of 5 for the descriptors utilized.
Once I came to the realization that this was the third book in the series, I was able to accept that I wouldn't have all my questions answered, which helped me ignore that issue and instead enjoy the plot. The plot was definitely unique and interesting, especially the explanation of the French scheme involving the orphanage. For a moment I thought perhaps there was something paranormal about what was happening at the orphanage, but was pleasantly surprised when I learned the truth. I love it when a novel can blindside me with twists I couldn't imagine. The editing was also well done; no pesky grammar problems or typos to distract the reader.
I enjoyed A LADY'S SECRET WEAPON, and I recommend it for any lover of historical mysteries.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=10798.
Monday, September 23, 2013
More Than A Mistress by Mary Balogh - 5 stars
MORE THAN A MISTRESS by Mary Balogh is a Regency romance that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster like none other. With damaged characters comes high drama that any lover of historical fiction will enjoy, even on the third read through. Mary Balogh paints Regency here like no other, with bold colors and careful details. I give this novel five stars.
In MORE THAN A MISTRESS, Lady Sara Jane Illingsworth runs from her home after an attempted assault by her second cousin, the son of the current Earl of Durbury. A couple days after gaining employment as Jane Ingleby, she interrupts a duel, causing Jocelyn Dudley, Duke of Tresham, to be injured. The duke drafts her as his nurse, claiming that since she is responsible for his injury, she will nurse him back to health. As his nurse, Jane is kept abreast of the gossip surrounding her cousin.
Once Jocelyn has recovered, Jane announces her intention to leave, but given what has passed between them, Jocelyn has a difficult time letting her go. So Jocelyn persuades her to become his mistress. The only problem, though, is that they fall in love. Jocelyn has a hard time dealing with his feelings, and after bearing his soul to Jane, he is terribly hurt when he discovers her true identity. Can these two learn to trust each other and make their relationship work?
I really enjoyed this novel. I have actually read it at least three times. It is definitely a keeper. The plotline is simple, but the characters are definitely not. The character development is well-illustrated, with depth and nuance. The characters' motives are clear and credible. Especially well done are the parts where Jocelyn feels hurt or insecure and lashes out at Jane. While this scenario can be typical in a Regency romance, indeed romance in general, the artistry here draws readers into the characters and makes them feel as if it were happening to them.
The pacing is just right, not too fast or too slow, keeping the reader interested and the plot moving forward.
The romantic development is also well done, clearly illustrating the difference between physical and emotional intimacy and the difficulties attaining and sustaining the emotional. The romance here is on the more detailed side, making this novel appropriate for those 18 and older.
If you are a historical fiction lover, this is not a novel to be missed. MORE THAN A MISTRESS will not disappoint.
**Review shared with The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=11061.
In MORE THAN A MISTRESS, Lady Sara Jane Illingsworth runs from her home after an attempted assault by her second cousin, the son of the current Earl of Durbury. A couple days after gaining employment as Jane Ingleby, she interrupts a duel, causing Jocelyn Dudley, Duke of Tresham, to be injured. The duke drafts her as his nurse, claiming that since she is responsible for his injury, she will nurse him back to health. As his nurse, Jane is kept abreast of the gossip surrounding her cousin.
Once Jocelyn has recovered, Jane announces her intention to leave, but given what has passed between them, Jocelyn has a difficult time letting her go. So Jocelyn persuades her to become his mistress. The only problem, though, is that they fall in love. Jocelyn has a hard time dealing with his feelings, and after bearing his soul to Jane, he is terribly hurt when he discovers her true identity. Can these two learn to trust each other and make their relationship work?
I really enjoyed this novel. I have actually read it at least three times. It is definitely a keeper. The plotline is simple, but the characters are definitely not. The character development is well-illustrated, with depth and nuance. The characters' motives are clear and credible. Especially well done are the parts where Jocelyn feels hurt or insecure and lashes out at Jane. While this scenario can be typical in a Regency romance, indeed romance in general, the artistry here draws readers into the characters and makes them feel as if it were happening to them.
The pacing is just right, not too fast or too slow, keeping the reader interested and the plot moving forward.
The romantic development is also well done, clearly illustrating the difference between physical and emotional intimacy and the difficulties attaining and sustaining the emotional. The romance here is on the more detailed side, making this novel appropriate for those 18 and older.
If you are a historical fiction lover, this is not a novel to be missed. MORE THAN A MISTRESS will not disappoint.
**Review shared with The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=11061.
Five Golden Suitors by Jennifer Ann Coffeen - 4 stars
FIVE GOLDEN SUITORS by Jennifer Ann Coffeen is a sweet novella about not missing the good thing you have right in front of you. I give it four stars, wishing it had been a full-length novel.
In FIVE GOLDEN SUITORS, Lady Penelope Waveland deals with her father's edict that she must choose a husband by midnight on Christmas Eve "or else." He provides her with five names of gentlemen who are suitable matches and all of whom are madly in love with her. She is appalled by most of the names on the list, even more so when she sees the fifth name, that of Thomas, the Marquess of Philmore.
Thomas is a gentlemen with whom she argues constantly, and who hadn't even offered for her. She approaches the list with practicality, giving her suitors her own list of 5 rules, by which she measures and disposes of almost every name, until Lord Philmore suggests that there is more to marriage than her 5 rules.
I enjoyed this novella for the most part. The writing was lively and witty, and didn't suffer from editing issues. However, this novella reminded me of why I do not like novellas in general-–when you reach the pinnacle of the romantic relationship and the "I love you's" are said, there is no substance, no history, and no depth to support the declaration. Thus, the declarations of love are not credible. If this were a full-length novel that included two hundred pages detailing the history of Lady Penelope and Lord Philmore's lives and interactions, I might be convinced, but after sixteen pages, I am incredulous.
By giving FIVE GOLDEN SUITORS four stars, I am engaging in self-deception, imagining it as a slice of the pie, and suggesting that if it were a full-length novel, written in the same vein as this tiny piece, then it would be a fabulous novel that I would highly recommend.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=8354.
In FIVE GOLDEN SUITORS, Lady Penelope Waveland deals with her father's edict that she must choose a husband by midnight on Christmas Eve "or else." He provides her with five names of gentlemen who are suitable matches and all of whom are madly in love with her. She is appalled by most of the names on the list, even more so when she sees the fifth name, that of Thomas, the Marquess of Philmore.
Thomas is a gentlemen with whom she argues constantly, and who hadn't even offered for her. She approaches the list with practicality, giving her suitors her own list of 5 rules, by which she measures and disposes of almost every name, until Lord Philmore suggests that there is more to marriage than her 5 rules.
I enjoyed this novella for the most part. The writing was lively and witty, and didn't suffer from editing issues. However, this novella reminded me of why I do not like novellas in general-–when you reach the pinnacle of the romantic relationship and the "I love you's" are said, there is no substance, no history, and no depth to support the declaration. Thus, the declarations of love are not credible. If this were a full-length novel that included two hundred pages detailing the history of Lady Penelope and Lord Philmore's lives and interactions, I might be convinced, but after sixteen pages, I am incredulous.
By giving FIVE GOLDEN SUITORS four stars, I am engaging in self-deception, imagining it as a slice of the pie, and suggesting that if it were a full-length novel, written in the same vein as this tiny piece, then it would be a fabulous novel that I would highly recommend.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=8354.
Only You by Lorna Peel - 5 stars
ONLY YOU by Lorna Peel is a fabulous romance about trust in relationships under a microscope. In this case, under the ever-hungry, watchful eyes of the paparazzi. The novel encourages a "don't believe everything that you read" philosophy, which is especially important in this age of the Internet. I give it five stars.
Jane Hollinger is a former genealogist-cum-community college professor in London who is still attempting to gain her bearings after a bitter divorce a couple of years prior. Her genealogy course is attended by a bizarre/creepy-looking bloke named Mitch, but the truth is that he is a famous actor, Robert Armstrong, who has been researching an upcoming role while finishing the filming of another. Robert has uncovered a bit of a mystery in his own life and seeks assistance from Jane to resolve it. Through their work together, they build a friendship and share deeply personal information. They also have to deal with the attraction, for which Jane is not quite ready.
Between Robert's ill-advised publicity tactics and the stories printed by the paparazzi, including one paparazzo who impersonated a student to get info about Jane, Jane decides that she cannot handle a relationship in the spotlight. Robert, who is heading off to Ireland on another assignment, begs Jane to give him and their relationship another chance, but she decides against it. Robert falls into a downward spiral of PR nightmarish proportions, and Jane has to decide whether to risk being hurt again by intervening.
I really loved this novel. The length and pace were perfect, and the themes apropos for modern relationships. While so many people have trust issues, not many have to deal with those issues under a microscope. This couple has some serious challenges, and I felt like the novel was so well illustrated on the trust issue. I love that Jane finds her feet and breaks up with Robert before he goes to Ireland. It is such an important move for her and shows amazing personal growth.
I also love how vulnerable Robert is with Jane and how he fights for their relationship. Best of all, none of the character development is plagued with stereotypical, melodramatic fluff that so often ruins a great novel.
I loved how emotional the novel was. I laughed and I even cried a bit. And I especially loved the window into British culture--the language used, the scene descriptions, the industry illustrations. All were fantastic.
Overall, this was a fabulous novel. Put it on your reading list. It will not disappoint.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10706.
Jane Hollinger is a former genealogist-cum-community college professor in London who is still attempting to gain her bearings after a bitter divorce a couple of years prior. Her genealogy course is attended by a bizarre/creepy-looking bloke named Mitch, but the truth is that he is a famous actor, Robert Armstrong, who has been researching an upcoming role while finishing the filming of another. Robert has uncovered a bit of a mystery in his own life and seeks assistance from Jane to resolve it. Through their work together, they build a friendship and share deeply personal information. They also have to deal with the attraction, for which Jane is not quite ready.
Between Robert's ill-advised publicity tactics and the stories printed by the paparazzi, including one paparazzo who impersonated a student to get info about Jane, Jane decides that she cannot handle a relationship in the spotlight. Robert, who is heading off to Ireland on another assignment, begs Jane to give him and their relationship another chance, but she decides against it. Robert falls into a downward spiral of PR nightmarish proportions, and Jane has to decide whether to risk being hurt again by intervening.
I really loved this novel. The length and pace were perfect, and the themes apropos for modern relationships. While so many people have trust issues, not many have to deal with those issues under a microscope. This couple has some serious challenges, and I felt like the novel was so well illustrated on the trust issue. I love that Jane finds her feet and breaks up with Robert before he goes to Ireland. It is such an important move for her and shows amazing personal growth.
I also love how vulnerable Robert is with Jane and how he fights for their relationship. Best of all, none of the character development is plagued with stereotypical, melodramatic fluff that so often ruins a great novel.
I loved how emotional the novel was. I laughed and I even cried a bit. And I especially loved the window into British culture--the language used, the scene descriptions, the industry illustrations. All were fantastic.
Overall, this was a fabulous novel. Put it on your reading list. It will not disappoint.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10706.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Becoming Mr. Brooking (Mad Hatterlys #2) by Marguerite Butler - 3 stars
BECOMING MR. BROOKING by Marguerite Butler is a hilarious romance, along the lines of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, that champions the virtue of being yourself, regardless of what identity you use. I give it 3 stars because although I laughed a great deal, the story is marred by editing issues.
Graham Hatterly, one of the younger "Mad" Hatterlys, seeks to distinguish himself in society. He hasn't the business acumen of his oldest two brothers or the scientific intelligence of his older twin, but he knows a good thing when he sees it. Along with his peers in the Second Fiddle club, Graham chooses a scientific expedition to fund, that of botanist Sir Horace Tolliver to Africa. Unfortunately, Graham's secretary, who was supposed to vet the botanist's expedition plans in person, fell ill. So Graham adopts his identity for a week in the country in order to perform his due diligence.
Miss Edwina Tolliver, spinster sister of Sir Horace, has been managing her older brother for years, and she is tired of being taken for granted. She wants a home of her own and a marriage to a man who has enough money to employ a full staff, even if she has to wait three years for a proposal from a gentleman who talks incessantly about sheep and hoof rot. Lucky for her, Mr. Brooking (aka Graham) is entranced by her intelligence and provides excellent companionship in her beloved hothouses as she works with her plants or in the garden as she sketches the local flora. Problems arise, however, when Graham's friends from London are also trapped by the weather in the same town.
I enjoyed BECOMING MR. BROOKING. The first sixty or so pages felt a bit slow, but are necessary for the plot. Once all the guests for Edwina's dinner party arrive, hilarity ensues. I love Mumford's character and how Edwina responds to him, as well as Graham's suffering through Mrs. Willoughby's recitation of her son's ailments. It is almost a perfect example of what *not* to talk about at dinner, a classic scenario.
The romance is well illustrated. Even though it takes place over three weeks, the substance is there--the hours spent together being productive in the hothouses, the gradual building of admiration and attraction--so that the "I love you's" are absolutely believable. It doesn't feel as if these two people just met; rather it feels as if these two people have become irreplaceable in each other's lives. The romance is also tastefully done, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5 on the heat scale, appropriate for readers 16 and older.
The dialogue is smart, and even though there is some melodramatic rumination over perceived shortcomings, the story moves along at a realistic pace. The only disappointment for me was with the editing. There was the occasional obvious typo and sometimes the sentence and paragraph structure were awkward. At one point, instead of Edwina being referred to by her name, she is called Eugenia. These issues distracted and confused me at times so that I had to re-read the word/sentence/paragraph again to ensure that I understood it.
Overall, BECOMING MR. BROOKING is a great read, but it would be an excellent read after another round of editing. Look for a revised version, but certainly put it on your list for reading during the rainy season so that you can really become submerged in the storyline.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10713.
Graham Hatterly, one of the younger "Mad" Hatterlys, seeks to distinguish himself in society. He hasn't the business acumen of his oldest two brothers or the scientific intelligence of his older twin, but he knows a good thing when he sees it. Along with his peers in the Second Fiddle club, Graham chooses a scientific expedition to fund, that of botanist Sir Horace Tolliver to Africa. Unfortunately, Graham's secretary, who was supposed to vet the botanist's expedition plans in person, fell ill. So Graham adopts his identity for a week in the country in order to perform his due diligence.
Miss Edwina Tolliver, spinster sister of Sir Horace, has been managing her older brother for years, and she is tired of being taken for granted. She wants a home of her own and a marriage to a man who has enough money to employ a full staff, even if she has to wait three years for a proposal from a gentleman who talks incessantly about sheep and hoof rot. Lucky for her, Mr. Brooking (aka Graham) is entranced by her intelligence and provides excellent companionship in her beloved hothouses as she works with her plants or in the garden as she sketches the local flora. Problems arise, however, when Graham's friends from London are also trapped by the weather in the same town.
I enjoyed BECOMING MR. BROOKING. The first sixty or so pages felt a bit slow, but are necessary for the plot. Once all the guests for Edwina's dinner party arrive, hilarity ensues. I love Mumford's character and how Edwina responds to him, as well as Graham's suffering through Mrs. Willoughby's recitation of her son's ailments. It is almost a perfect example of what *not* to talk about at dinner, a classic scenario.
The romance is well illustrated. Even though it takes place over three weeks, the substance is there--the hours spent together being productive in the hothouses, the gradual building of admiration and attraction--so that the "I love you's" are absolutely believable. It doesn't feel as if these two people just met; rather it feels as if these two people have become irreplaceable in each other's lives. The romance is also tastefully done, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5 on the heat scale, appropriate for readers 16 and older.
The dialogue is smart, and even though there is some melodramatic rumination over perceived shortcomings, the story moves along at a realistic pace. The only disappointment for me was with the editing. There was the occasional obvious typo and sometimes the sentence and paragraph structure were awkward. At one point, instead of Edwina being referred to by her name, she is called Eugenia. These issues distracted and confused me at times so that I had to re-read the word/sentence/paragraph again to ensure that I understood it.
Overall, BECOMING MR. BROOKING is a great read, but it would be an excellent read after another round of editing. Look for a revised version, but certainly put it on your list for reading during the rainy season so that you can really become submerged in the storyline.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10713.
Ambersley by Amy Atwell - 4 stars
AMBERSLEY by Amy Atwell is a regency romance with the flavor of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and champions the virtue of honesty in all relationships. I give it four stars, even though I struggled with a few credibility issues.
In AMBERSLEY, Amber Johanna Vaughan, the four year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ambersley, disappears after a suspicious fire kills her entire family and destroys her home. She is not actually lost, though. She was found some distance away from the house by head gardener Thomas, who, fearing for her life, takes her home. As Amber has no memory of who she is or what happened to her family, Tom and his wife, Martha, raise Amber as their adopted son, Johnny. As soon as Johnny is old enough to work with Tom, she tends her mother's rose garden and becomes a beloved part of the Ambersley staff, who all believe she is a boy.
The search for the new Duke of Ambersley takes a long time and finally concludes in locating Derek Vaughan, who has also recently inherited a barony. He, his stepmother and stepbrother all move to the Ambersley estate, and Derek's stepmother does her best to undermine his claim to the title, attempting to coerce Derek to give the title to his half-brother on the grounds that Derek is illegitimate and not the true heir to either the barony or dukedom. While keeping his vulture of a stepmother at bay, Derek works to rebuild the estate, thereby befriending Johnny, who is eager to help him in any way she can.
The truth will out, though, and after thirteen years, through a bizarre series of events, it becomes known that Johnny is really Amber Johanna Vaughan. Derek is crushed, feeling betrayed by the one person he thought he could count on to be honest with him. Amber is also feeling betrayed by her closest friend; meanwhile, she must be re-invented and take her rightful place in society. Danger still lurks at Ambersley, though, and history begins to repeat itself. Will Amber discover the truth behind the attempts on Derek's life in time to save him and their relationship?
I enjoyed this complicated novel with its apparent myriad of subplots, even though in order to do so I had to accept the fact that Amber was able to hide her femininity from the ENTIRE staff as well as Derek and his family. That was a bit of a stretch for me. I also had to overlook the glaring error of how Amber is titled in the novel -- as "Miss" Amber. As the daughter of a duke, she would have been referred to as "Lady" Amber, even from infancy. Once I stopped trying to figure out the technical details of how Amber remained disguised as a boy and stopped reading the word "Miss" before her name, I was able to enjoy the plotline.
This most important character development in the book is how Derek begins to think of Johnny as Lady Johanna. This part was very well done; there were no cut corners or sacrifices of pages. Essentially, Johanna had to cut Derek out of her life and then be introduced later on. Of note is the particularly emotional scene where Johanna begs Derek to let her return to Ambersley. She says that she misses Johnny and would happily return to Ambersley as Johnny forevermore, and Derek says, "I miss him, too." But life goes on, and they both have to come to grips with their new reality.
The romance is hot, even though relatively short in comparison to the length of the book. Still, the book is appropriate for those 18 and over.
The plotline has so many delicious little subplots, too. I liked the mystery behind the assaults on the Duke of Ambersley, the role of Derek's "frenemy", the Marquess of Worthing, and the growth of the half-brother, Curtis.
Overall, AMBERSLEY was intricate, well-crafted, and will keep any historical fiction lover entertained.
**Review shared with The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=5874.
In AMBERSLEY, Amber Johanna Vaughan, the four year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Ambersley, disappears after a suspicious fire kills her entire family and destroys her home. She is not actually lost, though. She was found some distance away from the house by head gardener Thomas, who, fearing for her life, takes her home. As Amber has no memory of who she is or what happened to her family, Tom and his wife, Martha, raise Amber as their adopted son, Johnny. As soon as Johnny is old enough to work with Tom, she tends her mother's rose garden and becomes a beloved part of the Ambersley staff, who all believe she is a boy.
The search for the new Duke of Ambersley takes a long time and finally concludes in locating Derek Vaughan, who has also recently inherited a barony. He, his stepmother and stepbrother all move to the Ambersley estate, and Derek's stepmother does her best to undermine his claim to the title, attempting to coerce Derek to give the title to his half-brother on the grounds that Derek is illegitimate and not the true heir to either the barony or dukedom. While keeping his vulture of a stepmother at bay, Derek works to rebuild the estate, thereby befriending Johnny, who is eager to help him in any way she can.
The truth will out, though, and after thirteen years, through a bizarre series of events, it becomes known that Johnny is really Amber Johanna Vaughan. Derek is crushed, feeling betrayed by the one person he thought he could count on to be honest with him. Amber is also feeling betrayed by her closest friend; meanwhile, she must be re-invented and take her rightful place in society. Danger still lurks at Ambersley, though, and history begins to repeat itself. Will Amber discover the truth behind the attempts on Derek's life in time to save him and their relationship?
I enjoyed this complicated novel with its apparent myriad of subplots, even though in order to do so I had to accept the fact that Amber was able to hide her femininity from the ENTIRE staff as well as Derek and his family. That was a bit of a stretch for me. I also had to overlook the glaring error of how Amber is titled in the novel -- as "Miss" Amber. As the daughter of a duke, she would have been referred to as "Lady" Amber, even from infancy. Once I stopped trying to figure out the technical details of how Amber remained disguised as a boy and stopped reading the word "Miss" before her name, I was able to enjoy the plotline.
This most important character development in the book is how Derek begins to think of Johnny as Lady Johanna. This part was very well done; there were no cut corners or sacrifices of pages. Essentially, Johanna had to cut Derek out of her life and then be introduced later on. Of note is the particularly emotional scene where Johanna begs Derek to let her return to Ambersley. She says that she misses Johnny and would happily return to Ambersley as Johnny forevermore, and Derek says, "I miss him, too." But life goes on, and they both have to come to grips with their new reality.
The romance is hot, even though relatively short in comparison to the length of the book. Still, the book is appropriate for those 18 and over.
The plotline has so many delicious little subplots, too. I liked the mystery behind the assaults on the Duke of Ambersley, the role of Derek's "frenemy", the Marquess of Worthing, and the growth of the half-brother, Curtis.
Overall, AMBERSLEY was intricate, well-crafted, and will keep any historical fiction lover entertained.
**Review shared with The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=5874.
A Gamble on Love by Blair Bancroft - 3 stars
A GAMBLE ON LOVE by Blair Bancroft is a sweet and sour regency romance about being careful what you wish for. For me, most of the story was sour, and I give it three stars, wishing the novel had not fallen into the quagmire of clichéd romance novel melodrama.
In A GAMBLE ON LOVE, Miss Aurelia Trevor is stymied in her efforts to improve, or even maintain, her childhood home and estate by a poorly drafted and asinine guardianship clause in her father's will. While Relia inherits Pevensey Park, her uncle and guardian, greedy Lord Hubert, holds the purse strings until Relia turns twenty-five years old. Until that time, Relia also has to suffer the inappropriate attentions – indeed, even outrageous presumptions – of her cousin Twyford. Relia determines that before her uncle runs her beloved Pevensey into ruin, she must find and marry a man who will be authoritative enough to thwart her uncle's control, but also wealthy and forward minded enough to allow her to run Pevensey as she will.
After rejecting every man on her "potential" list, Relia is at the mercy of Thomas Lanning, a Cit who, after nerve-wracking deliberation, ultimately agrees to marry her because it will benefit his political aspirations. Unfortunately, Relia has undertaken a larger challenge than she imagined, for Thomas is determined to fulfill his role as dragonslayer, knight errant and landowner to the tittle, thus stepping on Relia's supremely big toes. These two must work out the kinks in their marriage quickly so that Thomas has a chance to gain his end of the bargain, the county's seat in the House of Commons. But will the marriage survive the election?
I was predisposed to like A GAMBLE ON LOVE, given its historical setting. There were plenty of political issues in 19th Century England, and the election process is one that can be easily overlooked, as electoral procedure isn't really a sexy issue. Additionally, Aurelia faces the remarkable dichotomy of inheriting property but not the funds to manage it due to a poorly drafted will. These issues intrigued me, but I found Relia's immaturity, emotional outbursts, and passive-aggressive behavior so irritating that I had trouble finishing the book. A certain amount of frustration and adjustment would be expected in such a situation, but Relia takes it to an absurd extreme. To be fair, Thomas isn't very communicative, either, and when he does communicate, it is mostly in an autocratic manner as opposed to a conversation with his wife. He also fails to mention some important details about himself, which causes unnecessary angst in the household.
The development of the romantic relationship proceeds realistically in time and context. The characters finally learn to talk to each other. Unfortunately, though, the romance becomes ridiculous when Aurelia decides that she loves her husband, indeed has loved him since the first time she saw him. At that point, the book was ruined for me. Realistic marriages require effort to succeed. This kind of love-at-first-sight scenario is so implausible as to negate not only the facts of their initial meeting, but also the determined efforts the characters had made toward unity in their marriage.
If you don't care whether the romance is realistic -- and I'm sure plenty of those readers exist - then you will probably enjoy this novel. But if like me, you need realism to stay submerged in the storyline, then this is not the book for you.
**Review shared with The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=11059.
In A GAMBLE ON LOVE, Miss Aurelia Trevor is stymied in her efforts to improve, or even maintain, her childhood home and estate by a poorly drafted and asinine guardianship clause in her father's will. While Relia inherits Pevensey Park, her uncle and guardian, greedy Lord Hubert, holds the purse strings until Relia turns twenty-five years old. Until that time, Relia also has to suffer the inappropriate attentions – indeed, even outrageous presumptions – of her cousin Twyford. Relia determines that before her uncle runs her beloved Pevensey into ruin, she must find and marry a man who will be authoritative enough to thwart her uncle's control, but also wealthy and forward minded enough to allow her to run Pevensey as she will.
After rejecting every man on her "potential" list, Relia is at the mercy of Thomas Lanning, a Cit who, after nerve-wracking deliberation, ultimately agrees to marry her because it will benefit his political aspirations. Unfortunately, Relia has undertaken a larger challenge than she imagined, for Thomas is determined to fulfill his role as dragonslayer, knight errant and landowner to the tittle, thus stepping on Relia's supremely big toes. These two must work out the kinks in their marriage quickly so that Thomas has a chance to gain his end of the bargain, the county's seat in the House of Commons. But will the marriage survive the election?
I was predisposed to like A GAMBLE ON LOVE, given its historical setting. There were plenty of political issues in 19th Century England, and the election process is one that can be easily overlooked, as electoral procedure isn't really a sexy issue. Additionally, Aurelia faces the remarkable dichotomy of inheriting property but not the funds to manage it due to a poorly drafted will. These issues intrigued me, but I found Relia's immaturity, emotional outbursts, and passive-aggressive behavior so irritating that I had trouble finishing the book. A certain amount of frustration and adjustment would be expected in such a situation, but Relia takes it to an absurd extreme. To be fair, Thomas isn't very communicative, either, and when he does communicate, it is mostly in an autocratic manner as opposed to a conversation with his wife. He also fails to mention some important details about himself, which causes unnecessary angst in the household.
The development of the romantic relationship proceeds realistically in time and context. The characters finally learn to talk to each other. Unfortunately, though, the romance becomes ridiculous when Aurelia decides that she loves her husband, indeed has loved him since the first time she saw him. At that point, the book was ruined for me. Realistic marriages require effort to succeed. This kind of love-at-first-sight scenario is so implausible as to negate not only the facts of their initial meeting, but also the determined efforts the characters had made toward unity in their marriage.
If you don't care whether the romance is realistic -- and I'm sure plenty of those readers exist - then you will probably enjoy this novel. But if like me, you need realism to stay submerged in the storyline, then this is not the book for you.
**Review shared with The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=11059.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Between by Clarissa Johal - 3 stars
BETWEEN by Clarissa Johal is a dark novel about moving on, whether moving past grief for a lost love or moving on to the next spiritual plane. It isn't a light read, but you probably won't need a box of tissues. I give it three stars, wishing that I had been given more information about what was going on earlier in the book.
In BETWEEN, Lucinda Bell is a veterinarian in some unnamed small town on the United States' west coast who is determined to save lives. She has a difficult history with relationships, having buried a fiancé the previous year and become estranged from her family, and not much has changed in her time spent in the small town. She doesn't date and has only one friend, Marny. Another difficulty Lucinda faces is that she sees the spirits of dead people and animals, most of whom she knew while they were alive. Lucinda meets two strangers who allegedly are new in town, but she gets weird vibes from them. Add in some bizarre dreams and visions, and Lucinda is primed for a meltdown.
Lucas and Cronan, the new strangers in town, have been with Lucinda for some time. Lucas is her Guardian Spirit, and Cronan is her Death Spirit. Neither should be visible to Lucinda, but the reader understands early on that they are breaking the rules. It is unclear what the consequences are of their rule-breaking, but all of them are trying to move on with their "lives".
I was intrigued by the spiritual concepts explored in BETWEEN, but like Lucinda, the reader is kept in the dark about what is going on for approximately one hundred pages. That delay caused those one hundred pages to drag painfully, like jet lag. The novel felt aimless in the worst way. I could have used more information up front about Lucas and Cronan, about what was behind all the moved objects, accidents, sleepwalking and random meetings.
Contributing to the slow pace was the dialogue between Lucinda and her two Spirits. Lucinda's inability to ask a question and wait for the answer was confusing. She accepted her Spirits' one word or evasive answers for too long, and she didn't require answers from them before hanging out with them. It was confusing, like these actions didn't fit her character as illustrated elsewhere in the novel.
After those first one hundred pages, the pace picks up, and Lucinda (and the reader) gets some answers. For me, though, it was too little, too late to enjoy the book. On the positive side, the character development is well done at that point. Several characters turn corners and are empowered to move on. As for the romance, Lucinda's interactions with Michael are also appropriate for her situation, and consequently are sweet and appropriate for readers of all ages.
Overall, BETWEEN is an interesting read for those who are spiritually minded or curious, and possibly even those who enjoy paranormal fiction. However, this plotline leans more towards life journeys than two people falling in love. So if you require the main plotline of your chosen novels to be the romantic aspect, this novel is probably not for you.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10604
In BETWEEN, Lucinda Bell is a veterinarian in some unnamed small town on the United States' west coast who is determined to save lives. She has a difficult history with relationships, having buried a fiancé the previous year and become estranged from her family, and not much has changed in her time spent in the small town. She doesn't date and has only one friend, Marny. Another difficulty Lucinda faces is that she sees the spirits of dead people and animals, most of whom she knew while they were alive. Lucinda meets two strangers who allegedly are new in town, but she gets weird vibes from them. Add in some bizarre dreams and visions, and Lucinda is primed for a meltdown.
Lucas and Cronan, the new strangers in town, have been with Lucinda for some time. Lucas is her Guardian Spirit, and Cronan is her Death Spirit. Neither should be visible to Lucinda, but the reader understands early on that they are breaking the rules. It is unclear what the consequences are of their rule-breaking, but all of them are trying to move on with their "lives".
I was intrigued by the spiritual concepts explored in BETWEEN, but like Lucinda, the reader is kept in the dark about what is going on for approximately one hundred pages. That delay caused those one hundred pages to drag painfully, like jet lag. The novel felt aimless in the worst way. I could have used more information up front about Lucas and Cronan, about what was behind all the moved objects, accidents, sleepwalking and random meetings.
Contributing to the slow pace was the dialogue between Lucinda and her two Spirits. Lucinda's inability to ask a question and wait for the answer was confusing. She accepted her Spirits' one word or evasive answers for too long, and she didn't require answers from them before hanging out with them. It was confusing, like these actions didn't fit her character as illustrated elsewhere in the novel.
After those first one hundred pages, the pace picks up, and Lucinda (and the reader) gets some answers. For me, though, it was too little, too late to enjoy the book. On the positive side, the character development is well done at that point. Several characters turn corners and are empowered to move on. As for the romance, Lucinda's interactions with Michael are also appropriate for her situation, and consequently are sweet and appropriate for readers of all ages.
Overall, BETWEEN is an interesting read for those who are spiritually minded or curious, and possibly even those who enjoy paranormal fiction. However, this plotline leans more towards life journeys than two people falling in love. So if you require the main plotline of your chosen novels to be the romantic aspect, this novel is probably not for you.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10604
Favored Dragon's Release (Hidden By Dragons #1) by D. Renee Bagby - 2 stars
FAVORED DRAGON'S RELEASE by D. Reneé Bagby is an occasionally humorous fantasy combining time travel and parallel dimensions that really could use a different title and some extra revisions. I give it 2 stars.
In FAVORED DRAGON'S RELEASE, Yolette and some "frenemies" go on a couple's camping trip. Yolette's date for the trip flakes out at the last minute, and in an attempt to get away from the obnoxious enamored couples, Yolette falls asleep alone in a clearing and wakes up in another dimension, farther back in time when dragons still roamed the Earth.
Yolette meets Shurik, a black dragon and prince of the realm, who is fated to break a curse on the dragon community by mating a willing human female. What starts out as curiosity on Shurik's part ends up with him falling in love with Yolette and vice versa. However, deceit can destroy any relationship, and this relationship is no different. Will Shurik and Yolette actually mate? Will the curse be broken?
FAVORED DRAGON'S RELEASE showed promise at the beginning; the idea was fresh and interesting, and there were no pesky typos to distract the reader. Occasionally, though, the sentence, paragraph and chapter structuring were a bit awkward. The pace was also slow in the beginning, and at times the plotline felt a bit aimless. A more streamlined courtship portion of the novel would address the meandering feeling of the "getting to know you" part of the love story.
While I thought Yolette's character was consistent and well-illustrated, she fell victim to the typical melodrama that plagues romance novels, but at least that melodrama fits with her self-deprecating personality. I felt that Shurik's character was a bit thin and could have used greater illustration, especially when dealing with the reasons Yolette falls for Shurik instead of another dragon she spends time with.
About half way through the novel, the pace improves, and the plotline gains direction. However, the plot transforms from simple to complicated, introducing new characters and unexpected drama in the last 50 pages. Moderation at this point, focusing on the final resolution of Shurik and Yolette's relationship, would have served the storyline better.
Overall, I was intrigued by the concepts behind the plot, but was disappointed in the way the story unfolded. If you are a fan of fantasy novels, you probably won't want to miss this one, but look for a revised version, if available.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10213
In FAVORED DRAGON'S RELEASE, Yolette and some "frenemies" go on a couple's camping trip. Yolette's date for the trip flakes out at the last minute, and in an attempt to get away from the obnoxious enamored couples, Yolette falls asleep alone in a clearing and wakes up in another dimension, farther back in time when dragons still roamed the Earth.
Yolette meets Shurik, a black dragon and prince of the realm, who is fated to break a curse on the dragon community by mating a willing human female. What starts out as curiosity on Shurik's part ends up with him falling in love with Yolette and vice versa. However, deceit can destroy any relationship, and this relationship is no different. Will Shurik and Yolette actually mate? Will the curse be broken?
FAVORED DRAGON'S RELEASE showed promise at the beginning; the idea was fresh and interesting, and there were no pesky typos to distract the reader. Occasionally, though, the sentence, paragraph and chapter structuring were a bit awkward. The pace was also slow in the beginning, and at times the plotline felt a bit aimless. A more streamlined courtship portion of the novel would address the meandering feeling of the "getting to know you" part of the love story.
While I thought Yolette's character was consistent and well-illustrated, she fell victim to the typical melodrama that plagues romance novels, but at least that melodrama fits with her self-deprecating personality. I felt that Shurik's character was a bit thin and could have used greater illustration, especially when dealing with the reasons Yolette falls for Shurik instead of another dragon she spends time with.
About half way through the novel, the pace improves, and the plotline gains direction. However, the plot transforms from simple to complicated, introducing new characters and unexpected drama in the last 50 pages. Moderation at this point, focusing on the final resolution of Shurik and Yolette's relationship, would have served the storyline better.
Overall, I was intrigued by the concepts behind the plot, but was disappointed in the way the story unfolded. If you are a fan of fantasy novels, you probably won't want to miss this one, but look for a revised version, if available.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10213
On The Scent (The Psychic Detectives #1) by Angela Campbell - 4 stars
ON THE SCENT by Angela Campbell is a funny, paranormal, crime-drama romance novel that clearly has a little something for everyone. Especially if you are even remotely an animal lover, this lighthearted action read will keep you entertained for a few days, or one day if you have nothing else to do. I laughed; I cried; it was better than Cats. I give ON THE SCENT four stars, even though the novel could use another round of editing.
In ON THE SCENT, in-home health nurse and animal lover Hannah Dawson inherits $10 million from her elderly client with the instructions to use the money to take care of her beloved animals--Abbott the cat and Costello the dog. Hannah immediately becomes the target of someone who really wants Ellie's animals and the money that goes with them. Hannah is directed by Ellie's instructions to hire private investigator and alleged psychic Zach Collins to uncover some secret from Ellie's past. Unbeknownst to Hannah, Zach's firm is already familiar with Hannah's past, having performed some work for Ellie, which resulted in Hannah literally being left at the altar.
Through his work for Hannah, Zach discovers some new things about himself and develops feelings for Hannah that threaten to harm their professional relationship. Can Zach stay both close enough to, and far enough away, from Hannah to protect her until they can determine who is trying to get their hands on Ellie's money?
I really enjoyed ON THE SCENT. The conversations with the animals alone make this novel fantastic and make me think of the Get Fuzzy comic strip. Hilarious, especially Abbott's repeated commands to Zach to "Get out" and to "Get over [himself]."
The action scenes are also well illustrated, especially the first person narration when you can feel yourself losing consciousness (in a good way). The pace and length of the novel are perfect--no dragging or sudden shifts in speed, and no sudden ending to make the reader feel cheated somehow.
The development of the romantic relationship in the novel is typical of modern relationships, focusing initially on the attraction between the two characters and then moving into the friendship aspect, but still the "I love you's" seem premature. Saving the "I love you's" until the epilogue would have seemed more realistic for me, but otherwise, the romance was credible. The romance was also hot, rating a 3 out of 5 on the heat level and making ON THE SCENT appropriate for readers 18 and older.
On the down side, several glaring issues make this novel a prime candidate for another round of editing by a fresh pair of eyes. These issues didn't cause any confusion, though, so this was only a minor disappointment.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed ON THE SCENT, and highly recommend it for all lovers of contemporary romance and animal fiction.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10306
In ON THE SCENT, in-home health nurse and animal lover Hannah Dawson inherits $10 million from her elderly client with the instructions to use the money to take care of her beloved animals--Abbott the cat and Costello the dog. Hannah immediately becomes the target of someone who really wants Ellie's animals and the money that goes with them. Hannah is directed by Ellie's instructions to hire private investigator and alleged psychic Zach Collins to uncover some secret from Ellie's past. Unbeknownst to Hannah, Zach's firm is already familiar with Hannah's past, having performed some work for Ellie, which resulted in Hannah literally being left at the altar.
Through his work for Hannah, Zach discovers some new things about himself and develops feelings for Hannah that threaten to harm their professional relationship. Can Zach stay both close enough to, and far enough away, from Hannah to protect her until they can determine who is trying to get their hands on Ellie's money?
I really enjoyed ON THE SCENT. The conversations with the animals alone make this novel fantastic and make me think of the Get Fuzzy comic strip. Hilarious, especially Abbott's repeated commands to Zach to "Get out" and to "Get over [himself]."
The action scenes are also well illustrated, especially the first person narration when you can feel yourself losing consciousness (in a good way). The pace and length of the novel are perfect--no dragging or sudden shifts in speed, and no sudden ending to make the reader feel cheated somehow.
The development of the romantic relationship in the novel is typical of modern relationships, focusing initially on the attraction between the two characters and then moving into the friendship aspect, but still the "I love you's" seem premature. Saving the "I love you's" until the epilogue would have seemed more realistic for me, but otherwise, the romance was credible. The romance was also hot, rating a 3 out of 5 on the heat level and making ON THE SCENT appropriate for readers 18 and older.
On the down side, several glaring issues make this novel a prime candidate for another round of editing by a fresh pair of eyes. These issues didn't cause any confusion, though, so this was only a minor disappointment.
On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed ON THE SCENT, and highly recommend it for all lovers of contemporary romance and animal fiction.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10306
Anybody But Him by Claire Baxter - 4 stars
ANYBODY BUT HIM by Claire Baxter is a short, sweet, and comforting contemporary romance about not judging a book by its cover, or in this case, its high school history. I give it four stars for its humor, realism, and relatability.
In ANYBODY BUT HIM, Nicola Doyle returns to her hometown after several years living in Sydney, Australia, in order to "take her turn" in supervising her aging parents, switching places (and houses) with her sister Una for the summer. Nicola immediately runs into her high school crush, the ever-so cool and gorgeous Blair Morrissey. Only now, Blair is much more gentlemanly and interested in "Nicki". Nicola battles her supreme irritation with Blair while she settles into a new, albeit temporary, job, looks in on her parents, reconnects with her best friend, and navigates the local dating scene.
As the summer goes on, Blair becomes something more than an annoyance, and for a while, Nicola isn't sure what, exactly. A slip and fall at home causes Nicola to reach out for help, and Nicola's perspective begins to change.
I really enjoyed ANYBODY BUT HIM. It was funny and sad, but completely realistic. Most often it is a high school reunion that throws former crushes back together. Here, it is the health and well-being of aging parents that brings Nicola and Blair face to face with each other and with the painful truths about their high school histories.
I loved how the characters' relationship changes incrementally. Yes, the "I love you's" at the end seemed a bit hasty, but that is most likely due to the length of the novella, rather than the length of their acquaintance in the book. The romantic relationship was slow and based on multiple interactions, not just one or two incidents, and the heat level is sweet (1 out of 5). Aside from the mature themes mentioned above and the name of Blair's dog, this book is appropriate for all ages.
The pacing and length of the novella provide readers with a break after work for a few days, or a relaxing Saturday, if you have nothing else planned. Readers should take note that there are many phrases and words which are taken from UK or Aussie English, which provides the novella with an authentic feel (set in Australia, sounds like Australia) and the added bonus of expanding the reader's cultural knowledge.
I highly recommend ANYBODY BUT HIM for any reader's enjoyment.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10216
In ANYBODY BUT HIM, Nicola Doyle returns to her hometown after several years living in Sydney, Australia, in order to "take her turn" in supervising her aging parents, switching places (and houses) with her sister Una for the summer. Nicola immediately runs into her high school crush, the ever-so cool and gorgeous Blair Morrissey. Only now, Blair is much more gentlemanly and interested in "Nicki". Nicola battles her supreme irritation with Blair while she settles into a new, albeit temporary, job, looks in on her parents, reconnects with her best friend, and navigates the local dating scene.
As the summer goes on, Blair becomes something more than an annoyance, and for a while, Nicola isn't sure what, exactly. A slip and fall at home causes Nicola to reach out for help, and Nicola's perspective begins to change.
I really enjoyed ANYBODY BUT HIM. It was funny and sad, but completely realistic. Most often it is a high school reunion that throws former crushes back together. Here, it is the health and well-being of aging parents that brings Nicola and Blair face to face with each other and with the painful truths about their high school histories.
I loved how the characters' relationship changes incrementally. Yes, the "I love you's" at the end seemed a bit hasty, but that is most likely due to the length of the novella, rather than the length of their acquaintance in the book. The romantic relationship was slow and based on multiple interactions, not just one or two incidents, and the heat level is sweet (1 out of 5). Aside from the mature themes mentioned above and the name of Blair's dog, this book is appropriate for all ages.
The pacing and length of the novella provide readers with a break after work for a few days, or a relaxing Saturday, if you have nothing else planned. Readers should take note that there are many phrases and words which are taken from UK or Aussie English, which provides the novella with an authentic feel (set in Australia, sounds like Australia) and the added bonus of expanding the reader's cultural knowledge.
I highly recommend ANYBODY BUT HIM for any reader's enjoyment.
**Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10216
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Lady Hartley's Inheritance by Wendy Soliman - 4 stars
LADY HARTLEY'S INHERITANCE by Wendy Soliman is a lively Regency romance with a bit of a twist. Deviating from the romance norm, Ms Soliman pens a novel with a life lesson for the Ladies. I give LADY HARTLEY'S INHERITANCE four stars.
For the past 15 months, Clarissa (Lady Hartley) has been struggling to keep her father's and late husband's wool business afloat. The will is still in probate and no funds have been released for the benefit of the estate. She travels to London in her state of near-poverty to meet the estate's solicitor, and lodges with her godmother, the dowager Lady Deverill.
Luc (Lord Deverill) is not looking forward to Lady Hartley's visit, to squiring around town a weepy woman in widow's weeds. However, Luc is pleasantly surprised by Clarissa, her contempt of all things tonnish (including a refusal to purchase a full wardrobe now that she is out of mourning), her "hands on" approach to running her business, and her inability to see how attractive she is.
Soon after her arrival in London, Clarissa is forced to accept help from Luc to deal with attempted fraud against her and the estate. Through their investigation, Luc and Clarissa grow close, and eventually several people become interested in the disposition of Lady Hartley's inheritance and whom she will marry.
For all of Clarissa's abilities – running two estates and a textile business – she is still woefully naïve when it comes to the ways of the world. Usually in regency romances, the male protagonist is the character to humble out and come to grips with the intelligent and opinionated woman with whom he is enamored. Here, Clarissa is the character who comes to grips with the reality that while she may be able to take care of herself, having a partner is infinitely better.
Initially, I did not like Lady Hartley. Clarissa is rash and so independent, she doesn't even bother talking to her godmother about her issues. It is enough to make readers pull their hair out. After her grand epiphany, she is much more reasonable and provides a fantastic life lesson - for the ladies this time: Yes, you can take care of yourself, but sometimes it's better to have a partner to share the load.
The development of the romance in the novel seems a bit typical of romance novels. I could have used more reasons for Luc's interest in Clarissa and vice versa. The romance in the novel is illustrated tastefully, though, earning a rating of 2 out of 5 on the heat scale, appropriate for those 16 years of age and over.
The pacing of the book is just right – not too fast, not too slow. Readers should also be aware that the author, Ms. Soliman, is British. So some words, phrases and spelling are British and may seem a bit odd to American readers.
I would have liked to have a bit more closure regarding the fates of Salik, Twining and Emily Stokes. The book isn't so long that a few more paragraphs wrapping up their storylines would impede the novel's pace, and I, for one, like to see the antagonists reap what they sow.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all historical romance lovers.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10643
For the past 15 months, Clarissa (Lady Hartley) has been struggling to keep her father's and late husband's wool business afloat. The will is still in probate and no funds have been released for the benefit of the estate. She travels to London in her state of near-poverty to meet the estate's solicitor, and lodges with her godmother, the dowager Lady Deverill.
Luc (Lord Deverill) is not looking forward to Lady Hartley's visit, to squiring around town a weepy woman in widow's weeds. However, Luc is pleasantly surprised by Clarissa, her contempt of all things tonnish (including a refusal to purchase a full wardrobe now that she is out of mourning), her "hands on" approach to running her business, and her inability to see how attractive she is.
Soon after her arrival in London, Clarissa is forced to accept help from Luc to deal with attempted fraud against her and the estate. Through their investigation, Luc and Clarissa grow close, and eventually several people become interested in the disposition of Lady Hartley's inheritance and whom she will marry.
For all of Clarissa's abilities – running two estates and a textile business – she is still woefully naïve when it comes to the ways of the world. Usually in regency romances, the male protagonist is the character to humble out and come to grips with the intelligent and opinionated woman with whom he is enamored. Here, Clarissa is the character who comes to grips with the reality that while she may be able to take care of herself, having a partner is infinitely better.
Initially, I did not like Lady Hartley. Clarissa is rash and so independent, she doesn't even bother talking to her godmother about her issues. It is enough to make readers pull their hair out. After her grand epiphany, she is much more reasonable and provides a fantastic life lesson - for the ladies this time: Yes, you can take care of yourself, but sometimes it's better to have a partner to share the load.
The development of the romance in the novel seems a bit typical of romance novels. I could have used more reasons for Luc's interest in Clarissa and vice versa. The romance in the novel is illustrated tastefully, though, earning a rating of 2 out of 5 on the heat scale, appropriate for those 16 years of age and over.
The pacing of the book is just right – not too fast, not too slow. Readers should also be aware that the author, Ms. Soliman, is British. So some words, phrases and spelling are British and may seem a bit odd to American readers.
I would have liked to have a bit more closure regarding the fates of Salik, Twining and Emily Stokes. The book isn't so long that a few more paragraphs wrapping up their storylines would impede the novel's pace, and I, for one, like to see the antagonists reap what they sow.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to all historical romance lovers.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10643
Monday, September 2, 2013
The House on Serpent Lake by Brenda Hill - 3 stars
THE HOUSE ON SERPENT LAKE by Brenda Hill is a wonderfully creepy novel that any lover of paranormal fiction would like. I give it 3 stars and recommend it for your autumn/Halloween reading list.
Lindsay Petersen and her husband, Eric, have traveled to Crosby, Minnesota to look over a family property Eric inherited. The house, which is on Serpent Lake, is picturesque, but also a tad creepy. Lindsay gets mixed vibes from it; some parts of the house make her feel safe and warm, and others make her feel as if she is being watched.
As she investigates strange happenings in the house, she becomes convinced that the house is haunted by a man who wants her. The strange happenings threaten Lindsay and Eric's marriage, and in the end, the truth ends up being even more bizarre than originally thought.
THE HOUSE ON SERPENT LAKE was eerie and, at times, heart wrenching. The character development is well done, and so the characters' actions and motives are easily believable. I liked the reference to the Loch Ness Monster, and definitely wanted more of the mysterious lake creature.
The romance in the novel is a bit bizarre, and rates about a 3 out of 5 on the heat scale, appropriate for adults over 18 years of age.
The pace of the novel could have been a little quicker in the beginning and a bit slower in the end. It took me a few tries for the novel to catch me and hold my interest. I also would have liked the twist at the end pertaining to Lindsay herself to have been a bit more surprising. I was able to guess almost from the beginning what was going on, even if I couldn't guess how the book would end.
Overall, THE HOUSE ON SERPENT LAKE was a nice read, and I definitely would recommend it to any paranormal fiction lover and also to anyone for the Halloween season reading list.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10302.
Lindsay Petersen and her husband, Eric, have traveled to Crosby, Minnesota to look over a family property Eric inherited. The house, which is on Serpent Lake, is picturesque, but also a tad creepy. Lindsay gets mixed vibes from it; some parts of the house make her feel safe and warm, and others make her feel as if she is being watched.
As she investigates strange happenings in the house, she becomes convinced that the house is haunted by a man who wants her. The strange happenings threaten Lindsay and Eric's marriage, and in the end, the truth ends up being even more bizarre than originally thought.
THE HOUSE ON SERPENT LAKE was eerie and, at times, heart wrenching. The character development is well done, and so the characters' actions and motives are easily believable. I liked the reference to the Loch Ness Monster, and definitely wanted more of the mysterious lake creature.
The romance in the novel is a bit bizarre, and rates about a 3 out of 5 on the heat scale, appropriate for adults over 18 years of age.
The pace of the novel could have been a little quicker in the beginning and a bit slower in the end. It took me a few tries for the novel to catch me and hold my interest. I also would have liked the twist at the end pertaining to Lindsay herself to have been a bit more surprising. I was able to guess almost from the beginning what was going on, even if I couldn't guess how the book would end.
Overall, THE HOUSE ON SERPENT LAKE was a nice read, and I definitely would recommend it to any paranormal fiction lover and also to anyone for the Halloween season reading list.
*Review originally written for The Romance Reviews.com at http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=10302.
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