Book Review and Giveaway: The Seducer by Madeline Hunter

This shares a romance leading to redemption of a dark hero.

The Seducer
by Madeline Hunter

• Series: Get Connected Romances
• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Bantam; Reprint edition (September 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553585894

Genre: Regency, Historical Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 30, 2003
THE SEDUCER
From the moment he arrived to rescue her, Diane Albret saw more in the darkly handsome, charismatic gentleman than just a guardian. Over the years that have passed since she first laid eyes on Daniel St. John, he had become, quite simply, the most dangerously irresistible man she could ever have imagined. Diane herself has changed from a bewildered schoolgirl, tragically orphaned, into a determined young woman of alluring charm and beauty. Now, leaving the cloistered life of her school, she has been brought to Daniel’s home with dreams of her own amid rumors and hints of scandal. But the legendary seducer seems to have other plans for Diane—and he possesses a secret about her lost past that he will do everything to keep: a secret that will put both their lives in jeopardy, even as the passion they have denied for so long threatens to break out of all control.

Review:
Diane Albret, raised in a girls’ home since a toddler, doesn’t really remember her past. However she obsesses on finding a family connection to ease her sense of being alone. Now Diane is grown and facing trouble from one of the staff. Her guardian, Daniel St. John, whom she knows as “the Devil Man” who visits once a year, is called in. Diane is more clever and observant than they realize. She recognizes a danger in St. John but she also sees more - and a way out. She weighs the consequences of remaining in the home or going with St. John where she plans to seek a governess position while seeking her ancestors.

St. John, although handsome and sophisticated, is primarily a harsh-visaged, curt man. When he sees that Diane had grown to be a fetching, innocent beauty he realizes that he can use her in a plan of revenge. He takes her home where Diane is relieved to discover his crippled sister, Jeanette, who will serve as a chaperone and mentor to Diane.

St. John and Jeanette won’t let Diane pursue her goals of finding a suitable position. Diane tries to resist being drawn into the setting of luxury and comfort as she suspects there will be a price to pay. Slowly friendship, affection and attraction pull her in. Jeanette senses St. John’s plans and argues with him not to allow any harm to Diane. St. John assures that he plans to protect her but soon that sense of protection begins to interfere with his plans of revenge.

St. John, as a dark man obsessed with his plans of revenge, is not an easy character to like. Fortunately Diane’s willingness to look for the good in others manages to pull St. John into a more likable person..
St. John's and Jeanette's secrets are not shared until well into the book when the twisted connections of enemies and pawns are slowly revealed. This gives understanding to the darkness that covers St. John and the sorrow that surrounds Jeanette.

I found the story hard to get into because of St. John’s dark character. I was also disappointed at Diane’s volatile personality - acute observation at times and cluelessness at others. Yet, as the story progressed and the depth of the treacheries was revealed, I found myself satisfied with the development of the romance. There is danger and sensual passion that seep through the story. There were times when more than one character could be considered ‘the seducer.’ I recommend this to readers who enjoy regency romance and who are willing to push past a dark beginning.

I have had this series on my TBR shelf for some time.

The Seducer series consists of seven books, all set in early 19th-century Great Britain. Their order is: 
THE SEDUCER
THE SAINT
THE CHARMER
THE SINNER
THE ROMANTIC
LORD OF SIN and LADY OF SIN which are spin-offs of the series. They are not as closely tied to the others. However, they take place in the same world, and characters from the series appear in them.

The next book in the ‘connected romances’ deals with a man who is a lighter, more charming character and I am looking forward to reading that down the road. I really enjoyed this author's Medieval romances which I read before I started blogging.

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Book Review: Cloaked in Danger by Jeannie Ruesch

Very delightful! Warm, likeable characters, murder, danger and sweet romance make this a lovely Regency reading experience.
Cloaked in Danger
by Jeannie Ruesch

• File Size: 534 KB
• Print Length: 280 pages
• Publisher: Carina Press (January 27, 2014)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00F93X7ZI

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
4.5 of 5.0.

Book Description
Publication Date: January 27, 2014
Aria Whitney has little in common with the delicate ladies of London society. Her famous father made his fortune hunting archaeological treasures, and her rustic upbringing has left her ill prepared for a life of parties and frippery. But when Gideon Whitney goes missing in Egypt, Aria must embrace the unknown. Armed with only the short list of highborn men who'd backed her father's venture, she poses as a woman looking for a husband. She doesn't intend to find one.

Adam Willoughby, Earl of Merewood, finds London's strangest new debutante fascinating, but when he catches her investigating his family's secrets, he threatens to ruin her reputation. He doesn't intend to enjoy it so much.

When their lustful indiscretion is discovered, Adam finds that he regrets nothing. But now, as Aria's father's enemy draws near, Adam must convince his betrothed that she can trust him with her own secrets...before it's too late.

Review:
Aria is a strong independent young woman who would rather be traveling with her archeologist father than pretending to enjoy the ton balls. The last trip her father, Gideon, made he refused to allow her to accompany him and made her stay in London with her new, pregnant step-mother. After a successful discovery, Gideon’s team was attacked, he went missing and his partner returned to London gravely injured. Aria is attending balls with the pretense of finding a husband as she tries to investigate the investors on his list who might know something about the last attack.

Adam Willoughby discovers Aria in his future brother-in-law's bedroom where she doesn’t belong. Adam has already had to rescue his sister from a disastrous marriage and scandal. He will do whatever it takes to protect her from further hurt, even if it means protecting her from her new fiancé. Adam decides to follow Aria until he can figure out why she seems to be investigating his family.

Aria and Adam dance around each other and their secrets. They finally share their secrets and Adam insists on helping her in her search asking her to be patient which is truly difficult for her. It isn’t long before their association creates complications in the form of a forced engagement. Adam discovers he is pleased with the idea but Aria is still resistant.

Meanwhile, a proper family friend and local merchant presses his suit on Aria even though she has expressed her disinterest in marriage, particularly to him. When Aria disappears her stepmother claims it is just her usual running off. But Adam suspects there is more involved. Either that or he has been fooled into falling for a woman who doesn’t really exist.

Aria and Adam are very warm, likeable characters, even though they both have their share of bullheadedness and there was a point where I rolled my eyes at Aria’s headlong foolishness. The mystery is wrapped in danger and intrigue and the details are well crafted. I was a little confused why law authorities were never brought in even when they went to rescue Aria. Even with these few questionable issues I really enjoyed the story.

The romance is sweet and sensual. The reading moved along at a good pace and I enjoyed some interesting phrasing like the samples shared below.  This has a good combination of regency elements - settings, characters and story with danger. I recommend this to any reader who enjoys a good historical romance

[Editing note: there are a couple of minor errors but two glaring errors in reversed names which I hope are corrected for the released version.]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aria goes to check on her father’s injured business partner:

   She didn’t need light to know what she’d find, and she steeled her shaky limbs against the visage that lived in her mind like a violent crime witnessed and never forgotten. Location 507.

Aria’s thoughts about Adam:

...He was a good man. He cared.
   About her. His family. He was gentlemanly toward everyone, in fact. That, in her mind, was a finer quality than his title and yet, by nature of this world, those attributes paled in comparison to the value of being an earl.
   She far preferred the attributes that made him a man. Location 1833.

I selected and received this from the publisher for review through NetGalley.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait by Grace Burrows

This is a charming, colorful Regency that is rich in theme and presentation.
Lady Jenny's Christmas Portrait 
by Grace Burrowes

• Series: Windham Series
• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 24, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140226383X

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
A freshly wrapped Regency Christmas romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes.

What Lady Jenny wants for Christmas...
For Christmas, soft-spoken Lady Jenny Windham craves the freedom to pursue her artistic ambitions, though it will mean scandalizing her ducal parents and abandoning all hope of a family of her own. She confides her plans to successful artist Elijah Harrison when he's commissioned to paint a portrait of her small nephews, because assisting Elijah will bring Jenny that much closer to her heart's desire--won't it?

...Will break both their hearts
Elijah Harrison finds in his unlikely assistant not only an inspiring muse and unappreciated talent, but also a lovely and passionate woman. If Elijah supports Jenny's career, his own professional interests will suffer, but more significantly, he will lose Jenny forever. Both Jenny and Elijah must choose between true love and a lifelong dream.

Review:
Lady Jenny isn’t prepared to resign herself to becoming the eccentric maiden aunt of her family. They already are passing her from household to household to keep her busy. Meanwhile she sketches and paints while they scoff at her art because noble ladies, much like noble men, are not to engage in or be serious about pursuits like art. Jenny has decided that, even though it will be hard to leave her family behind, she will go to Paris after Christmas so that she can study art and seek respect for her talent.

Elijah Harrison is a well respected artist who has accepted a commission to do a portrait of Lady Jenny’s nephews. He hopes the juvenile portrait will be a success that will finally earn him a spot in the prestigious Royal Academy for the Arts. Then he can return home and show his titled father that his art isn’t a frivolous waste of time. Elijah is surprised to discover that Jenny loves art as much as he does but she is stifled by a family that has not shown appreciation for her talent. He thinks her work is amazing for an untrained artist and he finds her a delightful help working with the young boys and then again with her own parents. It is only Elijah’s long years of discipline that help him control his attractions to her as they work side by side sharing critiques and advise.

Jenny is thrilled to be working with Elijah who can understand her passion for art and her frustrations with her family. They soon begin to share a passionate attraction beyond their painting talent and Jenny is willing to push Elijah to explore that. Elijah has a high sense of honor but he is hard pressed to deny Jenny her dreams, even if it means letting her go to Paris when he really wants to keep her by his side.

I enjoyed the strong passionate spirits yet gentle love between these characters. I liked how their struggle and conflicts with familial issues and approval have impacted the decisions that have placed them where they are and direct the plans they are each making. The conflict kept me interested to see how it would get resolved.

I think this could be read as a stand alone but the reader might miss the richness of the preceeding stories for the family memebers.  I enjoyed the input of characters from earlier books. Burrowes consistently provides strong characters, good conflict and suitable charm. Although the beginning of this book seemed to be moving slowly, I discovered that the pacing suited the story. The writing is not rushed but paints a beautiful story, rich with the colors, textures and smells of the artists which made it vivid and a delight to read.

Enjoy this descriptive warmth as Jenny realizes that Ethan truly cares about her feelings:

   He was worried about her.
   Outside, the day was dreary, a winter morning making little effort to shrug off a blanket of clouds. Inside Jenny's heart, a rainbow sprang up, bright and warm.   Page 114.

I received this title from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

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Book Review, Feature and Giveaway Link: Lord Trowbridge’s Angel by G.G. Vandagriff

I found this Regency romance quite charming.

Lord Trowbridge’s Angel

by G.G. Vandagriff

• File Size: 382 KB
• Print Length: 236 pages
• Publisher: Orson Whitney Press 
• (July 18, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• ASIN: B00E1ND0H2

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: July 18, 2013

The very handsome and very bored Lord Trowbridge knows something is missing in his existence. When he is asked by a friend to escort the seemingly quiet Miss Sophie Edwards to her first ball, he has no idea she possesses the key that will unlock him. It is her secret weapon.

Once he sees his own inner workings, his life unfolds in a different manner. He will do anything to capture the love of his "angel." Unfortunately, his old life and the shibboleths of the ton stand in his way. As he wades through these afflictions, Sophie is courted by another man. Who will she choose? How can he possibly show his love for her in a way as original and unique as she is? What are Sophie's feelings for him?

Review:
Sophia is a beautiful young woman who suffers a limp from a childhood riding accident. She remained in the country enjoying her violin skills rather than seeking the pressures of a London season. She finally comes to London for a come-out ball of a close friend and to visit family. There she meets the very handsome Lord Trowbridge.

Trowbridge is a known rake who is immediately charmed and smitten by Sophia who gives him tit for tat in their initial conversation. After meeting her he breaks off with his shrewish mistress, a married woman with whom he has become bored. He is surprised by the interest he feels for Sophia, his angel, based on their short association. Then he hears her music and it touches his heart and soul. He knows that she can give meaning to his life.

Trowbridge makes some wrong choices that place him at odds with Sophia and land him in a forced engagement to a young woman who is a friend of Sophia’s but has her own interest in Trowbridge. He has to extricate himself from the engagement and from the appearance of reckless, heartless behavior. With misunderstandings surrounding his actions, how can he manage not to hurt the friends reputation and how can he convince Sophia that he is sincere in his intentions and feelings?

Sophia is a charming young lady with strength of character to not be taken in by charm alone but also to allow grace and forgiveness. It was a little surprising that Lord Trowbridge made such a quick and complete turn from a rakish fellow to a fellow of purpose but it is not unthinkable. The descriptions were full so you could picture the setting, the attire and the behaviors. The writing style is gentle and sweet and reminded me very much of Georgette Heyer. This read quickly and I enjoyed the contretemps that occurred and the very sweet romance that succeeded through the obstacles. I would be glad to read more by G.G. Vandagriff.

Sophia’s attitude toward the ton and friends:

“I am content within a small circle of acquaintance. Instead of a breadth of friends, I infinitely prefer a depth of friendship.” Location 225.

I received this title to provide an honest review as part of BookBlast Blog Tour.

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Praise for Lord Trowbridge's Angel

"Vandagriff's recipe for spinning a delightful story with so many unexpected twists and involvements is truly masterful." ~willsand

"Ms. Vandagriff is a master of description. She understands men and women and the nuances between them." ~ L. Glenn

"Vandagriff is quickly becoming an esteemed name on the shelves of regency romance. Lord Trowbridge's Angel is sweet, humorous, and of course romantic, and you'll become an instant fan." ~Heather Moore

Amazon

Excerpt:

    “Are you really so anxious for me to stay in London, then? We have scarcely conversed, my lord!”
    Smiling, he brought his head down nearer to her face and whispered, “Has no one ever told you that you have the face of an angel?”
    Sophie looked directly into his eyes. “You are very extravagant with your compliments, my lord. I do not know what to say, except that I am no angel.”
    Trowbridge raised her chin with his fingers. “I dare you to tell me your vices.”
    Looking into the cobalt eyes above her, she consulted her conscience. “I do not suffer fools. I lack patience in general, as a matter of fact. I’m afraid my manner is too abrupt for society. For instance, my lord, I must say I really do not think you should judge by appearances. People with angelic faces can be quite horrid on the inside.” She reminded herself of this fact as she studied his perfectly drawn eyebrows.
    At that moment, they were rejoined by Lady Melissa. “Oh, my dearest Sophie! I do so long to have a comfortable coze. You must come for tea tomorrow afternoon. Have you been long in Town?”
    “I arrived two days ago. I should be happy to come for tea tomorrow.”
    Sophie’s friend turned her attention to Lord Trowbridge. “My lord, how is it you know my friend?”
    “I am her brother-in-law’s heir. At least, until he has male offspring,” the viscount said.  “He thought we would suit. We met only this evening, and already Miss Edwards tries to deceive me. She insists she is no angel. What say you?”
    Lady Melissa giggled. “An angel? Sophie? She is a very good girl to be sure, my lord. But not an angel by any account!”
    “Oh, I am undone,” exclaimed Sophie, holding the back of her hand to her forehead. “All is lost.”
    “I will consider her angelic until I have evidence to the contrary,” Lord Trowbridge insisted.

Author G.G. Vandagriff

I realize that I am one of those rare people in the world who gets to live a life full of passion, romance, suspense, angst, fulfillment, humor, and mystery. I am a writer. Every day when I sit down at my computer, I enter into a world of my own making. I am in the head of a panoply of characters ranging from a nineteen-year-old Austrian debutante (The Last Waltz) to a raging psychopath (The Arthurian Omen) and four women at once in The Only Way to Paradise. Then there are the feisty heroines of my Regency romances . . .

I am a traditionally published,award-winning, best-selling writer who has recently gone Indie. I enjoy genre-hopping, having published a genealogical mystery series, two women's fiction novels, an historical epic, two suspense novels, five Regency romances, and a couple of non-fiction offerings.
With a BA from Stanford and an MA from George Washington University in International Relations, I somehow stumbled into finance. But, once my husband was through law school, I never wanted to do anything but write and raise kids. Now the kids are gone, but (even better) there are four grandchildren who provide my rewards for finishing a manuscript.

Aside from the grandchildren, my favorite things include: Florence, Italy; snow storms; Oreos; real hot chocolate; sweaters; Sundance Resort; lilacs; and dachshunds.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

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Book Review: A Most Devilish Rogue by Ashlyn Macnamara

This is a warm story, rich in romance.
A Most Devilish Rogue
by Ashlyn Macnamara

• File Size: 1099 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (August 27, 2013)
• Sold by: Random House LLC
• ASIN: B00BO4GSVG

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Fans who adore Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries will savor Ashlyn Macnamara’s sensual new novel, which proves that two hearts are better than one.
Years ago, when Isabelle Mears was still a young miss too infatuated to know better, she surrendered her innocence to a dishonorable man. Though ruined and cast out from society, she has worked hard to shelter her illegitimate son, Jack. Having sworn off men in her quiet but dignified life, Isabelle is unprepared for the deep longing that rips through her when a handsome stranger rescues her rambunctious six-year-old from the pounding ocean surf.
George Upperton is a man in trouble with debts, women, and a meddling family. He is, by all accounts, the last gentleman on earth Isabelle should be drawn to. But loneliness is a hard mistress, and caution gives way to desire . . . even though Isabelle is convinced that happiness can’t be found in the arms of such a devilish rogue. Only when Jack is kidnapped does Isabelle discover the true depth of George’s devotion—and how far a good man will go to fight for the woman whose love is all that matters.

Review:
George Upperton appears at first to be a rather offensive aristocratic man who has built up debt through gambling and supporting a mistress with costly tastes. When his mistress announces bad news – she is pregnant – George escapes town to join his family at a country party of a good friend.  He hopes to find some friendly card games where he can win enough to bring his debts current, complete plans for a revenge he is seeking for a friend and make provisions for his ladybird. Meanwhile he has to dodge his mother who is pushing him towards a suitable marriage.

George strolls down to the beach just in time to rescue a young boy. Jack, a precocious lad of six, clings to George and decides that the waves and George are fun. Jack’s mother, Isabelle, is understandably distressed. She is grateful but wary considering her past experience with a man of ton who took advantage of her innocence leaving her pregnant, ruined and outcast by her family.

George and Isabelle are drawn to each other even though he doesn’t need complications in his life and she doesn’t need to be used or scorned by anyone new. She gets enough disdain even from the locals who look down their noses because of her circumstances.

When Isabelle gets a threatening note about Jack she ends up seeking George’s help to find the boy. Then Isabelle’s house servant/companion, Biggles, disappears the next day. George enlists the help of his male friends to try to find her son. At first Isabelle is welcomed into the manor house until her own haughty cousin steps in the room and proclaims her shame.

Most of the town see George as he describes himself: “A simple man who plays too deep, drinks too much, and enjoys too many ladies outside the bonds of marriage.” (Location 3299.)  But Isabelle sees beyond the shallow facade to the man of sensitivity, gentleness and kindness.

I didn’t like George at first but as his sensitive nature was revealed he became much more likeable. I did like Isabelle, especially for her strength in the face of being outcast to raise her son with little help. I liked the rich warmth of the story and the kidnapping plot. However I was a little disappointed that the kidnapping occurs and then the majority of the book proceeds to share the developing romance and passion between George and Isabelle. It seemed quite a long time before the hunt for Jack and Biggles led anywhere.

I had issues with playing the piano at midnight and not disturbing anyone in the manor. Also I felt like there were unanswered questions with Isabelle’s relationship with her father. Even with these issues I did enjoy the book. I would only wish for less focus on the sensual romance and more on the substantive plot. But for readers who love a sensual romance - this should fill that craving very nicely.

I received this for an honest review for Random House and the author as part of a Blog Tour. Please see Author Guest Post and Giveaway for more about the book and a chance to win.

A Few Words on Gambling - Guest Post by Ashlyn Macnamara with GIVEAWAY!

I don’t know whether England possessed an official national sport during the Regency period, but I would argue if it did, that sport was gambling. The betting books in gentleman’s clubs such as White’s hold the evidence of wagers on anything from raindrop races to whether a certain couple might wed at the end of the season. They wagered on cock fights, horse races, and boxing matches. Even such seemingly staid venues as balls and Almack’s were incomplete without their card rooms—where entire fortunes might be won and lost.

The compulsion to lay a sporting wager or two wasn’t restricted to the men, either. No one thought anything of a lady sitting down to a respectable game of whist.

But the real gamblers haunted gaming hells. While White’s and Brook’s and Boodles all had card rooms, such clubs mainly served as an exclusive spot for men of the upper class to gather and discuss various issues of the day. Gaming hells were more like a casino, and they existed to relieve a man (or a woman, although I can’t imagine any respectable woman haunting such a place) of his blunt.

A time-traveller from our era might even recognize some of the games of the day. Played with dice, hazard was a forerunner of craps. The object of vingt-et-un was to see which player could come closest to twenty-one without going over—just like the game we call blackjack. Roulette has existed since the 18th century or earlier—physicist Blaise Pascal accidentally invented the roulette wheel in his search for a perpetual motion machine. Contract bridge traces its roots, in part, to a less complicated game called whist.

One of the more famous of these establishments was Crockford’s. Founded in 1793 on St. James street among the other gentlemen’s clubs, its true raison d’être was to separate wealthy young bucks from their allowances. At its height, the club was the most famous gaming house in Europe in spite of—or perhaps due to—a reputation for boisterousness. The casino’s eponymous owner invented the principal that the house always wins, which allowed him to amass a vast personal fortune, enough to rise from his working class roots to own more than one home, including one in fashionable Mayfair.

And what of the poor members of the aristocracy he fleeced? A gentleman considered his markers debts of honor—and accordingly paid them off before he paid tradesmen such as his tailor.

Now you may ask yourself what any of this has to do with my upcoming release,  A Most Devilish Rogue. As you might imagine, a gentleman with roguish qualities might well find himself within a gaming establishment within the course of a story. He may even land himself in a spot of trouble. To find out how this comes about, you may want to read the book. Here is the blurb:

Years ago, when Isabelle Mears was still a young miss too infatuated to know better, she surrendered her innocence to a dishonorable man. Though ruined and cast out from society, she has worked hard to shelter her illegitimate son, Jack. Having sworn off men in her quiet but dignified life, Isabelle is unprepared for the deep longing that rips through her when a handsome stranger rescues her rambunctious six-year-old from the pounding ocean surf.

George Upperton is a man in trouble with debts, women, and a meddling family. He is, by all accounts, the last gentleman on earth Isabelle should be drawn to. But loneliness is a hard mistress, and caution gives way to desire . . . even though Isabelle is convinced that happiness can’t be found in the arms of such a devilish rogue. Only when Jack is kidnapped does Isabelle discover the true depth of George’s devotion—and how far a good man will go to fight for the woman whose love is all that matters.

In the meantime, plenty of other romance heroes have found themselves in a similar situation. Others have even owned the casinos. Tell me about your favorites in the comments.

Ashlyn Macnamara writes Regency romances with a dash of wit and a hint of wicked. She considers this writing gig her midlife crisis, but figures it’s less risky than rock climbing or skydiving. When not writing, she looks for other excuses to neglect the housework, among them knitting, reading and wasting time on the internet in the guise of doing research. Despite her insistence on looking toward the past, she can be found on her website, Facebook, and Twitter. She also likes to play at being a Duchess from time to time.

 A Most Devilish Rogue                       

Ballantine Books * Coming August 27, 2013

ISBN-10: 034553476X  * ISBN-13: 978-0345534767

Paperback:

Please watch for my review which will be posted mid-day on Thursday, August 22.

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Giveaway: A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester

A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester Giveaway!

We [Sourcebooks and me too] are really excited about the new Regency trilogy coming from Amanda Forester! The first book, A Wedding in Springtime, comes out next month and has already received TWO STARRED reviews! 

 Thanks to Sourcebooks for this opportunity to share. (I wonder if I can win it at another blog.)

 

Book Description
Release date: May 7, 2013 

Her Timing Couldn't Be Worse...

Miss Eugenia Talbot's presentation to the queen is spoiled by a serious faux pas—the despicable William Grant made her laugh, right in front of Her Majesty. Now Eugenia is ruined and had better marry—someone, anyone—at once...

And His Couldn't Be Better...

Roguish William Grant has never taken anything seriously in his life. Until he meets Eugenia Talbot, who makes him feel and do thing he never thought he would.

Now Eugenia's great sense of humor and kindheartedness may be her undoing, unless William can help her find a husband. To his surprise, that's the last thing he wants to do...

To Enter for a print copy:

Share a brief story of the best, worst, funniest or most embarrassing part of your wedding or one you attended.

ENTRY REQUIRES COMMENT

* This contest is open US and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 26, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on April 27, 2013.
Winners are asked to respond by email or the linked winners form within 72 hours of the announcement. 

Audio Book Review: Emily Goes to Exeter by Marion Chesney

This is a fun, engaging match-making tale set in Regency England.

Emily Goes to Exeter: The Traveling Matchmaker, Book One 
Author: Marion Chesney (M.C. Beaton)
Narrator: Helen Lisanti
Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 5 hours and 39 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: AudioGO
Audible.com Release Date: August 1, 2012

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 15, 2010
A dead employer’s legacy of five thousand pounds allows spinster Hannah Pym to resign from housekeeping and find adventure travelling the English countryside by stagecoach. But adventure soon finds Miss Pym in the form of Miss Emily Freemantle, a spoilt violet-eyed beauty fleeing an arranged marriage to a rake she has never met. What the girl’s darkly handsome betrothed boards their stage, Miss Pym is certain Emily was rash to bolt from this aristocratic catch! And so as soon as the travellers repair to an inn, Miss Pym begins her matchmaking… and although Lord Ranger Harley complains he’ll not marry an ungrateful minx, Miss Pym suspects once she’s marshalled the couple into sharing intimate household chores, all romantic knots will be untangled!

Review:
Although the story is title “Emily Goes to Exeter” the true protagonist and star of the story is Hannah Pym.  Miss Pym is a middle-aged spinster who has risen over many years to the position of Housekeeper for a reclusive gentleman. Miss Pym has steadfastly taken care of Mr. Clarence since before his wife ran away. Now Mr. Clarence has died and Miss Pym wonders what will happen to her.

Miss Pym is thrilled when she is left the good sum of five thousand pounds-- enough to take care of her for the rest of her life. Now she can seek adventures on the ‘flying’ stage coaches that she has longingly watched from the parlor windows.  Miss Pym gets some pleasant help from Mr. Clarence’s distinguished and kind, single brother, Sir George, who has inherited Thornton Hall. He helps her set up an account at the bank and encourages her to stay safe as she insists on setting out on the stage coach to Exeter.

Miss Pym is fascinated by the other passengers and the coach staff. An attempt by a highwayman is thwarted but inclement weather strands the group at a local Inn. When the Inn staff can’t get through the snow, the indomitable Miss Pym takes charge to organize feeding and cleaning with the expectation that everyone, from Coachman to Lord, will pitch in to help. 

Miss Pym puts her organizational skills to work too as a matchmaker for Miss Emily, a young girl who was running away from a match made by her parents, and her would be fiancé, Lord Harley, who has followed along to take her home.  Emily thought she was in love with a young man at home and that Lord Harley was too old and rakish for her. But her nose is out of joint to discover that Lord Harley may well reject a spoiled young miss, no matter her beauty.

Miss Pym is also matchmaking to get a rich widow away from the Captain who wants to control her and match her with a sweet, kind Lawyer instead.  Jealousies and tempers flare and injuries occur that indicate someone in the group is up to no good.

Miss Pym finds adventure in the whole journey and is a delightful character! I loved the regency setting that allowed her adventures along the road and at the Inn. The group of traveling companions are well developed to play into their roles with intrigue and sweet, budding romance. Although the mysterious attacks are a smaller portion of the whole, they add to the package to make this an entertaining tale.

Audio Notes: The narrator does a fine job of capturing the different British voices from cockney to highbrow and various classes in between. The reading fit the 'old-fashioned' tone. The pacing was sweet and moved well with the easy pace of the story.  This is a fun and engaging listen especially for readers who enjoy this genre.

I received this for an honest Review from AudioGo through AudioBook Jukebox.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer

This is a smooth, quick and engaging read.
The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402238835
• ISBN-13: 978-1402238833

Genre: Regency Historical Romance
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0
 Product Description
    Less than a hero's welcome...

    Returning to his family seat from Waterloo, Gervase Frant, seventh Earl of St Erth, could have expected more enthusiasm for his homecoming. His quiet cousin, stepmother, and young half-brother seem openly disappointed that he survived the wars. And when he begins to fall for his half-brother's sweetheart, his chilly reception goes from unfriendly to positively murderous.

    One of Heyer's most suspenseful Regency romances, The Quiet Gentleman combines an ingenious mystery plot with her signature witty style and effervescently engaging characters.

Review: The mystery kept me wondering as I enjoyed the characters.

Gervace Frant returns from war to the mismatched castle and estate of Stanyon where he hasn’t felt welcome for years.  Now he is returning as the new Earl to take control of the estate. His younger half-brother, Martin, is the son who has been doted on and treated as if he would become the Lord of the manor. Someone is so unhappy about the new Earl that he begins to suffer accidents. At first they seem almost like careless pranks that might cause some small harm but when the Earl is shot it is clear that someone really does mean to remove him.

Martin is a hot head with a short temper. He doesn’t like his elder brother whom he barely remembers. His antagonism increases when Gervace begins to pay attention to the local beauty, Marianne, interfering with Martin’s courtship attempts. One of Gervace’s good friends from the service visits and he too shows interest in Marianne.

Other members of the household include Martin’s mother, the Dowager, who only sees perfection in Martin and views Gervace as a threat to her son’s happiness.  At least Gervace finds one friend at home in his cousin, Theo, who has been his man of business watching over his affairs.  There is also Miss Morville, a neighbor young lady who serves as a sensible, and seemingly unremarkable, temporary companion to the Dowager.

Marianne is the sweet beauty who attracts the men. The estimable Miss Morville, Drusilla, manages the household and handles all circumstances from planning a ball to taking charge when the Earl arrives with a gunshot wound.  Drusilla clearly likes the Earl and is concerned for his welfare but she has no expectation that he would be interested in her.

There are red herrings that blur the search for the person attempting to murder Gervace.  This kept me interested to see if I was guessing the villain and motive correctly. I did guess about midway into the story but the confirmation didn’t come until near the end.

The story focuses on the different society positions, the behavioral expectations and the jealousies existing among the characters.  The romance is merely light flirtations. I enjoyed the subtle satire, sarcasms and gentle humor. The writing tone, detail and characterizations fit the time period to perfection.  There is a certain propriety and elegance to be found in Heyer’s writing and characters. If you enjoy an old-fashioned romance, with no sexual content but plenty of character, you would like this story and this author.

~~~~

I received this book from Sourcebooks for review.  Don't forget that Sourcebooks is offering all Georgette Heyer ebooks at the sale price of $1.99 - this week only.  Take advantage of the sale to pick up some wonderful reads!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Tell me which character you think you would like best. Female choices: the sweet beauty or the sensible companion; Male choices: the commanding Earl or the volatile younger son? This is required for entry.

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.)

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

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

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 2, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 3 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway: Venetia by Georgette Heyer

I am glad to post a review to celebrate Georgette Heyer's Birth date. 
Venetia by Georgette Heyer

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402238843
• ISBN-13: 978-1402238840

 Genre:  Regency Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Product Description
Venetia features a remarkably independent heroine who falls deeply in love with the wrong man. Venetia Lanyon lives a quiet life until she meets her notorious neighbor Jasper, Lord Damerel, who would marry her in a heartbeat if he didn't think it would ruin her. Then she discovers a shocking family secret that changes everything...

[Audible Description
Venetia Lanyon, beautiful, intelligent and independent woman, lives in comfortable seclusion in rural Yorkshire with her precocious brother Aubrey. Her future seems safe and predictable: either marriage to the respectable but dull Edward Yardley, or a life of peaceful spinsterhood. But when she meets the dashing, dangerous rake Lord Damerel, her well-ordered life is turned upside down, and she embarks upon a relationship with him that scandalizes and horrifies the whole community. Has she found her soul-mate, or is she playing with fire?]

Review: This is a lovely, charming read.

Venetia is a beauty but her more important qualities are her intelligence, wit and confidence.  She has remained home, living a rather reclusive and bookish country lifestyle, to watch over her sickly younger brother.  She doesn’t feel that she can leave for a season in town or a life of her own until their elder brother returns from the war to take over the household responsibilities.  Venetia does have two local suitors who are enthralled with her beauty.  One is an infatuated young man who is several years younger. The other is a serious neighbor who would make a respectable, if not exciting, husband.  Neither her relatives or suitors recognize the spirited young woman just waiting to be allowed some independence away from home.

Unexpectedly Venetia encounters another neighbor, the dangerous rake, Lord Damerel.  There have been many rumors about his dissolute and scandalous past but Venetia always looks for the good in people. The cynical Damerel is immediately enchanted by the natural warmth and spirit he sees in Venetia.  She is charmed by his willingness to challenge her wit and spirit. They share literary interests and enjoy bantering as they toss quotes back and forth.

Despite objections from the community a close friendship develops between Damerel and Venetia.  Damerel knows that he doesn’t deserve such an innocent beauty; she is much too special for a tainted character like himself.  Damerel is determined not to hurt Venetia’s reputation but in charming her he hurts her heart.  Venetia sees that Damerel cares for her but he will only treat it as a passing idle.  How can she convince him that she doesn’t care about his past or the scandal if only she can be with him?

Damerel is a deliciously wicked hero with a cynical view of life.  It is enjoyable to watch as he falls in love with the sweet heroine who is determined to catch the man she wants. Although this may be a predicable relationship - the rake and the innocent - it is charmingly handled with a few twists to add interest.

I listened to the Audible version as well as reading along at parts. The narrator did a fine job capturing the charm and personalities once you got used to the accent. However, I was disappointed that the Audible version was abridged and I would recommend going with the printed book so as not to miss any of the charming descriptions and banter.

~~~~

I received this book from Sourcebooks for review.  Sourcebooks is offering all Georgette Heyer ebooks at the sale price of $1.99 - this week only so take advantage of the sale to pick up some wonderful reads!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. Visit the Heyer Celebration page at Sourcebooks and tell me what other title catches your attention. This is required for entry.

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.)

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

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

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 26, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on AUGUST 27 and will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.