I'd like to think I've opened 2014 with a bang. My slogan for the year is: The Year of the Writer. But with the amount of stories I'm consuming maybe I should call it 'The Year of the Reader/Writer'. Regardless, there's a lot of good books coming out from some of my favorite romance authors and some new ones. Though my goal is to read at least 1 nonfiction book and 2 non-romance books this year.
Here's what I've locked eyes with so far:
Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz
Crazy, Stupid Sex by Maisey Yates
A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
Rushing Amy by Julie Brannagh
Bad Boy Billonaire's Girl Gone Wild by Maya Rodale
Wulfe Untamed by Pamela Palmer
Vampire Most Wanted by Lyndsay Sands
Live by Mary Ann Rivers
Nocturnes by Kendall Grey
The Greatest Lover Ever by Christina Brooke
Sneaking Candy by Lisa Burstein
Twelve for the month doesn't seem a bad way to start. I didn't bother tracking my reading numbers in 2013, but I'm interested in keeping count again.
Since the weather's been awful, what better way to pass the days by then with a delicious read, something fancy to drink and a space heater.
Showing posts with label romance reads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label romance reads. Show all posts
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Review: Heiress Without A Cause by Sara Ramsey
Review: Heiress Without a Cause by Sara Ramsey
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Sara Ramsey's website here.
He’s been touched… by Mad.
William Ferguson, Duke of Rothwell is my first unconventional hero. Unfortunately, I can’t share why without spoiling the story, but let’s just say that Ramsey knows how to change the rules of the love game. Ferguson was once the most notorious rake of the ton, and his arrival in London is anything but welcome. At the behest of his aunt he needs to secure a chaste, prim chaperone, and he decides on Madeleine Vaillant, spinster in-training.
He called her Mad; his new nickname for the woman hiding the most delicious of secrets. Madeleine is brave and bold for attempting to tread the boards by night and play spinster by day. She thinks she’s done for when Ferguson discovers her secret, but what she doesn’t realize is that his interest has been cemented. He claims his urge to help her finish her acting career, and maintain the façade, is merely a stunt to protect his sisters from certain ruin if Madeleine’s ruse is uncovered. Yet the steps required are scandalous…
Oh, how I love to see a rake fall. It’s a popular trope and for good reason, the bad boy is conquered. Ramsey’s debut is a good read, with villains, subterfuge and a romance one would never suspect. It’s easy to become engaged in the thrill of the forbidden, as Madeleine attempts to navigate the fine lines between propriety, and the freeing world of the demimonde. What made the story enjoyable is that Ramsey didn’t allow her characters to get away with anything; creating a more realistic environment. Plus, there were some secondary characters that I can’t wait to read about, specifically Madeleine’s staid cousin Lord Alex Staunton and Ferguson’s sister, Ellie.
There were a few moments where characters acted a little out of place, and I expected a little more conflict as well. Overall, the plot is buttoned-up, the storyline interesting, and this book is a good read for a rainy day.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
He’s been touched… by Mad.
William Ferguson, Duke of Rothwell is my first unconventional hero. Unfortunately, I can’t share why without spoiling the story, but let’s just say that Ramsey knows how to change the rules of the love game. Ferguson was once the most notorious rake of the ton, and his arrival in London is anything but welcome. At the behest of his aunt he needs to secure a chaste, prim chaperone, and he decides on Madeleine Vaillant, spinster in-training.
He called her Mad; his new nickname for the woman hiding the most delicious of secrets. Madeleine is brave and bold for attempting to tread the boards by night and play spinster by day. She thinks she’s done for when Ferguson discovers her secret, but what she doesn’t realize is that his interest has been cemented. He claims his urge to help her finish her acting career, and maintain the façade, is merely a stunt to protect his sisters from certain ruin if Madeleine’s ruse is uncovered. Yet the steps required are scandalous…
Oh, how I love to see a rake fall. It’s a popular trope and for good reason, the bad boy is conquered. Ramsey’s debut is a good read, with villains, subterfuge and a romance one would never suspect. It’s easy to become engaged in the thrill of the forbidden, as Madeleine attempts to navigate the fine lines between propriety, and the freeing world of the demimonde. What made the story enjoyable is that Ramsey didn’t allow her characters to get away with anything; creating a more realistic environment. Plus, there were some secondary characters that I can’t wait to read about, specifically Madeleine’s staid cousin Lord Alex Staunton and Ferguson’s sister, Ellie.
There were a few moments where characters acted a little out of place, and I expected a little more conflict as well. Overall, the plot is buttoned-up, the storyline interesting, and this book is a good read for a rainy day.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Review: Not Wicked Enough by Carolyn Jewel
Review: Not Wicked Enough by Carolyn Jewel
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Release Date: February 7th, 2012
For back cover blurb, excerpt, and more information about this book visit Carolyn Jewel's website here.
A wickedly stunning start to a new series!
Lady Lily Wellstone is on a mission to save her widowed friend Eugenia from certain demise, at the hands of emotional sorrow and grief. Her arrival at the Bitterward Estate is only a mission of mercy. What Lily doesn’t expect is to find an attraction to Eugenia’s brother, the Duke of Mountjoy; a wicked name in and of itself!
Soon all bets are off as neither she nor he can deny the attraction they have toward each other. The only problem is Mountjoy’s impending engagement, and Lily’s firm insistence that love is a snare she will never succumb to again. Regardless of their impediments, Mountjoy and Lily find themselves often at odds and alone, leaving room for all manner of wicked things.
Jewel once again creates a cast of stellar characters that are a constant source of amusement. Lily is definitely a good mix of worldly and feisty all-in-one. She’s not afraid to try anything once, is a mastermind when it comes to fashion, and seeks the joy each new day can bring. This woman almost seems fearless. Yet, there is some weakness about her, especially when the prospects of intimate emotions toward a male are mentioned. Honestly I kept wondering if anything ever fazed Lily. She’s uncharacteristically strong which appealed and slightly repelled me. At the end I was more of a disposition to love her than rebuke her, since she is able to overcome the few fears that she has.
Mountjoy on the other hand was the one that needed saving. He’s just a big, hot, fashion-lacking mess! Luckily Lily is exactly the person that can turn his world on end and save him from himself. He’s a little overbearing and absent— absorbed in his own duty. I can say that this character is frustrating once you get to know him, and his journey through the course of the book is what I enjoyed the most.
Secondary cast members are equally likable; paving way for what I know will be a delicious continuance. One other thing to mention is that Jewel shocked me. I really can’t find the words to allude as to how, but let’s just say that ‘personal’ interactions were a bit different and I liked it. The title fits this story perfectly, and if you’re looking for a heroine that is outside the norm Lily Wellstone is the one you seek.
P.S. The cover alone is pure wickedness!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Release Date: February 7th, 2012
A wickedly stunning start to a new series!
Lady Lily Wellstone is on a mission to save her widowed friend Eugenia from certain demise, at the hands of emotional sorrow and grief. Her arrival at the Bitterward Estate is only a mission of mercy. What Lily doesn’t expect is to find an attraction to Eugenia’s brother, the Duke of Mountjoy; a wicked name in and of itself!
Soon all bets are off as neither she nor he can deny the attraction they have toward each other. The only problem is Mountjoy’s impending engagement, and Lily’s firm insistence that love is a snare she will never succumb to again. Regardless of their impediments, Mountjoy and Lily find themselves often at odds and alone, leaving room for all manner of wicked things.
Jewel once again creates a cast of stellar characters that are a constant source of amusement. Lily is definitely a good mix of worldly and feisty all-in-one. She’s not afraid to try anything once, is a mastermind when it comes to fashion, and seeks the joy each new day can bring. This woman almost seems fearless. Yet, there is some weakness about her, especially when the prospects of intimate emotions toward a male are mentioned. Honestly I kept wondering if anything ever fazed Lily. She’s uncharacteristically strong which appealed and slightly repelled me. At the end I was more of a disposition to love her than rebuke her, since she is able to overcome the few fears that she has.
Mountjoy on the other hand was the one that needed saving. He’s just a big, hot, fashion-lacking mess! Luckily Lily is exactly the person that can turn his world on end and save him from himself. He’s a little overbearing and absent— absorbed in his own duty. I can say that this character is frustrating once you get to know him, and his journey through the course of the book is what I enjoyed the most.
Secondary cast members are equally likable; paving way for what I know will be a delicious continuance. One other thing to mention is that Jewel shocked me. I really can’t find the words to allude as to how, but let’s just say that ‘personal’ interactions were a bit different and I liked it. The title fits this story perfectly, and if you’re looking for a heroine that is outside the norm Lily Wellstone is the one you seek.
P.S. The cover alone is pure wickedness!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Reading List December 2011
Cap me off and call me Shirley, it's the end of 2011. I've really outdone myself this year, just a bit I think. I've consumed more books then I dare to imagine though I probably attempt a final count with my Year in Review post coming up tomorrow.
I thought I would get an early start though and post what books I've managed to devour in the last month.
1. King of the Isles by Debbie Mazzuca*
2. Sector C by Phoenix Sullivan
3. Forever and a Day by Delilah Marvelle **
4. Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacy**
5. The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James **
6. Proof of Love by Arabella Stokes **
7. Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
8. Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas
9. Winning the Wallflower by Eloisa James
10. The French Maid by Sabrina Jefferies
11. Once Upon a Winter's Eve: A Spindle Cove Novella by Tessa Dare
12. Ain't She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
13. This is What I Want by Megan Hart
14. Unraveled by Courtney Milan**
15. A Boyfriend Before Christmas by Caedem Marquez
16. All I Want for Christmas is You by Lisa Mondello
17. All I Want for Christmas by Liliana Hart
18. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacy**
19. Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl
20. Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
21. Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
*Review available on The Season
**Review coming soon to the blog! (A lot of them coming soon)
Now, I will say that I kinda cheated this month. Several of the titles on the list are novellas and I'll admit to getting into the Christmas spirit as well. For the future, I'm not sure how many books I'll be reading in the new year. I'm not making a super plans as I have several writing goals I want to put into motion.
I thought I would get an early start though and post what books I've managed to devour in the last month.
1. King of the Isles by Debbie Mazzuca*
2. Sector C by Phoenix Sullivan
3. Forever and a Day by Delilah Marvelle **
4. Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacy**
5. The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James **
6. Proof of Love by Arabella Stokes **
7. Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
8. Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas
9. Winning the Wallflower by Eloisa James
10. The French Maid by Sabrina Jefferies
11. Once Upon a Winter's Eve: A Spindle Cove Novella by Tessa Dare
12. Ain't She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
13. This is What I Want by Megan Hart
14. Unraveled by Courtney Milan**
15. A Boyfriend Before Christmas by Caedem Marquez
16. All I Want for Christmas is You by Lisa Mondello
17. All I Want for Christmas by Liliana Hart
18. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacy**
19. Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl
20. Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl
21. Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
*Review available on The Season
**Review coming soon to the blog! (A lot of them coming soon)
Now, I will say that I kinda cheated this month. Several of the titles on the list are novellas and I'll admit to getting into the Christmas spirit as well. For the future, I'm not sure how many books I'll be reading in the new year. I'm not making a super plans as I have several writing goals I want to put into motion.
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