#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

#197 (#133) - The Perfect Stranger ~ Anne Gracie

Book 3 of the Merridew Series


ISBN or e-book:

Bought as Kindle from Amazon

Publisher:

Berkley Sensation Historical Romance

Main Characters:

Faith Merridew and Nick ?

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

#196 (#132) - The Perfect Rake ~ Anne Gracie - NEW AUTHOR

Book 1 of Merridew Series

ISBN or e-book:

Bought as Kindle from Amazon

Publisher:

Berkley Sensation Historical Romance

Main Characters:

Prudence Merridew and Gideon ?

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

#195 (#131) - A Lady's Lesson in Scandal ~ Meredith Duran

ISBN or Kindle:

978-1-4516-0693-5 (also comes as an e-book)

Publisher:

Pocket Star Books

Main characters:

Nell Whitby (Lady Cornelia Aubyn) and Simon St Maur, Earl of Rushden

Brief outline of plot:

Nell is a factory girl from Bethnal Green, and to has to beg and steal to pay for her mother's care.  On her death bed her mother tells her to seek help from the Earl of Rushden, who is her father.

Bent on revenge Nell breaks into the Earl's house, but finds that she is pointing the pistol she carries at the wrong .... and very naked .... man.

He thinks she is a lost heiress, she thinks he is mad, but goes along with his plot with the intention of splitting the £900,000 inheritance .... only thing she has to do is marry him .... could it be simpler?

Rating and Conclusion:

I've been wanting to read a Meredith Duran book for a little while, but was a tad disappointed.  It was slower that I thought, some of the background layer didn't quite gel and left me confused about exactly what time frame it took place in (i.e. carriages, electricity, factory girls).  Again, with a lot of authors not from UK there was the use of wording that would not apply here - sorry, that is just an irritant to me, not anything against the author. I am also not convinced that the title was a good choice, as there wasn't much scandal contained between the covers of either the book or the sheets!!

I liked the book, I did not love it.  A 3 star read, and I will try again with another of her offerings.

Hugs

Kay

Heatherstone ~ Letitia Harmon

last trailer for today I promise, but looky looky at this one:

His Shadowed Heart Trailer ~ Hazel Statham

I really like the look of this one .... lovely gentle trailer too:

#194 (#130) - Dancing with Dr Kildare ~ Jane Yardley *NEW AUTHOR

ISBN or Kindle:

978-0-55277-310-2

Publisher:

Black Swan (www.rbooks.co.uk)

Main Characters:

Ninah Hannay with various sub-characters too numerous to mention

Brief Outline of Plot:

When Nina's father dies she finds an old music manuscript written in his hand in a locked desk.  Although he played the violin, he was no musical genius, and this manuscript had Sibelius positively shrieking off the pages.  The question is did he write it, and if so why keep such a masterpiece hidden?

Nina has to dig back in the past, which leads to her contemplation of her traumatic childhood, almost wishing in the end that she had never unlocked the desk.

Rating and conclusion:

I really tried to like this book, but the constant switching around of time lines etc, put me off a bit.  I also had a problem with getting any kind of connection with the characters.

In the end it probably merits a 2.5 Star rating.

On the plus side, I now know more than I did before about Argentinian Tango and an obscure Finnish battle.

Not too sure I would read another book by this author, but never say never.

Hugs

Kay

#193 (#129) - The Earl's Bargain ~ Cheryl Bolen - NEW AUTHOR

ISBN or Kindle:  

Not known as I bought on Kindle

Main Characters:

Mrs Louisa Phillips and Harold Coke, 5th Earl of Wycliff

Brief Outline of Plot:

At a very young age the beautiful Louisa finds herself married to a much older Godwin Phillips, who is in the employ of an unknown lord.  Her circumstances ensure that she becomes a man-hating blue stocking.  Eventually though,  Louisa finds herself a widow and penniless and is forced to turn to the Earl of Wycliff for financial security for life in return for her help in solving the mystery of who ruined his family.

It turns out that they are both of them hiding secrets - especially that they love one another.

Rating and conclusion:

Not a bad book, but not outstanding - a 3 star read at best.  I would certainly read other titles by this author, so give it a go.

Kay

#192 (#128) - The Reasons for Marriage ~ Stephanie Laurens

ISBN:  978-0-7783-0225-4

Publisher:  Mira


Main Characters:

Miss Lenore Lester (Sister of Jack & Harry Lester) and Jason Montgomery, Duke of Eversleigh

Brief Outline of Plot:

Faced with the fact that his younger brother's death would leave him with an unacceptable heir, Jason decided that he needed a wife and listed his Reasons:  She must be happy to remain in the country until he requested her presence in London for some reason; She must be capable of running a large house/estate; Not an antidote, but dis-interested in other men; She must be well-born with an acceptable family; She must be slightly more mature that the general run of the mill marriageable young miss; She must not be dim-witted; She must be happy to find her own amusement, leaving him to continue with his usual activities; She must be willing to produce an heir or two........... with such a list, is it possible that such a paragon of virtue exists?

Conclusion and rating:

Nice to read the book preceding the others in this series:  A Lady of Expectations; An Unwilling Conquest and A Comfortable Wife, and actually probably the best of the 3 so far.  A 4 star read.

Hugs

Kay

A nice little spend up on Kindle Store

last night I had time to myself to browse the Kindle Store, and came away with quite a few books - including complete works of Jane Austen for 0.23p - amazing!  I still have lots to spend from the vouchers I received for my birthday too, but can;t decide what to buy.

Before 31st December I need to also update this blog with the books on both of the Kindles' in this place that I've read, but forgotten about as it would be nice to have the correct tally.

Hugs

Kay

#191 (#127) - In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster ~ Stephanie Laurens

Book 2 in Cynster Sister Trilogy

ISBN: 978-0-7499-5598-4

Publisher: Piatcus

Main Characters: Miss Elizabeth Cynster & Mr Jeremy Carling

Brief outline of plot:

Eliza Cynster is the second of the girls to be kidnapped by a mysterious Scottish Laird.  She taken from under the  very noses at the engagement ball of her Sister Heather (the Heroine from the first book in the Trilogy - I've actually not read it yet, but need to get my paws on it p.d.q.).  On the way to the rendezvous with the 'Laird' Eliza garners all her courage to watch for a likely rescuer.  Meanwhile Jeremy Carling has left the home of Royce, Duke of Wolverstone and on his journey has decided that he needs to marry.

Fate decides that Jeremy will be the one to witness Eliza's plea for help as he is going in the opposite direction. As a bookworm with hitherto no 'Alpha Male' qualities, will he prove to be her Man?

Conclusion:

A 4.5 star read, leaving me wanting to find out what will happen to the younger sister, Angelica, and also the the adventure of the first book between Heather and Lord Breckenridge.

Hugs

Kay

#190 (#126) - A Weekend with Mr Darcy ~ Victoria Connelly (NEW AUTHOR)

ISBN:  1402251327
Kindle Version
Published by:  Avon

Main Characters:  Dr Kathryn Roberts and Warrick Lawton
Others characters:  Lorna Warwick, Robyn Love

Brief outline of plot:  Dr Kathryn Roberts is a Jane Austen expert and has written a couple of books about it.  Not only is she an expert, but is a confirmed Janeite and is eagerly anticipating a whole weekend of everything Jane.  She's also hoping that her penfriend, the author Lorna Warrick will also be there - whilst they have never met, Kathryn feels that they understand each other very well - which a refreshing change from all dating that has gone wrong in her life thus far.  However, will Lorna be what Kathryn is expecting, and how does a Warwick Lawton figure in the picture of all things Jane?

I loved this book (might help that I am a confirmed Janeite myself) - no problems to give it a 5+ rating - my Mother on the other hand hated it, and failed to get to the end.  Just shows that you really can't please all of the people all of the time, or even some of the people some of the time!!

Hugs

Kay

#189 (#125) - Ruthless ~ Ann Stuart (NEW AUTHOR)

ISBN:  0778328481
Kindle Copy
Publisher: Mills and Boon Historical Romance
Characters:  Elinor Harriman and Viscount Rohan
Brief outline of plot:  Viscount Rohan is an exiled aristocrat hell bent on indulging his insatiable appetite, however time is ensuring that not much will assuage them as he is becoming jaded by the same old same old.  Elinor is thrown in his path when she goes to find her demented Mother at one of his sinful gatherings.  She fascinates him, he frightens her and she is determined not go give in.  Along the way though the good girl begins to give in to the rake ... isn't that always the way!!

Actually quite well written, and I would say it merited a 3.5 Star rating, give it a go.

Hugs

Kay

#188 (#124) - Finding Home ~ Roisin McAuley (NEW AUTHOR)

ISBN:  978-0-7515-3859-5
Published by: Sphere (Littlebrown)
Main characters/brief outline of plot:
Henry and Diana Wintour (Brother and Sister)
Louise O'Neill (Our Heroine if you like)
Supporting Characters: Rebecca Teddy & Jacky, Chloe, Lucy, Peter, John Finniegan, Barry Shaw and others
Louise and Rebecca are looking for a location for the film that they are hoping will be approved shortly for production.  They come across Wooldene Hall in the distant and decide it is just the place.  They meet the owner, Henry, who lives not in the big house but in a bungalow with his sister (Diana) nearby.  The house is perfect, even if the roof is badly in need of urgent repair and they set in motion the contracts to hire it from pre-production onwards.  Prior to the film company's offer they had hoped to flog a few old bottles of wine that had been found in the cellar, but a couple of thousand quid probably wouldn't be enough to pay a fraction of the amount needed. Throw in old feelings about the IRA, the British Army, a stalker and family loyalties and love.

If you have read any of my previous posts, you will realise that my literary pleasure hovers in the realms of main the Regency period ... I rarely venture much past the First World with any frequency.

I had run out of a supply of books, and therefore took up this contemporary offering with a feeling of dread ... I was determined to give it a go though.

Thank goodness, what a truly wonderful read - so beautifully written.  Miss McAuley has such a wonderful easy flowing style.  It was insightful and intelligently written.  I loved it a big 5+ stars. If you only read one thing in 2012 it should be this if you love a romance or two.

Other books by this author:  Meeting Point; Singing Bird

Hugs

Kay

#187 (#123) - A Little Folly ~ Jude Morgan (New Author)

ISBN:  978-0-7533-0767-8
Published by:  Headline

Characters/brief outline:
Main charaters Louisa Carnell and her Brother, Valentine
Sub characters:  James Tresilian, Pearce Lynley, Francis Lynley, Lady Harriet Evershot plus others
Lousia and Valentine have been bullied, dominated and stifled by their Father, and therefore when he dies suddenly they are left rudderless and adrift.  It takes a while, but they both kick back in their own way.  Louisa rejects the man intended for her by her Father, Pearce Lynley, and then plays the field.  Valentine falls for Lady Harriet.and looses a great deal of money.  Happily though, they both find their way back on to the right path, but do either of them find love?

The cover promised that ".....reminiscent of a good Georgette Heyer", which was quite a bold claim in my own personal/humble opinion.  However, when all is said and done - or rather read from cover to cover - the statement did seem to still be a little optimistic, but just only a little.

That makes me sound like I didn't like it ..... I did, but really there can only ever be one Georgette Heyer (much the same as their can ever only be one Jane Austen) ... probably the statement should have been "....quite like a Georgette Heyer" instead.

I found it to be a little wordy, with a a very good go at being the real thing.  The wordiness meant that I had to concentrate (always a challenge with teenagers and pets working to their own unique agendas).  The plot too, didn't seem to move at much of a pace.   On the whole a 3.5 star read, and it certainly would not be put off from reading another of Miss Morgan's offerings any time soon.  Give it a go and see what you think, I'd be interested to find out.

Kay

Regency Dress Up Dolls

Thanks to Savvi on Deviant Art, you can now play paper dolls with fabulous regency costumes - just love it. Here's my alter ego Lady Freya D'Isle.  A sassy and perky red head with an independent spirit and simply not willing to take no for an answer.

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