~Book Review~ Loving Lucianna

Loving Lucianna 

A Hearts in Autumn Romance 

by Joyce DiPastena 

Genre: Medieval romance 

4.3 of 5 pearls 

WARNING: Mild violence, otherwise a totally clean and sweet read. 

 Disclaimer #1: I am friends with the author. The author is also a cover client of mine (yes, I designed this cover). The version I read was the beta version (arc), so there might be some differences now of which I am not aware. 

Summary: Lucianna has accepted the fact that she will never marry. There are things in her past she cannot undo, things that prevent marriage even if the right man comes along. When the right man does come along, it takes everything in her to resist him, and he refuses to take no for an answer.

The thing I love best about Joyce's books is the complete assurance that I will not encounter anything that makes me uncomfortable. I'll discover well-rounded characters, a well-researched corner of medieval history, and a sweet love story. This is certainly true of Loving Lucianna. And I love that this story is about a couple in the Autumn of their years.

I was immediately drawn to these characters and found myself eager to determine what this big secret was that prevented Lucianna from giving in to her desire to marry Sir Balduin. He was a charming man, and I felt the romance between them was believable and well-written. I enjoyed the flashback scenes, where we learned about young Lucianna. Ms. DiPastena did a fabulous job of easing the reader in and out of these scenes without disrupting the story flow. The end was satisfying.

I look forward to reading the final version of this story, which I'm sure is now a solid 5-pearl read. For the time being, I'll end this review here. :)

Disclaimer #2: I was not paid in any way for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own. The image does link to Amazon, and the link does contain my affiliate ID. I was given a copy of this book as a beta reader, not with the request for a review, but I decided to review it anyway. ;)

~Book Review~ Emma's Dragon

Emma's Dragon: A Fairly Horrible Love Story by Ellen C. Maze

My rating: 3.8 of 5 pearls

Emma sees a dragon and tells the local deputy, a man whose belief in her story is a bit strange, to say the least.

This is very well-written story, cute albeit in a twisted, morbid kind of way. Really, it was right up my alley...a bit too much in that I suspected the twist fairly early on. However, had it ended any other way, I'd have been very disappointed in the story and the author.

I'd recommend this to anyone who likes dragon stories that don't follow the norm, anyone who likes strangeness, and anyone who likes romance that isn't what it seems.

*Disclaimer: I was not paid in any way for this review. I purchased this eBook from Amazon at full price.

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~Book Review~ A Matter of Choice

A Matter of Choice by Laura Landon 

My rating: 3.6 of 5 pearls

Warning: Mildly descriptive love scenes 

This was a decently entertaining read. I liked the characters and enjoyed the storyline. The idea of a woman making her husband sign a fidelity contract before their marriage was new to me, and therefore intriguing. 

I found the hero a bit of a stretch; his change to fidelity seemed a wee bit far-fetched. I think a bit of a struggle would have been a little more realistic. However, I did like him and found his anguish over his father's hatred quite believable and heart-wrenching. 

There were a few typos in the Kindle version I read (nothing too out of the ordinary or annoying), but the author must have decided to change the hero's name because he was called "Gray" a couple times near the end. 

I wouldn't classify this as "clean" but the love scenes were definitely not as detailed as most historical romances. 

Overall, I liked it and will probably read another book by Laura Landon. 

*Disclaimer: I was not paid in any way for this review. I purchased this Kindle book from Amazon. This review reflects my honest opinion of this work.

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~Book Review~ Margaret's Rematch

Margaret's Rematch by Farida Mastek 

fiction/romance/regency 

eBook (PDF) 

Get it from GirleBooks.com 

4.2 of 5 pearls 

Margaret's Rematch is a delightful Regency romp that reminds me greatly of Jane Austen's style of writing. I was amused throughout and at times, laughed outright at a description or two that were just too perfect in their delivery. Farida Mastek definitely has a knack for an Austenesque way of telling a story.

This is a totally CLEAN romance. I would definitely recommend this to any and all who enjoy Jane Austen.

**Disclaimer: I received this eBook from the author for the purpose of providing a review. I was not paid in any way and the opinions expressed here are my own.

~Book Review~ Enchanting the Lady

Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy

My rating: 3.7 of 5 pearls

WARNING: Contains detailed love scenes.

This book kept me interested despite three aspects that I don't particularly enjoy, namely a human hooking up with a were-animal, detailed sexual situations, and loads of magic.

But...that's the whole point of the story, isn't it? Why did I read it? I really enjoy Kathryne Kennedy's writing style; I adored The Fire Lord's Lover and this book held my attention almost as well.

Would I read more in this particular series? Probably not, but I will definitely read some of Ms. Kennedy's other books.

*Disclaimer: I have not been paid in any way, shape, or form for my review. The opinions stated here are my honest opinions. I received this book free from Amazon's Kindle Store. (Did I cover everything?) 

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~Book Review~ Bolt

Bolt by Dick Francis

My rating: 4 of 5 pearls

I liked this book. It held my interest which is a difficult accomplishment lately. I vaguely remember the main character, Kit Fielding, from a previous Francis book I read many years ago. (I'll have to go back and reread that one.) For this one, I liked the characters, the storyline, the climax, and the twist that, for some reason, I actually didn't see coming.

Warnings: Mild language

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~Book Review~ Back in Society

Back in Society by Marion Chesney

My rating: 4 of 5 pearls

~Sixth and final installment in the Poor Relation series~ 3.9 pearls

Lady Jane is titled, beautiful, and the daughter of a peer. However, the abuse she's suffered at her father's hand drives her to the Poor Relation hotel, where she plans to take her own life. In an effort to save her, the owners give her a season. Two suitors vie for her hand; of the two, Jane gravitates toward the one she considers "safe."

As the final book in the series, all the main characters get their happily-ever-afters in this one. Most of the humor in this lies with the owners of the hotel, but it is humorous. Lady Jane's situation is a bit too much to be funny although some of her reactions to the relations are amusing.

All in all, a delightful series and well worth the few hours required to read it. Don't bother if you worry too much about POV switches and "-ly" words.

(In many ways, this story reminds me of Chesney's The Scandalous Lady Wright.)

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Back in Society (The Poor Relation, Vol 6) (Amazon link)
The Scandalous Lady Wright (A Regency Romance) (Amazon link)

~Book Review~ Miss Tonks Takes a Risk

Miss Tonks Takes a Risk by Marion Chesney

My rating: 4 of 5 pearls (Reviewed Nov 17, 2010)

The second volume in the Poor Relation series, this book is equally innocuous, pleasantly diverting, and a laugh-out-loud type of romance that the first volume is. The hero in this one was especially diverting. Again, an enjoyable way to spend an hour or two.

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~Book Review~ Lady Fortescue Steps Out

Lady Fortescue Steps Out by Marion Chesney

My rating: 4 of 5 pearls (reviewed Nov 17, 2010)

I've read this before and it's a delightful read if you don't care about the whys and wherefores of "correct" writing. If you read strictly for enjoyment, this book is light and amusing, a very pleasant way to spend an hour or two. I laughed out loud more than once. Marion Chesney's books always make me chuckle.

A side note: Although a romance, a LOT of time is spent with characters other than the romantic leads. This is the first book of a six-book series and some time is spent setting up the storyline that stretches through all six books.

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~Book Review~ Rainbird's Revenge

Rainbird's Revenge by Marion Chesney

My rating: 3.8 of 5 pearls


~Sixth and final installment in the House for the Season series~

3.8 pearls


Oh, I'd forgotten how much this one makes me chuckle. The hero is pompous and arrogant and the heroine is vain and silly. Truly made for each other. Their head-butting makes me laugh out loud every time I read it.

As for the servants, upon whom this series is focused, they get their happily-ever-afters. All in all, a satisfying end to an entertaining series.


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~Book Review~ The Adventuress

The Adventuress by Marion Chesney 

My rating: 3.6 of 5 pearls 

~Fifth installment in the House for the Season series~ 3.6 pearls 

Entertaining, of course, as usual. The hero and heroine seem to figure a little more prominently in this book than the heroes/heroines in previous books of the series. This could be due to the fact that the heroine is an ex-servant, pretending to be a gentlewoman. 

In this installment, the servants of the house start to realize their dreams might differ somewhat from what they had previously desired. More dimensions for these quirky characters. 

...and my usual warnings to those who have never read Marion Chesney's older Regencies: Do not read these if you are overly critical about the "proper" way to write. Ms Chesney's POV switches sometimes occur within a paragraph and '-ly' words are abundant. If, on the other hand, you only desire to be entertained, Ms Chesney's books are always that. :o) 

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~Book Review~ Rake's Progress

Rake's Progress by Marion Chesney 

My rating: 4.2 of 5 pearls 

~Fourth installment in the House for the Season series~ 4.2 pearls 

Quite typical "rake and reformer" storyline but with Marion Chesney's uniquely entertaining style. This is one of my favorites in this series and always makes me laugh. It is, however, a good bit more risqué than the other stories in the series and probably more so than a good number of Ms Chesney's books. I still consider it "clean" romance (as does my mother), but use your own discretion. 

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~Year of the Historical~ May: Mr Malcolm's List

I know. It's July and this review is for my May read for the "Year of the Historical" challenge. Shameful, isn't it? You know what's worse? I didn't even finish a historical for June. 

Title: Mr. Malcolm's List 

Author: Suzanne Allain
www.suzanneallain.com

Genre: Romance/Regency 

Setting: England, 1818 

Rating: 3.8 pearls 

Warnings: NONE 

Synopsis: Mr. Malcolm has a list of requirements for a wife. When one young lady takes offense, she inveigles her school friend, Selena, to play a trick on Malcolm, so he can know how it feels to be judged and found wanting.

My two cents: What an adorable story! I enjoyed the characters' interactions even though I didn't get really attached to them. It's a nice, fluffy story, a pleasant few hours to relax and unwind. The writing style is easy to read and reminiscent of the older, traditional Regencies. This is definitely a story I'd have no problem sharing with my mom or my daughter (when she's interested in romances, that is). Very sweet, G-rated, and fun.

*Review is based on the paperback I purchased from Amazon. The views expressed here are my honest opinions of this work. Making purchases through any Amazon link here will result in me earning a small commission. 

~Year of the Historical~ April: Mistress of Rome

Title: Mistress of Rome

Author: Kate Quinn

Setting: Rome, 1st century

Rating: 4.3 pearls

Warnings: Graphic violence and abuse, numerous sexual situations; not recommended for readers under 18 (edited to add: at least three f-bombs present)

OK, so I cheated a little. I didn't finish my book for March because I received Kate Quinn's Mistress of Rome and read the first few pages. Then I couldn't stop. I decided it could be my historical read for April. March's post will come later. (I never did like to do things in order...)

Synopsis: Mistress of Rome chronicles the life of Thea, a Jewish slave girl in the 1st century, starting with her life as a young slave to the spiteful Lady Lepida, and ending with her interactions as mistress to Rome's Emperor Domitian.

What I liked: The attention to detail. Sure, the battle scenes were rather graphic but I appreciated Ms Quinn's desire to stay as true to the brutality of the time as possible. There was a lot of sex but it was, thankfully, glossed over for the most part. I appreciated the author's note explaining which parts of the story were fictionalized in order to expand her fictional telling of real events.

What I didn't like: The POV flip-flops. It wasn't even the fact that the story was written in 3rd and 1st. I had no problem with that and I think I was better able to relate to Thea's character by reading her in 1st person. My problem was with Lepida's POV being 1st person, too. The first few times in her POV I was confused and had to go back and remind myself that I wasn't reading Thea in that moment, I was reading Lepida. These 1st person sections are clearly marked with the character's name but I had a little trouble getting used to the switches. (I admit, part of me also did not want to read the vicious Lepida's character as if she was me.)

Who would like this: I don't think it qualifies as a "romance" and I don't believe it really qualifies as "clean." However, readers who, like me, enjoy an occasional tale that doesn't turn history into an unbelievable fantasy, would like this book.

Overall: I loved this book. I was crying by page 9 and cried off and on 'til the end. I'll probably reread it and I eagerly look forward to Ms Quinn's future works. Bottom line, I don't regret paying for this book.

*Disclaimer: I have not been paid in any way, shape or form for this review. I purchased this book and this review is my honest opinion of this work.

~Book Review~ Bloodworth's Bride by Gayle Eden

Title: Bloodworth's Bride

Author: Gayle Eden

Website: Eve's Romance

Publisher: Air Castle Books; January 14, 2009

Genre: Fiction/Romance/Historical/Regency

ASIN: B001PKUTPU

Format: Kindle Book; 13,536 words

List price: $1.99US

Rating: 3.6 pearls

Warnings: This book contains graphic sexual details.

Synopsis: A young woman who married at 18 must reconcile with her estranged husband after a five-year separation.

What made me buy this book: I read the sample that Amazon provides. I really enjoyed the interaction between the sisters as well as the description of the hero.

My two cents: This is a short story, just over 13k words. I liked it but it was definitely more sexually explicit than I personally care for. However, it was an entertaining read, with characters who were likable, believable, and well-drawn. The storyline was interesting, that of a married couple who reconcile after five years of separation. I think it's a storyline that's been done before but I've never read a story where the goal of both main characters was to make the best of their situation.

The only real complaint I have, other than the explicitness, is the typos present in the Amazon Kindle version of this story. Normally, I can overlook typos with no problem, but this story is very short and I think some of the typos should have been noticed. For example, in one scene, the author uses the word emaciated when she clearly meant to use the word emanated. There was one other time I noticed such a mistake but it wasn't as bad; only one letter was off. Other than that, there were a few issues with punctuation. Unfortunately, it was enough to pull me out of the story.

Overall, I still think this one may be worth a reread at some point. The characters were that likable, in my opinion.

*This review is based on the Amazon Kindle version. I was not paid in any way, shape, or form for this review and it is my honest opinion of this work. I purchased this ebook from the Amazon Kindle Store for $1.99.

~Year of the Historical~ January: "Four In Hand" by Stephanie Laurens

Setting: Regency England (early 1800s)

Genre: Romance

Synopsis: A rakish duke acquires not one but four beautiful wards, the eldest of whom he decides to seduce.

My two cents: I'm given to understand that this is a re-release of one of Ms Laurens's older Regencies. I also read numerous reviews of this book before deciding to purchase it. Some readers were dissatisfied with the lack of graphic sex in the story. I am the opposite. I was able to enjoy the story because the love scenes were far less graphic than is the norm in historical romance novels. (Some really finicky readers might have a problem with this book being called a "clean" romance, however, because there was premarital sex and a few sexual situations, but I would still categorize it as such.)

I tend to like my Regencies to have a little more substance than this one can boast but it was still an entertaining read. The characters were amusing; I smiled through the whole book. However, I think the focus being so much on four couples rather than one made it hard to really connect with any of them.

Title: Four in Hand

Author: Stephanie Laurens

Publisher: HQN

Genre: Fiction/Romance/Historical

ISBN: 0373773099

Format: Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages

List price: $7.99US

Rating: 4 pearls

Warnings: None, really, but as I mentioned before, some may still have issues with the sexual situations.

~Book Review~ "The Sister Pact" by Cami Checketts

Synopsis: Two sisters, one is injured and in a coma from which it doesn't seem she'll wake and the other is suspected of being the one to have hurt her. While Allie sleeps, Savvy must try to determine who attacked her. Helping Savvy is Noah, the detective who suspects she is the culprit.

My two cents: This book had its funny moments, its scary moments and its "awwwww!" moments. I enjoyed each of the characters, most of whom had at least one scene told from their POV. I do like books where I get to see what all the main characters are thinking, instead of just the hero/heroine, as is the case with most romances.

I admit, I was first drawn to this book when I read a scene from the POV of the antagonist. But I felt it might have added to the suspense if I hadn't known from page 1 (literally) who the villain was. While the suspense was definitely there, it was the frustrated, "I-can't-believe-he's-standing-right-next-to-you-and-you-don't-know-it's-him!" kind rather than the edge-of-your-seat, "I-wonder-what's-going-to-happen-next" kind. (My apologies for my overuse of hyphens.)

Overall, it was a pretty good read. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a clean contemporary romance with a touch of suspense.

Title: The Sister Pact

Author: Cami Checketts

Website: www.camichecketts.com

Blog: Cami's Books

Publisher: Bonneville Books

Genre: Fiction/Romantic Suspense

ISBN: 1599552671

Format: Paperback, 240 pages

List price: $15.99US (on sale at Amazon now for $12.47)

Rating: 3.8 pearls

Warnings: NONE

*This review is based on the paperback received for free from the publisher at the author's request. My apologies to Ms Checketts and her publisher for my delay in posting this review.

~Book Review~ "The Crown of Anavrea" by Rachel Rossano

Synopsis: A slave woman helps an outlaw escape capture and travels with him to the only place he knows he'll be safe. He gives her her freedom in exchange for her assistance.

My two cents: I loved this story! It was short at only 109 e-book pages (80 paperback) and every time I was forced to walk away from it, all I wanted to do was come back and finish it. I found the hero and heroine easy to like. Neither one was by any means perfect; they were both realistic and believable. The tale is fast-paced yet takes place over the course of many weeks. Any love scenes are completely vague, making this a suitable read for young adults.

Despite the novella length of this tale, the characters are well developed. I would have liked to have had more story, more detail in regard to their struggle, both internal and external. I wanted to spend more time with them.

*Review based on e-book provided free by the author.

Title: The Crown of Anavrea

Author: Rachel Rossano

Publisher: PublishAmerica

Genre: Fiction/Romance/Fantasy

Format: Paperback, 79 pages

List price: $16.95US

Format reviewed: e-book, 109 pages (not currently avl for purchase)

Rating: 4.3 pearls

Warnings: NONE

Blog Tour: Book Review of By Love or By Sea by Rachel Rager

Title: By Love or By Sea

Author: Rachel Rager

Website: www.rachelrager.com

Blog: http://rachelrager.blogspot.com

Genre: Fiction/Romance/Historical

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc

ISBN: 978-1-59955-221-7

Format: Trade Paperback, 206 pages

Reviewed: September 26, 2009

Rating: 4 pearls (4.1)

Warnings: None

Synopsis: Alice Lind Frank is thrown for a loop when the boy she adored as a child--and believed to be dead--comes back as a man with a bitter secret. While falling for him all over again, the other man she'd promised to marry decides he will not let her go so easily.

My two cents: Ms Rager definitely has a talent for drawing you into a story and tugging your emotions. I found myself tearing up more than once but the smiles were prevalent throughout, also. It was a very, very sweet story, the kind that makes you sigh a little. Despite the fact that there was no clear distinction in regard to historical time period, it was still remarkably easy to visualize everything as it happened. The storyline was intriguing and the characters were quite likable. I appreciated that love scenes were kept at nothing more than a few kisses. I am looking forward to future books from this author.

By Love or By Sea can be purchased at Amazon and Cedar Fort, Inc.

Blog tour details:

Remember, if you leave a comment on this review, or follow Rachel's blog, you will be entered to win an autographed copy of this charming novel. By doing both, you will be entered twice. Leaving a comment on the other reviews of By Love or By Sea on the other blogs in this tour will get you additional entries, as well.

Here are the other blogs participating in this tour:

September 29 - Kaylee Baldwin

September 30 - Cindy Beck

October 1 - Kim Thompson

October 2 - Alison Palmer

October 3 - JoAnn Arnolds

October 5 - Rebecca Talley

October 6 - Anna Arnett

October 7 - Heather Justensen

October 8 - Rachelle Christensen

October 9 - Joyce DiPastena

Also doing a review - Liz Adair

In the Eye of the Beholder by Sharon E Cathcart

Title: In the Eye of the Beholder :

A Novel of the Phantom of the Opera

Author: Sharon E Cathcart

Series: Phantom Series, #1

Genre: Fiction/Historical

Publisher: Scribd

Format: PDF e-book, 121 pages

List Price: $5.00US

Reviewed: July 24, 2009

Rating: 4 stars (4.3)

Warnings: Explicit sexual content

Synopsis: Erik, the physically deformed hero finds a home, a place to belong and be accepted, in the heroine, Claire. She has a fondness for animals, for seeming lost causes. In Erik, she finds the love she thought she'd lost. Together, they escape the personal hells in which they'd been mired.

My two cents: This is a very well-written book. It is also fast-paced. I felt a little swept away and once I started reading, it was hard to stop. (Life, however, would insist otherwise.)

Claire is different than your average romance heroine. She is over thirty, never married, and under the control of a man who does not have her best interests at heart. She rebels against the “proper” behavior expected of her.

Erik is a man who has few friends and lives most of his life in solitude. His fascination with Claire helps heal the wounds caused by the fickle Christine. He is not the nicest man, however, and at times downright nasty.

These two characters could not be any more right for each other and while their coming together felt a little rushed to me, it still seemed right.

I liked Ms Cathcart's take on the classic Phantom story. It was a little more graphic (read: erotic) than I personally care for, but there was story and emotion enough that I enjoyed it even while skipping those scenes. The historical detail is excellent without being “textbook-y” and allows the reader to feel a part of the time period. Do not expect this to be your typical run-of-the-mill romance, however. The end is not expected but somehow, it's still acceptable.

Overall: 4.3 stars. Quick and deep with believable characters who have believable issues.

Note: This book is also available in many digital formats from smashwords.com and in paperback from Amazon and Turner Maxwell Books.