Review for "When He Was Wicked" by Julia Quinn

Can you fall in love more than once? When one love is lost forever, can it be possible to find another.... a second chance to feel wanted, desired, cherished, loved? These are the questions running through the very soul of Francesca Bridgerton in "When He Was Wicked", the sixth installment in the Bridgerton series.

Francesca is happily married and blissfully in love with her husband John, the Earl of Kilmartin. She has everything she could dream of...a man who adores her, a family who treasures her, a beautiful home and a cousin (in law), Michael Stirling, who is really her best friend. Without warning, Francesca's world is turned upside down when John suddenly dies. She has become a widow, and the one she instinctively turns to for comfort is Michael.

Michael Stirling has a bit of a problem. He is utterly, totally, completely, wholly, insanely, thoroughly in love with his cousin's wife. From the moment he laid eyes upon Francesca, he was committed....committed to a life filled with lies. He pretended he was the happy rake, content to be unmarried, hopping from mistress to mistress, engaging in behaviour many men would envy. But only Michael knew it was all a lie, a show, a living hell on earth. For every day, he had to hide his true feelings, his utter love and desire for his cousin's wife. A cousin he loved like a brother, a cousin he would never betray. But with John's death comes grief, anguish and guilt because now, Michael has inherited John's title, wealth and home. But the only thing he wants is Francesca. But how could he take his cousin's wife? She feels nothing for him but kinship. She could never find out how he truly felt about her. He could never do that to John. But soon enough, a kiss is shared between Michael and Francesca that unlocks a passion unlike no other. What will happen now...for there is no going back, and Michael can no longer hide his desires.

This book is quite different from what I am used to from Ms. Quinn, but I loved it anyways. It lacks the humourous, quick, easy banter I am so used to but in exchange, it is filled with a wickedness that I haven't seen in any of the previous tales. I truly felt for Michael and his tortured, romantic soul. He was a good man who could not get past the overwhelming sea of guilt he felt in loving his cousin's wife. Even when John died, Michael still wrestled with his conscience, feeling he had committed the ultimate betrayal. When he finally is pushed over the edge, I felt my heart tear in half as he finally admitted his feelings for Francesca:

"It’s because I love you, damn me to hell. Because I’ve always loved you. Because I loved you when you were with John, and I loved you when I was in India, and God only knows I don’t deserve you, but I love you, anyway.” Francesca sagged against the door. “How’s that for a witty little joke?” he mocked. “I love you. I love you, my cousin’s wife. I love you, the one woman I can never have. I love you, Francesca Bridgerton Stirling."

I didn't like the heroine as much as previous female leads in this series. I saw her as indecisive and weaker than other leading ladies. But it was liberating to see a female let her guard down and become a "wicked" participant in the dance of desire. The love scenes were hot and steamy and Michael was, well....the title says it all! This was a wonderful story about moving on, about second chances....if you are lucky enough to get one, keep it close to your heart and hold on.

When He Was Wicked is book #4 in the 2011 Historical Romance Challenge.

Friday Blog Hops Jan. 28th

This week's question comes from Aliyah who blogs at Des Absurdités:

"What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011? Why are you anticipating that book?"

Well, this is a hard one. The one book that I absolutely cannot wait for is the next installment in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. But, alas, I will have to wait another couple of years for that one, since it takes her about three years to write one. However, her latest Lord John book will be coming out this year and that is as close to hunky highlander, Jamie Fraser, as I'm going to get...so I'll take it! How about you? What book are you waiting for this year?

The Connection Between Music and Books

It is 8:10 in the morning and I'm on my way to work. John Legend's sexy baritone is emanating from my CD player and I realize that my mind has just left me....I'm taken away. His words are like the footsteps of my past. My heart aches as he sings:

Take me away from here
Take me somewhere where love feels like breathing
I don't care where we go
As long as I'm there with you

I realize that my heart is breaking, right there in the Tim Horton's drive through. I realize that music, for me, is like reading. I am escaping....perhaps retreating to my past or wishing for a future that could never be. Akin to reading, where I am connecting to the words on the page, I am drawn to the words in this song. The musician is a story teller, evoking in me both passion and heartache. How does this artist conjure up images of my past, emotions I have hidden away in the depths of my soul, that only his melody can evoke? Smells, sights, sounds....they all come rushing at me when he says:

I could tell she's been through pain I could only dream
Nightmares that live where you live
Tears well in her eyes
But she would not let them fall
I'd give the world to know
Where her smile is

It's magic. Authors and musicians....I envy them. What I wouldn't give to possess such a talent....a gift....the ability to transport someone to their favourite place, to make them feel the memory of their first kiss, their first heartbreak, their first real love. So for now, I continue to listen and read.

Take a listen for yourself:

Blog Makeover!

I have been wanting to change the look of my blog for a long time now. I wanted something that reflected more of me....my style, my vision, my personality. Well, when I saw the work of Lori over at Use Your Imagination Designs, I knew I found a treasure! Lori was professional and creative. She managed to create a design that reflected what my blog is all about.....escaping into the wonderful world of books. She gave me that bit of sparkle and whimsy I was looking for, yet kept the unified theme I was seeking. I love the finished product! Thank you so much Lori! I would really appreciate any thoughts from those of you stopping by. What do you think of my new design?

Review for "How To Marry a Duke" by Vicky Dreiling

Picture it. Twenty four women in one room all gathered for a single purpose. All twenty four dressed in their finest attire. All twenty four fanning themselves as they coquettishly peer at their prize. All twenty four vying for the attention of Tristan, the sexy Duke of Shelbourne.

Tristan needs to get married, but he is tired of the little chits he meets time after time, ball after ball, each a giggling little female without the outstanding qualities he is seeking in a duchess. At one such ball he happens upon Tessa Mansfield and is instantly drawn to her. Tristan is surprised to realize that she is Society's notorious matchmaker...the "mantrapper". Tristan decides to enlist Tessa's help in finding a wife. Little does he know what Ms. Mansfield has in store for him....a Regency style bachelor show.

Tristan must choose his bride from the 24 candidates that Tessa has hand-picked for him. He has made it clear that he is not looking for love, only a dutiful wife that will elicit some passion in the bedroom. Tessa, a romantic at heart, is determined to find Tristan not only a suitable wife, but also a love match. The two spend a great deal of time together, and before she realizes what is happening, Tessa finds herself falling for the Duke. Of course, this is unacceptable. She is the matchmaker, and he is her client. But the attraction is undeniable. What will happen if Tessa gives in to her emotions? What if Tristan gives in to the burning desire he feels for Tessa?

This is a thoroughly enjoyable, light-hearted historical romance with a wonderful mix of humour and emotion. I enjoyed the witty banter between the Duke and Tessa. Their desire for one another was palpable and the fire that consumed each of them when their lips met was all-consuming. Vicky Dreiling does a fabulous job of bringing her hero and heroine to life, but I also became engrossed with the secondary characters, especially Tristan's best friend, Hawk, whose story will be coming soon. I cannot wait! The Duchess, Tristan's mother, a sly, witty, tell-it-like-it-is kind of gal, was another character whom I came to enjoy and adore. Even some of the girls Tessa chose to vie for Tristan's hand were well developed and endearing characters. Overall, this is a fun read that will make you laugh out loud and sigh with envy as our hero and heroine find their true love match.

I received this book free from the publisher through the Goodreads "First Reads" contest.

HOW TO MARRY A DUKE is book number 3 in the 2011 Historical Romance Challenge.

CHECK OUT THE BOOK TRAILER!

Another Award!

STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD!

I have been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award by, not one....but two fellow bloggers! Wow! I am very humbled and excited to have received this honour from the Book Angel at Fay-Bay's Books and Lucia at iLive, iLaugh, Ilove Books. So, thank you, thank you!

Here are the rules:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.
2. Tell us 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers and let them know they have won!

So, here are 7 things about little ol' me:

1. I am over 40 years old...just a little over 40! And I must say I like my fourties....I finally know who I am and I'm not afraid to show it!

2. After almost twenty years with my husband, I am still madly attracted to him. I find myself stealing glances at him, admiring his broad expanse of a chest, those bulging biceps....it's like those romance novels I read!

3. I am a carb-o-holic! Give me some freshly baked bread with butter smeared all over it....I am now salivating.

4. Well, I must have some wine to go with that bread!

5. I live in Canada and I absolutely HATE the cold! I was born in a hot country (Guyana, South America) so that must be why I love it hot, hot, hot and sunny!

6. I think The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson, is magnificent!

7. I absolutely love reading. I am so glad that after many years of other stuff filling my life, I have returned to my love of books and my way of "escaping".

Now...I am passing on this award to the following great blogs out there:
1) For the love of books
2) Recklessly Reading
3) Readaholics Anonymous
4) Read Hot Reviews
5) Octopus Ink
6) Live...Love...Laugh...and Read
7) Literary R&R
8) Ivan Bookworm
9) Kelly's (Former) France Blog
10) Katie's Book Blog
11) Kate's Library
12) Fall In Love With Books
13) a GREAT read
14) Miss Remmers' Review
15) Musings of a Bookshop Girl

Book Blogger Hop for Jan. 7 to 10

This week's question comes from Ivan who blogs at Ivan Bookworm:

"What book influenced or changed your life? How did it influence/change you?"

This is a tough one to answer. When I was young, Judy Blume opened up a whole new venue of books at a time in my life when I was young and naive. Now, in my early 40's, I rediscovered my love of reading with the help of Diana Gabaldon and her amazing OUTLANDER series. This book opened up a whole new window upon the world for me. I am now interested in a whole new time and place in history. And once again, I have rekindled my love for reading. So what book has altered your life?

Review for "Love In The Afternoon" by Lisa Kleypas

A man off to war. A woman left behind....waiting, hoping, praying. A letter sent and one received. Words on a page....a lifeline for both. Words on a page....windows to their souls.

"Dear Pru,
We're settling in for a long siege. It's uncertain as to when I'll have the chance to write again. This is not my last letter, only the last for a while. Do not doubt that I am coming back to you someday. Until I can hold you in my arms, these worn and ramshackle words are the only way to reach you. What a poor translation of love they are. Words could never do justice to you, or capture what you mean to me. Still...I love you. I swear by the starlight....I will not leave this earth until you hear those words from me."

These are the words sent by Captain Christopher Phelan to Prudence Mercer, the woman he thinks he has fallen in love with. Yet little does he know that Prudence is not the one writing to him. The true author of these letters is Pru's eccentric friend, Beatrix Hathaway. Beatrix did not intend to send letters filled with such tender sentiments. But on their way to Christopher, her "words turned into heartbeats on the page". What will happen when Christopher returns, looking to find Pru and express his undying love for her? What would happen if he found out about Beatrix's unforgivable deception? Christopher could never be hers, even if he declared his love for her on paper....those were just words, weren't they?

This was a truly romantic read, especially the letter correspondences. Words are the most romantic form of seduction any man can use, and Beatrix becomes truly seduced. She is the youngest and most quirky, non-conforming, and lovable member of the Hathaway sisters. Being such a huge animal lover, she often appeared peculiar, wanting the company of animals more than people. Yet in this book, the author has managed to show her true spirit, her love of life and her ability to accept others for who they are. Beatrix doesn't try to change Christopher, even if the horrors of war have changed him forever...even if he suffers from post traumatic stress disorder...even if he is driven by guilt. She understands him, accepts him and loves him. This, Lisa Kleypas' last in the Hathaways series, is a tale with a more serious undertone, but one that will still make you smile, cry and sigh with contentment. This book is a wonderful end to a wonderfully unique series that touched my heart.LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON is book number two for the 2011 Historical Romance Challenge.

Check out the book trailer below:

Review for "The Spymaster's Lady" by Joanna Bourne

As a spy, he's trained to learn everything about the enemy. He knows the colour of her eyes, the village she was born in, the occupation of every member of her family, the way she tilts her head when she smiles, the lilt of her voice when she speaks, the quick spasm of muscles in her back when she primes herself for battle, and even the flash of acceptance in her eyes when she knows she is defeated. Yet Robert Grey longs to know the feel of Annique's hair between his fingers, the taste of her lips as he presses his mouth to hers, the curve of her hip as he strokes her longingly....but this cannot be. He will never know these things...he cannot, for they are enemies.

Annique Villiers is a cunning, young french spy. She finds herself captured by an enemy and imprisoned with two British spies, one of them being the infamous spymaster, Robert Grey. They forge an alliance to escape, thus setting in motion an adventure that moves across France and into England....an adventure filled with danger, deceit, spies, murder, secrets, betrayal and loyalty. Annique holds some secrets that can tear apart a nation, secrets she knows can get her killed. She is good at what she does....but she has met her match in Grey. Soon enough, Grey comes to realize he wants more than Annique's spy secrets...he wants her, and she knows it.

Annique is a heroine like no other. Born into a family of spies, she has been playing "the game" since she was ten. She is intelligent and witty, sly and tenacious, strong and independent, yet somehow, the author has managed to portray a sweet and innocent side to this heroine. Annique is truly french in her actions, mannerisms, speech and romanticism, making her character even more believable, and the author, a very talented one. For once, I believe that the heroine is better developed than the hero. Grey is a good man, and a formidable spy, and he truly does love our heroine. But it is Annique that steals the story and becomes my favourite character.

This is the first book I've read involving spies as central to the plot. I must say, I truly enjoyed the action and intrigue. The plot was cleverly developed with several surprises that left me gasping in disbelief. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, who were witty in their dialogue and charming in their loyalties. I was captivated and enthralled by this story and I now have another author to add to my favourites list.The Spymaster's Lady is my first book in the 2011 Historical Romance Challenge.

Ring In 2011 Blog Hop

As most people are doing this New Year's Eve, I am thinking of the resolutions I want to make for the new year. I have many, some personal and some professional; some family oriented and some fun oriented. Needless to say, I know that there are many ways that I can become a better person for myself and for those around me. All I can do is try my best to meet my goals and work hard to have a happy and love-filled future. All those stopping by for this blog hop, I wish you a prosperous, safe and happy new year. Happy blogging in 2011.

Review for "Married by Morning" by Lisa Kleypas

They say that opposites attract. We have the easy-going, relaxed, devilishly handsome, witty, let-life-happen, devil-may-care, aristocrat Leo Hathaway, also known as Viscount Ramsay. And then there is Catherine Marks...the extremely proper and polite, rigid, eye-glass wearing governess to Leo's youngest sister. The two cannot stand each other, constantly bickering and teasing. Yet, Leo can't stop thinking about her...and it's not the usual teasing and provoking that are occupying his mind.

Catherine has lived through a sordid past, one she continues to hide from. Acting as governess to the youngest Hathaway siblings has allowed her to see what it is like to be a member of a family...a crazy one albeit, but one where you feel unconditionally loved and supported. Something Catherine knew would never be a reality for herself. And Leo.....well, he was everything she loathed....a gambler, immoral in his actions toward women and full of disrespect for his station in life. But God....he was handsome! Then came that kiss in the garden... that kiss Leo had been fantasizing about for so long..... and they both knew that their relationship would have to change. But would they both be able to handle this new path they were forging? Would Leo be able to love someone again after losing his first love and almost himself in the process? Would Marks, as Leo so lovingly calls her, be able to let go of her haunting past and give in to her desires and dreams?

Lisa Kleypas has managed to take Leo, a not-so-likable character in book one, MINE TILL MIDNIGHT, and turn him into a charming, deeply committed man with a devilish sense of humour and a touch of wickedness that will keep his lover forever happy.

"I have the most profane desire to be in bed with you for...oh, weeks, at least...committing every mortal sin known to man. I'd like to do more than sketch you naked. I want to draw directly on you with feather and ink...flowers around your breasts, trails of stars down your thighs." He let his warm lips brush the edge of her ear. "I want to map your body, chart the north, south, east, and west of you."

I really enjoyed this fourth installment in the Hathaways series. Having relished the witty banter between Leo and Marks in previous books just made be look forward to their own story. The sexual tension between these two could be cut with a knife. It is a hot and steamy romance, one filled with desire, longing, passion, erotic love scenes and heart touching admissions. Watching Leo reveal more of his true self to Marks, allowing her to see the genuine man inside touched my soul. Marks managed to withdraw the armour around his heart and allowed him to love again. And in return, Marks learned to trust a man, a man who gave her his body and soul. If you are a fan of Lisa Kleypas or historical romance, you need to run out and get this one. It is a heart-stopping tale that will keep you laughing, sighing and wishing for your own Leo Hathaway.

Review for "Tempt Me At Twilight" by Lisa Kleypas

We all know and are attracted (even if we don't admit it) to that villain of a man, the seemingly cold-hearted, manipulative hunk who, underneath the layers of bravado, just wants and needs to be held, to be wanted, to be loved. Harry Rutledge is such a man in the third installment of the Hathaways series, TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT.

Harry is the reclusive, handsome, American born owner of the prestigious London hotel, The Rutledge. He is a self-made man and one of the richest in London as well as one of the most mysterious, hence his instantanious attractiveness to all women. He is notorious for his shrewd business sense, his manipulative nature and ruthless determination to get whatever he wants. And what he wants...... is Poppy Hathaway. Poppy is beautiful, intelligent, with a love for life that is engrossing. She wants a normal, predictable, peaceful life, which, of coarse, does not happen when your last name is Hathaway. Staying at the Rutledge Hotel during the season, Poppy believes she has found her true love in Michael Bayning, a young man secretly courting her, witholding a proposal due to his fears that his father will not approve of the match. But if a man truly loves a woman, nothing would stop him from having her. As Harry tells Poppy,

"You were courted by a boy, who had to do as he was told." His hot breath feathered against her lips as he whispered, "You should try it with a man, who needs no one's permission."

Nothing will stop Harry from getting what he wants, especially not a young buck like Michael Bayning. A little bit of manipulation and maneuvering, and Harry has Poppy where he wants her....in a very uncompromising position that could ruin her reputation forever. But what will happen when Poppy discovers that she is married to the villain, a man who manipulates people with his power and money.....a man who doesn't tell her the whole truth.

As the story progresses, Poppy comes to accept Harry for who he is, and in doing so, offers him the love he so desperately wanted and needed his whole life. Harry finally comes to realize and accept that he is deserving of love and that he is capable of loving. Little did he know that Poppy was the woman he was waiting for his whole life, the one who would make him laugh, intrigue him, beguile him, adore him....the one who would unleash in him a profound love that he could no longer contain.

“I have so much love for you, I could fill rooms with it. Buildings. You’re surrounded by it wherever you go, you walk through it, breathe it...it’s in your lungs, and under your tongue, and between your fingers and toes...” His mouth moved passionately over hers, urging her lips apart. It was a kiss to level mountains and shake stars from the sky. It was a kiss to make angels faint and demons weep...a passionate, demanding, soul-searing kiss that nearly knocked the earth off its axis. Or at least that was how Poppy felt about it.

This is another great Lisa Kleypas story. It has it all.... villainous hero, lovable heroine, hot and heavy love scenes, humourous dialogue, and charming secondary characters. I have loved this quirky Hathaway family from the beginning in MINE TILL MIDNIGHT. The author keeps us laughing with the return of the familiar, unconventional family members whom I have come to know and love so well. The author's revelations about Catherine and the obvious growing attraction between her and Leo is enough to make me run to the nearest book store. Thank god for the internet and ebooks.....with the push of a button, I am already engrossed in the next Hathaway love affair.

Review for "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" by Julia Quinn

Penelope Featherington, a self-admitted wallflower. Society sees her as a plump, plain Jane type of girl who is quiet and unpopular and worst of all, a spinster. Yet those very few who get to know her realize that there is more to Penelope...she is witty, charming, intelligent....and so desperately in love with her best friend's brother, Colin Bridgerton. Colin....extremely handsome, flirtatious, suave, witty, charming.....yet he feels that there is something missing in his life. Colin is searching.....searching for a purpose, a way to leave his mark upon the world. These two characters have known each other since childhood, but it is only now, in their later years, that they truly come to KNOW each other and themselves.

I loved the charming, witty Colin Bridgerton from the first time he was introduced in the Bridgerton series. I was very much looking forward to his story. I was even more intrigued once I discovered that he was to fall for his sister's best friend, the plain, plump, unpopular Penelope Featherington. I loved the genuine truth of their love. For Colin, it wasn't a "knock-me-down over the head" kind of love...not even a "she's so hot I gotta have her" kind of love. It was a "wow...she is great...why haven't I noticed that about her" kind of love. It was a bond that grew... a friendship that blossomed into a need for another person, a person he realized he could not live without. The love scene that Colin and Penelope finally share is just that.....a LOVE scene, not a hot and steamy sexually arousing interlude, but a scene that is so filled with deep, honest love for another that I couldn't help but reach out for my own love. Colin's admission of his feelings for Penelope just made me melt:

He murmured her name, tenderly taking her face in his hands. “I love you,” he said, his voice low and fervent. “I love you with everything I am, everything I’ve been, and everything I hope to be.”

“I love you with my past, and I love you for my future.” He bent forward and kissed her, once, softly, on the lips. “I love you for the children we’ll have and for the years we’ll have together. I love you for every one of my smiles, and even more, for every one of your smiles.”

Julia Quinn has managed to create characters that are truly relateable. We all have insecurities.... we all have questioned our purpose in life.....we all have longed for a person that we knew we could never have. I found myself smiling throughout this wonderful story, even laughing out loud at times. And of course, I too fell in love with Colin Bridgerton, insecurities and all.

Highlander Reading Challenge

I have never entered a reading challenge. Something about reading a set amount of books by a certain time makes me feel unnecessarily pressured. Well....along comes a Highlander and SUDDENLY I have no issues entering a reading challenge! Wow...the things a muscular, brawny man in a kilt can make you do!! This sounds like a fun challenge that I will have NO problems completing. Lori at Escape Between the Pages is hosting this challenge. Head on over to her blog to sign up. I can't wait to meet all of those hunky, claymore wielding Scotsmen with their seductive Scottish burrs!

Review for "Seduce Me At Sunrise" by Lisa Kleypas

Kev Merripen, a mysterious, handsome gypsy man who considers himself nothing but a brute. Winnifred Hathaway, a beautiful, well-bred women with a very determined spirit. Two people who seem to be so very different, yet two people who have shared an inescapable bond since they met as children.

Kev was raised to fight, fight till the death or be killed himself. He was treated like an animal and trained to fight like one. Left for dead, he was discovered and rescued by the Hathaways, who brought him into their home and treated him with a gentleness that was foreign to him.
From the moment Kev "felt" Win's presence, he has loved her. But he feels he is no good for her, beneath her, a man with nothing to offer a woman like her. Yet, he feels he has to protect her. He will never leave her. But Win knows better. She knows the gentle soul that resides within the heart of her mysterious and brooding Kev. She loves him....he comforts her.... and her nights are filled with a longing for this man she has known forever. She is determined to make Kev admit his love for her and succumb to the passion and yearning that he struggles so hard to control.

I really liked this 2nd book in Lisa Kleypas' 'Hathaways' series. The characters were memorable and I especially loved the hero, the ever-brooding Kev. He worked so hard at keeping his true self bottled up, keeping his desires under control and his feelings in check. Yet deep down, he was hiding words like these:

"I love you, he thought, looking at Win. I love every part of you, every thought and word...the entire complex, fascinating bundle of all the things you are. I want you with ten different kinds of need at once. I love all the seasons of you, the way you are now, the thought of how much more beautiful you'll be in the decades to come. I love you for being the answer to every question my heart could ask."(pg.252)

Lisa Kleypas teases her readers, throwing Kev and Win together and then pulling them apart. Their desire for one another was palpable and their love scenes were smoldering....well worth the wait. I also enjoyed the second story line about Kev and his brother Cam's journey to find their estranged gypsy family. What ensues is surprising and ironic. Those of you looking for a historical tale about the journey and power of love, pick up SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE....your heart will not be disappointed.

Book Blogger Hop Nov.26to28

This week's question comes from Sarah who blogs at Writer, Reader, Dreamer:

"What is your favorite book cover?"

Well, I must admit that the covers with hot men on the front usually catch my eye. What can I say, I am a hot-blooded Canadian girl who truly admires the male form! Having said that, it doesn't mean that I will actually read the book. I will pick it up and read the synopsis, which, I know, is exactly what the publisher wants me to do. If you scroll down, you will see that on the right panel of my blog, I even have some pictures flashing of some very hot covers. Enjoy!

By the way, I have a giveaway running for a historical romance called THE PORTRAIT. Click here to read my review and enter the giveaway.

Also, give me some feedback on my writing. Click here to tell me what you think of something I wrote all by myself!

Review & Giveaway for "The Portrait" by Hazel Statham

Two people, undeniably in love, yet denying their feelings. A good, solid man, the ravages of war wreaking havoc on his body. A young woman, betrothed, looking to familiarize herself with her soon to be husband. Thus begins a sweet historical romance by Hazel Statham.

Edward Sinclair has returned from battle, but not as the man he once was. Night terrors invade his slumber and the war has taken his arm. He has to adjust to his new title as Earl and to his new image of himself. He decides that he will free Lady Jennifer Lynton of their engagement, for the last thing he wants is a woman looking at him with pity in her eyes. Little does Edward know that Jennifer has come to the same decision, yet for entirely different reasons. The two agree to be friends, yet deep in their hearts, there is more than just friendship....if they would only admit to their feelings.

I found myself cheering for this couple, wanting them to see how well they suited each other. I wanted Jenny to see how much Edward adored her, how much he longed to wrap her in his embrace, how much he wanted her to be his. I wanted Edward to see how Jenny loved his smile, the twinkle in his eye and the good, strong man that he is, was and always will be.

Hazel Statham has created an endearing tale where the reader is drawn into the plot with memorable characters and dialogue that is true to the times. Although there is definite sexual tension between Edward and Jenny, theirs is a romance that blossoms as they come to know each other. I enjoyed this sweet story. It is a quick read that I'm sure will delight every fan of regency romance.
About the author:



Hazel Statham lives in England and has been writing on and off since she was fifteen. Initially she was influenced by Austen, the Brontës, and Sabatini but when she turned seventeen, Georgette Heyer opened up the romance and elegance of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. She immediately knew she had found her eras and wanted nothing more than to re-create them in her work. Her latest book is the Regency romance novel, The Portrait, released by Avalon Books in August 2010. Hazel lives with her husband, Terry, and a beautiful Labrador named Mollie. Apart from writing, her other ruling passion is animals, and until recently she acted as treasurer for an organization that raised money for animal charities. You can visit her online at
www.hazel-statham.co.uk and her blog at http://hazelstatham.blogspot.com/

My thanks to Cheryl Malandrinos at Pump Up Your Book Promotions for inviting me to participate in this tour, and to Hazel Statham for the review copy. I was not compensated for my opinions.

GIVEAWAY
Thanks to the author, Hazel Statham, I have a copy of The Portrait to give away! This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. and the only requirement is that you are a follower of this blog. Please leave a comment at the end of this post, including your name and email address so that I can contact the winner as soon as possible. The winner will be randomly chosen. This giveaway is open until Friday, December 3rd. Good Luck!

Would You Read This Book?

Like many other book bloggers, I have a dream of one day writing my own book. Yes, it is a dream, a dream that may take many years to become fulfilled. But at present, I try to write whenever I get a chance. I have many pieces of paper everywhere, with many starts and not too many finishes. I thought I would get some feedback from the very people who do all of the reading and reviewing....all of you! Take a read and let me know what you think. Would this be something that would peak your interest? Would you want to read more? Leave a quick comment with your thoughts and opinions. Thanks!

She was running late as usual. In fourty-five minutes she had managed to take a shower, slap on some makeup, make four lunches and feed three groggy kids a semblance of something called breakfast. As she walked by the closed door she flung it open and cried “It’s eight o’çlock, would you get dressed! Wash your face! You’re fourteen, why do I have to do this every morning?”
Why did she have to do this every morning? Where the hell was he? Where else? Still in the shower. Same routine every day. Did she actually believe it would ever change? Every morning he spent half an hour in their ensuite bathroom, languishing in the steam while she managed to pull everyone and everything into some sense of order and routine.

She could still hear the sound of the water as she entered with the sole purpose of giving him a piece of her mind. As she strode in she took a quick glimpse at the mirror to ensure she looked presentable for another day at work. She gave a short sigh as she tried to flatten some of those unruly dark curls. No use. It would only get worse as the day wore on and the humidity increased.

She turned and opened the shower stall, fully prepared to launch into him about needing some help in the mornings. “You’ve been in here for half an hour, do you think you have any skin left?” He opened his eyes and replied, “I’m done. I’m coming out.” Her eyes caught the sinew of his broad shoulders as the water cascaded over him. His muscular arms bulged at the biceps, naturally exuding a brawny strength that enraptured her. She could see the definite lines of his pecs as they flexed with his every movement. She loved this part of his body. She instinctively wanted to reach out and flick the nipples that had puckered in the shower. Her mind instantly jumped to the night before when he had held her so tight against that very same chest, nuzzling her neck with his lips. She started to feel that familiar ache within her. As she raised her eyes to his again, he tilted his head in an open invitation, a playful grin on his face. She quickly stammered “I have to get to work. Remember the kids have soccer tonight!” As she rushed out of the bathroom, she noted the flush to her cheeks in her reflection in the mirror. How did he do that? He managed to elude her lecture once again. Damn that man!

This piece of writing is the work of Mandy and in no way is to be duplicated without permission.

Book Blogger Hop for Nov.12 to 15

This week's question comes from Christina who blogs at The Paperback Princesses:

"If you find a book that looks interesting but is part of a series, do you always start with the first title?"

I always have to start with the first title. If a book is recommended to me and it is number 2 or 3 in a series, I will not read it until I have read the previous books. I feel that the first book really sets the tone for the series and gives the reader a lot of background information that will shed more light upon the characters. Even if reviews say the book can stand alone, I still go out and find the series and read them in order. I know...pretty anal! That's me! How about you?

Review for "The Duke And I" by Julia Quinn

Did you ever want to date your brother's best friend? Did he make you shiver with a look across the room.... or make you gasp for breath as he whispered a secret in your ear... or make you tingle all over as his fingers accidentally brushed your skin? If he is as hot and roguish as Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, you definitely would want to make him yours!

Simon is a tortured hero, a man who overcame a great obstacle at a very early age. But not without its costs. Although he lives a carefree life as a Duke, his life is really just an empty shell filled with hate. Simon doesn't even realize how much the hatred inside of him is eating away at his soul, his future, his happiness. That is, until he meets Daphne Bridgerton, his best friend's sister.

Daphne is a member of the Bridgertons, a boisterous, funny, drama-filled family full of love for each other. Simon and Daphne devise a plan. They PRETEND to be courting. This will keep all of the ton's conniving mothers away from Simon and it will give Daphne many suitors just clamouring for the girl that the Duke supposedly wants to make his own. But in true romantic style, this friendship becomes more, for Daphne becomes the one woman who can save Simon from his bitter, angry existence and give him a life filled with laughter, family and love, three things he didn't feel he even wanted or deserved.

I truly enjoyed this book. The Bridgerton family is one you cannot help but enjoy, from Anthony, the over-protective older brother, to Colin, the fun-spirited, young rogue, to Violet, the matriarch of the family. There is great use of dialogue with descriptions of family interactions that were very amusing. The author has managed to reveal that true love can break down barriers, even walls of hatred around one's heart. Daphne was a ray of hope shining into Simon's dark-filled soul, revealing the truth....for all Simon truly wanted was to be loved for who he was. Isn't this what we all want?