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"Alex felt a wave of grief sweeping over her as she thought about how unjust his execution was. Why had the bashaw of Tripoli condemned him to death while his crew were ransomed and freed?"
Title: Captive
Author: Brenda Joyce
ISBN: 9780380781485
Publisher: Avon/2001
Pages: 448
One thing I will say about Brenda Joyce is that she sure knows how to involve the reader in her romance novels. We all know the romance novels have predictable endings but it is the plot and twists that can make it memorable. Joyce has the abilty to do that. I consider her one of the best romance writers of our times, even though she writes historical novels.
In this novel, Alex, a graduate student, is studying history and is drawn to a man, who lived 200 years ago. A commander of US merchantmen, he for some unknown reason has been captured by the Bashaw of Tripoli and executed. Alex is compelled to know more about him and lives for Tripoli on a whim. There is she finds herself going back in time and awaits meeting Xavier Blackwell. She has been taken for a slave and is being prepared to marry the Bashaws' son.
The plot is good but somehow Alex seems totally unfit for those times. She seems frivolous and too daring, not thinking about the consequences of her actions in those days of slavery. However, the chance encounter between Xavier and Alex changes the course of history. It does have loose ends but with a different story line it has its good moments.
Title: The Emerald Swan
Author: Jane Feather
ISBN: 978-0553575255
Publisher: Bantam/1998
Pages: 448
I picked it up after reading the back cover. It is about twin girls who got separated and grew up differently. Maud grows to womanhood as the frail, somewhat manipulative ward of young earl of Harcourt. The other, Miranda, grows up as an endearing, street-smart urchin who earns her living as a travelling player on the streets of England and France. One day Harcourt runs into Miranda by chance while she is perforoming on the streets. He is amazed to see the resemblance between the two. And a plan forms in his mind. Maud is not ready to marry the King of France who is besotted to her! She would rather commit to a convent.
Harcourt thinks that Miranda can be used to please the King until Maud agrees to marry him! With the right clothes and right training, the plan seems to succeed but no one has envisaged that Harcourt himself might fall for Miranda! From there onwards, things get complicated. And when King arrives, the events turn interesting..
Maud seems like a lifeless character but with the entry of Miranda in her life, she changes. She gets animated and can now think beyondherself. The instant bonding between the twins is unmistakable. And both the sisters too plot to get better of Harcourt, the King of France and many others. Use of the emerald bracelet as a metaphor works well. Slowly the deep dark secrets of the nobilty too is esposed.
With strong characters and intelligent dialogues, this book is much more than a romance novel. At the end, we come to like Maud too, who initially seemed too insipd and cold.
Title: Creole Angel
Author: Peggy Hanchar
ISBN: 9787116200396
Publisher: Onyx Book/1987
Pages: 445
Rayne Elliott has been hand-picked to be the first client for Gabrielle Reynaud to initiate her in the house of ill-repute in New Orleans. Gaby falls in love with him and leaves New Orleans to be with him, looking forward to a future. But there are too many people, who have desired her and can't let her go just like that. Then there are those who are bent on reminding her of her past life in that house of ill-repute.
Rayne too comes to doubt her and their life fall apart. But with courage and strength, Gaby can hold on her own and tries to win back the love that truly belongs to both.
With an unusual start, this romance novel makes a good afternoon read in the cold winter!
Title: After Innocence
Author: Brenda Joyce
ISBN: 9780061235269
Publisher: Avon Books/1994
Pages: 422
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From the back cover
Estranged from society, wealthy and beautiful artist Sofie O'Neil finds her private world. She longs just once to taste a forbidden love—to follow the dangerous diamond smuggler Edward Delanza to paradise. but Edward wants far more from the innocent young heiress than a brief and passing encounter. For he is determined to heal her and possess her- now...and for all time.
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Title: Not Quite a Husband
Author: Sherry Thomas
ISBN: 9780553592436
Publisher: Bantam/2009
Pages: 352
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Book Blurb
Their marriage lasted only slightly longer than the honeymoon—to no one’s surprise, not even Bryony Asquith's. A man as talented, handsome, and sought after by society as Leo Marsden couldn't possibly want to spend his entire life with a woman who rebelled against propriety by becoming a doctor. Why, then, three years after their annulment and half a world away, does he track her down at her clinic in the remotest corner of India?
Leo has no reason to think Bryony could ever forgive him for the way he treated her, but he won't rest until he’s delivered an urgent message from her sister—and fulfilled his duty by escorting her safely back to England. But as they risk their lives for each other on the journey home, will the biggest danger be the treacherous war around them—or their rekindling passion?
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I read the pdf version of the book, and surprisingly I could make it at one go! Pairing a rebellious doctor with a mathematician works very well. Both are intelligent, head-strong and very much attracted to each other. It is Bryony who proposes marriage to Leo, and as he had always loved her since they were kids, he is thrilled to accept!
TItle: The Valentine Legacy
Author: Catherine Coulter
ISBN: 0515118362
Publisher: Jove Books/1996
Pages: 406
Book Blurb
In the early 1820s, horse racing was a down and dirty sport. James Wyndham, who owns racing stables in both England and America, finds his racing nemesis in red-haired Jessie Warfield, renowned hoyden and champion jockey, who knows as many dirty racing tricks as James does. When either wins a race, the other's nose gets rubbed in the dirt.
Jessie has known James for six years, since she was fourteen years old. She often wants to kick him for the way he treats her, but more importantly, she adores him. She just doesn't know how to show it.
When chance throws Jessie out of a tree, landing her on top of James, she is pronounced Ruined. When she decided to run, she really goes for it, all the way to England, to James's cousins Marcus and Duchess Wyndham...James arrives, laden with guilt, to find a Jessie who sounds like the old Jessie but isn't. Jessie has undergone a transformation worthy of Pygmallion.
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A female jockey in historical settings does make an interesting read, what with weird set of characters and a pirate's wisdom thrown in at good measure. The hero and the heroine are well suited. I liked the sparring conversation and als those other characters who are bent on getting them married. The book did drag in the middle a bit and that can be set right by skipping those pages. A good one time satisfying romance.
‘You could come on with me.’ The man’s tone had changed. ‘I’ve got a roof, supper, a comfortable bed. For a pretty little thing like you, there’s other ways of paying.’
Title: Heart's Blood
Author: Juliet Marillier
ISBN: 9780230017917
Publisher: Pan MacMillan/2009
Pages: 56o
When Caitrin arrives at Whistling Tor, she is seeking a safe haven for herself. From her demons. Both in her mind and physically too. A deeply mysterious place, most people avoid the deep, haunted forest. There is this cursed castle and a chieftain who is considered a weakling. Anluan is a cripple and doesn't seem to have much stamina. He doesn't know how to redeem his people from that curse. A curse that no one understands. The presence of spirits known as host. They are everywhere and only Anluan is capable of controlling them. But for how long? Who are those unknown spirits? Were they people once?
Caitrin is a scribe and she is hired by Anluan to unravel the family secrets. As he can't write because he can't use his right hand much. Caitrin, while doing her work, discovers secrets which affect her too. She can understand Anluan's torment and knows that there has to be a way to find a solution. Although no one can say how.
In the midst of it, she is ordered out of Whistling Tor by Anluan and she leaves it to face her own demons. And succeeds too. However, she knows she has to go back to Anluan and his people. She has fallen in love with them. All of a sudden, she has a vision of who/what is responsible for the curse. Only she can break the curse with the help of Anluan.
It is a beautiful gothic love story, with the suspense intact until the end. It is also a story of the Beauty and the Beast. Those who like fantasy, romance, mystery, suspense, all told in a skillful way, will like this book very much. I enjoyed it immensely. One of my best reads of 2009.
Title: Night Secrets
Author: Kat Martin
ISBN: 9780-312970024
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks/1999
Pages: 342
Brandy Winters is works as a serving girl in her father's tavern, in Charleston. As a serving girl, she comes to know many sailors as they sail in to port and back out, month after month and year after year. One of those sailors is English Captain Marcus Delaine who is also the Earl of Hawksmoor. Brandy has admired and loved Marcus from afar for many years and Marcus too has watched Brandy grow into a very attractive young lady. One night he rescues her from a tavern patron. When Marcus tells her that his crew is taking a month long voyage before returning to England, on a whim Brandy decides to stow away on Marcus's ship for the short voyage. When she is found, sick and half dead, Marcus is not as kind as Brandy had hoped. He is very angry with her. However, she is not easily intimidated.
Night Secrets set in Charleston, on the seas, England, and takes a full circle. Marcus is a man of the sea and doesn't wish to be anywhere else. He doesn't want to fulfill his duties as Earl of Hawksmoor and thinks e will never marry because no one can take the place of the sea in life. A major accident occurs in the sea and Marcus is left disabled, he becomes embitted. When Brandy reaches out for him, he refuses to acknowledge even her existence. But Brandy doesn't give up easily, even though his behaviour is quiet hurtful.
Although unbelievable at times, Kat has managed to write a engrossing romance novel. With a spunky heroine, one can enjoy this book. Of course, as usual, it has that predictable ending. But then romance novels are!
"He knew from looking in the mirror---once and only once---that his back was a mass of scars. Thin white ones carved through the tan of his skin. Thicker, reddened scars, the ones she'd felt before, roped from midback to his right hip."
~Page 257, To Desire A Devil by Elizabeth Hoyt
Title: To Desire A Devil
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
ISBN: 9780446406949
Publisher: Vision/2009
Pages: 340
1765, London. England. Reynaud St. Aubyn, son the late Earl, arrives at his own home, unrecognisable, with a raging fever and half-mad. He has been taken for dead for the past seven years. The drab tea party thrown by Beatrice Corning, the niece of present Earl's niece becomes a hot-bed of gossip after his unceremonious arrival. Reynaud has come from the dead to claim his title. He has somehow escaped from the captivity of the Indians, with scars both in his soul and body.
Beatrice recognises him from the portrait and doesn't know whom to support, her Uncle or Reynaud, who wants to regain his title. Reynaud knows that he can't do it without Beatrice's help. The gentle English lady is able to sway his body as well as his mind. Beatrice too is not immune to his charms. She is already half in love with his portrait.
Reynaud, along with his few friends, who had been in the war before his capture, learns that someone deliberately set them up to be caught and killed by the Indians. Who is that person? It has to be someone with influence. When several attempts are made on Reynaud's person, he knows he has to get into the bottom of it. When Beatrice gets almost killed, he knows he has to expose that person, no matter at what cost.
The interaction between the savage hero and the very proper heroine is good. Initially it does seem Reynaud is using Beatrice for regaining the title. But he also knows that after so many years of captivity, she only she is home for him. There are good many love scenes between the two but that doesn't seem out of place. It a very readable historical romance. I am going to check out more books by Hoyt.
Title: Midnight Magic
Author: Betina Krahn
ISBN: 9780821730669
Publisher: Zebra/1990
Pages: 445
1810. Devonshire, England.
Charity is considered to be jinxed. Whoever comes in touch with her supposedly gets into trouble. Rane Austen is hit by a bullet as soon as he first saw her. He somehow ends being nursed by her. It doesn't take long when he falls for her and has to have her. Charity, when she learns that she is jinxed, tries to keep him away from her life but he is not keen to let her go. With his charm, he makes her long for him and both end up making midnight magic.
Of course, it has that predictable ending but hilarious scenes and interaction between the dashing hero and the spunky heroine make it a refreshing read. This is my second Betina Krahn novel and I am going to read more from her.
As I have not been able to read much, a light, fast romance is good to dispell that non-reading spell.
Title: Tender Triumph
Author: Judith McNaught
ISBN: 9780671742560
Publisher: Pocket Books/1983
Pages: 375
Katie Connelly is the daughter of wealthy grocers. She is somewhat pampered, spoiled and lives in a world of her own. She is also slightly bored with her life. She doesn't know what to make of the tall, dark and handsome Puerto Rican man who rescues her from the harassment of a drunken ex-boyfriend outside a bar one night. Ramon Galverra is very much a sensual male. Physically, he reminds her of her cheating, abusive ex-husband. Despite that she feels attracted to him. She also senses that Ramon is hiding something from her. Ramon is a powerful tycoon on the verge of bankruptcy and he has nothing to offer Katie other than a simple life in a small cottage in Puerto Rico. Also Ramon is not afraid to express his true feelings for Katie.
It isn't one of the better books by McNaught but it isn't boring either. I finished in three hours while travelling. And that's not a bad thing.
This book does feel racist at times. Tender Triumph is written in the early eighties. Considering that, it is in no way politically correct for the present times. I think the racism is more due to ignorance on the author's part. Although I like Judith McNaught novels, I too have felt her writing is racist. In One and Always, she is disparaging towards India and it customs. I felt that she wrote what she had read or heard about India, without researching it.
I also feel that she does much better writing historical novels than contemporary ones.
Thanks to Stacy for the book.
Title: Just Say Yes (Originally published as Passion's Treasure/1989)
Author: Betina Krahn
ISBN: 9780821773147
Publisher: Zebra Books/2002
Pages: 446
Just Say Yes is unlike any other romance I have read so far. When I picked it up, I had no idea about the author or the book. I simply picked it up from a bunch of books.
It is 1757. Treasure Barrett is only 17. But in the village of Culpepper, she is a Thinker. All look upon her to solve their problems. And she does that too, successfully. She has this burning passion for learning. And has a very helpful nature. She can also go anywhere she wishes to as she has the protection of the Squire Darcy Renville and Father Vivant. They have understood her need for knowledge right from when she was a mere child and know she can't be stopped at anything.
And then the Squire dies, his only son Sterling Renville arrives to claim his inheritance--that is what is left of it with the village people's outstanding loans. He takes it upon himself to make the villagers pay those. He has to collect all that his due to him, no matter what. Now it falls on Treasure to help those villagers. After all she is the Thinker! And she does that and more. Now Sterling knows that he is being duped as he can see Treasure everywhere when he comes collecting. It is grand battle of wills between them, each unwilling to let out an inch.
Treasure is nothing like those simpering heroines. She is truly a Thinker and can get out of any situation with her intelligence. Sterling always thinks of profits from everything, even relationships. However, his strong feelings for Treasure gets better of him. When he can't fight with her logic he resorts to passion and even there she gets better of him. Yet the twains meet when Treasure realises that Sterling too is a Thinker in his own way.
With two strong individuals, this novel made a enjoyable read. We also get to learn something about the working of Colonies under British rule. If you are looking for something more than Historical romance, I recommend it. And I am going to look out for more books by Betina Krahn.
Title: Lonestar Secrets
Author: Colleen Coble
ISBN: 9781595544872
Publisher: Thomas Nelson/2008
Pages: 316
Shannon Aster, a vet, comes back to West Texas. She had left it as a single mother five years back. Her uncle has left her the farm and she wants her daughter to have a better life. Despite the betrayals of the past she thinks that West Texas is home for her daughter Kylie.
When she sees Faith, the daughter of Horse Trainer Jack MacGowan, she is amazed. Faith looks exactly like her daughter Kylie and both the girls take to each other instantly. Shannon has to get to the bottom of it. Reluctantly Jack too has to agree. Both find themselves in the midst of mystery about the resemblance of the girls, a lost spanish treasure, and a black stallion who loves Shannan. Somehow down the way, they unite their strengths to get into the bottom of it all.
Someone has kidnapped Mary Beth, Shannon's best friend and is asking for 8 million dollars from Shannon, who doesn't have that kind of money. Although she fears for her friend's life, but she doesn't trust Jack enough to tell him about her problems. What with her daughter's father to coming into the picture, it becomes very difficult for Shannon to fight alone.
The mystery about the girls is solved early enough and both Sannon and Jack try to find the best solution. But who is blackmailing Shannon and what is he after, is not revealed until the end and it comes as a complete surprise. The countryside is beautifully described. With other interesting characters like Allie and Rick (of Lonestar Sanctuary), it is an extremely readable novel. Shannon is a strong individual who makes something of herself even though she has no support and has a young daughter. Jack feels guilty about falling in love with her because he thinks he betrays his dead wife's memory. But both love the little girls, Faith and Kylie, are instantly bonded as soon as they meet.
The book does get repetitive at places but it is easy comfortable read, which gets finished fast. There are so many secrets to be revealed and that is what keeps one hooked. I liked Coble's writing and will look out for more of her books.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson for the copy.
Title: Heart of Courage
Author: Kat Martin
ISBN: 9780778326090
Publisher: Mira Books/2009
Pages: 407
Book Blurb:
Under the pert pen name "Lady Smart," opinionated Lindsey Graham crusades for social change among London's elite, writing for the ladies' gazette Heart to Heart. But Lindsey's greatest campaign begins when her brother Rudy, a notorious rake, is accused of murdering a string of prostitutes.
Her confidence in his innocence is bolstered when an anonymous letter arrives naming Viscount Merrick as the killer. Lindsey launches her own investigation into the gentleman's questionable pursuits, a risky venture that earns her an unwelcome bodyguard—Thor Draugr.
At first, Lindsey refuses the protection of her employer's brother-in-law. They are like oil and water, yet she can barely conceal her attraction to the rugged Norseman. But an attempt on her life reveals not only the lengths that someone will go to in order to prevent her interference in the viscount's sordid affairs, but that she can no longer deny that she desires the warrior by her side.…
Fifteen servants wearing the traditional blue and silver livery of the Earl of Cameron left Havenhurst at dawn on the same day.
Title: Almost Heaven
Author: Judith McNaught
ISBN: 067174255
Publisher: Pocket Books/1990
Pages: 517
After a long time I picked up a historical romance novel. I think I needed this change from my usual reads.
Elizabeth Cameron, the Countess of Havenhurst is beautiful, gentle and courageous. A rare combination. She meets Ian Thornton, a mysterious stranger with lots of secrets. No one knows about his lineage or that where his wealth comes from. He is assumed to be a gambler and is a social outcast. When Elizabeth is discovered in his arms one night, she has to face the consequences of it alone, what with her reputation being in shreds. She finds herself with no friends and her half-brother too disappears. Elizabeth finds herself in deep debt and has to do all she can to keep her home, Havenhurst.
Her uncle is adamant that she marry as he is not too keen to look after the upkeep of her home. Thence, he sends fifteen identical letters to anyone who had wished to be her suitor before the scandal broke out. Elizabeth does not wish to do as he bids but as no choice in the matter. Somehow, she and her aunt end up in Scottish Highlands, which is the home of Ian Thornton because of a mistake on the part of his clerk. Ian doesn't know what to do with them although his first instinct is to throw them out in the cold. But he can't do that.
From there follows a merry dance led by both. They try their best to avoid each other but can't escape the strong attraction between them. Elizabeth's aunt is no help. Infact she designs that they meet at every chance. Ian learns that it is he who is responsible for her state, the scandal, the debt and no suitors. He tries to make amends in the only way he can, although he can. They are destined to be together, yet misunderstandings drives them apart again and again. How does it get resolved?
It is not that romance which interested me. It is the strong heroine, who is so business minded and has a keen sense of bargaining. Her business acumen even interests Ian, who grows to respect that part of her. Elizabeth is not the weepy kind of female. She is fearless in facing anything, even making a fool of herself in front of everyone. She can go to any length to save what she loves most but her ense of fairness never deserts her. Ian too not one those males who think they are superior. He thinks and makes it known to Elizabeth that she is his equal. In every way. Even in his rage, he can't banish her from his mind, heart and soul. And her convictions keep her alive.
I truly liked reading this book. For the characterizations, both the main ones and the others, who play important roles in their lives.
Title: Mirror Blue
Author: Thomma Lyn Grindstaff
ISBN: 97819349121644
Publisher: Black Lyon/2009
Pages: 177
Book blurb:
He’s her first chance at love.
She’s his last.
Free spirit Aphra Porter never thought Isaac Lightfoot would remember the letter she wrote to him years before. But by some miracle, he does. Now a successful Web site designer in her thirties, Aphra meets the man whose writing talents she’s always idolized — an encounter that leaves her spinning. No longer is Isaac a distant image, but a flesh and blood man who looks at her like no one has looked at her before.
A critically acclaimed author and Vietnam war hero, Isaac is one tough bear of a man. Faced with the physical and emotional scars of war, a relationship with a daunting age difference, and an ex-wife bent on tearing Aphra from his life, he’s about to learn that leaving the past behind and building a new life can be the toughest battle of all.
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Aphra Porter meets Isaac Lightfoot in a book signing event. She is one of his avid fans so much so that she has a secret crush on him. She wrote him a letter when she was 15 years old. She is surprised to know he still remembers that letter. Isaac lets Aphra design his very drab website and while discussing it, they get personal in their emails. Aphra has always been in love with Isaac and now Isaac returns that feeling. It doesn't matter that he is twenty years her senior and has a twenty five year old son. Problem is his ex-wife, who wants to be back in his life.
Aphra finds it tough to cope with the situation. She has had no part in his past and she feels the pressure mounting. Isaac tries to overcome her fears but it is not easy for him to get away from his past. This factor tears them apart.
Aphra is a very successful woman. She rides a Harley and is very confident of herself. Isaac is a succesful writer but his past doesn't let up. He has been in the Vietnam war and still has nightmares of it. He has a pet snake and also rides a Harley. Both share love of words too and hence start writing a book together. If only writing about life was easy. I felt Aphra dwells too much on the reactions of Isaac's ex-wife.
It is love story with its share of trials and tribulations. Makes a fast read but it has nothing new to offer. The characters don't really evolve. It's like any other love story which ends happily.
Thanks Thomma Lyn Grindstaff, for this book.
Title: The Perfect Bride
Author: Brenda Joyce
ISBN: 97803737724445
Publisher: HQN/2007
Pages: 377
Stacy of Stacy's Bookblog was giving out free books for May and I asked for it. She agreed and posted it ASAP! This is second book she has been kind enough to send to me! The first was The Pleasure Trap by Elizabeth Thornton.
From the back cover
A childhood trauma has left Lady Blanche Harrington incapable of all emotion, least of all love. Now circumstance demands she marry, and Blanche dreads choosing from her horde of fawning suitors. For one very eligible gentleman has not stepped forward...
A war hero and a recluse, Rex de Warenne has long admired Lady Blanche. Though fate and his own dark nature have robbed him of any hope for the kind of future such a lady deserves, Rex is determined to aid her--and keep his feelings to himself. But when their growing friendship leads to a night of shocking passion, Blanche's new found memories threaten their fragile love...and Blanche's very life.
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Eve moved restlessly in her small bed. Something was far wrong. Mama was leaving her. She could feel it, sense it.
Title: The Pleasure Trap
Author: Elizabeth Thornton
ISBN: 9780553589573
Publisher: Bantam Books/2007
Pages: 385
Book Blurb:
After years of heroism in the fight against the French, Ash Denison wants nothing more than to savor the good life. But an urgent request has sent him to a writer’s symposium. His charge: to unmask an author who has rattled several members of the town by revealing their most intimate, most scandalous secrets. Not one to be left out, when Ash encounters a bold, beautiful, irresistibly aloof woman writer, he can’t help stirring up some gossip of his own. . . .
Much to Eve Dearing’s surprise, Ash is far from the well-mannered gentleman she’s heard about. In fact, he’s shockingly brash and has taken an inexplicable interest in manhandling her at every turn. Yet something about his searing embrace makes her forgive his wicked behavior–and succumb to his dangerous seduction. And when a fellow writer is brutally attacked and Eve becomes the killer’s next target, Ash surprises her once more by vowing not only to keep her safe . . . but to win her heart.
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What led me to pick up this book?
I received this book from Stacy. She is clearing her shelves and I chose this out of a lot. I wanted to read a historical romance for the 24 Hour Read-a-thon.
What did I like most about the book?
I liked the sparring between Ash Denison and Eve Dearing. However, that is normal in any romance, be it historical or contemporary. There is that bit of mystery too which adds to the novel. After one point, it gets very interesting to speculate as to who wants too kill Eve.
What did I think of the writing style?
As historicals go, this is extremely readable. A good, easy read.
Which of my readers are most likely to enjoy this book? Why?
Those who like chick lits or romances will like it. It was all those ingredients of meeting, fighting, sparring, mystery and lived happily ever after. A feel good kind of book, good for in between reads.
