The Garden of The Azure Dragon by Ann Hulme

The Garden of The Azure Dragon
Ann Hulme (AKA Ann Granger)
Harlequin Historicals  first series #10
1986, 254 pages
Read For:
Royal Romance Reading Challenge
RYOB Challenge
Harlequin/Silhouette Challenge

Synopsis:
"Who wants to be stuck for life with a virago like you?"

But it wasn't to seek a husband that Zoe Hammond had come to China in the summer of 1910. It was to work--to forget men forever. That was her intention--till she met Quentin Farrell.

The English trader was rude, overbearing, and worse, a drunkard and a libertine. He could mean nothing to Zoe Hammond.

The chaos of revolution crept ever closer mirroring the turmoil in her heart. At last Zoe had nowhere to turn--nowhere but Quentin Farrell!


My Review:

The Garden of The Azure Dragon is very much a "old school" historical romance-the hero is way alpha male, the heroine, though a educated teacher, is a bit flighty, and "too stupid to live" at times, and the author uses some pejorative language about Chinese workers that some may find offensive. That being said, if you can overlook those faults, overall, Garden of The Azure Dragon is a interesting, exciting Historical Romance set in an infrequently used era and country for Romance (Edwardian era China).

Lots of interaction between the H/H, though mainly kissing, arguing and the hero, a gritty ex-soldier, "manhandling" the heroine, though never actually striking her. Sadly, this was "common" in 1980's historical romances.
A large part of the story takes place on the hero/heroine on a boat heading deep into China, and the characters/story has a kind of "African Queen" vibe to it, as the heroine acts somewhat tightly laced as Hepburn, and the hero is certainly as crusty as Bogart was.

The author obviously researched China quite a bit and I even learned a thing or two about it's culture, especially about the awful practice of binding womans feet.

Ironically, after reading this, then researching the author, I found out that Ann Hulme was author Ann Granger's pseudonym. I just finished a Ann Granger Historical Mystery, Mortal Curiosity, a week or so ago. Mrs Granger first wrote Historical Romances in the 80's under Ann Hulme, then moved to mystery after, as Ann Granger.
4 stars.

A Warrior's Heart by Margaret Moore

Read For:
ROR Spring Challenge
RYOB Challenge
Royal Romance Challenge

Synopsis:
From the moment Emryss DeLanyea stole her away to his dark and misty valley filled with ancient magic, Lady Roanna Westercott felt safe for the first time in years. Though he bore the scars of battle, the Welshman seemd invincible. Little did Roanna know how much Emryss would come to depend upon her quiet strength.

Returning home from the Crusades with his body disfigured, Emryss had put aside all thoughts of women and love forever, until he met the Lady Roanna. The fragile woman had a will of iron, but was she strong enough to heal his warrior's heart?


My Review:
A Warrior's Heart is the first book in Margaret Moore's 15 book Warrior series. I liked that the hero, a former crusader who returns home badly injured and disfigured, is not a "pretty boy" but the heroine falls for him anyway. Similarly, the heroine is a "plain Jane", average-skinny and small busted, though the hero is very attracted to her. That's a nice dose of reality-we cannot all be "god or goddess gorgeous" but we all still find someone to love :)


I enjoyed the story quite a bit, until the last 50 pages, when the author has the heroine turn a bit "too stupid to live" but I can overlook that , especially since this was written in 1992, when TSTL heroines seemed to be in every romance novel-LOL.


If you like Medieval Romances with strong, dramatic and sometimes funny characters, I think you'll like this "old school" novel.
4 stars.

His Secondhand Wife by Cheryl St. John

Read For:
ROR Spring Challenge
RYOB Challenge
Royal Romance Challenge
Countdown Challenge

Synopsis:
NOAH CUTTER WAS A MAN OF HIS WORD...

Scarred in body and soul, rancher Noah didn't consider himself fit company for anyone. But when his brother's philandering finally caught up with him, honor dictated that Noah claim his brother's widow as his own....

Standing on her doorstep, with his collar turned up and a rifle by his side, Noah was about the most intimidating man Katherine had ever seen. And though one man's false promises had already dashed her dreams, she instinctively trusted this stranger. Even more, Kate suspected she'd only be a fool this time if she didn't take a chance on Noah for the sake of herself...and her unborn child!


My Review:
My Shelfari friend, RS, gave this book 5 stars, so I thought I'd try it too. So glad I did. Perfect story. "Tortured or Scarred hero" is one of my favorite storylines and this is one of the best examples I've read. I love that Noah is a "good man", and not a former bad one injured in a fight, but instead through a accident. Book was very down to earth and real-wonderful hero and heroine, great secondary characters too. I plan to read more of this author's books in the future. Highly recommended-5 stars.

Out of The Dark by Sharon Sala

Read for:
ROR Spring Challenge
Royal Romance Challenge
Thriller and Suspense Challenge
RYOB Challenge
Countdown Challenge

Synopsis:
In the darkness of her memory terror lurks

Street artist Jade remembers little of her childhood except for the time she spent under the ruthless control of a cult leader, a time marked by terrible abuse and suffering. For the fifteen years since she escaped his grasp, she has survived by living on the streets and never putting down roots.

Ex-cop Luke Kelly knows his friend Sam Cochrane wants nothing more than to find his daughter, Jade, who was taken from him as a child. So Luke uses all his connections to make that happen, not knowing that by reuniting Jade with her father he is exposing her to a deadly peril.

In the healing embrace of her father's home, Jade -- with Luke's loving help -- begins to put fear behind her. But somewhere in the darkness, a man is prepared to kill rather than let Jade reveal the secrets of her childhood. And when her story makes the national news, that someone finally knows where to find her.


My review:
Another great Romantic Suspense by Sharon Sala. Be forewarned-story deals with emotional and painful subject matter like child abuse, cults and HIV. The heroine of the story has been severely abused most of her life and has also had to live on the streets in hiding from a cult leader. Story, as can be expected, is very emotional and painful. Do not read this one when you are feeling down in the dumps, wait till  you are in a better mind set to handle the subject matter.


4 stars.

The Runaways by Julia Herbert

The Runaways
Harlequin Masquerade #2
1977

Read For:
ROR Spring Challenge
Royal Romance Challenge
RYOB Challenge
Synopsis:
She was abducted by Lucifer himself! Georgina White felt no safer now that Richard Barr had rescued her from the powerful Duke of Quinton. And, as they fled, she realized she was confused by her own mixed up emotions. She knew too that for the first time in her life, she had crossed swords with a man she could not rule. When she clutched him, pressing herself against his strong, muscled back, she felt a strange desire. But for what? Was it love? Perhaps she didn't want to rule him. Perhaps she wanted to be ruled.


My review:
I really enjoyed this short, "on the road fleeing from a villain" romance set in Georgian England. The heroine, is spoiled but grows up, and the hero is a good man, steadfast and realistic-a nice change of pace from the"reformed rakes" that is so prevalent in most newer romances. Richard Barr was a great, good leading man like Colonel Branden in Sense and Sensibility.
No love scenes but the story did not lack from it. If you like the vintage Regencies ala' Heyer and Chesney, you'll like this. 5 stars.

The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe'

Read For:
Fantasy Challenge
RYOB Challenge
ROR Spring Challenge
Countdown Challenge
Royal Romance Challenge

Synopsis:
For centuries they’ve lived in secret among northern England’s green and misted hills. Creatures of extraordinary beauty, power, and sensuality, they possess the ability to shape-shift from human to dragon and back again. Now their secret–and their survival–is threatened by a temptation that will break every boundary....

Dubbed the Smoke Thief, a daring jewel thief is confounding the London police. His wealthy victims claim the master burglar can walk through walls and vanish into thin air. But Christoff, the charismatic Marquess of Langford, knows the truth: the thief is no ordinary human but a “runner” who’s fled Darkfrith without permission. As Alpha leader of the dra´kon, it’s Kit’s duty to capture the fugitive before the secrets of the tribe are revealed to mortals. But not even Kit suspects that the Smoke Thief could be a woman.

Clarissa Rue Hawthorne knew her dangerous exploits would attract the attention of the dra´kon. But she didn’t expect Christoff himself to come to London, dangling the tribe’s most valuable jewel–the Langford Diamond–as bait. For as long as she could remember, Rue had lived the life of a halfling–half dra´kon, half mortal–and an outcast in both worlds. She’d always loved the handsome and willful Kit from the only place it was safe: from afar. But now she was no longer the shy, timid girl she’d once been. She was the first woman capable of making the Turn in four generations. So why did she still feel the same dizzying sense of vulnerability whenever he was near?

From the moment he saw her, Kit knew that the alluring and powerful beauty was every bit his Alpha equal and destined to be his bride. And by the harsh laws of the dra´kon, Rue knew that she was the property of the marquess. But they will risk banishment and worse for a chance at something greater. For now Rue is his prisoner, the diamond has disappeared, and she’s made the kind of dangerous proposition a man like Kit cannot resist....In this bewitching novel, Shana Abé transports us into a world of exhilarating romance and magic.


My Review:
All in all, a really good book. I love that this paranormal is also a historical romance set in Georgian England. The characters were appealing and the love scenes were H-O-T :)
4 stars.

An Unquestionable Lady by Rosina Pyatt

Read For:
RYOB Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge
ROR Spring Challenge
Royal Romance Challenge

Synopsis:
GENTLEMAN OFFERS SECURITY AND SOCIAL POSITION IN RETURN FOR MARRIAGE WITH AN UNQUESTIONABLE LADY.
Too proud to apply to relatives or friends for help, Miss Claudia Talton was desperate enough to answer the advertisement. But why would an affluent and well-positioned gentleman need to go to such lengths to find a wife? Then she learned his name... Giles Verylan. Now she knew why he needed to advertise; no lady would dream of allying herself with such a rake. But the touch of his hand, the knowing smile, and the challenging gleam in his appraising eyes made her wonder if perhaps she was not a lady after all-at least in certain circumstances...

A SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT
Verylan looked over his prospective bride with clinical dispassion. Yes, she would do. Obviously a lady, and attractive-damned attractive-into the bargain... as well as sensible enough to appreciate the advantages of what he was offering. A marriage of convenience--his convenience--no more and no less. After providing him with an heir she would be free to live a life of luxury unencumbered by his attentions, which he would satisfy elsewhere. Miss Tallon was hardly in a position to expect a love match, and neither was he. The two of them were thus eminently suited to one another... if only Verylan knew how well!


My Review:
this Regency was very depressing, melodramatic and overdone, and the hero is a arrogant bore for most of the story-but for some strange reason I still enjoyed it. Classic "high angst" storyline-marriage of convenience. If you like "severely alpha males" you'll like this hero. 
Fairly steamy love scenes for a Regency as well. 4 stars

The Bride Ship by Deborah Hale

Read For:
ROR Spring Challenge
RYOB 2010 Challenge
Royal Romance Challenge
Countdown Challenge

Synopsis:

A Ship Full Of Women Could Only Cause Trouble! 
Of that Governor Sir Robert Kerr was certain, just by considering their chaperon! Though a widow, Mrs. Jocelyn Finch was young, vivacious and utterly determined to have her own way – especially with him!
Challenging the governor of Haliax, Nova Scotia to a duel was obviously a poor way to introduce herself. but when Sir Robert accused Jocelyn and her charges of something less ladylike than husband-hunting, what else could she do? Besides, someone had to show this straitlaced, yet gloriously compelling figure of a man that there was more to life than doing one's duty!


My Review:
Another winner by Deborah Hale. I like that the heroine was more experienced and worldly than the hero-a former soldier who is very straight laced and uptight, till he meets Jocelyn. I always like the premise of a bride ship or group of women on their own (like in the great old Western Westward The Women)

The romance between the two is not the "love at first sight variety" but more of a friendship that builds over time. The love scenes are late in the book but are fairly racy when they arrive. I applaud the author for having the heroine be in a functional relationship previously and she also has a normal sexual appetite as well. It gets tiresome in romances that every heroine who's a widow has to be from a abusive relationship to be able to find love.


All in all, a great Harlequin Historical. 4.5 stars.

Newmarket Match by Anita Mills

Read For:
ROR Spring Challenge
1000 Regency Challenge
RYOB Challenge


Synopsis:

A SPORTING PROPOSITION

Miss Harriet Rowe felt she had little to offer her step-cousin, Lord Richard Stanton. The dashing viscount was the most handsome gentleman in London, with a bevy of beauties pining for his attention, while Harriet, a shy country miss, had only the stuffy Mr. Edwin Thornton as a suitor.

But Harriet did have one thing to give a man who already had her heart without knowing or caring. She had the money to lend him for a racehorse he desperately wanted but could not presently afford.

That made them partners in the pursuit of gold and glory on the racecourses of England. But it still left Harriet a mere spectator in the sport of love unless she kicked over the traces and made a reckless run for romance....

My Review:

A excellent old fashioned "high drama" Regency by Anita Mills. Filled with horse racing, hateful relations, "misunderstandings" tragic accidents, fun servants, and redemption. 4 stars!

The Wild Rose by Rebecca Ward

Wild Canadian lady meets a high-in-the-instep earl.

This is my second Rebecca Ward-she is quickly becoming one of my favorite Regency authors. 4 stars!

How To Tempt A Duke by Kasey Michaels

Read For:
Romance Reading Challenge
ROR Spring Challenge
RYOB Challenge




Synopsis:

He'd returned from war a duke. Now Rafael Daughtry was battling a force more terrifying than Napoleon's army - his family. Thankfully, his childhood friend Charlotte Seavers had agreed - reluctantly - to a bargain. While Rafe would provide her with the home she'd lost, Charlotte would provide him with a chaperone for his unruly twin sisters.

But who would chaperone Rafe? For the feisty young girl he remembered had blossomed into a sensual woman - a woman whose haunting beauty and deeply kept secrets drew him like no other. Charlotte had good reason to mistrust men - yet could Rafe's sizzling seduction convince her to give in to temptation?

3 stars.  Nothing in this story grabbed me-took me a week to finish. I'd say it's average at best.

Emily Goes To Exeter by Marion Chesney

Read For:
Romance Reading Challenge
RYOB Challenge
ROR Spring Challenge
What's In A Name Challenge


The Travelling Matchmaker Book 1

As always, Marion Chesney never fails to deliver. I love the premise of this series-a maid inherits a considerable sum from her mistress upon her death. The maid, who has grown up in service and who always dreamed of traveling, goes upon the stage coach to various places, meeting wonderful characters and in this book, solving a crime and matchmaking.

4 stars!

The Prisoner by Cheryl Reavis

Read For:

ROR Spring Challenge

Royal Romance Challenge

Harlequin Challenge

Romance Challenge

RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:

On the Run

Union Captain John Howe escaped a living hell when he tunneled his way out of a Confederate prison camp, though his ordeal was far from over. Now he was saddled with his own prisoner, the sad, stubborn Amanda Douglas, on a journey that would change their lives forever . . . .

Even her previous Spartan existence had not prepared Amanda for the dangerous trek she was now making-entirely against her will. But when John gazed at her through his beautiful, haunted eyes, bright with fever, she was lost. Could a privileged Yankee son and a poor, proud Rebel girl keep their love safe from the rest of the world?

My Review:

I chose this book from my mammoth TBR pile because I needed an "unread" genre and I do not normally like romances set in Civil War era. This book was so good I may change that :)

I enjoyed how the author was sympathetic to both character "sides" and chose to write the story more on the horrors of war than showing one side as "right or wrong" over the other. The story was well researched, dramatic and very stirring. Definitely more love than passion, and if you read the story you'll understand why.

I enjoyed John and Amanda's story and will be searching out other of this authors books at the used book store.

4.5 stars

Heaven At Sunrise by Leona Karr

Read For:

RYOB Challenge

Romance Challenge

ROR Winter Challenge

Royal Challenge

Synopsis:

Traveling to the Shetland Islands to do missionary work, Alana Lansbury meets shepherd Brion McClerry, who is caring for his brother's five children and who refuses to admit his feelings or needs for Alana.

My Review:

A very good historical romance set in Victorian era Scotland. The heroine is a missionary nurse who just arrived on the remote Shetland Island to find that a sudden death before her arrival puts her life in upheaval. The hero is a fisherman and sheep farmer who has been burnt in the past by another "English do gooder" and is mistrustful of Alana.

The story reads like a Christian romance but not as "preachy" as some I've tried before. Both characters grow and learn to not so quickly judge others. The secondary characters in the town are well written too. The story would have been five stars if not for-a) non existant love scenes, and b)-the heroines "uppity" nature should have been resolved sooner. Otherwise a very good story.

4.5 stars

The Lady In Question by Judith Laik

Read For:

ROR Winter Challenge

RYOB Challenge

1000 Regency Challenge

Romance Challenge

Royal Challenge

Synopsis:

A fateful toss of the dice
Charlotte Treadwell is outraged when she learns her gaming-mad papa has just forfeited her in a game of hazard. Suddenly she is the “property” of Hugh Brooks, Earl of Rayfield, a rake and a gambler who couldn't possibly understand that her passionate heart is taken up with helping those less fortunate than she.

A perilous game of chance
Rayfield must stop an aristocratic spy from inflicting the horrors of revolution upon England. How can he keep his mind on his duties when the tempting woman he has just won is the fiery daughter of his prime suspect?

Love is the most dangerous gamble of all . . .

My Review-

My review for this book will be a non review-I enjoyed this cute Regency but stopped it/started it back up during about 7 day spread when my father just got sick and passed away on February 9th. I finally was able to finish it today (2-14) and it was cute enough but I don't feel like I can give it a accurate review as I'm not still not in a good frame of mind anyway from Daddy's passing.

Proof of Seduction by Courtney Milan

Read For:

RYOB Challenge

Romance Challenge

Royal Romance Challenge

Countdown Challenge

My Review:

very good-would have been a five star book if there had been a little more "historical continuity" but it was still excellent. Heroine is strong and hero-who was a bit or a arrogant bore but he does learn the error of his ways. Very hot too:) 4 stars!

On The Edge by Ilona Andrews

Read For:

Countdown Challenge

ROR Winter Challenge

Fantasy Challenge

RYOB Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge

My Review:

Overall, the book was pretty good. That being said, I LOVED this author's Kate Daniel's Urban Fantasy series and to me (and my husband), On The Edge had way too much romance to be labeled Urban Fantasy.

Not that there's anything wrong with romance, obviously, but it just was really predominate in this book. The "blonde hunky Sawyer from LOST looking dude" dominating the cover should have been my first clue-LOL.

There will be a book 2-I'll read it, but my husband said he won't. It was good, but not great. 3 stars.

Wicked by Shannon Drake

Read For:

ROR Winter Challenge

Royal Romance Review Challenge

2010 Romance Challenge

RYOB Challenge

Countdown Challenge

Synopsis:

The Earl was known as a beast.

Camille Montgomery is aware of the wicked man's reputation. But as an expert in antiquities, she also knows his family's Egyptian artifacts are the finest in England. The problem is, her wayward stepfather knows this, too -- and he's determined to steal them. So when he's caught in the act of robbing the so-called Beast of Carlyle, Camille must swallow her fear and boldly confront the man whose mask is said to hide a face too loathsome to behold.

The Earl of Carlyle has lived in the shadows ever since the suspicious death of his parents. But he's never stopped trying to unravel the mystery behind what he suspects to have been their murder. And now that the lovely Camille has stumbled into his life, he has the perfect pawn for his deadly game of vengeance and deceit. But in laying his ruthless trap, will he risk losing his own heart?

My Review:

pretty good Victorian era Romance. Enjoyed the Egyptology slant and the mystery. Love scenes were a bit too "purple prose" and the relationship was a bit too "we argue then make out" for my tastes but it was still enjoyable. Wished there was more relationship evolving between the H/H. 3.75 stars

5 stars for the cover though-very pretty and eye catching.

A Talent For Trouble by Anne Barbour

A Talent For Trouble

Anne Barbour, 1992

223 pages

3 stars

Read For:

ROR Winter Challenge

RYOB Challenge

2010 Romance Challenge

1000 Regency Challenge

Royal Reviews Romance Challenge

Synopsis:

Lady Talitha Burnside had always assured herself that the blazing talent in her fingers overcame the plainness in her features. Now, the Viscount Chelmsford had need of her skill as a caricaturist in a novel that would set London on its ear. Tally told herself firmly that she did not care that Chelmsford would scarcely look beyond his collaborator's talent, for she wished only to provide herself with the means of financial independence from her family. Unfortunately, with the best intentions in the world, Tally did not find herself immune to Chelmsford's charm. And to the Viscount's surprise, he found himself oddly attracted to the artist's huge brown eyes, her coltish grace, and her elfin charm. How long would it take for the two artists to discover that the passion sparking between them sprang from more than a literary interest?

My Review:

Overall, a cute Regency romance. Would have enjoyed more interaction between the H/H though. 3 stars

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

The Duke and I

Julia Quinn

2000, 371 pages

Read For:

ROR Winter Challenge

RYOB Challenge 2010

What's In A Name Challenge 3

2010 Romance Reading Challenge

Royal Reviews Romance Challenge

Synopsis:

Relentlessly pursued by match-making mamas and their charges, Simon Bassett, the handsome Duke of Hastings, has grown tired of the societal chase. Tired too is the lovely Daphne Bridgerton, whose matrimonially minded mother is set on finding her daughter the perfect husband. Neither Simon nor Daphne is happy with this annoying state of affairs and both would give anything for a little peace and quiet. Their mutual wish for a respite from the ton's marriage mart leads to a pretend engagement--a scheme that is threatened with exposure by Daphne's suspicious older brother, who happens to know Simon's way with women very well. The two never anticipated that a mutual attraction would lead to the very thing they set out to avoid--a wedding. But Simon fears that his painful past may keep him from being able to truly love anyone. And though Daphne cares for him deeply, she won't settle for anything less than his heart.

My Review:

Good, solid 4 star book.