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The Sword Dancer by Jeannie Lin-A Review and Interview with the Author

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The Sword Dancer by Jeannie Lin-A Review and Interview with the Author

The Sword Dancer

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

THE SWORD DANCER (Tang Dynasty #4) by Jeannie Lin

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release May 21, 2013

The Thief Who Stole His Heart

Sword dancer Li Feng is used to living life on the edge of the law—a woman alone in the dangerous world of the Tang Dynasty has only her whirlwind reflexes to trust. She will discover the truth about her past, even if that means outwitting the most feared thief-catcher of them all…

Relentless, handsome and determined, Han sees life—and love—as black and white. Until he finally captures the spirited, courageous Li Feng, who makes him question everything he thought he knew about right and wrong. Soon he’s faced with an impossible choice: betray the elusive sword dancer he is learning to love, or trust his long-disregarded heart and follow her to dangerous, tempting rebellion..

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE SWORD DANCER is the latest release in Jeannie Lin’s series of historical romance/adventure novels set in the Tang Dynasty of China. I contacted Jeannie before reading the novel to ensure that I would not be confused or lost as the book is labeled number four, but she reassured me that each storyline is a stand-alone and the only connection is the historical period of the Tang Dynasty.

The premise focuses on sword dancer Li Feng avenging the loss of her family and Hao Han, a thief-collector whose latest target is Li Feng and the troupe of performers and dancers with whom she is travelling. As one of the most regaled thief-collectors it is Han’s duty to hunt those held responsible for crimes against the government and the people, but his latest target slowly chips away at the cold façade and heart of a man whose life revolves around crime and punishment.

The storyline follows Han and Li Feng as they play a game of cat and mouse, all the while Li Feng searching for the man/men responsible for destroying her family and her childhood. While Han wants the man brought to justice, Li Feng wants revenge and retribution. Not only does Li Feng run for her life, but for her heart as well, as she begins to fall for the man ordered to bring her in.

Throughout the story the couple will discover that the search for those responsible goes much deeper than they first suspect. The storyline is awash in political intrigue and mystery, death and loss, action and adventure, suspense, espionage and vigilante justice. And we cannot forget about the developing relationship between Han and Li Feng. There is a mutual attraction between the pair: what started out as hunter and the hunted will become one of friendship out of necessity; and lovers over time.

The world building is smooth as well as the intricate personal and cultural details of the historical Tang Dynasty. Character development is fluid as we learn the truth behind Li Feng’s life on the run, her family history and the mysterious jade pendant she holds close to her heart. Li Feng is a strong, independent woman who strives for the ultimate act of revenge. Hao Han’s decision to search for those who break the law and his decision to keep family and business separate pushes him forward but he will eventually have to face the reality that the woman he seeks to bring in is the woman who stole his heart. As a thief-catcher, he has caught the ultimate law-breaker or has the law-breaker caught Hao Han? There is a fine line between right and wrong, and only retribution for those who have loved and lost.

Jeannie Lin pulls the reader into an exotic world of sword dancers, Asian culture and the fight for political and financial control of one of the world’s precious minerals. From the street vendors and entertainers to the political back rooms where deals are made and broken, THE SWORD DANCER is a fascinating and colorful storyline with a likeable couple that I would definitely like to hear more about.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview beige

We are pleased to welcome author Jeannie Lin to The Reading Cafe. You can find Jeannie at: Website / Blog / Facebook Twitter / Pinterest

Jeannie LinTRC: Hi Jeannie and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations of the release of THE SWORD DANCER, the latest release in your historical romance series of the Tang Dynasty.

Jeannie: Hello! Thank you and thank you for having me. It always is so exciting to see a book you’ve worked on actually “hit the shelves”.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jeannie: I’m a twin mom and a techie by profession. I’m also a former science teacher. I sneak in writing way, way early in the morning or late, late at night. Or for an hour or two during the day in between the day job.

TRC: How much influence does your own cultural background have on the storylines and premises of your novels?

Jeannie: When I was growing up, my grandmother would stay up all night knitting and watching Hong Kong TVB serials (which she also would bootleg to share with family members. I know that this is bad now and every time someone pirates my books, I feel the fat thumb of karmic retribution pressing down on me.) So I pretty much grew up watching these big costume dramas and martial arts adventures, my favorite being the ones based on the stories of mega bestselling author Jin Yong (aka Louis Cha) which were steeped in history, but interwoven with his own fantastic storytelling. I was surprised that my parents also knew about these stories. And they would talk about things that happened in the written version and not the movies. It turns out that my mother and father had also grown up with these same stories. When I played make-believe with my cousins, these were the stories we acted out. (Yes, we fought with plastic swords) This is what fed my imagination.

The Sword DancerTRC: THE SWORD DANCER is the first storyline in your new series of The Tang Dynasty. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Jeannie: For The Sword Dancer, I was initially inspired by a famous poem by Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, an excerpt of which opens the book. The poem talks nostalgically about the golden era gone by. I envisioned an action/adventure tale that had all the drama and romance of the stories I loved. It would be set at the tail end of the Tang Dynasty, during the last bright spot before the fall during the rule of Emperor Xuanzong (846 – 859) During troubled times, often times bandits were romanticized, so in this story the men who enforced the law–magistrates, constables, thief-catchers–would be juxtaposed against outlaws and rebels who are pursuing their own form of justice.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for The Sword Dancer series? And will Han and Li Feng be the principle characters in the series?

Jeannie: I plan for three full length novels and several supporting novellas. The other books will feature other primary characters, but Han and Li Feng will appear again as supporting members. And…if all goes as planned…I do have a novella planned for Han and Li Feng as I was always certain their adventures would not come to an end just because they’d found one another.

TRC: If you could virtually cast The Sword Dancer, which actors or models would best represent Han and Li Feng?

Jeannie: That’s kind of tough–the picture I have in my head is not quite like anyone existing. But I was thinking of a young Michael Miu for Han. I have a crush on him from my younger days and his face can look either rugged or refined. Plus he has a great jawline…I have a weakness for those. For Li Feng, I think someone like actress Maggie Q (Nikita) would fit best. Maggie Q isn’t Chinese, so that gives her a look that’s not traditionally beautiful by Chinese standards which fits for Li Feng (though of course Maggie Q is gorgeous). Also her body type is slim and athletic and I always think of Li Feng in terms of how she moves.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content, historical accuracy and believability?

Jeannie: Readers have a vision in their head that they believe to be accurate and I think that when they know very little about a period or setting, the few details they do know become more prevalent and exaggerated. Readers often challenge my stories on the basis of the belief that Chinese women in past times should be subservient or have bound feet (which wasn’t until after the Tang Dynasty and was also not for all ethnicities). All I can do as a writer is try to immerse the reader into the story so they WANT to believe my world is true.

Lotus PalaceTRC: The Lotus Palace is the September 2013 release in another new Tang Dynasty series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Jeannie: I’m quite excited about this series. The stories all revolve around mysteries set in the Pingkang li, also known as the North Hamlet, which was the pleasure quarter in the Tang Dynasty capital of Changan. The Pingkang li was the place where bureaucrats and scholars would mingle with talented courtesans. There was a very unique culture of literature and poetry that surrounded the quarter, but the records of it also spoke of untold dangers and deception.

 

TRC: Do you have plans to connect or overlap any of the Tang Dynasty series?

Jeannie: At this time, there’s no plan to intersect. The two series have very different themes and approaches, one being steeped in adventure and folklore while the other being concentrated around intrigue and mystery. The previous duet I wrote — Butterfly Swords + The Dragon and the Pearl –take place nearly a hundred years earlier.

TRC: What challenges (historical, logistical, research etc) did you face writing your novels of the Tang Dynasty?

Jeannie: I think the hardest thing has been negotiating expectations between two different genres – Asian martial arts fiction and historical romance. Readers of historical romance expect certain tropes concerning the happily ever after ending and how villains should be punished and such. It’s a constant negotiation in my head of how to make the story accessible and emotionally engaging to as many readers as possible while still retaining the core themes that I want to present.

TRC: Do you believe your portrayal of the era is accurate or do you take professional liberty with the time period?

Jeannie: The Tang Dynasty my stories are set in are most certainly “Jeannie Lin’s Tang Dynasty”. But the Venice that Shakespeare wrote in was “Shakespeare’s Venice.” Every author or artist’s recreation is inevitably unique in its interpretation–otherwise what is the purpose of putting your hands onto something? I believe this is true for historians as well — it’s a well-known practice in Chinese history, for instance, that different dynasties would commission the rewriting of the historical record. The new versions were always colored by who was in power, which philosophies and religions were dominant, and so on and so forth.

With that in mind, I use historical detail to help me elevate my story, but for me, it’s about telling an engaging story set in a historical period. It’s important for me that the story had to take place in the Tang Dynasty based on certain setting details, but it’s not my goal to “accurately” recreate the dynasty.

TRC: As an author of Chinese historical fiction, have you ever had the occasion to visit the places about which you write?

Jeannie: I’ve made one trip to China with my family, but this was actually way before I knew I’d be a writer. And China is so vast! We didn’t visit Xian (modern day Changan) where The Lotus Palace is set or Fujian province where The Sword Dancer is set. I wanted to make another trip to China to do research, but then the twins came and that plan had to be put on hold until *checks calendar* when they go to college? LOL

TRC: How thoroughly do you plan out your characters and storyline premises before you begin the first draft?

Jeannie: I usually do a loose outline, laying out each chapter. On top of that, I actually do what I call “playing the movie” in my head. I play out the scenes over and over, cutting the ones that don’t work. Unfortunately, this takes a long time for me to cull out what works and what doesn’t. Ideally I want to do this over a year, but I don’t usually have that much time.

TRC: Would you please tell us how you handle the stress and anxiety of writing deadlines and family life?

Jeannie: I think my writing buddies keep me sane. I have critique partners that I meet with in person or online and I must admit our conversations are not 100% about writing, but it helps to not feel so isolated and to have friends who can “talk you off the ledge” so to speak. The rest is just hanging on tooth and nail and hoping for the best.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with other authors, friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

Jeannie: I have a core group of trusted crit partners. We’ve just spent a long time reading for each other and I trust their opinions.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about you?

Jeannie: Hmm…I don’t know. People might assume I’m very serious because I get very philosophical and academic sometimes when I blog, but I’m actually quite funny. Really.

TRC: What are the 5 things you would like to accomplish in the next ten years?

Jeannie: Oh my. I used to have interesting things here, but now my goals are all boring like “buy a new house” and “start a college fund…make that two”.
Let me stick to writerly things:

1. Publish a series outside of historical romance
2. Start a writing based scholarship
3. Write the on-again-off-again historical fiction project I’ve been planning with my Little Sis
4. Mentor high school students in a writing program (I’ve been dreaming about this one forever, but can’t seem to find the time to start)
5. Finally take that research trip to China

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Jeanine: I’m currently working on the sequel to The Lotus Palace. There’s murder and ancient Chinese forensics and probably the most unlikely romance I’ve ever tried to tackle.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Jeannie: No, this has been a great bunch of questions. I had a lot of fun answering them.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Eggs Benedict

Favorite Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake

Favorite TV Show: Top Chef

Last Movie you saw: Pitch Perfect

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark (newly converted)

Favorite Flower: Cattelya orchid

Last Vacation Destination: Amsterdam/Brussels

TRC: Thank you Jeannie for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of The Sword Dancer. We hope to hear more
about Han and Li Feng.

FOLLOW Jeannie at: Website / Blog / Facebook Twitter / Pinterest

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Cotillion Ball Series by Becky Lower – Combined Reviews

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Cotillion Ball Series by Becky Lower – Combined Reviews

4.5 out of 5 for all 3 books for this reader folks! 🙂

Before I get into any of the meaty bits of this review, I would like to say this series is a breath of fresh air for a historical romance lover like me.  Most Historical Romances are set in England, consist of a Lord, Duke, Rake and some Lady or Duchess.  The tradition is stingy and sharp (which don’t get me wrong I love), but most is predictable!  Well in comes Becky Lower and introduces this era (mid 1800’s) and mixes it up a bit.  The setting for all these book is … AMERICA.  Different tradition and rules, cultures, races, the way one speaks and the best part … REAL FACTS and snippets of history that have always fascinated me.  HELLO PRE CIVIL WAR!  It was incredible to read real life incidents, and places and how they are weaved into a fictional story.

Small Disclaimer as I am a tad biased.  Anything to do with the American Civil War fascinates me and draws me in.  I was picturing “Gone With the Wind” and “North and South” in my mind so many times.  I should also mention that this is the first historical romance series that I have read that chooses America as it’s setting in this era .. I APPROVE!  LOL

Alrighty then, clearly you know what I love, let’s get to the stories so you can determine if you’ll love too! 🙂

 

THE RELUCTANT DEBUTANTE – Book 1
roses2
DESCRIPTION:

Voted #1 Surprising Good Books by Goodreads readers

Voted #27 Romantic ebook Must Reads by Goodreads readers

In 1855 New York, Ginger Fitzpatrick has absolutely no interest in taking part in the newest rage in America-the Cotillion Ball. Instead, Ginger would rather be rallying for women’s rights-at least until she meets her brother’s best friend from St. Louis, a dark mysterious man named Joseph Lafontaine, who ignites her passion and makes her question if love and marriage is such a ridiculous notion after all.

What she and the rest of New York’s high society don’t realize is that Joseph is half Ojibwa Indian, and therefore, totally unsuitable for marriage to a fine, cultured young lady.

Link to order The Reluctant Debutante:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo

REVIEW:

The Cotillion Ball series begins by introducing us to the Fitzpatrick family.  Dad, Mom and many young and older siblings that are named after herbs and spices.  In this book, our focus is on Ginger Fitzpatrick.  Ginger is a bit of a rebel in her own way.  She is all about woman’s rights and is quite vocal in her way of thinking.  The last thing Ginger wants or has time for is her coming out season.  While Ginger gets her way in most aspects from daddy dearest, she is put in her place and told that she will parade around in fancy dresses, have her dance card filled and flirt in non scandalous manners to land her a husband.

Basil, who is Ginger’s oldest brother, comes home with his BFF Joseph to assist and accompany Ginger during her seasons activities.  What he doesn’t count on happening .. Joseph and Ginger falling in love.  Basil doesn’t reveal something to his family when he introduces Joesph, and that would be that Joseph is half Ojibwa Indian, and French Canadian (WOOT CANADA ..LOL)!  Well being Canadian isn’t the problem, but his blood and culture being half Ojibwa Indian is scandalous in New York high society.  The Fitzpatrick family decide to just keep it to themselves and carry on as if he is completely acceptable without revealing his race.

Ginger is completely smitten with Joseph (and vice versa), but Joseph knows his race will cause issue so he tries everything he can keep his distance.  Ginger, thinks it’s ridiculous that his race is even a factor and tries to pursue him.  He is soon to be found in a compromising position with Ginger, and Basil being the over protective big bro flies off the handle.  Hearts are broken!

It takes a pretty big catastrophe in this book to shake this family into accepting that life as they know it is changing fast.  Feuding between the north and the south is starting to heat up, woman are rallying for rights and the abolitionist movement has commenced.

Ginger is very likeable and is a strong woman who knows what she wants.  She is not afraid of consequences, polite society or of what other people think.  My kind of girl!  LOL  Joseph makes a great hero as he is always trying to do the right thing, and while he loves Ginger, he respects her family enough to step back.  Well .. until push comes to shove …… WINK!


THE ABOLITIONIST’S SECRET – Book 2
roses2DESCRIPTION:

In 1856 New York, Heather Fitzpatrick, a bashful abolitionist, falls for young Army lieutenant David Whitman, who is tracking a runaway slave–the very slave she and her parents rescued from the hands of the slavemongers a few nights earlier.

Despite their divergent views on slavery, romance ensues when David dances with Heather at the Cotillion Ball, and later that night, when he walks her home. An engagement quickly follows. When he receives word that his father is ailing, David wants her to accompany him home to Savannah, GA to meet his family.

Heather wants to make the trip with him, especially since his father’s death seems imminent. With her maid as chaperone, they board the train heading South. After his father passes, his mother insists any marriage will have to wait the requisite year, which is proper for mourning. She hopes to send Heather home, and to use the time to dissuade David from his foolish choice, especially since his mother has already handpicked his potential bride.

Heather longs to stay to wait out the year, and to begin teaching the slaves to read and write, but she knows the South is so place for an abolitionist.

Link to order The Abolionist’s Secret:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository / Kobo


REVIEW: 

This book was my fave of the three books and I think it’s because we really start to dig into what ignites the Civil War.  Here we meet Heather Fitzpatrick who is northerner, abolitionist, the quieter twin sister to Jasmine, and generally a lovely human being.  Heather and her twin sister Jasmine are both coming out this season and as many girls are, “husband hunting”.  Their mom meets our hero Lt David Whitman in the first book to this series and believes he would be a good match for either twin (she doesn’t realize that David is the second son of a plantation, slave owning family).  One look at Heather and he is SOLD on marrying this woman.

As our heroine and hero are falling in love, the Fitzpatrick family has a secret.  They are abolitionist’s and have rescued a slave woman and her baby from slave mongers .. who just happen to be looking for a woman and a baby that have gone “missing” from David’s family plantation.

Through some debate and faith, David and Heather decide to become engaged.  Though knowing that David’s older brother has died and that his family hopes he will assume the plantation responsibility (David has no interest in this) the saving grace for Heather’s family to agree to this union is that David has strong belief in slave freedom and new ways of the south.  Soon a letter follows saying that David’s dad isn’t doing so well and that he needs to come south immediately.  He convinces Dad Fitzpatrick to allow Heather to join him so she can meet his family and announce the engagement.

Well … Mom Whitman is a real bitch!  I mean really nasty, and certainly not the gracious southerner.  This mama has been planning for David to adopt the life that she had hoped for her deceased older son, which includes inheriting the plantation and marrying the girl next girl.  Well she certainly isn’t accepting of Heather and does some really horrible things in hopes of ensuring that the marriage between David and Heather doesn’t happen.  Heather, with David’s encouragement stands by his side, and starts to teach the slaves how to read and write.  This is ILLEGAL in the south and it is ammunition for mama bitch to use against her.  You betcha she uses it and comes between David and Heather.

Through deep beliefs, faith and understanding that times are changing and letting go of tradition, these two really have to fight to make this work.  I was so impressed with Heather because at the beginning she is portrayed as somewhat of a timid creature but when she is facing conflict, she rises up and kicks some serious booty.  She has a really great head on her shoulder and uses it for the greater good.  David .. well he is just lovable.  He goes out of his way to make sure that the world knows who he loves and who he intends to marry.  He also stands up to mama bitch and has to make changes that go against typical south traditions and in my opinion that takes guts!

 

BANKING ON TEMPERANCE – Book 3
Banking on Temperance
DESCRIPTION:

Basil Fitzpatrick was born into a life of privilege. In 1856, at 23 years of age, he is the owner of the St. Louis branch of the family banking business. He has his pick of the ladies and life by the horns.

Temperance Jones and her family are far from privileged. Her father is a circuit-riding preacher from Pennsylvania. But the rumblings of a war between the North and the South force the preacher to move his family to Oregon rather than to take up arms against his fellow man. However, hardship and sickness slowed their pace, and they are forced to spend the winter in St. Louis, waiting for the next wagon trains to leave in the spring.

Basil is drawn to the family the moment they roll into town, partly because they remind him of his own big family in New York. But also because of the eldest daughter, Temperance. She is a tiny, no-nonsense spitfire bent on fulfilling her father’s wish to get the family safely to Oregon. Basil knows if he allows Temperance into his heart, he is accepting the obligation of her entire family. He wants Temperance like he has wanted no other, but is the burden of her family too much?

 Link to order Banking on Temperance:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble /  Kobo

 

REVIEW:

This book reunites us with Ginger and Joseph but the main focus is on Basil Fitzpatrick and Temperance Jones in St Louis.

Basil is the bank owner in St Louis and lives his life as a bachelor.  He is young, privileged, wealthy and quite a rake.  He enjoys his freedom and the “love em or leave em” way of life.  Well things are about to change and shake his only way of living when Temperance walks into his bank with her ailing father to withdraw funds.  Temperance’s father is quite ill and collapses in the bank leaving Basil feeling responsible for her very large family.  Basil finds himself taking care of them by offering shelter, employment and general support.  He also begins to realize that helping them is a tad more selfish on his part than he would like to admit.  He fights his immediate attraction for Temperance.

Temperance is the complete opposite to Basil.  She is poor, virtuous, one heck of a shot, non pampered and hard working young woman who promises her father on his death bed that she will ensure her family continues their journey on to Oregon.  She is also a no nonsense, spit fire, and get er’ done kind of girl.  She accepts employment cleaning the bank in order to support her family.

Basil and Temperance do the attraction dance for most of this book.  Both are incapable of giving in to the other and they let their pride get the better of them.  Basil also isn’t so sure about accepting all of the baggage that comes with getting involved with Temperance, and Temperance cannot imagine why such a distinguished gentleman would ever be interested in the likes of her.  Instead, both engage in a tension filled friendship without revealing their real desires.

As Temperance is so set on travelling to Oregon, Basil helps her in trying to achieve this goal while deep inside hating that she is leaving.  He goes as far as to introduce her to a man who has the means to make this journey happen.  Basil is shocked to realize just how jealous he becomes at seeing her in another mans arms.  All their friends and family seem to see the inevitable joining, but only if these two can get out of their own damn way.

I really liked Temperance right from the beginning and can understand what Basil was drawn to.  She is a tough lady who can shoot the ass off a wolf, cook a mean corn chowder, fiercely protect her family in the process and work hard.  Basil  also really grew up in this book if you compare him to the Basil we met in the first book!  It took a while for these two to get there &^*& together but their journey was worth the wait.

I really hope Becky Lower continues with this series as there are so many characters that are introduced that I want to know more about.  Once again, I LOVE that this centres around the civil war and is set in another USA city.  I loved that the setting for each books takes place in a different city and you can see how the approaching war is causing havoc in so many ways.

I highly recommend you read all three books in order as the characters are repeated and you see the continuation of a couple’s story.  I suppose you could read them as stand alones but if you do that, you miss out on so much!

HAPPY READING 🙂

All 3 books reviewed by Rachel

Copies provided by Author

 

 

 

 

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A Wedding in Springtime by Amanda Forester-a review

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A Wedding In Springtime by Amanda Forester-a review

a wedding in springtime

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble/ The Book Depository

DESCRIPTION-Release Date May 7, 2013

Five minutes into Miss Eugenia Talbot’s presentation at court, notorious rogue Mr. William Grant made her laugh, ruining her debut. To hush up the scandal, Eugenia’s aunt hires a matchmaker to quickly find a suitor— anyone except the infamous William Grant—to help restore Eugenia’s reputation. But amiable Eugenia shows a disturbing tendency to follow her heart, and is again caught in the company of notorious Grant. When a traitor creeps closer, threatening to ruin more than just Eugenia’s reputation, her kindheartedness may be her ultimate undoing

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WELCOME to London England 1810 where manners and the way one carry themselves and/or places oneself in a public position could determine whether one is ruined or successful. Welcome to the regency romance genre!

“Ten minutes into her societal debut, Eugenia Talbot was ruined.”

I do love a book that begins with a good ruining don’t you?? LOL

A Wedding in Springtime by author Amanda Forester was CREATIVE and a multi-layered read! This author had so many sub-plots circling around the main plot that I feared at first it was going to get confusing and take away from the main story! Let me tell you something .. Amanda Forester has a talent for knitting all these sub-stories together to make the main story that much more exciting! I have read many historical romances and most follow a simple formula. Amanda Forester has completely ignored this formula and walked down a different path! It made her book stand out and I often was wondering if I was reading a romance or a mystery! In my opinion …. BOTH! 🙂

Our main character is Eugenia Talbot. Genie is the product of a scandal when her mother ran away from her privileged life and married a commoner. Now it is up to Genie to salvage the family name (she has been hosted by her stuck up aunt) and enter society as a respectable lady! Well about 5 minutes into her debut she loses her sense of “respectability” by laughing at the wrong moment in front of the wrong person. I tell you I was chuckling right from the start as her reason for ruin is HILARIOUS!

A large factor of her ruined societal debut has to do with a “good rake” (there is a full explanation of a good vs bad rake in this book ..lol) who encourages this laughter and adds to Genie’s demise. Mr William Grant. Grant is a devilishly handsome young man who embraces all the riches and indulgences of life and refuses to ever consider the sanctity of marriage. He would much rather frolic through his stages of life carefree and he ensures that this is common knowledge among the ton.

To ensure that Genie does in fact become married soonest to salvage what little reputation she has left, her stuck up aunt covets the advice of a dowager duchess (one who’s grandson just so happens to be betrothed to her daughter) and so begins the search for a proper suitor. During all this, a friendship and strong attraction is developing between Genie and Grant. I will not elaborate from there as I do not want to provide any major spoilers!

With the backdrop of Napoleon warring with England, many secrets, letters, codes and villians revealed, romances and the typical gossip of the ton, this story is a page turner. The cast of characters (believe me there are so many that I could go on and on) are so interesting that you cannot wait for more and hope that in the next book you get to meet them again. The wit and banter that Amanda Forester uses in conversation between her characters had me laughing out loud. The mystery and suspense she tangles in with the romance was like a cherry on a sundae!

I am so looking forward to her next book! 🙂

ARC from Netgallery was provided for an honest review.

Reviewed by Rachel

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The Highlander’s Accidental Bride by Cathy MacRae-a review

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THE HIGHLANDER’S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE by Cathy MacRae-a review

the Highlander's Accidental Bride

Amazon

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASED February 27, 2013

Chaos reigns between the Scott and Barde clans in 14th century Scotland. To end the generation’s long feud, King Robert II of Scotland decrees EADEN, LAIRD SCOTT, and Lady Miriam Barde wed with all haste. When marriage negotiations break down, King Robert threatens Eaden with the loss of lands and title. Forced to take matters into his own hands, the laird kidnaps his bride, only to find the young woman he mistakenly drags to his marriage bed is not Laird Barde’s daughter, but her lady companion.

MARY MARSH fights for her freedom from the laird and the unwanted marriage, refusing to accept her new life as Lady Scott. Realizing his error, Laird Scott develops an attachment to the feisty young woman he has accidentally married. Can he win her heart and convince her she is more than just a ‘duty’ to him? Or will the bond forged between the lady’s companion and the laird be destroyed by secrets and the feud that will not be laid to rest?

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REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE by Cathy MacRae is a storyline written in the highlander historical romance genre. The story begins as Laird Scott and the woman he presumes to be Lady Miriam Barde are forced to wed to ensure Scott retains possession of his lands. But when the Laird discovers that the woman he kidnapped and to whom he is now married is not the Barde’s daughter, the couple must endeavor to keep secret their accidental marriage or fight one another for freedom at all costs. If the truth is revealed the Laird will lose everything including the woman with whom he is falling in love. The anguish and heartbreak of knowing she is not the woman to whom the Laird was supposed to wed, will force Mary into a lifestyle she has only experienced from the sidelines in her former life.

The reader is taken on a journey with two people wanting something in their lives but neither one knows where to look. As the storyline develops we watch as Laird Scott softens towards the woman he now calls wife, but in doing so places his new wife at risk for retaliation by his former lover. And Mary will soon discover that a woman she wants to call a friend will set plans in motion to separate Mary from the Laird on a permanent basis.

Mary and Eaden’s (Laird Scott) relationship is one built on need as well as forced circumstances. When the Laird approaches the King for a divorce, he becomes suspicious when the King refuses his requests and demands to meet the new Lady Scott. Something about Scott’s new wife is familiar to the King. Laird’s only alternative is to seduce his young bride as only a husband knows how but when betrayal forces Mary to seek out a former friend, a declaration of war will pit Laird Scott against the man Mary once considered family.

The Highlander’s Accidental Bride is a wonderful story of heartbreak and loss, love and hate. Cathy MacRae gives us a fascinating peek into the lives and loves of the historical highland warriors. If you are a fan of historical highlander storylines, The Highlander’s Accidental Bride is the perfect read.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks-a review

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Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks-a review

HIghlander Most Wanted

Order Links: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

The Montgomerys and Armstrongs – Book 2

About the book: Released March 19, 2013

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

Review:

Highlander Most Wanted begins right after Never Seduce a Scot. Bowen, along with a contingent of Montgomerys and Armstrongs, is sent to the McHugh Keep to deal with the aftermath of Ian McHugh having kidnapped his brother and Laird’s wife, Eveline. Immediately upon his arrival at the McHugh Keep, he and his entire group encounter a small boy at the entrance of the keep. And, almost immediately a beautiful, mysterious woman appears to shield the boy and confront the Mongtomerys. Bowen is instantly intrigued, especially when she, Genevieve turns and he sees the horrid scar on the side of her face. Genevieve holds her ground then returns to the McHughs in the courtyard.

Once Bowen and the others enter the keep, he ascertains, rather quickly, that Genevieve is not well liked among her clansmen. She does, however, have one who is fierce in her support, Taliesan. To say that Bowen is livid over the fact that most of the male McHughs have fled, including their laird, and left the others with no real ability to defend themselves is the understatement of the year. And, once Genevieve’s story unfolds, Bowen is furious as to how anyone, male or female, could have held any of what happened to her against her. Seems, he has his work cut out for him. Because he already knows………… Genevieve will be his.

I always fear that those who read my reviews of Maya Banks’ stories think I am just being melodramatic. But, I’m not. NO ONE, in my humble opinion, writes these historicals like her. I always go into her new books with a bit of apprehension. After all, there is no way to top the previous book, right? 110% wrong!! I’ve said it before, I do not know how in the hell she does it. The way the battle scene plays out was genius. And, just the fact that Bowen doesn’t know for a little while what exactly happened makes it all the better. And, the way Genevieve finally comes to realize that she is entitled to be loved, feel protected and just be happy is amazing. To see her rise above the atrocities that were so egregiously heaped upon her will make anyone’s heart swell with pride.

I loved how the Montgomerys and the Armstrongs acted as one. And, hey, who would complain about more hot Scots?? Bowen is the quintessential hero. Strong, loving and oh so loyal to those he loves. Once again, I worship at the alter that is Maya Banks and can’t wait for the next installment!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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A Passion for Pleasure by Nina Rowan-a review

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A PASSION FOR PLEASURE (Darling Hearts #2) by Nina Rowan-a review

A Pleasure for Passion

Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Goodreads-Release Date April 30, 2013

Prelude to a Kiss

A brilliant pianist and notorious rake, Sebastian Hall indulges his passion for music and women with equal aplomb. But now that his elder brother has married, his father insists he pursue a more respectable path and find a suitable wife.

Music to Her Ears

As a girl, Clara Whitmore quietly loved her piano teacher from afar. Yet her youthful crush cannot compare to the powerful desire she feels when she unexpectedly meets Sebastian again. Perhaps the man who once dominated her dreams could be the husband she has hoped for—and save her from the fate she most fears.

Love Strikes a Chord

Risking scandal, ruin, and their own reputations, Sebastian and Clara enter into a marriage of convenience. But the pair soon discovers that their undeniable attraction is anything but convenient. Swept up in a crescendo of desire, Sebastian and Clara take each other to new heights of ecstasy—until secrets from the past threaten to doom the duet forever. Now Sebastian will have to change his tune—and prove his love is true

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REVIEW: A PASSION FOR PLEASURE is the second storyline in Nina Rowan’s historical romance series Darling Hearts. Although it is part of a series, A Passion for Pleasure can be read as a stand along without too many difficulties.

Clara is a young widow who is currently working with her uncle at his automaton museum. But Clara is more than a widow-she is a mother who has not seen her son in over a year due to circumstances that have spiraled out of control. Her father has guardianship of the young boy and holds leverage over Clara; the information is a lie but a lie that could destroy her life. What Clara doesn’t know is that there is more to the story than Clara ever thought possible. To help get her son back, Clara proposes a marriage of convenience to her former music teacher that could help them both. But what ensues is a battle for custody that will pit two powerful families against one another and a reunion between mother and son with some amazing revelations.

The relationship between Clara and Sebastian is loving and romantic and, welcome in the face of so much sorrow and pain; despair and anger; rumination and angst. A marriage of convenience was proposed but Sebastian demands a marriage that is in every way possible not in name only. The chemistry is immediate even when Sebastian has a difficult time remembering the young student he once taught.

The scandal that has rocked Sebastian’s family is the elephant in the room, which further adds to an already tense situation between Sebastian and his father. Sebastian’s music career is all but over and he withdraws from the music world without any explanation to family and the society that once held him in high esteem. It will take the love of his wife to show Sebastian that music does not stop when the musician can no longer play. Sometimes the music plays on in the heart.

A PLEASURE FOR PASSION is a fast paced, passionate storyline that will strike a chord with historical romance readers. The customs and language of the era are intertwined with a storyline that is sure to please. There are several plotlines involving Sebastian’s family including a reluctant meeting between Sebastian and his mother, and it is Sebastian’s growing love for his new wife that forces a grown man to begin the first steps in accepting the choices his mother made. Clara is a woman who begins to tear down the wall between a mother and son, but a wall that will probably remain standing none-the-less.

Reading Order
1. A Study in Seduction
2. A Pleasure for Passion

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Against The Wind by Regan Walker – a Review

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Against The Wind by Regan Walker – a Review

against the wind

Links to order Against the Wind: Amazon / Kobo/ Amazon.uk

 

Against the Wind by Regan Walker is her second book in her Agents of the Crown series.

 

Description:
A night in London’s most exclusive bordello. Agent of the Crown Sir Martin Powell would not normally indulge, but the end of his time spying against Napoleon deserves a victory celebration. Yet, such pleasure will not come cheap. The auburn-haired courtesan he calls “Kitten” is in truth Katherine, Lady Egerton, a dowager baroness and the daughter of an earl as elusive as she is alluring. She flees a fate worse than death. But Martin has known darkness, too, and he alone can touch her heart—as she has touched his. To the English Midlands they will steal, into the rising winds of revolution.

 

Review:
Against the Wind begins with heart breaking tragedy for Sir Martin Powell.  Seems his enemies were closer that he imagined and he suffers a terrible loss while in France working for the Crown as a spy.  Once he returns a few years later to England at the end of his service, he finds out that there is one more mission the Prince needs his help with.  There are murmurs of a rebellion in the Midlands, and the Prince himself sends word that Martin is to look into what’s going on and report back.  So, staying with the Ormonds, whom we meet in Racing with the Wind, he decides on a night out in London at an exclusive bordello before he heads to the Midlands.  Who knew that choosing the wrong door at the right place would have such a profound effect on his life?
 
Lady Katherine “Kit” Egerton has seen tragedy of her own.  He much older husband died not long after their marriage and her sister, Anne, married a cruel man, the Earl of Rutledge.  To complicate things, Anne had taken very ill and Kit had moved in to help take care of  her sister.  Anne’s death sets into motion a series of events that take the length of the book to come full circle.  Seems Anne’s husband had wanted Kit all along, and with Anne’s death, nothing, or no one, would stop him from having what he wanted.  But Kit had other ideas.  Once she escapes his attack, she heads to the only person she knows that can help her.  Abby, a former nanny to Kit & Anne, and owner of Willow House, an exclusive brothel in London.  Of course Abby takes Kit in and puts her in a room where she can rest and not worry about Rutledge until she can figure out what she wants to do about her situation.  No money, no place to stay and no family………..  Who knew when her bedroom door opened that fateful night, that her life would be forever changed?
 
Against the Wind is another wonderful story in the Agents of the Crown series.  I think I’ve said before that I always feel a little smarter after I read one of Regan Walker’s books.  She does a fantastic job of weaving her story through actual events of the time.  From the author’s notes:
 
After the war with France ended in 1814, England suffered from great social, economic and political problems. Many of the major issues were the direct result of the war, but others were the necessary product of the changes occurring throughout society, some of which had begun earlier. The discontent that this change brought, and the distress in the lives of the working people, culminated in the series of events that occurred during 1811-1819, including the attack on the Prince Regent’s carriage, the March of the Blanketeers and the Pentrich Rebellion in 1817. 
 
And, even as I type this review, fantastic does not do Regan justice in how she tells her stories.  The fiction is brilliantly entwined with the history and grabs your attention before you know it.  Her characters are always relatable and totally believable.  From the footman to the Earls and Countesses, each character is tantamount to the story as she tells it.  Kit is a wonderful heroine who has suffered so much loss in her short life that you find yourself rooting for her right from the beginning.  And, Martin grabs hold and never lets go.  If I had any complaint about the book, it would be that he kept Kit in the dark too long as to what they were doing in the Midlands, but, I also know that was probably the way of things back then.  There is romance, more political intrigue, heartbreak and so much love in this book that you will not be able to put it down.  And, I love the way she keeps her already established characters from previous books relevant.  The next installment, Wind Raven, I believe comes out this year and I for one can’t wait!!!  Again, Regan Walker delivers a MUST READ for any fan of this genre!!
 
Reviewed by Vickie

 

Copy provided by Author

 

About The Author Black and Blue


Regan WalkerFrom Goodreads:

I am an avid reader/reviewer of romances–mostly historical romance. And, since 2012, I am a published author of Regency romances. My work as a lawyer working issues across the globe gave me a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the “Crown.” Hence, my first novels feature dashing heroes who are drafted by a demanding Prince Regent for “special assignments.” I hope my stories will sweep you away to another time and another place for adventure as well as love.

Follow Regan: Website / Goodreads/ Facebook/ Twitter

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Rhianna by Amanda L.V. Shalaby – a Review

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Rhianna by Amanda L.V. Shalaby – a Review

roses2
Description:
Upon the unexpected death of her parents, Rhianna Braden finds the enigmatic Lord Guilford Kingsley on her doorstep. He escorts her to Kingsley Manor, where family secrets and scandals begin to unfold.

Her uncommon beauty captures the attention of the dashing Lord Thayne Brighton of Ravensleigh, but Rhianna is certain, despite their mutual attraction, that he would never choose her over his wealthy intended. Meanwhile, Lady Lydia Kingsley suspects her husband’s attention to Rhianna has led to an affair between them. Events turn deadly when the truth of their relationship is discovered.

Eventually, Rhianna is forced to make a life-altering decision – while discovering that some secrets are not meant to be kept.

Review;
Over this past year I’ve noticed my reading styles to be branching out and one area is into Historical romances.  I forgot how much I enjoyed them from my days in school when they were on our class syllabus.  Now thanks to TRC and other book sites I’ve discovered the joy of them all over again.  So when I was asked to review Rhianna, by Amanda L.V. Shalaby,  I jumped at the chance and was pleasantly swept away on a journey of mystery, intrigue, danger and romance. 

Miss Shalaby does a wonderful job of grabbing the reader early and sweeping them along and into the story.  There were many times when I was reading Rhianna that my imagination would get away on me and make me feel like I was being transported back in time.  I could actually see in my minds eye the scenes that were being described on the pages.  From the long flowing gowns, to gardens of flowers and splendid sprawling hills and valleys.  I must say that Miss Shalaby has a talent for words and descriptions and does so in such a flowing and lyrical manner that you can’t help but get lost in the story she sets before you. As I read Rhianna I couldn’t help but think of such stories like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice and Emma, just to name a few.

As I said we are brought along a journey filled with mystery, intrigue and danger. Miss Shallaby does an excellent job of weaving all these elements together to create a story that takes hold of the reader and keeps you turning page after page wanting more.  The mystery and suspense that surround Rhianna’s life is what spear heads all these well balanced elements.  Underneath all this mystery and intrigue is a slow building love story between Rhianna and Thayne Brighton.  I really enjoyed how Miss Shalaby took the time to slowly build their relaltionship and let the reader watch them fall in love. For me a slow to build love story is the best, as it allows me, the reader to better connect with each character first as individuals, then as a couple.  To me it adds layers to not only the characters, but to the storyline as well.  I really enjoyed Rhianna and Thayne as a couple and enjoyed watching them slowly fall into love. It was fun to see them try and deny their feelings at first, and then watch them slowly take that fall into love, and realize that what they have is the best thing to happened to both of them.  Thayne is a character you can’t help but fall in love with.  Watching him look after and protect Rhianna to point of accepting a duel to the death with one of the stories villians, was just, aaaaah swoon-worthy. (sorry Carmen, had to steal a page out of your book, as Thayne is a very swoon-worthy character) 😉  He definitely fits the hero mold for me. 

Rhianna was a fun read, filled with all the elements that I enjoy in a good book. The characters and storyline were well developed, and weaved together so that it just flowed from page to page.  I was swept away on a beautiful and romantic journey. Through her brilliantly written descriptive language I couldn’t help but imagine myself as one of the characters. One of my favourite scenes she described was the Ball.  I’ve always loved those scenes in old movies, with the gowns, décor and music. I may not have been born in that era, but Miss Shalaby made me feel as though I was there, the Belle of the Ball as I read that scene.  When an author can do that, pull me into her story like that, I know I’m in for a good read. If you are a fan of historical romance, filled with mystery, intrigue, danger and romance, then I highly recommend this one for you.  Happy reading and until next time.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

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