Entries Tagged 'Revenge' ↓
March 13th, 2010 — 3.5 Stars, 4 Stars, ARC, Blackmail, Counts, Marquis, Viscounts, Georgian, Gothic, Great Britain, Paranormal, Revenge, S-U, Spinster, Survival, Suspense/Thriller, Werewolf
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I have a funny story with this book and by story I mean an epic fail. I was returning some books back to the library and somehow Lady Anne sneaked back with them. When I realized what I’d done it was as if I’d been amputated! So painful. Of course I returned the books on a Sunday; the only day in the week the library isn’t open until late in the afternoon or early in the day.
After a pretty good freak out, I waited until I could call. Ended hanging up once because I was on hold for five minutes and called back. Then I had to wait on the phone for twenty plus minutes before somebody from circulation got to me. They either forgot me or they were busy. I told them about the book and the person I talked with probably never got a call like this before because I was given a hard time.
Finally, I managed to convince them that the book was mine and not a library book. I don’t understand how this was so difficult as 1) it is not stamped with the library name nor was it 2) tagged with a detector strip or that pocket thing and 3) clearly says advance review copy on the cover! This is why I write in books to identify and claim them.
In the end they put the book on hold for me and now it was a matter of getting back over there. The library where I dropped the books off while on errands was all the way across town. I really didn’t make this easy on myself. Luckily I got there, but it was close! One more red light and it would have been better luck next time. Needless to say I was very, very pleased to get this book back and finish it… which I did later that night.
What I liked best about Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark was its tribute to Gothic romance, followed swiftly by a capable intelligent heroine. The hero liked that best about her too so how could you not fall in love with him? Lady Anne is very plain and a spinster to boot, which are some of my very favorite things to read in romance.
Simpson writes in a witty and engaging voice. I loved Lady Anne. She was such a treat. Her musings on Lord Darkefell are particularly fabulous:
It was either that or go back to pondering the feel of Lord Darkefell’s too-perfect lips pressed against hers. And his too-perfect body against hers. He was entirely too perfect—if there was such a concept as overabundant perfection—in a physical sense and entirely too maddeningly imperfect in every other way.
Without giving anything else away I will say this: if you like mystery, intrigue, werewolves, and Gothic you will love this book! Oh and chances are you're going to jump to conclusions about the mystery and be totally wrong - I was!
Rating: 3.5-4 Stars
Buy: Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark
Originally posted 2009-03-29 05:55:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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March 6th, 2010 — 4 Stars, Another Planet/Dimension, Book Review, Fantasy, Foster/Orphan, Friends, J-L, Medieval, Regency, Revenge, Survival, Virgin Heroine, Warrior, Young Adult
Choices Meant for Gods is a fantasy adventure romance, the first of three parts. Medieval overtones color the epic tale following a young twenty-year old heroine. Her name is Amanda Chariss. She has long auburn tresses, violet eyes, and holds the Geasa’n, the natural ability to perform magic. Chariss is an orphan, protected and raised by an old wizard named Hrazon.
For sixteen years, Hrazon and Chariss have been on the run from the sorcerer Jamieson Drake. Drake killed Chariss’ mother, Vertigo, and seeks to finish his revenge by obtaining her death as well. She does not trust stability in any form, for life has taught her it disappears in a blink of an eye. Hrazon has done his best to train his ward, but even a powerful wizard and protégé need help.
Meet Rothahn, the Master. He is the head god. His father before him selected Rothahn for the throne before moving aside. Rothahn however is far from holding ultimate power, a fact which annoys him as he thinks it would be useful… at least if only to kill off Godric, his daughter’s husband, and hid the blame.
Nigel, the twenty-eight year old man and our hero also holds the Geasa’n. He is Godric’s son, and Rothahn’s grandson. He, like Rothahn, holds no love for the man who sired him. Noble and kind, Nigel spends his time looking after his family and their holdings. When he meets our heroine for the first time he knows something is about to change in his life.
Julette is an evil goddess known as The Dragon. When her husband gave up the throne she was incensed that he would dare pass the power and glory to Rothahn. Was she not Queen? In league with Drake, Julette is determined to bring about a new world order that would have all mortals bow to her and pray for her deliverance.
Below are my two favorite passages between Chariss and Nigel as they discuss love:
“I fail to see how these simple things tell you you’re in love. Kaylin enjoys my company. Mia enjoys arguing with me. Master Rothahn says I’m compassionate to a fault. I saved Sorne’s life once. Jake told me I’m beautiful. Does this mean they’re all in love with me?”
“If love could be explained that easily, it wouldn’t be real.”
…
“Nigel, let me give you some advice. You don’t want to marry for love because people fall out of love, and then there’s nothing left between them.”
He stared at her in shock. “I believe that’s the most cynical statement I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Watch him break down her walls... sigh.
Rating: 4 Stars
Choices Meant for Gods
Originally posted 2009-06-16 03:43:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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March 3rd, 2010 — 4.5 Stars, Book Review, Cinderella, Erotica, Historical Romance, J-L, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Revenge
Once upon a time, in a land far far away a beautiful girl by the name of Mariella decides to find herself a husband. Not just any husband mind you – but one that will be rich enough to provide her with a sense of freedom. She would love to wake up in the morning whenever she wanted to get up, spend the day pursuing whatever she felt like pursuing, and live a relatively carefree life that up to now she has not had. To find the husband she desires Mariella attends the balls set out for Prince Teodor’s wife hunt.
Never in all her wild imaginings did Mariella expect to find herself kissing the confused but eager Prince. She wasn’t looking to elevate herself in society to the point where wealth became an obligation – and with all the other girls vying for his attention she hadn’t expected him to gravitate toward her! What’s a girl to do when the devilishly good looking Prince proposes? By switching roles – I mean the rules – of course!
In the Glass Stiletto you will find what I think is light D/S. They play with ribbons and take turns being submissive (Teodor more so than Mariella.) Beyond that there aren’t any kinks that I think could possibly be offensive to anyone. There are a few words used in these scenes I would have switched out – surprisingly one of them is sexy; for the setting and the time period I felt seductive would have been more appropriate. Still, it’s hardly enough to nitpick.
I really, really, enjoyed listening the narration of the Glass Stiletto. It made all the difference. The acting in the bedroom was wonderful and a wicked thrill. Kenley knows how to tell a steamy tale that is for sure! If you’re listening in your car, the story may just fog your windows it’s so delightfully naughty.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Buy the audio here!
Originally posted 2009-04-06 05:33:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 27th, 2010 — 3.5 Stars, 4 Stars, ARC, Amnesia, Bride Stealing, Captain, Children, Cursed Lead, Duchess, Countess, Marchioness, Dukes and Earls, G-I, Great Britain, Love Triangle, Memory Loss, Revenge, Scarred Hero, Soldier, Widow or Widower
I'll be the first to tell you I'm not a fan of the love triangle for many reasons. The first and foremost reason is because I feel it's just a ploy by an author to fuel the angst and drama of a mediocre story. Haymore proves me wrong. She does not do this. The love triangle is a valid part of the plot and wholly integral with the storyline. She approaches the love triangle in a very unique manner. I don't want to spoil anyone, because it's so different than anything I've encountered before in my readings.
Another reason I have trouble with the love triangle situation is the waffling. I simply don't get it. I'm told this is because I haven't been in one and until I have triangles are hard to appreciate or sympathize with. If you're like me you probably think it's very black and white and very little gray. In my head, I know it's gray. I know that it is possible to love two people at once, but the Grinch side of me feels that if you can't make a choice between them then you don't love either one enough and should let both go. Haymore made me feel the conflict that Sophie, who is in the middle, goes through. I appreciate her position and I sympathize with her, something that is way out of the norm with me.
I have a feeling that a second read through will make it a better read, because I know where it's going. I was looking at all the wrong things in the book the first time and therefore was anxious and worried about how the plot was developing, certain that Haymore was going to bungle it. I just couldn't see how it was going to work out.
Haymore surprised me, the ending surprised me, and that says something. It made me reevaluate the whole book and all my complaints and worries held no weight.
A fan of the love triangle will be placing this novel on their favorite shelf. Someone who like me, needs a little persuasion about the loving the love triangle can read this and appreciate it. Who knows, it may hook you so completely you can't wait to grab a hold of another love triangle!
A brief summary:
Sophie loved Garrett since she was 16 years old and was devastated when he didn't return home from Water-Loo. Tristan is her best friend and together over many years they healed from their mutual loss. One night after their marriage Garrett returns. Everything as they knew it is changed from property to titles, from money to marriages--Haymore explores Regency law and Regency hearts.
Rating: 3.5-4 Stars
Buy: A Hint of Wicked
Originally posted 2009-05-31 03:48:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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February 23rd, 2010 — 3 Stars, 4 Stars, Blind, Book Review, Comedy of Manners, France, G-I, Handicap, Historical Romance, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Mistaken Identity, Mistress or Courtesan, Poor Eyesight, Revenge, Rogues and Rakehells, Scarred Hero, Science, Seas, Virgin Heroine
For the most part I truly enjoyed reading Beast. It’s a twist on the classic fairytale Beauty and the Beast and has a scarred hero who just happens to be a prince… a prince of nothing as it were because it was a French aristocratic title bestowed after the dissolution of the monarchy. The hero is extremely fond of perfumes and perfume ingredients. He’s a botanist, chemist, and a nose which is to say an expert at smelling things. He’s quite a vain creature who has worked very hard to be charming, well thought of, wealthy, and seen as handsome instead of grotesque. His manners are faultless, his skill as a lover unparalleled, and his person dressed and draped in the finest money can buy.
The heroine is a vain person as well, but hers is a beauty that was bestowed upon her from birth and not anything she ever had to work to achieve. In fact she sneers at anyone who comments upon her beauty. If only they could see the girl beneath whomever that girl may be… She doesn’t want to marry at all and she’s certainly not inclined to marry someone who is not as beautiful as she is because isn’t that something she deserved? Couldn’t the man she married be handsome as well as titled, wealthy, charming, and whole of body?
It was a good set up but about halfway through I thought wouldn’t it be great if the hero to put the heroine in her place. Of course it never happened. In fact the reverse did. Why though? Sadly, I believe it is how the initial key plot points unfolded. So despite the hero perpetrating the whole disaster and the heroine being the cause of the disaster, the hero was forced to grovel.
So what happened? Louise found out her husband wasn’t as magnificent as her parent’s said he was and she was determined to find a lover who could give her everything she was certain her new husband could not. Charles overheard and hatched a scheme to force her to see beyond his face and his original intentions were to reveal himself and make her the butt of the joke. Instead he fell in love and tried to unsuccessfully woo her as himself in daylight. She figures it out eventually because he slips up. He’s tried to tell her who he is/was but Louise is clueless and refuses to see the connection because that would just be too horrible!
So because Louise didn’t grow up and Charles did the only growing I’m going to have to give Beast 3 Stars instead of the 4 Stars I would have if the heroine had owned up all of her faults instead of just a few and try to make amends to her husband.
Buy: Beast
Originally posted 2009-04-08 05:27:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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January 9th, 2010 — 4 Stars, ARC, Dukes and Earls, Erotica, Guest Reviews, Historic America, Love Triangle, Magic Users, Mystery, P-R, Paranormal, Revenge, United States of America, Widow or Widower
by Susan S., guest reviewer
Sex and Subterfuge is a compelling novella with likeable characters, palpable emotions, and a great plot.
This is book two in Roman’s- The Dark Desires of the Druids series.
Does it stand alone? Yes. Although, if you read its predecessor Murder and Magick, you’ll learn the events which cause Lucien to flee England. Sex and Subterfuge has brief references to characters from book one: Isadore, Raven, Mac, Corwin, Gareth and Beckett. But, the author does a nice job of explaining their character roles.
Note: The hero Lucien Harrington (Earl of Granville) was also in book one.
Recommendations: Do you like jealous heroes and love triangles? How about sizzling sexual encounters atop of dining room furniture? If you answered yes to either question, you’re going to love this novella. I’m also recommending it, if you enjoy reading paranormal romance, historical, or erotica.
If you’ll remember in Murder and Magick the setting was in England. Well welcome to America! The setting in Sex and Subterfuge takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It’s been more than 130 years since the magickers from Europe and the American magickers have been in contact. So why the devil is Lucien in America! That’s precisely what the heroine (Morgana Blackthorne) intends to find out. When Lucien tells Morgana there are rogue magickers in “her” American community, she is adamant that there isn’t. Until her visions indicate danger of a murderous kind.
Should she trust this new Englishman and give in to her lustful emotions? Or, will she face the danger alone and send this hot Earl packing?
When reading a story, I can usually pick out “one” main character that appeals to me. Usually. In Roman’s novella though, I loved not one, but “three” equally.
Morgana: Is a strong powerful Master with a responsibility to protect her people. Yet, she has moments of weakness and vulnerability.
Lucien: He’s a tall, blond- haired, blue-eyed Englishman; with one “wicked” magickal affinity. Loved him!
James Blackthorne: Gosh, I loved him too! He’s Morgana’s cousin. I found it touching how he protects and looks after her.
The novella didn’t garner five stars for one reason only. I felt the novella should’ve been fleshed out more. Book one gave us blood magick oaths and ancient words of healing. I wanted more of the same in Sex and Subterfuge, and was disappointed when a New Moon Ritual was mentioned, but not described.
The Dark Desires of the Druids is a wonderful series. It’s my intent to read “all” of the remaining books within this series.
Books three and four are currently available for your reading pleasure. Desert and Destiny is the third; Temptations and Treachery is the fourth.
4 Star Rating
Buy: The Dark Desires of the Druids II: Sex and Subterfuge
Erotic Romance, Historical, Paranormal, Ravenous Romance, Fantastica Publication, Copyright 2009, eBook Novella, pages 160.
ISBN# 978-1-60777-107-4.
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January 5th, 2010 — 5 Stars, A-C, ARC, Contemporary, Crime and Protection, Guest Reviews, Revenge, Science, Soldier, Survival, Suspense/Thriller, United States of America
by Karin of Savvy Thinker, guest reviewer.
No spoiler.
The Cost of Love, Drue Allen’s first book, is terrific! I hope she has more up her sleeve.
Genre: romantic suspense
Format: hardback
Length: 311 pages
ISBN 13: 9781594148675
ISBN 10: 1594148678
Publisher: Five Star
Author name: Drue Allen
Pub Date: March, 2010
In the interests of transparency: I was given a pdf to read by LRP who received it from Drue. I put it on my Kindle, and unfortunately it didn’t format perfectly, which was super annoying, but the book was so good, I could overlook all that.
National security comes with a price.
My take:
It has been a long time since I read a book that held my interest to such a level. I didn’t want to put it down. Besides that, it is very well written. If you like romantic suspense, you will love this one.
I rate it 8* out of 5, that’s how good it is. Seriously.
And it is contemporary, in that what it posits is something that is truly fearful.
The characters:
The characters are very well drawn. They are interesting, from the youngest to the oldest.
Dean Dreiser is a hard bitten operative, sent undercover to flush out terrorists who are bent on using biological weapons in an escalating situation. Its capabilities are gruesome. He is given a new partner, one too young for him, one hardly out of school, Dr. Lucinda Brown. She has no field expertise, but she is the leading expert in molecular biology. It’s up to her to find out what the weapon is and how it works. It’s up to both of them to stop it, if they can.
Undercover
Together they are working undercover in a bar. Dean is the bartender. She is one of the waitresses. It is thought that something is going down in the bar. And, as you’d expect, the bar offers many opportunities for odd characters, any of which could be one of the baddies.
Dean expected her cover to be that she is interested in UFO’s. The cover that she felt was believable is: he is interesting enough to spend her summer vacation getting to know him. That doesn’t thrill the bar owner who is a character herself – quick to pick up her shotgun to stop a fight; chain smoking, though supposedly stopping; questionable enough to be a suspect.
The place
Roswell, home of the extraterrestrial sightings. So you have UFO groupies that forward the story.
Suspense:
Yes, every page. I completely missed who the baddie is.
Trust no one
Someone on base is feeding the terrorists the news as to what is happening. Dean is smart enough to have figured out how to meet with his superior, but even his superior is suspect.
Only Aiden (who has a back story with Dean – and hopefully this story will be written in book form too!) is free and clear. Good thing Dean has him to rely on!
Murder and gore
Yes. And yes. Gruesome, made all the more so because it is so believable. Murders upon murders. Shoot to kill to protect oneself. Be prepared for anything. Trust no one. Hope to make it out alive.
Romance
Yes, and believable.
Peripheral characters:
I’d read stories about them too. I can’t tell you which one(s) because then you would know they weren’t a baddie, but trust me, they are interesting enough to become part of the next main stories or for back stories, and each has enough info that they would easily become part of a new team.
Buy: The Cost of Love
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December 30th, 2009 — 4 Stars, 4.5 Stars, ARC, Bastard, Children, Contemporary, Cursed Lead, D-F, Politician, Revenge, Sailing, Scarred Hero, Soldier, Teacher, United States of America
J.C Roat and Rick Bremseth, both former SEALs who helped with the research for SEALed with a Promise, might tease Daughtridge about writing mush, but it is mush I definitely like. SEALed is very hero-centric. I closed this book with an urge to call up my best friend to get her dad to find me my very own Do-Lord. In the immortal words of LolCat "I can haz SEAL?" or maybe it was cheezburger, I tend to forget. This book is definitely recommended for the Save the Contemporary project Dear Authors and Smart Bitches are hosting together.
Dry-witted Emmie was a blast. She was smart, intelligent, analytical, observant, goal oriented and true to character. A professor of ecology, Emmie is well read and knowledgeable in many areas. She's the definition of an avid scholar. She dresses down to hide herself and makes it an art form to remain unnoticed, which is why it's so disconcerting that Navy SEAL Caleb "Do-Lord" Delaude does. Emmie is here to support her best friend Pickett in her upcoming nuptials - she is not here looking for a brawny jock, especially the brawny jock who's the best man.
Caleb Delaude is extremely smart. He's down played his intelligence to fit in better amongst his peers. Able to retain facts after reading or glancing at print, he also has an uncanny ability to see things others can't. He's great at picturing layouts from a map, knowing where to place people in any situation and sometimes he gets strange moments of déjà vu where the present and near-future collide. Caleb finds himself fiercely attracted to Emmie and before he knows it he's worming his way into her life... but only because he needs her connections for a revenge plot... right? Strange how the operative changes all because of a slip of a thing!
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars
Buy: SEALed with a Promise
Filed under cursed lead because of Do-Lord's visions.
Originally posted 2009-04-09 05:45:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 2nd, 2009 — 5 Stars, ARC, Book Review, Comedy of Manners, Cross-Dressing Female, Dukes and Earls, Eliza Doolittle, France, Gentry, Georgette Heyer, Great Britain, Guardian/Ward, Kidnapping, Regency, Revenge, Rogues and Rakehells, Travel, Virgin Heroine
For a truly exceptional read, Regency or otherwise, that makes you giddy with glee you need to pick up These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer. It’s a delightful story about a cross-dressing female who goes from rags to riches and from unloved to abundantly loved. It’s even a guardian/ward romance! Not to mention the kidnapping sequence and the revenge plot! It’s positively action packed.
The hero is a cross between a dandy-like Corinthian, with his scented handkerchief, heeled shoes, and fan -- and -- the veriest devil of a man with fierce eyes, keen intelligence, and a merciless thirst for revenge. The heroine is a Nonpareil who can sword fight, capture princes with a flutter of eyelashes, and shock matrons with her language!
What really pleased me is the slightly different formatting. There seemed to be much more dialogue in this novel than in others also by Heyer. In addition, every chapter has a little summary-like heading telling you what you’ll find in the upcoming section. It was very nice and a source of amusement with titles such as 'Lady Fanny's Virtue is Outraged' and 'Mr. Marling Allows Himself to be Persuaded.'
One of my absolute favorite parts is a reflection of what’s going on between some side characters:
'I don’t trust him.'
'Why, I think I do for once.' Hugh laughed a little. 'When last I saw Léonie – Léon she was then – it was "Yes, Monseigneur" and "No, Monseigneur." Now it is "Monseigneur, you must do this," and "Monseigneur, I want that!" She twists him round her little finger, and, by Gad, he likes it!'
'Oh, but there’s naught of the lover in his manner, Hugh! You have heard him with her, scolding, correcting.'
'Ay, and I have heard the note in his voice of – faith, of tenderness! This wooing will be no ordinary one, methinks, but there is a bridal in the air.'
'She is twenty years behind him!'
'Do you think it signifies? I would not give Justin a bride his own age. I’d give him a babe who must be cherished and guarded. And I’ll swear he’d guard her well!'
'It must be. I do not know. She looks up to him, Davenant! She worships him!'
'Therein I see his salvation,' Hugh said.
These Old Shades, pg 274
I hardly have the words to describe how awesome that last line is and indeed this whole section. The only thing that could make this story better is more of it! I did not want it to end!
These Old Shades is a must read for Heyer fans and one I would very much recommend for new comers to try first. You will not be disappointed.
Rating: 5 Stars
Buy: These Old Shades
Find and buy more Georgette Heyer novels.
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October 28th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, Book Review, Contemporary, Interracial, Mistaken Identity, Paranormal, Regency, Revenge, S-U, Survival, Suspense/Thriller, United States of America, Virgin Heroine, Werewolf, Widow or Widower
Terry Spear weaves paranormal, suspense, and romance together in one non-stop rollercoaster of passion and adventure. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying a protagonist werewolf plot (I’m more inclined to favor vampires) and a mystery thriller plotline (again not something I usually go for). I love this novel's front cover (hmm sexy). Don't you? This book reminds me a bit of Only With Your Love by Lisa Kleypas. Overall, there were many pieces that I enjoyed in this book and many pieces that I did not. Of course the story wouldn’t be the same story without the parts that I like least… and all the parts I’m not in favor of can be contributed to the dead sister Larissa.
Larissa is dead. How did she get there? Her living triplet Lelandi is in Silver Town to find out. Her discoveries show just how much of a royal mess Larissa made of her life. One of them (and this is what gets me) was to take Darien as her mate. Darien has a special gift to find his true soul mate through dreams. Larissa claims to be the one he dreams about while knowing the real woman of his dreams is her sister Lelandi. Talk about some sisterly backstabbing!
When Lelandi comes to town to find the truth, her very presence upsets and stirs Darien. He’s attracted to her as he never was for Larissa. He thought the dream mating must have reflected a truer connection than the physical one, which is why he always felt sort of bereft after making love to Larissa. After discovering who Lelandi is and what she really means to him, Darien vows to move heaven and earth to claim Lelandi as his mate.
Throughout the developing passion, Darien and Lelandi unravel the mystery surrounding Larissa’s last months in an effort to find her murderer. Lelandi soon becomes a target herself, but that doesn't deter her from seeking justice. The clues will reveal a most surprising culprit.
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Book is categorized as interracial because of the pairing of two different breeds of werewolf... red and gray.
Originally posted 2009-03-02 05:23:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 21st, 2009 — 4 Stars, Book Review, Bride Stealing, Children, Farming, Gentry, Historic America, Lisa Kleypas, Revenge, Runaway, United States of America, Virgin Heroine, Widow or Widower
The more I read of Lisa Kleypas the more I want to read. When Strangers Marry was a sinful delight to sit down and read. I enjoyed every moment thoroughly. If you're looking for some scintillating sex scenes, I would book right over your nearest bookstore and pick up a copy. Some of the bedroom interactions are enough to singe your eyebrows off. I'd tell you my favorite but then you'd be deprived of the surprise.
Lysette is running away. She refuses to marry the man her stepfather wants her to marry. Gaspard can beat her to death before she gives herself over to Etienne Sagesse. Her escape is thwarted at the river by two twin boys, the sons of Maximilien Vallerand. They bring her disheveled form before their father for punishment of attempted theft. Lysette is determined not to be sent back home and Max is drawn to her spunk. Even if he wasn't, Max would never return Lysette to Etienne, his most hated rival.
Max uses Lysette to thwart Etienne and get the duel he's been craving for nearly a decade. Etienne had slept with his late wife and murdered her. Of the first, Max knows for certain, of the second, Max is very sure, but lacking evidence. In fact all evidence of his late wife's murder points to Max, the cuckolded and angry husband. Nobody believed Max's protests of innocence, but the police let him off because of the circumstances. (Apparently killing a wandering and wild wife is completely understandable.)
When the excuse that Lysette is ill and can't possibly go home turns into a real sickness Max nurses her through it. His mother protests his presence but gives in because she and the housekeeper alone can't keep up their energies. During that time (3 weeks) he decides to make her his and as satisfying as it is to steal Etienne's young bride, Max is going to find out how satisfied he can be... but can such satisfaction last?
Rating: 4 Stars
Originally posted 2009-02-22 11:49:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
October 5th, 2009 — 3 Stars, 4.5 Stars, Australia/New Zealand, Blackmail, Book Review, Category, Contemporary, Enemies, Entrepreneur, Great Britain, Journalism, M-O, Rape/Abuse, Revenge, United States of America, Virgin Heroine
I would say for about ninety percent of this book I thought it was excellent. Perfect execution, I liked the characters, I was involved in the revenge trope, and things were good. The other ten percent sent me up in flames with an angry face because of the super secret reason behind the revenge trope. Spoilers ahead...
Apparently the hero's sister was willingly involved with the heroine's father at the age of fifteen. The hero has always thought it was rape but near the end after a conversation with his sister he learns that no it wasn't rape and that the sister basically forced it to happen because she wanted to be with the older man... which makes it totally okay and now the hero's sorry about his revenge plot towards the heroine.
Um... wtf? Pardon my cussing.
I don't know Australian laws, but I'm pretty certain fifteen is underage (of legal consent) and therefore even if she slipped into the father's bed and wiggled herself onto him, the fact that he continued or participated knowingly is grounds for statutory rape. So no, it's not okay. Hero doesn't have to be sorry for wanting to see father of heroine dead. Hero is wrong for almost doing the same thing to the heroine that her father did to his sister.
I know I have a lot of issues with the use of rape in a romance novel. Just look at the category and read all the reviews of books which contained the situation. I think my problem is that I feel the way it's handled afterward is sub-par. I'm not convinced and I'm not sure many readers would be with how everything plays out. How do you feel reading about rape in a romance novel - whether it's side characters or the main characters?
Back to the review... other than that whole fiasco I would have rated this novel much higher, because the rest of it was fun and engaging.
Rating: 4.5 stars before rape arc.
Rating: 3 stars after rape arc.
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Originally posted 2009-02-07 16:08:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 24th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Book Review, Cooking, Cross-Dressing Female, Gambling, Gentry, Great Britain, M-O, Mistaken Identity, Mistress or Courtesan, Regency, Revenge, Runaway, Virgin Heroine
Cross-dressing and false identities comprise Jacobin de Chastelux life since her uncle tried to use her as his marker in a bet with Lord Storrington. Now she’s a cook in the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and is quite happy. She is saving her money to open her own pastry shop as soon as she can. But then the unthinkable happens! Her dish is accused of poisoning a man the next day when leftovers were purchased. And not just any man—oh no, the man is her hated uncle.
Lord Storrington does not know who Jacob Leon is, but knows that this chef could be the very thing he needs to lure Lord Candover back to the tables. Anthony is determined to ruin Candover for having an affair with his mother that led to her death. He thought he had the man three months ago when his niece eloped with the man’s pastry chef but somehow the bastard managed to get a hold of twenty thousand pounds.
This story was deliciously fun. When Anthony first feels attraction to the heroine she is disguised as a man and his mental Olympics is hilarious. I really enjoyed the mystery to the tale behind Candover’s poisoning and watching Anthony and ‘Jane’ figure it out. I also loved Jane’s lesson of French pet names. How weird they were! Also I had fun reading her reaction to the verbal slip Anthony says right after ‘finding out’ she was a virgin. She starts throwing things and cursing him in French.
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: Never Resist Temptation
June 27th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Book Review, Crime and Protection, Foster/Orphan, Gentry, Great Britain, Historical Romance, Housekeeper/Maid, Lisa Kleypas, Revenge, Secretary, Widow or Widower
Have you ever picked up a novel and about halfway through feel like there's something you should know about it because it seems familiar? I thought I was going insane! I couldn't remember the book, but I remembered the characters. I was certain I hadn't read it before but how could I explain my knowledge of the main characters and the two of the side characters? Thank heavens I finally figured it out! Lady Sophia's Lover is the second of the Bow Street Trilogy. The first is Someone to Watch Over Me
. Where I recognized the characters was from the third Worth Any Price which follows the brother of the heroine in LSL. Nothing like solving a mystery to start off my day!
Sophia Sydney is out for revenge. She wants to destroy the man who sent her brother off to his death. Sophia is certain of her facts and equally certain of Sir Ross Cannon's cruelty and guilt. It seems fortuitous when an ad to be his secretary appears in the papers. Taking it as a sign, Sophia appears in Cannon's offices on Bow Street determined not to take no for an answer.
Ross is completely stunned by Sophia. Her very presence shatters his carefully constructed walls. He tries to regulate her into a housekeeping position instead of the secretary position. Her argument that he didn't specify gender completely flummoxes him and before he knows it, Sophia is both his secretary and his housekeeper.
Sophia is equally dazzled. The fat, old, wig wearing man she expected is not there. The man she sees is not the man she pictured. Ross is distinguished, virile, and devastating. While Sophia is trying to gather evidence against Ross and his runners, she finds herself hopelessly drawn to him. Will love win out over vengeance?
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: Lady Sophia's Lover
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May 2nd, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, Blackmail, Bodyguard, Book Review, Category, Contemporary, Entrepreneur, Revenge, Survival, Suspense/Thriller, United States of America, V-Z
Going Down Hard is the sequel to Coming on Strong and follows Belle’s best friend and Mitch’s cousin as they stumble into love. Half suspense – half sexy as sin, Tawny Weber puts out another top notch romance. Weber spins words like a top notch DJ spins tunes. She has a delightfully witty tone that is sassy and spunky; just like the heroine.
Sierra is receiving doctored photographs in the mail. Sexual in nature, they were at first funny because they were so terrible, but then the pervert got good at it. The creepiness just gets creepier as Sierra’s head gets attached to more and more degrading photos. The cops can’t do anything at the moment and with Sierra’s background they’re not likely too. Now the stalker is even threatening to ruin Eventually Yours, the business Sierra and Belle started, by sending pictures to their newest client Family.
That’s when Belle and Sierra decide it’s time to call in the big guns. Reece is an ex-military Kentucky cowboy with his own business in security. He takes the case for many reasons, one of them being Sierra herself. Their last encounter (in Coming on Strong) has left his head spinning and he wants more. Sparks fly, but Reece is persistent in getting behind that tough as nails exterior Sierra exudes to find the real woman.
Despite the heavy topic, I was amused and laughing all the way through. Here’s an example of some of the dialogue and admittedly my favorite piece:
“What reason? What proof?" She would have poked him again except he still held her hand captive.
When he didn't immediately reply, she accused, "You had nothing. Admit it. Your jealousy meter dinged and you pulled on the Macho Man cape and set out to prove you could be a total idiot."
Weber’s writing is sure to rile you up and make you gasp…
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Buy: Going Down Hard
Buy on eHarlequin: Going Down Hard
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