Mistress by Leda Swann (4)

She knew she was playing with fire . . . and was eager to burn.

The very thought of an innocent young woman--a teacher at a fusty finishing school--modeling for a series of titillating photographs to be sold at London's bookstalls is scandalous. But orphaned Emily Clemens's destitute circumstances have left her little choice. It is all part of her plan to capture the attention of some well-heeled roue who will then make her his pampered mistress. So the untouched beauty sheds her outer garments--and her inhibitions--to strike provocative poses before the lens of handsome photographer Eric Twyford.

But each seductive attitude she assumes is stoking a fire within that Emily never knew existed--and the heat is spurring her on to ever-greater heights of sensuous abandon. Still, the devilishly desirable Eric, a consummate professional, remains unmoved by her erotic display. If Emily cannot arouse a man in the flesh, what hope does she have as a black-and-white postcard?

She has already gone far beyond the boundaries of propriety. Now Emily's brazenly determined to go even farther--to seduce Eric, letting him take her to intoxicating places she has never been. But once she has reached ecstasy, will she ever be able to leave?

I purchased this book because:  Just look at the cover :)

The opening line: Life usually changes slowly, almost imperceptibly, as one day slides seamlessly into the next.

Pages in Book: 266 pages

Well sometimes you just want to read abit of fluff ....  And I have been eyeing this book for a while now mainly because of the cover ... I find I am like a magpie attracted to pretty covers and then I am hooked that I have to purchase it ... 

Another of my weaknesses is Period Romances ... There is something about that settin that men where men and woman had a certain air about them ... Emily is a likeable character a young girl with ambition who would like to make her way in a world still dominated by men ... She is strong of character and a good business sense but finds she is well out of her depth when the business plan takes off.  

The male lead is Eric Twyford and he is also a likeable character ... An American livin in London to make his fortune but doesn't realise when he comes into contact with Emily that what would start as a business arrangement would grow deeper ...

As with all Erotic Novels there is a great deal of sexual content but nothin truely scandalous ... It is a quick easy read and one that would be enjoyed with an early nite in bed or curled up with a hot chocolate in front of the fire.

I rate this book: 4 stars

The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logster (5)

When Will and Bet were four, tragic circumstances brought them to the same house, to be raised by a wealthy gentleman as brother and sister. Now sixteen, they’ve both enjoyed a privileged upbringing thus far. But not all is well in their household. Because she’s a girl, Bet’s world is contained within the walls of their grand home, her education limited to the rudiments of reading, writing, arithmetic, and sewing. Will’s world is much larger. He is allowed—forced, in his case—to go to school. Neither is happy.

So Bet comes up with a plan and persuades Will to give it a try: They’ll switch places. She’ll go to school as Will. Will can live as he chooses. But once Bet gets to school, she soon realizes living as a boy is going to be much more difficult than she imagined.

I purchased this book because: The cover is lovely ....... I am just a sucker for a pretty cover

Opening lines: Everything I needed to wear beneath my clothes was already in place. I selected a shirt the color of unspoiled snow, eased my arms into the sleeves, slowly did up the buttons from narrow waist to chest and finally to neck.

Pages in Novel: 186

Isn't the cover to his novel lovely ... And it is hardback as well ... This is a lovely wee book to read and you will finish this in one sitting if you are a quick reader ... I am a sucker for stories about girls dressing up like boys Yentel and Shakespeare in Love to name a couple ... So I just loved this novel ...

When Bet and Will hatch their plan to let Bet pretend to be Will at an all boys school it sounds so simple ... But it turns out to be anything but ... Bet has to quickly adept to the world of men in order to survive .... There are some really cute parts in this novel that will have you laughing out loud .... And you do tend to forget that we as male and female are really quite different ... From the way we walk, talk and think .... Can Bet really get away with being a man?

Favourite quotes I liked:

And why give up and declare a thing impossible before even trying? Pg 11

Paul Garderner liked to say that there were no accidents in life, that everything happened out of choice or through design, that everything for a reason. But from where I sat, so much of life did seem accidental, haphazard. How else to explain why one person lived while another died? Pg 17

All I see, Will, is a boy who is unwilling to do what it takes to get what he wants out of life. pg 26

We were all willing to do whatever we had to in order to keep him happy. Pg 116

My only complaint about this book is that nearing the end of the novel I felt it was wrapped up to fast .... But in saying that I am giving it 5 stars because I really did enjoy it ... It is light hearted, funny and whisked me away to another world for a few hours of enjoyment :)

I rate this book 5 *****

Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard (41/2)

To impress the popular girls on a high school trip to London, klutzy Callie buys real Prada heels. But trying them on, she trips…conks her head…and wakes up in the year 1815!

There Callie meets Emily, who takes her in, mistaking her for a long-lost friend. As she spends time with Emily’s family, Callie warms to them—particularly to Emily’s cousin Alex, a hottie and a duke, if a tad arrogant.

But can Callie save Emily from a dire engagement, and win Alex’s heart, before her time in the past is up?

More Cabot than Ibbotson, Prada and Prejudice is a high-concept romantic comedy about finding friendship and love in the past in order to have happiness in the present.

I purchased this book because: Saw the cover and wanted a funny light read

Opening lines: It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a teen girl on a class trip to England should be having the time of her life.

This is a cute wee book to read ........ Light hearted and funny ..... If you love your Period romances and Pride and Prejudice then this book is for you .....

Callie the main character finds herself back in time and is thrown into a world of balls, dresses and where the men rule the world ........ And where would a novel be without its dashing Duke ....... Callie is definitely a girl from our time that has to adjust very quickly to ways of 1815 ...

This is a quick read and one that I really liked ... If you are a fan of Lost in Austen or Austenland then you will gobble up this book ...

Favourite Quotes from the novel are:

"Everyone has a place in society. It would do you good to observe yours" Pg 106

I force myself to turn away from the woman and look at the guy standing next to her. And when I do, I lose my breath entirely. The Duke. Pg 35

I really enjoyed this wee novel ... So if your looking for something nice and light with a few laughs along the way go out and get a copy :)

I rate this book 4 1/2

The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough

Everyone knows the story of Elizabeth and Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. But what about their sister Mary? At the conclusion of Jane Austen's classic novel, Mary, bookish, awkward, and by all accounts, unmarriageable, is sentenced to a dull, provincial existence in the backwaters of Britain. Now, master storyteller Colleen McCullough rescues Mary from her dreary fate with The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet, a page-turning sequel set twenty years after Austen's novel closes. The story begins as the neglected Bennet sister is released from the stultifying duty of caring for her insufferable mother. Though many would call a woman of Mary's age a spinster, she has blossomed into a beauty to rival that of her famed sisters. Her violet eyes and perfect figure bewitch the eligible men in the neighborhood, but though her family urges her to marry, romance and frippery hold no attraction. Instead, she is determined to set off on an adventure of her own. Fired with zeal by the newspaper letters of the mysterious Argus, she resolves to publish a book about the plight of England's poor. Plunging from one predicament into another, Mary finds herself stumbling closer to long-buried secrets, unanticipated dangers, and unlooked-for romance.

Meanwhile, the other dearly loved characters of Pride and Prejudice fret about the missing Mary while they contend with difficulties of their own. Darcy's political ambitions consume his ardor, and he bothers with Elizabeth only when the impropriety of her family seems to threaten his career. Lydia, wild and charming as ever, drinks and philanders her way into dire straits; Kitty, a young widow of means, occupies herself with gossip and shopping; and Jane, naïve and trusting as ever, spends her days ministering to her crop of boys and her adoring, if not entirely faithful, husband. Yet, with the shadowy and mysterious figure of DarcyÕs right-hand man, Ned Skinner, lurking at every corner, it is clear that all is not what it seems at idyllic Pemberley. As the many threads of McCulloughÕs masterful plot come together, shocking truths are revealed, love, both old and new, is tested, and all learn the value of true independence in a novel for every woman who has wanted to leave her mark on the world.

The reason I chose this book was because of one of my all time favourite books, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I was curious to see what happened to Miss Mary Bennet.

I was rather taken back when I was reading this book to find that the novel I have enjoyed for many years was torn apart. The romantic story of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy did not continue,, but rather the opposite.

Lizzie was unhappy in her marriage, Darcy is ambitious and controlling, Mr. Darcy's father was evil, Jane is weak and cries a lot, the list goes on......... even Charles Bingley got a bit of a rap. At least Mary went from an unassuming ugly duckling into a strong willed beautiful swan.
I had difficulty reading this book, to continue I had to divorce the two books from each other.
So I had to pretend the Bennet sisters and Mr. Darcy of Pride & Prejudice were not the characters referred to in this book, It did help that Mr. Darcy was often called Fitz.

I feel the author Colleen McCullough used the traits of each character in the novel Pride & Prejudice and showed them in a different light to write her book.

This book does have witty conversation, drama, comical moments, mystery, and murder. I might have enjoyed reading this book, if it didn't try and destroy the book I love. But then again I may not have picked it up if it wasn't for the title The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet.

At least it all ended on a good note.

I am sorry to say there is language, which I am sure Jane Austen would not be impressed with. There are a few pages with rather bad language, Please beware of pages 149/150. there is a word we don't hear often or if at all. I was rather surprised, I didn't expect any bad language.

I am not objective enough at the moment to rate this book, maybe after we discuss it at book club, I may see it in a different light.

I have been having a quick read of my old faithful Pride & Prejudice.
Now to clear my head, I think I will get myself a carton of chocolate milk and some snack food, and put on the BBC movie of Pride & Prejudice and lose myself in the romantic story for a short while and spend some time with some old friends Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy and of course (Colin Firth).

"I was Jane Austen's Best Friend" by Cora Harrison [3 1/2]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single

girl in possession of a journal must write

all her secrets in it.

Meet Jenny Cooper: shy, pretty cousin of clever,

sparky Jane Austen

[who has lots of handsome brothers and a vivid imagination.]

These are Jenny's secrets:

* She has never gone to a ball.

* She hates her school.

* She longs to wear a new gown and flirt with a handsome

naval officer.

* She wishes real life could be more like a novel.

This is a really cute little novel that is written in the style of a diary, and all 13 -14 year old girls will just love this book. Inside you'll find all sorts of drawings and little notes. The hardback cover is just pretty and this is the UK version but I have also seen the US version that will come out eventually and I must admit that one is just beautiful.

So the basic story is that Jenny and Jane are at boarding school and get extremely sick and are brought home ... from then on it's about life under the Austen household and Jenny's desire to be married like all girls at her tender age of 16.

While it is such a sweet book and the characters are all likable and the humour is ... well funny, I did find the book for me a little boring and I kept losing interest in reading it. It is well written and light hearted and I loved the way truth and fiction were woven into making this story, but I definitely think it is one for the younger teens. Actually if you have any girls in the family think about this book as a stocking filler for Christmas because they will get a thrill out of reading it.

I rate this book 3 1/2 stars.

"Ravishing in Red" by Madeline Hunter [4]

The Domino requests that Mr. Kelmsley meet him

at the Two Swords in Brighton two nights

hence to discuss a matter of mutual benefit.

Hoping to clear her dead father's name, Audrianna Kelmsleigh decides to respond to the advertisement placed by the mysterious "Domino." Armed with her cousin's gun, she takes a room at the Two Swords Coaching Inn. But the handsome man of commanding sensuality who shows up is not the Domino at all, but Lord Sebastian Summerhays - one of her father's persecutors - who has been lured by the same advertisement. When Audrianna's gun accidentally fires, the situation suddenly becomes mortifying public ...

There is only one way out of the scandal that erupts, and so these two passionate and headstrong adversaries find themselves joined in a marriage of necessity. Expecting a practical alliance, Audrianna quickly discovers she is helpless to resist Sebastian's seductive persuasions as he teaches her the meaning of erotic desire. But she remains determined to exonerate her father, even if it means risking her life, her marriage - and her heart ...

This is the first in a series of Regency romance ... the second novel in this series is called "Provocative in Pearls." The covers are just gorgeous ...
I actually wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this book, as it did take a little while to get into ... but after the initial few pages it became quite interesting. So the story basically is ... Audrianna is trying to defend her father who commits suicide because he is unable to live with the consequence's of decisions made through his work, she believes he is innocent and tries to prove it.
While reading through the paper she comes across the advertisement by the Domino and believes he will be able to shed some light on her father's plight. Meanwhile Lord Sebastian has been heading up the investigation into her father's situation and believes there is more to it than meets the eye. Through the accidental meeting and what comes of it these two people have to get married. Yes sparks fly between them, but Sebastian is the enemy as he was out to destroy Audrianna's father. As they both get too know each other, they start to realize that they have the same purpose in mind and work together ... kind of!

This will be an interesting series as it seems to be the stories about each of the women who live in the 'Rarest Blooms' a house owned by Daphne, Audrianna's cousin. Each of these four women are strong minded and want a life of their own without being depended on men. They have a good friendship with each other and care about each other. The men in the story are typical for this kind of novel, dashing, brooding, carefree, selfish ... rakes who all need to find that one special woman in their lives that will make a difference to it.

It was a good light read with nothing too heavy about the storyline ... there is a little mild erotica in it but nothing too bad. Looking forward to the next installments to read about the rest of the women.

I rate this book 4 stars.

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore (5)

Nimira is a music-hall performer forced to dance for pennies to an audience of leering drunks. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to do a special act - singing accompaniment to an exquisite piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.

I purchased this book because: I heard so much about this novel and how great it was ....


Opening Lines: The audience didn't understand a word we sang. They came to see our legs.


Well I have to say I really loved this book ..... And I just wanted more ...... Very sad that I have finished it and hoping that there will be a sequel to this .... PRETTY PLEASE .....

My copy as soooo many post it notes in it because I loved the way the author Jaclyn described the world around her ...... It just transported you into the story .... BRILLIANT ...

The main Character of Nimira is just a wonderful character .... And you cannot help be love her ... There is the mysterious Mr Parry who has hidden secrets of his own ( with a hint of Jane Eyre ... maybe that is why I love this novel sooo much ... lol )

There is the wicked Mr Smollings who you just love to hate ..... And the gorgeous Erris who is trapped in an enchanted spell .... Can Nimira save Erris and live happily ever after .... or is their love for each other doomed from the start ....

Some of my favourite quotes: "They passed me by without notice" pg 12


"We stepped into the elevator - I knew of them but had never ridden unside one. It reminded me of a gilded birdcage." pg 15


"You must, admit, its a testament to human tenacity that we can survive in any condition" Pg 50


"In Tiansher, at least beggars and princes alike had the same priceless view of the Shai Mountains." pg 50


"I felt a little sick, but pretending was a woman's lot." Pg 65


"Every person has a reason to walk the earth, Mother always said. Sometimes the path leads in strange directions." Pg 93


"I just wondered what was up here. I heard a strange noise. .... Likely it was the sound of your common sense dashing off." pg 101 love that ... :)


"Love isn't sure,' he said, .... 'It's frightening. But its full of possibility. And hope." pg 127


For this to be a debut novel I am really impressed ... I loved everything about this book ... And felt that I was really there with the characters ... This wee novel has everything you could ask for ... Historical Romance, mystery, fantasy and lots of action .... All wrapped up in a wonderful package .. my only fault with this novel was that it ended ....... The perfect stand alone book but you are itching to find out what happens with the characters in the end ....

I rate this book 5*****

Love the white cover which I have it is really pretty ... Abit of a problem with the book cover .... I have the UK version which I think it really nice ... But the USA cover has a picture of a white girl on the front .... Which is totally wrong as the main character is dark skinned ... So the USA after alot of backlash changed the cover .... Sad to see that they changed it only after the backlash ... Shows that there is some misconceptions and prejudice still there ...

"The Other Countess" by Eve Edwards [4]

England, 1582

Ellie - Lady Eleanor Rodriguez of San Jaime - is in possession of a worthless title and a feisty spirit that captivates the elite of the Queen's court, and none more so than the handsome new Earl of Dorset...

William Lacey has inherited his father's title and his financial ruin. Now the earl must seek a wealthy heiress and restore his family's fortune.

Will's head has been turned by the gorgeous Ellie, yet their union can never be. Will is destined to marry a lady worthy of his status, so the only question is - which one?

As soon as I saw this cover I just had to have it, the bonus is that it's a historical romance ... my favourite genre. Well this is a debut novel for this author and I think she has done really well.

Beautifully written, you just immerse yourself into the story and get swept away with the times. The characters are really likable, Ellie is a feisty yet gentle young woman who has the misfortune to have a father as a alchemist and that creates all sorts of problems for her. Will is a typical male for his time, handsome and strong yet pigheaded and stubborn as well. The back ground characters are well written too, Will's brother James and Ellie's new friend Lady Jane Perceval all have outstanding roles in the story. The author describes the setting and time period really well and you just want to keep reading to learn more.

I can't wait for the next installment which is entitled "The Queen's Lady" and hopefully we won't have to wait too long.

Fantastic debut novel.


I rate this 4 stars.

Austenland by Shannon Hale (31/2)

Jane Hayes is a seemingly normal young New Yorker, but she has a secret. Her obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, is ruining her love life: no real man can compare. But when a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane's fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become realer than she ever could have imagined. Decked out in empire-waist gowns, Jane struggles to master Regency etiquette and flirts with gardeners and gentlemen;or maybe even, she suspects, with the actors who are playing them. It's all a game, Jane knows. And yet the longer she stays, the more her insecurities seem to fall away, and the more she wonders: Is she about to kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?

I Purchased this because: It is Book Club Choice for July '10

Opening Lines: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a thirty-something woman in possession of a satisfying career and fabulous hairdo must be in want of very little, and Jane Hayes, pretty enough and clever enough, was certainly thought to have little to distress her. There was no husband, but those weren't necessary anymore. There were boyfriends, and if they came and went in a regular stream of mutual dissatisfaction - well, that was the way of things, wasn't it?

I was excited about reading this wee book as it was on my TBR list for ages ... And it was light-hearted and a really nice wee escape into the world of Austen ( Jane Austen that is ) .... How many of us girls have such a romantic view of that world .... Where the men are gentlemen .... Strong, brooding and devastating handsome .... and women get to dress in gorgeous gowns, have leisurely walks around the gardens and sit reading or embroidering all day .... SIGH .....

This is definitely a book for someone who loves the world of Austen and also chick lit books as this as a mixture of both ... I have read a few of Shannon Hales books now and I have enjoyed them ... But I felt with this book although geared for the adult audience was too fluffy and nice in parts ....

I did love how the start of each new chapter there was a history of all Jane's past failed romances ... And a couple of them I could actually connect to ... ( Shhhh don't tell anyone ) ..... This book should definitely be your bookcase if you are an Austen fan .... It is really light hearted and would be the perfect summer book or sitting in front of the fire with a cup of Hot Chocolate .... You really don't have to concentrate just sit back and enjoy ....

It did frustrate me that the character of Jane kept saying that she was going to emerge herself into the world she found herself in ... But then she kept holding back .... grrr .... She had spend all her life dreaming of living this life and when she as the opportunity she keeps questioning herself .... It did make me LOL when she did her pianoforte performance of "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater" and the dedication to Colin Firth ( Whom we all love ) .....

Some of my favourite quotes ' To Colin Firth ... You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends' Opening cover 'I don't think I could explain it to a man. If you were a woman, all I'd have to say is 'Colin Firth in a wet shirt' and you'd say 'Ah' pg 77

'And if I don't make you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world every day of your life, then I don't deserve to be near you' Swoon Pg 190

'A hunter need not spend hours with a pheasant to know it would make a good dinner. A pheasant is nothing more than what it seems, as are hens, foxes, and swans. People are no different. Some may need endless hours of prattle and prancing to know another's worth. I should not." Pg 44

'Of course. It would be uncivil to say I will not enjoy making love to you tonight." Pg 140

So in short this is an easy read .... And it will make you go out and watch the lovely Colin Firth or Lost in Austen series just so you can get it out of your system ..... Ahhhhhhhh ....

I rate this book 31/2 ***

"The Secret Mandarin" by Sara Sheridan [3]

London, 1842

Actress Mary Penney has brought disgrace on her respectable family.

Desperate to avoid scandal, Mary's brother-in-law, the ambitious botanist Robert Fortune, forces her to accompany him on a mission to China to steal tea plants for the East India Company. But Robert conceals a secret - he is a spy for the British forces, newly victorious in the recent Opium War.

His task is dangerous - the British are still regarded as enemies by the Chinese and exporting tea bushes carries the death sentence. In these harsh conditions Mary grieves for her London life and the baby she has been forced to leave behind, while her fury at Robert intensifies.

As their quest becomes increasingly treacherous, Robert and Mary disguise themselves as a mandarin and man-servant. Thousands of miles from home, Mary revels in her new freedom and the Chinese way of life - and when danger strikes, finds unexpected reserves of courage.

I love historical romance novels and when I saw the cover of this book and then read the back cover I was totally intrigued, only to be sorely disappointed. This book turned out to be very slow going even though it is only 370 pgs. Mary tells the story and it reads like a diary but not in diary form. It takes so long to get onto the story as the author is telling you everything and describing everything and I must admit ... which I hate to do, I actually did skip pages without losing the plot of the novel. I just couldn't warm up to either Mary or Robert as I found them both very selfish people for various reasons. I did admire Mary for her courage and the adventure she does embrace eventually, as women in that time really weren't able to do much. It's a pity she was a fictitious character. Robert Fortune is a real person who was a famous Botanist and he was married to a Jane Penney. The author has taken licence with the story, but has stayed historically true as possible.

It was an interesting read for just once, I won't be picking it up again soon.

I rate this book 3 stars.

"A Rose in Winter" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss [5]

The enchantinng, raven-haired daughter of the village mayor, Erienne Flemming is the fairest bloom in her English village. And of all who desire her, she would have only one: the dashing and witty young Yankee, Christopher Seton. But a marriage for love is not to be, as Erienne is auctioned off to the highest bidder to help pay off her irresponsible father's debts. And in the end, it is the enigmatic Lord Saxton who purchases her hand - a tragic and secretive noble who hides his scars behind mask and clock, and who only appears to her after nightfall.

Resigned to a solitary life in cold and rambling Saxton Hall, Erienne slowly learns the true nature of the stranger she calls "husband." A gentle and adoring soul, he treats his new bride with warmth and abiding tenderness. But though she valiantly longs to remain true to her elusive, mysterious spouse, Erienne feels herself irresistibly drawn to Christopher Seton's passion, his fire, and his intrigues. And soon she will have to make a devastating choice: between her duty and her heart...

A stirring and unforgettable tale of love and duty.

This is the first time I have read any books from this author and she is definitely worth the read in this Genre. It is a long novel with 567pg, but you don't realize how quickly you get through it as you don't want to put it down. Her characters are strong and determined women who for one reason or another find themselves in peril and then are rescued by the dashing and handsome rakes who falls in love with them.

This novel is set in the north of England in 1792.

Erienne Flemming is the beautiful young beauty of her village and she has been struggling to keep her life and home together as her father the village Mayor, is a drunk and a gambler, who cares only for himself. He decides to sell Erienne to pay off his debts. While Erienne has met the rogue Christopher Seton and is drawn to him, it is the noble Lord Saxton that she is sold too.

As she gets too know both of these gentlemen she is torn in too, as her heart belongs too one, but she has a duty to the other.

What is a girl to do....read on and find out!

Great fluff read if you like this Genre.

"The Red necklace" by Sally Gardner [5]

Paris 1789

While the aristocracy dine, dance, gossip, and

gamble their way to disaster, the poor and starving

dream of revolution.

Enter the boy Yann Margoza, destined to be a hero;

Tetu the dwarf, his friend and mentor;

Sido, unloved daughter of the foolish Marquis de Villeduval;

and the sinister Count Kalliovski, who holds

half the aristocracy in thrall to him.

The drama moves from Paris to London and back,

as the Revolution gathers momentum, and the hope of liberty

and the dream of equality are crushed

beneath the wheel of terror.

This is a story that has everything, murder, mystery, passion and even a little magic.

Beautifully written... you will breeze through this novel before you even realize that you have finished.

From the very start to the finish you are transported into the terrifying world of the French Revolution...

Her characters are people that you identify with straight away...

You eagerly encourage Yann to fulfill his destiny...

Your heart breaks for Sido, all she wants is to be loved by her cruel father...

You cringe when the evil Count Kalliovski comes calling at Sido's home to make her father an offer...

Laugh at the antics of Tetu and his friends...

This book leaves you wanting more...literally...

Her story continues with "The Sliver Blade"

For me it is a must read, totally captivating.

I rate this book 5 stars.

The Season by Sarah MacLean (5)

Seventeen-year-old Lady Alexandra Stafford doesn’t fit into the world of Regency London – she’s strong-willed, sharp-tongued, and she absolutely loathes dress fittings. Unfortunately, her mother has been waiting for years for Alex to be old enough to take part in the social whirlwind of a London Season so she can be married off to someone safe, respectable, wealthy, and almost certainly boring. But Alex is much more interested in adventure than romance.

Between sumptuous balls, lavish dinner parties and country weekends, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get entangled in her biggest scrape yet. When the Earl of Blackmoor is killed in a puzzling accident, Alex decides to help his son, the brooding and devilishly handsome Gavin, uncover the truth. It’s a mystery brimming with espionage, murder, and suspicion. As she and Gavin grow closer, will Alex’s heart be stolen in the process?

Well I blame Legs for the bags under my eyes today ....... lol ........ I stayed up until the wee hours reading this novel ....... And for a debut novel it is excellent ........

I love all the characters ....... Especially Blackmoor and Freddy ......... If you just want to be whisked away where Manners are everything ........ Men where either Gentlemen or scoundrels ....... Woman dancing all night and in between all that you have a murder mystery to solve as well .......

This is a gorgeous book to read ........ Nice and clean ........ But with a hint of cheekiness ...... A story of friendship between 3 girls .... And their parents search to find them a husband ....

Ok ...... AS you can see I loved it ........ If you haven't picked a copy up yet ........ Please do ....... And the hardbook cover is lovely ........ This book is definitely one for the book shelf ......

I rate this book 5*****

Books in order of Series

The Season

Hurray yes she is going to be doing 2 more to this Series .... Hopefully coming out 2010 !!

Memoirs of a Scandalous Red Dress by Elizabeth Boyle [3 ]

What if all you have are the memories of a rake...

and the scandalous red dress that nearly brought you to ruin?

Reminders of the kisses he stole? Or his seductive, rakish smile as he charmed his way into your bed, stole your innocence and your heart? To proper and respectable Philippa, Lady Gossett,

such memories are best locked away. At least, so she thinks, until a stranger arrives

on her doorstep and offers her a chance to tempt fate once again...

to tempt Dash back into her life and quite possibly into her bed...

This is the third book in this series.

I actually struggled a little with this one for some reason...

It is written in the present which is 1837 and then goes back into the past of 1814.

While the flow between present and past isn't a problem, the story just doesn't quite grab you.

Pippin is the main character, she is the cousin to Tally who we meet in the book 'Confessions of a Little Black Gown'.

Her hero is the dashing pirate, Captain Thomas Dashwell.

The story and writing flow well, but I just couldn't relate to either character for some reason.

I found it dragged on a little with explaining the history of this couple and finding their way

back to each other. There is romance between them and they fall in love with each other. But due to circumstances they are separated for about 20 years.

In this period each has moved on with their lives...

but they still remember the passion they felt.

The question is... can they forgive each other and rekindle that passion?

Not a favourite in the series.

I rate this book 3 stars.

"A Duke of her Own" by Eloisa James [4 1/2]

Leopold Dautry, the notorious Duke of Villiers, must wed quickly and nobly -

and his choices,alas, are few. The Duke of Montague's daughter, Eleanor, is exquisitely beautiful

and fiercely intelligent. Villiers betroths himself to her without further ado.

After all, no other woman really qualifies.

Lisette, the outspoken daughter of the Duke of Gilner, cares nothing for clothing

or decorum. She's engaged to another man, and doesn't give a fig for status or title.

Half the ton believes Lisette mad - and Villiers is inclined to agree.

Torn between logic and passion, between intelligence and the imagination, Villiers

finds himself drawn to the very edge of impropriety. But it is not until he's in a duel to the death,

fighting for the reputation of the woman he loves, that Villiers finally realizes that the

greatest risk may not be in the dueling field...

But in the bedroom. And in the heart.

Book 6 in the Desperate Duchess series.

The final book in this series and it finished it off brilliantly.

The Duke of Villiers has become a favourite character of mine, and I was curious as to the type of woman that would eventually capture his heart.

Leopold has been hurt in his younger life but he hides it in his arrogance and in his dress.

Eleanor has felt the passion of love but was betrayed and thought she would be without it ever again. The two of them come together for different reasons, but in their developing friendship find that they need and want each other desperately.

Will the Duke be brought to his knees by this beauty?

Will Eleanor ever trust her heart again?

A truly delicious treat to finish off this series.

Wonderfully written, a book you want to finish in a sitting.

I rated this book 4 1/2 stars.

Books in this series in order

Desperate Duchess

An Affair Before Christmas

Duchess by Night

When the Duke Returns

This Duchess of Mine

A Duke of her Own

"This Duchess of Mine" by Eloisa James [4 1/2]

Wedding bells celebrating the arranged marriage between the lovely Duchess of Beaumont and her staid, imperturbable duke had scarcely fallen silent when a shocking discovery sent Jemma running from the ducal mansion. For the next nine years she cavorted abroad, creating one delicious scandal after another

{if one is to believe the rumours}.

Elijah, Duke of Beaumont,

did believe those rumours.

But the handsome duke needs an heir, so he summons his seductive wife home.

Jemma laughs at Elijah's cool eyes and icy heart -

but to her secret shock, she doesn't share his feelings.

In fact, she wants the impossible: her husband's heart at her feet.

But what manner of seduction will make

a man fall desperately in love...

with his own wife?

Book 5 in the Desperate Duchess series.

I think this would be my favourite one so far... only have one left to read.

I've really come too love the character of Jemma, Duchess of Beaumont and was hoping that the author would write another book that would finish off her story.

Jemma and Elijah, have been separated for nine years through misunderstanding and stubbornness on both their parts.

When Jemma is summoned home from Paris she seeks revenge from Elijah for the hurt he caused her... but like all good love story's she comes to realize that she still loves him and wants the same from him.

Is it too late to turn back the clock?

Will Jemma be able too woo her husband?

Will Elijah realize that there are more important things than politics.

Will love conquer all, or will it all be for nothing in the end?

Enjoyable read, this one has a bit of eroticism in it, so beware!

I rate this book 4 1/2 stars.

"When the Duke Returns" by Eloisa James [4]

Married by proxy as a child, Lady Isidore has spent years fending off lecherous men in every European court while waiting to meet her husband. She's determined to accept him, no matter how unattractive the duke turns out to be. When she finally lures Simeon Jermyn back to London, his dark handsomeness puts Isidore's worst fears to rest - until disaster strikes.

The Duke demands an annulment!

The fourth book in the Desperate Duchess series.

Thoroughly enjoyed this story about Isidore and her Duke Simeon. After waiting eleven years for her husband to claim her and their marriage, Isidore and her best friend Duchess Jemma Beaumont cook up a scheme to lure Simeon back from his travels in the wilds of Africa.

Isidore is ready in every way to become a wife and mother and the proper Duchess of Cosway.

Simeon on the other hand is unprepared for the headstrong beauty that is his wife. He has been instructed in the ways of...well he is just dull. He hides his emotions, he wants a wife who is biddable and will do as she is told.

Well let the games begin...

Who will win...or will there be a comprise of sorts...

Will both of them realize that they need each other before it is too late.

A good light fun hearted read.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libby Bray (41/2)

It's 1895, and after the death of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma's reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she's being followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence's most powerful girls - and their foray into the spiritual world - lead to?

Well it is official I think I have found another series that I love .... I have been wanting this series for a while now and so armed with only telling myself that I could buy one book at the bookstore I lifted this one .... When I went to pay for it I had $10.00 off and then the assistant said 'oh that is on special today you get the next book for free' So I went the full hog and purchased the third book as well .... So all in all I got the 3 books for the price of one ..... Happy Days .... Anyway back to the book ...

I love the character of Gemma Doyle she is smart, funny and daring .... She is a great leading lady in this story .... With the lost of her mother she is send back to London to Spence Academy to be trained as a Lady .... What she doesn't expect is finding out who she is and secrets about her family that threaten her life today .... Love, Love love it .........

It is set in 1895 so not only do we have mystery and magic we also have a period setting as well ... There are gypsies ....... A handsome young man who is swore to protect Gemma ...
A big haunted Mansion ......... Being able to travel to a different world ..... The abiltity to have all your dreams come true .... Beautiful clothes ..... And a very stern Headmistress .......

Come on .... what more could you want ......... Go out and buy the book .........

I rate this book 41/2 ****

'Bewitching Season' by Marissa Doyle [4]

In 1837 London, young daughters of Viscounts pined for handsome, titled husbands, not careers. And certainly not careers in magic.

Shy, studious Persephone Leland would far rather devote herself to her secret magic studies than enter society and look for a suitable husband. But just as the inevitable season is about to begin, Persy and her twin sister discover that their governess in magic has been kidnapped as part of a plot to gain control of the Princess Victoria. Racing through Mayfair ballrooms and royal palaces, the sisters overcome bad millinery, shady royal spinsters, and a mysterious Irish wizard. And along the way, Persy learns that husband hunting isn't such an odious task after all, if you can find the right quarry.

What an absolutely delightful debut novel...

Truly love the concept of weaving historical romance with magic. Very easy to read, flows beautifully, finished in a day... has a beautiful cover that draws you to it.

The characters of Persy and her twin sister Pen are wonderful. They share a special bond as twins but also as witches. This first book deals more with Persy and her feelings and thoughts about entering into society and what is expected of her... to find a husband! I'm assuming the next book will be about her sister Pen.

The author writes about all the emotions that 17 /18 year old girls go through when finding their true love. It certainly takes you back to your teen years, even though it is 1837... we all have the same emotions no matter what year it is. Loved the closeness that the two girls have with each other, but it is interesting to see that a boy can change things, even if you are twins!

Can't wait to read the next one.

'The Blackstone Key' by Rose Melikan [4]

1795, and a young teacher called Mary Finch travels in haste to the Suffolk coast to meet her wealthy uncle - and so end a bitter family estrangement. But when she meets a dying man on the road, she is soon drawn into a world of intrigue and treachery. Why does this stranger carry a watch bearing her uncle's initials? And why does he hint that Mary is in terrible danger?

When his warning proves true, Mary finds herself at the mercy of a ruthless conspiracy, determined to gain the treasure guarded by the mysterious Blackstone Key. Will Mary's courage, wit and steady nerve be enough to save her? And can she trust the two men who have offered her their protection?

The first book in an exciting new mystery series.

With a beautiful cover that just captivates you straight away, you are drawn into the wonderful historical novel as soon as you open the page. Mary is a delightful heroine, that is witty, sensible, intelligent and forthright, she is a breath of fresh air.

I have not read a historical novel that wasn't a romance and this was something completely different. The author writes in period detail really well and it was a joy to read. Looking forward to the next one.

'The Counterfeit Guest'.

I rate this book 4 stars.