#215 (#13 of 2012) - Gypsy ~ Lesley Pearse

ISBN or E-book:

978-0-718-15283-3

Publisher:

Penguin

Main Character(s):

Miss Beth Bolton, her Brother Sam, Jack the sharp-witted Londoner and Theo the gambling Aristocrat.

Rating and Brief Description:

Beth and Sam's Father hangs himself and after the death of their mother a short time later they are forced to make their own way in the world.

Eventually their travels take them by Sea to New York to see their fortune.  On the journey the encounter both Jack and Theo ..... two very different people.

Their journey takes them across America and Canada, eventually ending up in the Klondike Gold Fields .... Beth lives by her Fiddle and amazing talent ... they men live by their wits ..... all hoping that they will make their fortune.

A tale of endurance and trust ... but does it include love for Beth? A 4.5 star read, which after a faltering start I really enjoyed.

Hugs

Kay

#214 (#12 of 2012) A Precious Jewel ~ Mary Balogh

ISBN or E-book:

978-0-440-24463-9

Publisher:

Bantam

Main Characters:

Miss Priscilla Wentworth and Sir Gerald Stapleton

Rating and Brief Description:

Gentle Born Miss Priscilla is suddenly left alone and penniless and cast upon her cousin for support and protection, who has made it abundantly clear that he sees her more of a servant than a relative to be looked after.  When he also starts to make sexual advances Priscilla decides to seek out her old Governess, who it seems now runs a finishing school in London.

However, when Priscilla gets there she finds that it is not exactly a finishing school, rather a high end whorehouse.  She was given the opportunity to live with Miss Blythe and become her secretary or companion, but takes the enormous and irrevocable step of becoming one of the working girls.

Sir Gerald has no intention of getting married, or even keeping a mistress .... he'd rather visit Miss Blythe's establishment and pay for uncomplicated sex with the no emotional attachment required.

Unfortunately, after his first time with Priscilla he visits more and more often .... eventually deciding that perhaps she would do for a Mistress until he got tired of her .... perhaps for the time of the lease he's taken on the house he provides.

Is it possible to remain that detached, or does the heart always get in the way?

A lovely, and a slightly different story from Mary Balogh, which really merits a 4 star rating.  A nice tearful ending.

Hugs 

Kay

#213 (#11 of 2012) - Faro's Daughter ~ Georgette Heyer

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-09-946559-1

Publisher:

Arrow Books

Main Characters:

Miss Deborah Grantham and Mr Max Ravenscar

Brief outline of plot and rating:

Max is implored by his Aunt to rescue his young cousin from a thoroughly unsatisfactory passion he has developed for one Miss Deborah Grantham, who runs a Faro table in her Aunt's gaming house.

Max is on an entirely unromantic bent, and as tight as the proberbial duck's bottom, and decides that he would rather ruin her than pay her a groat.

Deborah has a temper, and although she has no intention of marrying the young Lord she is provoked beyond all measure by the high handed Max.

A battle royal begins, but will Max rescue his cousin, and will the protagonists come out heart whole?

After my last disastrous read this was a refreshing 4.5 star rating.

Kay

EPIC FAIL - The Scandal of the Season

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-701-18116-1

Publisher:

Chatto & Windus

Main Characters:

Alexander Pope (a poet)

Brief Outline of Plot and Rating:

A big fact Epic Fail from me - although my mother read it (struggling at first) and enjoyed it.  I've battled on for over a week, and decided that it merits the Epic Fail socre of -1.

The main character is one Alexander Pope (a poet), and whilst this is supposed to be a work of fiction I believe that it might be based on him .... forgive me author if that is not the case, but I'm unprepared to go on further to find out.  Not my style of content or actual writing style ... ponderous in the extreme and wholly unexciting.

Kay

#212 (#10 of 2012) - The Secret Mistress ~ Mary Balogh

picture




IBSN or ebook:

978-0-7499-5697-4

Publisher:

Piatkus


Main Characters:

Lady Angeline Dudley and Edward Ailsbury, Earl of Heyward

Brief outline of plot and rating:

Angeline's pedigree dictated that she land a title, but her heart dictated a kind heart in the one she wed.  Throw in a stolen kiss, a scoundrel and a man on honour that his set his heart on a long-term friend as his bride and you have a nice read on your hands.

Mary Balogh is one of my favourite authors, and this book lived up to expectations with a 4 star rating.

Kay

#211 (#9 of 2012) - The Woman from Browhead ~ Audrey Howard

IBSN or ebook:

978-0-749-3726-30-340-60704-1

Publisher:

Coronet

Main Characters:

Annie Abbott and Read Macauley

Brief outline of plot and rating:

I have in fact already read the sequel to this book, and so had an idea how it was likely to turn out - is that cheating?

I am happy to report that this book didn't disappoint in the amount of misery served up to the characters, and  also that the story was nicely finished off too - just how I like them.

A good solid 4 star read.

Kay

#210 (#8 of 2012) The Ideal Bride ~ Stephanie Laurens

IBSN or ebook:

978-0-749-3726-3

Publisher:

Piatkus


Main Characters:

Michael Anstruther-Weatherby and Caroline Sutcliffe

Brief outline of plot and rating:

Michael is a rising member of Parliament and needs a wife to be granted a place in the Cabinet.  He has his eye on the young daughter of the former Member of his Seat.

Unfortunately, when he returns to meet the young lady and ask for her hand, he comes into contact with her aunt Caroline (a former childhood friend).

Although what he doesn't know is that Caroline has been summoned by Elizabeth to help her put off Michael as she's already in love with a young man.

Caroline herself is a political hostess of note, but following her marriage to a man many years older than herself when she was 17 she is determined to enjoy her widowhood.

Will Michael realise that Elizabeth is not the girl for him?  More to the point if he does, will he persuade Caroline that he's the man for her?

Another enjoyable book, which scores 3.5 stars ..... incidentally, it took a bit of working out what the connection with Breckenridge was, as I'd missed this book originally!!

EPIC FAIL - Symphoney ~ Jude Morgan

I's not going to count this one, as in my opinion it was an epic fail.  I did try, but only managed about two chapters before I threw in the towel.  In my humble opinion it was over-written and boring.  Therefore a -1 score from me.

#209 (#7 of 2012) - Belle ~ Lesley Pearse *NEW AUTHOR*

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-718-15702-9

Publisher:

Penguin

Main Characters:

Belle and Jimmy

Brief outline of Plot:

Daughter of a well-know Abbess in Seven Dials, Belle is kidnapped after at the age of 15 after witnessing a murder.  The kidnapper sells her for a huge sum and she's taken to Paris to await her fate at a brothel that deals in under-age young virgins.  Eventually, she sold on again to New Orleans, but manages to find her way back home.

Rating and conclusion:

5+ - considering the subject I was worried that I wouldn't like this book, or would find it upsetting.  In actual fact it was so beautifully written that I have cleared the library of all the other books they had by this author.  Unfortunately, that didn't include the sequel to this book entitled Belle's War.

Take it as a must that you have to read this book.  The characters were well constructed and the whole issue of child prostitution was dealt with sympathetically.  I can highly recommend this one, and can't wait to read the sequel coming out soon called "The Promise"

Hugs

Kay

#208 (#6 of 2012) - To Distraction ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-7499-4043-0

Publisher:

Piatkus

Main Characters:

Deverell, Viscount Paignton and Phoebe Malleson

Brief outline of Plot:

Deverell is another Bastion Club member that needs a wife, desperately. He seeks advise from his Aunt who recommends just the girl and is dispatched off to a house party in the country to meet her, and finds his prey rather surprisingly in the library, buried in a book.

Bookish Phoebe is tempted to distraction by him, but marrying him isn't on her agenda .... in any case she has secret life that needs to stay hidden.

Rating and conclusion:

4.5 rating with Stephanie at her best - I can't believe that I had missed this Bastion Club book for so long .... I had actually thought that I'd read them all.

Hugs

Kay

#207 (#5 of 2012) - Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue ~ Stephanie Laurens

Book 1 of the Cynster Girls Trilogy

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-7499-5504-5

Publisher:

Piatkus

Main Characters:

Heather Cynster and Timothy Danvers, Viscount Breckenridge

Brief outline of Plot:

Like all the Cynster girls, Heather is looking for true love and somebody to really sweep her off her feet.  Determined that she won't find that in the usual haunts of genteel young ladies she decides to take matters into her own hands and attends a racy soiree.

No sooner than she arrives she's cornered by her nemesis, Breckenridge and ordered home.  On her way out to the carriage she's abducted.  Breckenridge is given no choice but to give chase .... but will he rescue her, and will they fall in love?

Rating and conclusion:

5 stars all the way.  Take time out to read the first 2 books in the trilogy .... I can't wait until the final book in is released on ebook later this month.

Hugs

Kay

#206 (#4 of 2012) - Four in Hand ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-7783-0306-0

Publisher:

MIRA

Main Characters:

Miss Caroline Twinning and Max Rotherbridge, Duke of Twyford

Brief outline of Plot:

Unexpectedly, Max finds himself the guardian of 4 very beautiful sisters and he didn't bargain for falling in love the the eldest Miss Twinning either.  He has to fight off fellow Rakehells and find all the girls suitable matches .... can he full it off.

Rating and conclusion:

I wouldn't call this one of her very best, but then it was written very early on in her career I believe .... a perfectly creditable 3.5 star rating though.

Hugs

Kay

#205 (#3 of 2012) - Tangled Reins ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN or e-book:

978-0-7783-0205-6

Publisher:

Mira

Main Characters:

Miss Dorathea Darrent and the Marquis of Haselmere

Brief outline of Plot:

The beautiful and outspoken Miss Darent had no intention of marrying, and was well aware that her unfashionable curves and advancing years would also deter most gentleman of the fashionable ton.

However, she didn't realise that just one kiss over a blackberry bush would set her on a course with a dashing stranger and change her life for ever.

The dashing stranger was a rake of the first order, who had made up his mind never to marry, but for the death of his brother and that kiss changed his destiny too.

After their encounter Doreathea and her sister went to live with their Grandmother in London, and the ton with completely taken with her.  Having expected not to take, she was in fact having to fight of suitors., and the Marquis had to join the fray.

Would he win her?


Rating and conclusion:

3.5 star rating.  Really quite a  nice gentle and enjoying read, just what you would expect from a Stephanie Laurens tale....a nice unexpected baddie too.

Hugs

Kay

#204 (#2 of 2012) - A Christmas Promise ~ Mary Balogh

ISBN or e-book:

0-7089-3406-4

Publisher:

Thorpe / Ulverscroft Large Print

Main Characters:

Eleanor Transome and Randolph, Earl of Falloden.

Brief outline of Plot:

Mr Transome is a wealthy coal merchant, and he has a beautiful daughter.  He unfortunately has cancer and has come up with a plan to protect his darling girl.  Every last one of the Earl of Falloden's debts have been bought by him.

Randlop, Lord Falloden is a hair's breadth from becoming bankrupt and therefore decides to take up Mr Transome's offer of marrying his daugher and making her his countess in return for half of the coal merchant's vast fortune.  He will have to make sure that Eleanor is truly his wife by consumating the marriage and living under the same roof for a full year, and he gives his word as a gentleman that he will do exactly that.  Although, he plans to leave her to her own devices in the country after that year, hopefully with an heir on the way.

Thus the match is made, Mr Transome goes to his maker and the bargin is being undertaken.  What is not part of the bargain is that the arrogant Earl and proud defiant girl will fall in love.

Rating and conclusion:

Mary Balogh is always a good read, and this was no exception .... leaving me in tears at the end .... a 5+ Star rating.  Definitely read it.

Hugs

Kay

#203 (#1 of 2012) - The True Darcy Spirit ~ Elizabeth Aston *NEW AUTHOR

ISBN or Kindle:

978-0-00-724149-1

Publisher:  Harper

Main Characters:

Miss Cassandra Darcy and Horatio Darcy

Brief Outline of plot:

Cassandar Darcy finds herself alone and penniless in London after falling for a gentleman.  It seems that he had tricked her into eloping to get his hands on her fortune, however having found that was the case she refuses to marry him and decides to take her chances and earn her own living as a painter.

Thanks to a chance meeting with her cousin (daughter of the Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett) brings her not only a friendship by support for her undoubted talent.

Horatio is another Darcy connection, and he has been charged by her step-father into either seeing that she marries the rake she ran away with or making sure she lives in seclusion.

Rating and conclusion:

I would normally say that it's a mistake to try and emulate the amazing Jane Austen, however this author does quite a good job.  Actually, she doesn't try to emulate, but move the story on a few generations.  I liked it .... my Mother didn't.  So this well written tale scores a 4, and I will be looking around for others she has writeen, which I believe are also based on the Dary legacy.

Hugs

Kay

#202 (#138) - An Inconvenient Marriage - Ruth Ann Nordin *NEW AUTHOR

ISBN or e-book:

Not known, I bought as Kindle e-book from Amazon

Publisher:

Not known

Main Characters:

Sue Lewis and Jake Mitchell

Brief outline of Plot:

Need to add details

Rating and conclusion:

Need to add - just bear with me I am behind, as I found quite a few on the Kindle that I had not added to the list.

It was bizarre to say the best.  I found it not particularly well written .... but to the point where it was so bad it was actually amusing.  Which kept me turning the pages to see how bad it could actually get before I called time.  I reached the end therefore a 2 star rating. I would try another one of her books to see if this was a one-off!

Hugs

Kay

#201 (#137) - If His Kiss is Wicked ~ Jo Goodman NEW AUTHOR

ISBN or e-book:

Not known, I bought as Kindle e-book from Amazon

Publisher:

Zebra

Main Characters:

Enna Hathaway and Restel Gardner

Brief outline of Plot:

Need to add details

Rating and conclusion:

Need to add - just bear with me I am behind, as I found quite a few on the Kindle that I had not added to the list.

3 star rating.


Hugs

Kay

#200 (#136) - The English Witch ~ Loretta Chase

Trevelyan Family Book 2

ISBN or e-book:

Not known, I bought as Kindle e-book from Amazon

Publisher:

Signet Regency

Main Characters:

Alexandra Ashmore and Basil Trevelyn

Brief outline of Plot:

Need to add details

Rating and conclusion:

Need to add - just bear with me I am behind, as I found quite a few on the Kindle that I had not added to the list.

4.5 star rating.

Hugs

Kay

#199 (#135) - Isabella ~ Loretta Chase

Trevelyan Family Book 1


ISBN or e-book:

Not known, I bought as Kindle e-book from Amazon

Publisher:

Signet Regency

Main Characters:

Isabella Latham and Lord Hartleigh

Brief outline of Plot:

Need to add details

Rating and conclusion:

Need to add - just bear with me I am behind, as I found quite a few on the Kindle that I had not added to the list.

4 star rating.


Hugs

Kay

#198 (#134) - Captives of the Night ~ Loretta Chase

ISBN or e-book:

Bought as Kindle from Amazon

Publisher:

Berkley Sensation Historical Romance

Main Characters:

Leila Beaumont and Comte D'Esmonde

Brief outline of Plot:

Need to add details

Rating and conclusion:

Need to add - just bear with me I am behind, as I found quite a few on the Kindle that I had not added to the list.

4.5 star rating.


Hugs

Kay