It has been an amazing June! The first series spotlight is now at an end (review-wise), and I can't begin to tell you how much fun I've had revisiting (and in 1 book's case, getting to know) the Bridgertons!
Some quick programming notes (lol) regarding the final few post that will be associated with the 'June with Julia Quinn' series spotlight:
-A Bonus Review will be posted Saturday, June 26th, of Julia Quinn's latest release, 'The Things I Love About You'
-'The Bridgerton Review: A Reflective Look Back'- a breakdown of all 8 books and the conclusion post for the series spotlight will be posted on the last date of June, the 30th.
-The commemorative facebook quiz 'Which Bridgerton Are You?' will be ready on June 28th.
Hope you've enjoyed revisiting the Bridgertons as much as I have.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
'On The Way To The Wedding' by Julia Quinn -Review-
When yet another fool (Gregory) can't mask his infatuation with her best friend, Lucy decides he is the lesser of two evils and decides to help him court Hermione's favor. Needless to say, Hermione stays steadfast in her devotion to her secret lover, and when Gregory starts to realize for whom his heart truly beats, it could possibly be too late. And so...a funny thing happened, 'On The Way To The Wedding'...
Read an excerpt: here
Gregory Bridgerton was no fool when it came to the subject of love. The second youngest sibling in the Bridgerton family, He has witnessed all 7 of his brothers and sisters transition into their love-matches. He'd have to be completely daft not to recognize the prowess of love or it's existence and inevitability. He is the 4th son, with little to give him a purpose, and now, he is just waiting for love to decide when it will be a convenient time to come into his life.
At a house party, being thrown by his eldest brother, Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, and his wife Kate, Gregory drifts to the terrace where food is being served alfresco in the hopes of filling his deprived stomach. So, it was a complete shock to him to be struck by cupid so acutely and in the most curious of ways right there on the terrace. First he spied the back of her head, and then he knew (or at least thought) he was in love. He just had to know her, and know her now.
Hermione Watson was in love. Head-over-ears, irrevocably in love...with her father's secretary. It wasn't proper for a viscount's daughter to marry said viscount's secretary; but life is, often times, annoyingly inopportune and thus 'improper' just when we need it to be all that's righteous and acceptable. When Lucy is practically tossed at Gregory, she decides to tell him of his rotten luck, but impressively, he stays resolute on his intent.
Lucy instantly finds things to recommend about Gregory and feels he would be just the right thing for Hermione; so she decides to help him. It's not successful at first, and in all truth, it is decidedly counter-productive, but tenacious as ever, Gregory starts to make a bit of progress with Hermione. All that has to be tossed aside though, when a scandalous scene in an orangery puts Hermione firmly out of Gregory's reach.
Gregory nurses a bruised ego if nothing else and realizes that he really wasn't in love with Hermione, just the idea of being in love with her. And when he spies the back of yet another female's head, he can't believe who's effecting him now. It's Lady Lucinda! After that maddening kiss that set his body afire for hours before she left with her party, the engaged, meticulous people-pleaser Lucy, his Lucy, has all of the sudden taken up residence in his heart and he hadn't even realize it.
Now the battle to hold on to love, real love, this time around is waged, and when Gregory storms in on Lucy's wedding ceremony, he bares his heart and soul.
But what happens if she says no? What happens to love when the future of her family members may depend entirely on a union between her and the 'nancy' Mr.Haselby? Let's see if love can brave what happens if there's an 'after the wedding'.
::Rating:: 4 1/2 "Aww's" ::Rating::
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Gregory storms Lucy's wedding ceremony and takes the lead in one of my favorite scenes in a historical THUS FAR in my readership! He was so sincere and genuine! There was just a sense certainty in his monologue and then.... the story gets turned on its ears!
How else can I describe this final installment to the Bridgerton series? Splendid. Truly splendid! I loved the unpredictability of the plot and the twist and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire novel. I may grant that it was a bit melodramatic at times, and that the 'falling in love twice' (and so heavily, so quickly) premise didn't exactly endear itself to me, but this was a great book overall. I read this series in order and I can tell you in all honesty that I haven't experienced this much maudlin over a series ending since I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This book should definitely be a bookshelf fixture for any romance lover.
* Try the latest JQ release, 'Ten Things I Love About You', from the Bevelstoke series.
* Also try the counterpart book to the 'Lost Duke Of Wyndham' series,'Mr.Cavendish, I Presume'
-Read an excerpt from 'Mr.Cavendish, I Presume': here
'It's In His Kiss' by Julia Quinn -Review-
Read an excerpt: here
Gareth St.Clair's relationship with his father was hostile at best and downright malicious at worst. The by-blow of his mother's lover, whose identity isn't known (until the end of the book), Gareth was raised as a legitimate off-spring and then effectively told of his parentage and cut-off when he refused to marry the women of his 'fathers' choosing (which was arranged just to replenish the family coffers.)
The death of Gareth's brother, George, makes him the heir and his father has seen to it that he's systematically squandered the majority of Gareth's inheritance. Gareth is given a diary written by his grandmother in Italian, and believes that it will lead to valuable treasure. He will have to seek the help of an unlikely ally and fight his maddening reaction to her all at the same time.
Hyacinth Bridgerton is the baby of the Bridgerton family, but she'll give you hell if you even think about mocking her. She's a vibrant, full-of-life, cheeky slip of a girl, whose on her third season and in no real rush to settle with any of the fools of the ton. Over time, she and the tell-it-like-it-is, Lady Danbury, develop a blooming friendship. Many find Lady Danbury a bit too abrasive, but Hyacinth can't help but love the old crow (I love Lady D too; I hope she doesn't take exception to the crow comment). The feeling is mutual, and when Lady Danbury's grandson stops by with a mysterious diary and a delima, the wheels start turning, and match-making becomes the operative.
Gareth may be destined to inherit debt, but the effervescent Hyacinth, sister to a wealthy Viscount and a Duchess, has no problem over-looking that fact and helping Gareth translate the diary from italian (if he agrees to let her participate and follow it's clues to the presumes hidden treasure). As they spend more and more time together, trying to decipher the clues and keeping their meddling relations at bay, their efforts lead to the conclusion that a break-in at Gareth's father's home is the next step.
As the search for his grandmother's hidden treasure becomes more and more dangerous, Gareth's instinct to keep Hyacinth from harm multiples tenfold, but Hyacinth will have none of that, he can't just kiss her senseless and then expect to leave her out on all the fun.
The heated accent of investigative intrigue provides the perfect backdrop to a story about a man, whose family's secret could ruin his one chance at happiness, and whose kisses speak of ever-lasting passion (and love).
::Rating:: 4 "Aww's" ::Rating::
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Hyacinth and Gareth have to sneak into his father's house. On one of these 'missions', the all too attentive butler almost discovers them, but they quick seek cover in a wardrobe and you could cut the tension with a knife. There's the fear of detection mixed with the sexual tension that's been steadily mounting all throughout the novel. I won't give away what/if something happens, but The scene was just well-written and I remember it fondly.
Hidden treasure themes can either be boons or bombs for some stories. I am all for adventure and mystery in a romance, and I love what JQ did with this novel. With just enough inner conflict in the hero and quiet a bit of engaging personality in the heroine, I was kept thoroughly entertained. There was also enough conflict between our two lovebirds to make the trails love often goes thorough in a romance novel do it's job here and endear the story to the reader. There wasn't an end to the amazingly funny and dear cast of characters and this book just did some really nice things. If there ever is another earthquake in New York (or wherever you happen to live), swipe this book from your bookcase, head down to your local bomb shelter and let Gareth and Hyacinth mask the hysteria for a few hours!
*Next up in the Bridgerton Series is the FINAL installment, 'On The Way To The Wedding', Gregory's Story!/ My Review can be found: here
lines.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
'Loving A Lost Lord' by Mary Jo Putney -Review-
When Adam washes up on the Cumberland shore, he was lucky enough to still have a pulse.
Mariah was all alone in the world and easily tempted to let the nefarious George Burke worm his way into her life, if only to stave off the loneliness. His persistence in vying for her hand induces her to tell a bold-face lie. She comes across Adam as he drifts along in the water and pulls him to safety. Suffering from amnesia, Adam proves to be the perfect temporary solution to Maraih's problem. But what happens when this temporary solution becomes a lifetime desire?
Read an excerpt: here
Book Trailer:
The book starts off on a somber note. 3 friends, members of this 'lost lords' brotherhood, visit their alma marer to tell their beloved headmistress and teacher, Lady Agnes Westerfield, that they have lost yet another of their ranks. Adam Darshan Lawford, Duke of Ashton was presumed dead after a mysterious boating accident. After their teacher informs them that presumed isn't good enough for her and that they should not accept defeat so easily, the 3 friends set off on a journey to discover the truth...
Charles Clarke was a gamer. He loved his cards and his gambling almost as much as he loved his daughter, Mariah. Sans a mother for as long as she could remember, Mariah had lived with her Great-Grandmother Rose (Granny Rose) until her untimely death, and then went to travel from place to places, learning the gamer-ways with her father. Charles won Hartley Manor from fat-pocket George Burke, and decides to settle down a bit and give his beloved daughter a real home for a change.
All is grand and splendid until Charles goes on an ill-fated 'family business' trip concerning some long estranged relatives , but never comes back. It is the pompous George Burke who stops by the Manor to inform Mariah that her father was found dead at the scene of a highwaymen robbery just outside of London. Obviously grief stricken but determined to manage as best she can, she continuously refuses Burke's immediate, insensitive and thereafter tenacious proposal of marriage and courtship.
Fearing the biting loneliness will compel her to accept George's hand, she tells him that she is married. He has a hard time believing her, but when he comes a calling one day and tries to force his attentions on Mariah, he is take aback by the emergence and retalliation of a studly stranger who calls himself her husband.
While thinking over her predicament late one night, Mariah ambles close to the shore and feels an inexorably force draw her closer to the sea. She happens upon Adams body, drifting in the sea and so close to death. Bringing him back to her home, she realizes he has amnesia and does something that shocks even her, by informing the stranger that he is her husband. She even tells him his name is Adam (although she has never met him before, the name presented itself to her so she provided that name when asked).
Slowly, pieces of Adam's past start to come back to him, and when Mariah gives into temptation and lays with him, she is soon requied to come clean and tell him of her deception. Adam battles with his betrayal and undeniable tender feelings towards the woman who saved his life. Matters are complicated further once Adam's friends find him and inform him of his ducal rank. Mariah knows her station in society is no where near acceptable for a duke, but when Adam insists that she comes with him to his London home, she can't refuse.
Family secrets start to surface, putting our characters through shared emotional trails and tribulations. But matters are complicated even further when attempts are being made on the duke's life, and it is realized that that mysterious boating accident was more than just an accident. Truths and choices all come to a spectacular head as Adam realizes that losing the woman who found him and captured his heart is just not an option.
::Rating:: 3 1/2 "Aww's" ::Rating::
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Adam, still weak from his near-fatal shipwreck, rushes in to the drawing room and saves his wife from the unwanted attentions of George Burke. Burke was still leery about Mariah's purposed husband and decided to press his suit more aggressively. Adam immediately needs to relax after exerting so much energy fending off the fiendish Burke and he and Mariah take a seat on the couch. They share little intimacies (through words and little actions). It was a beautiful sequence of scenes.
In retrospect, I started this book with a few expectations. The plot was one that brought specific ideas to mind. Heroine having to play the role of concerned spouse. Little flash-backs of Hero's past. An amazing consummation scene. And I can safely assure you, it's all there. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and most of the scenarios. The story got a little too 'convenient' for me, and just a bit improbable. Character reactions, such as Mariah's to her father's death was a bit off to me, a bit rushed, but still held some merit. I loved the progression from Hartley Manor to Ashton House, and enjoyed the many different twists, turns and side plots that kept everything interesting but tied together nicely at the end. A 3-E (Entertaining, Exciting and Enjoyable) read for sure!
*Give the next book in 'The Lost Lord' series a read, 'Never Less Than A Lady', Major Randall's Story/ My Review can be found: here
*Or try something from the acclaimed 'The Fallen Angel' Series, 'One Perfect Rose'
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
N.A.R.B Investigates: The Curious Case of Harriett Klausner
(Picture above is from my favorite anime series. How Appropriate?)
Now for as long as I've been logging on to the internet and reviewing books (admittedly, not that long), Miss Harriett has always been a staple to the craft in my mind. I respected the way her reviews told me about the book as apposed to the poorly written drivel with no purpose some users would leave behind (apologies if I offend, but we all know what I am talking about). When I want to find a new book to read, I often check out the reviews left by users, to get a real feel for the plot. Klausner gave me what I needed, and many a time, I found myself making decisions based on the info she provided in her reviews. And she pretty much reviewed every single book I ever wanted,thought about, or already was reading, so my admiration and regard just stuck with me long after I made the switch from b&n reviewer to blogspot patron.But, as much as it distress me, the facts are the facts. Call me naive, but a small part of me wants to believe there really is a librarian in Georgia who reads all these books and shares her appreciation with the world. When writing my previous post, I didn't understand the magnitude of reviews and controversy associated with Miss Klausner until right before I hit the Publish Post button. Upon drumming up some quick facts for the post, I was not only impressed but a little taken aback at the official count of reviews done by Klausner. 19,000+ is a large number in any context of use, but it never crossed my mind in more than a fleeting fashion to question exactly how that number was possible. So, as pointed out by the various site's I've just become privy to, consider the following:
1.)For those who haven't heard of her, Harriet Klausner is the #1 reviewer on Amazon. As of right now, she's posted 15,584 reviews. Her very first review is on page 1,559 of her reviews listing, and it's dated November 22, 1999. That's nearly 2,000 books a year. That obviously isn't possible, even if she is a speed-reader. That'd be about six books a day. (January 28th, 2008 Source)This was the first thing that struck me as odd as I typed up my previous post. This particular comment, along with the one beneath it are from a forum site I have listed as 'Source'. It's pretty cut and dry if you ask me.
2.)To make it worse, she never gives a book fewer than four stars, which makes the reviews totally worthless. Said "reviews" are never anything more than a synopsis of the novel.(January 28th, 2008 Source)-I have not verified this, but A lot of the reviews I read by her are usually up there in the star count. But I usually try to read the best of the best, so I am a poor authority on whether or not this is factual. But I'll keep an eye open.
3.)In elementary school, her teacher was shocked when Klausner handed in a 31⁄2-hour reading-comprehension test in less than an hour. Now she goes through four to six books a day."It's incomprehensible to me that most people read only one book a week," she says. "I don't understand how anyone can read that slow."(December 16th, 2006, Source)-I was never much of a prodigy in school. For the most part, I did my work until I reached the 5th grade and then puberty compelled me to stop trying to over-achieve. #3, as reported by the reputable Time.com, does present a bit of a counterargument.
So what's the verdict?: Because I am a stubborn optimist who simply can't accept good reason where sentiment is involve, I deem this case: INDETERMINABLE (lol)
Case Closed
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Gaelen Foley's Pre-Launch Event over at Avon Romance Blog
Over at Avon Romance Blog, she is hosting an event to celebrate the upcoming release of her book. Ofcourse, me being the late-linda that I am, I should have alerted you guys to the event when it started (yesterday). But it's not to late to join in on all the fun. Comment on the day's post and you are automatically entered for a chance to win a signed copy of her book or that of one of her special guests (also amazing authors with releases coming soon).
Book Trailer:
So what in blazes are you waiting for? Head on over to Avon Romance Blog , go to today's post in the event and comment your answer to her most pressing question: If someone were to give you a hottie of the opposite sex, who would you want to be given, and what’s the first thing you’d make him do, hmm?
My Pick Would Be: The delicious Sam Worthington. He was in the movie 'Clash of the Titans' and I fell in love! He is so gorgeous, it's no wonder that the overly-chaste quality of the film had me crying foul. I mean, this was a movie based on ancient Greek Mythology (a favorite topic of mine). Where was the passionate, raunchy, somewhat disturbing sensual adventure?
Still, the eye candy was pleasing enough, and if Santa were crazy enough to leave this man on my doorstep, there would be no more Christmas, for I would have done some unspeakable things to Sam and Santa would be taken under police custody for aiding and abetting ;)
All Hail Harriett!
Many of you may not know this, but before I started the blog, I did a brief spell on the Barnes and Noble circuit; experimenting and learning what style of writing suited me for my so-called book reviews. I would frequently (and by frequently, I mean, almost daily) happen across this wonderful user who would write some of the best reviews I've ever read.on almost every romance I wanted to review. Our Harriet Klasuner a.k.a 'harstan' is a forced to be reckoned with.
She is a reviewing MACHINE on b&n, with over 19,000 reviews written! A Legend. You can also find her handy work on amazon.com. Her reviews are well thought out, informative, while not revealing too much, and splendidly written. I just wanted to pay homage to a great reviewer (I am not sure whether she has her own website, but she should!). You can find her stuff, scattered across almost every imaginable romance novel listed on b&n, along with some paranormals, mysteries, ect.
Here's to you Miss Harriett! Thanks for your continued patronage to the art of review writing! Giving bookworms like me the idea to have a purpose on the web =)
Her profile page on my b&n (the community site for barnesandnoble.com) can be found: here
-And check out harstan's review of the latest Stephanie Laurens release, 'The Brazen Bride'. A book I've been dying to read !
She is a reviewing MACHINE on b&n, with over 19,000 reviews written! A Legend. You can also find her handy work on amazon.com. Her reviews are well thought out, informative, while not revealing too much, and splendidly written. I just wanted to pay homage to a great reviewer (I am not sure whether she has her own website, but she should!). You can find her stuff, scattered across almost every imaginable romance novel listed on b&n, along with some paranormals, mysteries, ect.
Here's to you Miss Harriett! Thanks for your continued patronage to the art of review writing! Giving bookworms like me the idea to have a purpose on the web =)
-And check out harstan's review of the latest Stephanie Laurens release, 'The Brazen Bride'. A book I've been dying to read !
Monday, June 21, 2010
'When He Was Wicked' by Julia Quinn -Review-
Read an excerpt: here
Michael Stirling saw John Stirling, eighth Earl of Kilmartin, as more of a brother than just a cousin. Michael Stirling also saw John's wife, Francesca, as the most desirable and lovely lady he's ever come across. This was not an ideal situation. Michael's love for John's wife is well hidden behind a mask of preconceived rakeish carelessness, which is really just a front. Michael is a casualty of unrequited love, but when John abruptly dies, that innocent uncontrollable fact begins to weigh even more heavily on Michael's conscience. His secret feelings release within him a sickening sea of guilt, having him believe he has committed the worst sort of betrayal to his dead cousin, and when Francesca needs his comforting presences the most, he high tails it for India.
He stays away for 4 years, but comes back to realize that the distances has done nothing to ease the reaction his heart makes for Francesca. And Francesca, who went through the ringer of emotion with the death of her beloved husband, the miscarriage she saw as her last connection to him broken, and the distance Michael has put between them. She's finally ready to move on with her life and, after a heart-to-heart with her mother, whom also lost her husband very young (but had her 8 children to help her through), Francesca decides that she would like to have a purpose in life, and that purpose is to have a baby.
Now, we've all been to sex ed. class and we all know that you need a mommy and a daddy to make a baby. Since there was no such thing as in vitro back in the 1824, Francesca will logically have to find a baby daddy (and marry the loser so that she and the child can avoid scandal, ofcorse).
In her pursuit for the right candidate, she is taken aback and scared to death by the way her thoughts wander when on the subject of the newly returned Michael. As they balance and flirt with enigmatic temptation, true feelings, and a scary illness, is brought to the forefront and Francesca and Micheal must decide exactly how far to take their second chance at the life they want.
Rating: 3 1/2 "Aww's"
My Favorite Part of the Book: Is when Michael begins to get sick. After so much tragedy and suffering so early in the book, Michael arrives back in England with the perfect opportunity just waiting to be seized. His mysterious illness is discovered, but Francesca is steadfast in her devotion to her once-friend now love interest. I love the whole sick-defenseless-in-need-of-someone-who-gives-a-damn concept. JQ did it well here.
This novel is a cut above and different from all the rest, but all the better for it. It raises the questions of "Can you love twice?" and "Do second chances really exists" and turns them on their heads. The immediate darkness of the plot had the potential to ruin the book, but there was a balance and a genuineness to the progression of love that made everything click. It wasn't a perfect love story. There were harsh realities and morbid themes and even AFTER the main guy gets the main girl, it didn't end with a classic "and they lived happily ever after". Quality is evident in this book and for that reason alone it should definitely be given a read!
*Next up in the Bridgerton Series (Book 7), 'It's In His Kiss', Hyacinth's Story!/My Review can be found: here
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