Review: Heart Search by Robin D.Owens

Heart Search by Robin D. Owens

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Particulars: Futuristic Romance, Berkley, available in print and as e-book

The blurb:
Latest in the long-running series from the award-winning author of Heart Journey.

Noble Laev T'Hawthorne must rebuild his life after marrying a woman he believed was his HeartMate, only to fall victim to her greed.

Abandoned at fifteen, Camellia Darjeeling values her independence above all-even as her father and uncle emotionally scourge her and extort money. For Camellia, trusting men, even her HeartMate, is too risky.

When Laev and Camellia meet, they refuse to acknowledge that they are true HeartMates. But their destiny cannot be avoided...


My impressions:
This is the 10th novel in the Heart Series. It is set 15 years after Heart Journey, and features the next generation. The hero is Laev Hawtorn and the heroine is Camellia Darjeeling. Like all Robin D Owens books, the characters are flawed. Both Laev and Camellia struggles with their past. They have both been scarred, and both are wary of love.

Camellia is a strong, indepenent woman, that’s carving out her own niche in the Society. A bit more about the history of the world was revealed. Camellia’s logic made sense to me. It is a sign how multifaceted the world is that Robin D Owens managed to add another facet to it. ( Which is a feat after ten books).

The plot was good, with a lot of twists and turns but it felt like the first half missed a layer of internal conflict. It wasn’t until 100 pages in that I felt that tug at my heart that all good Robin D Owens novels have.

And that’s the reason it doesn’t get a four.But it was a good read, and I do recommend it.





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Smashwords deals

Smashwords July sale ends tomorrow at midnight, so I thought I would recommend some deals I have found at Smashwords.  Some of them are part of the sale, some of them aren't. All the books is priced at 0.99, or free.

If you like fantasy and Science Fiction, check out Lazette Gifford's books. They are part of the sale, and only 0.99 right now.
Karen Chance has three short stories up for free,  all of them features characters from her Cassie Palmers series.

 Scott Nicholson offers Burial to Follow for 0.99. This is a  novella, a bit quirky,  but a really good read. Since it isn't as dark as some of his other books, it  is a good place to start.

Jana Deleon offers Trouble in Mudbug, the first book in her Mudbug series for 0.99. This a funny book, with quirky characters. This is a great price, since the other books in the series cost 3.99. Alison Kent offers  both Playing Love's odds and Love in Bloom for 0.99.
Gemma Halliday beats them. She offers the deliciously snarky Hollywood Scandals for free. I read this on the plane home, and I recommend it.  ( A review is coming... as soon as I decide the themes for the rest of the year.)

Jill Myles offers her contemporary romance novel, Wicked Games, for free.

Review: Ada Nish Pura by Lazette Gifford

The Particulars:  Science Fiction, Smashwords, e-book
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Buy at: Smashwords
The Blurb:

Fighter Pilot Marcus Trevor is the only survivor of a treacherous attack against the star ship on which he served. Injured and alone, he must take refuge on the world of Kailani, a place of vast stretches of water and where a large portion of the population is genetically adapted to living in the sea.
With the enemy taking over this mineral rich world, Marcus must workwith the locals while waiting for help to return. And it is here that he learns the true meaning of civilization and honor.

My impression;

Lazette Gifford has quickly become one of my favorite authors. By picking up one of her books, I know I’ll get a good story.   This book is Science Fiction, unlike the previous books I have read by her.  The world is water dominated. It was fascinating to read how the species had adapted to the water.   The plot was a bit slow at times, but I liked it.  The slower pace made it possible to enjoy the world.     

The Seaborn and the Isu were suspicious towards Marcus in the beginning, which was logical. They had had bad experiences with the IWC.  I loved how they used the rebels ignorance about the world to fight against the rebels.   And the characters felt like human beings, with good and bad sides.  During the book all of them suffered somehow. They fought to save their culture, to survive.    

The end was satisfying, and tied up all the lose threads.

It is Part of Smashwords sale, so go and pick it up! At 0.99 it is a bargain.

Review: The Sword-Edged Blonde by Alex Bledsoe

The Sword-Edged Blonde by Alex Bledsoe

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Particulars: Fantasy, TOR, available in print and as e-book

 The review:
The blurb:
It should have been a case like any other: a missing princess, a king willing to pay in gold for her return. But before he realizes it, sword jockey Eddie LaCrosse is swept up in a web of mystery and deceit involving a brutally murdered royal heir, a queen accused of an unspeakable crime, and the tragic past he thought he’d left behind.
In order to uncover the answers he seeks, Eddie must delve into the dark underbelly of society while digging deep into his own private history, drawing past and present together. Vast conspiracies, women both beautiful and deadly, and a centuries-old revenge scheme are only a few of the pieces in a lethal puzzle.
The Sword-Edged Blonde is a tour-de-force foray into a realm of action, intrigue, and murder.
My impressions:

I have wanted to read Alex Bledsoe's books, so when I found it a Kobo for four dollar, I snapped it up.

And, I am glad I did. The book felt like an Urban Fantasy set in an other world. That's a refreshing change from the more Traditional Fantasy novels. The world was intresting, but since the story included a lot of travels, I wished they had thought of including a map.

The plot shifted between now and thirteen years ago. The events that happened 13 years before gave a background to what happens now. The plot was fastmoving, and kept me on the edge.

 And I loved the characters. They were flawed,  and deliciously so. Their motivations felt real. 









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Southern Arcana Read-along

I discovered over at The Book pushers, that they together with Moira Rogers, Smexy Books and Fiction Vixen  are planning a Southern Arcana Read along, starting later this month, and continuing into August.    There will be giveaways, and Bree hinted at Twitter that they are giving away Kindles! So, keep an eye on the Bookpushers webpage the next day, to get more information.

Astore updated

I spent yesterday fiddling with my Astore.  In fact, I deleted all the books I had added earlier. The reason for this was that I wanted to sort them into categories.  So now I have four categories with 5-10 books in each.  I only selected books I have read, and liked.  Some are reviewed on the blog, some are not. I have a feeling that sooner or later, most of them will get reviewed.  Regarding the formats it is a mix of e-books, and paperbooks. It is mostly paper books, though, which is conscious decision. I love e-books, but the Geo restrictions are a hassle.
Do check it out. 

Review: Unveiled by Courtney Milan

Unveiled by Courtney Milan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Particulars: Historical Romance, HQN, available in print and as e-book.
The Review:
The blurb:
Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family—and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance….

Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who's stolen her fortune and her father's legacy—the man she's been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion….

My impressions:

This is another book that has been in my TBR file for awhile. I have wanted to read Courtney Milan’s book since I have heard good things about her. After reading Unveiled, I am wondering why it took me so long to read it. This is… I am not sure how to explain it. There is so many aspects that affect the characters. When I read it, my heart went out to the characters. Both Ash and Margaret is scarred by their parents. Sometimes, I was amazed that Margaret didn’t help her father on, since she posed as his nurse. But, she didn’t,and that made me like her more. I felt for Ash when he struggled with his guilt over things he did. But, this isn’t a bleak book. More than anything, it is a book about hope, about love.





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Review: The Sergant's Lady by Susanna Fraser

The Sergeant's Lady by Susanna Fraser

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Particulars: Historical Romance, Carina Press, e-book.

The Review:
The blurb:

Highborn Anna Arrington has been "following the drum," obeying the wishes of her cold, controlling cavalry officer husband. When he dies, all she wants is to leave life with Wellington's army in Spain behind her and go home to her family's castle in Scotland.

Sergeant Will Atkins ran away from home to join the army in a fit of boyish enthusiasm. He is a natural born soldier, popular with officers and men alike, uncommonly brave and chivalrous, and educated and well-read despite his common birth.

As Anna journeys home with a convoy of wounded soldiers, she forms an unlikely friendship with Will. When the convoy is ambushed and their fellow soldiers captured, they become fugitives—together. The attraction between them is strong—but even if they can escape the threat of death at the hands of the French, is love strong enough to bridge the gap between a viscount's daughter and an innkeeper's son?

My impressions:
I picked up this last year, when Kobo had offered selected Carina Press titles for 0.99. For a number of reasons, I didn't get around to read it until now. This book is on many levels a complex story about survival and second changes. The characters suffers through the whole novel. Even when they are in camp, there is some sort of trouble. The plot is gripping, and with unexpected plottwists. But what I really loved with this book is the settings. I love how the setting is described in a blunt honest way. The dangers with being on the trail, in enemy land, isn't hidden. But, despite the plotting, and setting which is good I felt that the characters were lacking. Oh, they weren't bad. They were flawed, but I didn't feel that they grew. Or maybe it was there and I didn't discover it.





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Review: When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

When Strangers Marry by Lisa Kleypas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The particulars: Historical Romance, Avon, available as e-book



The review:



The blurb:



Lysette buried her face against Max's throat. "But he's going to take me away. Don't let him, don't -- " "You're not going anywhere," Max interrupted. "Calm yourself, Lysette. It's not good for you to become excited." His possessiveness made her strangely giddy. As far as he was concerned, she was his, and no one was going to take her away from him. Max stared at Etienne. His voice was soft, but it contained a note that chilled Lysette's blood. "If you so much as disarrange a hair on her head, I'll tear you apart." Lysette couldn't believe it, but she didn't care about her ruined reputation. The only thing that mattered was that she wouldn't have to marry Etienne.





My impressions:

This was one of the first romance novel I bought in English. I loved it then, and I love it now. It isn't the most gripping romance novel, and it is probably a bit dated since it is almost 20 years old. But, I just love reading about Maximilien's and Lysette's whirlwind romance. It is set in New Orleans, against a backdrop of change and intrigues. No matter how many time I have read it, the story sucks me in. The plot has enough twists to keep up my interest, but what makes me coming back again and again is the characters. The characters is a part of the era, but it feels logical.



I think it is out of print, but if you finds it in the library, grab a copy!



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Bargain round up- the Historical Romance version

There is a number of US only deals listed at Dear Author. To minimize the overlap, I have decided to focus on the ones that is available internationally at Allromanceebooks.  It will be a mix of publisher deals, and bestselling authors going indie. The price level I have decided is 4.99.  Why? Mainly because above that it starts to stray into ordinary pricing.

Never a bride by Amelia Grey and The Mistress House by Leigh Michaels is available for free at ARe, Kobo, and Amazon. 

Kensington offers What a Gentleman wants by Caroline Linden for 3.99 and the sequels for 4.79 each.  I read What a Gentleman wants last week and I recommend it.
To tempt a Scotman by Victoria Dahl is available for 3.19, also from Kensington.
So, the selfpublished books.
Caroline Jewel offers 3 selfpublished books at ARe, as do Colleen Gleason.  Don't forget to check out Courtney Milan's Unlocked, also at ARe.

Disclaimer: This is just a fraction of the bargains available. Also, I suspect they are available at Amazon and BN as well.

Review: A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The particulars: Historical Christian Romance, Bethany House, available as e-book and in print.



The Review:

The blurb:

When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly!
Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with the new dressmaker in Coventry, Texas. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothes, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.

Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner, while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?
When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to consequences neither could have foreseen--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

My impressions:

I picked up this when it was free on Kobo a couple of months ago. I rarely reads Christian Romance, but something with the blurb snagged my interest. And I am glad I read it. It is hard to explain what I liked most, but the short story is that I fell in love with the writing. It was a light, and hopeful story set in the West. The author had clearly spent time reseaching the setting, since it felt realistic. The plot wasn't that special, but the characters. Oh my. The characters were a delight. Not perfect, but they were scarred, yet they still had some kind of hope for humanity. It was fascinating to see Jericho's growth, from loathing Hannah's work, to accepting it, and the rest of Hannah. Hannah is a strong woman, determinded to succeed.



I wont say anything more, but I encourage you to buy the book. It is well worth the money!



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Review:The Spurned Viscountess by Shelley Munro

The Spurned Viscountess by Shelley Munro

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The book: The Spurned Viscountess by Shelley Munro

The particulars: Historical Romance, Carina Press, available as e-book

The review:

The blurb:



Cursed with the sight and rumors of witchcraft, Rosalind's only chance at an ordinary life is marriage to Lucien, Viscount Hastings. She doesn't expect love, only security and children of her own. Determined to go through with the wedding, she allows nothing she encounters at the gloomy Castle St. Clare to dissuade her.

Recently returned from the Continent, Lucien has no time for the English mouse his family has arranged for him to marry—not when he's plotting to avenge the murder of his beloved Francesca. He has no intention of bedding Rosalind, not even to sire an heir.

Though spurned by her bridegroom, Rosalind turns to him for protection when she is plagued by a series of mysterious accidents and haunted by terrifying visions. Forced to keep Rosalind close—and tempted into passionate kisses—Lucien soon finds himself in grave danger of falling in love with his own wife . . .



My impressions:



I picked up this book earlier this year when Carina Press offered it for free with a coupon. I never got around to read it, until now.It is a decision that I regret, because this book was really, really good.

I could almost taste the sea salt in the air when I read it. It wasn’t just the setting that felt realistic. The smugglers presence and how they affected the villagers added another layer of suspense. Both Rosalind and Lucien were scarred by the past. Those scars made them struggle with trusting each other. This was one of the most heartwrenching romances I have read in a long time. When I reached the end, I closed the book with a content sigh. I’ll definitely get more of Shelley Munro’s books!







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Review: The Solider by Grace Burrowes

The Soldier by Grace Burrowes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Book: The Soldier by Grace Burrowes



The Particulars: Historical Romance, Sourcebooks, available both in print and e-book
Buy at: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSoldier-Grace-Burrowes%2Fdp%2F140224567X%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1310060971%26sr%3D8-1&tag=bookrecomm-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Amazon</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=bookrecomm-20&l=ur2&o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> , Kobo, BN, ARe, Booksonboard

The Review:

The blurb:

This Regency era battle of wits, wills, and the sexes features a wily duke determined to see the succession of his line secured. The duke can't force his sons to marry, but he can make their lives miserable until they do. Resisting his pressure, each gentleman holds out for true love.

The second book in the series features Devlin St. Just, the duke's oldest, but illegitimate, son. He arrives at his new estate weary in body and spirit only to find the previous owner's bastard daughter and her beautiful cousin are his responsibility and making his life almost unbearably complicated.





My impressions:

I liked Grace Burrowes first book, so when Sourcebooks offered the sequel at a discount I snatched it up. And I loved it. Grace Burrowes made me feel like I was there, watching as Devlin and Emma’s love story unfolded. It is nice, quiet tale that is more focused on the characters internal struggle, than any external conflict. It should have been boring, but it isn’t. Mainly because the characters. I loved how Devlin struggled with the mental scars he had after returning from the war. Emma had her own issues. And that’s the source of the conflict. The whole plot is driven by their flaws and how that affects their relationship.

That it works is a sign of how good Grace Burrowes is. I am looking forward to the last book in the triology.


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New feature: Themed weeks.

I have spent some time thinking about this blog and how I read.   I tend glom on a genre, or an author The blog already reflects that, but I have decided to make it more formalized. So, I plan to have Themed weeks, once a month or so.  The first one starts on Monday with a focus on Historical Romance.

Give away winner!

Congrats to Carol for winning the Giveaway! :)

July Bargain round ups

At Smashwords the annual July Summer/Winter Sale has just started. The sale lasts the whole month, so keep an eye on it.
Also at Smashwords, Jana Deleon offer  Trouble in Mudbug for 0.99  ( 3.99 originally), so snatch it up if you haven't read it. 
To celebrate 4th july, Patricia Rice offers Paper Roses (Paper series) for 0.99 at Amazon. I am a bit bummed that it isn't available internationally. But it is coming. I hope.
The current Samhain freebies is Giving Chase: Chase Brothers, Book 1 by Lauren Dane ( Recommended) and
Lord Demon's Delight: Demons of Dunmore, Book 1 by Gia Dawn. ( I have planned buy that one for years)
Jennifer Estep's First Frost( YA) is available for 0.99 at Booksonboard right now.
Carina Press offers a 20% discount on selected titles. 
Kobo has a one use 20% coupon, to celebrate 4th July.  Also check out Kobo's Cheap Read List