A Countess By Christmas by Annie Burrows

Synopsis:

The Earl of Bridgemere is happy to encourage his reputation as a curmudgeonly recluse if it repels the grasping females who usually attend his lavish Christmas parties.

Helen Forrest is like a breath of fresh air, uninterested in his wealth and not cowed by his temper.

Bridgemere's seasonal duty suddenly becomes a pleasure as he sets about making Helen his countess—by Christmas!

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book! 4.5 stars

Winter Blossom by Cynthia Sinclair

Winter Blossom

Cynthia Sinclair

1983, 310 pages

Tapestry Romance #27

Synopsis:
NO MAN WOULD OWN HER. 

Suzanna Rutledge's mother had been a Japanese companion to her father, a British trader. Cloistered for years, Suzanna barely knew him until James Rutledge summoned her to be a translator for his English partner.

Suzanna was ordered to cater to Lord Alex's every whim. But she had desires of her own and her heart would be given only to the man who would win it.


My Review:
Old School Bodice Ripper set in Japan, probably the 17th century era.


 The heroine, Zanna, is a bi-racial child, her father a British merchant and her mother was his Japanese "companion", or concubine.  The hero is another British Lord and Merchant who is sent to Japan to check on the London trading company that's being run by Rutledge, Zanna's father. 


Pretty good Historical from the "Tapestry" line of romances of the 80's. Lot's of high drama, conniving, swindling, fighting and of course, bodice ripping ;) Interesting change of scene from the usual Historical Romance normally set in England. The author seemed to have researched feudal Japan quite a bit. It was enjoyable and I'll read more from this author. 4 stars.

Unfinished-Surrender A Dream by Jill Barnett

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
Synopsis:


Adelaide Amanda Pinkney was glad to bid Chicago farewell. After the bustle and crowds of the growing city, the news that her aunt and uncle had left her their California farm was like a dream come true.

But Addie's idyll was shattered the moment she reached California, and learned there was another claim on her land. Montana Creed was tall, headstrong, elemental ... as much a part of the rich and rugged California terrain as the fields and valleys that dotted its majestic landscape. As a boy, Montana had watched his father slaughtered, his land stolen--and he had vowed that one day he would fulfill his father's dream.

Addie soon discovered that Montana's stubborn streak ran as deep as her own ... and that his seductive smile was almost impossible to resist. As his reluctant bride, she came to cherish Montana's tender, passionate caresses. But she knew that one day he'd have to face the demons of his past--or lose the bright and loving promise of their future!

My Review:

My Amazon Review:
cannot agree more with the last reviewer. Those who liked this book and thought it "touching" must be mental. This is one of those romances where the hero and heroine constantly-and I mean every minute constantly-fight each other. I've never understood the attraction in those storylines anyway, but this one is a bit extreme. The hero kicks the door in of the heroines home, and tries to physically throw her out of the house.He then  SHOOTS at the heroine, inside her home and holds a gun to her chest-while thinking to himself that he appreciates her "spunk" in not flinching as he holds a gun on her? What in the world is supposed to be romantic about that?

Basically it's a "let's treat each other like dogs so we can suddenly realize we love each other the last 25 pages of the book".
Not recommended.

The Ruby Ghost by June Calvin

Read For:

Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge

2011 Reading From My Shelves Project

What's In A Name 4

1000 Regency Challenge

ROR Winter Challenge

Buck Stops Here Challenge ($1 on ebay)

Synopsis:
Dreams Are Made of This

Penelope Jones is a young woman of reduced means, eager to give her family one less mouth to feed. Seeking a position as governess for the Silverthorne family, she is put off by James Betterton--Lord Silverthorne's notoriously rakish cousin--around whom her unsullied reputation will certainly be at risk. Then she is startled to see a painting of Silverthorne Castle--the exact image that has haunted her dreams since childhood. Still, Penny cannot let some handsome, well-fed roisterer--or some eerily coincidental dream--place her future at risk....

Penny decides to accept the position, hoping to help Lady Silverthorne, who is being haunted by ghosts identical to those in Penelope's dreams. Though she doesn't believe in such things, Penny has to agree that something out of the ordinary is happening at the castle. There are ghosts indeed, and they seem to want to bestow on her a great treasure that a dangerous man intends to steal. James Betterton wants to protect Penny. But first he must convince her to forget her fears about his past reputation...and to accept his love.


My Review:
This is the first June Calvin traditional Regency I've read. This book came out in 2006-pretty much the end of the production of traditional Regency romances. What I didn't realize was that this was also Miss Calvin's last book. How do I know that? Because surprisingly, she announces that this is her last book in the front of the book.


Ok...I found that a bit odd, to say the least. Most of the time we find out a book is an author's last book from the simple matter of their not getting any more published. This "announcement" kind of struck me as more an "I quit" than anything else. 


Why do I bring this up, you might add? Because this book just seemed like a rushed, half finished, unloved book, that's why. The characters are one dimensional, there is almost no thread on continuity to the story, in fact a whole new storyline is sort of "plopped" into the book almost three fourths in! And it made no sense!


The heroine couldn't make up her mind from being Miss Forthright one minute, to completely lying to all her new friends in order to supposedly "protect" a family member the next. But overall, she was just stupid. 


But in all honesty, we could perhaps overlook a TSTL heroine if there was a fabulous hero, right? Well, sadly, he's just not it. He's a reformed rake-but the reader gets the impression that he had to reform cause he's just not smart enough to carry off rakedom anymore :(.


Not even getting into a secondary character, a "dependent Aunt" who constantly publicly insults the heroine in her guests home, and yet they never do or say anything to the Aunt to stop her behavior? That makes no sense in this time period.


Ok-that's enough time wasted on this book. Since I actually went to the trouble of finishing it, I'll give it 2.5 stars, but that's being generous.

Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist

Read For:

ROR Winter Challenge

Buck Stops Here Challenge (paid 20 Cents at Goodwill sale)

Reading My Shelves Project
Pick Your Poison Challenge
My Bucket List Challenge

I love the cover!

Synopsis:
Tired of Waiting for a Match-Made-in-Heaven, She'll Settle for One Made in Texas Whether it's riding bikes, catching snakes, or sliding down banisters, Essie Spreckelmeyer just can't quite make herself into the ideal woman her hometown--and her mother--expect her to be. It's going to take an extraordinary man to appreciate her joy and spontaneity--or so says her doting oil-man father. Unfortunately such a man doesn't appear to reside in Corsicana, Texas. It's 1894, the year of Essie's thirtieth birthday, and she decides the Lord has more important things to do than provide her a husband. If she wants one, she needs to catch him herself. So, she writes down the names of all the eligible bachelors in her small Texas town, makes a list of their attributes and drawbacks, closes her eyes, twirls her finger, and ... picks one. But convincing the lucky "husband-to-be" is going to a bit more of a problem. Join Deeanne Gist for another unforgettable tale and find out whether Essie's plan to catch a husband succeeds or if she's just Courting Trouble.




My Review:
This is the first "Christian romance" I've ever finished (only tried one other and it was not good).

This book was a delightful, enjoyable story that was written so that anyone, avid Christian, or just someone looking for a good story, will enjoy it. I loved the message of this story, that you need to love yourself, and not change yourself just to find a love that will only "accept" you if you mold yourself into THEIR idea of perfection. 


Dare I say it, this Christian book has some very forward thinking ideas on Woman's Rights as well as naysaying the idea that a unmarried woman who had "relations" being "soiled goods"!  Good for Miss Gist! I find it amusing that some of the other, more Christian readers reviews on Shelfari, had issue with Essie's one "fall from grace" and the "love scenes" (which were TAME in comparison to traditional romances!). Isn't the whole thing about being a Christian is forgiveness?


As to the Christian aspects-they were tastefully done, not "preachy" and did not have the character getting trod upon in the name of Christianity (which is what happened in the other book I tried). I liked that the message that you can do many "good works"-like some of the "church ladies and gents" in the book-but if you are still a judgmental and gossipy fart that spreads vicious rumors about others, you are not as "Christian" as you might think :).


 I loved the lead character and the townsfolk and I'll be seeking out the next book, Deep In The Heart of Trouble, to read about Essie's next adventures. 

Christmas Beau by Mary Balogh

Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh, 1991, Regency Romance

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge

2011 Reading from My Shelves Project

2011 The Buck Stops Here Challenge

Synopsis:
His Vengeance Was Sweet 

Judith Easton knew that even the spirit of Christmas wouldn't stop the Marquess of Denhigh from settling the score with her. For the beautiful young widow had injured Denhigh's rigid pride years ago by jilting him for another man. 

Now that Judith was free from her nightmare marriage to that other man, the bold and handsome Marquess made no secret that he had her in his sights and wanted her in his arms. 

But how could she trust the tender words on his lips when she could sense the hardness of his heart? And after she had made so grievous a mistake in love once, how could she ever trust her own heart's desire again?


My Review:


Christmas Beau is one of Balogh's earlier Regencies with a storyline that normally I dislike: the "revenge" or "enemies" storyline. But, since I had to read a "enemies" storyline for the ROR Challenge, and I already owned this book (a thrift shop score from several years back-a whole 10 cents!) I thought I'd give it a whirl.


Christmas Beau started out slow for me-while the characters are in London the story is very unemotional and frankly, both characters were for the most part unlikable. But then they go to the Marquess' Christmas house party at his estate and the storyline suddenly blossomed. 


All of Balogh's hallmarks are here-internal conflict, passion, vibrant, three dimensional secondary characters that have their own wonderful storyline, and lot's and lot's of conflict with seemingly no resolution.  Max is a terrific hero-a very jaded, dark, brooding man who's lust for revenge of Judith has overpowered his life for eight long years. Now that Judith is a widow with two small children, his vengeance is at hand, or is it?


Judith's spinster sister in law Amy is just lovely and her own story is enough for me to recommend this book. But Judith and Max's story is so very moving and motional-I'll admit that I pretty much cried the last 50 pages of the book:)


A five star book and one of my favorite Balogh's-highly recommended!

The Warrior's Forbidden Virgin by Michelle Willingham

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge

Synopsis:Sir Ademar of Dolwyth does not think beautiful Lady Katherine of Ardennes would ever consider him for her husband--especially since she is in love with someone else! But when Katherine's heart is broken, Ademar is there to offer her comfort...and passion. For though the Norman knight cannot tell Katherine how he feels, he can show her without using any words at all....




My Review:
An ebook in Harlequin's "Undone!" series, this is a short story or novella of about 40 pages. My first Michelle Willingham, this was an enjoyable and very hot story. I liked the two leads and would have actually liked to see them in their own longer book. 4 stars!

Unfinished-Stormwalker by Allyson James

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
RYOB Challenge
Fantasy Challenge

Synopsis:
Janet Begay is a Stormwalker, capable of wielding the raw elemental power of nature, a power that threatens to overwhelm her. Only her lover, Mick, is able to calm the storm within her-even as their passion reaches unimaginable heights of ecstasy. 

But when an Arizona police chief's daughter is taken by a paranormal evil, they find themselves venturing where no human can survive-for only together can they overcome the greatest danger they've ever faced.

My review:

 I read, or tried to read Stormwalker by Allyson James (Jennifer Ashley). I quit this book halfway in-very disappointing as I normally like this authors works. In a word, there was nothing original about this story.

The same old "supposedly uber tough Harley riding heroine who, of course, must constantly be rescued by the mysterious, uber hot, alpha, ancient hero, who the heroine knows little about, but still manages to end up in bed with every few pages" UGH-the overproduction of paranormal romance/urban fantasy these last few years has, in my opinion, lead to an overproduction of formulaic tripe.
How about a heroine who is strong but drives a regular car, holds down a regular job, and whose wardrobe consists of something besides skin tight leather maybe?

Christmas Wishes by Barbara Metzger

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge
RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:
SHE MADE A CHRISTMAS WISH FOR A CHARMING CAVALIER--AND MET THE MOST NOTORIOUS RAKE IN ENGLAND!

Though granddaughter to one of the ancient regime, Juneclaire Beaumont lived without complaint as a poor relation at Stanton Hall -- until a family crisis sent her packing. But the road to London was not smooth, and she was compelled to take shelter in a stable with a handsome, scowling stranger whose curricle had been held up. A delicate situation, although he behaved in a most gentlemanly fashion.

The ton, however, would never believe it of the lordly rakehell Satan St. Cloud! He would preserve this madcap beauty's reputation.... Damn it, for once duty would be pleasure!

But Juneclaire declined marriage solely for honor. She disappeared, leaving the imperious Earl of St. Cloud to spend the twelve days of Christmas on a neck-or-nothing ride to find her....


My Review:
charming  and funny Regency romance- with a "poor relation" storyline. 4 stars!

Teller of Tales by Laurel Ames

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:
A GAME WITHOUT RULES
All of London knew Lord Raines as a charming rake and a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars who was no stranger to lush pleasures. Yet the disenchanted nobleman soon discovered that Jenner Page was more blatantly honest in her passions than anyone he had ever known. 
With boyish garb hiding her shattered past and shielding her against the future, Jenner Page had more freedom than most women could ever imagine --- and more loneliness than most could endure. Until the night the infamous Lacey Raines drew her into an outrageous life of impossible love . . .

My review:
While I give this author bonus props for using a rarely used storyline (girl in boy's garb),and trying to boldly use said storyline throughout the entire book, there was something "missing" in this book and I believe it was heart. The hero and heroine were very dysfunctional,"damaged" characters-which is normally a good building block to a fantastic story. Sadly, in this case, the two leads were to self centered in their own needs to ever "grow" from their damage. 

Finally, while it was also bold for the author to introduce a serious topic-rape-into the storyline, again it was too cavilerly done, and never really satisfactorily dealt with between any of the characters. Also, the author introduces a incident in the hero's background that almost put me off the book, and if it would have been introduced earlier in the story, I would have quit the book but I was already more than halfway through so I plodded on, though I could not enjoy the "hero" after this relevation. More shocking was how the heroine received this news, knowing she was an assault victim herself. It left a bad impression on the reader, to be sure. 

While the author's writing style is good enough that I'll try another of her books, I do not recommend this one. 
2.5 stars. 

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:
Beth Ackerley knows Lord Ian Mackenzie is mad. Only a madman would give a woman he had never met before a letter warning her not to wed her fiancé and then propose to her. Beth knows Ian is bad for her. One kiss from Ian, and Beth is prepared to give up her quiet new life as a widow and indulge in a scandalous affair with the sexy Scottish nobleman. But Beth knows that Ian is not dangerous. Even if everyone else in society might believe he is connected to the murder of two different women, Beth believes Ian is innocent, even if it means risking her life to prove her faith in him.


My Review:
I really like Jennifer Ashley. I've read several of her books, under Jennifer Ashley, and her other psuedonyms, and have enjoyed them. I  liked this book except for the amount of "relating" to each other the hero and heroine do via their sexual encounters. It seemed like the entire story was about the hero hiding the heroine away and having sex with her. I would have enjoyed learning more about their relationship outside the bedroom, their characters and the secondary characters. In my opinion, having any book filled with sex scenes as "filler" is the lazy writers out, and is disappointing because I know this author can do better.


That being said, I still enjoyed this book enough to give it four stars, but not five for missed opportunities. I'm still looking forward to reading the other characters stories though.

Lady Jane by Norma Lee Clark

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge
RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:
IN A FEW SHORT YEARS THE LITTLE BACKSTAIRS MAID HAD BECOME A MOTHER, A WIDOW, AND AN HEIRESS TO A STAGGERING FORTUNE...

With her bright, sherry-brown eyes and her dazzling smile, little Jane Coombes was irresistible to men. This was her downfall. It caused her to lose her position as a maid in the prestigious household of the Montmorencys. It thrust her alone into the cold, cruel world.

But fortune gazed kindly on Jane. She was taken into the household of a gracious and forgiving woman whose son fell in love with Jane. She married him.

A few years later both son and mother died, and Jane was left not only with a fortune, but a title as well, Lady Payton. 

Now these become the weapons which little Jane Coombes will use to avenge herself on a world that had tried to destroy her.




My Review:
A very unusual Regency about a young maid, who through an extraordinary set of horrific but then wonderful circumstances, becomes a widowed Baroness. Story deals with some tough issues like rape, unwanted pregnancy, disabilities, and violence. Also, this book is much more explicit than most traditional Regencies, but I didn't consider it offensive.

 I'll be reading more from this author. 5 stars.

Enchanting Jenny by Zabrina Faire

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
RYOB Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge

Synopsis:
Fate decreed that Jenny must become the Comtesse de la Garde, but even the power of Fate could not make her love the Comte... Jenny said "No!" But everyone else insisted that this was the right marriage for Jenny. The Comte was the scion of a noble family, said Jenny's mother, pointing out that both Jenny's sisters' chances would improve when she became the Comtesse. The Comte agreed because his mother's secret plan to use Jenny's inheritance was irresistible. Even Jenny's clairvoyant grandmother declared it had to be... Only Jenny herself was opposed to the match. Only Jenny and the Comte's half-brother who viewed the marriage of convenience -- and Jenny -- with contempt.


My review:
second book I've read by this author. Was fairly good but not as good as this author's Lady Blue. These 70's Regencies are very "old school"-high drama, wilting females and machismo males, and nasty villains. 3 stars.

The Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh

Read For:
ROR Winter Challenge
RYOB Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge

Synopsis:
Although her father is determined that she marry a nobleman, Eleanor Transome, who thinks she loves the humble Mr. Wilfred, is forced instead to become betrothed to Lord Randolph Falloden, a man on the brink of ruin.


My Review:
Was an "average" Mary Balogh-which means it was better than most other authors but not one of her best. It was still very good though and had me misting up at the end:) 4 stars.

ROR Winter 2011 Challenge

Finished: 14 out of 15 completed

Winter '11 Challenge List

It's that time again! Here is your list for the Winter ‘11 (December, January and February) Reading Challenge! (December 1-February 28)

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 11 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 11 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

THE CHALLENGE:

1. Reader’s Choice-DONE-Christmas Wishes by Barbara Metzger-4 stars

2. Reader’s Choice-DONE-Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist-4 stars

3. Reader’s Choice-DONE-Winter Blossom by Cynthia Sinclair-4 stars

4. Read a book by an author you’ve been wanting to try, but haven’t yet-DONE-Lady Jane by Norma Lee Clark-5 stars

5. Choose a cover with a headless model-DONE-The Warrior's Forbidden Virgin by Michelle Willingham-4 stars

6. Read an Enemy story http://likesbooks.com/enemy.html-DONE-Christmas Beau by Mary Balogh-5 stars

7. Read a book by Jill Shalvis or Nancy Warren-

8. For MLK Day: Read a Title with 'Dream' in it-DONE-Surrender A Dream by Jill Barnett-1 star

9. A book where one of the main characters has a weird/uncommon name.-DONE-Teller of Tales by Laurel Ames-2.5 stars

10. Read a Christmas themed book OR an author that first or last name begins with C -DONE-The Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh-4 stars.

11. Read a book that has 2 words in the title-DONE-Enchanting Jenny by Zabrina Faire-3 stars

12. Read a book by picking one off your Shelfari’s friends shelf (and list who you got it from to make it fun!)-DONE-The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley-4 stars

13. Read an American Indian themed book http://likesbooks.com/native.html-DONE-Stormwalker by Allyson James-1 star

14. Read a book that has been on your shelf for a while (Out with the Old!)-DONE-The Ruby Ghost by June Calvin-2.5 stars

15. Read a book that was published in 2011 -or Dec of 2010 (In with the New!)