The Seduction of Sarah

I have a ridiculous number of unread books in my house, courtesy of RWA conferences 2005, 2006, and 2007. I decided to read some of the books that have been on the shelf for a while. One of these is Cynthia Clement's The Seduction of Sarah.

Widowed Sarah Wellsley delights in her daily swim--until she is discovered by an imposing stranger who mistakes her for a harlot. Having escaped the cad's embrace, she's mortified to meet him again mere hours later, and shocked to discover he is the long-absent Marquess of Caldern . . . and her cousin Caroline's intended. But now he only has eyes for Sarah, and will pursue her at any cost. The situation couldn't be more awkward--particularly because she cannot erase the memory of Alex Caldern's touch . . .

Alex long ago abandoned dreams of love. His marriage will be a business arrangement to produce an heir. On the eve of his proposal, however, he is seized by a passion he cannot ignore: the need to possess Lady Caroline's quiet cousin. By turns wanton and demure, Sarah confounds his every instinct and thwarts even his most ingenious attempts to have her. Yet she is by his side, unbidden, especially when he is in danger.

As the attempts on Caldern's life multiply, Sarah's deepest feelings slowly makethemselves known. And when Alex finally realizes what she wants, he's more than prepared to satisfy her . . .

I picked this up at the 2005 RWA signing. The cover is gorgeous.



The story itself doesn't live up to the beauty of the cover. As I read, I found myself thinking, This is extreme. Alex is extremely pushy. He wants Sarah as a lover, so he maneuvers her, has inappropriate conversations with her in public, and wonders why she's not falling into his arms. Sarah is extremely good. She's always running around the village helping people with her herbs. Then there's Caroline, who is extremely spoiled. She browbeats Sarah, acts like a snot, and doesn't understand why she can't have what she wants.

If you look for subtlety in these characters, you won't find much.

There is some good stuff here. Alex does have some nice moments, such as when he realizes he is in love with Sarah. But these moments are not the biggest part of the book.

Clement is a solid writer and this could have been a much better book. Ultimately, there's a good story here, but it's overwhelmed by the stereotypical characters. The Seduction of Sarah: 2.5 out of 5.

Sleepless at Midnight

I like Jacquie D'Alessandro's books, but haven't read any in a while. I heard some good buzz about Sleepless at Midnight, and I'm so glad I checked it out. This historical romance was a delight from start to finish: 4.5 out of 5.

The ladies in London are abuzz over Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, especially Miss Sarah Moorehouse. Her imagination is fired up, so when she spies Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston, mysteriously sneaking home in the wee hours clutching a shovel, she simply must investigate. Impelled by curiousity, the adventurous lass steals into his bedchamber--only to be caught red-handed by the impossibly handsome and totally naked nobleman.

The Marquess Langston has more important things to worry about than a group of literature-loving ladies. But Matthew's grand plan to rescue the family from ruin could be lost when he discovers Sarah hiding behind his bedroom curtain. What is this meddlesome woman up to? And why are his desires inflamed by a chit who is too inquisitive for her own good? Well, two can play at this game . . . and when Matthew captures the beguiling Sarah in all her naked glory, the night of mischief has only just begun.

Sleepless at Midnight is the charming story of a bookish heroine who falls for a handsome man who needs to marry for money. What transforms this story from a standard romance plot to a compelling read are the characters. Matthew and Sarah meet during a house party and are skeptical of each other. Sarah wonders why Matthew is digging out in his garden, and Matthew sees her curiosity is a threat.

I loved watching Sarah and Matthew go from wariness to attraction to affection. And they have wonderfully witty conversations. There's plenty of humor in the story as well, with Sarah's conversations with her friends, and an amusing attempt to create the perfect man. Then there's Matthew's dog, Danforth, who sits on people's shoes. All of this comes together to create a book that's charming and fun.

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever

Julia Quinn's The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever is another of the books I got at RWA. I read it last weekend and quite enjoyed it: 4 out of 5.

2 March 1810 . . . Today, I fell in love.

At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her--until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever.

But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were kind to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day--while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devastating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier--and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers . . .

This book includes two of my favorite scenarios: unrequited love and diary entries. And Quinn puts both elements to good use. In the unrequited love books I've read in the past few years, the man has been the one to love from afar. In this case, it's the heroine. This was a nice twist. Another element I appreciated was the fact that there's complexity in her feelings. As Turner's life changes and as he changes, she revises her opinion of him. Miranda may love him, but it's not a blind love.

As for Turner, I found myself quite sympathetic to him. Quinn does an exceptional job of showing how his previous marriage affected his thinking. It helped me as a reader to know where he was coming from. I thought his reluctance to admit he loved Miranda was especially realistic. He thought he loved his first wife, so he associated that emotion with the heartbreak he felt. What he felt with Miranda wasn't heartbreak.

Overall, I liked The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever. It wasn't my favorite of Quinn's novels, but still one I enjoyed and one I will reread.

Beau Crusoe

I bought Carla Kelly's Beau Crusoe when I saw it in the store, but I put off reading it. What if I don't like it as much as I hope? I wondered. Then I started reading it and couldn't stop. I had to take the day off work and everything. Well, I was also having stupid stomach pains, but that's beside the point. Moving on . . .

Stranded alone on a desert island, he had lived to tell the tale. A triumphant return to the ton saw James Trevenen hailed as Beau Crusoe--a gentleman of spirit, verve and action. But only he knew the true cost of his survival!

Susannah Park had been shunned by Society. She lived content with her calm existence . . . until Beau Crusoe determinedly cut up her peace! The beautiful widow wanted to help him heal the wounds of the past--but what secrets was this glorious man hiding?

After all my worries that I wouldn't like the book, I found that reading Beau Crusoe was like visiting an old friend: 5 out of 5. Don't misunderstand me--I'm not saying that Beau Crusoe was a repeat of any of Kelly's previous stories. But it does have the thoughtful characters, vivid imagery, and easy-to-read style that is her trademark.

James's story unfolds gradually, though the direction of the story is pretty clear. The delay in giving the whole story makes the impact even stronger. Seeing how his time on the island affects James was both compelling and heartbreaking. I loved the way Susannah was so fiercely determined to find out what happened and help him. Both characters show their own strength.

Though this is a serious story, I loved the moments of levity. The toucans, for instance. Heavens! I love how that aspect plays out. Every mention of them made me smile.

But the love story is truly at the heart of Beau Crusoe, and it's a beautiful story. Once I finished it, I started rereading immediately.

Carla Kelly, it's good to read you again.

The Raven Prince

I tend to read fewer historicals these days since I overdosed on them several years ago. Authors like Elizabeth Hoyt make me rethink that position: 4.5 out of 5.

Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits. What is a gently bred lady to do?

The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.

When Anna becomes the earl's secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his "manly" needs. Well! Anna sees red--and decides to assuage her "womanly" desires . . . with the earl as her unknowing lover.

Many bloggers have already written about The Raven Prince, so I'm not sure what I can add to the discussion. If I had to sum it up, I would say that this book is one of the best debut books I remember reading. The characterization is fresh and complex, with none of those, "Why did (s)he do that?" moments. And wow, did I ever love Edward. He's far from the perfect hero, and that just makes him all the more compelling to read about.

The hidden identity ruse is one I've seen in other books. Given the context, I didn't find it at all strange that Edward didn't immediately recognize Anna, and I loved the way the physical relationship was both part of and distinct from their interpersonal relationship. As I reread the last sentence, I'm not sure I explain it well. Let me try again. There's one scene where Anna thinks that while she is enjoying the sexual relationship, she also recognizes that it's a purely physical one at that point, and she wants something more. She has more with her emotional relationship with Edward, and I loved seeing these two characters bring the two relationships together.

The language and sex scenes in The Raven Prince are richly sensual, and I loved the book. I'm excited to read Hoyt's next one.

The Rules of Seduction

Madeline Hunter's books tend to be hit or miss with me. The Rules of Seduction turned out to be a big hit: 4.5 out of 5.

He enters her home without warning or invitation--a stranger of shadowy motives and commanding sensuality. Within hours, Alexia Welbourne is penniless, without any hope of marriage. Until Hayden Rothwell takes her to bed. When one impulsive act of passion forces Alexia to marry the very man who ruined her, Hayden's seduction of Alexia is nearly complete. What Alexia doesn't know is that her irresistible new husband is driven by a secret purpose--and a debt of honor he will risk everything to repay. Alexia is the wild card. Reluctant to give up their nightly pleasures, Hayden must find a way to keep Alexia by his side . . . only to be utterly, thoroughly seduced by a woman who is now playing by her own rules.

Some of Hunter's books I've started and not finished. The Rules of Seduction, though, just drew me in and didn't let go. Hayden is a hero who's caught by a promise. When he discovers a man's embezzlement, he promises not to tell anyone why the man had to move to the country. That man is Alexia's cousin, and his explanation paints Hayden as the bad guy, which causes problems for Alexia when she realizes she is attracted to Hayden.

I like this book for many reasons. Although Alexia feels conflicted about Hayden, I like the way she faces her attraction for him and takes responsibility for her feelings. Once they are married, she doesn't hesitate to defend him, even though she doesn't know the truth of what happened. I found this admirable.

And Hayden is wonderful. I loved watching him try to make life easier for Alexia even before he fell for her. His concern for her continues after their marriage, when he gives her the opportunity to make her own decision about him. The ending is just terrific.

I'm having a good run of historicals lately. I hope it continues.

The Stranger I Married

When I saw The Stranger I Married in the bookstore last week, I snatched it up. I think it's no secret that I love Sylvia Day's writing, and this book is no exception.

They are London's most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson, are well matched in all things--their lusty appetites, constant paramours, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal ever to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love with one another. Isabel knows such a charming rake will never appeal to her guarded heart, nor will she sway his philandering one. It is a most agreeable sham . . . until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard from her side.

Now, four years later, Gerard has come home to Isabel. But the carefree, boyish rogue who left has been replaced by a brooding, powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. Gone is the devil-may-care companion who shared her friendship and nothing more, and in his place is temptation itself . . . a husband who desires Isabel body and soul and who will stop at nothing to win her love. No, this is not at all the man she had married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart . . .

Before proceeding with this review, I should mention that I had a chance to read the first few chapters of this book some time ago to offer my opinion of its unconventional characters. I told Sylvia that I was intrigued by where the story would go, and I wanted to read more. When I read this book last week, I was convinced that The Stranger I Married may well be Day's best work to date: 5 out of 5.

Conventional readers may be put off by the reasons Gerard and Isabel marry. If that's the case, I hope they will keep reading nonetheless; otherwise, they will miss a beautiful story. The Stranger I Married is not only the story of how Isabel and Gerard fall in love with each other. It's also the story of one man's journey to becoming a man who likes himself. Both these aspects of the story are compelling.

Equally moving is a secondary romance featuring Isabel's brother. I'm not always a fan of secondary romances, as I often find them distracting, but in this case it was cute and not at all detracting from the story.

The Stranger I Married is a subtly drawn portrait of two people who find love and acceptance with each other. I encourage you to read their story.

The Notorious Rake

Mary Balogh's The Notorious Rake has been on my TBR shelf for a while, and today I finally felt like picking it up. It's a great read: 4.5 out of 5.

Lord Edmund Waite was everything that Lady Mary Gregg despised in a man. He was lewd, lascivious, mocking--the most notorious rake in the realm. Happily, Mary had nothing to fear from this lord of libertines. A bluestocking like her could never tempt a man whose taste ran to pretty playthings for his pleasures.

How startled Mary was to find herself the object of Lord Waite's determined desires. But even more surprising was her reaction to his shocking advances. How could she remain a lady with this man who knew so well how to make her feel like a woman . . .?

As always, Balogh's strength is with her characters. Mary is practical in most ways but she has one weakness--she's afraid of thunderstorms. This fear leads her to take shelter with Edmund and soon she's in his arms. Edmund believes that they are beginning an affair, while Mary insists it was a moment in time, one that turns into a few moments, but still . . . And so, the conflict begins.

Some readers may have trouble with Edmund. To say that he comes on strong is, at times, putting it nicely. There are certainly times when he frustrated me. These times are balanced by others, though, when we see the man behind the mask. At one point, Mary even refers to the cynical, indifferent mask he wears. I love the way his story unfolds slowly.

The last fourth of the novel is simply marvelous. From the moment Edmund sees his aunt's visitors, the story just gripped me by the throat. I read that part at my parents' house and stopped reading every few pages so I wouldn't burst into tears. :) It was beautiful.

So why wasn't it a 5? Well, I thought the wrap-up was a little too neat in one respect, and Edmund showed cruelty at moments. Still, this one is well worth reading if you can get your hands on it. A lovely story.

Ask For It

I discovered Sylvia Day's writing when I read Catching Caroline, and I've read her books ever since. She writes in a variety of subgenres, including paranormal, futuristic, historical, and contemporary. Her next book, Ask For It, is a historical romance: 4 out of 5.

A Matter of Dangerous Intrigue . . .
As an agent to the Crown, Marcus Ashford, the Earl of Westfield, as fought numerous sword fights, been shot twice, and dodged more than any man's fair share of cannon fire. And yet nothing excites him more than the primitive hunger his former fiance,
Elizabeth, arouses. Years ago, she'd jilted him for the boyishly charming Lord Hawthorne. But now the elegant wido is his to defend, and he will do so while tending to her other, more carnal needs, showing her the depth of a real man's desire . . .

. . . and Undeniable Pleasure
Dangerous secrets led to the murder of Lady Hawthorne's husband, secrets she now holds in a diary many would kill to obtain. But to entrust herself to the protection of the most seductive man she's ever known? Outrageous. Unthinkable. Irresistible. For it was Marcus's strong passions and burning desire that frightened her into abandoning him years ago--and her answering craving has never waned. Now he means to be at her service, in every sense. And perhaps the only sensible course isn't to resist temptation, but to surrender to it completely . . .

Ask For It is Day's second book for Brava, and it's an excellent story. You have to love a heroine who knows how to use a weapon. LOL! And I liked the twists and turns of the story--just when I thought I'd figured things out, the plot took an unexpected turn. It was a refreshing change from many of the predictable stories out there. One secondary character (spoiler: Christopher St. John) surprised and intrigued me, and I hope he gets his own story.

Day has a talent for creating realistic and unforgettable heroes. Marcus definitely fits in this category. I'm a sucker for a hero who falls completely in love despite all his best efforts, and that's exactly what happens here. Marcus is a forceful man who needs a woman willing to stand up to him. Although Elizabeth isn't as strong a character, she's a good match for Marcus.

I can't review one of Sylvia's books without mentioning the love scenes. Sex isn't always about simple pleasure; sometimes it's complicated, tangled with a variety of emotions. Day does these scenes very well, painting a visual picture of Marcus and Elizabeth's evolving relationship. It starts with ambivalence on both sides and develops into more in a way that's both absorbing and real. As a longtime reader of Day's work, I admire the fact that her love scenes are never the same, and she's willing to take risks in this area.

With Ask For It, Day proves again that she's a writer whose career is on the rise. She is under contract for several books from Avon Red and Brava. The only bad thing is that I have to wait until 2007 for the next book.

TBR Challenge: Bone Deep

The TBR challenge for June was to read a book you bought because of the buzz about it. I picked Bone Deep for this one.

Title
Bone Deep

Author
Bonnie Dee

Year published
2006

Why did you get this book?
I've read several positive reviews of the book, and the premise sounded unique and interesting

Do you like the cover?
Yes, very much. I'm a fan of April Martinez's covers.

Did you enjoy the book?
I liked it quite a bit. 4 out of 5.

Sarah Cassidy lost her husband in WWII, and has resigned herself to a life of solitude. During a visit to a travelling carnival, she is strangely drawn to the Tattooed Man in the Freak Show. When he shows up on her farm after having escaped the clutches of the carnival owner, against her better judgement, Sarah offers him a job as a handyman.

Sarah is fascinated by this man who has been kept prisoner by the carnival owner since his mother's death. But the more he reveals about his mysterious past and demonstrates his gentle nature, Sarah finds herself fighting a powerful sexual attraction.

When Tom's presence on her farm is revealed, Sarah's neighbors are hesitant to trust the exotic stranger in their midst. Threatened by small-town prejudice and the reappearance of the carnival owner, the lovers must rise above the fear and hate to create the family they've always longed for.

The pacing of the story was excellent, making it easy to read in one evening. Sarah and Tom are both memorable characters. In fact, my main complaint about the story is that I wanted more of it. I'd love to have read more scenes with Sarah and Tom--they would have made the story richer.

One part of the story had me weeping copiously. I don't know what it is about reading books where a character has to learn to read, but when I saw Tom's misspelled note, I burst into tears. (I had a similar reaction to reading the heroine's poem in Megan Chance's The Way Home.) I'm not sure why I always have such a strong reaction to scenes like this. Maybe because reading has brought me so much pleasure.

Dee does a great job of showing us who Tom is even though we don't get any scenes from his point of view. I thought he was a wonderful beta hero.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Yes and yes. In fact, I just need to decide what to get. Anyone have any recommendations with Dee's other books?

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Keeping it. (I bought a print copy, but I'm still keeping it.)

Anything else?
Other reviewers have commented that the ending was unrealistic as the town came to accept Tom too easily. I didn't see it that way. I saw the ending as more optimistic than anything else, more a start of being accepted by the rest of the town rather than a complete embracing.

I'm not officially signing up for the July challenge, since I won't have time to read or review for at least two of the four weeks. This way, if I complete it, fine, but at least I won't go on the wall of shame if I don't.

TBR Challenge: Simply Unforgettable

I'm sneaking in just before the deadline on this one. The April challenge was to read a book I've had in my TBR for six months or more. I read Mary Balogh's Simply Unforgettable, which has been TBR since I got it at last year's RWA.

Title
Simply Unforgettable

Author
Mary Balogh

Year published
2005

Why did you get this book?
I've enjoyed her books in the past.

Do you like the cover?
Yes. It's one of those covers with no models on it, and its elegance suits Balogh's writing style.

Did you enjoy the book?
Yes. I'd rate it 4.5 out of 5.

They meet in a ferocious snowstorm. She is a young teacher with a secret past. He is the cool, black-caped stranger who unexpectedly comes to her rescue. Between these two unlikely strangers, desire is instantaneous . . . and utterly impossible to resist. Lucius Marshall, who is the Viscount Sinclair, and Frances Allard share a night of glorious, unforgettable passion. But Frances knows her place--and it is far from the privileged world of the sensual aristocrat. Due to begin her teaching position at Miss Martin's School in Bath, Frances must try to forget that one extraordinary night--and the man who touched her with such exquisite tenderness and abandon.

But Frances cannot hide forever. And when fate once again throws them together, Lucius refuses to take no for an answer. If Frances will not be his wife, he will make her his mistress. So begins an odyssey fraught with intrigue, one that defies propriety and shocks the strait-laced ton. For Lucius's passionate, single-minded pursuit is about to force Frances to give up all her secrets--except one--to win the heart of the man she already loves.

Lucius and Frances meet because of the weather and the encounter is initially hostile. Lucius's carriage nearly runs Frances's off the road as he passes her. From there, I was intrigued by the way Balogh portrays the shift from hostility to like, then from like to passion. They are snowbound only a few days, but the shift is completely believable. I loved the scene in Lucius's carriage where he drives her to the school. Their mutual tenderness is beautiful to see.

I'm sure you know by now that I love stories where the hero is an arrogant man brought down by love. That's definitely the case with Lucius. He doesn't want to let Frances go and doesn't know what to do about it. He's also a man who doesn't take no for an answer. Some readers might thing he bulldozes right over Frances at times, but I didn't see it that way. It helped that he is so concerned about what she wants at the end of the story. (I don't want to give spoilers.)

I like the way Lucius deals with societal concerns. So often in historical romance, you have dukes falling in love with governesses and there's no apparent concern about whether they will be accepted by society. In Simply Unforgettable, the issue is brought up and dealt with.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Not new to me, and yes.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Keeping it. Not only is it a good book, it's autographed to me.

Anything else?
I enjoyed the characters and the story moved quickly. If you considered reading it, I encourage you to pick it up.

The next book, Simply Love, looks wonderful. Unfortunately, it comes out in August, so I don't think it will be available at RWA. I can only hope . . .

TBR Challenge: Secrets of a Summer Night

I'm pleased to say that I've already completed this month's TBR challenge.

Title
Secrets of a Summer Night

Four young ladies enter London society with one common goal: they must use their
feminine wit and wiles to catch a husband. So a daring husband-hunting scheme is born.

Annabelle Peyton, determined to save her family from disaster, decides to use her beauty and wit to tempt a suitable nobleman into making an offer of marriage. But Annabelle's most intriguing--and persistent--admirer, wealthy, powerful Simon Hunt, has made it clear that while he will introduce her to irresistable pleasure he will not offer marriage. Annabelle is determined to resist his unthinkable proposition . . . but it is impossible in the face of such skilled seduction.

Her friends, looking to help, conspire to entire a more suitable gentleman to offer for Annabelle, for only then will she be safe from Simon--and her own longings. But on one summer night, Annabelle succumbs to Simon's passionate embrace and tempting kisses . . . and she discovers that love is the most dangerous game of all.

Author
Lisa Kleypas

Year Published
2004

Why did you get this book?
I like Lisa Kleypas, so I ordered this last year when she did a signing through Turn the Page bookstore.

Do you like the cover?
It's OK. Not bad, but not especially memorable either.

Did you enjoy the book?
Yes, although my feelings about the book are similar to what I thought about the cover. It's a good book, but isn't quite great. I like both Annabelle and Simon, but Annabelle spends a lot of time reminiscing in the later part of the story, and this slowed down the pace a bit. I think I would have liked it more had these scenes been shown instead of remembered.

I enjoyed the interaction between Simon and Annabelle, especially when they are at Lord Westcliff's estate. Rating: 4 out of 5.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Not new to me, and I've ordered the next one in the series, It Happened One Autumn.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
It's autographed, so I'm definitely keeping it.

Poor Splendid Wings

I have long been a fan of Patricia Veryan. It began when I read The Tyrant, and I've collected every book of hers I could get my hands on. She's got a rather extensive backlist, and I have most of them. Poor Splendid Wings is one I hadn't been able to find--not without spending a great deal of money, anyway.

So Kristie, bless her heart, came to my rescue. She has a copy and sent it to me late last year so I could read it. Then, I was a bit intimidated by the length; it's 512 pages. This week, I finally vowed to finish it.

The American born son of European parents, Michael Owens' love for Britain and his detestation of the Hitler regime drove him to enlist in the Eagle Squadrom long before the United States enters World War II. He transfers to the U.S.A.A.F. and heavy bombers when the first Flying Fortresses arrive in Enlgland. Engaged to a beautiful American actress, Owens' life is complicated by an encounter with a charming English widow.

The war has brought tragedy to Victoria Craig-Bell but with quiet courage she copes with the many challenges that come her way, and tries to keep what is left of her family together. Victoria falls deeply in love with Owens, and he soon reciprocates her feelings, but he is a lead pilot during the darkest days of the war, and he knows his chances of survival are slim. The responsibility for bringing his crews safely home from missions dogged by staggeringly heavy losses is crushing. He is accustomed to the risks on the ground--the blackout, the sirens, the enemy air attacks, but now he must deal with his fears for Victoria's safety.

When the ambitious and ruthless Cynthia Stuart refuses to free him from their engagement, Owens faces a different kind of battle. He thinks he has all the burdens he can carry, but gradually it becomes apparent that a new danger is looming: a danger that threatens not only his life but his honour, and appears to involve the woman he loves. His crew and friends support him loyally, but the web that closes around him is so cunningly contrived that there seems little hope of proving his innocence, even if he survives the second strike at a target dreaded by all combat flyers.

For the first 100 or so pages, I was a little worried that my taste had changed and that I wouldn't enjoy the story. I think in many cases, I've grown tired of subplots and prefer the focus of the story to be on the main couple. In this case, though, I shouldn't have worried: 4 out of 5.

There are a number of subplots, but I had forgotten how well Veryan ties various plot threads together. Reading the story is very much like putting together a puzzle where even the smallest piece is a vital part of the whole.

Victoria and Michael fall in love fairly quickly--their feelings are engaged and expressed by page 150. That doesn't mean that their relationship is without conflict, however. There's Cynthia, who isn't as much an impediment as the book blurb makes it sound. There are several other challenges as well.

There's a secondary romance between Victoria's sister and another flyer, and I thought it was quite sweet.

This is a very unique time period--in fact, I can't remember reading another romance set during this time. As far as I know, it's the only book Veryan wrote that's set in this period. Kristie told me the air battle scenes were very suspenseful, and she was right. The more I read, the more I worried that something terrible was going to happen. This is, after all, the same writer who wrote The Dedicated Villain, a book in which the hero is tortured for some time. I won't give anything away, but I'll just say that the ending is not achieved without cost.

There is a villain, a face to the evil. There's another character (Washburn) I wanted to strangle by the end of the book. But the main antagonist is the war itself, which takes a dramatic toll on everyone--those who are left behind as well as those who enter combat.

The book could have been tightened a little. I think it was a little too long, although I didn't want to stop by the time I hit page 200. I'll leave it on my wish list in hopes of getting a copy of my own, although I don't hold out much hope in that regard.

Now I can finally return the book to Kristie. I'd like to send it back along with a few other books, but she needs to (ahem!) update her wish list.

FYI: I'm attending a conference beginning tomorrow night, so I probably won't post again until after the weekend.

Bad Boys Ahoy!

I thought I had read just about every story that could be told during the Regency period. Bad Boys Ahoy! proved me wrong: 5 out of 5.

In the first novella, "Stolen Pleasures," pirate Sebastian steals a bride, only to discover she is his bride; they've been married by proxy. The story takes an almost immediate turn from the norm. In some romances, the proxy marriage would be a secret for much of the story as part of a "Big Secret" misunderstanding.

Instead, this issue is dealt with immediately, leaving the remainder of the story to focus on delving into two fascinating characters, Olivia and Sebastian. Olivia is not a standard simpering heroine. She is passionate, strong-willed, and astute, the perfect match for Sebastian.

I love the way Day creates unique characters. Sebastian's reasons for becoming a pirate are complex, and Olivia comes to understand and know him perfectly. This story evokes a range of emotions and culminates in a sweet ending.

"Lucien's Gamble" is the second novella. In it, Lucien discovers that Julienne has disguised herself as a man to enter his club. He has always wanted her, and he takes advantage of the surpring opportunity to make the biggest gamble of his life.

As in the first novella, this one features unconventional characters who fall in love. It's extremely satisfying to read Lucien's journey from believing he is not good for Julienne to realizing that he loves her and wants to be the one to make her happy.

Julienne is a rare historical heroine--a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to pursue it.

The third novella is "Her Mad Grace." In this story, a snowstorm forces Hugh to take shelter at the house of a reclusive woman known as her mad Grace. Hugh meets Charlotte, a woman who introduces herself as a companion.

All three stories in this anthology are connected, and the hero in "Her Mad Grace" is Julienne's brother. Years have passed since "Lucien's Gamble," and the snowstorm gives Hugh the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and show that he can be relied on.

I found Hugh's vulnerability about being needed especially poignant, and a few scenes toward the end of the story brought tears to my eyes. Charlotte is a vivid heroine, and the scene where she shows Hugh how much she loves him is incredibly moving.

I can't say enough positive things about Bad Boys Ahoy! The characters are unique and you come to care about each one. In addition, Day writes lush and unforgettable love scenes that move the story along and keep the reader engaged. I'm ready for her next book.

TBR Challenge: A Singular Lady

One of my ongoing TBR challenges is to finish books I started, then set aside. I put down A Singular Lady after reading about 50 pages. In this case, it wasn't the book; I just wasn't in the mood for a Regency. I finished it recently, and I'm glad I came back to it.

1. Title/Author
A Singular Lady by Megan Frampton.

2. Brief Synopsis

During the Season, debutantes rush to London to find a man who'll fill their hearts with love--or their bankbooks with money. The Honorable Titania Stanhope is of the latter category. She simply has no choice--for her father has bequeathed his entire fortune to his mistress. Armed with velvet, dancing slippers, and a firm resolve, Titania heads to do battle in the ballroom in order to vanquish--and marry--a gentleman who can afford to keep her family from ruin.

Edwin Worthington, Earl of Oakley, wants nothing to do with money-grubbing young ladies. He wears scuffed boots and old jackets, allowing Society to regard him as the penniless black sheep of a wealthy family. But in reality he has a fortune--and no plan to marry--until he meets Titania, a woman whose sharp wit and keen mind are rivaled only by her lovely face. Can Edwin let go of his pride in order to follow his heart?

3. Copyright Year
2005.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I liked it very much: 4 out of 5. One thing I enjoyed is the humor. There are a number of great moments as Titania attends different events, but I especially liked the glimpse into Titania's and Edwin's thoughts, such as this moment when Titania is asked if she was doing anything improper.

Well, Titania thought to herself, if by improper you mean allowing a man to kiss me passionately, stroke my breasts, and attempt to lift my skirts up, then yes, I guess you could say I was doing something improper.

I also thought the chemistry between Titania and Edwin was great, although I did want to see more scenes with them together. Edwin is terrific, although I thought he drank a bit too much toward the end of the book. Other than this, however, I liked the story.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
I didn't check.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
Yes.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Absolutely.

TBR Challenge: My Shadow Warrior

It's December, and my TBR challenge, in honor of Maili, is to read Scottish romance. I wanted to read My Shadow Warrior after seeing a review about it. It's a good book: 4 out of 5.

1. Title/Author
My Shadow Warrior by Jen Holling.

2. Brief Synopsis

Rose, the youngest of the MacDonnell sisters, is more concerned with her father's mysterious illness than with her impending marriage to her childhood sweetheart. A gifted but frustrated healer, she decides to beg help from William MacKay--a reclusive laird who is renowned not only for his ferocity, but also for his healing powers. Denied entry to his fortress in the cold, harsh mountains of the far northwestern highlands, Rose uses cunning to force her way in, and William is duly intrigued with this bold slip of a girl. But securing his help may not be enough to save Rose's father. For there is something darker at work in the glen, something more powerful than William's and Rose's magic combined, and only the soul-deep passion that shadows their mutual desire can help their love prevail.

3. Copyright Year
2005.

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I liked it. I enjoyed William, a tormented hero who is devoted to his daughter and who finds himself falling for Rose despite himself. Rose herself is a compelling heroine. She wants William to try and heal her father, and she is willing to go to great lengths to make that happen.

I found myself enjoying the writing itself. In one scene, William confronts a mob. I loved the way the Holling depicted the scene and built up to William's simple and logical response. (I'm being vague to avoid spoilers.)

The romance works well. The main drawback of the story is its obvious villain.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
Not that I found.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
Not applicable.

7. Is this a new author for you?
Yes.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Certainly.

I have more Scottish romance on my shelves, including Janet Chapman's Charming the Highlander and Kinley MacGregor's Claiming the Highlander. Yay! I'm sure Maili will be thrilled.

To Love and to Cherish

I'm back in town. I made my annual trip to the Shakespearean Festival, this time with my mom and sister. I had a nice and busy time. For plays, we saw The Foreigner (not Shakespeare) and All's Well That Ends Well. They were terrific. I liked the latter far more than I thought I would, considering it's a somewhat problematic play. We did some fun shopping, too.

Now I'm back at work, feeling like I need a vacation to recover from my vacation. Typical.

In any case, I read an amazing book during the trip: Patricia Gaffney's To Love and to Cherish. There is an author quote on the cover describing this book as "one of the most hauntingly beautiful love stories I've ever read." This description is totally accurate.

Christian (Christy) Morrell is the vicar of Wyckerley. As the book begins, he is at the bedside of a dying parishioner. That man is the father of Christy's childhood friend Geoffrey, whom he has not seen in years. Geoffrey soon arrives with his wife, Anne; Christy discovers that Geoffrey is not the same person he knew years ago. This Geoffrey is ill, cruel, and violent. When Geoffrey goes off to war, Anne and Christy get to know and come to care for each other.

At first, I wondered what I would think of a hero named Christy, but 100 pages into the book, I decided I wanted a Christy Morrell of my own. He is the kind of hero I adore: observant, intellectual, and serious. He is strong, but not in a physically overpowering way; instead, it's a strength of character. I loved the way he lived his faith--it's not overbearing; it's simply part of who he is.

Anne is an equally fascinating heroine. The contrast between the way she is when Geoffrey is around in the first part of the book and the warm woman she becomes with Christy is amazing.

To Love and to Cherish features rich characterization, not just with the two main characters. Gaffney paints a vivid picture of the town and its inhabitants. I enjoyed the small touches, such as the fact that neither Anne nor Christy seems aware of how beloved they are by the townspeople.

The book isn't perfect. In one section, Anne believes that God was punishing her, and something happens toward the end of the story that is kind of glossed over. Neither of these things is completely explored; I felt a little like I'd been left hanging. Still, I adored the main characters, and I found myself going back and rereading, which is my indication of a keeper: 5 out of 5.

Hungry Tigress

I had strong and mixed feelings about White Tigress, the first book in a series by Jade Lee. I liked the writing enough that I bought Hungry Tigress at the RWA signing. Though there are some problematic parts, I liked the story overall: 4 out of 5.

Joanna is being attacked by a group of men when another man comes to her rescue. He fights off the attackers and begins escorting her back to her home. During the journey, Joanna deduces the man's identity--something he cannot allow. He strikes her throat to keep her from talking, then takes her with him until he can decide what to do.

You can probably guess the first problem I had with the story. The hero, Zou Tun, demonstrates markedly unheroic behavior by hitting her in the first place. At the end of this chapter, I put the book down for a few days. Once I picked it up again, I became engrossed in the story.

I like Lee's writing style; it's lush and evocative. I also enjoy the setting. I know little about Chinese culture, and that's perhaps one reason why I find the book so compelling. Lee paints a vivid picture of the world in which Joanna and Zou Tun live. As for the characters themselves, they start as imperfect characters but show significant growth by the end.

As for the ending, I suspect that some readers will be put off by it. Here's a spoiler (click the beginning of the white space and scroll over it if you want to read it): Zou Tun and Joanna make love while members of their families watch. I didn't love this turn of events, but I understood how the story got there. Still, it's not the most comfortable scene to read. For more information about the ending (spoilers included), read the comments.

So once again, I had mixed feelings about some parts of the book, but I liked it anyway. The third book in the series comes out in November, and I'm looking forward to it. I want to see what will happen next. The heroine and hero are both Chinese, and the heroine has been a villain in the first two books. It should be interesting.

Historical Marathon

This week, I read a number of historical romances. I've just been in a historical mood. Here are quick reviews of the books I read.

Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath
This was a lovely post-Civil War story. I thought the hero, Clay, was terrific. He was labeled a coward and deserter because he refused to fight. Now he's back home, but his war isn't over. He demonstrates an amazing quiet strength and is a beta hero. Meg starts out hating Clay because her husband died in the war. But as she spends time with Clay, she recognizes his strength and his courage. Part of the ending with the townspeople is too good to be true. However, there are several lovely moments in this book, and I found myself thinking of Clay and Meg days after reading their story. The perfect indication of a keeper: 5 out of 5.

A Promise of Love by Karen Ranney
I decided to take this one off the TBR pile after reading about it in a recent Romancing the Blog column. I'm glad I did; it's an excellent read: 4.5 out of 5. It's about a woman who is two-times widowed, then sent to Scotland, where she marries again. The marriage isn't easy. Neither of Judith's previous marriages was a happy one. Based on her previous experience, Judith is reluctant to trust anyone. I loved seeing her journey. Once Alisdair realizes what Judith has gone through, he is understanding and sympathetic. There are a few moments early in the book, however, where he acts cruelly toward her. Some readers might have trouble with this.

His Secondhand Bride by Cheryl St. John
This book has been getting raves from many bloggers, so it was a logical pick in my historical reading marathon. It's quite good: 4 out of 5. It's a marriage of convenience story about a man who marries his brother's wife after the brother dies. I enjoyed the characterization most. It's a treat to watch the vivacious Katherine and reserved Noah fall in love with each other. I was frustrated at moments when they wouldn't talk to each other about what they were feeling, but I enjoyed most of the story.

So, that's my marathon. It's interesting that none of the books I read are set in Regency England.

TBR Challenge: Mr. Impossible

Historical romance was the subgenre in last month's TBR challenge, and I am belatedly posting the results.

1. Title/Author
Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

2. Brief Synopsis
When Daphne Pembroke's brother is kidnapped, she turns to Rupert Carsington for help finding him and getting him back. She will provide the brain and Rupert the brawn. At first, she is frustrated with his apparent unthinking nature. But the more time they spend together, the more she realizes there is more to him and the more they are attracted to each other.

3. Copyright Year
2005

4. Indicate if you liked or disliked it?
I really enjoyed it: 4 out of 5.

5. Was the book designated a DIK or Five Heart book at any of the review sites?
Yes. It received an A from AAR and five hearts from The Romance Reader.

6. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewers?
I am planning to keep the book, and I will probably reread it. I believe both reviewers mention that Rupert is attracted to Daphne's mind, and I liked this aspect very much. It didn't quite make it into five-heart status for me, but it was still an excellent book.

7. Is this a new author for you?
No.

8. Would you read more by this author?
Absolutely. I have a few more books by Loretta Chase TBR as well.

August's challenge: series romance. I have lots of these on my shelves, so I should be able to read a number of them. Although it's always interesting that I'm never in the mood for whatever subgenre is the subject of that month's challenge. Haven't figured out why.