Review: Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace by Kate Summerscale

Book Title/Author: Mrs Robinson's Disgrace: The Private Diary of a Victorian Lady by Kate Summerscale
Publisher/Year Published: June 2012 by Bloomsbury
Where I got it: NetGalley first, then I accidentally let it expire and had to wait a long time to finish it from the library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

Headstrong, high-spirited, and already widowed, Isabella Walker became Mrs. Henry Robinson at age 31 in 1844. Her first husband had died suddenly, leaving his estate to a son from a previous marriage, so she inherited nothing. A successful civil engineer, Henry moved them, by then with two sons, to Edinburgh’s elegant society in 1850. But Henry traveled often and was cold and remote when home, leaving Isabella to her fantasies.

No doubt thousands of Victorian women faced the same circumstances, but Isabella chose to record her innermost thoughts—and especially her infatuation with a married Dr. Edward Lane—in her diary. Over five years the entries mounted—passionate, sensual, suggestive. One fateful day in 1858 Henry chanced on the diary and, broaching its privacy, read Isabella's intimate entries. Aghast at his wife’s perceived infidelity, Henry petitioned for divorce on the grounds of adultery. Until that year, divorce had been illegal in England, the marital bond being a cornerstone of English life. Their trial would be a cause celebre, threatening the foundations of Victorian society with the specter of "a new and disturbing figure: a middle class wife who was restless, unhappy, avid for arousal." Her diary, read in court, was as explosive as Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, just published in France but considered too scandalous to be translated into English until the 1880s.

This was a really cool book! I love that it's actually true and not just the normal romantic fiction that I read. In between the story of Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace is woven other tales of the Victorian Era. Charles Darwin features often in the second half of the book. Dickens is mentioned as well. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about the life and times of the upper-middle class in Victorian England.

The romance and inevitable disgrace itself is told through tidbits collected from Isabella's letters and infamous diary. I find it interesting how often that diary is used. I mean, I have tried to do the diary thing but I lose interest in it pretty quickly. At one point, Summerscale makes the point that due to her horrid marriage Isabella is lonely. Thus her diary becomes her friend. I guess if I had no friends, and no internet, to talk to my diary would be used quite frequently as well.

Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace held my interest more than a plain old biography. I was so caught up in it that sometimes I forgot it was real. I really didn't know how the book would end up going through it. It read more like a fiction novel intersperced with real history, but then I would shake my head and think, "No. This is real."

As a reader of historical romance, I enjoyed this. If romance readers want a hint of a REAL romance story, check this out. This is one history book I wouldn't miss.

Why not more stars though if I loved it so much? Well as interesting as it was sometimes there was just too much history for me, especially during the trial. I really wanted to know what happens, not how Darwin would take to the waters. But this particular criticism is probably mostly due to my own struggles with non-fiction.

Overall this was pretty much just a good book. Check it out!

PS: I found about this book through NetGalley, but I waited too long to read it and my book expired! So I waited and immediately grabbed this from the library to finish it because I wanted to so badly know what happened to Mrs. Robinson.

Review: Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

Book Title/Author: Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow
Publisher/Year Published: February 2012 by Signet
Where I got it: I won a contest on Heather Snow's Facebook page :)
Rating: 3/5 stars
Series: Veiled Seduction #1

Summary:via Goodreads

Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family’s estates. His mother’s definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word-heirs. When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom...and his heart.

Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn’t want to be any man’s wife, much less a Countess. If she had tuppence for every time she’d been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge. However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl’s house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter—for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can't control...

Heather Snow's debut novel, Sweet Enemy, gives us a new take on the house party in historical romance. Liliana is a chemist on a quest to avenge her father. Geoffrey is a second son soldier thrust into the role of an earl, and surprising himself, he is doing quite well at it. Only one thing, he has no wife and thus no heirs. Hence his mother tricks him into a house party with many eligible young ladies, and of course, one ineligible. Let's take a look at the SCORE.

The Story
The story was probably my favorite part of this whole book. The plot was super engaging and not something that I have seen in many romances. Liliana goes to this house party just so she can search the house for more clues regarding her father's young demise. Inadvertently Lilian catches the attention of Lord Stratford thus allaying her plans to continually slip away and search the house.

The house party itself had some pretty unique elements to it, but it really is just the backdrop to the main story of the investigation. Though I will say, there was one part of the story where the house party and the romance completely overshadowed that main motivation and plot line almost to the story's detriment.

The Characters
Liliana is a nontraditional heroine who likes to defy social convention and be in a man's world. I couldn't help but think when writing that sentence that she is a non-traditional for the time heroine but not for historical romance. Anyway, it's a motivation of "Why won't anyone believe she knows anything about chemistry?" She was well developed, though I can't say I connected with her character too much. At times she just seemed genuinely annoying and obstinate. But overall I could deal.

Stratford and I actually had a connection because of his war wound. I don't have a war wound, but I do have that constant pain. I was a little bereft that something that bothered him so much in the earlier part of the book was nary mentioned a bit after he used her magic poultice. Can I have some, please?

But I digress. I liked him. I liked his character. I thought that he had his heart in the right place, and wasn't dull. I mean, is he one of my favorite heroes? No, but he is not one of my least. I just plain and simply liked him.

This is a series so we met the hero of the next book, potentially heroes if my guesses are right. He wasn't overly developed besides being "The nice guy" and one other detail I will not give away. Overall the secondaries were not remarkable, but not one note either.

The Romance
I felt the heat. I loved the romance in this. It was fun and at the same time heartrending. The misunderstanding at the end or the big reveal or whatever you want to call the trope was believable and each character acted well within in their characterization.

Also the sexy-times were quite ... enjoyable :)

The Execution
Here is where I start to get a little more critical. While as I said before I thought the story was good, I thought the execution of said story was quite clunky. The biggest problem I had was there were paragraphs that were filled with too much information. It was to the point where it drew me out of the story. I know the main characters had backstories, but I feel like there is a better way to work in the information that is needed to make a character well-rounded without info dumping tons of information. It was more noticeable in the beginning before I was engrossed in the actual story, but even later on I had a few eye-raising moments.

Also there was the thing that I mentioned with the leg earlier. I guess it all ties in to the to much information thing. I think that this book needed a bit more focus.

The Overview
So overall, I liked this book. Though there were some issues, I think that as the author develops her voice and style, these will go away. The story was great and from what I read of the next one I am definitely going to check it out. If you are looking for a new voice to read, check this one out.

Review: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Book Title/Author: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Publisher/Year Published: January 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

I read this book in about 4 hrs on a trans-continental(ish) flight. So it was engaging. I will say that about it. But something just makes me go, "Hmm".

After more pondering, I think I liked it mostly for the romance aspect, which was fine. Not great, but definitely not bad, better than some other YA books I've read recently. Actually, before I complain more, let me first laud this book with multiple praises for NOT having a love triangle. Praise the YA book Gods!

But if I took out the romance, it was meh. I needed less romance and more world-building. I feel like I still don't understand the rules of this world. Can you hold a philosophical conversation with a baby? How does the money work? Why is the temple so weird? How do you get your name? If Ana is reincarnated male will she always be Ana? (Unfortunate)

And to get really vague to avoid spoilers, I really dont understand the ending and all the science behind the twist.

Let's look at the characters. Ana didn't bother me too too much. I forgave a lot because she was emotionally abused her whole life. Obviously she is not going to be a beacon of sunshine and normality.

Sam was nice but at the same time not. I didn't like some of the things he hid from Ana. He is curious and a kind person especially for accepting Ana into his home, but outside of initial physical attraction between them, what draws him to her? Why her and not any other of the souls? Is it her ability to pick up music? I don't know, and I think I should.

However, if you wade through all the moaning I just did, I did enjoy it. The romance was done well enough, and the story was fine. There are things that could have been better, but by virtue of the fact that this is a YA without a love triangle, it in the pro column of my book.

I'm totally going to keep reading this series.

Review: An Affair with Mr Kennedy by Jillian Stone

Book Title/Author:An Affair with Mr. Kennedy by Jillian Stone
Publisher/Year Published:January 2012 by Pocket Books
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:Via Goodreads

London, 1887. Part stoic gentleman, part fearless Scotland Yard man, Zeno "Zak" Kennedy is an enigma of the first order. For years, the memory of a deadly bombing at King's Cross has haunted the brilliant Scotland Yard detective. His investigation has zeroed in on a ring of aristocratic rebels whose bloody campaign for Irish revolution is terrorizing the city. When he discovers one of the treacherous lords is acquainted with his free-spirited new tenant, Cassandra St. Cloud, his inquiry pulled him unexpectedly close to the hear of the conspiracy -- and into the arms of a most intriguing lady.

Cassie is no Victorian prude. An impressionist painter with very modern ideas about life and love, she is eager for a romantic escapade that is daring and discreet. She sets her sights on her dour but handsome landlord, but after she learns their meeting was not purely accidental, she hardly has a chance to forgive her lover before their passionate affair catapults them both into a perilous adventure.

This was definitely one of the more unique historical romances out there. I can see why RWA gave her an award. Let's break it down, shall we?

The Story:
The story is gripping. It takes you on a journey with Scotland Yard and its heroes, especially Zeno aka Zak. There is a plot afoot and Cassie seems to be unwittingly caught in the middle. Zak makes it his responsibility to protect her, and well, things happen along the way. The story bounces back between their love and the nefarious schemes of The Bloody Four. It is rather unique in that there is an actual mystery like plot with Scotland Yard, and their romance pretty much solidifies about halfway through the book.

You can tell all the research that went into this novel, too. She really makes it known that this is the turn of the century (almost) Victorian England, and it doesn't do the novel disservice. Although through the first chapter, I wrote down all of the references I didn't get or the inventions I wasn't sure existed. After losing hours to Wikipedia, she was right on them all, and I learned the history of vibrators.

The Characters:
First we shall look at the leads.

Cassie was a contradiction. Well maybe not a contradiction but built a contradiction in me. She is the daughter of a suffragist who rides bikes in breeches. All well and good and pretty awesome. Side note: I've ridden a bike in a skirt and do NOT recommend it). She is also an artist. Super likable, yeah? But then she goes and does stupid things like refusing a guard when she knows this not nice man from her past is tailing her and wants her kidnapped. "No I am good with one guard." Seriously?! I don't care how "feminist" you are, it seemed stupid to me and I just couldn't forgive her for the needless danger she kept getting into because of it.

Zak was less of a struggle to like. He was pretty consistent. I got a little tired of the hero gig that he kept playing over and over again. But I guess it comes with his job? I mean he must be super good at it.

All of these complaints make it sound like I hated Zak and Cassie, but I didn't. Not really. They were pleasant for the most part, these were just my qualms.

I did extremely love the side characters and can't wait for them to have books of their own.

The Romance:
The romance took a bit of a backseat to some of the story, but it wasn't too bad. The first half was brilliant in the romance aspect. After they hooked up the first time it was more.... leisurely. And you know that isn't really a bad thing. I would have liked to see more romance outside of the sexy times, but you know this isn't really a negative. It made the story and characters seem more like characters in the real world as opposed to Romancelandia.

The Execution:
Remember how I mentioned the bouncing between romance and mystery? Well, it does this rather smoothly for most of the novel, but the end seemed to drag. To be honest, I wish this would have ended scenes earlier. Like about 50 pages. The ending seemed a little anticlimacitc.

The Overview:
Overall, I liked it. It was refreshing to read a non-regency, a non-ton (for the most part) story about a man making his living in the world. A super interesting living with crime solving and bombs. I am really looking forward to reading more from Ms. Stone, especially more of the Scotland Yard books.

3/5

Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Book Title/Author: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
Publisher/Year Published: February 2012 by Walker Childrens
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:Via Goodreads

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

I have so many opinions on this book. If you are spoiler happy, check out my Goodreads review and you will see the full wrath of my complaints. Here is the spoiler free version.

Scarlet is a retelling and reimagining of the Robin Hood legends, and the one thing that you can tell right off the bat, the author knows her Robin Hood. The things that were included were a mix of different legends. I really got the feeling throughout the story that she knew the time period as well, from the crusades to the Catholic nation. The one thing this book does really well is the early middle ages of it all.

But let’s go back. The book is a look at Robin Hood as a younger guy then he is usually depicted. Is this to cater to the YA crowd? I’m not sure. I was warring with that inside of me. On one hand people died earlier in the middle ages so life started early (yay marriage at 14….). On the other hand, YA lit so I need a younger cast, but not only that, a moodier cast. More on that later.

So we have our Robin, 21 just back from the crusades. We have our Much the youngest of them at 16. We have our Little John, 18 (which I can’t get over that. I’ve always pictured him as older than Robin but loyal to him to a fault and thus I think his age changed rubbed me wrong the most). And then Will Scarlet, 18. Who of course, is not “Will Scarlet”, just Scarlet.

And let me just say that if she was as pretty as the cover, the whole world would have to be a dumbass to not know she was a girl.

Anyway, they are this ragtag band and there is stealing of riches, giving to the poor, getting threatened by the Sheriff and then of course Gisbourne. An aside about Gisbourne. I could not help picturing Richard Armatige who played him in the BBC Robin Hood show, and it me smile at random inappropriate moments.

So the plot. Overall the plot was pretty good. It moved well. There were things from the legends worked in to a main plot that surrounded Scarlet. Of course there was a love triangle. OF COURSE! I am actually really mad about that. It was completely unnecessary. There is no question who the hero is (Robin), so it just seemed shoved in their because a publisher said “You know what is hot now? Love triangles. Try to write that in.” I think the plot could have been served just as well if there was just tension between Scarlet and Rob. It was just, bleh and it served to make the characters whiny hormonal teenagers.

The other thing that is not so much plot but stylistic choice that annoyed me at first was the voice. Scarlet is our narrator but does not talk in proper English. So there is a lot of “I weren’t doing anything wrong. I ain’t his girl” If you can’t take that sentence you won’t be able to read the book. I got used to it and it ceased to bug me. I get that she is a commoner and that is how they talked. Whatever. I’ve got other fish to fry.

I don’t want to talk too much about the plot. It was fine, engaging actually and I can’t complain (much) about it. I more want to talk about the characters.

Scarlet:
What I liked:Well she was her own woman. In a time where women had absolutely nothing for themselves, she carved her own thieving way and knew what she wanted and what she didn’t. Well for the most part. She wasn’t cowed by a guy giving her eyes, and I don’t think was ever defined by any man in this book. Which is awesome.

What I didn't like: She was too awesome. She was more awesome then Robin Hood! Consistently more awesome than him. Arg! Robin Hood is the Hero. I get that Scarlet is supposed to be badass. That was the intent, but I really don’t think she should outshine Robin. And I felt she did. I mean, I have no problem with her being awesome too, but she was too awesome. Plus, I think Robin only got to shoot his bow once. Sad day!!

Robin:
What I liked: Hmm.. I liked that he was noble like normal in the legends and all for the people. That was good. And I liked his talks with Scarlet. Those were cute. I wish it was just them so much… Again though, more arrows! More Robin!

What I didn't like: There was not enough of him and his amazing, for one. For two, I felt like we were missing his amazing. And for three, he was kind of a moody meanie to Scarlet. Sometimes he was really sweet, others he was just an ass.

John:
What I liked: …??? He hit things?

What I didn’t like: He was a foil for Robin. Sometimes he was nice, I guess, though mostly protective to a fault of Scarlet. Possessive really. I don’t know. He was fine I guess, just that love triangle thing bothered me so much that it’s bleeding into the characters involved.

Much: He’s awesome. Nothing more to say, except MORE MUCH!

The one thing I think authors that are doing reimagining have to worry about it messing with what people already have in their heads. It’s almost like a fan-fic where you don’t want to make the characters too AU. She even addresses this in the end. How there have been a ton of Robin Hood media lately but she wanted to make a badass girl in the Merry Men and not a simpering ninny waiting for rescure. Well she overshot that and in the process made the rest of the merry men a teenage clique (besides Much).

The funny thing is despite all my complaining I liked it. It was a fun story that kept me turning the pages. I love Robin Hood and this story wasn’t bad, just frustrating because I could see how it would better serve my image of the story. And I really wasn’t as frustrated as I make it sound during the reading. It was after I closed the book that I really thought about all the things that bothered me.

There are things I didn’t like, there are things I did. I am not sure if it is a series or not. It was just open-ended enough that it could be, or it could be an unsatisfying conclusion to a standalone. If it is a series, I’d continue. If it’s not, I would recommend it to someone with the caution that if you have a strong opinion on Robin Hood legends (and love triangles) then it may not be your cup of tea. Also if you can take the “I were” and “I weren’t” writing.

Review: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Book Title/Author: Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Publisher/Year Published: February 2012 by Putnam Juvenile
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship--or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with six months to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate stars scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood -- not even from each other.

Born Wicked is a alternate history dystopian. It's weird to say that, but it is true. Though it is a fresh spin, it does fall into some of the same YA patterns we have been seeing: the love triangle, which we all know I love, and a supernatural element, she and her sisters are witches.

Cate and her sisters are trying to hide from the world and the anti-witch ruling Brotherhood. But Cate soon has to chose her path, become a wife or enter the Sisterhood, by her 17th birthday. Her childhood friend comes back home to court her, but then there is also Finn, the gardener.

All the while she is trying to figure out what her mother, who died a few years prior, would have her do. Then there is the whole witches thing.

I read it really quickly. It kept my interest, but looking back the plot in the middle was a little repetitive. I can't even really think of solid plot points that mattered that happened in the middle. But the pages still turned. The ending however was so rushed and confusing that I am still not sure what happened and why decisions were made. And of course it ends on my second "favorite" thing. A cliffhanger.

That said, I was entertained. Cate, though frustrating with some of her choices, was a solid lead. Her first person POV did not annoy me all that much. I understood her motivation most of the time, but it seemed a little misplaced. I wish we knew a little more about Tess and Maura though, the other two sisters.

As for the love triangle, Paul, the old friend, was more a plot devise then a character, but Finn and Cate were seriously awesome together. They were my favorite part of the story. If this story were just about them I'd be ecstatic.

So I enjoyed it. A Fast read. If you like YA and the tropes but want a historical twist, this is your book.

For the entertainment value, I will be continuing the series when they come out :)

Review: Unveiled by Courtney Milan

Book Title/Author: Unveiled by Courtney Milan
Publisher/Year Published: Feb 2011 by Harlequin Books
Where I got it: The library's eBook collection
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges:Reading Romances Challenge - February Entry for "embracing couple cover"

Summary:via Goodreads

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....

Margaret is hiding out as a non-convincing nurse while trying to spy on the potential new heir, Ash. Ash knows from the start he is going to hit that. Margaret does a great job of saying "No" and Ash is okay with taking it slow.

The premise is really interesting to me. Brothers bastardized by their fathers deception by the cast-away distant relative. Distant relative and bastardized sister start to fall in love. Sister is torn between loyalties.

While the romance itself was pretty interesting, I really wanted to know how they were going to resolve this issue. So I guess a good plot line too me a little out of the romance.

But Ash and Margaret are very well rounded characters. Each has flaws, but not overwhelmingly so. Each has positives, but they aren't shoved down our throats. I extrememly liked, going back to that plot thing, that the main obstacle was not them falling in love. It was overcoming betrayal.

But, this book is a conundrum to me. I can't find anything about it that I particularly disliked, but I can't find anything about it that sent me over the moon. I think that it is the epitimy of a "just good" book. It wouldn't be the first I'd recommend, but I would recommend it.

It was solidly fine. I am definitely continuing on with this series.

Review: The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long

Book Title/Author: The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long
Publisher/Year Published: January 2008 by Avon Books
Where I got it: an eBook from the library
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: February entry in my To Be Read Pile Challenge

Summary:via Goodreads

Scandal has rocked the city of London. Colin Eversea, a handsome, reckless unapologetic rogue is sentenced to hang for murder and, inconveniently for him, the only witness to the crime disappears. Then again, throughout history, the Everseas have always managed to cheat fate in style: Colin is snatched from the gallows by a beautiful, clever mercenary.

Cool-headed, daring Madeleine Greenway is immune to Colin's vaunted charm. Her mission is not to rescue Colin but to kidnap him, and to be paid handsomely for it. But when it becomes clear that whoever wants Colin alive wants Madeline dead, the two become uneasy allies in a deadly race for truth. Together, they'll face great danger--and a passion neither can resist.

Historically, the thing about me and historical romances* is that I find an author I love and read the crap out of all the books I can find by them until I can find no more. More recently though, meaning the past few years, though I read the new books put out by my favorite authors, I find my self branching out and trying different things.

I've been wanting to read Julie Anne Long for a while. I don't know why I didn't; it just never panned out. I think the catalysis was buying one of her books from the Border's sales, but it was the 5th in the series.

One thing to know about me. I cannot stand being "spoiled" for a book (or movie or TV show). If it is a series, I must read it in order.

So now that I had this book with the inciting cover and rave reviews in my possession, I couldn't do anything with it until I read the 4 previous books.

This is where we start our review.

The Perils of Pleasure is the first book in Long's Pennyroyal Green series. The series definitely starts off on a high note with Colin, the literally almost hung innocent murderer, and Madeline, the woman hired to save him.

I can't say that I have ever read a historical romance novel where the hero and heroine are pretty much on the run the entire novel. Yay! Unique plots! After the explosive beginning with the almost-hanging, they spend the rest of the novel trying to uncover what actually did happen, while of course falling for each other.

I loved Colin and Madeline. Unique, true to character throughout, growth and change. Love it! The scenes between the two of them were well crafted as well. The one sex scene was wonderfully sensual and fit well with these two.

I think why I didn't give this more stars was while I liked the story, sometimes it was a little jarringly written. We mostly followed Madeline and Colin, but then would be abruptly transported for a paragraph or so to some side character from Colin's large family's mind. Or Colin's large family's enemies large family.

I can see why this is a series.

I dont know if the feeling of being bounced around a bit was just me, but it pulled me out of the main story between Colin and Madeline. I see why some of it was necessary because of how the plot progressed, but still. The ending gave me the same, strange feeling too.

Despite all of this it was a satisfying story, I completely enjoyed the uniqueness of the plot though it failed a bit on the execution, and I will continue on with the series.

*Ha! A pun! I love puns!

Review: Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Book Title/Author:Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Publisher/Year Published:May 2001 by Ace (first published in January 2001)
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Challenges:The January entry for the TBR Pile Challenge

Summary:

Sookie Stackhouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much. Not because she's not pretty. She is. It's just that, well, Sookie has this sort of "disability." She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable. And then along comes Bill. He's tall, dark, handsome -- and Sookie can't hear a word he's thinking. He's exactly the kind of guy she's been waiting for all her life.

But Bill has a disability of his own: he's a vampire with a bad reputation. He hangs out with a seriously creepy crowd, all suspected of -- big surprise -- murder. And when one of Sookie's co-workers is killed, she fears she's next.

I am going to start this review off by getting this out of the way. I have never seen True Blood, a TV series on I don't even know what channel that I hear is 'loosely' based on this book series. I don't even know what the characters look like, or if I did I am not sure who is suppose to be who or if I am even mixing up vampire television shows.

The point with leading off with this is that I was able to experience Dead Until Dark unscathed and not judging based on seeing a different medium.

I knew that this was set in the South and had vampires in it. Well we find out soon that vampires are not just in this world but are accepted into society (with some prejudices to overcome of course). Quite an interesting concept which isnt the normal twist that you see in vampire lore.

The story itself was pretty interesting in that it played off of this concept quite heavily. We see vampires trying to integrate themselves and others trying to stay as separate as possible. A main point of the novel is our main vampire, Bill, which by the way is an awesome vampire name, trying to live with the humans. It is actually quite interesting and something I almost wanted to see more than the romance. Because, yes that is there too.

So outside of that the plot is rather interesting. There is a mystery murderer running around. It's a pretty decent story. I extremely loved all of the references to the early 2000s. I don't know if it was a detriment, per say, but it does date the story. For instance, there were times before I checked the publication date where I thought, why isn't he just calling her on her cell. Well, silly, those were not that popular yet. Hard to believe.

The characters were alright, decently well rounded, and overall enjoyable. I did feel like Sookie was a little annoying at times and that clothing was mentioned overmuch. But Bill and Sookie and the host of secondary characters were fleshed out (ha pun) and ... well enjoyable.

I keep using that word, because that is what it was for me. Enjoyable. I didnt overly love it and I didn't overly hate it. The story was good, the characters were good, the setting was good; I am not sure if there is much more to say.

Will I read more of the series? Maybe. I am definitely not going to rule it out. Will I be making a mad dash to Netflix to watch True Blood? Eh. Probably not.

It's worth a read if you are interested in vampires and a time so close to our own, yet without cell phones :)

Review: Heiress Without A Cause by Sara Ramsey

Book Title/Author:Heiress Without A Cause by Sara Ramsey
Publisher/Year Published: January 2012 by Spencerhill Associates Ltd
Where I got it: NetGalley in trade for an honest review
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: Reading Romance January Challenge

Summary:via Goodreads

One title to change his life…

A disgraced son with a dark reputation, William “Ferguson” Avenel is content to live in exile – until his father dies in the scandal of the Season. With rumors of insanity swirling around them, his sisters desperately need a chaperone. Ferguson thinks he’s found the most proper woman in England – and he won’t ruin her, even if he secretly desires the passionate woman trapped beneath a spinster’s cap.

One chance to break the rules…

Lady Madeleine Vaillant can’t face her blighted future without making one glorious memory for herself. In disguise, on a London stage, she finds all the adoration she never felt from the ton. But when she’s nearly recognized, she will do anything to hide her identity – even setting up her actress persona as Ferguson’s mistress. She’ll take the pleasure he offers, but Madeleine won’t lose her heart in the bargain.

One season to fall in love…

Every stolen kiss could lead to discovery, and Ferguson’s old enemies are determined to ruin them both. But as their dangerous passion ignites their hearts and threatens their futures, how can an heiress who dreams of freedom deny the duke who demands her love?

Browsing through NetGalley one day, I stumbled upon a very pretty cover (as you can see) and an equally intriguing summary. And the story I have to say lives up to that summary.

Madeline is a spinster almost ready to live her life alone, but not until she has one last hurrah. In her case, it is acting in a stage play of Hamlet. Ferguson is a misunderstood rake who desires nothing to do with being a duke and longs to return to Scotland. Both of the leads have strong and weak qualities to them, which is great in developing well rounded characters. I didn't love either of them, but I didn't hate them either, and I particularly enjoyed certain aspects of each. That is probably one of the more vauge statements that I have written. Let me see if I can extrapolate.

Let's take Madeline. She is courageous enough to step out of her shell and take a risk, but also overly cautious about love due to some issues from her past. At the same time, some of those issues almost come across as a bit petty. So that is why I don't really hate her, but I can't love her either.

I think what I enjoyed about them the most was their passion for each other. The romance/steamy scenes between the two of them was awesome. I really enjoyed all of that. True story, I had to turn the little overhead air fan on while reading on the airplane I was so flushed from reading the love scenes.

The story was particularly engaging and unique with the whole acting/mistress aspect. That is really where to story focuses. The weak parts have to come in the beginning. The first chapter was extremely hard for me to read because I kept getting confused. There was a serious backstory dump at the introduction of each new character, and since chapter one is where you meet most of the new characters, I was lost despite my slower reading speed. But once I sorted it all out getting into the story came easier. My next issue came at the end though. It seemed a bit anti-climactic and the happily ever after was just ... there. I didn't feel like too much conflict resolution had happened and it was all of a sudden okay. I don't know, this may be a little nit-picky.

Overall, I enjoyed it and that is what matters. I definitely enjoyed it enough to pick up the next one when it comes out. Who would I recommend this to? If you are historical romance reader looking for something that is different than the norm, check it out. Once your through the first chapter, its a good read :)

Series Review: The Stud Club Trilogy by Tessa Dare

via Tessadare.com

The heroes—a duke, a war hero, and a low-born scoundrel—hold shares in a priceless racehorse. When the club's founder is tragically murdered, these three unlikely associates are united by chance, divided by suspicion, and brought to their knees by love

Ah, romance! I love a series that ties together but is still loose enough to read on its own. I heard of The Stud Club and Tessa Dare through Smart Bitches, but I didn't get around to sampling this series until December/January.

I decided instead of making three reviews of each of these books, to do one big monster review. I'll give a nice little summary and a mini-review of each. The overall star rating was a 3-4 and I was not disappointed in any of them.

Book Title: One Dance With A Duke
Publisher/Year Published:May 2010 by Ballantine Books
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members—yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing “Duke of Midnight.” Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke—until Lady Amelia d’Orsay tries her luck.

In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke’s dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother’s debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club’s founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?

This was a great introduction to the series! Not only that, but it was a good stand alone book as well.

Both the main characters were interesting and well rounded and the plot kept moving. It was fun, there is an interesting tie that brings these people together, but I only gave it three stars.

The ending really started to drag for me. It just got a little repetitive. Also the ending made me just feel.. meh. The beginning and most of the book was really cool, and then I just lost interest. I would still recommend it though. It was worth my time.


Book Title/Author:Twice Tempted by a Rogue
Publisher/Year Published: June 2010 by Random House Publishing Group
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

Luck is a double-edged sword for brooding war hero Rhys St. Maur. His death wish went unanswered on the battlefield, while fate allowed the murder of his good friend in the elite gentlemen’s society known as the Stud Club. Out of options, Rhys returns to his ancestral home on the moors of Devonshire, expecting anything but a chance at redemption in the arms of a beautiful innkeeper who dares him to take on the demons of his past—and the sweet temptation of a woman’s love.

Meredith Maddox believes in hard work, not fate, and romance isn’t part of her plan. But when Rhys returns, battle-scarred, world-weary, and more dangerously attractive than ever, the lovely widow is torn between determination and desire. As a deep mystery and dangerous smugglers threaten much more than their passionate reckoning, Meredith discovers that she must trust everything to a wager her heart placed long ago.

The second stud club book takes us completely away from London and up into the wilds. I really enjoyed the small town feel of this book. The female lead is strong on her own and doesn't need the hero to come and save her from anything.

The fact that it does not take place in London is enough to set this apart from other romance novels set in the Regency, but the characters are interesting, the mystery from the first one continues on through this one and in general its just a good book.

I dont know if I would like this one more or less than the first book, but again it is enjoyable and I would recommend reading this one... especially because it leads to the third.


Book Title/Author:Three Nights with a Scoundrel
Publisher/Year Published:July 2010 by Ballantine Books
Where I got it: Borders Blowout Sale
Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

The bastard son of a nobleman, Julian Bellamy is now polished to perfection, enthralling the ton with wit and charm while clandestinely plotting to ruin the lords, ravish the ladies, and have the last laugh on a society that once spurned him. But after meeting Leo Chatwick, a decent man and founder of an elite gentlemen’s club, and Lily, Leo’s enchanting sister, Julian reconsiders his wild ways. And when Leo’s tragic murder demands that Julian hunt for justice, he vows to see the woman he secretly loves married to a man of her own class.

Lily, however, has a very different husband in mind. She’s loved Julian forever, adores the man beneath the rakish façade, and wants to savor the delicious attraction they share—as his wife. His insistence on marrying her off only reinforces her intent to prove that he is the only man for her. Obsessed with catching a killer, Julian sinks back to the gutters of his youth, forcing Lily to reach out with a sweet, reckless passion Julian can’t resist. Can her desire for a scoundrel save them both—or will dangerous secrets threaten more than their tender love?

Ah, finally! My favorite! This book grabbed me and didnt let go! I am pretty sure I read this in about 24 hours.

Why did I like this one more? The characters are so unique and interesting in the romance novel world! Let's take a look.

Lily is deaf. She was sick as a girl and lost her hearing, so this already makes for an interesting perspective. I loved seeing how she interacted at a dinner scene or could read lips pretty well, but could hardly ever get new names.

Then there is Julian. He is trying to assuage his guilt over his friends death all the while trying to fight his love for Lily. Among other things. There are some things I dont want to spoil :)

I think I love this book because I know the characters. I know the background of what Julian is doing. The characters themselves have a history that we may not know at the beginning of the book, but sometimes its nice interacting with a book where the characters aren't love struck.

So there we have it. The Stud Club trilogy. Would I recommend it? Yup! It was really entertaining! Very satisfying as well.

A Review: The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James

Book Title/Author:The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James
Publisher/Year Published: Avon December 2011
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary:via Goodreads

He is a duke in search of a perfect bride. She is a lady—but a long way from perfect.

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love.

To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul…

Unless it’s already too late

This sexy, witty version of The Princess and the Pea turns the classic fairy tale into an enticing, funny, and moving romance

This book has elements of good, elements of bad, and elements that could go either way. Let's look at them individually.

The Good
James writes great characters. The leads were done well. I loved the wordplay going back and forth between well everyone (I am a sucker for a good pun). The secondary characters were memorable as well. They were all strong, fun, dimentional especially Quin and Olivia.

The Bad
The ending was just so random. Almost anti-climactic. All of a sudden I felt like I was reading a different story, not the one that has started. It just seemed to drag on for dragging on sake at that point. Or maybe to fit in something more that could tie it to the Princess and the Pea? I am not sure because I haven't heard that tale in quite a while.

Also I didnt notice the Justin Bieber reference until I read the authors notes. I am glad I didnt...

The Could Go Either Way
I want to say something about Rupert but I am having trouble finding what. He is a secondary character not all there mentally and expresses his emotions openly much to the display of the ton (we are told this early on). There is an early scene that I thought worked okay that some people may not like. I dont want to give to much away but it involves Olivia and Rupert. I dont think that it was disgusting, but I could see how someone may take it that way. I thought it was funnily written and sweet how it ended and I hurt for them both in that scene).

I think Olivia and Rupert have a relationship that is respectful (though it may not start out that way), and do not think the book should be disregarded because of it. Just my opinion and it may not be yours so take that in to concideration when deciding if you want to read this book.

Like I said, I am not sure how much it relates to its inspiration, since I dont know if I have really ever read the tale.

Overall, I would recommend it but maybe not to new James readers. If you are that, check out When Beauty Tamed the Beast. That book was awesome!

It's fun and I think it is suppose to be. The ending seems a little, out of place and there are places I think the story could have gone that could have been really interesting especially having to do with the two sisters, one duke. Regardless though, I would still recommend it, especially if you are a James fan already.

Taken and Seduced - Julia Latham

Book Title/Author: Taken and Seduced by Julia Latham
Publisher/Year Published: 2009 by Avon
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: 2011 Historical Romance Challenge

Summary:
He was seeking justice for those he loved . . .

Adam Hilliard, secret Earl of Keswick, lives for one thing: To kill the man who slew his parents. Raised in secrecy by the League of the Blade, he would do anything to restore his family's honor.

She was desperate to escape propriety . . .

Lady Florence Becket is the key to his revenge. But when he kidnaps her, Florrie is neither frightened nor furious, as most other young ladies would be. The bold and powerful stranger who spirited her from her father's castle could give her the freedom and adventure she craves.

They would find far more than they ever desired . . .

She is moved by his quest. He is captivated by her courage. They have no defense against the passion ignited by a single kiss. Adam has taken her from all she's ever known—but now Florrie will delight in her scandalous seduction.

Thoughts:
I've read other books by Julia Latham set right around this time (Middle Ages) and they are genuinely interesting. They were the League of the Blade books and I was quite entertained by them. This book is kind of the spinoff of the original series; it's called Raised by the Blade, so I was eager to read them.

One thing I have to say for this book is it doesn't mess around with wasting time. You just right into the "Taken" part of the title. I like plot driven books so this was nice for me.

Overall this was a nice romance. It wasn't amazing but it wasn't bad. There was nothing about this book that annoyed me so much I would want to stop and nothing that amazed me so much that I would remember it forever. I liked the traveling through England. The characters were relatable and engaging. THe plot clipped along.

It was enjoyable. If you want a nice break from all the historical regencies on the market take a look at Latham's books. They are quite a solid read.

Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley

Book Title/Author:Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley
Publisher/Year Published:2010 by Berkley
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: A to Z Character Challenge Female: I, A to Z Character Challenge Male: R, A to Z Book Challenge, A to Z Author Challenge: A

Summary:Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized London by leaving her husband, notorious artist Lord Mac Mackenzie, after only three turbulent years of marriage. But Mac has a few tricks to get the Lady back in his life, and more importantly, back into his bed.

Way back in January, I reviewed the first book in this series The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. I really enjoyed it and thought it was a fresh take on historical romance. In it we were introduced to Isabella and Mac, the separated married couple who still love each other but can't get past old demons.

Overall, it was an enjoyable book. It is a nice twist to read a book that is not about getting married, but really about staying so. Life has some rough twists for these two characters and they have to learn to deal with them and move past it.

Outside of the romance there is a plot dealing with a identity impersonation that is interesting. And we get to see some of the characters we loved from the first novel (Ian...).

It was enjoyable. I liked it, not as much as the first, but it was still enjoyable. I will definitely read the next one, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, when it comes out in August!

What A Gentleman Wants - Caroline Linden

Book Title/Author: What A Gentleman Wants by Caroline Linden
Publisher/Year Published: 2006 by Zebra Historical Romance
Where I got it: The library
Rating: 3/5 stars
Challenges: A to Z Male Name: M, A to Z Female Name: H, A to Z Author: C, A to Z Book Title: W, 2011 Historical Romance Challenge

Summary: Marcus is a duke with a twin brother whom he is always bailing out of scrapes. Said twin brother decides to play a trick on Marcus by pretending to be him while he marries a good, plain country woman. When she shows up on Marcus's door step with her young child, she is just as surprised as he to find out she is not married to man she thinks she is. Cursing herself for her stupidity, Hannah finds herself in quite a pickle. She ends up making a deal with the duke and hijinks ensue.

This was a enjoyable novel. In the face of a potentially ridiculous plot beginning, it was done quite well. In fact, there was less ridiculous flounce than a good deal of romance novels without ridiculous twin plots (except maybe at the end).

The characters are very likable and the best thing about this novel. Marcus was full of snap and scorn as benefiting a duke, but inside he had that soft center. He reminded me of the character Snape in Harry Potter a bit and thus I could not help but thinking of him as a young Alan Rickman (not that this is a bad thing).

Hannah on the other hand is a strong, independent country woman just looking to keep running her own house and raise her child the way she sees fit. Once the romance kicks into swing, she displays a good deal of level headedness that many historical romance heroines lack.

For example, there was one point where the "big misunderstanding" plot could have taken over, but instead of the "Well I thought this is what you wanted even though I never asked nor made my own feelings know" Hannah even says, "What's the worse that could happen if I say something?" It was very refreshing.

Some of the subplot at the end was kind of strange, and just made the story feel like it went on a little longer than it should have. But overall I highly enjoyed this novel!

Learn Your Numbers

Numerology is any of many systems, traditions or beliefs in a mystical or esoteric relationship between numbers and physical objects or living things. For this task we will need to go to this website Numerology and enter your First and Last name to find your magic number. Once you know your number you will need to read...
A. A book written by an author who has the same number as you. (EXAMPLE: My number is 6 and so is Joanna Trollope)
AND
B. A novel where a character demonstrates one or more of the characteristics of your number (EXAMPLE: 6's characteristics are...Responsibility, protection, nurturing, community, balance, sympathy...so I could read a book about a police officer or soldier because their duty is to protect.) Include a short explanation of how the character matches the characteristics in your post. A sentence or two would be sufficient.

Whew it's been a long week two three weeks. Nothing better than to read a few romance novels then right?

So. This was an interesting challenge, trying to find an author that was a 6. I found Murray Tillman, the author of Meet Me on the Paisley Roof, which I was already reading (and reviewed over at the Broke and the Bookish earlier this week) was a 6 that was exciting. Now to find a book that has the characteristics. Enter A Kiss At Midnight.

Book Title/Author: A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James
Publisher/Year Published: 2010 by Avon
Where I got it: The library (first one to get my greedy hands on it; two in a row! :) )
Rating: 3/5 stars

Let me just start off by saying how beautiful this cover is! And it completely relates to the story. Not too many romance novel covers can claim that. It really puts me in the right mood to read something whimsical and enchanting.

Anyway this is a retelling of Cinderella in an unknown time (that resembled regency England) where people sometimes use colloquial english (like "man up" lol. I seriously love that phrase). Kate has a stepmother and a (not so mean) step sister. She is charged with going to meet a prince pretending to be her sister to gain his approval of her sister's marriage to his cousin.

She doesn't quite embody the essence of her sister, the Prince Gabriel is intreigued by her. Shenanigans ensue.

All in all I thought it was a good book. It is one of the few Eloisa has written as a stand alone. It wasn't my favorite, but it was definitely entertaining. A great, fresh twist on something most all of us are already familiar with.

The Name Game: Book B

A. For the first half of the task, read any book you like of at least 100 pages.
AND
B. For the second half of the task read another book (of at least 100 pages) whose author’s first or last name, is the same as the last name of the author of the book you read for the first half of the task.

For Book A I read Promise Me Tonight by Sara Lindsey. Thus for book B, I chose a romance novel by Johanna Lindsey.

Book Title/Author: Angel by Johanna Lindsey
Publisher/Year Published: 1992 by Avon
Where I got it: I read it during my early romance novel days and I picked up a copy at the library book sale.
Rating: 3/5 stars

First of all, I must address this inlet. When I read it the first time, my cover was a nice picture of a house. There was not suggestive inlet either, disappointed to 14 year old me. But the book I got from the booksale is not a nice house cover, but instead has this on the inside.

I almost spit my drink when I saw this. Not only does it have 1) the exposed women shoulder 2)FABIO and 3)scenic back drop BUT A PANTHER! A black panther looks like it was photoshopped in to add some sort of tie with the story because it is in the story believe it or not, even though it is set in the wild west. I don't understand how people could have thought Fabio was the best thing on romance novels since sliced bread. All he does is make me laugh.

Anyway the book. This is one of the few western romances I have read. Angel is a hired gunslinger forced to help Cassie, a meddling woman, to pay off a debt he owes. Hijinks ensue. Now the plot is sort of lack luster, but not as bad some some romance novels I have read. What really carries this story is the characterization. They act consistently and I can clearly see their motivations for doing what they are doing. Everything makes total sense to me, even in the ridiculous world of the romance west.

If you like cowboys, love and good characterization, pick this up. Don't be discouraged by the bad inlet. At least its not on the cover.

It's Time For The Swim Suit Edition: Book B

Pick one of the following swim suit styles to fit your reading type.

A. Tank Suit - Read 1 book of at least 850 pages.
B. Bikini - Read 2 books totaling at least 850 pages and first published in 1946 (date of first named bikini) or later.
C. Tankini - Read 850 pages of book(s) published in last 5 years.
D. Victorian (The kind with sleeves, skirt & bloomers.) - Read 850 pages of book(s) published between 1834 and 1901.

Book title and author:Changeless (The Parasol Protectorate, #2) by Gail Carriger (Goodreads Author)
Info: published 2010 by Orbit
Where: The new fantasy book shelf at the library
Rating: 3/5

Changeless is the second in the Parasol Protectorate series that started with Soulless. This series follows the life of Alexia, a lady living in Victorian England, but she is not a normal Victorian lady. First of all, she is living in a world where paranormals are integrated into society. Second of all, she has no soul.

In this book she starts another adventure, a new job with the Queen. When some mysterious things start to happen to the supernaturals in London, she is tasked with finding out what and why this is happening. This may involve awesome weapons made out of an umbrella and dirigibles.

Compared to this first book, this one was not as gripping, but it was still entertaining. There were more characters introduced this time around and some of our old favorites returned where we found out more about them. The steampunk is in full swing with all of the awesome gadgets and science things. The climax had me reading without putting it down.

So why only a 3 out of 5? Well, with the more time spent with our heroine, the more she started to annoy me. She seemed quite inconsistent in her smarts. Maybe it's just limitations on her knowledge of the time, but she is continually called a blue stocking so I cant completely buy that. Lord Maccon was adorable in Scotland, but especially toward the end his stubbornness made me want to ring his neck! The secondary characters are amazing though.

The third book in the series, Blameless comes out August 31st. I found this awesome promotional video about the making of the cover. It's quite entertaining and interesting to see the process. I suggest you watch it and check out these books. They are really quite witty and entertaining. The writing makes me laugh out loud drawing quite a few looks from people around me.

Anyway check out the video! And the book!

Summer 2010 Group Reads

20.10 - Group Reads
Read One Of The Following Group Read Selections And Make At Least One Post In The Discussion Thread.
A. Books About Books - The Book Thief
B. Sci-Fi/Fantasy - The Hunger Games
C. Mystery - The ABC Murders

The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie
Published2006 by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers (first published 1936
Notes I listened to this on audiobook checked out from the library.
Rating: 3/5

Normally when I see the three books chosen to be the three group read options, I have three to chose from because I've never read any of them. This time was different. I just recently devoured The Hunger Games and I read The Book Thief about 6 months ago. So that left the ABC Murders. I must say, I really enjoyed And Then There Were None so I was looking forward to this as well.

The ABC Murders is a Hercule Poirot mystery. I don't know much about Christie's works, but it didn't take long to figure out that this was an established character. Normally this would bother me, the not reading things in the order they were intended, but with mysteries, I don't see how it would matter. Nothing would be given away. I can use all of my brainpower alloted for daily use and still not figure it out.

The plot is that Mr. Poirot receives some letters claiming a crime with happen in Andover and challenges Poirot to figure it out. The brush it off at first but as B and C happen, things start falling apart and coming together (as they do in mysteries). I did guess the whodunit part, but I had no idea why I was right.

I really enjoyed listening to this mystery unfold and I believe I would have enjoyed it if I had only read it as well. But the plus for the audiobook was that the actor who played all these characters was superb! It was quite easy for me to tell who was saying what before the "Mr Jones said" and it made the whole experience rather enjoyable.

This is a great mystery! I don't know of anyone who is into mysteries and never read Christie but if that happens to be you, give this one a shot. It's not your normal mystery.

Birthdays and Birthmonths: Book A

Since roughly 90% of the people in my (Ms. Anderson's) life were born in June, I thought it would be fun to do a task related to birthdays!

For your first book, pick out your birthday month from this list and read a NONFICTION book about that topic.
...
December: History of Language (EXAMPLE: Empires of the Word: A Language History of the World)

For your second book, find out what day of the week on which you were born (if you don't know already) and read a FICTION book from that genre.
...Tuesday: Alternate History (EXAMPLE: The Yiddish Policemen's Union)
...
Note: The books are two distinct categories, so therefore do not need to be related at all.

I truncated the task for this one because just listing out all that it entailed would be a substantial post! I just left Tuesday in December since that is what applied to me, but if you are interested in seeing what you would have had to read, check it out over here.

The Mother Tongue: English and How it got that way by Bill Bryson

When I read the description of this book it sounded really intresting:

The author of the acclaimed The Lost Continent now steers us through the quirks and byways of the English language. We learn why island, freight, and colonel are spelled in such unphonetic ways, why four has a u in it but forty doesn't, plus bizarre and enlightening facts about some of the patriarchs of this peculiar language

"Wow," I thought "I've always wondered this! Why is there that u in four? Tell me oh non-fiction book of research!"

There were times when this book was really interesting. Certain chapters made me nod my head in wonder, excited that I would be able to answer that Jeopardy question correctly. But other times, though the information slightly interesting, I felt cheated. You know that forty four thing? Well it pretty much was answered "I dont know. It just developed that way"

What?

Why even tease me, book! Overall though, it was interesting and it takes a lot of a non-fiction book to keep me with it. So I gave it three stars.