The Trouble with Honor...And there is a lot of Trouble: Reviews

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE TROUBLE WITH HONOR
(Cabot Sisters: Book 1)
Written by Julia London
genre: historical romance

3 STARS 

Honor Cabot has never wanted to fall the rules and living under stepfather's roof and money allows the eldest Cabot daughter some freedom.  Now that her stepfather is on his deathbed and her stepbrother is to marry her rival Honor is being forced to marry.

Knowing all the consequences she goes to a well-known rake, George Easton to have him woo Monica, her sister-in-law, so she can break off the engagement.  Instead Honor falls for George but of course he keeps her at an arm's length.

I have to say I could not like Honor Cabot no matter how much I tried.  She was very selfish and a bit of a bully.  I felt bad for her rival, Monica who we were supposed to see as the bully and selfish.  George Easton was also self serving so I guess in the end they made a good pair.  The last half of the novel dragged a bit in trying to get a HEA ending. As much as I like Julia London's writing I will not be continuing with this series.


love,
kris

All I Wanted Was to Stop Reading: Review

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

ALL I WANT IS YOU
Written by Elizabeth Anthony
genre: erotica, historical erotica

DNF

At age thirteen Sophie loses her father to the Great War and her mother to an illness.  Like her mother before her she is soon a maid at the Great Hall - the country house of a Duke.  There she discovers her mother was a bit too friendly with men and her father may not be her biological dad.  Wanting a better life she declines her childhood friend's proposal and instead is being lead to a world of sex and secrets by the late Duke's widow.

This is an erotic novel set during and post WWI.  The novel is trying to be Downton Abbey but instead of scandalous it falls a bit flat due to the very simplistic writing.  If you are looking for an erotic novel and writing does not matter you may be able to finish this novel.

love,
kris

Novella Review: To All the Rakes I've Loved Before

dear readers,

Looking for a short read that will give you a novel experience...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

TO ALL THE RAKES I"VE LOVED BEFORE
(Honeycote: Book 1.5)
written by Anne Barton
genre: historical romance, novella

4 STARS

To All the Rakes I've Loved Before features Owen Sherbourne's cousin Amelia Wimple whose wealth comes from trade instead of being a peer.   Along with not fitting in, Amelia has also been jilted in favour of another woman.  Defeated she retreats to her home reading gossip rags.  Her strong-willed mother has left on a trip leaving her home alone.  All is going well until one night her ex-finace brings to her door, Lord Stephen Brookes and soon her own life is worthy of the gossip newspapers she loves to read.

I loved Barton's first novel and this novella did not disappoint.  I do wish it was longer but Barton was able to put everything in this novella that was needed to tell a story.  I liked that characters from book one make small appearances and am waiting to read book two in this fun series.

love, 
kris

One Too Many Problems: Review

dear readers,

I am a "read in order" reader.  I have to start with book one and if I can start with the author's first book written I will.  Maybe I'm too curious...or nosey...I don't ever want to miss a thing...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

ONE TOO MANY ROGUES
(Rival Rogues: Book 1)
written by Samantha Grace
genre: historical fiction, historical romance, romance

3 STARS

Gabby has loved Anthony, her brother's best friend, for as long as she can remember.  When they are alone she thinks he may feel for her what she feels for him, but when her brothers appear he becomes aloof.  Anthony has already broke Gabby's heart once by marrying another woman.  When he becomes a widower he promises Gabby he will marry her but has to go do one thing before he can ask her brothers for her hand in marriage.  Feeling abandoned she lets Sebastian, a rogue, charm her into letting him court her.  When Anthony finds out Sebastian they begin a wager for Gabby's heart and hand.

First of all - while this is a novel in a new series the series is connected with her first series, Beau Monde Bachelor.  This novel may reveal some of the plots from her previous novel.  Gabby's brothers have their story in that series. 

I enjoyed this novel but I kept getting this sense of Im missing some of the story due to the fact Grace hints at backstories (as I have said above).  I also did not care for Gabby that much.  She seemed to create her own problems and then was confused as to why she was in a pickle.  Anthony also dragged things out so much I did not blame Gabby for wanting Sebastian for simplicity.  I think I will start at the beginning with Samantha Grace and see if I like her first novel any better.

love, 
kris

Novak is Back with a Historical Romance: Through the Smoke

dear readers,

I have been a fan of Brenda Novak's romantic suspense when I read her Last Stand series. Next I tried Whiskey Creek and became a fan of her contemporary romance.  Only one more of Novak's romantic genre was left to try...historical romance... 

(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review).

THROUGH THE SMOKE
Standalone
Written by Brenda Novak 
genre: historical romance

4 STARS

Although Truman's wife Lady Katherine betrayed and taunted him he must find her murderer.  While his powerful in-laws are hoping he is hanged for their daughter's death he tries to find out who was responsible for the fire. After much investigating alongside his butler, Linley he turns to bookstore owner Rachel for answers.  Was her father paid to set Truman's house on fire? And who paid him to do it? 

Rachel meanwhile loses her mother and Truman's attention has turned the townspeople against her.  Without her bookstore and having to take care of her brother she takes Truman's offer to work in his household service.  

As the two try to stay away from one another Lady Katherine's murder seems to bring the two closer.  As they try to figure out the mystery the more desperate the murderer seems to become.

Brenda Novak started out writing historical novels and has returned to her roots with Through the Smoke.  This is my first historical novel by Novak and definitely will not be my last.  I read this novel in one setting and really enjoyed it. I like historical romances but the mystery and suspense in this novel just heighten my enjoyment.  If you are a fan of historical romances, mystery and suspense or of Novak you will need to read this novel!

*Through the Smoke was published October 15, 2013.


Read an excerpt on Brenda Novak's website:
http://www.brendanovak.com/bookshelf/historicals/through-the-smoke/

For more Historical Romances by Brenda Novak:
http://www.brendanovak.com/bookshelf/historicals/


love, 
kris

The Good, The Bad and Just Don't Read: Reviews

dear readers,

I read a few romances lately and here is what I thought:

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE GOOD

BITE ME, YOUR GRACE
(Bite Me, Your Grace: Book 1)
Written by Brooklyn Ann 
genre: Historical Paranormal Romance 

4 STARS 

On the heels of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Dr. John Polidori's writes his own ghost story, The Vampyre. Written after a weekend spent writing ghost stories with Lord Byron. The novel hits the ton and begins a new craze and a new crazy.

Ian Ashton - lord of the Vampires in London - already has to dispel rumors of being a creature of the night by doing what vampires supposedly cannot do like standing in front of mirrors and eating garlic. Now with this new book that seems to know more than it should and some crazy loose on the ton - he has to deal with his neighbor Angelica Winthrope who wishes to be the next Mary Shelley.

Angelica wants to write, not marry a Lord. When her mysterious neighbor shows interest in marrying her she does everything to thwart him. Soon the aspiring horror writer and creature of the night marry and that is only the beginning...

I really really enjoyed this humorous paranormal gothic historical romance novel! It has the perfect blend of contemporary humor with Regency history. I myself love Mary Shelly and her novel, Frankenstein. The group she hung around with were great writers themselves and it was interesting to have them be an influence in this book. Lord Byron - can you write gothic without him? This is a great novel if you are not sure about historical romances or paranormal as it gives you a great taste of the genre.


THE BAD

WHERE MAGIC DWELLS
Written by Rexanne Becnel
genre: Historical Romance with Paranormal aspects 

3 STARS

Wynne is a seeress and guardian to 5 orphaned children in the Radnor Forest in Wales. The young children are results of English soldiers raping Welsh women and leaving them pregnant. Cleve, an English Soldier has come to Radnor Forest to search for one of those children who may be the heir to his kingdom. Wynne will do anything to protect the children as Cleve will do the same for his kingdom.

An okay historical romance that was a bit cliched and lacked the sparks between the hero and heroine.


AND JUST DON'T READ

EMMA: A LATTER-DAY TALE

by Rebecca H. Jamison 
genre: modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma 

DNF (Did not finish)

This novel used too much of the original novel to be unique and was not interesting enough to keep reading.  Read about 45%.  Maybe the modern twist was in the half I did not read. I adore Jane Austen's Emma and Highly recommend you read that instead...or if you are looking for a modern-ish retelling try the movie Clueless.

love,
kris

The Bath Quadrille...a perfect read for your bath: Review

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE BATH QUADRILLE

(The Bath Trilogy: Book One)
Written by Amanda Scott
genre: historical romance, cozy

4 Stars

Ned and Sybilla have lived more years apart than together in their married lives.  Neither can let the other lead and when rumors drive them apart Sybilla runs back to her family that relies on her to make it through life.  Ned is disgusted with her family and his own pride keeps him from asking his wife to return.  Sybilla feels her father and siblings need her and her fear that Ned loves another keeps her from Ned.

When Ned's mother reluctantly tells him that Sybilla has been send her letters asking for large amounts of money he goes to Bath to confront his wife.  Seeing one another ignites the once dimmed spark and when Brandon - Sybilla's brother - is injured Ned thrusts his help on her.  As they keep being put together they find it harder to part.

A fun romantic comedy set in historical times.  It's predictable and yet that is what is so great about this novel.  You know what is going to happen but still want to go along for the ride.  Ned is dashing and proud and Sybilla is independent and loving.  Add in eccentric fathers, a meddling aunt, scandalous siblings and you have a great afternoon read.

I will be reviewing the remaining two novels in the series in the coming months.



love,
kris

When a Lad Meets a Lassie: Review

dear readers,

Taking a trip to the Highlands...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

HIGHLANDER MOST WANTED

(Montgomery & Armstrong: Book One)

Written by Maya Banks
genre: historical romance

4 STARS

When Bowen Montgomery storms into the McHugh Keep he is not expecting to meet a woman like Genevieve.  A strong woman who stands up for the McHugh clan even though most do not seem to care for her. Genevieve views herself as a shame to family and her will to live broken.  When Bowen enters her life and stands up for her she comes to realize she is starting to feel again. But Genevieve has a secret that could cause Bowen to not only abandon her but hate her forever.  Yet, not telling him would eat at her conscience.  She resolves to tell the truth and return to her plans before Bowen to live in an Abbey; and Bowen once he knows her secret knows he will be alone again.  Will anything bring the two hope of a life together?

I am a big fan of Maya Banks' Highlander series yet this one was not to the scale of her previous novels. While I liked Genevieve and Bowen I was not always sure they were soul mates.  There wasn't as much excitement as her previous Montgomery and Armstrong novel.  Then again I would still recommend this book, and the series, to any historical romance lover.

  

I was hoping that in the next novel that it would be Brodie Armstrong and Taliesan's story AND IT IS!!!

After Scotland’s three strongest clans forge a formidable alliance, an uneasy king plots to consolidate power. Knowing that true strength lies in possessing land, fealty, and hearts, he orders sweet Taliesan McHugh to submit to a marriage that will give him control of the coveted McHugh keep. A tender beauty, Taliesan accepts her fate, certain that her lame leg has made her undesirable to any man—until she is swept into the powerful embrace of rugged, devilishly sensual Brodie Armstrong, a warrior who vows to shield her from brutality at any cost.  

Fearless and bold, Brodie refuses his king’s command to stand down. Instead, he conspires to rescue the rare beauty whose bravery and innocence stir his blood as no woman ever has. As desperate power struggles reverberate throughout the Highlands, Brodie defies his king and devotes himself to the only mission that commands his loyalty, his blood, and his honor: winning Taliesan’s heart.

COMING SEPTEMBER 24, 2013!

HER SCANDALOUS AFFAIR: Oh My! (Review)

dear readers,

HER SCANDALOUS AFFAIR
Written by Candice Hern
genre: historical romance

4 STARS

Richard (aka Major Lord Mallory) returns home from the wars and finds his beloved grandfather on his deathbed.  His cold non-maternal grandmother sends him on a mission to find the long-lost Mallory heart before her husband dies.  At one of the social events in London he sees the brooch pinned to Lady Isabel Weymouth's bosom.  Was this socialite widow a jewel thief as well?  Richard steals the brooch from Isabel (who is borrowing the jewelry from her grandmother) then Isabel steals it back the next day.  So begins the game of jewel thievery but soon they don't know if they are stealing the brooch or one anothers's heart.

A fun historical romp sizzling with passion and a hint of mystery and action.  A great read all around.  Hern has as a way with dialogue and characters.  Even when they were a bit cliched you still felt love or hate for them.  It is a predictable story that keeps you entertained.

love,
kris