Somewhere I'll Find You by Lisa Kleypas

Somewhere I'll Find You
Lisa Kleypas
384 pages
Rating-1.5 stars

Read For:
Winter 08 Challenge-FINISHED!
RYOB Challenge
Chick Porn Reading Challenge

Synopsis:
All London is at Julia Wentworth's feet. The beautiful, enchanting actress is the toast of the theater world--and anything she desires is hers for the asking. But the incomparable leading lady guards a devastating secret: a mystery husband whom she does not know, dares not mention. . .and cannot love.For years Damon Savage has been searching for the stranger his unscrupulous parents wed him to without his consent. Wanting no more than to be legally rid of the foolish chit, Damon is shocked to discover his "bride" is the exquisite stage performer whom he intended to make his mistress! But though his wife by law, Julia will never truly be Damon's--until he conquers her fears, his formidable rivals. . .and the stellar lady's proud, independent heart.

my Review:
Lisa Kleypas is normally one of my favorite authors. Somewhere I'll find you was, in my opinion, her poorest book to date. The characters have lot's of sexual chemistry, but nothing deeper.

The storyline was just too over the top. Between the "I cannot love you even though were married", to the heroine's "I can't love you because I'll lose my independence" it was downright boring and hard to get through. The characters were wooden and unlikable. There was nothing that endeared me to either of these characters, and a kidnapping scene towards the end had me almost quitting in disgust. The cherry on top was the heroines realization that she loves the hero only after this as well as a fight with her boss/fiance'.

The second book in the series, Because You're Mine, is much better and fortunately I read these two out of order as I would have never read book two had I read this book first.
1.5 stars.

Duel of Hearts by Elizabeth Mansfield

Duel of Hearts Elizabeth Mansfield Regency Romance 219 pages Rating 1.5 stars.

Read for:
RYOB Challenge
Winter 08 Challenge
A to Z Challenge
Chick Porn Challenge
What's In A Name Challenge


My Amazon Review:
cliched, cloying and annoying Regency Romance...., January 31, 2009
Synopsis:
LOVE'S DARING GAMBIT . . .
"There's No Time To Explain!" Sarah said. "Come and sit down beside me. Quickly!" She pulled him to the sofa. The door had been left open so that anyone passing would be bound to see them.

Sarah placed his arms firmly around her waist. "Now Edward, try not to be too shocked. I want you to kiss me."

"What?" Edward gaped at her. "You can't mean."

"Yes, I do!" She threw her arms around him and lifted her face to his. "Kiss me . . . as if you really mean it!"

My review:

Duel of Hearts is based on that tried and true storyline of the shy heroine, secretly in love with the hero, but he loves another. The heroine, as a selfless act, pretends to be lovers with the hero to help him ensnare his "true love", the heroine's twenty year old cousin.
While I've seen the story done before, this particular telling was one of the worst. The book spends more time on the hero's love interest-the heroine's vain, stupid and mean cousin, than on the heroine. The heroine is a door mat, and gladly allows herself to be a door mat to everyone including the hero. In modern terms, she's a complete wuss, never standing up for herself or her love.

The hero is not much better, liking the hero one minute, than berating and belittling her the next. Any "love" in this romance literally happens the last five pages of the book. No kidding!
The only beautiful thing in this novel is the beautiful cover art.

Totally skipworthy-1.5 stars. ”

Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney

Thunder And Roses
Mary Jo Putney
380 pages
Rating 3.75 stars.

Read for:
Winter 08 Challenge
1st in a Series Challenge
RYOB Challenge
Serial Readers Challenge
A to Z Challenge
Chick Porn Reading Challenge

Synopsis: PASSION'S BARGAIN . . .
They called him the Demon Earl. They said he could do anything. Son of a rogue and a gypsy, Nicholas Davies was a notorious rake until a shattering betrayal left him alone and embittered in the Welsh countryside.

Desperation drives quiet schoolteacher Clare Morgan to ask the Demon Earl to help save her village. Unwilling to involve himself in the problems of others, Nicholas sets an impossible price on his aid - only if Clare agrees to live with him for three months, letting the world think the worst, will he intervene.

Furiously, Clare accepts his outrageous challenge, and finds herself drawn into a glittering Regency world of danger and desire. As allies, she and Nicholas fight to save her community. As adversaries, they explore the hazardous terrain of power and sensuality. And as lovers, they surrender to passion that threatens the very foundations of their lives.

My Amazon Review:

overall great story with some flaws.....,

January 29, 2009

Thunder and Roses is the story of an unrepentant rake, Nicholas, a half Gypsy Earl who was involved in a scandal with his former wife's death, and Clare, a Methodist preacher's daughter who pleads with the Earl to help the villagers working conditions at the mine. The Earl,in true Rake fashion, hoping to make Clare go away, proposes a scandalous three month liaison between them in return for his help. He gets a shock when Clare agrees.

Thus begins a emotional, highly charged tale of false appearances, misjudgments and how two highly flawed people can find love.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, though it was not without it's flaws. Clare was likable, but does something during their first intimate encounter that almost made me quit the book. Let's just say that I found her "pious schoolmarm one minute, then blatant tease the next" really ugly. As others mentioned in their reviews, the hero and heroine battled each other with sex, or the withholding of it, and that was distasteful and offputting. Putney has more talent in writing love stories than love scenes, and too much emphasis was put on the sexual aspect of the relationship.

Otherwise, I'd recommend this book to Historical Romance fans looking for a deeper, more involved storyline.
3.75 stars.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

Read For:
Winter 08/09 Challenge
#2 Read a book read in the Fall Challenge

I think this was the wrong Julia Quinn book to start on. I've only read one other books of her's-On The Way To The Wedding, and enjoyed that one. I've heard nothing but good things about her past books but this book was just flat out boring. One dimensional characters and no "umph". I'll try one of her earlier books. This one is skipworthy. No stars.

Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter

Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter
3.5 stars
376 pages

Read for:
RYOB Challenge
A to Z Reading Challenge
Romance Club Reading Challenge
New Author Reading Challenge
Chick Porn Reading Challenge
Winter 08 Challenge

My Amazon Review:

his muse was murder.....,

January 15, 2009

Romantic suspense is not my normal forte', maybe that's why I enjoyed this book so much, as several other reviewers didn't seem to care for it. I enjoyed the story of Ashlee Davenport Chadwick, a forty something widow, who lives on her Rural South Carolina homestead farm with her matriarchal Nana, her biracial other grandmother and her college age daughter. Ashlee's already hectic life as a single mom and forensic nurse is turned upside down when one of her does brings her a child's red sneaker-and she's horrified to find a child's toe still in the shoe.

What follows is a fast paced suspense-part nursing/hospital drama, part Southern murder mystery, and a small part romance. I found the lead, Ashlee to be competent as well as caring, and I enjoyed reading a story set in the south as well.

While the book had flaws-they were minor in my opinion and didn't take away from the storyline. I'd recommend Sleep Softly to fans of Romantic Suspense and Woman Sleuths as well.
3.5 stars.

A Place For Alfreda by Elizabeth Chater

A Place For Alfreda by Elizabeth Chater
Regency Romance
4 stars
186 pages

Read For:

• RYOB Challenge
• A to Z Challenge
• New Author Challenge
• Chick Porn Challenge
• Winter 08 Challenge
  

My Amazon Review:
Accurate, enchanting vintage Regency......,

January 9, 2009

Synopsis:
She went from rags to riches in the blink of an eye. Alfreda never felt like she belonged, but when she discovers that she was switched at birth and is the rightful heir to an Earl's estate she is flabbergasted. Nobody ever expected this mousy, plain girl to be of noble blood, especially Mark Savage. Mark has always infuriated Alfreda with his ceaseless mocking, but now she sees a spark of love deep within his eyes.

But the aristocracy isn't all it's cracked up to be, someone isn't pleased with Alfreda's new position and they will do anything to ensure her demise. Can Mark's love and Alfreda's unstoppable will save her?

My Review:
This author is a prime example of why I love the old Regency Romances. Miss Chater, who was also one of the original writers of Science Fiction (Lee Chaytor),also had a popular Regency career in her 70's. Miss Chater, who was also an English professor, obviously studied Regency England thoroughly. I've never seen another of the tradition Regency romances (besides the genre greats) that's so chock filled of Cant,or slang of the era, as well as lifestyle and convention.

The author's impressive vocabulary was delightful-a delicious break from the sometimes monosyllabic monotony of several "modern" Regency writers who shall remain nameless:). Miss Chater's writing is like Belgium Chocolate after weeks of Hershey bars-a gourmet's dream come true.

The story brought to mind Harriet Smith of Emma, "a girl of unknown parentage". Alfreda was raised by a spinster in the country, just like Harriet. But unlike Harriet, the townsfolk believe that Alfreda is a by-blow, an illegitimate child of nobility. Surprisingly, she is exactly the opposite-she is the legitimate child, but since she is a female, she's hidden away and her father's son with his mistress is put in his place.

What follows is a charming, fun and fast paced Regency tale full of delightful secondary characters. The romance is traditional-no love scenes, just a few kisses and the requisite sexual tension.

The end storyline goes a bit wonky, hence 4 stars, but A place for Alfreda is a Regency Romance I'd still highly recommend to fellow fans of Austen, Heyer, Chesney, and Balogh.
4 stars.

Challenge #7

Challenge #7- A book that makes you think about Christmas

Christmas Pie
Emma Craig
Rating-4 stars
320 pages

My Amazon Review:

charming Victorian Romance......, December 31, 2008

Synopsis:
Polly McNamara longs for a world of fun and riches, and when an old woman gives her a magical coin, incredible things start to happen as she begins to see her handsome employer, James Drayton, in a new light.

My review:
Christmas Pie is a cute Christmas romance set in Victorian era San Francisco. Polly is a typist at James Drayton's law firm. On one cold November day, Polly goes into a curio shop in Chinatown to buy her mother a Christmas gift. A little old lady there gives her a gift-a very old Chinese coin. Polly's world,living in genteel poverty, barely making it for herself and her widowed, invalid mother, is turned upside down with the introduction of the coin.

If you are sometimes tired of Historical romances filled with hardened Rakes and jaded courtesans then you should try this book. I liked the fact that all the main characters were everyday,realistic"good" people. People who worked for a living and wished for the simpler things we all do-love,safety and security for our family and friendship.

It was fun to read about the just introduced "horseless carriages" and the luxury of a telephone. The lucky charm story was fun and comical. Sensuality scale of about a PG. Minor kissing and one love scene, tastefully done.

The story gets a little "out there" towards the end, hence the four stars. Though I'd still recommend the story for those looking for a clean, sweet romance.
4 stars.

Dark Obsession by Amanda Stevens

Readers of Romance Winter 08 Challenge #12- Read a series (Harlequin or Silhouette).

Dark Obsession
Amanda Stevens
Silhouette Dreamscapes series
Rating 4.0
251 pages

My Amazon Review:
Surprisingly good Modern day Gothic.....,December 26, 2008

Synopsis:
Horror novelist Erin Ramsey's latest bestseller brought a dark and tormented vampire into her readers worlds. But such heroes existed only in her imagination. Or so she thought.

How wrong Erin had been! Now her sister was dead, the victim of a shadowy stranger. Detective Nick Slade had promised to help find the killer. But who was Nick, really?

Cloaked in secrecy, his eyes always masked by sunglasses, Nick embodied Erin's most foreboding nightmares -- and her most erotic fantasies. Helplessly, she was drawn into a midnight world where nothing was as it seemed, where a man could be predator -- or protector.

My Review:
I do not not read many of the thinner "series" romances as I find they are, for the most part, too formulaic, and are normally headlined by a very weak heroine. Luckily, Dark Obsession was original and had an equally strong hero and heroine.

Erin is a horror novelist who finds her actress sister dead in their apartments front yard. Nick, is a a sunglasses wearing detective on the case, who is himself very dark and mysterious. What follows is a easy to read, fast paced, sexy yet heartfelt romance.

Like other reviewers mentioned, this is not a "vampire romance" in the classic sense, as the vampires in this book are truly evil and not the "tormented though basically good" vampires that dominate most vampire romances. I didn't find that took away at all from the story, it just had more of a Gothic feel than anything else.

The relationship between the hero and heroine could have been fleshed out a bit more, and the mystery was pretty much solvable from chapter one, but it was still quite enjoyable. A quick read, I finished it in two hours, hurrying to see how it ended, and I take that as a good sign of a well written book.
Recommended-4 stars.
Sensuality scale-about a PG13.

Challenge #3

Readers Of Romance Winter 08 Challenge

#3- Read a book that has a “D” word in it for December.
Scandal's Daughter
Christine Wells
Rating 3.0 stars
295 pages


My Amazon Review:

no scandal but lot of cliches.........., December 26, 2008

Synopsis:
She could overcome her infamous past-but not a present-day passion.

As a promise to her dying grandfather, self-proclaimed rake Sebastian Laidley has three months to marry off his childhood friend Gemma-or marry her himself. But this daughter of a notorious seductress has inherited her mother's charms, and when she turns them on Sebastian, he'll long to be the only man who wins her heart.

My Review:
Scandal's daughter unfortunately falls flat on it's promises. It has no scandal, no passion and very little originality. Knowing that this is a debut book, I tried to give the author the benefit of the doubt, hence three stars, but Scandal's Daughter is in actuality a two star book, and that's being generous.

The storyline is chock a block of every cliche, "I'm too much a Rake/tainted female to be married", "the misunderstandings" plot, "family scandal but family members are not what they appear to be", etc. I could go on but I don't want to bore you.

The heroine, Gemma, whose supposed to be this self sufficient dynamo, walks around the entire book with blinders on, not conprehending anyone elses motivations, not even realizing her grandfather, who she lives with, is dying, though the hero, realizes this as soon as he see the old man, after many years away. Gemma is about one step away for the dreaded "too stupid too live" title.

The one love scene was also "been there done that", the heroine, who berates herself constantly for feeling desire, thinking she must be "tainted" like her mother, then does a 180 turn and decides to become a wanton, right down to using protection her "scandalous" mother gives her.

The hero was not much better-Sebastian was a one dimensional cutout of many unreformed Rakes of past authors, nothing new here. It doesn't bode well for a less than 300 page book when you it takes almost five days to slog through, but I fell asleep several times trying to read this. This was one of those Historical Romances that the H/H literally fight their feelings until the last 10 pages-and it was not worth the wait.

Challenge #14

Winter Reading Challenge #14-
For the New Year-Pick a book that has been in your TBR pile for a long time .
Urban Shaman
C.E. Murphy (Luna books)
Rating: 3 stars
344 pages



My Amazon Review:
A heroine not afraid to get dirty with demigods....., December 22, 2008

Synopsis:
Joanne Walker has three days to learn to use her shamanic powers and save the world from the unleashed Wild Hunt.

No worries. No pressure. Nevermind the lack of sleep, the perplexing new talent for healing from fatal wounds, or the cryptic, talking coyote who appears in her dreams.

And if all that's not bad enough, in the three years Joanne's been a cop, she's never seen a dead body -- but she's just come across her second in three days. It's been a bitch of a week. And it isn't over yet.

My Review:
This book has been languishing on my mountainous TBR shelf for a couple of years now. So I dusted it off and gave it a try. Urban Shaman starts out well. The main character, a Seattle police woman and shade tree mechanic, Joanne Walker sees a disturbing scene from an airplanes window.

She witnesses a lone woman being chased by a pack of dogs, as well as being seemingly menaced by a knife wielding man. Thus opens Joanne's deadly, dangerous, and supernatural adventure.

As a heroine, Joanne,an Cherokee/Irish, "big boned" six foot tall grease monkey tomboy,is a refreshing change of pace from most tiny, flaxan haired, Buffy like dynamos in most urban fantasies. She likes to eat, hates fashion, and loves her car and computer equally. She's intriguing enough that I'll pick up book two in the series and give it a try.

She has a hate/admiration/ something more? relationship with her boss, Michael Morrison, whom she describes as the "aged super hero type". I look forward to more sparks between these two in future books. Readers should be told that even though Urban Shaman is in Harlequins "Luna" line, it is in no way a Romance, so take note.

As to the storyline-pretty enjoyable, could have been more so, but the author did bog down the book a bit with a slightly convoluted "mystical" storyline. Seeing as this is a debut novel, I'm willing to look over a few flaws in support of any new author aiming for new ideas in fantasy. Be forewarned though, the book does drag a little in the middle,but try to stick with it.

Overall-as cliche' as it sounds-not the best I've read but far from the worst. I'd heartily recommend to fellow Urban Fantasy fans, other readers more cautiously so.

3 stars.

Challenge #11

Readers of Romance Winter Challenge #11: Pick a book that was first published in 2008

Phenomenal Girl 5
A.J. Menden
Action Romance (Shomi)
Rating: 3.75 stars
305 pages

My Amazon Review:

A "super" new Romance...., December 17, 2008

I was excited to come across Phenomenal Girl 5 at my local bookstore as it was an idyllic team up for me. As a romance fan as well as a long time comic book fan (in fact my husband of twenty years and I met in a comic book store), I've often wondered about how a superhero based romance would be written. This was a good start.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. My only issue with the storyline was it was a little too cutesy-funny and not enough drama. In comic terms more Spider Man than Dark Knight. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, just different.

The author is obviously a "fangirl" herself and the many comic homages and in jokes were fun. I'd hoped for a bit more sensuality or sexual chemistry between the hero and heroine, but the love scenes are quite tame, and even,sorry to say, boring. The book drags a bit in the middle but does pick up in the last quarter. The super hero melees were quite exciting and action packed. Major props need to go to the very artsy comic like cover by artist Judy York.

My biggest issue with the book was the heroines emotional immaturity, especially in relation to the maturity of the hero. But, as this seems to be the prevalent theme in most of today's vampire, paranormal, action romances, I guess I'll just have to get used to it. Though the "slightly ditzy modern girl who has the ancient, intelligent man fall for her" storyline is getting slightly redundant.

Finally, I want to encourage and support any new author like Ms. Menden who is out there breaking new ground in the Romance field, so I enjoyed Phenomenal Girl 5 enough to recommend it to Romance readers looking for something different and will try the next book in the series as well.
3.75 stars.

Challenge #9

Readers Of Romance Winter 08 Challenge

#9 Read a story that has a military or civil servant (firefighter/cop/fbi/clan chief/commander) in it –can be any genre

Be My Baby
Susan Anderson
372 pages 3 stars

Synopsis: Juliet and Her Romeo Beau Prim and proper Juliet Rose Astor Lowell doesn't want her body guarded by anyone while she's in New Orleans for the grand opening of Daddy's new hotel-especially not by consummate macho cop Beau Dupree. He's just too big, too pushy, too virile, too...everything! His shameless, hungry-eyed gaze shakes her carefully cultivated decorum like no one ever has, but Juliet is a Lowell-and there's no way she's going to lose control! The lady is downright delectable, but Beau has more important things to do than babysit a beautiful Yankee rich girl. So he decides to get himself pulled off of the assignment by driving the oh-so-proper socialite beyond the bounds of her good-girl restraints. But who would have thought that real passion sizzled beneath Juliet's polish? When she lets her hair down, she just might prove to be more than enough woman to handle Beau-but will he be able to handle her?Juliet and Her Romeo Beau

My Amazon Review:
cute albeit flawed Contemporary Romance,

December 12, 2008

This contemporary romance was Ms Anderson's earlier books so I feel the need to give her a little leeway as to storyline. With that in mind, I'd give Be My Baby 3 stars-and that's being generous.

On the positive side-the hero and heroine are for the most part likably flawed characters. Having the story set in New Orleans was fun, and the love scenes and sexual chemistry between Beau and Juliet was good, and quite spicy:)

Unfortunately, there were some negatives. Mainly, as other reviewers have stated-the almost non existent "mystery". Anyone can see the culprits literally as they are introduced in the story-and the fact that the hero, a seasoned cop, didn't have a clue till the end was stupid and didn't ring true. My biggest peeve with the book: as a Southerner, the author's over the top use of Southern euphemisms by the hero (Dawlin', Sugah, Soogah, and the worse Honey Chile) was cringe worthy. Northern authors get a clue-almost ALL Southerners do NOT talk this way and to write us in that vein is on the cusp of being derogatory.

Finally, while I'll try another of this author's books, unless you're looking for nothing but "fluff" then you can skip this book.
3 stars.

Challenge #4

Winter 08 Challenge #4:
A Book with an arranged Marriage or Marriage of Convenience:
The Surprising Lady Rochdale
Annette Summers
220 pages
Zero stars.

My Amazon Review:

No surprises here.........,

December 9, 2008

Synopsis:
He Would Rue the Day She Had Agreed to Be His Wife-

As the daughter of a British doctor stationed in India's most discursive hospices, Miss Candace Marston was not typical of the gently bred ladies to be found in British High Society.

Yet Lord Rochdale pronounced her exactly right for his urgent requirements. To inherit his fortune, they would marry instantly and divorce in one year, with no one the wiser and she a rich and free woman.

There was much Candace dreamed of doing with wealth and freedom and she accepted with terms. Last to know was Lord Rochdale, that her terms would not only shock Society, but most probably land him in Bedlam!

My Review:
Frankly put, this book was just terrible. The "hero" is one of the most insulting, arrogant, selfish boors I've seen in a Regency. I should have known this book was doomed when the hero asked the heroine to a marriage of convenience after almost running her down with his carriage!

This is one of those romances where the hero and heroine do not understand, tolerate, or even like each other for the vast majority of the book. On top of that, the hero continues to see his several mistresses after the marriage,which may have been,honestly, realistic to the times, it was still unsavory to read and not what I look for in a romance.

The author couldn't decide if she wanted her heroine to be a bluestocking or a clothes horse, or an Indian girl trapped in an English girls body-right down to her converting the nursery into an incense and sari bedecked sanctuary. Very much the "throw in every offbeat storyline and see if one sticks" approach.
The final straw: the heroine was eighteen, the hero twenty one, but he called her "child" through the entire book. Very creepy and "icky" to me.

Take my advice, save yourself the time and do not read this dreadful book.
no stars.

Winter Challenge List-FINISHED!

Readers of Romance WINTER Book Challenge: FINISHED!!

1. Reader’s Choice Place any book here-DONE-Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter-Romantic Suspense-3.5 stars.

2. Book that was read and Reviewed in the Fall Challenge-DONE-The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn-Zero Stars.

3. Read a book that has a “D” word in it for December-DONE-Scandal's Daughter by Christine Wells-Historical Romance-3 stars.

4. Read a book that has an arranged marriage or Marriage of Convenience-DONE-The Surprising Lady Rochdale by Annette Summers-Regency Romance-Zero Stars.

5. For Valentines Day, read a book that has love, kiss or heart in the title-DONE-Duel of Hearts by Elizabeth Mansfield-Regency Romance-1.5 stars.

6. Read a book by Lisa Kleypas-DONE-Somewhere I'll Find You-Historical Romance-2.5 stars.

7. A book that makes you think about Christmas-DONE-Christmas Pie by Emma Craig-Victorian Romance-4 stars.

8. A title that has 4 words in it-DONE-A Place For Alfreda by Elizabeth Chater-Regency Romance-4 stars.

9. Read a story that has a military or civil servant (firefighter/cop/fbi/clan chief/commander) in it –can be any genre-DONE-Be My Baby by Susan Anderson-3.0 stars.

10. Read a book that has a Viking or Pirate in it!-DONE-The Blue Viking by Sandra Hill-Historical Romance-2.5 stars

11. Pick a book that was first published in 2008-DONE-Phenomenal Girl 5 by AJ Menden-Action Romance-3.75 stars

12. Read a series (Harlequin or Silhouette)-DONE-Dark Obsession (Dreamscapes) by Amanda Stevens-Vampire Romance-4 stars.

13. Read a book that the author has 3 names (ie Susan Elizabeth Phillips/ Karen Marie Moning)-DONE-Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney-Historical Romance-3.75 stars.

14. For the New Year-Pick a book that has been in your TBR pile for a long time --Out w/ the old in w/ the new!-DONE-Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy-Urban Fantasy-3 stars

15. Read a book that has a “W” word for Winter-DONE: A Love So Wild by Deborah Chester-Regency Romance-3.5 stars.

Challenge #15

Challenge #15

Read a book that has a “W” word for Winter

A Love So Wild Author: Deborah Chester Regency Romance 282 pages
3.5 stars

My Amazon Review:

Old School High Drama Regency Romance....,

December 7, 2008

Synopsis:
Charming, high-spirited Mary Clampton - jailed in Newgate Prison on false charges - had no idea why the mysterious Lord Menton chose her for his scheme. But a marriage of convenience and lessons in how to become a lady at ease in the dazzling world of London society seemed to be a small price to pay for her release from prison.

Soon Mary discovered that the stakes were much higher than she supposed. Caught in a web of international intrigue, she found Menton's price to be very high indeed. But by then she had fallen in love ....

My Review:
Deborah Chester, who is now a well known Science Fiction and Fantasy writer, started her career in Regency Romance. A Love So Wild was her first published novel, way back in 1979. A Love So Wild is very good for a first novel-with an unusual premise, of a genteel but poverty stricken woman, jailed falsely in Newgate, but given a sort of reprieve by carrying on a false courtship and marriage with her rescuer, Lord Menton.

The story is very much written in the old school Regency format-very high drama, intrigue, hysterics, misunderstandings, secrets, duels and the like. The heroine, is overall good but a bit too flighty. Her constant fear and hysterics did grate on the nerves. The hero, in true old school mold, is dark, brooding, arrogant, and condescending. Menton, who is a horses rear for most of the story, his moodiness makes Mr. Darcy look like an optimist. Though both the hero and heroine do mature and learn from their mistakes, I just wish it was sooner rather than later in this longer (282 page) Regency.

The villains are "ultra bad", the matrons are dragons and the mothers are true tabbies. Almost no passion, in the modern Historical Romance sense, but still romantic in it's own old fashioned way. The publisher gets points for the glorious cover illustration as well.

It may be too "bodice ripper" for more modern readers, but if you're looking for a bit of nostalgic, emotional fun then check out A Love So Wild.
3.5 stars.

Readers Of Romance Winter Challenge-join here.

Challenge #10

Winter Challenge #10

Read a book that has a Viking or Pirate in it!

Book: The Blue Viking
Author: Sandra Hill
391 pages
2.5 stars

My Amazon Review:

cute but a bit silly......, December 5, 2008

this was my first Sandra Hill book. I had heard that her books were comedic so I had high hopes for this book. I was mildly disappointed.

Overall, it was a cute story. It kept me mostly entertained, although I had to pretty much force myself through the last 100 pages as the storyline got VERY silly to downright stupid. Two things would have made be give this book a higher rating. First, the issue with Maire's son should have been concluded a lot sooner in the story, and the heroine's failure to do so really brought her character down in favor to me. Finally, too much comedy, not the right balance with the serious and dramatic, and the comedy was more sophmoric than clever.

If you've never read one of this author's books, be forewarned-there is a lot of sex, and very explicit. While not a problem for me, it may be an issue for some.

Overall, an OK romance that while I wouldn't recommend, I'll certainly try another of this author's books to see if she improves.
2.5 stars.

Readers Of Romance Winter Challenge-Join The Challenge here