Recommendation Of The Week: 06/20/10 - 06/27/10

'The Bridal Quest' by Candace Camp

"Lady Irene Wyngate has sworn she'll never marry, keeping suitors at bay with her caustic tongue. But there is one man she can't scare: Gideon, long-lost heir to the Earl of Radbourne. He was kidnapped as a child and grew up tough on the London streets. And though he's been restored to his family, he is still more at home in gambling dens than stately ballrooms.

Irene isn't attracted to Gideon, or so she says when matchmaker Francesca Haughston asks for her help to civilize him for marriage. After all, he is a true rogue with a dubious past—a handsome rogue, she has to admit. But as she reluctantly begins to yield to love, wicked family secrets come to light…with devastating consequences for the reluctant lovers."Source

This is your Recommendation for the Week of June 20th, 2010 thru June 27th, 2010

Until Next Post<3...

'To Sir Phillip, With Love' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   I really enjoyed this book. Starting off on the tail end of the story before it (Romancing Mister Bridgerton), Eloise Bridgerton does something a little bit out of character and steals away in the middle of the night to meet a man she has only ever corresponded with though letters. Sir Phillip Crane is stunned to find the memorizing Eloise at his door, unexpected, and not some homely, unattractive spinster he imagined her to be. He intended to offer marriage to Eloise, but this high strong vision of loveliness being tormented by his twin children expects some semblance of a courtship before she says "I Do". Will Phillip find a way to put the past behind him and embrace the love Eloise has to offer? We shall see...

Read an excerpt: here

   Eloise is a spinster. But really, she shouldn't be. She'd had plenty of offer in the past, but with a sister and 3 brothers happily married in their love matches (the latest of which was to her best friend, Penelope), Eloise can not be held responsible for the irrationality that sweeps through her and has her high tailing it to Romney Hall in Gloucestershire.
   Phillip wasn't anticipating, a.) Eloise's arrival and, b.) her state of beauty. When he extended a written invitation to his friendly Miss Eloise Bridgerton, he thought her just like any other spinster he had come in contact with before; overweight or scarily underweight, homely, and overall just unattractive, but when he claps eyes on the slender and gorgeous Eloise, he is taken aback by her beauty. He hadn't had time to prepare for her arrival, didn't even secure a proper chaperone, but he must keep her under his roof long enough to convince her to be his wife.
   Initial put off by Phillip's rude and grumpy disposition, Eloise can hardly entertain the notion that maybe she might have made a mistake. Further tempted to think the worst of the Crane family, by a nasty tumble, induced by Phillip's mischievous twins, Oliver and Amanda, Eloise instead fortifies her resolve and tries to find favorable attribute in both children and father. She finds them indeed, and the allure of eternal spinsterhood starts to lose it's appeal.
   Eloise's family find her, almost pummels the unsuspecting Phillip, and somewhat-easily start to accept him after he feed's them and earns their respect. Eloise knows that the impropriety that took place in her staying at Romney Hall without a chaperone all but secures her inevitable marriage to Phillip, but that doesn't stop her hesitant response to the idea.
   Brought around by a persistent Phillip, Eloise is determined to be a wonderful mother to Oliver and Amanda, and the kind of wife Phillip needs. But she has her job cut out for her. She has to aid Phillip in his battle against the demons from his past, but in the end, what she wrote at the end of her letters to Phillip ring true. With love, indeed.

Rating: 4 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Eloise's brothers all force their way into Phillip's home. almost tear him limb from limb, and demand that they marry. They think they are saving her from some lecherous blackguard, little do they know, Eloise brought this upon herself. There is hostility and animosity but soon everything is smoothed over (or as smooth as it could get after suspecting the man you are breaking bread with my have seduced your sister) and the brothers begin to accept Phillip. There were some funny scenes and as usual, the boys worked their differences out over wine and food stuffs.

   I really loved this book. The whole plot line is one that could have headed south in an instant. But with Romney Hall being the center setting of the story, you never get bored and it feels like an adventure. Eloise's interaction with the children is endearing, and her comforting presence as Phillip relives and makes peace with the troubles of his previous marriage really warms your heart. As you can only expect from JQ, the dialogue was on point and there was always something interesting going on. Phillip becomes a better father to his kids and all around, the book exhibits character growth that truly makes it worth the read.

*Next up in the Bridgerton Series is 'When He Was Wicked' (Book 6)/ My Review can be found: here

*Also try 'Everything And The Moon'! A splendid novel!

Not Another Romance Blog's 2010 Summer Reading List!

   I don't know what day you official start YOUR summer, but for some reason, June the 15th always seemed like as good a day as any to me! Half way through the month of June and your probably asking yourself, "What the bloody hell am I going to do this summer!". Have no fear, for I, Historical Romance Junkie Rita, shall save you all from unparalleled boredom this summer!
   I am aware that many blogs and book sites put together their own Summer Reading List or Summer Challenge, or some sort of festive, summer-centric event centering around books. Why should N.A.R.B be left out?  2010 is the year of first's for this little blog. April 14th was it's birthday, May was the first change of the calender page and the presentation of the first Author of the Month feature, and June is seeing the first month-long Series Spotlight (June with Julia Quinn). This being the first Summer for the blog (can't wait for the first X-mas, first New Years...Aww, this really IS my baby!) I figured we do it up in proper fashion.
   While this IS the Summer Reading List-Challenge , I thought I'd take it up a notch and sensationalize this momentous occasion further by adding a special theme to this years list.

Introducing: The Seductive Summer: A list of some scandalously seductive titles guaranteed to spice up your summer nights. You'll find that all the selections for this years SRL (Summer Reading List; because acronyms are trying little buggers) will have predominantly similar plot lines (The name of the game is Seduction) with a myriad of different twist and turns to keep the lineup interesting. If you've read one/most/all of these books already, then now is the time to reread!You can read the books in any order you fancy, but try to challenge yourself and go categorically (also try to finish up by the last day of summer, which for this blog will be Sunday, August 22nd). So let's jump right in!

1.) 'No Choice But Seduction' by Johanna Lindsey
-A fitting start to your literary voyage. I, especially love Boyd's tactics to sequester the reluctant Katey's affections! You know that question all the interviewers ask their guest- "If you were stuck on a desert island, and could only bring one thing, what would it be?"...well read this journey of a novel and you'll know why I'd pick Boyd ;)!

   "After her mother died, vivacious Katey Tyler fled her dull Connecticut town, hoping to meet her relatives in England and find adventure and romance on a grand tour of Europe. She had no idea that her life-changing travels would have both in spades - as well as danger and intrigue - when she catches the eye of ship owner Boyd Anderson and inadvertently stumbles upon a high-stakes kidnapping.
   When Sir Anthony Malory’s young daughter is abducted from London’s Hyde Park, her kidnapper mistakenly sends the ransom note to the home of Sir Anthony’s brother, James. With James and his wife, Georgina, in the Caribbean, the demands are received by their houseguest – Georgina’s youngest brother, Boyd Anderson. Searching for the girl with Anthony, the notoriously hot-headed American sea captain fully intends to make the foolhardy villain pay. But he hardly expects to find exquisite Katey Tyler, recently a passenger on his ship, at the center of the plot!
   Little does Katey realize that in having caught the attention of Boyd Anderson - and in meeting up with the Malorys – she’s about to experience more excitement than the typical young lady encounters on a grand tour, and her life will never be dull again. For a multitude of surprises await Katey, from the startling truth about her mother’s early life. . . to the lengths a man will go to win the affections of a lady who has every reason to despise him - but who can’t resist the seductive, impassioned love he has to offer her."Source [Read an excerpt: here ]

2.)'Seductions Of A Proper Gentleman' by Victoria Alexander
- The last book in the 'Last Man Standing' series by Alexander proves to be seductive indeed. Seduction more often times than not, leads to marriage, but when marriage is the intended goal, is it still considered seduction, or perhaps coercion? Either way, seduction plays a big part in this book, so it's going on the list!

   "To break a centuries-old curse, beautiful, headstrong Lady Kathleen MacDavid knows she must ignore every rule of propriety by seducing — and marrying — the Earl of Norcroft. So she sets off for London, braving scandal and ruin to achieve her goal...until a crazy bump on the head makes her forget nearly everything.
   The thrill of winning a bet — that he'd be the last of his set to wed — hasn't eased the earl's pain of losing his friends to marriage. Still, he'd be willing to settle down if he could meet someone worthy of his love — and desire. But he has met no such woman, until Kathleen is brought to him. Suspicious of her motives, he's determined to resist her seductive ways. But sometimes even the most proper gentleman finds it expedient to act improperly..".Source [Read an excerpt: here]

3.) 'At Last Comes Love' by Mary Balogh
-What!?! The word seduction ISN'T in this title? How will we know if it meets our SRL requirements? Well, never you fear, for I have read this wonderful book and can tell you for a fact that to 'woo' is codeword for seduce! Sometimes, the only way to coax a hesitant heart is through splendidly sexual trickery. (and some genuine feeling towards one another helps too!)

   "Only desperation could bring Duncan Pennethorne, the infamous Earl of Sheringford, back home after the spectacular scandal that had shocked even the jaded ton. Forced to wed in fifteen days or be cut off without a penny, Duncan chooses the one woman in London in frantic need of a husband. A lie to an old flame forces Margaret Huxtable to accept the irresistible stranger's offer. But once she discovers who he really is, it's too late - she's already betrothed to the wickedly sensual rakehell. Quickly she issues an ultimatum: If Duncan wants her, he must woo her. And as passion slowly ignites, two people marrying for all the wrong reasons are discovering the joys of seduction - and awaiting the exquisite pleasure of what comes after..."Source  [Read an excerpt: here]

4.) 'Beyond Seduction' by Stephanie Laurens
-So we're back with the seduction titles? But this one is worth the repetitive nature of this list! Once again, that troublesome, hesitant heart is in need of a good seducing! Part of the lively Bastion Club series, let this inadvertent stroll down the path of true love, interrupted by various nefarious kidnapping plots, steal your heart!

    "In a moment of recklessness, Gervase Tregarth, 6th Earl of Crowhurst, swears he'll marry the next eligible lady to cross his path. Cloistered at his ancestral castle in Cornwall, with nary a suitable woman for miles, he never expects he'll have to fulfill his pledge, at least not until the London Season begins. But then he meets his neighbor, the very appealing Madeline Gascoigne.
    Years of secret service to the Crown have taught Gervase the value of always having a loophole—there will be no wedding if he and Madeline are incompatible in any way. So he sets out to prove that they would make a most dreadful match . . . by luring her into his arms and, ultimately, his bed.

From their very first kiss, Gervase discovers that the headstrong and independent Madeline is no meek country miss . . . and that the fire between them will burn long beyond that first seduction."Source [Read an excerpt: here]

5.) 'The Magic Of You' by Johanna Lindsey
-Shall that be the pattern then? Title with seduction, title without, ect.... Maybe it's just the fact that I am writing this list, that the overuse of the word 'seduction' is an entity. (?) Well, this is a marvelous book. The cliche is, it is always the man seducing the woman because he wants to bed her, or make the best of their marriage. Or, it is always the heroine, when given the role of seducer, who has some grand plan to retrieve a lost medallion or some other priceless relic. Finally, a story where seduction is used for the right reason UPFRONT; For love and time constraints are never a good mix! I felt slightly scandalized after the first few chapters, but I loved it!

   "As wild and reckless as the most incorrigible of her male cousins, Amy Malory has reached a marriageable age and has set her sights on a most inappropriate mate: the straight–laced American ship captain who once nearly had her Uncle James hung for piracy.
    Warren Anderson is shocked by the brazen advances of his despised enemy's beautiful niece. Though determined to resist her, he burns for the enchanting British minx. And an impassioned heart implores him to surrender to a love that could stoke the smoldering fires of a family feud into a dangerous, all consuming blaze."Source [Read an excerpt: here]

6.) 'The Rules Of Seduction' by Madeline Hunter
-Well if there is a more competent author on the subject of the 'S' word than Madeline Hunter, I've yet to read her (or him, you never know). No good seduction themed list is complete with out this title added to it's ranks! Diabolical plan or no, the sensuality in this book is ever-present.

   "Dangerous. Sensual. Handsome as sin. Meet Hayden Rothwell, the shamelessly erotic hero of The Rules of Seduction and author Madeline Hunter’s most irresistible alpha male yet: a man of extraordinary passion and power, a man who can bring out the seductress in any woman.…
   He enters her home without warning or invitation–a stranger of shadowy motives and commanding sensuality. Within hours, Alexia Welbourne is penniless, without any hope of marriage. Until Hayden Rothwell takes her to bed. When one impulsive act of passion forces Alexia to marry the very man who has ruined her, Hayden’s seduction of Alexia is nearly complete. What Alexia doesn’t know is that her irresistible new husband is driven by a secret purpose–and a debt of honor he will risk everything to repay. Alexia is the wild card. Reluctant to give up their nightly pleasures, Hayden must find a way to keep Alexia by his side...only to be utterly, thoroughly seduced by a woman who is now playing by her own rules."Source [Read an excerpt: here]

 7.) 'With Seduction In Mind' by Laura Lee Guthrie
-Really, can you tell? This book's title is dauntingly accurate to a description of your truly! But better yet, based on the context of this book, perhaps 'Seducing The Muse' would be an accurate title. Coining the title, you authors out there, so don't get any ideas, lol.

                              "Her proposition . . .

    London Society is harsh for a young woman with no family connections who has to work for a living. But when Daisy Merrick is sacked from yet another job, the feisty and outspoken miss comes up with a plan that could give her a future beyond her wildest dreams. There's only one problem. Her success depends on a man, the most infuriating, impossible, immovable man she's ever met. His resolution . . .
    Sebastian Grant, Earl of Avermore, is England's most infamous author. Known for his notorious reputation, he is more interested in play than work, and has no intention of cooperating when Daisy shows up on his doorstep with a mad plan. The provoking, fire-haired beauty stirs his senses beyond belief, and Sebastian knows he has only one way to stop her. Seduction."Source [Read an excerpt: here]

 8.) 'Everything And The Moon' by Julia Quinn
-Not a traditional seduction novel. More of a love lost, than found and almost lost again type romance. You have a colossal misunderstanding which leads to a lengthy separation and a hostile reconciliation. Robert has got revenge on his mind; but the best sort of revenge is....but ofcorse, seduction. In his ploy to teach Victoria a lesson through her consequent seduction, ruin and humiliation, he BUT OFCORSE falls head over ears again! *sigh* L.O.V.E

 "STARCROSSED
   It was indisputably love at first sight. But Victoria Lyndon was merely the teenaged daughter of a vicar. . .while Robert Kemble was the dashing young earl of Macclesfield. Surely what their meddlesome fathers insisted must have been true-that he was a reckless seducer determined to destroy her innocence. . . and she was a shameless fortune hunter. So it most certainly was for the best when their plans to elope went hopelessly awry.
 MOONSTRUCK
   Even after a seven-year separation, Victoria-now a governess-still leaves Robert breathless. But how could he ever again trust the raven-haired deceiver who had shattered his soul? And Victoria could never give her heart a second time to the cad who so callously trampled on it the first. But a passion fated will not be denied, and vows of love yearn to bekept. . . even when one promises the moon."Source [Read an excerpt: here]

9.) 'Lady Sophia's Lover' by Lisa Kleypas
-Now this is what a seductive summer is all about! Highlight book! Enough said!

  " Why is Lady Sophia looking for a lover?
And could she seduce the most marriageable man in London?
    Lady Sophia Sydney would do anything to ensnare the unattainable Sir Ross Cannon. Her goal -- to ruin his reputation and cause a scandal that would be the talk of all London. So she insinuates herself into his life by gaining his trust and living in his house.
    Every morning, her lush presence tempts him beyond all reason...the way she bends over the table to serve him the meals she has prepared...the way her hands oh, so gently -- yet sensuously -- brush against him. Every night, she promises with her eyes -- and her body -- that the hours before dawn could be spent in unbridled passion instead of restless sleep -- if only he'd let her share his bed.
    She knows he is falling more in love with her each day. But she never counted on falling in love with him. And she never dreamed he might very respectably ask for her hand in marriage..."Source [Read an excerpt: here]

10.) 'Lessons In Seduction' by Sara Bennett
-Wrapping up our reading list will be the ironic 'Lessons In Seduction'. That's what this whole SRL has been about anyway =) Sure to curl your toes as you pack up the flip-flop and bare the cruel September breeze (smells like school for you or your kiddies....NO!!!). A really interesting and daring novel!

   "What is prim and proper Miss Vivianna Greentree to do when her precious haven for orphans is threatened? She has no choice but to turn to the owner of the property, Sir Oliver Montegomery—yet the heartless scoundrel refuses to be swayed by reason. So Vivianna must resort to other means of persuasion ...
   Under the tutelage of Madame Aphrodite, London's most notorious courtesan, Vivianna is determined to learn the sensuous secrets that will render a man weak with desire, to melt Oliver's stony heart with a kiss, a caress and a promise. But as her encounters with Oliver become more intense, Vivianna unexpectedly discovers a fiery passion that leaves her breathless. And soon it becomes unclear exactly who is seducing whom ..."Source [Read an excerpt: here]

 ~*~

And there you have it! Get to reading! =)

   This list has been put together for the expressed reasons of having fun. I am sure there are plenty of great seduction-themed novels out there, but these are the ones I choose. I encourage you all to engage in something a bit different or maybe a bit the same this summer and work your way through the list. You can track your progress anyway you want, but feel free to post in the comments or on the facebook discussion board. Which books your reading now or have chosen to read, how far into them you are, ect.
   The economy is in the crapper, but that doesn't mean you should fret if you don't have a particular title. Go to the library, utilize one of the numerous paperback swap sites, borrow from the romance obsessed relative of yours, or even purchase them from any number of retailers (You can get good, quality paperbacks for penny's on the dollar at sites such as ebay, amazon, and half.com). I hope you will find some titles to relish and have a bit of a seductive summer yourself! (Okay, I am officially finished with this post, and I am pretty sure that if you goggle the word seduction, this blog shall pop right up!...lord (pardon the blasphemy) help us when I decide to do 'A Spring of Sin' or 'A Wanton Winter' or my personal favorite 'An Alabaster Autumn')

Enjoy!

5 Memorable Quotes

 "Someone must have hurt you very much."

[actually, it was]A multitude of someones, and he was next in line.- 'My Favorite Bride' by Christina Dodd, pg.291

"I'm sorry.....Truly sorry, I...oh, what an inadequate thing to say"..."It's all right. There are some experiences in life they haven't invented the right words for."- 'Married By Morning' by Lisa Kleypas, pg.61

"You ask a lot of questions."..."It's the only way to learn anything useful"-To catch an heiress by Julia Quinn pg.188

"It's not a pleasant thing, to be at the mercy of a man who has none"- Midnight Angel by Lisa Kleypas, pg.324

"His palm tingled at the feel of her heartbeat, as if the rhythm of her life force were captured beneath his hand."-Someone To Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas

 

 

'Romancing Mister Bridgerton' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   'Romancing Mister Bridgerton' is without a doubt, the most splendid addition to the Bridgerton Series. If you have not read at least one of the three books preceding this particular novel, I encourage you to do so. The culmination of what proved to be a most rousing subplot in this series thus far plays out in tremendous fashion as we watch two of the most unforgettable and unlikely characters fall in love. Penelope Featherington is no stranger to ridicule, being brazen gossip-columnist Lady Whistledown's favorite punching bag. Colin Bridgerton, the presumed devil-may-care nomad of the Bridgerton bunch, is home from Cyprus and searching for the direction in life that will lead him to a purpose. The awkward wallflower he thought he left behind in Penelope has blossomed into a vision of unparalleled and slightly disconcerting desire and she harbors a secret that becomes all too intriguing. What will Lady Whistledown have to say about such an absurd and unlikely match?

-Read an excerpt: here

   Penelope Featherington knew from the start of her premature first season, that she was destined for the life of a spinster. She was better off than most, with a fiercesom friendship with blue-stocking beauty, Eloise Bridgerton, and her unrequited love for Eloise's brother, Colin. Penelope has been in love with Colin since two days before her sixteenth birthday. The incident in the park which stole her breath away has stayed with her throughout the long and lonely years, but it is in the year 1824 that Penelope's luck starts to change.
   Colin has been blessed with a good lot in life. A wonderful family, filled to the brim with mischievous younger siblings and reliable and trusted elders, a wonderful and sometimes misguided mother who dotes on him with unconditional love, free time a plenty and hearty family coffers; what more could he want? He knows how fortunate he is in this world, but Colin can't shake off the biting resentment for those around him with something to live for. He travels the world, charms the ladies at every port, but still has yet to find his purpose in life. His older brothers are both successful in their own right; one being an accomplished artist and the other living up to his duties as Viscount Bridgerton. Even his sister Daphne is filling in the role of Duchess supremely. Colin is just looking for his calling.
   Home from his trip to Cyprus with notebooks full of his accounts of his travels, Colin can't help but cave in to pressures from his mother to attend some social affairs. Things are in a way familiar, but also changed. When next he claps eyes on his sisters friend, Penelope, he isn't prepared for what he sees. She's really grown into herself, and since when had she developed such a quick wit and that maddening cheekiness? Colin knows that the feelings he's developing for Penelope are wrong, but that doesn't help him get to sleep any easier at night.
   A friendship and a bond begin to form between Colin and Penelope, but soon the inevitable takes place. The two share a spectacular kiss (which knocked my socks off and had me squealing like a pig at breakfast time) and Colin reacts like all the other heros in history always have; by combating and trying to resist what he feels is so right. All the while, Penelope's secret is dangerously coming close to being revealed, and once Colin figures it out, it shocks him to the core. An unlikely marriage, a man's purpose realized, extortion and stolen identity all have a part to play in this stellar Romancing of Mister Bridgerton.

Rating: 5 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is so hard to choose! At first I want to say that the part that most endeared itself to me was when Penelope asks Colin to kiss her(and he does so). It was truly a memorable moment! But having been a huge fan of the whole Lady Whistledown subplot, I'd have to say that my favorite part in the book would have to be when Lady Whistledown's identity is revealed. Not necessarily the exact scene it is made known to the reader, but rather, the scene when it is revealed at a huge assemblage proceeding a declaration of love. Such a marvelous scene.

   This is usually the part in the review where I wrap-up my final thoughts on the book. But truly, there isn't much I can say to do it justice. This is a shining example of great writing that compels the reader to feel with the characters and champion the underdog. Just....just...READ IT!

* Next up in the Bridgerton Series is 'To Sir Phillip, With Love' (Book 5), Eloise's story/ My Review can be found: here

*Also give 'The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown' a try. Acquaint your self with the bold gossip-columnist who keeps all of London on it's toes. This is an anthology with some stellar contributors! Definitely a winner!

Recommendation of the Week: 06/13/10 - 06/20/10

'In For A Penny' by Rose Lerner

"IN FOR A PENNY

No more drinking. No more gambling. And definitely no more mistress. Now that he's inherited a mountain of debts and responsibility, Lord Nevinstoke has no choice but to start acting respectable. Especially if he wants to find a wife-better yet, a rich wife. Penelope Brown, a manufacturing heiress, seems the perfect choice. She's pretty, rational, ladylike, and looking for a marriage based on companionship and mutual esteem.

IN FOR A POUND

But when they actually get to Nev's family estate, all the respectability and reason in the world won't be enough to deal with tenants on the edge of revolt, a menacing neighbor, and Nev's family's propensity for scandal. Overwhelmed but determined to set things right, Nev and Penelope have no one to turn to but each other. And to their surprise, that just might be enough."Source

-Read an excerpt: here

-This is the debut book by Miss Lerner and has already received some serious praise all across the board. Make sure you pick up your copy and give it a good read!

This is your Recommendation for the Week of June 13th,2010 thur June 20th,2010

Until Next Post<3...

'An Offer From A Gentelman' by Julia Quinn -Review-

   Aww! JQ's version of a Cinderella story. We all know the deal; girl has a widow father who wants to provide her with a mother-figure. Said mother-figure turns out to be a total bitch and when father dies, girl becomes no more than a servant. There is a chance encounter, and a searing kiss at a ball with an out-of her-league romeo. Soon she disappears with only memories and dreams to sustain her, and a search for true love commences. Very classic and undeniably heart-warming. JQ puts her own twist on this plot line and resurrects it with her patent complexity, conflict, witty dialogue and a little dash of magic.

 Read an excerpt: here

     Sophie Beckett is the natural daughter of the sixth Earl of Penwood. Although everyone is aware of her birth status, it isn't until her father marries the menacing Araminta, that her bastardship becomes a problem. After her fathers death, she basically becomes her step-mother and step-sister's personal slave. Araminta is disgruntled with Sophie's mere presences under the same roof as her, and her eldest daughter, Rosamund follows suit. The only one who is somewhat civil to Sophie is the lesser daughter, Posy, whom has to fall back to the shadows when her over-bearing sister craves the spotlight (which is always). The only reason Araminta 'takes care' of Sophie is because of a stipulation in her late husband's will which dictates it.
   At the age of 21, Sophie is still under the Penwood Park roof with scarcely a pound to her name when she gets the chance to go to her first ball, unbeknownst to her step-relatives. The ball is a masquerade being held at Bridgerton House, and she turns out to be the belle of the ball. She also succeeds in attracting the catch of the season, Benedict Bridgerton. They slip away for a private moment, dancing (or learning to dance), looking into each others eyes, diveing into each others souls and sharing a passionate kiss, all before the clock strikes twelve. Benedict never gets Sophie's identity before she dashes out of the party (to make it home before Araminta and her daughter arrive home) and is plagued by his memories of his mysterious temptress who left behind a 'musty' old gloves.
   Sophie soon leaves Penwood Park shortly after the masquerade and an incident with Araminta, and must find a way to support herself. Both Benedict and Sophie endure two years of separation and longing, wondering about all the possibilities that masquerade could of resulted in; but when their paths cross again, it will be when Sophie is being man handled and Benedict's comes to her rescue. In turn, it begins to rain on their way back to Benedict's cottage and he catches a serious cold, leaving his welfare up to the woman he doesn't know he's been fantasizing over for two years.
   To ensure she will be well taken care of in the future, Benedict installs Sophie at his mother's house in London. Little does he know, he's setting her and himself up for delirious temptation and he can't help but want to make Sophie his mistress (because marrying your mother's employee just isn't done).Sophie has been through enough turmoil in her life at the hands of her bastardhood that she would never risk laying with Benedict and producing a child to suffer the same fate as she did. it will take an open heart and a little help from the formidable Violet Bridgerton to bring true love together at the alter where it belongs.

Rating: 4 1/2 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Benedict saves Sophie from being raped by her employer's son while he is having a party at the family estate while they are away. Benedict decides to take her to his cottage, which isn't far away, but it begins to pour down rain and Benedict soon catches a hell of a cold. With limited resources, Sophie must try and nurse him back to health. These few scenes provide us with the drama we always know to expect in a Quinn novel. It was just excellently done and helped transition the reader into the next leg of the story.

   Overall, this book was a homerun. It is so easy to fall into cliche's and RUIN classics, but JQ avoided that fate, all while spicing up a fan favorite fairy-tale. It was much darker than a lot of Cinderella remakes I've read in the past, but it had the right balance of light-hearted banter, romantic quality and character development. A definite must-read.

* Next in the Bridgerton series is 'Romancing Mister Bridgerton' (Book 4). Colin and Penelope's story!/ My Review can be found: here

 

*Make sure you also check out 'What Happens In London'/ My Review can be found: here

'My Favorite Bride' by Christina Dodd -Review-

   What is there to say? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! It was sweet, witty, charming and a consummate classic. You may hear this a lot on the blog, but this is the first book by this author for me. Whenever I pick up a new title by an new author I haven't read before, there is always this anticipation to find out whether it's a home run or foul ball. Christina Dodd will grand-slam you into a bookstore near you; purchasing anything with her name across the cover. Military man, Colonel William Gregory, needs a governess; strike that, he needs a wife, but when Samantha Prendregast shows up from the Distinguish Academy of Governesses to fill in for one role, she never expects to be considered for the other. And so our tale begins...

Read an excerpt: here

   Miss Samantha Prendregast was a cut-purse, plain and simple; and you know what they say, "Once a thief, always a thief". Although Samantha has changed for the better, she can't escape her past, or the notoriety that proceeds it. After refusing to go against her high strong nature and giving her previous employer his just desserts, Samantha must now accept a position that will take her out to the country and away from the onslaught of scandal her previous employer is sure to drum up out of revenge. Shes lived in London all her life, and harbors many aversions to the country life her fate has bestowed upon her; but she really doesn't have much of a choice.

   After offending the driver of a carriage she was using to get to her new, remote place of employment, Samantha must trudge along on a dirt road and brave the terrifying 'wilderness'. She has a bizarre encounter with a strange man on horseback whom she later finds out is her new employer, Colonel Gregory. The colonel is the father of 6 mischievous daughter ranging in age from 4-12 who can't seem to hold on to a governess.Samantha promises him she'd be there for at least a year; but when the girls start making trouble for her, she begins to question that figure herself. But, being one step ahead of the girls, Samantha wins their favor,trust and vote of confidence to become their new mother.

   Although William can't seem to reign in his desires for his new governess, he is determined to give his children a mother and finds Lady Teresa Marchant is the perfect candidate. Although his children would prefer anyone but the intoxicating Marchant, William insists on the idea of marrying the right sort of lady. All the recent distraction in his life doesn't take away from the urgency his secret endeavors require of him. Russian spies are right under his noes, and it could spell trouble for England if he lets his personal turmoil best him.

   William's wife was killed by thiefs, the spies who threaten the welfare of the crown are no more than thiefs; how will William react when he finds out the one whose stolen his heart use to be a thief? And after that revelation is made, how will Samantha bare the lost of not only the love of her life, but the 6 lonely, motherless little girls whom light up her heart?

Rating: 4 "Aww's"

My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Agnes, the eldest and most disgruntled with Samantha's presence at first, knocks on Samantha's door claiming shes dying. She can barley get a word out, but Samantha surmises that the 12 year old is becoming a woman and her monthly courses are starting. I thought it was a sweet scene because all of us girls remember the first time we got our period. I for one, jumped up and down and did a 'I just got my period' dance. But for Agnes, she hasn't a mother to tell her everything is normal; but it was endearing how Samantha stepped up and reassured her of everything. And then later, William comes to her door, wanting to know where Agnes was, and Samantha proceeds to give him an earful; and soon William gives her a mouthful ;)

   I think Christina Dodd did great with this book. There were really 2 love stories in 1; with the unlikely pairing of Teresa Marchant and a prevalent buddy of William's. William's treatment of Samantha after he found out about her past was deplorable and I actually couldn't believe some of the things he said had me fuming! I loved the heroine in this book because she wasn't some wilting innocent without a backbone or a brain. The writing style was superb and did I mention how HOT the love scenes were? There is something to be said when a book can hold off on 'intimate relations' for more than half the book and still be satisfying. The story and plot had commendable merit on its own, but the intimacy towards the end just frosted a perfectly baked cake. Give yourself a treat and read this novel!

*And also check out one of Christina Dodd's most popular and acclaimed novels to date, 'A Well Pleasured Lady' !!!

-Read an excerpt from 'A Well Pleasured Lady': here