February 21st, 2010 — 4 Stars, ARC, Comedy of Manners, Gentry, Great Britain, M-O, Regency, Virgin Heroine
If you're looking for an Austen sequel that combines the characters' original flaws of pride and prejudice I would highly recommend reading Pemberley Manor. Nelson spins a web of finely strung perceptions and choices. Darcy is one for angry words in the heat of the moment, swift regret, and fleet-footed in his escape to nurse his wounds. Elizabeth is also one for angry words and quick remorse. Darcy is only just learning how to express himself and gets it all wrong. Elizabeth is ready to find offense, certain he must in some way regret marrying her - after all hadn't he in his first proposal said how inferior she was to the task of being his wife?
Meanwhile an old friend has reappeared stirring up a whole mix of bad childhood memories for Darcy... and good ones, if Darcy were to be honest. He's worried about how his mother's influence on him might wreck the only happiness he's ever known and at the same time can't reconcile himself to his father's actions and behavior. Can the old friend and Elizabeth help Darcy unravel the past? Can Darcy let it go if they can't?
Through it all Caroline Bingley is plotting and spilling poison amongst Darcy's old colleagues. She wants Darcy for herself; he must surely regret by now his decision to marry that country bumpkin. Finding a co-conspirator in her older sister, Mrs. Hurst, Caroline hatches a few petty and mean spirited plans. How will they affect the Darcys?
If Caroline weren't enough the local gentry around Derbyshire are determined to snub Mrs. Darcy because of Darcy's previous bad and snobby behavior. Will Elizabeth's goodness and mirth capture their attentions long enough to change their mind about her or will their determination win out in the end?
Quite an excellent book! Very engrossing. The book is chaste; there is nothing overt in the bedroom.
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: Pemberley Manor
Originally posted 2009-03-30 05:15:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 14th, 2009 — Black, Defining the Genre, Ethnicity, Interracial
While there can be trouble with any ethnic group pairing up outside of their background, people usually think of interracial in terms of black and white. Which begs the question can a white lead and a black lead fall in love?
It is said that love cannot be defined by the color of skin, but just because it is understood intellectually doesn’t mean it is accepted socially.
When I read in the news about interracial couples and the problems they face today it seems that prejudice is still running high on both sides of the line. The offended parties are the losers in love, and they spill poison and hate on those who have found love. The losers feel they’ve been deprived of their due when they see someone of their skin color happy and in love with someone of another skin color. In their jealousy, they don’t take into account what the two have in common with each other and immediately see only the differences… Superficial differences that is.
A man or woman dating someone of another color is seen to be driven by the urge to be that other skin color or a expression of a form of racial self-hatred. Skin color separates lovers today in the same way that society pressures rich men into seeking equally rich or highborn brides of the past (and present) in real life and in romance novels.
Interracial novels have to deal with the same issues and troubles that plague real interracial relationships today- prejudice and jealousy- to be authentic.
Photo Credits: 1, 2
Originally posted 2008-12-17 22:53:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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March 13th, 2009 — Contests, Paranormal, Stephenie Meyer, Vampire, Werewolf
New Moon will officially be underway soon and that means it's time for a little celebration and a contest. Goody! As you know preternatural romance on the rise and not just for vampires and werewolves, though they seem to get most of the attention. For this contest it's time to visit paranormal romance covers. Your mission is to create a slinky sexy cover featuring some supernatural hotness. Pick your poison by focusing on werewolves or vampires.
Vampire Covers Must Include:
- fangs
- a composition of dark colors
- a red object
- full or partial chest and stomach
Werewolf Covers Must Include:
- a wolf
- a composition of dark colors
- the moon
- bare chest and stomach
Both Types of Covers Must Meet the Following Requirements:
- male model is someone you know personally
- all elements used must be your own or available under the Creative Commons license
- final image is 468 x 420
- original title (on image) and accompanying summary of book (not on image)
Prize:
Twilight (Two-Disc Special Edition)
I will hand select the winner from entries received on or before March 21. You have limited time - so get started! Winner will be announced March 22nd-24th depending on the number of submissions. Contest is open to all!
By submitting you agree that the work is your own and that Love Romance Passion has the right to share it on the blog.
Turn your submissions into Keira at reviewromancenovel@yahoo.com
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