A Dark And Stormy Night by Anne Stuart

Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
Harlequin Challenge
RYOB Challenge


Synopsis:
The man had secrets...

Blindsided by a hurricane, Katie Flynn was seeking shelter from the storm -- but all she found was a moody, broody recluse named O'Neal. Trapped with him in his house on a windswept cliff overlooking the wildly tossed sea, Katie tried to fight the feelings O'Neal awakened in her -- both of sensuality and fear. She began to suspect that something haunted the tall, gray-eyed man's domain, something more than the wicked servants or family ghosts... something strange that only O'Neal himself could reveal.


My Review:
Pretty good series/paranormal Romance by an old favorite. Loved the Irish and supernatural aspect of the story. 3.5 stars.

The Wild Marquis by Miranda Neville

Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:

The Marquis of Chase is not a reputable man.

He is notorious for his wretched morals and is never received in respectable houses. The ladies of the ton would never allow him in their drawing rooms . . . though they were more than willing to welcome him into their bedchambers. Ejected from his father's house at the age of sixteen, he now lives a life of wanton pleasure. So what could the Marquis of Chase possibly want with Juliana Merton, a lovely, perfectly upstanding shopkeeper with a mysterious past?

A moment's indiscretion?

A night's passion?

Or a lifetime of love?

Even the wildest rakes have their weaknesses . . .

My Review:

I loved this book! The characters are well fleshed out, three dimensional and not "cookie cutter". I love the concept of the storyline-of "bibliomania" a group of avid rare book collectors, their race to get the books they want, and what shocking secrets they learn along the way in relation to those books and their lives. Both the hero and heroine are "scarred" in one way or another-both being raised in very dysfunctional homes. That didn't stop them from being caring people. The love scenes are pretty hot-at least a "R" rating.

I recommend this book and look forward to more from this smart and savvy author. 5 stars!

Unfinished-Finders Keepers by Linnea Sinclair

Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
Fantasy Challenge

Synopsis:
Trilby Elliot is a barely legal independent trader. Rhis Vanur is the arrogant Zafharin military officer she rescued from a crash landing. It would have been a miracle if they survived each other's company on Trilby's slapdash starfreighter even under the best of circumstances. And these are far from the best of circumstances. For Trilby's best friend is missing and the warlike 'Sko are hunting both Trilby and Rhis. Suddenly they're in it together, for better, for worse--or until death blasts them to oblivion...


My review:
This book started out well, but fell flat when the heroine turned "angry brat" just because the hero didn't tell her he was a starship captain. This conflict should have been tidied up in a couple chapters, but when we have this go on for over 100 pages? Am I reading a "supposed" thoughtful, mature Sci Fi romance, or some hokey Harlequin? Again-authors-how can you develop a relationship between the hero/heroine-when all you have them do is "fight"? To top it off-the hero is constantly thinking nice things about the heroine, and helping her, and she's being frankly, a bitch. I quit it 350 pages in-yep-I tried to stick with it but Trilby's childishness just threw me off any enjoyment I may have had in the storyline. I'll try another of this author's books and hope this was just "debut novel" problems.


2 stars.

The Jewelled Snuff Box by Alice Chetwynd Ley

Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
RYOB Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge

Synopsis:
Jane Spencer Tarrant finds a half-dead man, victim of highwaymen, with amnesia and in possession of a jewel-encrusted box, the all-important key to a mystery.


My Review:
Good vintage Regency. Heroine is poor gentility who is working as a companion/governess. Hero is a gentleman she finds one night, on the side of the road, unconscious and with amnesia.


3.5 stars

The Runaway Princess by Christina Dodd

Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:
MASQUERADE

English orphan Miss Evangeline Scoffield has spent her life contenting herself with dreams. But with an unforeseen inheritance, she can afford one perfect summer--a summer she will spend the rest of her life remembering. She buys herself expensive clothes, travels abroad, and presents herself as a lady of mystery.

MARRIAGE

But she quickly discovers her mistake, for a darkly handsome man appears at her bedroom door, claiming to be a Crown Prince--and her fiance.

OR THE EVER AFTER OF HER DREAMS?

One look into her eyes, and the prince recognizes her. She is his betrothed, the runaway Princess of Serephina. All her denials cannot change that, or alter the passion that burgeons between them. To fulfill their destinies, the prince will do anything--abduct her, coerce her, or, best of all, seduce his reluctant bride into his royal world of peril, promise and passion.


My Review:
Overall, it's about a three. There was pretty much nothing about this book that "grabbed" me. It was entertaining enough, though not anything special. It's definitely a fantasy Romance and as such be prepared for implausibilities galore. Characters were too one dimensional.


2.5 to 3 stars.

Out Of The Common Way by Melissa Lynn Jones

Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge
RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:
WHAT THE RAKE NEEDED WAS A WIFE. AND SHE WAS JUST THE MISS TO MARRY HIM OFF!

Tall as a gatepost, with hair that put carrots to shame, Cecilia wasn't waiting for love. But neither would she marry without it, as her loathsome guardians insisted she must. Her solution: escape to London and into the very comfortable employment of the dowager duchess of Kelthorpe.

Yet the sight of her employer's dashing grandson sent a shock of recognition through Cecilia's fluttering heart. Wasn't this the Major Trelwyn who had once mistaken her for a lightskirt? It had been an embarrassing case of mistaken identity that had ended in a practical joke--at his expense!

The only way to avoid the man, and keep her present position intact, was to find him a wife. There was but one problem. Cecilia was falling in love....


My Review:
A fairly good Regency, though a bit too heavy on descriptions instead of much needed interaction and dialog, which made this relatively short book read as a much longer one. The relationship between the H/H and other characters was well written though. Finally I loved the heroine's dog, a French Briard named Marpessa.


3 stars

Yesterday's Evil by Dorothy Daniels

Yesterday's Evil
Dorothy Daniels, 1979. 172 pages
Gothic Romantic Suspense
Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
 Thriller/Suspense Challenge
RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:
A TOWN OF GHOSTLY MEMORIES.

When an innocent man was lynched by the angry people of Arnetville, the local minister called down a devastating curse on his sinful parishioner's. And from that moment the town began slowly, frighteningly, mysteriously, to die . . . years later, lovely Adria Arnet return there as the new owner of the town were she had been born. Adria was determined to discover the truth about its terrifying past so she could start rebuilding Arnetville and reopen the nearby marble quarry. Yet in a to Meridee people only buy a half-crazed old woman, a drunken doctor, and the restless ghost of the dead, Adria found little to encourage her. And least not until a co-owner of the quarry, handsome Owen Sloan, fell in love with Adria and eagerly agreed to help her with her plans. But Adria and Owen couldn't foresee what misfortune awaited those who attempted to stir up long-buried secrets. Nor did they dream of the evil that would soon in danger both their love and their lives. . .


My Review:
Set in Victorian or Edwardian times, Yesterday's Evil was a pretty entertaining old Gothic mystery. Full of "Gothic" treats like an abandoned quarry town, curses, tragedies, unexplained deaths and other things that go bump in the night. The mystery was good enough that I didn't figure out who the villain was and the romance was sweet albeit sappy. 3.5 stars.

A Spirited Romance by Alana Clayton

Read For:
RYOB Challenge
ROR Summer Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge
Countdown Challenge

Synopsis:
WILL THE SEARCH FOR SPIRITS TURN OF LOVE INSTEAD?

Clearing Ellery Lawford, Lord Trent's country home, of ghosts is just another job for Miss Vanessa Grayson. After all, her ability to communicate with spirits is her only means of income--and with her missing sister's infant left in her care, she needs funds post haste. But the task at hand is more complicated than usual, because Trent's soon-to-be fiancee seems to be inventing menacing spirits everywhere. Even more disturbing is the fact that Vanessa finds the young nobleman dangerously appealing. 

Lord Trent can't believe that skittish, demanding Cornelia Burnett is the woman he is about to marry--especially with level-headed and inexpressibly pretty Miss Grayson in attendance. But can he trust his attraction to a woman who talks to the dead? A woman whom he suspects might be linked with a nefarious London club and his own brother's disappearance? When the tangled threads of proof become a frustrating knot, Trent knows that he needs Vanessa's help to sort out the whole mess--almost as much as he wants the lovely spiritualist's love.


My Review:


A Spirited Romance is one of these storylines where a mystery keeps the hero and heroine from being entirely truthful with each other for a period of time. While that in itself is not a problem, the duration the "misunderstandings" go on can make or break the book for me. In this books case, they went on far too long, pretty much the entire book till the last 5-10 pages. Because of the misunderstandings, the hero thought all sorts of bad things about the heroine-from being a fake, to being a member of the Hellfire Club, to having a child out of wedlock and involvement in his brother's disappearance. All this was concluded in those ten pages WAY too conveniently , and the heroine just blithely accepts his apology. How are we supposed to feel any romance for a guy who pretty much thinks the worst of the heroine the entire book?


Finally-for a book that was supposed to be about a "ghost whisperer", that takes place way too little in the book as well.


I'd give this book 3 stars, but wouldn't recommend it.

The Falcon And The Flower by Virginia Henley

The Falcon And The Flower
Virginia Henley
Medieval Romance, 470 pages

Read For:
Historical Fiction Challenge
ROR Summer Challenge
RYOB Challenge
What's In A Name Challenge 3

Synopsis:
Promised to him in marriage, she vowed not to surrender her body or her soul.

AN ANGEL WITH HELLFIRE IN HER HEART

Astride her white palfrey, surrounded by a nimbus of silver-blonde hair, Jasmine was a vision to strike a man mute with desire. But the violet-eyed love child of King Richard's half brother had vowed that no man would ever rule her heart. Until she saw the face of the Devil himself in her crystal ball -- the dark, brooding knight who would kill to make her his own. She would risk a dissolute court and a maddened, lustful king to keep destiny at bay, anything to keep her from the hypnotic eyes and burning caresses of... THE FALCON

A BLACK KNIGHT WHO VOWED TO MAKE HER HIS WIFE

A wickedly handsome warrior who lived by blood and the sword, Falcon de Burgh wanted to wed no woman -- until he laid eyes on the exquisite Jasmine, and he vowed to possess her, to teach her all the wondrous ways a man could love a woman, no matter what it might take to conquer her fiery, unyielding heart. Falcon knew only blind, reckless passion as he swore to tame, at the risk of his life... THE FLOWER.


My Review:


A great old school"bodice ripper" 80's historical romance. The hero, Falcon, is way alpha male and the heroine, Jasmine, is pretty much a stubborn twit who continually gets into scrapes that the hero must rescue her from. All that being said-the back story of King John and the machinations of his court were such that the book was still quite enjoyable.


This book would have been 5 stars if not for the stupidity, stubbornness, and just plain bit@hiness of the heroine. The book constantly goes on about her "exquisite, flaxen beauty" and the heroine uses that to manipulate most around her. The most unusual, and implausible thing, is that, even though Jasmine is supposedly a skilled white witch, she has virtually no knowledge of the marriage act and is literally terrified of bedroom relations for over two thirds of the book? She actually cringes when the hero touches her! The hero is crazy about her but at several points he wonders why he puts up with her abuse.


 And yes-he does strike her a couple of times in the book-after her selfish antics put many others in jeopardy and in one instance almost get a man killed. While I don't at all support violence-this heroine was SOO selfish and mean spirited she almost makes ME want to slap her-LOL!


 I give props to Virginia Henley's writing that she can make two leads who are VERY unlikable but still weave an interesting story in spite of them. This is my first Virginia Henley and I hope that most of her heroines are not dingbats like Jasmine, if so I'll skip those books as she is cringe worthy.


3.5 stars.

Belinda Goes To Bath by Marion Chesney

Belinda Goes To Bath
Marion Chesney
Regency, 1991, 155 pages

Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
RYOB Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge

Synopsis:
The delightful Miss Pym returns to the English countryside in search of adventure and romance in distress.

With her infallible wisdom and charming demeanor she corn steer even the most misguided of hearts back on course!

No sooner does Miss Pym board her next stagecoach than she finds herself embroiled in the plight of Miss Belinda Earle, a spirited heiress banished to Bath after swearing off the marriage mart!

When the coach founders near Baddell Castle, and the dashing Marquess of Frenton comes to the rescue, Miss Pym decides to give fate a hand! Although the austere bachelor disdains romance, his furtive glances toward Belinda prove to Miss Pym that her expert matchmaking will soon turn this star-crossed couple into a heavenly match!


My Review:
Belinda Goes To Bath is another great installment in The Travelling Matchmaker series. It's fun to see Miss Hannah Pym, the 30 something former servant, who, after inheriting  a modest income from her deceased employer, goes on her dream travel, via the stage coach all about England.


In this installment, Miss Pym's fellow rider that she takes under her wing is Belinda, who is forced to ride the coach, with her companion, to Bath, to cover up a "scandal". After a coach accident, the coach riders are forced to house at the hero's home, the Marquess of Frenton. A series of comedy of errors, scandals, and machinations develop-keeping the hero and heroine apart and Miss Pym on her toes.


4 stars-recommended.

Irish Enchantment by Kathryn Fox, Candace McCarthy, and Jean Wilson

Read For:
ROR Summer Challenge
RYOB Challenge
Synopsis:

Three stories explore the magic and mystery of a land steeped in legend and lore . . .

Irish Enchantment, an anthology written by the following authors:

1. Kathryn Fox - "Irish Roses."
   A stranger appears at the door of an English woman and tries to convince her that their destinies are entwined . . .
2. Candace McCarthy - "The Bride Price."
   A newly married couple let pride keep them from admitting their deep love for each other . . .
3. Jean Wilson - "Irish Wildfire."
   Sparks fly as a spirited Irish patriot kidnaps an English nobleman to ransom a magical harp . . .

My Review:
Three Irish Historical Romance stories. 
Kathryn Fox's Irish Roses was the best-5 stars. 
Candace McCarthy's story was not good, I quit it forty pages from the end. 
Jean Wilson's story was very good at first but the heroine turned a bit "TSTL" at the end, so I give it 3 stars. 
Overall, I give Irish Enchantment 3 stars.

Bewitched By Love by Desjardien, Holbrook and King

Bewitched By Love

Zebra Regency Anthology Holiday Special

1996, 380 pages

Teresa Desjardien, Cindy Holbrook and Valerie King

Synopsis:

A TIME OF SORCERY, ROMANCE... AND THE MAGIC THAT IS LOVE

All Hallows Eve ...a night when the impossible happens...when Regency castles are filled with mystery and intrigue...when costume balls in elegant mansions may lead to passionate surprises ...and when ladies and gentlemen of the ton find themselves falling under a spell that may be other-worldly. Or as close as their own hearts ...in these three delightfully mysterious tales...

Teresa DesJardien's The Haunted Bride is the second Lady Healey who has just wed a nobleman whose first marriage ended in tragedy...and whose seductive embrace could bring danger--or the love of a lifetime. In Cindy Holbrook's Love's Magic, a young sorceress meets her destiny in a handsome highborn Duke who is promised to another...a union only the powers of true love can prevent. Valerie King's The Vampire Rogue pairs a charming rake with an heiress, whose newly acquired castle is the setting for a masquerade ball ...and where the resident vampire has his own plans for eternally joining these unlikely lovers.

My Review:

Of the three stories there was one good one, one OK one and one stinker. The Cindy Holbrook story, was the best-I loved the hero and heroine, and the heroines silly, scatterbrained witch Aunties. The last story, King's A Vampire Rogue, started well, but I didn't like the way the hero wanted to make the heroine his "conquest" and his mistress through most of the story. The first, Desjardien's Haunted Bride, was just not good, couldn't finish that one.

So I'd give The Haunted Bride 1 star, Love's Magic 4 stars, and The Vampire Rogue 2.5 stars. Overall, it was interesting to read a traditional Regency with supernatural storylines, but I'd only suggest Bewitched by Love if you can get it cheap or free.

3 stars.

ROR Summer 2010 Challenge

Summer '10 Reading Challenge List

It's that time again! Here is your list for the Summer '10 (June, July, August) Reading Challenge!

RULES:
1. Select ANY number of books to read that fit the category.
2. Post your list on the discussion board and blog (Name’s Winter 09 Challenge List)
3. If you need title suggestions please use the Discussion titled WINTER TITLE SUGGESTIONS if you don't see it please search (to try and minimize number of discussions)
4. Once you have read a book please find the corresponding discussion by searching you can search by 09 Winter # and use the number that corresponds with the list. (one will be created for each number on December 1, again, to try and minimize number of discussions) and post the book and title you read and rating, and review.
5. It is not required, but if you could post your review on the blog that would be great.
6. Reviews on the blog please include labels list the rating, author, and # of challenge only.
7. Audio books are okay
8. Rereads are okay
9. You can change your list at anytime

Proposed titles in pink

THE CHALLENGE:
1. Read an anthology-Bewitched By Love-DONE-3 stars

2. Read a book with a noble title in the title (queen, prince, lord, duke, etc.)-The Wild Marquis by Miranda Neville-DONE-5 stars

3. Read any contemporary romance-A Dark And Story Night by Anne Stuart-DONE-3.5 stars

4. Readers Choice-The Jewelled Snuff Box by Alice Cheywynd Ley-DONE-3.5 stars

5. Read a book with a mysterious word in the title (secrets, masquerade, spy, shadows, dangerous, etc.)-Yesterday's Evil by Dorothy Daniels-DONE-3.5 stars

6. Read a book with a fairytale theme. For help choosing go to: http://www.likesbooks.com/fairytale.html-Magic Slippers
7. Author's first or last name, OR any word in the title, begins with an 'A' for August-The Falcon AND The Flower by Virginia Henley-3.5 stars

8. A book with a title that is ALSO a song title! example: When I Fall in Love, It's in His Kiss, Rescue Me, It Had To Be You, etc.-Finders Keepers by Linnea Sinclair-DONE-2 stars

9. Captive!!! Read a book where the hero or heroine are held captive by the hero or heroine. For help: http://www.likesbooks.com/captive.html-Irish Enchantment-DONE-3 stars

10. Read any book with a step-back cover. (This is a book with a picture cover behind the main cover)-Topaz Man Presents


11. Readers Choice, part II-Out Of The Common Way by Melissa Lynn Jones-DONE-3 stars

12. A book with 4 or more words in the title-Belinda Goes To Bath by Marion Chesney-DONE-4 stars

13. Read a title with an endearment word. (Baby, darling, lover, angel, etc.)-Angel Love

14. Read any book written by Christina Dodd-The Runaway Princess-DONE-3 stars

15. Readers Choice, part III-A Spirited Romance by Alana Clayton-DONE-3 stars


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