Review: Prudence by Elizabeth Bailey

The Particulars: Historical Romance, Harlequin Historical, avaible as e-book, out of print

The Source: The Bookshelf

The Grade: B-

The Blurb:

Would Her Tender Heart Lead Her Into His Arms?
No one was more aware of their position in life than governess Prudence Hursley. Fresh from the Paddington Charitable Seminary, softhearted Prue expected to see little of her new employer, Mr. Julius Rookham, and was prepared for a life of lonely independence.
However, Julius's willful niece continually threw Prue into his path, and the more she got to know the dashing confirmed bachelor, the more she found herself wishing for the impossible. So when Julius began actively seeking out her company, she couldn't help but wonder if perhaps dreams did come true….

The review:

Edit: I discovered that information at Goodreads was wrong, so I changed the title and cover.

This book is one of my favorite Regencies, but I hadn't re-read it for awhile, so when I found it at my mum's recently I decided to read it again.

And I am glad I did. This is a charming Regency without any dukes or earls, which was a nice change.

Most of the book took place at Rookham Hall, and it felt believable to me. I appreciated the tiny details, from the drab dress Prue wore, to the way the staff had their internal tensions.

But mostly, I enjoyed getting re-aquitanced with Prue and Joshua. Both of them were very down to earth, and happy with their lives ( mostly). I enjoyed reading about Prue's adjustment to life in the Rookham household. From how she struggled with bouts of missing her friends, to how she started to get to know the rambunctious twins.

I enjoyed Prue and Joshua's romance. It was sweet, and slow paced. What I liked was that both Prue and Joshua struggled with their growing feelings, although their reasons were different. But that made me like the book even more.

Despite all the things I liked about the book, it took awhile before it hooked me. Which might have been because I have read it before.

Friday Bargains: 0.99 books at Sony

The bargains I am excited about right now is at Sony. I haven't bought anything from Sony, just downloaded freebies, but I think that will change. ;).

Anyway, they have to ongoing campaigns right now.  The first one is  Fall in love with a series, which Amazon is price matching.  It is mostly romance, but I am excited, since several of the books are on my Wishlist.
The second is in their newsletter, and it is a hodgepodge of genres. 

Oh. They have a third campaign: Buy 6 books, get one for free. You can read more here.

Sourcebooks offer 30% off on Linda Wisdoms Paranormal Romances this week.

30% off any Linda Wisdom novels this week!

Created on Thursday, 11 October 2012 08:00

Author Linda Wisdom’s tales of witches and demons are wickedly entertaining! Her light paranormal romances are a delightful way to spend an October evening! Take 30% off any of her books at Discover a New Love with coupon code “WISDOM” when you check out from the cart. Expires October 18, 2012

Friday Bargains: Samhain bargains

I got an e-mail from Samhain, telling me that they have a 30% off code ( coupon: TRICKORTREAT) on the following 8 e-books. Unless something has changed,  this stacks on top of the new release discount, which means 60 percent off.

Ballroom Blitz by Lorelei James
She's got the rhythm, but he's got all the right moves...

Unleashing The Receptionist by Juniper Bell
You can tie a girl up, but you can't keep her down. 

Dark in the Woods by Rosemary Laurey
When the wild things are stirring, taking sides could get you killed.

Sex and the Single Princess by Bonnie Dee and Marie Treanor
Behind every beautiful shoe is a sexy shoemaker. 

Just a Kiss by Erin Nichols
She's unforgettable... which is what got him in trouble the first time.

My Regelence Rake by JL Langley
Before you find your prince, you have to kiss your share of rakes.  

 Wanderlust by Vella Munn
Her feet say its time to move on. Her heart says something else..

The Fallen Boys by Aaron Dries
The road to forgiveness is covered in blood. 


The current Samhain bookclub offering is  Heat of Passion by Elle Kennedy and Shadows in the Mist by Brian Moreland.





 

Friday Bargains: A lot of Historical mystery

For me, autumn means I want to curl up on the coach and read mysteries. And, the publishers are appearantly reading my mind this week. 
Right now, the first three books in  Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily's series are discounted to 1.99 at Amazon. ( That price, in combination that Amazon didn't add Whispernet fees, was enough for me to snap up the first one.)

Joss Alexander's Tainted Innocence is discounted to 1.99 at Carina Press, until September ends.  This is another one I plan to buy. 

Still Life with Murder by P.B Ryan is free at both Amazon and Smashwords.  ( I have this one, I have started to read it several times, but I never finished it.)

Friday Bargains: Mostly Novellas and short stories

Kobo has very nice round up of novellas, and short stories here, priced between 0.99-2.99. I am tempted to buy some, but I probably wont since I am trying to purchase less e-books.

Amazon   offers 100 e-books for 3.99 this month.  The romance e-books sounds quite interesting, but  the one I really want is in Fantasy..  I might actually buy something from Amazon, instead of just downloading freebies.

Poisoned Pen press offers several of their books for free right now.  (If one of the books isn't free, price report it.)

And, since I am weak I signed up for Samhain's newsletter ( I love coupon codes). Speaking of Samhain, their current Book club selection is Blaze of Glory by Sheryl Nantus. Today is the last day.

Amazon Gold box deal of the day: 10 contemporary romances for 1.99 each (Kindle)

I normally don't post deals on Sundays, but when I discovered this deal I decided to make an exception.  

Amazon offers  Susan Mallery, Debbie Macomber and other bestselling romance authors for 1.99 each.  This deal is today only. And the best part? No pesky Whispernet fees for those of you who lives in Europe..

Review: Pursuit of Pleasure by Elizabeth Essex:

The Particulars:  Historical Romance, Kensington, available in print and e-book
The Source:  Freebie from Sony
The Grade: C
The blurb:

Lizzie Paxton's dream in life is to be a widow--if only she could skip the wedding and the husband. When her childhood friend Captain James Marlowe proposes a marriage in name only, she accepts, knowing she'll have the independence she craves once he sets sail. Though James is the only man Lizzie trusts, she doesn't trust the scintillating desire he evokes in her.
James knows he shouldn't get involved with anyone, especially with his uncertain future. But he just can't help himself when he overhears Lizzie's declaration. Though he's promised her a marriage of convenience, he wastes no time in seducing her and taking her over the precipice of desire. Yet not even his beautiful wife can deter him from his cause.
But when Lizzie discovers her husband has deceived her, James must choose between devotion to duty and loyalty to the woman he cannot live without. . .

The Review:
I downloaded this when Kensington offered it as a freebie, last year I think.  But for a number of reasons, I didn’t read it until now.

This, unlike most historical romances I read, is set in Dartmouth.  And I loved how the setting was used, and how it influenced the plot. I could almost hear the waves crashing against the steep cliffs, and the winds blowing over the moor.I could taste the dust in the air as Lizzie visited The Glass House.  But most of all, I loved the Glass House. I loved how isolated it was, and how many secrets it house. But, most of all I liked how Lizzie gradually turned it into a home.  

It took awhile before the plot hooked me, but once it did I couldn’t stop reading. I had to find out wheter or not Lizzie would forgive Marlowe, or not. ( I wouldn’t have, honestly.)  It was fastpaced, and  filled with plot twists that kept on surprising me. I had a hunch who the villain was, but... well, let’s just say I was wrong.  

My favorite character is this book was Lizzie. She suffered a lot in the book, but she never gave up. Yes, she grieved for Jamie, but she didn’t let it run her life. She was determined to keep on living her life.
But, if Lizzie was my favorite character I had a lot of trouble with Jamie and the deceptions that surrounded his “death.” But what redeems him to me is the fact that he hated  lying to Lizzie.   

I felt for the Tuppers, being caught between Jamie’s orders, and Lizzie’s determinations. But, they were good people.


That said, I had one other problem with this book: the romance.  Maybe it was because they had been friends for so long, but I never felt that they were in love. They felt more like friends that got married and had sex.

Review: Angel by Johanna Lindsey

The Particulars: Historical Romance, Avon, available as e-book and in print.

The Source: The bookshelf

The Grade: B

The Blurb:

Hoping to cool off a twenty-five-year-old feud between two neighboring families, Cassie Stuart only succeeds in pouring kerosene on the flames. Both sides have warned her to get out of Texas pronto. . .or they will burn her father's ranch to the ground. What Cassie needs is a peacemaker but she ends up with a widow-maker instead.
He is called Angel, a ruggedly handsome hired gun with eyes as black as sin. Unwanted and unwelcomed by his ungrateful employer, he would just as soon leave Cassie to fend for herself. But a stubborn sense of duty, and a desire to taste the sweetness of her kiss steels Angel's resolve to make Cassie want him, come hell or high water. . .and for more than his gun alone.

The Review: 

This is one of the classic, old skool, historical romances. I bought it years ago, and had forgotten about it when I found it in the wardrobe at my mum's place. (My wardrobe there is BIG and filled with books.)

I know from experience that some books doesn't survived the test of time. But I was happily surprised when I started to re-read this one.

I fell in love with the characters, especially Angel and Cassie. Cassie's nosiness and tendency to poke her nose into other people's business made me laugh. Angel had a core of honor that I liked, even though I had to blink away tears when .he spoke about his childhood.

And the setting.The setting felt well researched. It was interesting to get a glimpse of the wild west, and one that at least felt believable. In fact, it felt so believable that I sometimes could feel the burning sun, and taste the dust in the air.

The plot was fast paced. I admired Cassie for her refusal to back down, and do the sensible thing which would have been to head back to Wyoming. I loved how Cassie's stubbornness kept Angel on his toes. There were plenty of plottwists that took me by surprise, yet in hindsight they made sense.

I enjoyed this book, for ¾ of the book ,but after awhile I started to get a bit annoyed, since it felt  like their road to their HEA was stretched out a bit too long. But it was a good read, and one I plan to re-read.

Friday Bargains: All about indie books

I found some gems at Smashwords. Some are part of their ongoing sale, some isn't.
.
Eve Silver  offers 25% of on all of her books among them is  His Dark Kiss and  Driven.  I am excited, since Driven is on my Wishlist. 

Anne Stuart offers  her historical romance novella, Under an enchantment for 1.99. 
Infact, I would recommend that you browse her agent's listings, since there are several books  that looks interesting.
Lise McClendon offers her historical mystery Sweet and Lockdown for free!
Patricia Rice offers the Marquess for 2.99 at all major bookstores.
Annette Blair has left the KDP, and offer Seascoundrel and Undeniable Rogue for free at all major bookstores.

I think I have mentioned these two before, but Doranna Durgin and Marie Force still offer Making the Rules and Maid for love as free reads. 

HP Mallory offers Fire Burn and Cauldron bubble as a free read at Smashwords, and probably BN and Amazon.
Kelly McClymer offers The Fairy tale bride for free 

Ok. One last one, that isn't indie.  Colters Promise by Maya Banks is discounted to 2.99 over the weekend.  I am crossing my fingers that it will be discounted outside the US too.  

Edit: I just discovered that Lazette Gifford is part of the Smashwords sale, with an 50% off coupon.   Just in time for me to pick up her latest SF novel.

Review: Yorkshire by Lynne Connolly

The Particulars: Historical Romance, Samhain, available as e-book and in print

The Source: Amazon freebie ( also available at BN and Sony)

The Grade: B+

The blurb:

Rose Golightly is a country girl who thinks her life will continue on its comfortable course, but a series of events changes that for good. On a visit to the ancestral estate of Hareton Abbey, Richard Kerre, Lord Strang, enters her life. A leader of society, a man known for extravagance in dress and life, Richard is her fate. And she is his.

Richard is to marry a rich, frigid woman in a few weeks, and has deliberately closed his heart to love. Then a coach accident throws his wounded body into Rose’s arms.

With one kiss, Richard and Rose discover in each other the passion they thought they’d never find.

But the accident that brought them together was an act of sabotage. Somewhere, in the rotting hulk of a once beautiful stately home, a murderer is hiding. Richard and Rose set out to solve the mystery, and find the layers of scandal go deeper than simply determining who is guilty. And that doing the right thing could separate them—forever.

The review:

Lynne Connolly have been on my To check out list for awhile, so when I discovered that Samhain offered the first book in the Richard and Rose series as a freebie, I decided to download it.

And I am glad I did. This story hooked me from the start. I loved the setting. The derelict manor, and how she with small touches showed how bleak life had been there for Lady Harcourt.

I also liked the down to earth way Rose and her family is described. They are in the upper echelons of the middle class, and they are happy to be middle class.

This was an stark contrast compared to Richard and his family. They are nobles, and it showed.

I could understand the worry Lizzie felt when she realised that Rose was attracted to Richard, since Richard had a certain reputation. Not to mention that he was engaged.

A lot of the enjoyment with this book stems from the characters.

Most of the focus is on romance between Rose and Richard. How they struggled with the attraction they felt to each other, and how they decided to act on it. I liked that both of them knew that their relationship would have an hard path towards their HEA.

Then there is Rose's family. I loved quiet feelings between Jacob and Martha. The bubbly excitement of her sister Lizzie.

That said, this novel has its weak spots. While the romance is fascinating, the mystery subplot felt a bit predictable, both when it came to what happened, and who caused it. The major problem I had was that it felt likethey stumbled upon the biggest clue purely by coincidence.

Still I do plan to read more books by Lynne Connolly in the future.

Review: Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal by Grace Burrowes

The Particulars: Historical Romance, Sourcebooks, available in print and as e-book

The Source: Pre-ordered at Allromance

The Grade: B

The Blurb

Maggie Windham, oldest of the Windham sisters and a by-blow from His Grace’s pre-marital wild oats, finds herself in desperate needs of an investigator to help her retrieve a missing reticule. Benjamin Hazlit knows the Windham family secrets, and can be trusted to keep them to himself, so Maggie turns to Benjamin, though it means ignoring his too-broad shoulders, his too-knowing smile… and his too-skilled kisses.

As Benjamin starts the search for Maggie’s missing purse, he realizes two things: First, whatever was in that purse, its loss has Maggie not just rattled, but terrified. Second, Benjamin will go to any lengths to see Maggie’s peace of mind restored, even if it means he must keep himself in very close proximity to the shy, secretive lady who says she wants nothing to do with him.

The Review:

After the disappointment I felt over Lady Sophia's Christmas Gift, I hesitated but I decided to purchase it. In fact, I did more than purchase it. I decided to use one of Allromance ebooks 10th for free discounts, and pre-ordered it. And l am glad it did.

This book reminded me why Grace Burrowes is on my auto buy list. It has everything I want in a good novel. Both Benjamin and Maggie are fascinating characters. None of them are intrested in waltzing around in ball rooms.

One thing that I like is that the fact that Maggie is on the shelf. She have fought for her independence, and won it. It was fascinating to see how the wall of isolation she had built around her to keep her secrets hidden came crumbling down when Benjamin started to poke his nose into her life.

Benjamin is the perfect compliment for Maggie. He is curious, strong and trustworth. It was touching to watch how he gradually coaxed out Maggie her secrets.

But what I liked the most were how tightly intervoven Benjamin's search for Maggie's purse and their romance was. Often, the mystery plot feels tacked on but not in this case. No, in this novel Benjamin's search is what propels the novel forward.

I also liked that the romance developed gradaully through the book, and that even when they have revealed the secrets to each other their path isn't easy.  

The end was touching on so many levels, and changed a lot of the family dynamics within the Windham family.

So what I didn't like.

I had a lot of trouble with believing that Benjamin could keep the fact that he was titled a secret from a big part of the Ton. Yes, he might be from Cumbria but still. I thought there were some sort of calendar that listed all eligible Lords? Or maybe I am mixing things up.

Review:Mad Maria's Daughter by Patricia Rice

The Particulars: Historical Romance, Regency Reads, e-book.

The Source: Fictionwise

The Grade: B+

The Blurb:

Daphne Templeton knows society has stigmatized her because of her mad mother, so she decides to leave London and live with her Aunt Agatha in the country. On the way she's abducted by a highwayman, whom she insists see her to safety. Meeting neighbor Lord Griffin, Daphne finds him vaguely familiar and wonders at the connection between him and the highwayman. But Lord Griffin's twin is dead-isn't he?

The review

This is another book from the unread pile, or in this case folder, that I purchased months ago. It languished unread until a couple of days ago when I suddenly craved a Patricia Rice book. I had two unread historical romances and I decided to read this one.

And I am glad I did.

This book was a hoot, from the open scene to the end.

A big reason was Daphne. She knew that she was one the shelf, and she accepted it. More than that, it allowed her to be blunt, and outspoken. She argued with Evan, and Gordon. I kept wondering who she would pick: the proper Gordon, or Evan that was a rogue.

Mixed in with the romance was a good dose of mystery. The mystery propelled a lot of the plot. From Daphne's arrival to the end. I giggled when Daphne poked her nose into places a proper lady would have stayed away from. Evan and Gordon got a bit exparated at her, but she had a heart of gold. She coax the truth out of Evan and Gordon. And promptly comes up with a plan to lure out the villain.

And of course everything goes wrong. I loved how all of them got twisted into lies and part truths. There were moments of hilarity, like when Gordon's grandfather showed up. Not to mention the

arrival of Daphne's protective father and brother.

The end.. was surprising, and fitting. I felt compassion with Daphne since that must have been her worst nightmare.

So what I didn't like. Even though I admired Daphne for her courage, it sometimes felt like she stepped over the the thin line between being brave, and being reckless.

Still, I am definitely buying more of Patricia Rice regencies in the future, since this book was a blast.

Review: The Mistress of Trevelyan by Jennifer St Giles

The Particulars: Historical Romance, re-issued backlist, available as e-book.

The Source: Amazon Freebie

The Grade: B+

The Blurb:

In 1873 San Francisco, spirited Ann Lovell takes a position no one else dares -- as governess to the motherless sons of the enigmatic Benedict Trevelyan. It has long been whispered that Trevelyan Manor hides dark secrets and sinister deeds -- including the murder of Benedict's wife. But Ann refuses to pay heed to spiteful rumor.
As she grows to cherish her young charges, Ann also finds herself powerfully drawn to the handsome Benedict, whose passionate persuasion introduces her to a new world of sensual pleasures. But even while falling in love with the master of Trevelyan, Ann wonders if his attentions are intended to blind her to the secrets of the past -- and if Benedict holds he key to her destiny...or her destruction.
The Review: 

This is another author that I have been curious about for awhile. When she offered it for free at Amazon, I decided to take the chance. And I am glad that I did.

This was an highly enjoyable historical romance. At times it felt like I was transported back to San Francisco anno 1873. From Ann's reverence of books, to her struggle to remain proper, to the fashion styles.

But, most of all I loved the interactions between Ann and the Trevelyan family. From the moment she knocks on the door , convincing Benedict Trevelyan to hire her ( despite her lack of experience) to the last unexpected twist, Ann is open hearted and curious. I loved her patience with Robert and Justin, her struggle to over come her fear towards horses.

And then there is the romance. Oh my. I enjoyed their struggle against the attraction, and Ann's determined attempt to keep the properity.

But, there are secrrets in Trevelyan Manor. Of course. I enjoyed Ann's curiosity about what had happened to Francesca almost as much as I enjoyed the romance.

The past affects the household, and it obstruct Ann's and Benedict's happiness.

So, what I didn't like. First, there were some formatting issues. Very minor, but I got a bit tired of them after a while.

The more major part, were that I liked the story fine. Until they became lovers. It felt... a bit predictable, and a bit against character.

Still, I am glad I downloaded it and I plan to purchase the next book in the series ( or download it as a freebie if Jennifer St Giles remains in KDP.)

What I have read recently

I have read a mixed bag of books recently. Everything from Fantasy, to Historical Romance. ( Note: This do not list my re-reads. Just new books)

Jimgrim by Talbot Mundy: This is a public domain book that I downloaded from Mobileread. The blurb sounded interesting, and I figured I had nothing to lose.  I enjoyed it, but took awhile before I got used to the writing style. Also, I recommend that you read the first book in the series before this one. ( There is 10 books or something, and this is the last one.)


This is another public domain book that I downloaded from Mobileread.This was a DNF. I gave up after 50 pages, or something.  There were action in it, quite a lot but it felt slow, and slightly confusing.   It was too slow, and too wordy. 
I am not sure if I'll ever finish it.  Maybe. A big maybe.

I have another Talbot Mundy book that I plan to read before giving up on him. 




 This is one of the Unread books in my  Calibre library. I was in the mood for fantasy, and decided to give it a try..  I got 30 pages, and put it down.  The writing was decent, but I couldn't stomach the child sacrifices.  
I am unlikely to ever finish this one, but you shall never say never.

 

         

After all those meh books, I decided to read Lady Sophia's Christmas wish by Grace Burrowes. Only to discover that this was also a meh book.  At least compared to the other books by Grace Burrowes.  It is  an sweet, and charming book. But it isn't one of her best.

 


 The Virtuoso restored my faith in Grace Burrowes.  I loved this book, and I am glad I read it after Lady Sophia's Christmas Wish.  If I hadn't I am not sure I would have purchased the next Wyndham novel. ( Yes, I was that disappointed by Lady Sophia's Christmas Wish.)

This was another unread book, that I decided to give a try. The mystery was decent, but  it was too wordy for my taste. The author ended up in my " Do not by" category when I discovered that she had added 200 (!) pages of excepts to the book. Yeah.

Review: The Virtuoso by Grace Burrowes

The Particulars: Historical Romance, Sourcebooks, available in print and as ebook

The Source: Purchased at Allromance 

The Grade: A

The blurb:

Ellen Markham tells herself she's happy raising flowers and living in near penury in the Oxfordshire countryside, but when Valentine Windham moves in just on the other side of the wood, Ellen's longing for things she can never have threatens to overcome her good sense. Valentine's artistic soul, tender loving, and ducal determination tempt Ellen to trust and confide in a man who can only be endangered, should he learn of her past. For Valentine, regaining his musical skill becomes far less urgent than winning Ellen's heart.

The review:

This is Grace Burrowes at her best. This might sound strange, but I am glad I read Lady Sophia's book first. Don't get me wrong, Lady Sophia's Christmas Wish is an decent book, but this one is so much better. ( Ironically, Lady Sophia's Christmas Wish got nominated to a RITA). So, what did I love with this book.

At the heart of the book is the rênovation of the Markham estate. It is a fitting metaphor for the healing that happen in the book. At the beginning of the book, both Val and Ellen is wounded. Val from the loss of his brothers, and the fact that he cannot play the piano. Ellen miss her husband. But Val gradually coax out Ellen into the living world, showing her that she is worthy of love. But he also coaxed out the secrets of Markham. Like why it was so run down.

But Ellen, and Val's friends, helped Val to break through the shell he had created around himself. Gradually, he started to see that even though Music would always be an important part, it wasn't the only thing in the world.

The romance is the focus of the novel, but there is also a blackmail subplot. I liked how that subplot was deftly woven into everything. From the source, to the reason, to the villain. And yes, it is an obstacle in Val's and Ellen's path to happily ever after.

One thing that was a welcome difference in this book, were the fact that for most of the book the Windham family was in the background. Instead, there is a number of Val's friends playing a big supporting role. I'll admit that I sometimes wondered if none of the Windham's didn't have any close friends.

They took a larger part to the end of the book, though, and it was heartening to see Val's relationship with his father shift.

No book is without a fault. Unfortunately. I didn't like the way the blackmail subplot was solved. I would much have prefered a confrontation, instead of the fact that it was solved behind the scenes. That is just me.