Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Enslaved by Elisabeth Naughton

This is a story of Greek gods, super guardians, battles of good versus evil, and, of course, steamy passion for the tortured hero and heroine.
Enslaved (Eternal Guardians)
by Elisabeth Naughton

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (November 6, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402262159
• ISBN-13: 978-1402262159

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0  (Note there are plenty of positive ratings at Amazon so this is my reflection; just one opinion.)

Book Description
Release Date: November 6, 2012 | Series: Eternal Guardians

"Do not miss this series."—New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione

GRYPHON—Honorable, loyal, dependable...tainted. He was the ultimate warrior before imprisonment in the Underworld changed him in ways he can't ignore.

She calls to him. Come to me. You can't resist. But Gryphon will not allow himself to be ruled by the insidious whispers in his head. And there's only one way to stop them: kill Atalanta, the goddess who enslaved him. But with so much darkness inside, he can't be sure what's real anymore. Even the Eternal Guardians, those who protect the human realms and the gods, want to exile him.

Finding Malea is like a miracle. Somehow he doesn't feel the pull of the dark when she's near. And he's determined to keep her as near as possible, whether she wants him close or not. But she's a temptation that will test every bit of control he has left. One that may ultimately have the power to send him back to the Underworld...or free him from his chains for good.

Review:
Gryphon is, or was, a warrior of the Argonaut Eternal Guardians. That was before he was subjected to torture and bound by a curse to the evil Goddess, Atalanta.  His brother, Orpheus, rescued Gryphon from the Underworld but Gryphon is still enslaved. He is near crazy hearing Atalanta’s voice calling to him to return and do her evil bidding. 

Gryphon has been held in seclusion at the castle where the half-breed colony remain in hiding. Gryphon is glad to have battle time but his attack against daemons resulted in a berserker episode that injured his fellow warriors. Now the colony leader, Nick, is set on exiling him before he hurts anyone else.  Gryphon doesn’t want his brother to sacrifice his life and new relationship to go with him so he decides to escape on his own before they send him away.

Gryphon isn’t the only one making an escape from the colony. Malea has been glad to have a reprieve in the family atmosphere of the colony but she is afraid to stay and risk exposing them to danger. Malea is the illegitimate daughter of Zeus and Persephone, Hades wife. She has been running from Hades' hellhounds who are constantly looking for her to drag her to the Underworld so Hades can use her in a power battle among the gods and goddesses. Malea seeks to gain entrance and sanctuary in Olympus but she must prove her worthiness before Zeus will recognize her.

Gryphon snatches Malea in the underground tunnels because he believes she knows the way out.  He is startled to discover that her presence quiets the voice of Atalanta within his head. Although he originally planned to let her go as soon as they were out of the tunnels he decides to keep her with him for her calming effects. Malea objects...at first. But soon she is pulled in by the attraction and honor she finds in Gryphon. Can the two of them find strength together to change their dreams-- assuming they can outrace the daemons, hellhounds, half-breeds, not to mention Atalanta and Hades, who are chasing them?

I have wanted to read this author and series for some time. I was a little concerned that the writing might be a bit bolder and grittier than I like and I was right. It took a third of the book for me to begin to feel engaged. That may have been due to the language, as I did like the characters. Both Gryphon and Malea are lonely and tortured. I was glad that they found each other for support. There is fighting action and the writing flows reasonably well. There is also a good amount of sexual activity that takes up the middle of the story before they return to the battle between the forces of good and evil.  I noted a repetitive amount of dialogue that consists of Gryphon gasping "Malea" and nothing else. Though mostly well written, this didn't really pull me in. If you are a reader who like stories of gods, super guardians and battles of good versus evil, and you like steamy passion, then this would be a good paranormal romance choice.  This story seemed fine as a stand alone although I always think it is best to start at the beginning of a series.

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

How Gryphon comes to feel about Malea:

He’d never been just a man. The entirety of his life was wrapped up in being an Argonaut, a warrior, a fighter trained in honor and duty. Females had come on to him, but they’d never wanted him for who he was inside.  Page 242.

“Sotiria.” His hands framed her face, forced her to look up. Heat rushed over her spine when she saw the soft, needy look in his eyes. “Don’t you know I would give up anything for you?” Page 337.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

I will add this to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 23, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 24, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight by Grace Burrowes

This is a delightful story and a great way to start my 2012 Christmas reads. :-)

Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight
by Grace Burrowes

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (October 2, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402268637
• ISBN-13: 978-1402268632

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description;
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Praise for RITA-nominated Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish: "An extraordinary, precious, unforgettable holiday story."—RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars, Top Pick of the Month, Best Historical Romance, RT Book Reviews 2011 Reviewers' Choice Awards 'Tis the Season for Scandal... Years ago Lady Louisa Windham acted rashly on a dare from her brother, and that indiscretion is about to come to light. She knows her reputation will never survive exposure. Just as she's nearly overwhelmed by her dilemma, Sir Joseph Carrington offers himself to her as a solution... But Sir Joseph has secrets as well, and as he and Louisa become entangled with each other, their deceptions begin to close in on them both...

Review:
Lady Louisa is the eighth of ten Windham siblings. The pressure is on for her to marry so her  younger sisters can find their mates. But Louisa has never been a ‘debutante’ type. She is more of a blue-stocking with her love of languages and ability to do complex math in her head. Louisa fears that a youthful indiscretion will bring scandal to those she loves.  Her older brothers are aware of the problem and are all quietly helping to gather and hide the evidence of her folly.

Sir Joseph is a wounded, honorable knight. He is a humble man who is happy  raising pigs and reciting poetry to his favorite, Lady Ophelia. Sir Joseph is in line to inherit a title which he’d like to refuse as he doesn’t want the extra responsibilities and obligations. Besides he already has his share of secret obligations. But Sir Joseph recognizes that it is time to find a wife to guide his sweet little girls who tend to baffle him.

Louisa and Joseph discover they enjoy each other’s company as they travel to London for the holiday festivities. They gently step in to protect each other from unwanted companions or embarrassing social circumstances.  Although Sir Joseph rescues Louisa from an unwanted compromising attack she still faces society scandal. He finds that he is pleased to propose a more permanent solution to her marital choices.

Louisa and Joseph discover a wonderful passion together but someone is sending each threatening notes to reveal their secrets. They are both insecure of the other’s feelings and they are frightened of the consequences of having to disclose their secrets.  Will their new found affection be able to survive their secrets?

These are two wonderful characters - an extremely intelligent and warm woman and a wounded war hero who is a romantic with a soft heart. The plot is sweet with conflicts, sensual tension and fear of exposure of their secrets. I love how Louisa’s parents and all of her siblings are willing to find ways to help her.  Sir Joseph is a perfect romantic knight sidling in champion Louisa. Grace Burrowes writes delightful historic romance and this entire series is wonderful. I look forward to the next stories. If you haven’t tried her books yet, this is a lovely one to pick up for Christmas cheer.

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

Louisa’s father contemplates his daughters:

His Grace loved his five adult daughters and would cheerfully have died to protect them, but as for understanding them... He might as well have tried to grasp the mental processes of... another species entirely.  Page 37.

Sir Joseph describes his girls to Louisa, giving her a compliment in the process:

“Their little minds are at once devious and innocent.  They can be obvious in their emotions and also unfathomable. They are passionate and reserved.”.... “They are already like you, my lady. They have that fascinating, unknowable quality.”  Page 67.

I received this from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit  the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 9, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 10, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review with ARC Giveaway: Sultry with a Twist

"Ho-o-ly...sugar!" as June would say. This was a fun read!
Sultry with a Twist (Sultry Springs)
by Macy Beckett

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 2, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402270364
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270369

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating:  4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Release Date: October 2, 2012 | Series: Sultry Springs
When Mae-June July Augustine hightailed it out of Sultry Springs, Texas, with her heart in pieces, she swore she'd never return. But nine years later, one thing stands between June and her dream of opening an upscale martini bar: a month of community service under the supervision of the devilishly sexy Luke Gallagher, her first love and ex-best friend. As lust turns to love, June must decide where she belongs: in the glorious anonymity of Austin or back in Sultry Springs with the man who intoxicates her like no other.

Review:
June has worked nine years and scrimped and saved to fulfill her dream. Now she has sold her condominium and has six weeks to finalize touches for the opening her own upscale bar in downtown Austin, Texas. But before they will issue the liquor license there is the minor problem of a warrant back in her home town of Sultry Springs, Texas.

Mae-June, as she is known at home, has to answer for a youthful indiscretion. The Judge, an old family friend, sentences her to a month of community service and county ‘arrest’ living with her Grandmother with whom she hasn’t spoken in nine years. Grammy Pru was a strict disciplinarian. Having lost her daughter who was known as a town drunk, Grammy was intent on controlling June. June was intent on escaping through college studies to become a psychologist. But June discovered, while working for her school expenses, that she loved bartending and creating new drinks.  Grammy was appalled and issued an ultimatum at which point June cut ties.

Now June not only has to face her Grammy but she has to cope with her first love, Luke Gallagher, her partner in the youthful indiscretion. June had always loved Luke but he had headed out to the army as soon as he was able. The next she heard was he married a woman while in Germany. Now June, who has never fully overcome her heartbreak, has to work with Luke. 

Luke has his own difficulties and issues, having been abandoned by his mother as a young boy and struggled as an angry teen whom Grammy had to try to manage. Luke ran into problems while in the service and lost the career he longed for. He is now a successful contractor with a nonprofit company because he was given a second chance. Yet he doesn’t believe in love and apparently doesn’t think he is worthy to be loved.

Now June has to risk her own heart and see if she can convince Luke that he is a good guy worthy of love. Can she stick it out in the face of his pushing her away?

These characters are really likeable. June is so determined,  brave and full of love. Luke is so vulnerable. I was rooting for them all through the bumpy relationship. The romance is sweet and sexy. The writing is smooth, descriptive and sultry - very nice, easy reading.

My final thoughts: this is a story full of fun with lots of heat and tension. There is some language on the edge. It is a good book for romance lovers.

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

Early description I liked:

A breeze stirred, and a familiar high, metallic tinkle of wind chimes sang out from above. Page 17.

Luke and June’s early view of Grammy:

Luke had once said, “Before Freddy Krueger goes to sleep at night, he checks his closet for your grandma.” Page 18.

June recognizes the risks of loving Luke:

But with Luke, she’d be risking more than just money.  Cash lost could always be earned again, but the pain of heartbreak lingered for years. Page 147.

I received this title for review from Sourcebooks.

This is set in Texas for the Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author Challenge List.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit  the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 26, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 27, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review with Giveaway: When You GIve a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen

I wasn’t sure when this started but it turned out to be fun, quick and enjoyable.

When You Give a Duke a Diamond (Jewels of the Ton)

by Shana Galen

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402269730
• ISBN-13: 978-1402269738

Genre: Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2012

HE HAD A PERFECTLY ORDERLY LIFE...

William, the sixth Duke of Pelham, enjoys his punctual. securely structured life. Orderly and predictable—that's the way he likes it. But he's in the public eye, and the scandal sheets will make up anything to sell papers. When the gossips link him to Juliette, one of the most beautiful and celebrated courtesans in London, chaos doesn't begin to describe what happens next...

UNTIL SHE CAME ALONG...

Juliette is nicknamed the Duchess of Dalliance, and has the cream of the nobility at her beck and call. It's seriously disruptive to have the duke who's the biggest catch on the Marriage Mart scaring her other suitors away. Then she discovers William's darkest secret and decides what he needs in his life is the kind of excitement only she can provide...

Review:
Juliette, dubbed the Duchess of Dalliance is one of the Three Diamonds - three beautiful courtesans in London. She works hard to maintain that image as it helps her keep her classy life-style. Having the local gossip column pair her with the uptight Duke of Pelham, also known as the Dangerous Duke, isn’t necessary helpful.  And she hasn’t even met him yet!

William is called the Dangerous Duke because he has a way of giving an imperious eye in challenge to others to keep them in their place. His life is one of ducal dignity, regimented routine and set schedule, not to be varied.  He has decided on a biddable, proper wife who will suit his orderly and respectable image. He doesn’t realize that Lady Elizabeth may not be as proper as he believes her to be.

Duke William has agreed to make a rare appearance at a ball with Lady Elizabeth as he intends to announce their engagement. Juliette decides this would be a good time to meet the Duke and slides up to “Prinny” for an introduction. When the Duke gives her a cut she ducks outside to gather her composure in the shadows. There she witnesses a terrible event involving the Duke’s betrothed.

Even though the Duke doesn’t believe Juliette’s tale, she must seek his protection when it appears that a murderer is coming to silence her.  Her real fright draws out the protective instincts of the Duke. He fully plans to resist her beauty as a liaison with a courtesan is totally inappropriate for his Ducal line.  Yet her vitality and sincere feelings turn his world upside down.
Can Juliette convince him to break away from his mold and routine before her heart is broken and before she her reputation is completely ruined and she is left with nowhere to turn for safety?

I didn’t like Juliette at first introduction but her character is soon revealed to be so much more than a frivolous flirt. William is a very staid British Duke but Juliette is able to see beneath his austere shell to the hurt and restricted boy within.  I enjoyed how Ms. Galen revealed the histories and true characters of this pair.  Although the story is focused on the romance, there are threats and danger that keep the story interesting beyond just the romance. The romance itself is rather fun as Juliette and the Duke learn to be a bit adventurous.

This is another fun and warm romance from Ms. Galen. A good choice for those who love historical romance with a bit of danger, attraction between an unlikely couple and a romance with fun sizzle.

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

Juliette hopes:

   But his hair... that hair would not cooperate with his attempts at order and rigidity.  It had a stubborn streak, an unruly streak.
   She like it. It gave her hope.   Page 91.

Pelham’s routine is disrupted:

   It was nigh eleven. His daily routine was shot to hell. Considering he now had a dead footman, a scared courtesan, and a cryptic note on his hands, he didn’t think his day was going to improve.  Page 124.

The problem:

   Love was not ordered or disciplined. Love was not logical or stately. Love made fools of everyone it touched.  Page 315.

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

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE!

For 3 Extra Bonus Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 5, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 6, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.  

Book Review: Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

I really enjoyed this fast paced steampunk version of a not quite Vampire tale.

Kiss of Steel
by Bec McMaster

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402270275
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270277

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Release Date: September 1, 2012
"Action, adventure, steampunk, and blazing hot seduction...Bec McMaster offers it all."—Eve Silver, author of Sins of the Flesh
A brilliantly creative debut where vampires, werewolves, and clockwork creatures roam the mist–shrouded streets of London...
When Nowhere is Safe
Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?
Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single–handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood–craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.
When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

Review:
This 'vampire' story has a different bite. It is set in a wonderfully steampunk Victorian England with strong characters and a good action plot.

In Honoria's world the upperclass are the infected Blue Bloods, the ruling houses of the Echelon who are allied with the Queen. They have their armies of metaljackets and the specially trained Nighthawk warriors. Honoria was once a 'lady' with expectations of becoming a respected "thrall" to one of the Blue Blood families. Her father was a brilliant scientist who was experimenting to develop a cure or at least a vaccine against the blood craving virus that will first give a man strength and heightened abilities but eventually degenerates into the bestial vampires that are executed at first signs of deterioration. Honoria was her father's research assistant and kept a diary almost as good as his.

When her father is murdered by his cruel and vicious patron, Lord Vickers, Honoria flees with the diaries and her younger sister and brother. They are in hiding in Whitechapel which is full of dangers and under the control of the infamous Blade. Honor has caught the eye of Blade and although she resists his interest she is soon desperate with nowhere else and no one else to turn to for help.

Blade is the most famous infected being who escaped the clutches and experiments of the Echelon. He now rules in Whitechapel with the aid of a mixed group of henchmen including a 'verwulfen' and some mechanically strengthened humans.  In addition to her beauty, Blade is interested in Honoria because he knows that Vickers has a price on her head. Blade has a personal score to repay for his own tragic loss brought about by Vickers.

Blade bargains with Honoria and her reluctance falls under his odd form of courtship. She discovers she can trust his gentleness as she has a way of bringing out his more honorable traits and even calming the beast within.

Blade has to cooperate with one of the Blue Blood lords, Barrons, who has some connection to Honoria. He doesn't want to be jealous but he doesn't like the secrets that keep Honor at arms length. As Blade and Barrons battle a rogue vampire a trap is set to capture Honor. Will Blade be able to save Honor from Vickers before he does harm? Will Honor be able to find a cure before Blade's disease progresses out of control?

I really loved Honor and Blade and their cautious courtship that finally blossoms with their passion. Their romance is sensual and steamy without ever seeming vulgar. Ms. McMasters does a grand job with world building a setting that is different and fascinating, especially since I enjoy steampunk features. The plot is believable and provided fast paced action and suspense. The secondary characters are drawn with appropriate depth to make them likeable or horribly villainous. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong, romantic characters who face dangerous odds. Even if you aren't a big fan of vampire stories you might enjoy this steampunk version with its twisted bite.

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

Blade's sad thoughts:

A blue blood had no personal scent. No warmth. Sometimes he felt as tough he were slowly turning to marble, devoid of any of the touches of humanity that surrounded him. Until nothing but the hunger remained. Page 51.

What Honoria wants:

Someone to love her. Someone to hold her in his arms, to tell her that she was the center of his world. That he would look after her. Someone to trust. Someone to love back. Page 223

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Ms. McMaster for providing the book to review, sharing in Interview and providing Giveaway copy! See the Giveaway and Interview post next.

I will add this title to my New Author and ARC Challenges as well as Steampunk list.

Book Review: Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson

This is a charming, old fashion tale of characters in an English village.

Miss Buncle's Book
by D.E. Stevenson

• File Size: 923 KB
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (September 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007ZI00BO

Genre: Novel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 1, 2012

Who Knew One Book Could Cause So Much Chaos?

Barbara Bunde is in a bind. Times are harsh, and Barbara's bank account has seen better days. Maybe she could sell a novel ... if she knew any stories. Stumped for ideas, Barbara draws inspiration from her fellow residents of Silverstream, the little English village she knows inside and out.

To her surprise, the novel is a smash. It's a good thing she wrote under a pseudonym, because the folks of Silverstream are in an uproar. But what really turns Miss Bunde's world around is this: what happens to the characters in her book starts happening to their real-life counterparts. Does life really imitate art?

A beloved author who has sold more than seven million books, D. E. Stevenson is at her best with Miss Buncle's Book, crafting a highly original and charming tale about what happens when people see themselves through someone else's eyes.

"Love it, love it, love it"

"There are no vampires, no faeries, no weird creatures, just a sweet story about real people living in a world I've always dreamed of."—Reader Review

Review:

Miss Buncle is a unremarkable young woman who lives in a quiet little English village.  Times are hard and her small dividends have dwindled so that she doesn’t have enough to cover bills. The only choices she thinks she has are to raise hens or write and sell a book.  She doesn’t know anything about chickens so she writes what she knows – she writes about the people in her village.

The first part of the book describes the day to day life of the village named Copperfield instead of its real name, Silverstream. She portrays the neighbors fairly accurately with foibles and quirks although she does give them different names that play on their true names.  The second half of the book she becomes creative and allows for fantasy to devise a future for several characters.  Miss Buncle submits the book as John Smith and is happily surprised when a publisher agrees to publish it. He doesn’t know if the book is simple or satiric but he found it engaging.

Miss Buncle is thrilled to get an advance and is cheered until her neighbors start to read the book. Some find it charming and laughable but certain ladies in the community become upset by their honest, but not always kind, portrayal.  They gather the neighbors together to try to figure out who the author is so they can chase him down and ‘horse whip’ him.  While she decides whether to reveal that she is the author, Miss Buncle watches as her neighbors begin to do things depicted in the book.

I’m not quite certain what year this is set in -- there are cars and phones -- but the book was originally published in 1936. So it is apparently a cozy, slower village time.  It isn’t a fast read but it is sweet and engaging and I loved some of the phrasing (see quotes below). It is enjoyable to follow the gentle Doctor and his wife, the new Vicar and the women who pursue him; it is fun to watch the cranky, snobbish women who don’t want to recognize who they really are and it is particularly lovely to watch Miss Buncle’s own transformation.

If you like a cozy warm caricature of life, try this sweet, easy story!

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

Here are examples of the laid back, charming phrases I liked:

“Lawks!” she exclaimed suddenly, looking up at the clock. “Look at the time, and the drawing room to be done yet—I’m behind , like a cow’s tail.”  Location 53.

“Dorcas, I could never give up writing now,” she said, incredulously (nor could she, the vice had got her firmly in its grip, as well ask a morphinomaniac to give up drugs). “You don’t know how exciting it is, Dorcas. It just sweeps you along and you’ve no idea of the time--” Location 2057.

 I received this through NetGalley to review for Sourcebooks.

I will add this to my New Author Challenge List.

Book Review: I Own the Dawn: The Night Stalkers by M.L. Buchman

This is a full action, high intensity read with great details! 

I Own the Dawn: The Night Stalkers

by M.L. Buchman

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 1, 2012) 
• Language: English 
• ISBN-10: 1402258135 
• ISBN-13: 978-1402258138

Genre: Military, Romantic Suspense

My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2012

Name: Archibald Jeffrey Stevenson III

Rank: First Lieutenant, Dap Hawk Copilot

Mission: Strategy and execution of special ops maneuvers

Name: Kee Smith

Rank: Sergeant, Night Stalker Gunner and Sharpshooter

Mission: Whatever it takes to get the job done

You Wouldn't Think It Could Get Worse, Until It Does...

When a special mission slowly unravels, it is up to Kee and Archie to get their team out of an impossible situation with international implications. With her weaponry knowledge and his strategic thinking, plus the explosive attraction that puts them into exact synchrony, together they might just have a fighting chance.

Review: 

Kee Smith is a female “warrior”.  She was a street orphan and trouble landed her in the Army where she found a ‘home.’ She tested and scrambled her way to the top level of warriors as a sharpshooter so that she could get assigned to the elite Special Operations Aviation Regiment division, SOAR, and specifically to the Night Stalkers. 

Kee comes to the camp with a hostile attitude. She has always had to prove herself and she is inclined to believe that even the ‘legendary’ Major Emily Beale, with her FBI father, was handed her position. Kee soon learns that each member of the SOAR team, including Beale, clearly earned their wings and respect.

Archie is a chopper piolet and an amazing tactician, strategist, with SOAR. He has flown with Beale since they became friends at West Point. He comes from a family of influence with a father who builds boats and a CEO mother who has learned to navigate the political and financial world of alliances and trade groups.

On an early protective run the team picks up an eleven-year-old girl hidden in the rocks.  She has clearly been walking a long time, alone and scavenging to stay alive. Kee takes her under her wing before she even realizes she has chosen to protect the girl. Kee makes Dilyana feel safe while Archie brings her calm and smiles.

The street smart Kee and 'Professor' Archie may not seem a likely pair but they are pulled together by their mutual attraction. They take vacation with Dily in tow and Archie’s parents showing up unexpectedly putting Kee into an emotional quandary she is unaccustomed to.

Kee struggles with her mixed feelings and fear of closeness as they are called back to base for a secret flight. Although they experience misunderstandings and mis-communication, soon they have to learn to trust each other to complete a near impossible, full risk mission. They are the last chance to prevent a terrorist event that could trigger a major war.

This book has great action, a plausible plot and amazing detail. Mr. Buchman’s descriptions put you in the midst of the action.  Even in the middle when the scenes are personal there is great emotional investment that keeps the reader’s attention moving forward.

I was very impressed with the detail of the military setting and tactics as well as the political complexities that would be effected by the terrorist act. If you like romantic suspense with full on action, impressive detail and intense emotions this is an author and a series you need to read.

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

Kee thinks of Dilyana seeing her parents killed up close and recalls this vivid imagery:

The more you heard, the better your imitations. You learned to break it down. The timbre of the initial snap, the shriek of the whistle while it passed within a couple of inches, the Doppler drop-off as it moved on. And that dreadful wait, hoping it hit rock or dirt with a sharp slap rather than turning into a silent moment and then the cry of the gut-shot guy who was supposed to have your backside. Page 97.

Kee’s life is changing due to a child and a man:

Faced the world in her own way at her own pace. And the Kee Smith she knew only had one pace. Full thrust.
Now an eleven-year-old girl braided her hair and a SOAR officer held her hands and spoke of dreams.
She tried to breathe past the tightness in her chest. P285.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing the book to review and for allowing me to host a Giveaway.See the next post, the author interview, for the Giveaway.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Trouble With Magic by Patricia Rice

A charming romance - likeable characters get caught, not too unhappily, in a marriage declaration.

The Trouble With Magic

by Patricia Rice

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402251955
• ISBN-13: 978-1402251955

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 2003

Is Her Magic a Gift or a Curse...?

All the Malcolms have some magic, but Lady Felicity's ability to read people's emotions simply by touching them or their possessions overwhelms her. She's reached a marriageable age, but how can she ever wed when she can see so clearly a man's guilty secrets? 

Only He Can Tell the Difference... 

Ewen Ives, itinerant rake and adventurous inventor, knows better than to underestimate the mischief of the Malcolms. But sparks fly when he encounters Felicity, and Ewen can't seem to refuse her plea for assistance...

Review:

Felicity is a “Malcolm” which means she is from a long lineage of women with special ‘gifts.’ Her gift, or curse as she deems it, is that she gets visions of strong emotions when she touches people and objects. This has distressed her most of her life to the point that she shields herself as much as possible from even normal touching. Her wealthy and elitist father hoped to wed her to an important banker until Felicity saw murder through the man’s eyes. She has escaped with her vibrant sister, Christina, to Scotland where they are to visit another sister.

Felicity hopes to make a secret side trip to try to locate a Malcolm journal that may explain how to rid herself of the unwanted gift.  Detoured by a storm the young ladies unexpectedly encounter their brother-in-laws’ brother. Ewen Ives would rather not be involved with the young girls but his brothers would be upset if someone didn’t take responsibility to protect them.

Ewen has his own problems. He incurred debt to repair damage supposedly caused by a faulty gear he designed. The due date is fast approaching and it appears his only option is to marry a rich heiress. He has already decided upon a widow acquaintance although he isn’t thrilled with the idea.

Felicity and Ewen find themselves thrown together and Felicity discovers that his touch raises new and exciting sensations rather than fearful and hurtful ones. Ewen has a scientific mind and might have scoffed at Felicity’s gift until he realizes the truth of it. He encourages her to try to gain control intellectually over the gift rather than allowing the emotions to swamp her. Now she  learns that she can uncover secrets using her touch.

When they are caught in a compromising situation Ewen declares that they are secretly married not knowing that in Scotland such a proclamation is binding.  He must try to find a way out of the marriage trap that neither planned.  Yet emotionally they continue to grow closer. Will Ewen’s financial woes force him to leave Felicity, especially in face of her father’s fierce disapproval?  Can Felicity reveal mysteries that will help Ewen’s situation before it is too late for them to find a future together?

I loved this couple and the way his scientific brain and her pragmatic nature fit together like hand in glove.  It takes them some time to see that they are stronger together than apart but it is good conflict to get there. The Ives’ ‘cousin’, Aidan, is an interesting side character with his deteriorating castle. This is the type of sweet to sensual story, with a little mystery, that first made me fall in love with historical romance.

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

Sense the warmth:

She could feel their mutual resistance as well as their longing for more. Page 141.
It had taken an earnest young woman to p259

He’d already recognized that Felicity offered him opportunities as wide as the horizon. A wife like that wouldn’t be a burden but a benefit. Despite his lack of wealth, he possessed a few qualities he could offer her in return.  He balanced her, as she had said. Page 273

I have a collection of Ms. Rice's historical titles so I was thrilled to pick this off my TBR shelf to read when I was given the opportunity to share through a Sourcebooks giveawlay of the new re-release!

Sourcebooks shared this information:

As many of you know, we have a line of books called Casablanca Classics—these are beloved books by fabulous authors that have gone out of print. We are so excited to have the next book in Patricia Rice’s classic “Magic” Series back in stores this month: The Trouble with Magic!

Patricia Rice’s bestselling Magic series featuring the clash between science and magic has been off the market over 5 years. In The Trouble with Magic, Sparks fly when Ewen, the itinerant rake and adventurous inventor of the Ives family, catches Felicity, the most fey of the Malcolms, who is fleeing to Scotland to discover a way of ending her dangerous gift…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With five million books in print and New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists under her belt, Patricia Rice’s emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances have won RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards and have been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA finalists in the historical, Regency and contemporary categories. A former CPA, Patricia Rice is a native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina, and currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri. For more information on Patricia’s current releases, please visit www.patriciarice.com. 

SO - Wouldn't you love to win a copy of this newly released romance?

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for a Print Copy supplied by the Publisher:

ENTRY FORM HERE!

For 3 Extra Bonus Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 7, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 8, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.   

Book Review: A Little Mischief by Amelia Grey

This is quick and light reading.

A Little Mischief

by Amelia Grey

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Reprint edition (August 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402239807
• ISBN-13: 978-1402239809

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 1, 2012

How can a lady avoid a scandal...

Just as Miss Isabella Winslowe is finally achieving comfortable respectability, the fascinating and decidedly unrespectable Earl of Colebrooke inconveniently appears...

When a gentleman is so determined to flirt...

The darkly handsome Daniel Colebrooke is intrigued and alarmed when an alluring young lady arrives at his door in need of assistance. In a moment of impetuosity, Daniel decides he must keep a close watch on Isabella, and what better way than to strike up a not–so–innocent fliration...

Together they'll cook up more than a little mischief when a disappearing dead body and a lascivious scandal spins their reckless game entirely out of control.

Review:
Isabella currently lives with her vivacious spinster Aunt enjoying the society life and freedom of living in London. Her father has been off with his new wife and Isabella hopes she can remain in London another few months until she is 21.  Then she will not have to return to the country as she will receive her own allowance.  She plans to live with some independence like her Aunt rather than seeking marriage and living under the thumb of a man.

Isabella was a wallflower her first season in London but she watched her self assured Aunt and decided to emulate her, developing her own confidence. She has taken a group of misfit young ladies under her wing. These girls are not the diamonds of first water but still lovely girls. Isabella invites them into her reading group where she shares tips on building confidence while sharing the fun of reading too.

Isabella’s plans and reading group are at risk when one of the young ladies, Gretchen, plans a clandestine meeting with a suitor and fears she has killed him in Isabella’s garden.  Isabella takes the hysterical girl to her brother, the imperious Earl of Colebrooke.  He scoffs at the story especially when they return to the garden and find no body.

Daniel was a rakish and disreputable younger son until his father and brother died and thrust him into the role of responsibility. Now he has returned to town to find a respectable wife to settle down with as he manages the family estates. Daniel doesn’t need a free spirited young woman who seems to be up to some mischief that he hasn’t figured out yet. When they discover Gretchen standing over the body again Daniel admits concern but wants Isabella to stay out of the investigations.

The immediate conflict and intensity between these two makes for a fun romance. The story is somewhat predictable but charmingly presented. The romance develops nicely with a warm acknowledgment of their love in the end.  The writing is light and this makes an easy, enjoyable read.

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

Isabella’s initial reaction to Daniel:

“He is positively arrogant, scornful, impatient, judgmental, and formidable.” ... “I forgot infuriating.” Location 488.

Daniel’s thoughts about Isabella:

She was too open -minded. He needed a woman who would obey him and be a proper Countess, not a woman who wanted to chase after a murderer.  Location 2150.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this title through NetGalley. Please check the next post for an interesting Guest Post from Ms. Grey and a chance to win this charming tale.

Book Review and Giveaway: Hell on Wheels by Julie Ann Walker

Hop on and hang on tight to this great, entertaining ride!

Hell on Wheels (Black Knights Inc.)

by Julie Ann Walker 

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (August 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402267134
• ISBN-13: 978-1402267130

Genre: Romanctic Suspense

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012

Black Knights Inc.—Behind the facade of their tricked–out motorcycle shop is an elite special ops team assigned the jobs too hot for anyone else to handle.
Hold On Tight...
Ex–Marine Nate "Ghost" Weller is an expert at keeping his cool—and his distance—which makes him one hell of a sniper. It's also how he keeps his feelings for Ali Morgan in check. Sweet, sexy Ali has always revved his engine, but she's his best friend's baby sister...and totally off limits.
Rough Road Ahead
Ali's never seen anything sexier than Nate Weller straddling his custom Harley—or the flash of danger in his eyes when she tells him she's in trouble. First something happened to her brother, and now she's become the target of a nasty international organization. With Nate, her life is in the most capable hands possible—but her heart is another story altogether.

Review:

Ali thought she was close to her big brother, Grigg.  She and her parents are devastated when Grigg’s best friend, Nate, delivers the news that Grigg was killed in a freak accident at the motorcycle shop where they worked.  Ali has suppressed a crush for Nate since he seemed to always ignore her or dismiss her.

There is a lot Ali doesn’t know. Grigg and Nate are part of an elite black ops team and Grigg was tortured before being killed in action. Also Nate isn’t immune to her, but he does his best to ignore his attraction to her since Grigg warned him off years ago.

Nate is dark and quiet and apt to respond with one word sentences, especially if faced with Ali. Ali on the other hand gets nervous around Nate and tends to run off at the mouth.

Shortly after they learn that Grigg is dead, Ali starts feeling like she is being followed. After barely escaping a mugging she speeds off to Chicago to seek help from Nate. As soon as she enters the high tech machine shop with the ultra level security Ali suspects that this is more than a designer motorcycle shop team. It is discovered that Grigg took part in an 'off the books' operation and apparently sent secrets on a zip drive to Ali. She insists on going along to retrieve the drive as she really wants to uncover all the secrets.  But there is one secret that Nate will never reveal.

I loved the fast paced action of this story. The mob participation and bungling is a little bit of a stretch but it provided opportunities for danger and action.  The intense chemistry, resistance and passion between Ali and Nate makes a great romance. Ms. Walker's style is sleek and intense with a side of humor.  There was some rough language but not so much that I couldn’t read right on past it. 

There was a good secondary tension between Becky, the top notch mechanic and operative wanna be, and the team boss, Frank, who won’t allow himself to think of her beyond her great fix-it skills. They just rub each other the wrong way and I expect there will be another revved-up story for those two.

I would be glad to read more in this fast, tense series. If you like suspense, action and strong romance elements you will want to check out this book and the Black Knights series by Julie Ann Walker.

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

Ali's reaction to being stalked and nearly mugged:

She felt like her life had taken on the relative dimensions and kinetic energy of a tsunami, and she had nothing but her own two hands as protection against the coming onslaught. Page 78.

Nate stays on alert:

So yeah, the best thing for him to do would be to stay exactly where he was. Watching. Waiting. With five rounds of angry lead that could quickly affect an attitude adjustment in any unfriendly individuals.   Page 179.

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

This is set in Chicago and Jacksonville, NC for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add this to my New Author and ARC challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the Review Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 17, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 18, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.  

Giveaway: Discover Georgette Heyer!

Here is a chance to win THREE Georgette Heyer titles courtesy of Sourcebooks.

Georgette Heyer, the “Queen of Regency Romance,” is one of the most beloved authors of all time, and Sourcebooks couldn’t be more thrilled to be her North American publishing home: all 52 of her delightful novels are back in print!

Over the years we have come to find that fans of Heyer’s work all have “Heyer moments”—stories about how they discovered her, which novel is their favorite, how they used to sneak and read their mother’s copies, and so on.

We LOVE hearing these stories from fans, and what better time to sing the praises of one of our favorite authors then on the anniversary of her 110^th birthday!

In light of the anniversary, Sourcebooks wants to ask readers: “How did YOU discover Georgette Heyer?”

TO ENTER YOU MUST leave a comment:

(a) Share your "Heyer Moment": when you first discovered Georgette Heyer; what was her first book that you read; what is your favorite Heyer title.

OR

(b) If you haven't read Ms. Heyer yet please share why you want to start reading her novels.

LEAVE your email so I can contact you if you win!

I will pick one winner from the comments who will receive a surprise grab-bag prize pack of 3 different Heyer novels: 1 Romance, 1 Mystery, 1 Historical Fiction (1 winner per blog, US and Canada addresses only)

This giveaway will end August 17, 2012 at 10pm Central.

Here are a few of the many wonderful titles. One of the first I read was False Colours.

Devil's Cub	False Colours	Faro's Daughter	The Foundling	Frederica	Friday's Child

Here are other activities Sourcebooks is sponsoring for Heyer’s 110^th birthday for the month of August!

All Available Georgette Heyer eBooks on sale for $2.99 from Tuesday August 14^th – Monday August 20^th! Check this link.

Get 30% off any Heyer print book during the whole month of August at the Sourcebooks store by using the coupon code HEYER at checkout!

http://www.sourcebooks.com/
store/fiction/georgette-heyer/

Also, check out our Georgette Heyer Facebook page where we will be having discussions, parties and giveaways! 
http://www.facebook.com/

thecompletegeorgetteheyer

Sourcebooks Specials for August!

Sourcebooks has A LOT of things going on in August that I am pleased to be able to share.

First, The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen is Barnes & Noble’s Free Friday pick for today! Pick it up today for free here: http://bookclubs.

barnesandnoble.com/t5/The-NOOK-Blog/bg-p/Unbound/label-name/free%20fridays

Also, The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick is only $2.99 for a limited time. Elizabeth’s upcoming new release A Place Beyond Courage (Sept.) is a prequel to Chadwick’s 2009 release The Greatest Knight. A Place Beyond Courage tells the gripping story of John FitzGilbert - the father of William Marshal (the hero from The Greatest Knight). http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

w/greatest-knight-elizabeth-
chadwick/1100202467?ean=9781402228643&itm=1&usri=elizabeth+chadwick

 

A Place Beyond Courage Coming September 2012

“Spellbinding prequel to 2009’s The Greatest Knight, Based on real characters and extensive research, Chadwick’s imaginative tale will keep readers captive till the final page.

―Publishers Weekly,  STARRED review

“Immerse your senses in the world created by Chadwick; be intrigued, entertained and enlightened by the deft skill of a master storyteller …For fans of William Marshal and Chadwick’s The Greatest Knight… this is a must-read.”

     ― RT Book Reviews    

And finally, I wanted to share the details of our annual Georgette Heyer birthday celebration for this year! Georgette Heyer would have been 110 years old this August 16^th.  Please feel free to share all of this with your followers! Thanks!

Georgette Heyer, the Queen of Regency Romance, will turn 110 years old on August 16^th!

And Sourcebooks is celebrating in a BIG way! Here is what they have going on:

All available Georgette Heyer eBooks on sale for $2.99 from Tuesday August 14^th – Monday August 20^th!  http://www.sourcebooks.com/

readers/browse-our-lists/
ebook-specials/1776-happy-birthday-ms-heyer-ebooks-for-299.html

Get 30% off any Heyer print book during the whole month of August at the Sourcebooks store by using the coupon code HEYER at checkout! http://www.sourcebooks.com/

store/fiction/georgette-heyer/

Check out our Georgette Heyer Facebook page where we will be having discussions, parties and giveaways!

http://www.facebook.com/

thecompletegeorgetteheyer

Book Review: Thoroughly Kissed by Kristine Grayson

This is modern-day 'Sleeping Beauty' fairy tale that makes an easy and delightful read.

Thoroughly Kissed
by Kristine Grayson

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Reprint edition (June 5, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402248547
• ISBN-13: 978-1402248542

Genre:  Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2012

Sleeping Beauty has sworn off kissing...

Emma awakens to an entirely different world than the one she lived in a thousand years ago, and although she's the real Sleeping Beauty, her life is no fairy tale. After parting ways with her supposed Prince Charming, she's determined to be a normal girl—she hides her magic and swears off kissing strange men.

But her gorgeous boss Michael knows there 's something unusual about Emma, and he thinks she's as infuriating as she is beautiful. Now Emma needs to teach Michael a lesson, which means mastering her magic. She knows she's flirting with danger, but after one look at Michael's perfect lips, all she can think is, "What's another thousand years ... ?"

Welcome to the fractious fairy tale world of Kristine Grayson, where the bumpy road to happily ever after is paved with surprises ..
.

Review:
We met Emma in Utterly Charming when she awoke in a world that was absolutely foreign to her.  Her first kiss had placed her in a thousand year sleep.  She has spent the past 10 years learning a new language, getting college and doctorate degrees, and  establishing her career as a historian and college professor. She has avoided any relationship tangles not only because she hasn’t had time but also because she isn’t about to risk another kiss that might spell her to sleep again.

Emma Lost (a name she adopted upon her awakening) has met her new division head, Michael Found, who happens to also be her next door neighbor and wulfstrang - a powerful and handsome man. Michael has spent the last year on sabbatical researching the history of magic and its myths. Emma may be the most beautiful woman he has ever seen but the pragmatic and proper Mr. Found believes Emma and her popular book on Medieval history to be a fraud. Then Emma’s magic goes awry in his office and he has to reconsider his beliefs about magic, history and Emma.

Emma is destined to be a mage when she reaches the age or 50 or so. By ‘life experience’ Emma is only 30 so she figured she had another 20 years or so before she would have to face magical training. Now suddenly her wishes are coming true in odd ways; her powers are upon her but clearly out of control.  She has to travel from Wisconsin to Portland, Oregon to get her magical training’

She doesn’t have any friends to travel with her and it is just too risky to try to rely on her cat familiar, Darnell, to speak the reversal spells for any misguided magic. The fates aren’t going to make any exceptions or help her out. Perhaps she could ask Michael to help her since he has already seen evidence of her misguided abilities. After being manipulated into making the trip, Michael begins to fall under a different spell where Emma is concerned.  As they travel along long barren roads they face dangers of other wizards seeking to capture Emma’s wild magic. Can they make it safely to Oregon? And if they do, even if Michael can convince Emma to risk a kiss, how will they manage a relationship between a mortal man and a practically immortal mage?

Kristine Grayson writes characters  who are charmingly independent, stubborn and yet vulnerable. Even the cat, Darnell, has a most cat-like combination of independence and dependence. The plot is a bit zany but all fun. The writing is easy and light. There is sweet, sensual attraction with no need for sexual intimacy.  This is just a fun, sweet romance that I found delightful.

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

Emma’s insecurities:

“Darnell’s the only person–if you want to call him that–who ever wanted to be with me more than he wanted to be with anyone else.”  Location 2575

Michael’s dilemma:

–why would a beautiful magical creature want to be with a stodgy professor?–she would at least know that he cared.  Location 2582.

I selected the ebook through NetGalley to review for Sourcebooks

This is set in Madison, Wisconsin for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

I thoroughly enjoyed the wit and light-hearted style of this writing.

The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

Jayne Fresina

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (June 5, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402265972
ISBN-13: 978-1402265976
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2012

"A scintillating debut...as addictive as chocolate."—Mia Marlowe, author of Touch of a Rogue

"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply."—Miss Sophie Valentine

A SCANDALOUS LADY

Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette would bring her trouble-and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger. .. is she?

SEEKS HANDSOME STRANGER

Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with ...

A MOST IMPROPER PROPOSAL

Review:

Sophie Valentine’s introduction to intimacy at age 18 lasted two and half minutes. Unfortunately the resulting ruining scandal and related scars are still with her ten years later. Her young beau, a childhood friend with status and expectancies, had offered marriage but Sophie wanted more than what she perceived as a convenient marriage where it was likely he would seek pleasures on the side.

At age 28, Sophie lives with her brother and sister-in-law who are ready for her to marry and move out. Her brother has managed to run up debts from gambling and indulging his indolent, demanding wife. The wife is constantly whining and haranguing Sophie. Sophie is still impetuous and in a moment of angry exasperation she has created trouble again by placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette.

Surprisingly the ad brings in two gentlemen seeking to marry her. One is a dark handsome stranger, Lazarus Kane. The other is Sophie’s childhood beau who has believed himself to be enamored of her and hopes that finally she will accept him, even if he has to “buy” her through her brother.

Lazarus has cleaned himself up to present himself as an acceptable and determined suitor. He is not a gentleman of means but he has rented a cottage farm that holds a fond place in Sophie’s heart. He is willing to work hard to convince her that she is his angel and that time is too precious to waste. He just isn’t willing to admit his past right away or the secret that he has been looking for her for half his life.

Jayne Fresina writes a story with wonderful wit, charm and vibrant descriptions that I loved!  See some of the quotes below.)  I really liked the quirky, less than perfect characters, the fun trouble that surrounds Sophie, and Lazarus’ romantic determination to win her. I was totally delighted with the story until about midway when the romance moved into some heavier sexual scenes which repeated more than necessary for my tastes. Again, this is an area that many romance readers will enjoy. I just prefer softer heat or at least fewer scenes as a little heat goes a long way for me. Even with the extra steamy scenes I still really like the writing of this author and will want to try more from her.  If you like fun and really charming historical romance, and don’t mind the heated scenes, I do recommend you get this book to enjoy.

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

Here are examples of the vibrant  writing style I so enjoyed:

... for everything was turned upside down, and her own nerves spun about like tumbling maple seeds. Page 38/Location 612

The countryside was at peace as it settled in to embrace the evening, like a mother with her arms around a play-weary child. Page 69/ Location 1040

The sun, like a playwright with all the winding threads of his imagination exhauted, put down his quill and dipped his weary head to rest. Lon shadows slowly crept across the ground, the bronzed fingers of sunset stretching to eas the cramp of a long day's writing. Page 79/Location 1233.

But she saw the gleam in his eyes, and Sophie knew how it felt to be taken by surprise, kidnapped and held ransom by a sudden sensation, a desire that came unwanted, unbidden. Page 158/Location 2424.

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

I will add this to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

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

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on July 13, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on July 14.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.