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Monday, December 01, 2008:
quickie reviews: Elizabeth Hoyt & 2 of her 4 soldiers
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Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (May 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0446406910
ISBN-13: 978-0446406918

EVEN THE MOST REFINED LADY
Lady Emeline Gordon is the model of sophistication in London’s elite social circles, always fashionable and flawlessly appropriate. As such, she is the perfect chaperone for Rebecca, the young sister of a successful Boston businessman and former Colonial soldier.
CRAVES AN UNTAMED MAN
Samuel Hartley may be wealthy, but his manners are as uncivilized as the American wilderness he was raised in. Who wears moccasins to a grand ball? His arrogant disregard for propriety infuriates Emeline, even as his boldness excites her.
TO RELEASE HER PASSION…
But beneath Samuel’s rakish manner, he is haunted by tragedy. He has come to London to settle a score, not to fall in love. And as desperately as Emeline longs to feel this shameless man’s hands upon her, to taste those same lips he uses to tease her, she must restrain herself. She is not free. But some things are beyond a lady’s control…
Emeline is a prickly lady, one who is command at all times of her emotions and her environment. Having lost her beloved young husband years ago and her dear brother more recently, she refuses to not be in control at all times.
But one look at Samuel Hartley and all that hard-won control goes right out the window. From the way he dresses to his arrogant manner, he pushes all her buttons. She argues with him, fumes at him, and is completely rude, which is unlike the lady-like face she shows in public.
And Samuel loves her for it. Haunted by a betrayal that tortured many of his comrades, Samuel is an Amercan in London on business, as well as looking for a traitor. He ends up living next door to Emeline and asks her to tutor his younger sister. The lady completely intrigues him, and he does his best to ruffle that tight control she prides herself on.
These two sizzle together. I love their chemistry, and Emeline's inability to stay away from the one man who sees past the facade she's created and prefers her that way. I like how Samuel is trying to right a wrong that was done to him and so many of the soldiers tortured or killed in his regiment.
Inevitably, they give into their intense lust. Their lovemaking is raw, earthy and swoon-worthy hot, and Emeline cannot resist surrendering to him again and again, even though she's engaged to another man she's known all her life. This hurts Samuel, as he falls in love with her, and cannot let her go.
Emotional, sensual, this love story was purely wonderful. I liked everything about it, from the arguments Samuel and Emeline constantly have, to their attraction, to Samuel's search for a traitor. I liked his affectionate relationship with his much younger sister, and Emeline's relationship with her son. She also has a close friend in Melisande, and they talk just like girlfriends do, and Melisande does not judge Emeline, but is there to listen and care for her, as friends do.
Added bonus: the fairy tale. This one tells the story of Iron Heart, and a piece of the story is revealed at the beginning of every chapter. Most enjoyable.
Rating: **** 1/2 out of *****
*****
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Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever (November 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446406929
ISBN-13: 978-0446406925
THE ONE THING HE CANNOT REVEAL
For years, Melisande Fleming has loved Lord Vale from afar . . . watching him seduce a succession of lovers, and once, catching a glimpse of heartbreaking depths beneath his roguish veneer. When he’s jilted on his wedding day, she boldly offers to be his.
TO THE ONE WOMAN HE MOST DESIRES
Vale gladly weds Melisande, if only to produce an heir. But he’s pleasantly surprised: A shy and proper Lady by day, she’s a wanton at night, giving him her body—though not her heart.
IS HIS DEEPEST NEED . . .
Determined to learn her secrets, this sinner starts to woo his seductive new wife—while hiding the nightmares from his soldiering days in the Colonies that still haunt him. Yet when a deadly betrayal from the past threatens to tear them apart, Lord Vale must bare his soul to the woman he married...or risk losing her forever.
(possible spoilers)
I love unrequited love stories, though I always prefer the hero to be in love with the heroine, but I liked Melisande a whole lot so yeah, turnabout is fairplay. Jasper, as described in "To Taste Temptation", is not really a handsome man, certainly nothing like the Nathan Kamp instep cover. But he has an engaging and charming personality and is adored by many, and loved deeply by Melisande, who saw a side to the rake that most never do, and though he doesn't know it, that moment stayed with her over the years.
When he is rejected almost at the altar, the second time a woman had broken off an engagement with him, Melisande decides to take matters in her own hands and takes an opportunity during a vulnerable moment that pays off: Jasper agrees to marry her.
Jasper is puzzled by the reserved, almost invisible woman, but he sees beyond her nondescript coloring and quiet ways into the intelligent and perceptive soul she hides from the rest of the world. He also experiences her passion, and he's captivated that this rare gem could possibly want a man like him, tortured by visions of the horrible things that happened years ago. Hunting a traitor that supposedly was not the one that hanged at Newgate prison, he's driven to discover who left them all to die. And he will protect his wife at all costs.
This was a lovely story, and though I didn't love it as much as the first book, it had it's endearing qualities. Melisande was used to being the one no one noticed while Jasper lived to be the life of the party. Yet together they meshed so well, and when Jasper finally discovers his dear wife loves him, I think it starts to heal the wounds he's carried for so long. And without giving away too much, the present that Jasper gives to Melisande at the end of the book is just so perfect because it symbolizes the treasure she truly is to him.
Another fairytale graces the beginning of every chapter , this one being "Laughing Jack". Very appropriate for this story.
Rating: **** out of *****
*****
Coming soon....
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Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (April 28, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0446406937
ISBN-13: 978-0446406932

CAN A WOUNDED BEAST . . .
Reclusive Sir Alistair Munroe has hidden in his castle ever since returning from the Colonies, scarred inside and out. But when a mysterious beauty arrives at his door, the passions he's kept suppressed for years begin to awaken.
TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST . . .
Running from past mistakes has taken legendary beauty Helen Fitzwilliam from the luxury of the ton to a crumbling Scottish castle . . . and a job as a housekeeper. Yet Helen is determined to start a new life and she won't let dust-or a beast of a man-scare her away.
TO TAME HIS MOST SECRET DESIRES?
Beneath Helen's beautiful façade, Alistair finds a courageous and sensual woman. A woman who doesn't back away from his surliness-or his scars. But just as he begins to believe in true love, Helen's secret past threatens to tear them apart. Now both Beast and Beauty must fight for the one thing neither believed they could ever find--a happy ever after.

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posted by Stacy~ at 12/01/2008 06:13:00 AM | 5 comments

Tuesday, August 26, 2008:
Booksigning! a.k.a. my new best friends
There was another booksigning in my neck of the woods this past weekend, so I tagged along with my pal and almost-neighbor Michelle, and we met the very young-looking and naughty Jenna Petersen/Jess Michaels for lunch at this cute diner called Palos Gardens, where I proceeded to have a Belgian waffle for lunch, topped with fresh strawberries and a pile of whipped cream. Um um good. I mostly listened as Michelle & Jenna talked shop, finding it fascinating but not personally having much to add to the conversation. Made me realize how much there is to know about the business and how writing is just a part of it.
Then we headed to the bookstore, which was about five minutes away:
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The scene of the crime, located @ 6509 W. 127th St. in Palos Hts, IL


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The instigaters: Jade, Kimberly, Elizabeth and Jenna/Jess
(Uh huh, they really look like trouble, don't they?)


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The shy and retiring Jade Lee (yeah right! Just ask her about Dong) She is a delight, and now I feel I must check out her books. She's got a new series coming out in September(?) which sounds very intriguing.

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Newbie author Kimberly Killion, whom I really enjoyed talking to - plus she writes about

Scottish characters AND has Nathan on her cover - srsly, what's not to like???

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Elizabeth Hoyt, who wrote the Prince trilogy (LOVED Raven Prince) and has a new

4-book historical series coming out. She also writes contemporaries as Julia Harper



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Jenna Petersen/Jess Michaels. Don't know why but I couldn't download my picture of her
from the booksigning in Palos Heights. Operater error...
Anyway, I am a huge fan of her Jess Michaels books, and definitely need to read
her Jenna Petersen books. When, I don't know...


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Bookseller Ann! I didn't know until she came up to me that I actually

know her from Lori Foster's yahoo group, the BookJunkys. She is super nice and

knows a ton about romance. It was so cool to finally meet her in person.


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yeah that's me (my longer hair making one of its last public appearances) and Ann

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Cool DIK chick Shannon, who really isn't buying books these days, well maybe just this one time...


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Michelle Buonfiglio a.k.a. my chauffeur hangin' with Shannon, who's holding...books?
****
Fun times, fun times. I find myself getting more and more comfortable at booksignings, and this one was really laid back and easy-going. I love having these opportunities to talk more informally with authors, find out about their writing, their interests, their plans for future books. 'Course they might all think I'm totally weird, and, well yeah they would be right but that's okay; I'm having fun along the way.
This bookstore was great because it's a used bookstore, so I picked up an old Linda Howard I've never read, "Shades of Twilight" (LadyB would be so proud LOL), also "A Whole New Light", a Sandra Brown book Michelle had told me about earlier in the day, and "Vows" by LaVyrle Spencer, my favorite book by her, and one I think Michelle might really enjoy for the closet scene alone.
So that was my weekend. What have you been up to?

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posted by Stacy~ at 8/26/2008 05:58:00 AM | 11 comments

Tuesday, May 20, 2008:
3 Princes...(reviews)
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Mass Market Paperback: 392 pages
Publisher: Forever (November 1, 2006)
ISBN-10: 0446618470
ISBN-13: 978-0446618472

THERE COMES A TIME IN A LADY'S LIFE...
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?
WHEN SHE MUST DO THE UNTHINKABLE...
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. Dammit! How hard can it be to find a decent secretary?
AND FIND EMPLOYMENT.
When Anna becomes the earl’s secretary, 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.

I know, I waited a long time to read this trilogy, but finally I decided to read it all in one shot. This one was probably my favorite of the three.

Widow Anna is in dire need of funds to support herself and her mother-in-law. Discovering the Earl of Swartingham is in need of a secretary has her determined to land the position in his household. Practical and not easily intimidated, she meets with his man of affairs and is accepted for the position, though doesn't meet the irrascible earl right away. By the time they do meet, she's proven herself to be a very efficient secretary, and upon finally being properly introduced to Edward, does not back down from his boorish manners, and instead of being repulsed by his less than handsome looks, she finds the earl to be rather masculine and appealing to her feminine nature.

Edward is not pleased to have a lady serve as his secretary, but as he's managed to scare off his previous employees, he doesn't have much of a choice. At first Edward finds Anna to be rather plain and lacking in color, though he's distracted by her generous mouth. The longer he gets to know her, however, the more he notices about her, and the more it appeals to him, though he's loathe to admit he's attracted to her.

Off to London to meet with the family of his prospective bride, Edward decides to make the most of this trip and take care of the unsatisfied lust he's feeling for his secretary by visiting a discreet brothel. Anna learns of his intentions, and is unusually upset and angry with the earl. Feeling the same attraction towards her employer, she decides to satisfy her own desires for Edward by becoming the woman he beds without him knowing it is she. But when feelings are engaged, will she ever be able to share her secret with the man she loves, and if he finds out, will he be able to forgive her?

My thoughts:

Like I said, this one was my favorite story. Very sensual, and definitely full of sexual tension between Anna and Edward. The earl knows he must marry, and has selected an acceptable candidate, but he's drawn to Anna, and enjoys the fact she's not afraid of him, nor is she reluctant to speak her mind. I loved how the more they were around each other, the more attracted they became. I liked their friendship, and respect for each other as well. One thing that keeps me from loving this book completely is Anna's behavior when Edward realizes she is the woman he made passionate love to in London. We had to know that when Edward finds out about Anna's deception that he will feel betrayed and will lash out at her because his feelings have become engaged and he feels like he's been played for a fool by her, but I wasn't expecting Anna to all of sudden to become meek and timid, nor to run from him with her tail between her legs. It just didn't fit with the personality she'd exhibited so far, and I was disappointed in her for this. Eventually they both come to realize that they are truly in love, and their HEA is realized, though it would have been so much more rewarding if Anna had fought for her man from the get-go. Still, this story has much to recommend it, and I was seriously engaged by it from the very beginning. It's definitely worth reading.


Rating: ****1/2 out of *****



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Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (April 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0446618489
ISBN-13: 978-0446618489

THE ONE THING A LADY MUST NEVER DO
Wealthy Lady Georgina Maitland doesn't want a husband, though she could use a good steward to run her estates. One look at Harry Pye, and Georgina knows she's not just dealing with a servant, but a man.
IS FALL IN LOVE...
Harry has known many aristocrats—including one particular nobleman who is his sworn enemy. But Harry has never met a beautiful lady so independent, uninhibited, and eager to be in his arms.
WITH HER SERVANT.
Still, it's impossible to conduct a discreet liaison when poisoned sheep, murdered villagers, and an enraged magistrate have the county in an uproar. The locals blame Harry for everything. Soon it's all Georgina can do to keep her head above water and Harry's out of the noose...without missing another night of love.

Harry Pye is not part of the aristrocracy, but Georgina doesn't care. He does his job well, and that's all that matters. When the local magistrate, an aristocrat who despises Harry, accuses him of poisoning his sheep and tries to arrest Harry, George refuses to turn him over to the authorities. She believes in the innocence of her steward, even if no one else does. Not only that, George is strongly attracted to the masculine and earthy Harry, and decides she must have him and tries to engage him in a heated affair.

But Harry isn't having it. He's too busy trying to prove his innocence and avoiding being dragged to the gallows to indulge the beautiful Georgina, despite the fact he finds her to be quite a tempting morsel. Yet he underestimates the determination and cleverness of his employer, and finds himself succumbing to her wiles even while he knows she will surely be the death of him.

To make matters worse, his enemy is more relentless than ever, and Harry realizes his lady love may be in danger. But Harry's greatest downfall may be his own feelings for the irresistible George, who makes him believe that there may actually be such a thing as a happily ever after, if only he'll survive long enough to find out.

My thoughts:

My second favorite story. Harry doesn't ask for much, just a paying job and a roof over his head. He's good at what he does and he enjoys it, and never once did he think his life would be turned upside down by love. I liked his practical nature, but also his sensual side, and his acceptance of his fate of being seduced by George. I liked how while George could come across as an airhead, she really was very intelligent and intuitive, and used men's narrowmindedness towards women to get her way. I also liked how she didn't shy away from the sexual feelings Harry ignites in her, and is very eager to explore them and see where it leads.

As someone who loves animals, anything involving an animal dying outside of natural causes bothers me, so there were a few instances I didn't care to read about. I also thought Harry's enemy, the magistrate, was incredibly cruel, even to his own children, and made a worthy villain, though he was incredibly obsessed with getting the justice he thought he was due. You just felt he couldn't be convinced of Harry's innocence, no matter what proof he was presented with.

I really liked Harry and George together, thought her sometimes her roundabout common sense and cheer did wonders for the overly serious Harry. And of course there's that lovely revelation when he realizes that George is "his lady" and nothing will do but to make her his wife, not out of any sense of duty, but because he loves the stubborn woman. Love that.

Rating: **** out of *****


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Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (September 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 044640053X
ISBN-13: 978-0446400534

WHEN THE DEVIL MEETS AN ANGEL
Country bred Lucy Craddock-Hayes is content with her quiet life. Until the day she trips over an unconscious man—a naked unconscious an—and loses her innocence forever.
HE CAN TAKE HER TO HEAVEN
Viscount Simon Iddesleigh was nearly beaten to death by his enemies. Now he’s hell-bent on vengeance. But as Lucy nurses him back to health, her honesty startles his jaded sensibilities—even as it ignites a desire that threatens to consume them both.
OR TO HELL
Charmed by Simon’s sly wit, urbane manners, and even his red-heeled shoes, Lucy falls hard and fast for him. Yet as his honor keeps him from ravishing her, his revenge sends his attackers to her door. As Simon wages war on his foes, Lucy wages her own war for his soul using the only weapon she has—her love…

Lucy believes the man in the ditch is dead when she first spots him, only to discover he's actually been beaten very badly. Unable to just leave him there, he's brought back to her home to heal.

Simon is quite taken with "his angel" and is bemused that she does not immediately swoon over him as any young lady of marriage age would. But that's just as well, as he must concentrate on getting better and not on seducing a young maiden soon to be engaged to the proper man to be her husband. Besides, Simon is obsessed with avenging the death of his older brother, and nothing will get in the way of him exacting his revenge, not even the lovely Lucy who tempts him to latch on to something clean and pure.

Lucy is fascinated by Simon, who is unlike any other man of her acquaintance. How can marriage to a country vicar ever satisfy her now when she's gotten a taste of grander things? Not one to wear her heart on her sleeve, she nevertheless falls for Simon, but accepts he will soon leave her home and walk out of her life for good, and her life will never be the same.

Simon does indeed walk away from his angel, and continues on his destructive path. He's so tired, and one thinks he almost wishes he were the one to meet his Maker instead of his enemies. His heart is dead, and once he choose his path he knew there was no turning back. But maybe the love of a good woman will cleanse his soul, and give him a peace he's never dreamed of.

My thoughts:

Much, much darker than the previous books, and it felt so different. In book one, we learn that Edward, Harry and Simon are all friends who enjoy coffee together at a coffeehouse for men who have a fascination for agriculture, and as the trilogy progresses, it is easy to match Edward and Harry as being of a similar mind and forming a life-long friendship. Simon comes across as a man more vain, what with his red pumps and wigs, and although he's an aristocrat like Edward, he just doesn't seem to mesh with the other two men. It's difficult to explain, but I wasn't as convinced of his role as friend to Harry and Edward. Maybe that's just me.

Simon comes across as a rather mocking, carefree lord, but he's also bitter, and determined to exact his revenge in a most violent and bloody way. I understood his need for Lucy, who as his angel gives him a chance at redemption, but there were moments I felt he was lost to the dark side and even Lucy wouldn't be able to bring him back. There was a hopelessness to Simon that I couldn't shake, even when there comes a moment when he does do the right thing. This story left me a little unsettled. I think if he didn't love and need Lucy as much as he did I probably wouldn't have had much of a hope for Simon. The ending is optimistic, and Simon begins to come to terms with his brother's death and learns to make peace with it, and looks forward to forging a good life with his angel. That made up for a lot, and while it wasn't my favorite, I can still say I enjoyed a lot of the story and it came to a satisfying conclusion.


Rating: **** out of *****

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posted by Stacy~ at 5/20/2008 05:48:00 AM | 7 comments