Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Legacy by Jeanette Baker

This is a story of a legacy of love and death; romance and mystery.
Legacy by Jeanette Baker

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Reprint edition (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402255837
• ISBN-13: 978-1402255830

      Genre: Time Travel?, Historical Romance
      My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
"Tantalizing...Ms. Baker kept me intrigued and enthralled...
a thought-provoking novel not to be missed."
-Rendezvous
The last of the Murrays...
Christina Murray is elated to inherit her family's ancestral home in Scotland. But upon her arrival she is confronted by her breathtakingly handsome new neighbor, Ian Douglas...and an ancient family curse that comes with the castle.
A violent legacy of passion...
Seduced by Ian's easy Scottish charm by day, Christina dreams at night of three raven-haired beauties, ancestors who fell victim to the curse one generation after another: Katrine, the fiery Jacobite supporter who lost her heart to an Englishman; Jeanne, an accused witch; and Mairi, who shared a forbidden passion with the King of England.
Now it's Christina's turn to lie in that cursed bed... and loving Ian might just cost her life.

Review: A story rich in romances over years of history.
Christina is a beautiful mature woman who is recovering from a painful divorce. She is a historical research expert but has no idea when she responds to an invitation to visit a hidden Manor in Scotland that it is the home of her ancestors.  She is even more shocked to learn that she is to inherit the place. As soon as she arrives, Christina starts dreaming of women of the past, their strong loves and tragic deaths at the hands of enemies. Then the dreams move to visions and even threaten to take her back in time.

Ian is Christina’s sexy, charming and easy going neighbor.  Slowly he begins to explain some of the family history to Christina, including the curse that dooms the family women. But he fails to reveal his own family connection and the enemies that Christina needs to protect herself from.

Through Christina’s visions the reader enjoys the passionate loves of three young Scottish women: Mairi who is loved by the King of England, Jeanne who is accused of witchcraft and Katrine who falls in love with an enemy Englishman.  Each of the women have similar health issues and their own political struggles. They each find an unexpected love but suffer tragic and brave deaths. 

Christina grows stronger and begins to embrace her new relationship with Ian. But will lies tear them apart? Will Christina survive a lurking enemy or die a tragic death which is the legacy of her ancestors?

This is a wonderfully engaging story and it is a bonus that the reader gets to share four romances that are passionate in love not just sex. All of the characters are well developed and I was fully engaged by the excellent tales woven with the rich emotions of each of the women as their own story unfolds.  Although this isn’t a true “time travel” I recommend it to those who love romance in time travel genre, historical romance, paranormal and contemporary romance. It has mystery and some suspense too in a gothic type of presentation.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on April 15, 2011.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Merely Magic by Patricia Rice

Can a man of science appreciate a woman with a spirit of magic?
Merely Magic (Magic (Sourcebooks Casablanca)) by Patricia Rice

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Reprint edition (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402251939
• ISBN-13: 978-1402251931

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description
"Patricia Rice is a master storyteller."
-Mary Jo Putney, New York Times bestselling author of Never Less than a Lady
Magic is her birthright...
The daughter of one of the strongest magical lineages, Ninian Malcom Siddons is a powerful witch. Determined to only use her magic for good, she lives a simple, solitary life as a healer in her village, where she meets Drogo.
A man of science doesn't believe in anything he can't see...
Lord Drogo Ives believes only logic and science can explain the wonders of the universe and doesn't believe the local folklore about Malcolm witches and Ives men, until he meets Ninian.
Despite the odds against them and their (many) differences, the bond between Drogo and Ninian grows stronger each moment they are together... until the chaos and danger surrounding them forces each to decide: their love... or their lives...

Review: She may not have true magical skills but her spirit is one of magic.

Ninian is a Malcolm daughter descended from a long heritage of witches who only give birth to daughters.  Ninian is a gifted herbalist and healer in a small village. She is always on the outside of the crowd as the people are a bit afraid of the rumors of the Malcolm witches. Ninian doesn’t expect to ever have a family of her own because of her solitary life.

The large manor home near the village, is owned by Lord Ives but it has been vacant for many years. The Ives men only have sons and seemed doomed to have unhappy marriages.  There is a history of an old Malcolm and Ives marriage that brought disaster to the house and village. Lord Drogo is a man of logic, math and science. Drogo is the head of the family and since he was a young teen he has been responsible for the  family finances and the corralling of the rambunctious boys, legitimate and otherwise.  He was never coddled as a boy and is not prone to express, or even allow himself to feel, much emotion. He thought he had escaped to the manor house to study stars and to get a break from the family duties.

When Ninian and Drogo meet it is like trying to put the earth and stars together but the draw between them is instant and overpowering.  Drogo is used to controlling everyone in his family. Ninian is self sufficient and doesn’t need someone to control her. She needs someone to accept and love her.  But Drogo doesn’t believe in love or witches or magic. Can they learn to accept and trust each other?

I thought this portion succinctly presents their problem (and it sounded so familiar as in my DH and myself!) “He’d given up any hope of logic from her months ago.  She had a brain. She just didn’t use it as he did.” p 267.

This book flows smoothly and beautifully. Ninian is such a giving and warm character and she draws the cool, unemotional Drogo into her joy.  I love the magical feeling that this author weaves into her stories. I have read one of the other books in the “Magic” series of Malcolms and Ives and I have several more on my TBR shelf as this is an author worth collecting.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.  (I had to wonder: what is with all the naked chests on her covers? *G*)
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on April 15, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Givaway: Highland Heat by Mary Wine

Which will prevail? Passion or moral duty and honor?
Highland Heat by Mary Wine

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402237391
• ISBN-13: 978-1402237393

Genre:  Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0

Ruined, betrayed, and banished…
As brave as she is impulsive, Deidre Chattan’s tendency to follow her heart and not her head has finally tarnished her reputation beyond repair. But when powerful Highland Laird Quinton Cameron finds her, he could care less about her past—it’s her future he’s about to change forever…

Review: This is a solidly entertaining highland romance.
Deidre was barely a young woman when she lost her heart to a deceiving man. He proclaimed love and promised marriage but was really using her to strike out at her betrothed. Disgraced and broken hearted she goes to the convent. She tries to be content and work through her shame but it is hard to dampen a true nature of passion.

Quinton, Laird Cameron, once met Deidre and was impressed by her fiery spirit. When he meets her at the convent he immediately taunts her with suggestive teasing.  She faces off with him but is unable to stop him from searching the abbey for the Queen.

Shortly after the search the Queen does seek refuge in the convent.  When she meets Deidre she decides that they look enough alike to have her play decoy. The Queen offers Deidre a position as one of her Ladies in Waiting in exchange for help.  Deidre sees this as a way to have a better life and a way to make her father proud of her.  She helps the Queen slip off but Deidre is soon captured by Cameron’s men.  They take her to Quinton thinking they have successfully delivered the Queen to him. Quinton immediately recognizes her and is pleased with his men even if they got the wrong woman.

Deidre wants to leave the Cameron clan and go to her position with the Queen but Quinton has a different idea and has no intention of allowing her out of the keep.  Thus the conflict continues in their personal battle. Quinton may be able to prevail in getting Deidre to succumb to the chemistry between them but can he capture her spirit and get her to stay? Deidre has to struggle with the internal battle of desire against the need to not dishonor her father by her actions.

The dialogue is suggestive and sexy; the conflict keen and fun. There are escapes and danger and of course a passion that flares bright and hot.  This has it’s own share of wisdom and I liked when Laird Douglas says to Deidre:

“We were all young and innocent once, lass.”...”Now ye understand what the world is really like.  Some crumble when they kicked in the jaw, but others pick themselves up and become stronger. They take the sting and pain and use them to fortify themselves.” Page 255.

That is just the sort of person Deidre is.

The characters are very likable and this is a fast, easy read. I enjoyed this romance but give caution that there is some brash, raw language.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on April 8, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: I Am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick

A wonderfully rich tapestry of royal struggles.

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140224066X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402240669

     Genre:  Historical Fiction
     My Rating: 5.0

The year is 1066.  Earl Harold Godwineson of Wessex is lawfully chosen and crowned by the English Lords as King of England - for there is no-one else with the ability to defend the land against the threat of conquest by Duke William of Normandy.
Power and Passion, Love; Loyalty and lust for a throne - One Kingdom, Two Men, One Crown

Review: I have to say that I was a bit overwhelmed as I finished this book because I found it to be so  emotionally gripping.

The book blurb and the video stress the year 1066 but that is actually the very last part of this book. This wonderful story and covers the years from 1043 leading up to 1066 where it culminates with the brutal and devastating Battle of Hastings where the English Army under King Harold II battles the Duke of Normandy who had invaded England intent on taking the crown.

There were times I had a hard time putting the book down as I was so absorbed in the lives of the characters.  Earl Harold is a warm, loving husband (although lovely wife of 20 years is a handfasted wife) and loving father. He is also a strong warrior and intelligent diplomatic leader.  The book portrays his growth from a sensitive young man to a a respected leader who is chosen as King, not so much by his ambition but by his dedication to duty and love of country.

Duke William is also portrayed as he matures. His childhood is effected by his illegitimacy which leads to his becoming a cold and harsh leader. He ruthlessly claims and controls Normandy and then sets his sights on the English Crown. He is a man who would rather wipe out a town than offer terms of surrender.  Most of his lords are loyal out of fear and intimidation.  Although he develops a special relationship with his wife, Mathilda, who is a remarkably strong and astute woman, William has little time or affection to spare anyone else, even his children.

The story is full of men (and women) fighting for power with jealousies, unreasonable expectations and betrayals. King Edward is a loved king but a weak ruler.  He has an acrimonious relationship with his very strong mother, Emma, (The Forever Queen) and a cold relationship with his wife, Edith who is Harold’s sister. Edith eventually learns how to insinuate her counsel on Edward but, in concert with another brother, Tostig, she is greedy, cruel and overly ambitious without considering the consequences for those around them.

The family dynamics are quite interesting and the constant jostling and battling for favor and position gives one pause to think how difficult it would be to live under such conditions.  The writing is rich and descriptive of the countryside, the buildings, the weather and the people. Most importantly the author does an absolutely fabulous job of weaving the lives, loves, ambitions and personalities of the characters so they become alive to the reader. I was surprised that this read faster than I expected. I did however dread reading the last 50 or so pages as I was so caught up in Harold’s life that I did not want to face the ending I knew was coming: that fateful 1066 Battle of Hastings. If you love a truly rich historical that you can become immersed in I highly recommend this series.

xxx

If you missed it - here is the link to my review of The Forever Queen.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

This giveaway is limited to US entries because of the weight of the book. 
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For two extra entries comment on the Author's Interview.

3. For and extra entry answer the Question posed by the Author at Q.14.

4. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Seven total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on April 8, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Linen Queen by Patricia Falvey

A poignant portrait of a young woman's growth in 1940's Ireland.
The Linen Queen: A Novel by Patricia Falvey

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (March 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599952009
• ISBN-13: 978-1599952000

Genre: Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description:
From Patricia Falvey, the acclaimed author of The Yellow House, comes The Linen Queen, a moving tale of love and loyalty set in Northern Ireland during the Second World War.

Winning the Linen Queen beauty competition—and its prize money—at first seems the answer to Sheila McGee’s prayers, giving her the means to escape her small mill town. Unfortunately, before she could set her plans in motion, the Belfast blitz makes it impossible for her to get the travel papers she needs. Another opportunity opens up, however, when the Americans—and Captain Joel Solomon—arrive, but even as Sheila fights to hold on to her dream, the war marches ever closer, threatening to engulf her and her friends in the flames of hatred and destruction.

Review: This is a beautiful story, set in an an unusual time and place, of a young girl's growth into a caring woman.

Sheila was Daddy’s little girl but her father left when she was a child and never returned. Sheila and her self centered mother live in a basement room beneath her strict Aunt and drunken Uncle. Sheila’s mother derides Sheila and uses guilt to take all of Sheila’s earnings.  Sheila even has to share her bed when her Aunt takes in a bitter and frightened waif. Sheila dreams of leaving her small town and now that she is 18 she has the chance to win the mill Linen Queen competition and make her escape.

Sheila’s best friend is Gavin, her childhood playmate, who took over the cargo boat  business after his father died. Sheila and Gavin have a favorite meeting place where they can look out across the water at the beautiful mountains and on a clear day they can see the lush green of the three surrounding counties. Sheila longs to go away on one of the ships while Gavin is always happy to return to port and home.  They have been like brother and sister but it seems that moody 22 year old Gavin is developing a different interest in Sheila.

Sheila is depressed when she is not even chosen for the Linen Queen competition. Although she is really a good girl, her reputation is one of a flirt.  She is independent and a bit brash, but never shabby.  Surprise circumstances result in her winning the title and money but she doesn’t get to go away because the war comes.

Many of the girls see the bright young American soldiers as a way to leave the drudgery of their lives.  Sheila slowly develops a friendship with Jewish Captain, Joel Solomon. Joel is a sober and pessimistic man who is drawn to Sheila’s vibrancy even as he acknowledges that he will probably not live through the war.  Sheila doesn’t truly love Joel but can she use him to get away from Ireland to England? Meanwhile she is at odds with Gavin who is angry at the American efforts and begins to get pulled into the IRA rebellion.

The story moves over several years showing Sheila’s character growth from her inward, self-interest focus to a giving and caring person. She is the strongest among her friends and even though there are struggles and falling outs she is there to pull them together.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story showing the insecurities, jealousies and struggles of these young Irish women.  The setting and characters are beautifully and richly portrayed.  I loved this particular bit of comfort from the orphanage Rabbi: “I have always believed that when a person dies his soul melts into tiny pieces and lodges in the hearts of those he loved.” Page 180.
I highly recommend this emotional spotlight on a unique character in a special place and time.

 xxx

Thank you to Sarah and Center Street division of Hachette for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Mandatory entry: Visit the author's website and tell something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only. (So sorry this can't be international. The book is available at Book Depository though.)
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on April 1, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Taste Me by Tamara Hogan

This story has great chemistry in the fast pace setting of a paranormal rock and roll world.

Taste Me by Tamara Hogan

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402246013
• ISBN-13: 978-1402246012

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Product Description:
He wants her so badly he can taste it…
Ever since their tempestuous fling years ago, incubus Lukas Sebastiani has known that siren Scarlett Fontaine was meant to be his. But when you’re a sex demon with an insatiable desire, relationships are…complicated.

Her siren song brings men to their knees…
Rock star Scarlett Fontaine desperately needs a break after a grueling tour. But with murder and mayhem surrounding her band, and Lukas guarding her body, life is going to be anything but peaceful.

Every encounter between them creates more turmoil—and heat—until Scarlett pushes Lukas to the boiling point, and unleashes forces that go way beyond anything she can hope to control…

Review: If you like a fast, hot beat - this is just your drum beat! (Well I tried to tie it in to music.)

Lukas is an incubus who is big, tough and swamped with multi responsibilities.  He is head of the security firm whose duties include protecting the Counsel who governs the group of unacknowledged beings on earth: incubi, Sirens, vampires, Valkyrie, and Werewolves. Lukas has special skills with his incubus nature - he can taste the emotions of others so he helps the police by tracking scents at a crime scene.  That skill includes waking him joltingly at night when he tastes lust, fear and other emotions, and a lingering taste of ashes.  Now he just has to wait for the police to call him in for his help to find a killer.

Scarlett is a petite, red-headed Siren. Her mother is on the Counsel and dating Lukas’s father, the head of the Counsel.  Scarlett is gorgeous but it is her voice that sings men into adoration.  She is a hugely successful rock star even though she doesn’t always sing the emotional songs she wrote herself. Those songs make her hurt too much as they remind her of her first love.

Lukas and Scarlett had one explosive night of love but Lukas walked away the next morning with no explanation; no goodbye.  Scarlett has worked herself to exhaustion trying to forget him.  Lukas wants her but is scared he will hurt her again so he thinks he is protecting her from himself.

When a daughter of one of the Counsel members is brutally attacked, Lukas is called upon to be the personal bodyguard for Scarlett.  He wants to protect her but this really puts him in a tense spot. Their attraction may be too much to resist.

The police and Lukas have no clue to the identity of the killer who succeeds in completely fooling them with the second attack.  Will the killer slip back to kill the first victim in the hospital and can he be stopped before Lukas has to taste the death of another victim?

The sexual tension is high and the chemistry is hot. Needless to say the book is full of sexual relationships considering it is full of vampires, incubus, sirens, weres and Valkryies.  It is expected in this story and I did not find it offensive under the circumstances. I enjoyed the heavy romance as well as the murder mystery.  I did wonder that there was so little forensic evidence to help find the killer but it helped build the tension.

There were lots of interesting characters and I enjoyed this fast, intense and rocking read.  I wouldn't be surprised if there are sequels for other characters.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.  For fun and an extra entry - tell me which being you would pick to be of those in this story:
incubus/succubus, Siren, Valkyrie, vampire, were or human?  I think I'd love to be a Siren cause I sure wish I could sing better than I can... of course attracting men wouldn't be bad either. LOL

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Five total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on March 25, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: My Love, My Enemy by Jan Cox Speas

This book contains wonderful descriptions, characters and an interesting plot.

My Love, My Enemy by Jan Cox Speas

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402255772
• ISBN-13: 978-1402255779

     Genre: Historical Fiction
     My Rating: 3.5 but please note my comments in the review.

Product Description

Casablanca Classics presents this runaway bestseller, a swashbuckling historical romance by a beloved author

A passion for adventure...

Beautiful, naïve, and impulsive, Page Bradley inadvertently rescues English spy Lord Hazard in Baltimore during the tumultuous War of 1812. Now she must put herself at the mercy of her country's enemy.

An aptitude for deception...

Lord Hazard is no stranger to the atrocities of war, but he never imagined the beauty that could come of it until he meets the fiery and irresistible Page. Now he finds himself questioning every loyalty he's ever felt for King and Country.

Amidst the turmoil of war and the peril of the high seas, these two sworn enemies are destined to discover that denying love may be worse than treason.

Review: As I prepare this review I must acknowledge that the elements to this story are wonderful.

In the summer of 1813, during the War of 1812, 18 year old irrepressible Page sneaks out from her family home on the Chesapeake for a stolen day in town. As she is returning to meet the Captain of the sloop she stowed on, she rescues an Englishman from an angry mob. Lord Hazard and his gentleman’s gentleman, join MacDougall and Page to head back to Bradley House where the gentlemen will pick up their horses and be on their way.
 
But fate has other plans. The sloop is cornered by British ships. Lord Hazard is able to take responsibility for Page, although he may not be able to stop the British Captain from impressing MacDougall into service. Lord Hazard assures Page that, even though she is surrounded by enemies, he will get her home safely.  Later they are overtaken by a Union ship. This is just the start of Page’s misadventures which are to include several more boat transfers, storms at sea, and  travels from Bermuda to France to London.

Lord Hazard is always quietly, but surely, in control and asserting his interest over Page although he doesn’t express his feelings for her until late in the story. Can Page set aside her loyalty to her family and country to accept that she loves an enemy spy?  The characters are developed with a nice subtlety that allows you to see depths from their reactions and words. It is interesting to think how the lines of country loyalties are challenged by personal friendships and relationships.

I believe the normal quote is “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts".  But that didn’t work for me with this book. Although I enjoyed the descriptions, the characters and the plot line, the story seemed very slow to me.  It seemed driven by descriptions rather than action and I really didn't feel pulled into the story until the last 50 pages. Where I might rate the individual parts as 4.0s, the overall effect was less to me.

I want to share just one scene as the descriptions of scenery and ship life and  swashbuckling are wonderful. The author places you in the setting and it seemed the author had first hand experience with all things related to ship travel.

The Caprice, like all Baltimore schooners, was a wet ship, her deck awash with green fingers of water that swirled about Page’s feet; but she ran before the storm like a gull, heeling gracefully to the gusty squalls that marched across the sea in the wake of white flaring lightning and rolling thunder, surging through the water with all the joyful abandon of a porpoise.  From the crew, batting to take in more sail, came a tattered shred of laughter blown on the wind, and Daniel Mason’s face as he walked toward Page was exhilarated rather than apprehensive.  p 127.

The romance is lovely and sweet. I do recommend it. Just be prepared for a lot of descriptive detail even though the story travels with storms and sea battles.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Tell me if you have had this experience with a book where you liked the elements but it was a slow or difficult read which you didn't expect it to be.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on March 18, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: 13, rue Therese by Elena Mauli Shapiro

This is a beautifully written and marvelously different read.
13, rue Thérèse: A Novel by Elena Mauli Shapiro

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books; 1 edition (February 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316083283
• ISBN-13: 978-0316083287

      Genre: Fiction
      My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

    Hachette Description:
    American academic Trevor Stratton discovers a box full of artifacts from World War I as he settles into his new office in Paris. The pictures, letters, and objects in the box relate to the life of Louise Brunet, a feisty, charming Frenchwoman who lived through both World Wars.

    As Trevor examines and documents the relics the box offers up, he begins to imagine the story of Louise Brunet's life: her love for a cousin who died in the war, her marriage to a man who works for her father, and her attraction to a neighbor in her building at 13 rue Thérèse. The more time he spends with the objects though, the truer his imaginings of Louise's life become, and the more he notices another alluring Frenchwoman: Josianne, his clerk, who planted the box in his office in the first place, and with whom he finds he is falling in love.

Review: This is a haunting, imaginative and lyrical story.

Trevor, an American scholar and translator, finds a box of mementoes belonging to a stranger. He proceeds to describe each article from the box as if placing a puzzle piece to form a picture. Yet, it is a life that he creates as he goes along.  There are photos of Louise and her father; photos of soldiers from WWI. Letters telling about the experience of the young man at war, including horrors and fears. There is a uniquely crafted gift made from the instruments of war and a silk handkerchief. Each has a story that Trevor shares - each a meaning in Louise’s life.

Don’t expect a romance as the love affair in the real time life of Trevor is merely a flash in the story. The portrayal of Louise is more a memoir then a simple romance.  There is love and pain and longing and guilt – lots of very normal emotions the reader can relate to. There is an early distance romance with a cousin who dies at war. There is sadness over never bearing a child. There is a teen girl, Garance, who Louise has been giving piano lessons to for years and who is a friend and an admirer. There is the sexy neighbor and sensuality and ultimately sin. There is Louise’s mischievous nature making false confessions and later making true confessions when the sins become real.

Trevor becomes so wrapped up in the story he creates for Louise that he enters her life in cameo, ghostly appearances. The life he (and the author) creates is such a real image that you have to remind yourself that it is all a fiction. It is interesting to think that the character created is presented from the view of a man imagining the longings and lustful thoughts of a woman. Although it is really a female author inside the mind of a man imagining the life of a woman.  Sort of a layered picture you could say.

I really enjoyed the clean, lyrical flow of the writing and the historical details and images that were revealed in the puzzle pieces.  The whole story portrays a slice of life in a time and in a country that I don’t read much of.  The author uses an unusual method of presentation through the objects found in the box of keepsakes.  I may not agree with the morality of the fantasy but still I found this to be a unique reading experience. I recommend that you read the print book because the pictures add impact and visual focus to make the life of Louise even more real.

The bullet pencil case:

Thank you to Regan Arthur Books division of Hachette for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Mandatory entry: Visit the author's website - you will see many of the pictures from the story!  Tell me a picture you like or tell me something of interest you find there. (Maybe you will listen to one of the French audio/video clips.)
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry: Tell me what memento might be found in a box of your keepsakes. I have some foreign coins and some shells in mine even though they wouldn't mean anything to anyone but me.

3. For an extra entry: look at the reading guide found on the Hachette book page (you have to download the document) and tell me a question you liked or something you find in the interview there.

4. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Six total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only. (So sorry this can't be international. The book is available at Book Depository though.)
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on March 18, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain

Some seemingly usual plotlines but with lots of twists.
Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402242433
• ISBN-13: 978-1402242434

      Genre: Historical Romance
      My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
"The plot has imaginative twists and turns, and the backgrounds are lush and evocative. It's good, satisfying fun."
-Publishers Weekly
She's one thing by day, something else altogether by night...
After escaping the slaughter of her clan at a young age, Scottish noblewoman Sabrina Verrick provides for her siblings by living a double life, until the night she encounters the Duke, and her secret and all she holds dear is threatened...
He's so disillusioned, he's completely vulnerable...
With his inheritance at stake, Lucien, Duke of Camareigh, sets a trap for the Scottish beauty with the piercing violet eyes, never imagining what will happen when the trap is sprung...
As their lives become irreversibly entangled, Lucien and Sabrina become each other's biggest threat, as well as their only salvation...

Review: Just as you think the story would be ending there is another twist to the plot.
Sabrina, as a child of twelve, along with her older sister, Mary, younger brother, Richard, and their Aunt, escaped from battle torn Scotland to return to the neglected family country home in England.  Sabrina begins a life as a highwayman known as Bonnie Charlie to support their family.

Now Sabrina is a feisty seventeen year old thinking that she cannot be caught.  She arrogantly walks into a trap set by the Duke of Camareigh, one of her victims. The Duke, Lucien, is rakishly handsome and is even more arrogant than Sabrina.  He wants revenge even if he is surprised to discover the bold highwayman is really just a slip of a girl. Sabrina escapes setting off a battle of revenge against each other. There is great passion between them but instead of expressing itself as love it is served up in defiance, anger and hate.

Sabrina and Mary unexpectedly meet their father who decides that he can get some handsome settlements by marrying his two beautiful daughters to wealthy husbands.  Sabrina is set to defy him but finally determines she will marry a rich nobleman to save her sister and brother.  Just as she sets up to catch a mate, Lucien steps in to foil her plans.  Her latest humiliation by Lucien sets her even more determinedly against him.

Lucien is supposed to marry a woman chosen by his Grandmother within a few weeks or his inheritance will go to his cousin, Percy.  When his fiancé disappears he sets his sights on wedding Sabrina even if she is unwilling.

There are lots of extra subplots going on while Sabrina and Lucien are wrangling.  Lucien’s cousins are plotting to kill him so they will inherit. Meanwhile, Sabrina’s sister, Mary, begins a friendship with the English soldier who is leading the search for Bonnie Charlie. It just so happens he is a soldier who Sabrina met back in Scotland and he suspects her nefarious activities.

Everything is crashing out of control for Sabrina. Sabrina and Lucien continually knock heads with their stubbornness but the top, exceedingly frustrating, stubbornness honors go to Sabrina. As Lucien says at one point... she needs to grow-up. The conflict is sort of fun but borders on becoming annoying.  It is saved by all the little twists.

The descriptions of the countryside and the homes are rich with detail which adds a fullness to the story.  I enjoyed the twisting surprises that kept popping up even to the end.  I was glad that this book did not have the same disjointedness I noted in Devil's Desire. The author did a fine job of taking some plotlines that may seem old but adding enough twists and turns to keep them interesting. I recommend this to readers who like a story with lots of emotional conflict to get through and lots of little subplots to liven up the main romance.

 xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY: 
1. Tell me a favorite (even if "old") plotline that you don't mind reading many times in historical romances. [The review mentions a couple if you need help thinking of some. :-)]
This is required for entry. Make sure you leave your e-mail address!

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.) MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on March 11, 2011.
The winners will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review: I Dream of Genies by Judi Fennell

This is a magic carpet ride of quirky genie fun.

I Dream of Genies by Judi Fennell

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (January 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402241895
• ISBN-13: 978-1402241895

      Price:  Print $7.99, Kindle $6.15
     Genre: Paranormal
     My rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Description:

He needs to change his luck, and fast!
Matt Ewing would gladly hunt down a fortune in lucky pennies if he thought it would help save his business.
But for all his hoping, Matt’s clueless when his long awaited lucky charm falls in his lap in the form of a beguiling genie. He just can’t believe that this beautiful woman could be the answer to his prayers…

She’s been bottled up for far too long!
Spending 2,000 years in a bottle would make any woman go a little stir crazy. So when Matt releases Eden from her luxurious captivity, she’s thrilled to repay him by giving him the magical boost he needs…
But for all her good intentions, Eden’s magical prowess is a little rusty and her magical mistakes become more than embarrassing. And though Eden knows falling in love will end her magic and immortality, she can’t help but be drawn to the one man who wants her just for herself…

Review: This is a fun read but maybe a little too crazy.

Eden is a feisty genie who has accidentally gotten knocked loose from her bottle. She is a bit sex starved after 2,000 years and is ready to jump Matt when he so sweetly rescues her. Eden is grabbing her chance to escape the slavery of being a genie and is thrilled when Matt helps her remove her slave bracelets.  Eden is willing to help Matt out but she doesn’t have to serve him since he doesn’t have her bottle which is lost and has to be found before the wicked Vizier Faruq finds it and enslaves her for himself.

Matt is fiercely independent and doesn’t want help from his step family or anyone else. He thinks that if he can’t make it on his own he doesn’t deserve to make it.  That attitude doesn’t stop him from taking in the neighborhood strays, like bringing in the stray cat, Eden’s friend, (sort of), Obo.   Matt thinks Eden is gorgeous but she keeps talking nonsense about crazy magic. Unfortunately Eden’s wrists were injured in her fall so her “way” of doing magic is off and her new “way” is causing havoc all around her.  Matt may not believe in genies but it’s hard to ignore a donkey popping into your house, a talking cat and a cute but fast growing pet dragon who has taken a liking to him.  And the butterflies that show up when he and Eden kiss are pretty awesome.  Not to mention the floating sensations when they finally succumb to their hormonal attraction.


When Faruq tracks Eden to Matt’s house, Matt is no match for the powerful djinn.  Even so, with Obo’s help, and Humphrey the dragon, under his hat, Matt rushes off to a magical, hidden city of genies to rescue Eden.  Now to escape Faruq they must brave the monster in the garden to get a magical and poisonous potion so they can sneak into Faruq’s fortress and steal Eden’s crystal which is Faruq’s personal GPS tag to her whereabouts.

This really started out well with light, fun humor. It just seemed to be too outlandish in the middle for me - think Alice in Wonderland and Willie Wonka style. I did enjoy the obstacle course of the gardens and the riddles (I always like those), but for some reason I wanted the story to move on.  Maybe I was just frustrated by one disaster after another.  The solution was what I expected, even though Eden was fighting it, and there was an extra sweet surprise at the ending too.

Quirky characters, an unusual plot and lots of humor make this an entertaining read.  I am interested in reading Ms. Fennell's Mer man series too.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.  My copy is being sent to Throuthehaze as a choice from her win in January's Dreaming Hop.  She is willing to take the review copy even with some teeth marks in the cover from our puppy. Enjoy the magic Throuthehaze!

Book Review and Giveaway: Kiss at Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe

What a fun read! If you are ready for laughter and love - get this book!
Kiss at Your Own Risk by Stephanie Rowe 

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (January 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140224195X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402241956
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.5 inches 

Price: Paperback $6.99; Kindle $5.49
Genre: Paranormal (Black Widow)
     My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

He needed a killer woman...
Blaine Underhill is one lucky man after having recently escaped a century and a half of imprisonment at the hands of an evil witch. Now he's determined to save his still-enslaved friend, but in order to do so, he'll need the help of one of the world's most lethal women.
She was drop dead gorgeous, literally...
Trinity Harpswell is sick and tired of being a Black Widow. Having managed to go three years without accidentally killing anyone she loves, she's one short week away from freeing herself from this killer curse forever.
When Blaine tracks her down and convinces her to help him, little does Trinity know that the next seven days are going to be murder!

Review: This may not be a 5.0 literary read but it is easily a 4.5 for sheer enjoyment!  Picture Poison Ivy (from Batman) as a reluctant Black Widow, a powerful, twisted witch, and a band of mutant super hero warriors.

Trinity has been discouraging any man from getting close because if she falls in love there is this evil spider sense that pops out to kill them.  When her spider sense is engaged she sees the weaknesses and the perfect way to kill her target.

When an assassin shows up to take her father into custody for execution, the powers that be make a deal with Trinity.  If she kills a seemingly unstoppable serial killer, they will release her dad.

Blaine and two of his friends have finally escaped the nasty witch, Angelica.  Unfortunately their fourth buddy was betrayed and has been caught.  Blaine is a man of fire. He can use his body as an inferno of defense or use all sorts of fire bombs/weapons.  Each of his friends have their own unique powers too.  Blaine needs to use Trinity’s powers to find out how to kill the witch and rescue his friend.

This might work - Trinity will go with Blaine to tell him how to kill the witch if Blaine will first go with her and kill the serial killer for her.  The guys are willing to take out the serial killer if Trinity can just see how to kill him without her being the instrument of death.

It’s not bad enough that they are going to face a chamaeleon monster, they are dodging ambushes as they go.  Besides fighting off Angelica’s nasty minions, they have to fight off the assassin who has decided to kill Trinity rather than give her father back. Then more complications arise when the guys realize that Trinity is the chosen so Angelica plans to claim Trinity’s body.

Of course Blaine is busy trying to protect the beautiful Trinity even if he isn’t sure he can trust her and he is sure he will have to kill her after they kill the witch. His protecting her is so sweet that Trinity starts to fall...which will louse up her plans to go curse free and add to Blaine’s problems of watching his back.  Needless to say it is a rollicking, crazy week and there interactions are pretty hot!

This is a very unique plot with lots of dangerous and twisted crazy characters.  I will definitely be looking to read more by Ms. Rowe!

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.  For an extra entry recommend another fun paranormal or fun book.

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Five total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on February 11, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Wolf Fever by Terry Spear

What do you get when you mix a werewolf and a psychic?  A furry vision? Just joking - more like a sexy vision.

Wolf Fever by Terry Spear

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (December 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402237529
• ISBN-13: 978-1402237522

      Price: Print $7.99; Kindle $6.39
     Genre: Paranormal Romance (Werewolves)
     My Rating:  4.25

Product Description:
She may be his destiny, but she's not his first choice...

Hospital nurse and newly turned red werewolf Carol Woods is being pressured by her pack leader to find a mate, but he's the only guy in the pack who remotely attracts her.

Why is he playing so hard to get?

The fate of the pack rests on his shoulders...

Gray pack leader Ryan McKinley doesn't want anything to do with Carol unless she's willing to embrace her wolf nature-no matter how beautiful she is.

But when a virus infects the local lupus garou pack, Ryan realizes just how wrong he's been not to seize the moment with the woman he's come to love. And now, it may be too late...

Review: I enjoyed this easy read from beginning to end.  I can’t say exactly why it caught my attention but it did.  Maybe it is the combination of  the smooth  flow of the story and the nice strong, alpha characters with their conflicts to be reckoned with. There was a good steady pace with no slow areas.

Carol, who is a strong and dedicated nurse/helper, is struggling with having been recently turned into a red werewolf.  That is not her only problem.  She has been psychic since she was seven and has had to cope with those who consider her crazy, a freak or a fraud.  Her visions are showing her danger for the werewolves as they get stuck as wolves and cannot turn back. So she is fighting extra hard not to shift. Meanwhile the pack leader is concerned she will not have control and he thinks maybe he needs to find her a mate to help her transition.

Ryan is a PI gray werewolf from another pack who solved a murder case five months earlier with the help of Carol’s descriptions.  He doesn’t believe in psychics, especially after having a bad experience with a fraud. He is convinced that Carol overheard clues and that she couldn’t have seen the details in a vision. He is intent on questioning her further so he can put the case behind him.  Or maybe he really just wants to see more of her and has accepted that fact yet.

Ryan shows up in Silver Town a few steps ahead of some red wolves who try to kidnap Carol.  Now he is determined to be her protector even if he has to confront the local pack leader, and his two single twin brothers, to get the position.

There is plenty of action throughout the story: some fun times of play, some tense dangers and some very sexy chemistry.  The sensuality and sexual encounters are handled well.  There is lots of steam but no crudeness. The author gives consistent attention to werewolf detail.  I think this author has a knack for smooth writing that easily engages your attention and keeps you involved through to the end.  This is the second book I have read in this series and I really did enjoy it.

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For three extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on January 12, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley

If you were single would you want to date a calendar guy?
Dating Mr. December  by Phillipa Ashley

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (November 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402241429
• ISBN-13: 978-1402241420

     Price:  Print $9.99; Kindle $7.19
     Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Comedy
     My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description from Sourcebooks
She doesn’t need rescuing, she only needs a change of scenery...

After a disastrous discovery loses Emma Tremayne both her boyfriend and her high-profile PR job in London, she moves to the Lake District to recover her confidence and live a simpler life. She loves her new job with the tourist board, and she’s settling into small town life just fine—until she ends up responsible for a fundraising effort that calls for twelve naked mountain rescuers...

Review: This is a very cute, quick read.
Emma Tremayne, as the new tourist PR person in a small community, decides to help raise funds to get a new base for the mountain rescue team.  But her idea of a “beef cake” calendar isn’t immediately accepted by all of the rescuers.  Especially not by the taciturn and grim Will Tennant, who is also a ruggedly handsome male specimen.  Emma has already lost at love and isn’t interested in hunting out a new love interest. Especially not a guy who is rumored to notch the bedpost and jilted his ex fiancé the morning of their wedding. But it’s hard for her not to think a bit about Will’s sensual body.

Will is a man who keeps his secrets tight.  He may be fascinated by this sexy lady but that doesn’t mean he wants to get close. Besides, every time they run into each other she brings out the snarls in him as they are drawn to each other and then push away.  After several months he gives in and decides he at least wants a date with her to try to show her he can be civilized.  Although the date turns into a day of sharing, can Will set aside his pride and take the risk of letting Emma know how he feels? Or will Emma end up with broken heart again?

I enjoyed the snippy humor and snappy characters. The writing is light and the pace moves briskly.  If you are in the mood for a light, fun, “push and pull” romance you should check this one out.  I am interested to see how it will come out in the TV special.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2.  One extra entry: Answer the Question at the top of this post. :o) 

3. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on January 5, 2011. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

Here is another book that historical romance readers can love.
The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc. (December 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402241372
• ISBN-13: 978-1402241376    

      Price:  Print $11.55; Kindle $9.99
     Genre:  Historical Fiction with Memory Time Travel
     My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Back Cover Description (I thought this was most accurate of the descriptions I found):

History has all but forgotten...
In the spring of 1708, an invading Jacobite fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeeded in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim his crown.
Now, Carrie McClelland hopes to turn that story into her next bestselling novel. Settling herself in the shadow of Slains Castle, she creates a heroine named for one of her own ancestors and starts to write.
But when she discovers her novel is more fact than fiction, Carrie wonders if she might be dealing with ancestral memory, making her the only living person who knows the truth of what really happened all those years ago -- a tale of love and loyalty... and ultimate betrayal.

Review:  This engaging story has the added twist of covering two romances: one set in 1708 Scotland and the other in the present.

Author, Carrie McClelland, decides to view first hand some of the sites that are to be included in her next historical novel.  She intends to write about the 1708 failed attempt to return King James to the throne of England. The central character was to be Nathaniel Hooke but Carrie’s agent suggests that she use someone else to present the story; perhaps a woman.  Carrie begins to think about a good Scottish name for her female character and the next thing she knows the character, Sophia, is writing her own story.

Carrie moves into a quaint cottage where she can see the sea and visit the nearby castle of Slains where Nathaniel would have visited.  Bit by bit she begins to find everything seems familiar. There are details that she just shouldn’t or couldn’t know - the layout of the castle, now in ruins, or the names of the ships and visitors.  Once they appear in her drafts she discovers  research that reveals that the “fiction” she is writing is supported by the “facts” of historical records.

Sophia tells her own story as she joins a household that is involved in the political aspects of the Jacobite rebellion.  They have to hide their support and efforts because there are spies all around.  Sophia draws the attention of the mature Captain Gordon but it is the quiet and intense John Moray who catches her attention. Moray is traveling with Hooke but he needs to "lay low" as he is considered an outlaw.

Just as Sophia becomes entangled with two men in the past, Carrie is presented with the dilemma of being attracted to the two sons of her landlord.  The younger son, Stuart, is the handsome, active businessman who is pleased to take Carrie out to lunch and show her about the community.  Then she meets the older brother, Graham, who is the quiet but intense history professor and who looks an awful lot like Sophia’s Mr. Moray.

I enjoyed how the author presented the 1708 story through Carrie’s “genetic memories” of Sophia’s life.  I was glad of the surprise ending that I didn’t expect.

The book has a somber, haunting, tone to it and I was trying to peg the feeling it invoked.  I think the author described this well in our interview when she said that the label she would use is “modern gothic”.  That does fit well as the story has the eerie mystery aspect of a good gothic romance.
I recommend this fine read to historical fiction and gothic fans!

xxx

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

4.  For two extra entries, comment on the author interview.

(Six total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on January 4, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.

Book Review and ARC Giveway: The Taming of a Wolf by Lydia Dare

This is a warm, fast read with really likable characters.
The Taming of a Wolf by Lydia Dare.

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (November 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402244371
• ISBN-13: 978-1402244377

    Genre: Paranormal Romance
    My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description from Sourcebooks:

He could never lose control…
Dashiel Thorpe, Earl of Brimsworth, has spent his life fighting the wolf within him. But when the full moon rises, Dash is helpless. A chance encounter with Caitrin Macleod on a moonlit night inadvertently binds the two together irrevocably, and Dash’s impulsiveness plunges them both into a nightmare…

She never saw him coming…
Caitrin Macleod is no quiet country lass, but a witch with remarkable abilities. But when it comes to Dashiel, she’s as helpless to fight his true nature as he is. Her senses overwhelmed, she runs back to the safety and security of her native Scotland…

But Dashiel is determined to follow her—she’s the only woman who can free him from a fate worse than death. And Caitrin will ultimately have to decide whether she’s running from danger, or true love…

Review: I liked the characters right away in this easy read.  The story is completely character centered and since I had not read the previous books in the series I had no prior impressions. The action is basically in the "chase".  The story is focused on the dilemma Dashiel creates when he bites Caitrin, inadvertently claiming her as his mate.

Dashiel apparently (prior book?) has only recently learned that he is a Lycan and he wants to learn how to control his beastly nature. He is determined to seek out the mentor who has been recommended to him. But on the trip from England to Scotland he is glad to follow and accompany the beauty who now compels his attention. He is extremely charming and the interaction between the two is fun to follow.

Caitrin has the ability to see the futures of those around her. This can be used to help but is also quite distressing in public places.  Caitrin is surprised when she is unable to sense any future whenever she is with Dashiel.  However, Caitrin is adverse to those of wolf nature having apparently had a bad experience (prior book?) with at least one. This dislike remains even though her best friend and former coven member has married a Lycan.  Caitrin  doesn’t realize the import of the bite from Dashiel and attempts to ditch him even as she is drawn in by his charm and warmth.

A very pleasant and sensual courtship dance ensues as Dash directs his efforts to wooing Caitrin. When she finally surrenders, her love is strong and all accepting, which is quite nicely portrayed. There are other characters to flesh out the story including Caitrin’s light-hearted father and her very quirky coven “sisters.”  The most difficult character is Dashiel’s very critical, negative and bitter father who has contributed to Dashiel's self loathing. The father’s rather easy turn around with Caitrin’s help seemed a bit too simplistic but since it was only a side note to Dashiel’s own changes I didn’t let it bother me.

I liked the historical setting as well as the paranormal, wolf and witch, elements. This was just a fun and pleasant read and was fine as a stand alone although I think the whole series would be enjoyable to read. I would certainly like to read more by Lydia Dare.  I recommend this book if you are looking for a quick, warm romance.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the book to read and review. I'm sorry I have only one of these to give away.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC COPY:

1.Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you find there.
Please leave your e-mail!

2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

(Four total entries possible.)
It is not necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on December 14, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.