The Man In The Green Coat by Carola Dunn

Read For:

ROR Winter Challenge

Romance Challenge

Royal Challenge

1000 Regency Challenge

RYOB Challenge

Synopsis:

Gabrielle Darcy and her brother Gerard must escape France on the brink of war. A dying English spy gives Gabrielle a message for The Man in the Green Coat, who turns out to be Mr. Everett. Though Gabrielle and Everett are attracted, they are also suspicious of each other. Once again Everett aids the Darcys and Madame Aurore, only to find them all embroiled in adventure.

My Review:

Excellent traditional Regency. Ms Dunn has the talent and has obviously researched the Regency period well. I enjoyed the fact that , even though both the hero and heroine were titled, they were not rich by any means. Great secondary characters too.
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.

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.

Shadow Valley by Gwen Hunter

LAST BOOK READ IN 2009!

Read For:

RYOB Challenge

Winter 09 Challenge

A to Z Challenge

2nds Challenge

Countdown Challenge

Synopsis:

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

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

My Review:

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

4 stars.

A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker

Read For:

1000 Regency Challenge

RYOB Challenge

The Christmas Reading Challenge

ROR Winter Challenge

2nds Challenge

Synopsis:

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

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

Snow Angel by Mary Balogh

Read For:

Winter 09 Challenge

RYOB Challenge

1000 Regency Challenge

Synopsis:

Young and beautiful Lady Rosamund Hunter had known the tenderness of love in her all-too-brief marriage to a much older, kind and gentle husband. Yet she had never been touched by the fires of the heart.

The handsome dashing Earl of Wetherby was supremely well-versed in the pleasures of love. Yet even the most exquisitely enchanting of his partners in passion had left him unmoved.

The reserved Rosamund and the rakish Earl had a great deal to teach each other - if only they could persuade the other to learn...

My Review:

An average Mary Balogh book-which is still way better than most other writers best works. The hero was a little too "wishy-washy" for my tastes towards the end of the book but otherwise I enjoyed the storyline. As usual, Balogh's Regencies are VERY erotic for the genre-but always well done and always hot, hot, hot. Mary Balogh knows how to write sexual attraction:)

4 stars.

Rendezvous by Serena Richards

Rendezvous by Serena Richards (AKA Susan Carroll)

Historical Romance 1991

Read For:

A to Z Reading Challenge

Winter Reading Challenge

RYOB Challenge

2nds Challenge

Synopsis:

Their love was the greatest peril of all...

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

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

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

My Review:

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

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

Overall a good Regency Historical-4 stars.

Unfinished-Winter 09 Challenge

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Winter 09 Challenge FAQ’s 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 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


THE CHALLENGE:

1. Read a book that was read in the Fall Challenge-DONE-Wicked by Shannon Drake-3.75 stars

2. Read a book with a cheesy cover-DONE-Heaven At Sunrise by Leona Karr-4.5 stars

3. Read a Julia Quinn Book-DONE-The Duke and I-4 stars

4. Read a romance that starts as a friendship-DONE-A Talent For Trouble by Anne Barbour-3 stars.

5. Read a book with “ICE” or “FIRE” in the title-DONE-Snow Angel by Mary Balogh-4 stars

6 Read a book that is a Cabin/Road Romance http://www.likesbooks.com/cabinroad.html
7. Reader’s Choice (Author last name A-K)

8. Reader’s Choice (Author last name L-Z)-DONE-Proof of Seduction by Courtney Milan-4 stars

9. Read a book with a color in the title-DONE-The Man In The Green Coat by Carola Dunn-4.5 stars.

10. Read a book that has a setting other than the U.S. or England-DONE-Rendezvous by Serena Richards-4 stars.

11. Read a book with a "magic" element (time travel, miracles, magic, psychic, angels...whatever this means to you!)-DONE-The Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker -3.5 stars (ghost)

12. Read a book that is a stand alone (not part of any series)-DONE-Shadow Valley by Gwen Hunter-4 stars.

13. Read a new to you author-DONE-The Lady In Question by Judith Laik-3 stars

14. Read a book that has a three word title-DONE-On The Edge by Ilona Andrews-3 stars

15. For Winter, Read a book that has a “W” word in the title