Shadow Valley by Gwen Hunter

LAST BOOK READ IN 2009!

Read For:

RYOB Challenge

Winter 09 Challenge

A to Z Challenge

2nds Challenge

Countdown Challenge

Synopsis:

Mackenzie Macon thinks she's doing the right thing by taking her teenaged daughter, Bella, into the Appalachians on a photography shoot. Fleeing a crumbling marriage, Mac needs some time to bond with her daughter and escape the betrayal that still leaves her numb. But when a drifter abducts Bella and carries her on horseback deep into the woods, Mac must pull from her greatest reserves to fight for her daughters safe return.

When her soon-to-be ex-husband arrives, old wounds flare, and Mac turns to Caleb Howell, a local ranger, who helps keep her focused on the most important task: finding Bella. Then astonishing evidence comes to light that reveals the abduction was not as random as they first believed. But as hours turn into days, Mac must struggle to keep her hope--and her terrified daughter--alive.

My Review:

Another good suspense novel by Mrs Hunter. This story is a survival story mainly, somewhat a mother/daughter story, and a small bit of romance. Good mystery though the book could have been shortened about 50 pages and still have been enjoyable.

4 stars.

A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker

Read For:

1000 Regency Challenge

RYOB Challenge

The Christmas Reading Challenge

ROR Winter Challenge

2nds Challenge

Synopsis:

Elizabeth Gore-Langton was hardly in a position to refuse to accompany Lady Astley to the Christmas party at Stenton Castle. After all, a paid companion must follow her employer's wishes. It scarcely signified that Elizabeth would be forced to face the man who had unknowingly broken her heart years ago during her first season. Most likely, the Duke of Stenton wouldn't even recognize her. But once she looked up into his dark piercing eyes, she knew this was a man who forgot very little..and forgave even less. Well, she was no longer a blushing schoolgirl, and the dashing duke would soon find that a broken heart, once mended, could be formidable, indeed! Clive Rowland, Fifth Duke of Stenton, was in no mood for a holiday gathering. But the Christmas gala would provide the perfect cover as he investigated reports that French agents were doing a brisk trade in stolen documents along the Sussex coast. It would be devilishly difficult to play the host while tracking down traitors, but Clive was up to the task--provided he kept his wits about him and didn't get distracted by yule logs and Chirstmas folderol..or the delightful charms of the disturbingly familiar Elizabeth. The little minx was hiding something, to be sure, and she was about to learn that he liked nothing better than unveiling a lady's secrets!

My Review:
A cute Christmas Regency set in the "house party" storyline that involved several couples and characters stories (hence the larger than normal 350 pages for a traditional Regency).
The love story was about a C+, the mystery about a C-, and the "ghost story" a B+. All together the book rates about 3.5 stars. Recommended if you like a book that covers multiple characters. Cute read.

Rendezvous by Serena Richards

Rendezvous by Serena Richards (AKA Susan Carroll)

Historical Romance 1991

Read For:

A to Z Reading Challenge

Winter Reading Challenge

RYOB Challenge

2nds Challenge

Synopsis:

Their love was the greatest peril of all...

Belle Varens... Beneath her silk gowns and frilly corsets beat the steely heart of a spy.

Sinclair Carrington... A master of deception, he possessed dark secrets of his own.

In the stormy days of the French Revolution, Belle risked her life to rescue aristocrats from the keen blade of Madame Guillotine. Danger was the only way she could escape the heartbreaking memories of her past... until Sinclair Carrington unlocked a reckless yearning in her heart that she had so long denied. Consumed by intrigued -- and desire -- they knew it was the wrong time and the wrong place to fall in love... but their passion had never felt so right...

My Review:

This Historical Romance set mainly in France towards the end of Bonaparte's reign, was a great "spy Romance". This is an early book of the now famous Susan Carroll, written under one of her many pseudonyms. I loved that the heroine and hero and "older and wiser"-a refreshing change from all the "19 and virginal" historicals that seem to dominate the field. Some may not like the side story aspect of Isabelle's former husband who surprisingly comes back into her life, but it is handled well, and nothing "romantic" happens between the two so adultery is not an issue.

I do wish that a-the story had been a little more on Isabelle's and Sinclair's relationship and less on their spy mission and that the story was a bit more in the love scene department as they had very good chemistry. That being said-the love scenes are such that they are tame enough to not offend readers who don't like to read that.

Overall a good Regency Historical-4 stars.

The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer

Read For:

ROR Fall Challenge

A to Z Challenge

RYOB Challenge

2nds Challenge

Synopsis:

For a large portion of Georgette Heyer's great public, The Quiet Gentleman will be one (if not the) favourite of her Regency novels. It is more intimately a family affair than any of her previous books. There is plenty of drama in it: in fact there is a series of those nearly fatal accidents that look very like attempted murder. Trip a horse, and you may kill its rider. An old bridge may well collapse, but why was no warning of its state announced?

Gervase Frant, Seventh Earl of St. Erth, who returns rather belatedly from Waterloo to his family seat of Stanyon, in Lincolnshire, arrives to find himself welcomed only by his cousin Theo, a gentleman as quite as himself; and encounters from his stepmother and his young half-brother hostility, and an open regret that he survived the wars.

However, he sails past all the dangers that await him with the smiling imperturbability to be expected of a Heyer hero.

There are of course all the charming airs and graces of the period, and plenty of romance, in the course of which the Cincerella theme delightfully triumphs. Finally, it will generally be agreed that Miss Heyer could not have given her readers a fuller measure of good things

My Review:

Another excellent Heyer Regency. I enjoyed the fact that Gervase is a bit of a self acknowledged "dandy" and that Drusilla was a "plain Jane" though quick witted and sensible heroine. The book is more mystery than anything else. Like The Corinthian, I could have stood more romance but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Heyer's Regencies seem more a love affair of the period than anything else. Her knowledge of Regency era is outstanding and daunting all at the same time-especially her use of thieve's cant as well as the cant used by the "up and comers" as well.

4 stars!

Tears Of The Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith

Read For:

2nds Challenge

RYOB Challenge

Not as good as the first book but still entertaining. 3 stars.

Lady Savage by Donna Simpson

Read For:

Summer Reading Challenge

RYOB Challenge

2nds Challenge

A to Z Reading Challenge

Read Your Name Challenge

Synopsis:

For Savina Roxeter, the voyage from Jamaica to England is the beginning of her future: a return to London to marry her intended, the estimable Lord Gaston-Reade, and the very proper business of household and heirs under the watchful eye of the ton's elite. But when a wild storm blows the ship off course, Savina, her father, her fiance, and his secretary, Anthony Heywood, among others, are stranded on a Caribbean island as primitive and unpeopled as it is beautiful. Suddenly, it is survival that matters rather than Almack's vouchers or the fashionable cut of a coat. And it is Anthony who astounds Savina with his skill, his resourcefulness, and an elemental strength that makes her breathless with desire. In London, a match between a lady and a man who works for his living would be unthinkable. But in this verdant paradise, they are equals in every way...

My Review:

Another solid story from Regency Author Donna Simpson. Unlike most Regencies set in the opulence and glittering ballrooms of Regency England, in Lady Savage the story is set in Jamica but mostly on a primitive Island that a dozen genteel English find themselves on after their ship is commandered by the Americans. The heroine, Savina, is a forward thinking woman who unfortunately finds herself pressured into a betrothal with a very old fashioned, arrogant Earl. While on their deserted Island, Savina realizes the error in choosing the Earl as well as her newfound feelings of affection and respect for the Earl's secretary, Anthony.

The story is fast paced and the groups trials to survive on the island are very much "Survivor-Regency era". Lady Savage is a good choice for those who are sick of Alpha males as Anthony is very much a calm, reasonable and clever "beta male".

The love scenes are there, but tame.

All in all, a quick, good book. 4 stars.

Prospero's Daughters by Nancy Butler

Read For:
Summer Challenge
RYOB Challenge
2nds Challenge
What's In A Name Challenge
Themed Reading Challenge
A to Z Reading Challenge


All in all, a very good Regency. Likeable hero and heroine-both are "scarred" in their own way. The hero, mostly emotionally and the heroine physically. Unusual storyline that the heroine cannot walk and has been forced in seclusion by uncaring relatives. The heroine meets the hero quite by accident. I liked this one. Recommended-4 stars

The Vampire Viscount & The Devil's Bargain by Karen Harbaugh

Two Books In One
The Vampire Viscount And
The Devil's Bargain
Karen Harbaugh
Regency Romance
Rating 4 Stars

Read For:
RYOB Challenge
New Author Challenge
Spring Challenge
A to Z Challenge
2nds Challenge (The Devil's Bargain)

The Vampire Viscount
Synopsis: Unholy Wedlock . . .
Leonore Farleigh shuddered when she learned she was to marry the Viscount St. Vire. What sort of monster would take advantage of her father's debts to buy her as his bride?

But one meeting with her future husband turned her dismay to desire. Lord Nicholas St. Vire was blindingly handsome and supremely seductive. It was only after they were man and wife that questions began to poison her perfect marriage. Why did he fear to go out in the light of day? What fueled the hellfire torment in his eyes? How was he linked to the ravishing Lady Mercia Lazlo, about whom such dark rumors flew? Could the most irresistible lord in London be the most horrifying of creatures of the night?

Leonore had to find out as her marriage moved to its ultimate moment of truth -- when the viscount's all-consuming kiss would crown her eternal happiness -- or seal her undying doom . . .

My Review:

A very good paranormal Regency Romance. Nicholas is looking for a way to undo his Vampirism and Leonore is "won" as a debt pay off to him by her abusive father. What starts as a marriage of convienence quickly becomes a loving and very hot (for a Regency) story. I like that unlike most modern Vampire Romances-Nicholas hates his life and is desperate to stop being a Vampire. 4 stars.

The Devil's Bargain:

Synopsis: THE ENDANGERED INNOCENT . . .
Lovely Eveline Seton knew that she could never be a proper match for Lord Richard Clairmond. The devastatingly handsome blueblood would never dream of taking a merchant's daughter as a wife. Why then did he whisper words that made her heart beat faster? Why did he gaze at her with a heat that melted her to the core? Eveline feared her ardent suitor was hiding something.

THE IRRESISTIBLE RAKE . . .
Not for nothing did the Viscount Clairmond keep a list of ladyloves that testified to his supreme skill as a seducer. But it was not as a wife that this reckless gambler wanted Eveline. To be relieved of embarrassing debts and a certain future of pauperism, he had sold his soul-and Eveline's virtue-to Satan. And unless this extraordinarily persuasive young woman proved an equal match for him in the thrust and parry of his campaign of conquest, she most surely would become his all - too - willing victim. Or he hers . . .

My Review:

Also a well written, unusual Regency with a paranormal theme. Richard, back home from the war, is forced into a "deal with the Devil". To say his sister from ruin he must utterly ruin another innocent young woman. Eveline is a smart, savvy, "cit"-a merchant's daughter.

What starts as a seducuction and ruin quickly becomes much more for Richard as he realizes he's in love with Eveline. But how can he be with Eveline and not become the devil's minion? Read to find out:)

Also surprisingly HOT for a traditional Regency. Karen Harbaugh is quite talented and I plan to read more of her books. Recommended-4 stars.

The Rules of Gentility by Janet Mullany

The Rules of Gentility
Janet Mullany
Regency Romance
Rating 3.75 stars
279 pages

Read For:
RYOB Challenge
2nds Challenge
A To Z Challenge
Chick Porn Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge








Synopsis: Regency heiress Philomena Wellesley-Clegg has rather strong opinions about men and clothing. As to the former, so far two lords, a viscount, and a mad poet have fallen far short of her expectations. But she is about to meet Inigo Linsley, an unshaven, wickedly handsome man with a scandalous secret. He's nothing she ever dreamed she'd want—why then can she not stop thinking about how he looks in his breeches?

Having read, and loved, Miss Mullany's first book Dedication (Signet Regency Romance), I eagerly read Rules of Gentility and for the most part was not disappointed.

This fast paced, funny and in moments, touching, Regency Romance is told in the traditional "Comedy of Errors" style. Ms. Mullany throws in every tried and true Regency plot device in biting satire form while bringing the reader back to the hard reality of Regency life by introducing the common, yet not talked about subjects such as adultery, affairs between "quality" and the working class, often resulting in "by blows",homosexuality, and the subjugation and idea of the times that women of all classes were basically non entities at the time.
Philomena and Igino grow and mature as lovers and as humans by the stories end.

A little more Romance needed as well as a silly, and not thought out "villain" at stories end brought the book down at bit but it was still quite good.
Looking forward to more from this author.
3.75 star-recommended.

Murder At God's Gate by Lynda S. Robinson

Read For:
RYOB Challenge
2nds Challenge
A to Z Challenge

My Amazon Review:

disappointing second novel....,

January 24, 2009

this second novel in the Lord Meren Ancient Egyptian series, was not as good as the first. It took me a week to slog through this book, and towards the end I had to practically force myself to finish it. The storyline was much more "court intrigue" than mystery. The main problem was the author introduced so many new characters, that it was hard to tell which was which as well as taking away from the relationship between Lord Meren and his adopted son Kysen, which was the most enjoyable thing about book one.

I'll still try the next book in the series as I've already invested so much in the series, but I wouldn't suggest this particular book as a stand alone.
2 stars.

Unfinished-2nds Challenge

Unfinished-I was able to read 10 of the twelve required books though:)

join HERE:


Here are the guidelines:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need to have a blog to participate.

2. Read 12 books by authors that you have only read once. It doesn't have to be a series.

3. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009. Don't start reading until January.

4. You may list your chosen books any time during the year. Change the list if needed.

my list

• 1-Murder At The God's Gate by Lynda Robinson-book 2 Lord Meren series-DONE-2 stars.
  
• 2-The Rules of Gentility by Janet Mullany-DONE-3.75 stars.
  
• 3 The Devil's Bargain by Karen Harbaugh-DONE-4 stars.
  
• 4-Prospero's Daughter by Nancy Butler -DONE-4 stars
  
• 5-Lady Savage by Donna Simpson-DONE-4 stars
• 6-Tears of The Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith-DONE- 3 stars
• 7-The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer-DONE-4 stars
• 8-Rendezvous by Serena Richards (Susan Carroll)-4 stars
• 9-The Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker-3.5 stars
• 10-Shadow Valley by Gwen Hunter-4 stars
• 11
• 12