Raybourn Returns to the British Colonies: Reviews

dear readers,

WHISPER OF JASMINE
(Book 0.5)
written by Deanna Raybourn
genre: historical fiction, romance

4 STARS 

Delilah Drummond, heroine from A Spear of Summer Grass, is throwing a grand New Year's Eve party in 1914.  She will not let a little thing like war stop her from having the party she wants.  Also on the socialite's agenda is matchmaking for four of he friends. But within minutes of them all showing up the dashing archaeologist, Gabriel Stark tries to sweep Evangeline Merriweather, a practical girl wanting adventure and love off of her feet.

The Jasmine books seem like a spin-off from the Ryder books but do not look like they are part of one series.

This a short fun romantic story that introduces readers to Gabriel Stark and Evangeline Merriweather.  As the novella ends you ready for the full-length novel and what their next adventure is. Right away you are charmed by the shy but adventure-seeking heroine, Evie and fall for lovely Gabriel.

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

CITY OF JASMINE

(Book 1)

written by Deanna Raybourn

genre: historical fiction, romance

3 STARS

The Great War has ended and the now widowed, Evie is trying to support herself and her aunt Dove with her fame as an aviatrix.  Evie and Gabriel were going to divorce before he died on the Lusitania and Evie was left with mix feelings.  While their whirlwind courtship and marriage was ending Evie has always loved her adventurer husband.  Five years since Gabriel's death  Evie is finally moving on with her life when she receives a recent picture of Gabriel.  She suddenly puts her life on hold and sets out to find out the mystery behind the picture.  

Since the novel was set in the 1920s I cannot help but picture Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable as Evie and Gabriel.  I did like the banter between and love story of the Starks but there were times in the novel where the book dragged on longer then it should have.  I enjoyed the novel but I still prefer Lady Julia.

love,

kris

Review: Caroline and the Duke

dear readers,

I have been reading more novellas in the last couple years and have gotten more into the genre than I thought I would.  A talented author should be able to tell a great story whether it is novel length or a short story. I like that with novellas they can introduce you to a new series or author. It is a good way to see if an author or series might be to your liking without committing to a longer read.  It may also fill the space in between novels. Waiting for the new book in a series can be torturous so it's nice when an author releases a novella so you have something to whet your appetite while you wait. But for some authors this may not be a good way to introduce their writing as it may turn off a reader rather than draw them in...

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

CAROLINE AND THE DUKE
(Novella)
written by Sabrina Darby
genre: historical romance, novella

2 Stars 

Caroline was once in love with Duke Sutbridge but he was not quick enough to propose so she married another man with a title.  The man she married was cruel and even after giving him an heir and a spare he still lavished all his attention on his mistress.  When he dies Caroline does not want to get trapped into another arranged marriage.

Her married friend and sister of Sutbridge tells her to find a lover instead so she can get her pleasure without committing.  Caroline looks to Sutbridge to fulfill her urges but he wants a commitment from her.  He has been waiting for her and will not accept anything else.

Will one of them bend or will they live another few decades without each other?

A very short story with nothing to hold the reader's attention.  The plot sounded good but unfortunately, the author did not use banter or chemistry.  

There are too many good novellas out there to bother with this one.

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

A January Bride - Review

dear readers,

After having a great time reading A December Bride I thought I would give A January Bride a chance... 

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

A JANUARY BRIDE
(Year of Weddings: Two)
Written by Deborah Raney
genre: contemporary romance

3.5 STARS 

Author Madeline Houser has come help her sister and with their mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's. When the electricity conks out Madeline's elderly neighbour suggests her friend's vacant inn as a place to write. Arthur Tyler, an English professor, lost the love of his life and cannot really move on, nor can he sell the inn. The two mistake each other for an elderly person and communicate openly through notes. Can two lonely people help each other find love?

A cute engaging contemporary love story. There is some mention of religion in this novel but it is not overly done. Perfect for a quick fun read.

Novella was released December 24, 2013.
http://zondervan.com/9780310337706


love, 
kris  

Novella of a Good Time: Reviews

dear readers,

I am still not feeling to great but am getting better.  Tomorrow I might even get out of p.j.s - baby steps. I am a bit quarantined right now so I don't spread this to my loved ones.  I am missing my love but have had more time to read. As I was napping here and there I decided to read some novellas I have lined up on my TBR.  For me novellas are hit or miss - but with the explosion of novellas coming out for series as a sample of what is to come - I have been liking them a bit more.  I still would prefer the full-length novel but novellas are starting to tied me over.  Fortunately, this round of novellas were great...

Looking for a stand alone contemporary romance novella...

THE BRIDESMAID 
written by Julia London
genre: novella, short fiction, contemporary romance, romantic comedy

4 STARS

 Kate Preston loves her job as an assistant editor in New York even if it does not pay well.  What she does not like is the hideous maid of honour dress her cousin and best friend has picked out for her to wear.  As she wrestles the dress on the plane to Seattle nothing from then on seems to go right.  First her seat meat hogs the seat rest, then there is turbulance is on the plane causing them to land followed by the air-controllers going on strike. When the last of the cars are taken, Kate is forced to carpool with Joe her plane seat mate.  As they race across the country to make it to Seattle love seems to be in the air.

Julia London's new novella is a fun romantic comedy.  It is short but has all the ingredients for a great contemporary romance.  I loved the romance between Joe and Kate and the banter they have on the trip. I strongly recommend this short fiction to all romance readers.

*BRIDESMAID was released October 1, 2013

Looking for a contemporary romance part of a series novella...

A December Bride

(A Year of Weddings: One)*

Written by Denise Hunter

genre: novella, short fiction, contemporary romance

4 STARS

Five hours till Layla's cousin's wedding her date comes down with strep throat.  Normally she would not mind attending a wedding on her own but not when her cousin is marrying her ex-finace.  Out of options Layla asks Murphy their mutual friend, and the person she blames for her cousin and fiance getting together.  Murphy in a moment of anger tells Layla's spoiled cousin, Jessica that he has asked Layla to marry him on Christmas eve.   Layla angry wants Murphy to retract but then she is given an opportunity for a job offer because of her relationship with him.  While they try to pretend to be love Murphy hopes that it can become a reality.

A cute romantic story.  I hate when a friend or family member thinks is okay to steal a boyfriend.  It makes me a bit anxious for the heroine as they usually have to still be apart of that cheater's life.  I do get a nice glowing feeling knowing that Layla's ex will have to live with Jessica all his life.  Murphy is the kind of guy romance readers long for and does not disappoint.

*A Year of Weddings are novellas for each month and are written by different authors.  Right now I am reading, A January Bride.

**This novella is part of Denise Hunter's Chapel Springs series - Layla's brother, Beckett's story.
*** A December Bride was released November 26, 2013

Looking for a suspense mystery part of a series novella...

The 7th Month

(D.D. Warren: Book 5.5)

Written by Lisa Gardner

genre: novella, short fiction, contemporary, suspense, mystery

4 STARS

At seven months pregnant D.D. Warren has been taken out of the field to man the office.  When a movie producer asks for her help on consulting on a movie she says yes just to get out of the station.  But the moment she hits the set she finds out the former police consultant has been found murdered.  Now she has to go to the set and figure out why he's dead and who did it.

This short fiction is rather good with suspense and mystery.  D.D. is her ornery observant self.  Pregnancy does not slow her down.  On the romance front D.D. has to decide whether she will move in with Alex.

* The 7th Month was published in January 2012.

** I will be reviewing Lisa Gardner's Fear Nothing (Book 7) in the D.D. Warren series tomorrow 

Looking for a stand alone paranormal romance/holiday novella...

A VAMPIRE'S CHRISTMAS CAROL

written by Cynthia Eden

genre: novella, short fiction, contemporary, paranormal romance

4 STARS 

 

Ben Prescott, a vampire, hates Christmas and the joyous season that comes with it.  SInce losing his love he stalks in the shadow offer his own sense of vengeance.  His latest kill brings about three spirits that ask Ben to look at his life and change before his soul is gone forever.

A great retelling of Dickens' Christmas Carol with a lovelorn vampire as scrooge.  Eden takes a story known by all and gives it a twist to engage her Paranormal Romance readers.  It is a short tale certain to please. 

A Vampire's Christmas Carol was published November 5, 2013.

*I was given an advance copy of Bridesmaid, A December Bride and A Vampire's Christmas Carol (from NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.

love, 
kris 

I apologize...AGAIN!!!

dear readers,

I have gotten my act together, I swear, and will be revamping my blog so that there will be daily posts.  Please let me know what you like and don't like.

I am currently reading Karin Slaughter's new novel, Unseen in the Will Trent series.  I have received this copy through NetGalley by Random House and will be reviewing this soon.

Last night I read Slaughter's novella Busted, which is the prequel to Unseen, and enjoyed the story but was left wanting more of Will and was disappointed that Sara wasn't even in the story.  The short story opens with Will in a convenience store in Georgia getting a drink when all hell breaks loose. A man tries to rob the store but then a cop is shot, the clerk goes missing and the money...is any one's guess.  Will, a GBI agent, is undercover as Bill the criminal and soon finds himself involved in a crime with twists and turns.

A great prequel to UNSEEN...a few chapters in.

love,
kris

Mystery Novellas: Reviews

dear readers,

My first time reading novellas from two of my favourite suspense authors...

SNATCHED
(Book 5.5 - Novella)
Written by Karin Slaughter
genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

4 STARS

Will Trent is on a sting operation when he spots something amiss between a little girl and man.  Thinking that this could be an abduction Will goes with his instinct and runs after the man.  As he chases him through the airport Will calls in help from Atlanta Team.

I really liked this novella - and not just because of Will Trent but - because there was so much Slaughter's action packed into this small prose.  I, of course, wanted more but felt that the story came to a good ending.

Will Trent
1. Triptych (2006)
2. Fractured (2008)
3. Genesis (2009)
aka Undone
4. Broken (2010)
5. Fallen (2011)
6. Snatched (2012)
7. Criminal (2012) - I will be reading this one later this month!

*covers are from the UK

CLOUDED VISION 
Novella
Written by Linwood Barclay
genre: mystery, suspense

3 STARS

Ellie Garfield, wife and mother of a pregnant girl, has not returned home and her family is worried.  Wendell and Melissa take to the air begging for their mother/wife's return. Enter Keisha Ceylon psychic or con artist tries to beat Winonna (another psychic) to the Garfield home to help locate Ellie.  What Keisha, Wendell and Melissa don't know in this case might just hurt them!

A fun short story BUT I wanted more.  A great story for those who like a good suspense/mystery.  It actually reminded me of an episode of Dateline Mysteries - where you just get the bare bones of the case.

love,
kris