Tag: historical romance

Review: Yorkshire by Lynne Connolly

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations, reviews

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

On By MikaelaIn Uncategorized

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

On By MikaelaIn reviews

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

On By MikaelaIn reviews

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

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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

On By MikaelaIn reviews

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.

Review: Lady Sophia’s Christmas Wish by Grace Burrrowes

On By MikaelaIn reviews

The Particulars:  Historical Romance, Sourcebooks,  available as print and in e-books 
The Source: Purchased at Booksonboard

The Grade: C+
The blurb:

All Sophie Windham wants is peace, quiet and the novelty of a little solitude in the Duke of Moreland’s London mansion before she joins her family for Christmas at the family seat in Kent. In the middle of a very inconvenient London snowstorm, Sophie finds herself stuck with an abandoned baby, and only the assistance of handsome stranger Vim Charpentier standing between her and complete disaster…
Vim Charpentier‘s worst memories are of Christmases spent with family in Kent, so when he has an excuse to tarry for a few days in London, he willingly lends a hand helping Sophie and her new little charge become acquainted. The growing attraction he shares with Sophie warms both their spirits, but when Sophie’s three brothers arrive (from the East) to whisk her away, Vim has to decide between facing his memories, or letting the Christmas gift of a lifetime slip through his fingers.

The Review:
I love Grace Burrowes books, yet for a number of reasons this book remained unread, or more properly halfread, before I picked it up.
This is a sweet tale that hooked me from the start. I could almost feel the cold, winds blowing. It was fascinating to read about Sophia’s adaptation to taking care of a baby boy. She was a newbie, and she admitted it. Through Vim’s gentle guidance she learns how to. But, she also falls in love. With Kit, which she admits. And with Vim. Which she doesn’t admit to herself.
I fell in love with the characters.  Sophia’s generous heart, the way she picked up strays.  Both animals, and humans. 
Vim was everything a man should be. Generous, charming, handsome. I loved the way their romance blossomed through small touches. I also appreciated the fact that since they were alone for a big part of the book, they didn’t have to hide behind facades.  
There were heart wrenching parts.  I could almost touch Sophia’s loneliness, despite the fact that she have a large family.  I understands it.  When you reach a certain age, you need time to be alone.   Then there is Vim.  He really, really, doesn’t want to go down to Kent.   Not just because he doesn’t want to leave Sophia, but for a number of reasons. 
His upcoming departure hang between them.   And causes some heartwrenching moments.  Then there is Kit. Sophia knows she has to do the right thing, and foster Kit.  And she really doesn’t want to. 
They have to fight to get their HEA. Oh, not literally, but they have to fight misunderstandings, and old wounds. And not to mention their families worry to do the right things.  
Let’s just say there are not just one, but two meddling Lords in this book. 

But their HEA left me with a satisfying feeling. Which is the way a romance novel should make you feel.

So, what I didn’t like. First, the setup felt… unrealistic. What likelihood is it that an duke’s daughter would have been allowed to remain unchaperoned, without even a maid?
Second, this tale bordered slightly too close to being an 100 000 words viginette. I think one reason is that the conflict only comes from internal conflict, and to some degree misunderstanings. 
Except for this, I enjoyed the story. But it will never be one of my favorite Windham books. 

BooksonBoards recommendations:

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

Books on board offers up to 33% off right now, so I am going on a shopping spree tomorrow.

Since it is easy to get overwhelmed, I decided to make some recommendations:

For the UF and PNR fans:
Laura Anne Gilman.    I love her books. They are snarky, witty, and action packed. With the discount, the books in her Retriever series costs 4-5 dollar.
Robin D Owens. Right now the books in her Mystic Circle series  is just 7.45. I recommend both of them.
Moira Rogers.Their writing is like crack to me. I just cannot get enough. Especially of the Bloodhounds books.
Let’s not forget CE Murphy.  There is no secret that I love her books.  I recommend starting with either Urban Shaman or Heart of Stone.
Shiloh Walker. I love her Hunter series, but I recommend that you get the backlist Samhain titles from All romance since they are only available in pdf over at Books on Board.  Wait with getting the Ellora’s Cave titles, she is  re-issueing them with better covers.   However, I do plan on picking up her Grimm series. 
For the Crime fans:
JT Ellison. Her All the Pretty Little Girls is only 3 dollar right now. The rest is below 5 dollar
Katie Reus. I never got around to review it, but I loved her book Deadly Obession.
For the contemporary romance fans:
Shannon Stacey.  I love, love her Kowalski trilogy. They are heartwarming, funny,  and witty.  Plus I enjoy the humor.
Liz Flaherty. I read, and raved, about One more summer recently. And I intend to get the rest of her books.
Jennifer Crusie.   I love all her books, but Getting Rid of Bradley is one of my favorites.  Just beware so that you don’t purchase pdf copies.
Shiloh Walker. Yes, again.  She is prolific.  Among her contemporary romances I recommend A Forever Kind of Love.  A poignant tale. 
Maya Banks.  I am having trouble picking a book, but in the end, I think I’ll go with Stay with Me and Understood. 
For Historical fans:
Scott Oden. I started to read Men of Bronze, and I loved the writing but unfortunately I got interrupted and new finished the book. I intend to one day, though. Right now Men of Bronze is only 3 dollar. In fact, I think I’ll rebuy it, and replace my pdf copy. 
Oh, and the best part with Books On Board? You get reward dollars. Which you can use on discounting other books .

On My “To check out in the future list”: Indie authors, part one

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

If I had written this post a year ago, it would have been much longer.  I am not Amazon’s greatest fan, but I must thank them for their   KDP Selection program, since it have allowed me to decimate my list.   . Right now, I have Suzanne Tyrpak’s Historical Mysteries, and Blake Crouch’s Run, not to mention an almost complete set of Scott Nicholson’s books, and a book by Zoe Sharp. And they were free ( never underestimate the power of free). ( And yes, I know, some of you are grumbling: But I don’t have a Kindle. You don’t need a Kindle. All you need is K4PC 1.8X ( NOT 1.9), Calibre, and certain tools. )

But there are still enough authors left to fill a blogpost.
First up,  Cate Rowan’s  Kismet Kiss:

In the desert realm of Kad, a deadly epidemic strikes the palace of Sultan Kuramos. Only a magical healer from an enemy land has the skill to save his royal household, but Kuramos never imagined the healer would be a woman.
Healer Varene finds her own surprises in Kad. She expects the sultan’s arrogance, but not his courage or his selfless care of the ill—or the possibility that the epidemic is the curse of a vengeful goddess.
Kuramos’s culture condemns Varene’s mystical talents. Her presence triggers an insurrection, yet as he and the healer toil for a cure, he loses his heart to her. She falls for him as well, but how can she relinquish her homeland and her principles—especially when he already has a harem and his family may be cursed?

I love this blurb. It might be because I love stories set in deserts. Add in a dose of romance and mix in Fantasy? Definitely up my alley.

Next up on my list is Maria Schneider. I am not sure which one I would go for first, UnderWitch Moon the first novel in her Urban Fantay series:

Adriel should have known that with a werewolf, it never stopped with just one body. She would have gone to the police after witnessing Dolores’ death, but she wasn’t certain the killer she saw was responsible for the other murders. Besides, the police didn’t believe in werewolves, and they weren’t going to believe she was a witch either so what could she tell them?

She kept her eyes and ears open while she tried to help her latest client escape the clutches of a voodoo witch, but things went from bad to worse when more bodies turned up. She was greatly relieved when she met White Feather, an undercover cop. Unfortunately, he wasn’t convinced she was innocent of all wrong-doing.

It was going to take every spell she knew and a few she hadn’t tried to solve the murders and stay alive.

Or should I get Catch a honest thief?

An Indiana Jones-style caper across the desert of New Mexico; high-tech gadgets, a mystery and a romance.

Alexia is trying to protect the crystals that power the city of Haven. Going undercover and stealing the crystals seemed like a great idea–until a real thief showed up. Bait and switch is suddenly cat and mouse–but who is the real thief? And why is the new security chief spending so much time looking into her background?

Confessing her secret plans to protect the crystals might help the security chief narrow in on the real culprit, but it would cost Alexia her job, her freedom, and her status. Of course, if she keeps standing in the way of the real thief, it will cost her a whole lot more.

They are very different, but both of them sounds like my cup of tea.

There is more authors on my to check out list, but I decided to end this post here. 
The next post will feature steampunk novels, and Urban Fantasy 🙂
* To get the Smashwords editions: Click on the covers.

Review: Becoming Miss Becky by Shannon Stacey

On By MikaelaIn reviews

The particulars:  Historical Romance, Samhain, available as e-book and in print.
The Source: Purchased, but cannot remember were.
The Grade: B

Blurb:
A sheriff with a stone-cold reputation. An innocent madam hell-bent on disturbing his peace. Who will be the first to give in?
Rebecca Hamilton passed through life as bland as biscuits—until the day she buried her father and fled out West with a fortune in stolen jewelry. She arrives in Gardiner, Texas to find her aunt has bequeathed to her the only whorehouse in town.
With no other prospects except a proposal from a tall, dark stranger wearing a badge, Rebecca decides to embrace her vibrant aunt’s legacy and never again live under the thumb of an overbearing man.
After years of cultivating a reputation as a ruthless lawman, Adam Caldwell can’t believe he’s offered to marry the quiet, rather plain new madam. Even more perplexing is the fact she turns him down, choosing instead to become a sass-talkin’, sashay-walkin’ vision in feathers and lace.
With an innocent madam wanting him to teach her to be as wicked as she looks and rowdy townsfolk split over the scandal, the sheriff figures his cup of troubles is about full. But a man from Rebecca’s past catches up with her, and Adam has to decide just how much he’s willing to sacrifice for the woman who refuses to give up on becoming Miss Becky.

The Review:

I read and enjoyed the Kowalski books by Shannon Stacey, so when I discovered that she had written historicals, I decided to buy one of them.  It took awhile before I read it, but in the end I am glad I did.  This was an fun read. It was fascinating to follow Adam’s and Becky’s relationship. From the start, when she is a bland mouse, through her determination to rule her own life, to their HEA. 
I loved the characters.  Becky might look like a  mouse, but she have a lot of courage.  Both when it comes to travelling alone all the way to Texas, and the way she refused to give in.  I admired  the way she refused to let anyone decide how she should dress and behave.  It made sense. She had blended in all her life, and now she didn’t have to.  And then there is the fact that she is living in a whorehouse.  Even if she isn’t a whore.

And Adam. He was a fascinating mix of stubbornness, jealousy and honor.  He was ruthless when it comes to keep order in town.    And keeping order was a part of the plot.  Since Becky’s arrival split the town in two. Some liked her, some didn’t. 

All this took place in the town of Gardiner ( the name made me giggle, since it mean curtains in Swedish).  The setting felt realistic, from the biblethumping characters ( some of them) to the Mercantile and the horsetrough.  I could sometimes smell the horses, and the dust in the air.

So what I didn’t like. Sometimes, it felt… shallow.  I don’t expect  to read a philosophic essay when I  open an e-book, but I do expect to feel some sort of connection to the characters. 
Yes, I enjoyed the book, the banter, the setting.  But I didn’t feel a tug at my heart.  Still, it was a fun read, and what I needed right now.