December 2009

Books read this month:

1. Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey.

Fascinating novel that should probably be catalogued as young adult, but isn't. The content is a bit mature, but nothing overly disconcerting or graphic that a teen couldn't handle. It's got a post apocalyptic feel to it, but is more of a slightly futuristic world. To me this story is mostly a coming of age story set in an isolated government outpost where politics have over stepped their authority, yet the people are so isolated and controlled that they aren't even fully aware of their oppression. The story is a bit of an allegory maybe, and also has a love story. I would be interested in a sequel to this story, or maybe a companion novel that takes place a decade or more later. I would also be content if Santa Olivia were a standalone novel, too.

READING NOW:

2. Visions of White by Nora Roberts.

What else I hope to read this month:

In no particular order . . .

Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory (historical romance)

Hard to Hold by Stephanie Tyler (romantic suspense)

Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich (mystery)

Cant' Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards (contemporary romance)

Levithan by Scott Westerfield (YA Steampunk)

This one's almost become a running joke with myself. It's been a permanent fixture on my nightstand since July, I think, and I just don't have the desire to read it. How can that be? I've read all six previous books as soon as they came out... maybe I just don't want to end the magic? Or maybe I'm just tired of the whole Harry Potter vs. Voldemort thing?

xx. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter, Book 7

November 2009

Books Read this Month:

1. Doubleblind by Ann Aguirre. (Sci Fi)

2. The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan. (YA Urban Fantasy)

3. Indiscreet by Carolyn Jewel. (Historical Romance)

4. Two For The Dough by Janet Evanovich. (mystery)

Stephanie Plum series, book 2

5. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. (historical romance)

6. Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz. (mystery)

The Spellman Files series, book 3

7. Liar by Justine Larbalestier. (YA)

8. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen.

October 2009

1. Written On Your Skin by Meredith Duran.

Can totally be read as a stand alone, but works brilliantly as a companion novel with Bound By Your Touch that I read and reviewed in June of 2009. I love Meredith's writing. So intelligent, poetic, and incredibly creative with her characters and their stories. Phin and Mina were so unique and somewhat quirky in their natures. They were both strong, independent, and stubborn, but also very sensitive. Phin is the perfect man for Mina. Their happily ever after came as a surprise to both of them, I think, as neither of them were looking for or expecting to fall in love. It held that much more meaningful to them both... and to me.

2. Surrender Of A Siren by Tessa Dare.

The second novel in a historical romance trilogy by debut author Tessa Dare, this story follows the journey of Sophia Hathaway after she has jilted Toby Aldridge a few short days before their marriage and runs away on a ship bound for the West Indian island Tortola. Toby was not necessarily a poor candidate for marriage, but Sophia is a sensual, emotional woman who is determined to marry only for love. She has spent her life putting on the front of the proper, dutiful young woman, but in truth it has been a life of lies. She so desperately wants to see the world and experience life on a primal level. She wants to see it, hear it, smell it, taste it, touch it . . . and capture it on canvas. She finds a ship bound for Tortola and tricks the owner of a ship--Gray Grayson and then the captain of the ship--Captain Joss Grayson, that she is the new governess for an English family living on the island and sets out on this voyage across the sea as a paid passenger. On the long voyage across the sea, Sophia and Gray fall in love, but their story is a journey with many ups and downs that mirror the ship's wake over the swells of the ocean. It is a sensual and romantic story of first true loves for both characters that is fun, sweet, sexy and just melts your heart by the time they get their happily ever after. The story is beautifully written and very romantic.

3. A Lady of Persuasion by Tessa Dare.

The third and final novel in the historical romance trilogy by debut author Tessa Dare, this is the love story of Toby Aldridge and Isabel or 'Bel' Grayson, the half sister of Gray Grayson and Joss Grayson from Surrender Of A Siren. In order to exact revenge on Gray Grayson for 'stealing' his betrothed in Surrender Of A Siren, Toby is determined to marry Bel in order to steal Gray's little sister from him. Bel finds her happiness and life goals in serving the charitable needs of children and the oppressed poor and decides she will marry a man of societal prominence in order to get her voice heard and her mission served. On a bed of lies and empty promises, Toby convinces Bel he is that person for her and they promptly wed, much to the annoyance of both of Bel's half brothers, Gray and Joss.

Neither Toby nor Bel expected to be swept away by their shared passion for love between the sheets, and most of all they didn't expect or plan to fall deeply in love with each other. Eventually Toby's lies catch up to him and their happily ever after becomes just a dream of what could have been. Unless both open their eyes and hearts to what is really important in life.

I love Tessa Dare's writing. So beautiful, poetic and epic, yet also feels so natural, simple and very real. There is humor, action and most of all richly drawn characters in a perfectly articulated world that sweeps you away in the most romantic of tales with the sweetest happily ever afters.

4. The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo.

Children's Literature

This is a children's chapter book for readers ages 9-12. Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite authors of children's literature, and this novel is written in a similar style and tone as her previous two novels, The Tale of Despereaux and my all time favorite, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. It is a bit of a sad tale, but also full of hope. About a young boy named Peter who lost all that was important to him on one ill fated day and how he came to have hope to get back at least a small part of what was important. With the help of some very unlikely acquaintances, he learns what it feels like to love and be loved, to be safe, to offer safety to someone and the power of hope and promises.

5. The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

The Spellman Files series, Book 1

6. Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz.

The Spellman Files series, Book 2

September 2009

I read my personal record of THIRTEEN books last month! I'm so excited about that, and hope it's a new trend, even though I know that's just wishful thinking. August is typically my most productive reading month of the year, but that productivity goes quickly downhill from now until Christmas. Most Decembers, I read 0-2 books! Let's see how I do in September....

1. Branded By Fire by Nalini Singh.

Psy-Changeling series, Book 6

This is the love story of Mercy Smith, a sentinel DarkRiver snow leopard and Riley Kincaid, the lieutenant to the alpha of the SnowDancer wolves. I always wanted to see two different changeling species be mated, knowing it would be both emotional and passionate, and this couple didn't let me down. Both Mercy and Riley are dominant wolves, so there was plenty of tension between them as compromise was difficult, but the author did a wonderful job at making it work naturally. The overall series arc continued at a perfect pace, with a lot of loose ends from previous novels starting to piece together to show a "bigger picture" that is both complex and realistic. Secondary characters that readers of this series have come to know and love play vital roles in this installment, and there is plenty of page time with interactions of characters from the first several books. It was really rewarding to see everyone working together both for the conflict, and merely their social interactions. Branded By Fire definitely goes down as one of my most favorite Psy-Changeling books!

2. Open Season by Linda Howard.

Stand alone contemporary romantic suspense. Very cute story of a 34 year old, inexperienced librarian named Daisy Minor from a small Alabama town who gives herself a little make over and sets out to be more social and in essence, sets out to hunt for a husband. She meets the local police chief, Jack Russo who is so not her type and they kind of get on each other's nerves a bit when he comes to the library for assistance on two occasions. But there's a subtle attraction there nonetheless. She gets into a little trouble here and there when dancing out at the local bar and inadvertently just manages to sidestep a seriously disturbing crime ring that's taking place within the community. As she and Jack continue to bump heads, the sexual tension between them increases and then when Daisy witnesses something that puts her life in danger, Jack realizes his interest in her is deeper than just a fling, and in fact he's falling for her. Such a funny, sweet romance, although the suspense plot was rather disturbing for the lightness of the romance. It felt a tad unbalanced to me... but I loved the romance part.

3. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. (YA)

Paranormal romance

Grace is a 17 year old girl who was attacked and nearly killed by a pack of wolves who pulled her from her tire swing in her backyard when she was only 11 years old. One wolf with yellow eyes stopped the pack from killing her and has haunted Grace ever since. The pack of wolves are actually werewolves who are wolf when the temperatures outside are cold, and human when the temperatures are warm. Ever since her attack, Grace has been drawn to the woods and her wolf with the yellow eyes. When a teenage boy is found dead in the woods as a result of an apparent wolf attack, men from the town go into the woods to hunt and kill the wolves. Grace's wolf gets shot and she finds him bleeding to death at her back door in his human form. She knows this boy is her wolf. His name is Sam and she saves his life by bringing him to the hospital. Their relationship is now blossoming from a tentative and curious attraction between girl and wolf to that of girl and boy.....

4. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols (YA).

Contemporary.

5. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. (YA)

The Hunger Games series, Book 2

Dystopian speculative fiction

6. One For The Money by Janet Evanovich.

A Stephanie Plum novel, Book 1

August 2009

I read ten books in July--my most productive month so far this year. Maybe August will be as good if not better! :)

1. Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory.

All the King's Men Series, Book 1.

I just finished reading this novel and just loved it. It is a medieval historical romance and had so many elements that I simply adored. I cannot believe I have not yet read a medieval romance before. I love the scenery... castles and forests, men in armor on horses, banners flowing, kidnapping, treason, intelligent politics, respectable enemies, despicable villains, and first and foremost, an intelligent, strong female lead who is courageous in some ways, yet very vulnerable in others. Oh, and of course I cannot leave out a classic and very beautiful love story around which the entire plot revolves. I will definitely be reading the other novels in this series. I'm hooked!

2. Chosen By a Horse by Susan Richards.

A memoir about a woman who has lived a lonely, broken life and now in her early 40s, rescues a horse and learns about acceptance, trust, love and happiness.

3. My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent.

Audiobook novella.

Soul Screamers series, prequel.

This is the novella prequel to Rachel Vincent's new YA urban fantasy series called Soul Screamers. It's about a girl named Kaylee who can sense death by frightening shadows and can't help but break into shrieking screams when she senses them. The screaming part sounds weird, but it's not. It's written from Kaylee's perspective and you really feel the despair and anguish she feels and how she tries so desperately to resist the screams from bubbling out of her. I'm looking forward to reading what happens to her. The full length novel My Soul to Take follows this novella and is already out now.

4. Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs.

Mercy Thompson series, Book 4.

Wonderful installment in this series. It's difficult to come up with something original to say about a series you love so much... and a main character you adore. I can't wait for Silver Bourne in February 2010. In the meantime, Hunting Ground comes out later this month.

5. The Undoing of a Lady by Nicola Cornick.

The Brides of Fortune trilogy, Book 3.

Another fun story in this trilogy featuring the spirited Lady Elizabeth "Lizzie" Scarlet and her long time friend, Nathaniel, the Earl Waterson. Lizzie convinces him to meet her in the folly on her family's property the night before his wedding to one of Fortune Folly's heiresses and locks him in with her to keep him from the alter and from what she thinks is the biggest mistake of his life. Nat is furious with her and calls her immature and selfish, claiming she did this only because she is jealous and wants him for herself. She denies this, saying she's doing it for his own good. Mocking her, he says she couldn't seduce him if she tried, so of course she does, and shockingly, she does so rather successfully. Nat ravishes Lizzie and he is appalled with himself over it and in essence breaks her heart because she has truly been in love with him for a long time already and he clearly does not reciprocate any emotion beyond friendship with her. Or so he thinks. He and his fiance break off their wedding and Nat is determined to marry Lizzie in order to set things straight. She tries to avoid him and turn down his pursuit, but it is only a matter of time before these two are together again. But they both have a lot to overcome if they're ever to have a happily ever after.

6. The Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare.

An historical romance trilogy, Book 1

A beautifully written lush historical romance. The characters were real and their emotions and actions incredibly vivid. I absolutely adored the female lead, Lucy. She was young, vibrant, determined, honest, and passionate in all that she does. The story is part coming of age, part mature relationships, always deeply romantic. Currently my favorite historical romance.

7. The Beast of Desire by Lisa Renee Jones.

The Knights of White series, book 2.

Category Romance.

I read and reviewed the first book of the series and while I loved the premise, I thought the writing was just okay. I bought book 2 and 3 in the series because Harlequin had a fantastic deal going on at the time and I think I got each book for less than $2.00. I finally picked up the second book the other day and actually enjoyed it a lot. The writing was much better and although the story was a tiny bit predictable (only because I've read so many paranormal romances like this one), it was still a fun, romantic story with good vs. evil paranormal elements.

8. The Beast of Darkness by Lisa Renee Jones.

The Knights of White series, book 3

Category romance.

The story of Knight Max and his mate Sarah. Max is the oldest knight at 400 years old and he's very close to losing his humanity to the beast within him. Or so he thinks. He is put to the test when sent by himself to the remote Texas town of Nowhere where he combines efforts with a small group of paranormal experts lead by a woman named Sarah who turns out to be Max's mate. Sarah's group was called in by the town's sheriff to solve some unexplainable, disturbing goings on. It turns out that a dark prince has been imprisoned beneath the town and events have been put in motion to release him. Max and Sarah must face their pasts and their worst fears in order to figure out a way to stop evil and stay alive so they can have a future together as mates. Again, a bit predictable, but still a fun read. I think I'll skip the next installments in this series until Rock and Marisol's story.... their story is the only one holding me in this world.

9. Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie.

A quick, sweet romance between a newly divorced 40 year old woman (thank you!!!) and a 30 year old ER doctor. And her newly adopted Basset Hound-Beagle mix dog named Fred. I'll definitely read more by this author. Very sweet romance.

10. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent. (YA)

Soul Screamers series, book 1

Excellent first installment to this new series that deals with family, the hopes and secrets of family members, and the supernatural world of souls and those who can affect them upon death. Touched with a little bit of teenage romance, My Soul To Take is a great novel.

11. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. (YA)

A contemporary version of West Side Story meets The Outsiders, but with a happy ending. A rich white girl who seemingly has it all and a poor Latino guy who's a member of the gang the Bloods, attempt to bridge the gap between two worlds. Chemistry class brings them together, but it's their perfect chemistry--and an open mind, an open heart, and a lot of courage--is what gives them hope for a future. Pretty predictable, but also a very emotional and tense read. The ending makes this predictable story shine.

12. Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs.

Alpha and Omega Series, Book 3

Charles Cornick--the Marrok's son and assassin--and his new mate and wife, Anna Latham Cornick who is also an Omega wolf are sent to oversee a conference of sorts with the Alpha pack leaders of Europe in order to discuss the Marrok's choice to have werewolves "come out" to the public all across the world. Trouble ensues as a hidden faction is out to kidnap Anna.

13. Stolen Heat by Elisabeth Naughton.

Stolen Trilogy, Book 2.

Peter Kauffman--the successful, wealthy art dealer with possible shady acquisition methods and Katherine 'Kat' Meyer ... the woman he fell in love with in Egypt six years ago. The world was led to believe that Kat was killed in a car explosion in Egypt six years ago and now she shows up in NYC at one of Pete's auctions as he sells off his prized collection of Egyptian artifacts.

July 2009

1. Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop

The Black Jewels Trilogy, book 1 

A fantasy novel set in a world with several realms--including a pyschic realm called the Twisted Kingdom.  There exists an intricate hierarchy among the people, some of whom derive unique power from Jewels that they are bestowed at significant turning points in their lives. The characters are realistic and ordinary in their desires and needs, but at the same time, each are unique in what they offer the world and the people they choose to serve and love. Lots of secrets, betrayals--some motivated out of love and honor, others out of selfishness and the desire for power. A very exciting and thought provoking novel. I was so glad to already have Heir of Shadows on my bookshelf upon finishing Daughter of the Blood. I just had to find out what was going to happen next. 

2. Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop

The Black Jewels Trilogy, book 2 

This series is immensely engrossing! I love Jaenelle... she's a fantastic character.

I need to go get Book 3 .... like NOW! 

3. Wed Him Before You Bed Him by Sabrina Jeffries.

The School of Heiresses Series, book 6

A wonderful final installment to this series, even if I only read the book previous to this one. Miss Charlotte and her mysterious benefactor, "Cousin Michael" have a shared past from a long time ago... from a time when they were young and misguided. Years later, after both are widowed, they finally have a second chance at love and are rewarded with a beautiful happily ever after. I appreciated the maturity of the couple and found both of them learned from their mistakes and were willing to admit it and fix things. I loved that they were both willing to say sorry and forgive each other. Important life lessons right there. 

4. Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop. 

The Black Jewels Trilogy, book 3

A wonderful ending to this mesmerizing, dark fantasy trilogy. The ending was so emotional and so beautiful. Not only is this series of stories extremely creative and captivating, but it's also very spiritually thought provoking. I'm so glad that there are more books in this "series" past the trilogy. I'd love to read the story of Lucifer and Marian's love, more about Surreal finding complete happiness, and of course, I'd like to read more about Jaenelle and Daemon. 

5. Broken Wing by Judith James.

One of the most beautiful and memorable historical romances I've ever read. James' writing is fantastic--from her impeccable use of language to her extensive historical detail to her compelling story telling voice. The development of the story was perfectly paced and the characters were phenomenal. Sarah and Gabriel's love story simply stole my heart. Broken Wing is not a simple story of romance and happily ever afters. It takes place over several years and even revisits the past at times, chronicling the dark adventures of the protagonist, Gabriel St. Croix, a young man who has experienced tragedies that no one should experience. It also chronicles how this young man, despite all this travesty, finds true, unconditional love and acceptance in an amazing woman, Lady Sarah Munroe, who's words and affections heal and nurture him in ways he never imagined.  An achingly beautiful, epic romantic tale of survival and love.

6. Too Good To Be True by Kristan Higgins.

My second Higgins novel and I loved it just as much as Catch of the Day. Like Catch of the Day, the story is told from the first person point of view of the female protagonist--a perspective that really helps Higgins' story telling voice shine. The lead of Too Good To Be True, Grace Emerson, is a warm, sensitive and intelligent woman who often puts her family's needs and feelings ahead of her own, yet she's also assertive enough to speak her mind and do what she has to to move forward in life. Having been dumped by her fiance three weeks before her wedding because he fell for her younger sister whom she loves very much, Grace does an amazingly selfless thing in the name of true love. She recognizes the "kablammy" of love at first sight between her sister and her ex-fiance and actually encourages them to get together. Which they do. In the meantime, Grace goes through some amazing hoops to avoid pity and convince her family she's fine with it. She makes up an imaginary boyfriend, goes out on several horrible dates, and inadvertently falls for her new neighbor, Callahan O'Shea, who happens to be an ex-con. It's a fun, sweet story that is full of "I can't believe she did that, said that" moments, but also full of very heartwarming, loving, selfless moments. Great story. 

7. The Old Man In The Sea by Ernest Hemingway. 

I read this well known, classic short novel, because my eldest read it for her required reading for Honors English in September and she needed some help with the study guide. Imagine a 16 page study guide for a book that's only 124 pages long! It was fairly boring at parts, I admit, but at the same time, the book served as a colorful metaphor life. I think because I spent most of my childhood summers on a sailboat, Hemingway's prose about life on the sea was even more vivid for me. I could really see, hear and almost smell everything described in the book. 

8. Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater. 

A young adult novel by debut author Maggie Steifvater that was simply phenomenal. Beautifully written with descriptions of the world that Deidre Monaghan lives in and the curious, beautiful and scary world of the fae that she gets thrown into come to life right off the pages of the book. A story of family, friendship, love, and self discovery that griped me from the very beginning and swept me along to the very end. Stiefvater's second novel in this gripping world is titled Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie and is to be released on October 1, 2009. My birthday. ;)

9. Stolen Fury by Elisabeth Naughton.

Stolen Trilogy, Book 1.

A smart and sassy romantic suspense novel with a complex plot and complex characters. Really a fantastic read. I can't wait to read more by this author! 

10. The Scandals of an Innocent by Nicole Cornick.

The Brides of Fortune Trilogy, Book 2.

The love story of the maidservant turned heiress, Miss Alice Lister and the renowned scoundrel, Lord Miles Vickery. It didn't seem likely that Miles could ever prove himself worthy of the love of a decent woman, or that he could offer anything more than his name to her... yet he succeeds at both by the end of this novel. Alice made this story so worthwhile. She is smart, genuine, and a true friend. She deserved her happily ever after and in the end, I'm glad she found it with the likes of Miles. 

June 2009

1. The Chocolate Run by Dorothy Koomson.

A contemporary romance set in the UK written by a British author. Very refreshing to read a story taking place in non-USA soil and learning some UK colloquialisms. And the main couple are an interracial couple, which I love. It's unfortunately not something you come across very often in romance, but a situation very important to me since my husband and I are an interracial couple. The icing on the cake is that The Chocolate Run is a great story. Every single character is on an emotional journey of self discovery in their own different way. It's about family and friendships and true love. There are funny parts and serious parts and sad parts and very insightful parts. Most of all, it's a wonderful love story. 

2. Bound By Your Touch by Meredith Duran. (ARC)

Having read and loved Meredith's debut novel, The Duke of Shadows (2008), I've been highly anticipating the release of Bound By Your Touch, but tried not to set my expectations too high. I had nothing to worry about. Meredith's poetic story telling voice and realistic, yet unique story premise and characters were everything I hoped for and more. The story wasn't as poignant as The Duke of Shadows, but the development and treatment of the relationship between Miss Lydia Boyce and the Viscount James Sanburne was equally captivating and satisfying. It was great to read about an intellectual, scientific woman in an historical romance. One who wears spectacles no less! 

3. Red Fire by Deidre Knight. (ARC)

A Gods of Midnight Novel, Book 1

The first book in Deidre Knight's new paranormal romance series with mythology based on ancient Greek and Spartan history. The lives of the Spartan warrior Ajax Petrakos and the daughter of a demon hunter, Shay Angel, are intertwined through an ancient prophecy that comes to fruition in this novel. While trying to stay alive from a dangerous and strengthening demon horde sent by a Greek God, they are racing to find a magical artifact that can break the binds of immortal life. Of course they fall in love along the way. 

4. Bitten & Smitten by Michelle Rowen.

I stumbled upon this book while sorting donated children's books for a book swap I organized for my daughter's elementary school. I didn't think it was child appropriate reading material, so I set it aside. When I finished sorting the books, I had about 20 minutes before school got out, so I started reading and was instantly hooked by the main character, Sarah Dearly. Sarah is on a blind date with a guy who bites her, but then gets killed by vampire hunters right before her eyes. Sarah has no idea vampires exist and gets thrown for quite a loop learning that she's now a vampire, too. Trying to get away from the vampire hunters who just killed her date, she crosses paths with a man who is on the verge of killing himself, who turns out to be a 600 year old vampire. He helps Sarah out and agrees to be her adoptive sire and teach her the ways of vampirism. Things quickly get complicated, but it's always entertaining with Sarah around. 

The story is told from the first person point of view, and it is so much fun hearing this story from inside Sarah's head. She's got this sarcastic sense of humor, but it's funny and light-hearted. At the same time, she goes through some serious and frustrating times in the course of one week and I often felt sorry for her. But then she'd do something amazing that made me think she's gonna pull through this vampire thing--she's got what it takes to be a survivor. And she does survive. Obviously since there are a few books after this one. A fun, light-hearted and entertaining story that has me wanting to find out what happens next to Sarah Dearling, fledgling vampire living in Tornoto, Canada.

5. Red Kiss by Deidre Knight. (ARC)

A Gods of Midnight Novel, Book 2 

The story of River Kassandros, the faithful servant of the Spartan warrior Ajax Petrakos from Red Fire who has been given the gift of being able to shapeshift into any weapon. At the end of Red Fire, River was in dagger form and got into the hands of the Spartan warriors enemy and was thrown into the deepest part of the Wilmington River. His Sparatan warriors are looking for him, as are the demons who cast him to the sea as the God Ares wants him back. However, someone else is going to be the one to find him. A woman named Emma Lowery.

I liked this one a lot--even better than the first one. I've seen some feedback from other readers who didn't like it so much. The hero grated their nerves, but I didn't find that at all. I thought the romance was good as was the plot. The components contributing to the whole series story arc were even better. 

6. Ashes of Midnight by Lara Adrian.

Midnight Breed series, Book 6.

I love this series. Another solid story from Lara Adrian in the Midnight Breed series. The romance between Andreas Reichen and Claire Roth was very sweet as they were past lovers that were apart for thirty years before crossing paths again in this novel. But I felt that the build up to their rekindled love was a little bland and there were times when I wanted Claire to be mad at Andreas and stay mad at him in order to prove to him that she was more important to him than revenge against his worst enemy. She was too easy on him. Not my favorite in the series, but still really enjoyable. 

7. The Confessions of a Duchess by Nicola Cornick.

The Brides of Fortune series, Book 1.

I picked this one up at Target on a whim because of the beautiful cover. Plus I have a new fancy for historical romances, so I figured I give this new release a go. 

I enjoyed The Confessions of a Duchess very much. The female lead in The Confessions of a Duchess is the Dowager Duchess of Cole, Laura Cole. Now living in the country on her grandparents estate in the village of Fortune's Folly, Laura will do anything to keep the scandals of yesteryear a secret. Then a medieval tax law is revived in order for the lord of the land to recoup some of his lost fortune. The tax law requires all single women--spinsters and widows to pay half their wealth to the lord within the year. The women protest in creative ways, while men flock to Fortune's Folly to find an eligible bride with a fortune to share. Laura's one time paramour, Dexter Anstruther, arrives in Fortune's Folly to find himself a wealthy heiress to wed and simultaneously--and secretly--investigate a murder for the government. Laura and Dexter struggle to get along all the while fighting their still present attraction for one another--and Laura adamant to keep things from their shared past a secret from Dexter. This story is almost a battle of wills between the two as they attempt to avoid each other and make sense of their emotions. Circumstances practically bring them together, but their love for each other since their affair four years ago never died... if only they both can admit it!