The Trouble with Honor - Review

The Trouble with Honor by Julia London

Rating: 3 Stars

Description:  Honor Cabot knows that she and her sister will be in a tricky situation when her stepfather dies and her stepbrother takes over as Earl and marries Honor's former childhood friend turned enemy.

Genre: Romance

My Impression: When I started reading romance novels about 100 years ago (okay 15 but it's still been awhile) Julia London was one of the authors I read.  Her books were so different from the some of the light funny romp style books that I was mostly reading.  These were darker, heavier and more complex.  They involved characters who weren't always wealthy and beautiful and they frequently experienced real tragedy.  Somewhere along the way I stopped reading London but I was thrilled when I saw this new historical from her on netgalley. London stays true to creating unusual characters.  Honor is a completely unique character - she is flawed, strong willed, yet aware of the importance of her reputation.  She is impulsive but admits it.  George Easton is the unclaimed illegitimate son of a Duke.  He is neither a perfect gentleman nor a rake to be redeemed.  He is a survivor who has seen parts of the world aristocrats have never seen.  I really liked the first half of the book and then it started to slip a bit.  Honor becomes so set on a ridiculous plan that it becomes annoying.  She's an intelligent quick thinking woman but she seems unable to recognize that her plan to stall her stepbrother's wedding isn't working and unwilling to try a new solution.  It's hard not to be sympathetic to her situation but her attitude makes me want to shake her. I do like George.  He comes off as a decent guy who takes risks.  He came up from a hard upbringing and has a lot of frustration mixed with embarrassment with how society treats him.  He is attracted to and intrigued by Honor but also has quite a bit of disdain for her that I don't really enjoy in a romance despite that the disdain may be a misunderstanding.  I like that London stays away from a typical  one note villain with Monica and Augustus.  They're not evil, they're not even really mean spirited.  Monica is insecure around Honor and isn't always the nicest to her but Honor isn't entirely innocent and gives as good as she gets.

Rating Explanation: The Trouble with Honor earned 3 stars for being a well written enjoyable read with interesting and unique characters.   I didn't give it 2 additional stars due to the main character's focus and inability to change plans for far too long as well as the fact that I didn't care for George's opinion of Honor for much of the book.  I thought his opinion was justified but it just was't what I look for in a romance.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  Yes definitely.  Honor's 3 sisters are introduced here and I'm very interested to read about Grace, the next oldest sister who seems far more level headed and reasonable than Honor.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  I'm not sure I'd recommend this particular book but I'd definitely recommend the author.

Disengaged - Review

Disengaged by Beth Orsoff

Rating: 3 Stars

Description:  Allie Zent is newly engaged to her ambitious, good looking and good in bed boyfriend Brad.  There are only a few hiccups in her happiness - her friends can't stand him, his mother is taking over and she's met a new very intriguing guy named Jax.

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  This book got 3 stars because it was an entertaining lightweight read.  I read it in basically 1 sitting without getting bored with it but other than that I'm pretty apathetic about it.  Allie is likable even though she's almost painfully naive and the most indecisive character I've come across in awhile.  Brad is a jerk and a total momma's boy.  Sylvia is awful.  Michael is to be honest kind of annoying.  Jax is interesting and romantic.  That's about all the character development there is with the exception of Allie's mother, Barbara, who changes a little bit from her basic stock character of hippy activist.  There's nothing particularly memorable about this book.  I finished it last night and am already struggling to remember parts of it.  I read it after watching HBO's True Detective so Jax kind of looks like Matthew McConaughey and I watched The Bachelor (no judging!) yesterday morning so Allie looks like Kat and Brad looks like Juan Pab whatever.  That's my most immediate thought about the book if that gives you any idea of the substance or lack there of.  The ending was cute.  I wish everyone well but do I really care?  Not really.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: No not without glowing recommendations from a reader I trust.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  If this is in one of those take a book bookshelves in a hotel or condo than sure.  If it's free or really cheap right before a car trip or plane ride than it's not a bad way to spend a few hours.  Otherwise, no not worth searching out.

Cider Brook - Review

Cider Brook by Carla Neggers

Rating: 3 Stars

Description:  Samantha Bennett is a treasure hunter in a family of adventurers.  When she discovers a painting and a manuscript among her late grandfather's things that tie the pirate she is researching to the little town of Knights Bridge, Massachusetts.  Her plan is to find the cider mill in the painting, try and locate the pirate's treasure and put some of her past demons behind her.

Justin Sloan was somewhat annoyed when he discovered a woman passed out in his burning cider mill and suspicious when he discovered the woman's name.  Is Samantha here for the reasons she says she is or is she hiding something.

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  This is my first book by Carla Neggers and the 3rd in the series.  I was a little worried starting a series in the middle but I think this book was strong enough that the series doesn't need to be read in order.  Characters from previous books were a part of the story but weren't instrumental to the development.  I thought the historical element was very interesting and wound nicely through the story.  The setting was well drawn and filled with likable if not perfect people.  I loved that many of the characters weren't perfect.  They made decisions or reacted sometimes based on emotion and later regretted it.  There was the potential to be a big secret which is one of my least favorite plot devices but it was handled well.  My opinion of Samantha and another female character named Loretta changed through out the book as they grew emotionally and I was very impressed by that.  Very rarely do I find characters that are flawed but still likable and understandable.  The story wrapped up a little too quickly and there were some coincidences on top of coincidences.  Justin was definitely the strong silent type ant that could read as cold but I think there was enough depth of character shown that it countered that.  I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of this series and Neggers' other books.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes

Delicious - Review

Delicious by Adrianne Lee

Rating: 2 Stars

Description:  Pastry Chef Jane Wilson is less than thrilled when she finds out her mother is going to remarry her 2nd husband.  This is the husband who Jane blames for breaking up her parents' marriage and sending her mother the road to the next 5 marriages and divorces.  She is also less than thrilled that her ex-stepbrother Nick Taziano will be back in her life.  As children they hated each other and did their best to make each other miserable.  Except now there's a whole new level of tension in their relationship.

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  The words Pastry Chef are irresistible to me right now.  If it has a pastry chef in it I'm reading it.  However, this one made me regret that a little.  It's a fast paced book with a few twists at the end so I didn't dislike it but it had some flaws I couldn't overlook.  Jane's immaturity made it hard to really like her.  Her reactions to her mother's remarriage are understandable but her refusal to believe Nick is anything but the boy he was at 13 seems ridiculous.  Her reactions to anything difficult generally include tears and sulking.  Her stepmother makes a fairly reasonable suggestion and she becomes extremely insulted.  Her grandmother who is supposed to be warm and loving and grandmother-y actually comes off as pretty hateful.  About halfway through a plot development came up that is definitely on my top 5 list for least favorite plot lines.  It was handled in an interesting (if somewhat unrealistic) way but not enough to make me love the book.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  No, probably not without a strong recommendation from a reader I trust.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  No.  It's not bad but there's enough books that are better.

At the River's Edge - Review

At the River's Edge by Mariah Stewart

Rating: 3 Stars

Description:  After Sophie Enright catches her long time boyfriend in a compromising situation with a coworker she heads home to St. Dennis to take a look at her life.  She realizes she misses her family and is becoming dissatisfied with her career as a prosecutor.  She decides a move is in order to be closer to her family and to pursue her dream of owning a cafe.
She meets landscaper Jason Bowers and sparks begin to fly.  However, when it seems like their dreams may contradict each other can they make it work?

Genre: Romance/Fiction

My Impression:  Mariah Stewart has long been one of my go-to author with her more suspenseful books but I've really enjoyed the softer change of pace with the Chesapeake Diaries.  I read the first of the series in December (review) and enjoyed it.  Normally I don't mind reading books out of  order but I think this is a series that would be better if read in order.  There is so much of the town's history and family relationships that are explored little by little in each book that it's a much deeper, more developed read if read in order. I loved Jason, he's intense with his own baggage but still is able to develop healthy positive relationships with people.  I like that he does what he feels is the right thing in regards to Curtis and Logan. I found Sophie a little less likable and all the secret keeping from her family got a little annoying.  However, I love that Stewart makes very different characters for each of her books and it's not the same type over and over just in different situations.  I also love her ability to draw a warm and friendly town environment without being overly cutesy or over the top drama.  The characters aren't perfect but are all the more realistic for that.  This is warm comfortable reading - perfect for a rainy day with a cozy blankets and hot chocolate.  I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes, but I think it's better if you read them in order.

When the Rogue Returns - Review

When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries

Rating: 4 Stars

Description:  This is the second book in the Duke's Men series by Sabrina Jeffries.  Victor Cale knew his wife was a talented jeweler with the ability to create beautiful faux gems.  He never imagined she would use that skill to steal royal jewels and disappear.

Isa thought her husband was kind and honest but begins to believe his reserve is hiding a more twisted and greedy side than she has seen in their brief marriage.  When her husband uses her work to steal royal jewels and then abandon her she is forced to fend for herself.  Until they meet again and realize all is not quite what it seemed.

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  I have read a few Sabrina Jeffries before but it has been several years.  It was a fun surprise to rediscover how much I love her books.  Once of my least favorite plot devices in romance is the misunderstanding so I was a little nervous going into this one.  I needn't have worried.  Despite the fact that the whole plot of the book rests on a giant misunderstanding it was well done.  Victor and Isa's reasons for keeping secrets from each other made sense as did their struggle to trust each other again.   I found it hard not to like Victor and Isa.  They come off as good people who came out of bad families and landed in an even worse situation.  There is a heavy vein of suspense and they figure out how to deal with the past without losing their future.  I've read several romances where the suspense feels like it was stuck in at random but it's woven beautifully into the story.  If anything I thought the romance scenes didn't quite fit.   Without giving away anything I do need to say that I absolutely loved the ending.  I had no idea how Jeffries was going to wrap this story up but she did a wonderful job.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes, I need to go hunt up book #1 very soon and am looking forward to the next entry in the series.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes, I think most fans of historical romances would enjoy this.

Scandalously Yours - Review

Scandalously Yours by Cara Elliott

Rating: 3 Stars

Description:  Olivia Sloane had an unusual childhood with her forward thinking archaeologist father.  She's far more interested in political issues than parties and finds chess far more interesting than fashion.  The Earl of Wrexham is back from the war and has been labeled the Perfect Hero.  He has taken his seat in the House of Lords to argue for social reform.  He is shocked to discover that the political columnist he's been so avidly reading and searching for just happens to be the same Miss Sloane who never seems to be able to keep her hair or her tongue under control.

Genre: Historical Romance

My Impression: I don't even know where to begin on this book my reactions were so mixed.  I didn't really care for the first half at all.  I found Olivia somewhat irritating with her outspokenness and inability to understand that her actions in society could affect her sisters.  John had basically no personality.  He was intelligent but had no warmth and that included his dealings with his son, 10 year old Prescott.  I liked Prescott but his role was fairly large in the first half of the book and it definitely would've hurt the romance factor for me if there had been any at that point.  The first half of the book almost reads as two separate stories.  One is a serious historical romance regarding social reform, the second is a lighthearted children's book about a precocious child and his friend trying to find his father the perfect wife.  It was a little jarring to say the least. The physical relationship that develops seems completely out of sync with John's personality.  At about the halfway mark something happens which almost made me put the book down and call it a day.  Then I read a few more pages.  Somehow John and Olivia go from people I didn't like to a team that works together and respect each other.  Suddenly the relationship developed and it really seemed to work.  I ended up finishing this book enjoying it and believing that John and Olivia could actually work as a couple and isn't that the entire point of a romance?

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  With reservations, I'm looking forward to Anna's book but don't know if I'll read any further

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Probably not just a little too uneven for me.

When We Touch - Review

When We Touch by Brenda Novak

Rating: 3 Stars

Description:  Wedding planner Olivia is back home in Whiskey Creek to plan the wedding of her sister Noelle.  The catch?  The man that Noelle is marrying in none other than Kyle, Olivia's very recent ex-boyfriend.  To make matters worse, Noelle happens to be pregnant.  When she finally gives into the sobbing fit she so deserves who does she run into but professional skier, handsome adrenaline junkie Brandon who just happens to be Kyle's stepbrother.  As the wedding forces Olivia and Brandon together more and more could it be possible that there could be something there?

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  Someone had recommended this series to me because I enjoyed Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor books and Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series (well except for all the babies.  Really people birth control works!).  This novella was a good way to get a glimpse into the series before committing to a full length book.  I liked Olivia and Brandon and I like that Kyle wasn't just a one note shallow villain.   It also very loosely introduced the characters for the rest of the series.  I don't know how much the rest of the series will relate to this book but I do plan on standing out.  Another thing I liked is that this book didn't end with a giant ribbon tied up around the loose ends.  With just 100 pages in the book it always seems so rushed and forced when a short story or novella ends with a wedding.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes,  I'm interested in seeing where the series goes.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes

Once in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis - Review

Once in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis

Rating:  3 Stars

Description:  Aubrey was a bit of a wild child in high school but is trying to get her act together and make her about to be opened bookstore a success.  That is until she learns her jerk of an  ex-boyfriend is about to publish a tell-all book.  The tell-all portion being a tell-all about her.  Giving into impulse she tries to throw a drink in his face but misses and hits town golden boy Ben McDaniel. Ben's been trying to recover from the death of his wife for the last 5 years.  After spending most of that time bouncing from one war zone to
 the next he decides to come home for a bit which is when he gets a drink tossed in his face.  Neither of them want a relationship and no one thinks they should be together but sparks start to fly after Aubrey's uncle hires Ben to help fix up her bookstore.

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  Shalvis's Lucky Harbor is one of the most consistently enjoyable contemporary series.  I really liked Aubrey even though I thought she beat herself up way too much.  She was smart, tough and completely self-reliant.  I also enjoyed seeing Jack, Leah, Luke and Ali again and I'm now looking forward to Sam's book.  Ben was okay.  I liked his willingness to get involved when he thinks people need help.  I like that falling for Aubrey was a challenge for him but his reaction to her secret and the length and strength of his anger kind of took the book down a notch for me.  I was kind of annoyed by Aubrey's feeling so guilty and so many people holding such big grudges against her.  She really didn't do anything worse than what most of the guys did and their mistakes are more considered teenage fun and laughed off..  I also wish she could have gotten some sympathy for being written off as an idiot for most of her life because she was pretty.  Overall, this is a fun read full of likable characters and in  a lovely setting.  I'm looking forward to reading the books I've missed and can't wait to see where the series goes next.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes definitely

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes though not my favorite in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy for review purposes!

Christmas on 4th Street - Review

Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery

Rating: 4 Stars

Description:  After surviving personal tragedy Noelle has come to Fool's Gold to start over.  She's opened her store The Christmas Attic and found friends and a community.  Gabriel has come to Fool's Gold to stay with his brother after an injury left Gabriel unable to work.  He's not looking forward to spending time with his somewhat estranged family so he when he hears Noelle is looking for help at the store he takes the job.  The usual romance story stuff follows

Genre:  Romance

My Impression:  My history with the Fool's Gold series is a little sketchy.  I liked the 1st book, only made it through 20 pages of book #2, liked books #3 and #4 with some pretty heavy reservations.  So when I saw this book on the new release shelf in the library I picked it up not quite knowing what to expect.  The story sounded interesting and Lisa had made it sound pretty good.  Also, I've always liked Mallery's writing style.  To my relief I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  The story was sweet and I loved the main characters.  Noelle was tough and strong and very straightforward.  I loved how she dealt with Gabriel's withdrawing.  There were no games she just laid her opinion out on the table and was true to her feelings.  Fiona was a fun side character though I have very little interest in reading her story.  The part where they got snowed in with all the cats was pretty contrived but I did think the cat aspect was pretty funny.  I also enjoyed the side relationship between Gabriel and his parents.  This book provided good characters, a lovely setting and an entertaining plot.  What's not to love?

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes but I'm still going to be cautious about the Fool's Gold series

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes

It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis - Review

It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis

Rating: 4 Stars

Description:  Things are going from bad to much much worse for florist, Ali Winters.  First she discovers her boyfriend is cheating on her, then she finds out via text message that he is dumping her and that he didn't renew the lease on their shared house so she needs to be out yesterday, then the actual owner of said house shows up and catches her in a somewhat embarrassing situation and then now ex-boyfriend shows up with the police and accuses her of stealing $50,000 from a fundraiser.
The owner of the house, Luke Hanover, isn't having a great day either.  He's fled San Francisco to the house his grandmother left him in Lucky Harbor to get away from the guilt and media attention after a high profile homicide case went horribly wrong.  He's really not looking to face his family demons and he's definitely not looking to get involved with cute but chaotic Ali Winters.

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  This series seems to actually be getting better with time.  I loved all the characters.  Ali was cute, friendly and smart.  She had her baggage but she genuinely tries to make the best of things.  Luke feels that he has let everyone in his life down and while it's not true it's reasonable that he would feel this way. The only negative is that I thought Sawyer, who was a main character in book #3, kind of looks like a jerk.  This was disappointing because I had really liked him.  Shalvis does a good job of making this feel like a series without having to have the walk through of every character who ever appeared in past books.  The characters that are mentioned have a logical reason for being in the story and don't just weight it down with an over-large and confusing cast list.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  Yes!  The next one's about a pastry chef and is already on my bookshelf waiting for me.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes

Coming Home by Mariah Stewart - Review

Coming Home by Mariah Stewart

Rating: 4 Stars

Description:  This is the first book in the Chesapeake Diaries series.  Vanessa and Grady both have rocky pasts and prefer to stay unattached. However, when her brother marries his sister in the idyllic little coastal Maryland town of St. Dennis they find themselves spending a lot of time together and actually liking it.  When Vanessa's demons come back for a visit Grady must reevaluate the decisions he's made for is future.

Genre: Romantic Suspense

My Impression:  When I ordered this book from Paperback Swap the sender contacted me to recommend that I order the rest of the series too and I'm glad I did!  I've read quite a bit of Stewart's books in the past ane always enjoyed them. This is a little heavier on the romance with a lighter touch of supense then previous books which I didn't find a bad thing.  I loved the main characters and the side characters and am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.  The main negative with this book is that Grady is a member of the family that Stewart's Last series focused on.  While I read all of the Last books it's been awhile and I don't remember all of the characters.  I spent more of the book than I wanted to trying to remember how Grady's brother met his wife and so on.  I"m really looking forward to reading the next one in the series and I'm very glad I have the next 4 sitting there waiting for me.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes definitely!

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes especially for those who like a small town/community feel

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare - Review

A Night To Surrender by Tessa Dare

Rating: 4 Stars

Description:  Susanna is none to thrilled when wounded soldier, Victor Bramwell, and several of his men come marching into the sanctuary for ladies known as Spindle Cove.  She is even less thrilled when her father announces that Bramwell is the new Earl of Rycliff and will be staying in town to assemble a militia with all the men in town.  For his part Bramwell just wants to get back to the battlefield and hopes that winning over Susanna's father will be a stepping stone to that.  However, he can't help but be attracted to the smart and spirited Susanna.  Things get interesting when they end up having to work together for the good of the town and possibly themselves.

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  This was a new author for me and I was pretty impressed with Dare's characters.  Susanna is smart and able to speak her mind without being over-prickly or sensitive.  She has her issues but hasn't let them take over her life.  Bramwell impressed me a little less.  He was obsessed with getting back on the battlefield to the point of letting it overtake almost everything else.  It kind of became all there was of his character.  He wanted to get back to active fighting and oh yeah he thought Susanna was attracted.  I loved how the story worked out and really believe these two could get their HEA.  I'm also excited about how Spindle Cove is set up.  I'm looking forward to spending more time in the town and with the interesting characters that Dare has come up with.  Also, I LOVED beyond reason that Bramwell ended up with a lamb called Dinner.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes

A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis et. al. - Review

A Christmas to Remember by Jill Shalvis, Kristen Ashley, Hope Ramsay, Molly Cannon, Marilyn Pappano

Rating: 3 Stars

Genre: Romance

Summary: This is a collection of 5 short stories followed by excerpts from each author's latest book.

Jill Shalvis's story is entitled "Dream a Little Dream" this story is about Ian, a fire fighter, and his long term friend/friend with benefits Melissa.  Ian and Melissa had recently ended whatever relationship they had but that didn't matter when Melissa's apartment building goes up in flames with her inside it.  Can this damaged couple find their way back together and rediscover their joy in the season?

Kristen Ashley's story "Every Year" involves 2 brothers, Shy and Landon, who are spending their first really good Christmas with Shy's girlfriend's family.

Hope Ramsay tell the story of a mother and infant in very desperate circumstances who end up in just the right barn on Christmas Eve in "Silent Night"

Molly Cannon starts off with a professional organizer turning up on the doorstep of a not so organized single guy in "Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas."

The collection wraps up with Marilyn Pappano's "A Family for Christmas" which tells the story of a doctor who has agreed to spend 2 years in a small town and finds himself spending a lot of time with the town's favorite elf Ilena and her little boy.

My Impression:  I probably liked Shalvis's story the best of the 5.  I thought she made a smart decision in writing about a couple that already had history.  I liked that they each had something to give each other and that they had so much of a backstory.  The stories by Cannon, Ramsay and Pappano were all good but involved strangers meeting and falling madly and permanently in love in a very short period of time.  This is something I really dislike in most romance short stories.  Despite that, these were 3 entertaining and Christmas-y stories.  I especially like the story by Pappano which is set in a small town full of likable people.  I can easily see several books coming from the "Margarita girls" that get mentioned in the book.  I'm definitely going to hunt more of her books up.  The main flaw in this series was Ashley's story.  I'm really not sure what it was really about and to be honest nothing about it interested me enough to reread it to figure it out.  It involved a large family that all had an assortment of nicknames and 2 brothers who hadn't come from good situations.  I think this is a continuation of one of her full length books but nothing about the story made me want to read any more of Ashley's work.

*I received this book through Netgalley for review purposes.

Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas - Review

Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 2 Stars

Description:  Justine has found happiness running a small inn on Friday Harbor but relationships just don't seem to work out for her.  When she falls back on her hereditary witchcraft to help her find love she learns that she has been cursed.  Jason Black has built an gaming empire while managing to stay almost completely out of the public eye.  He discovered years earlier that he has no soul.  When he and Justine meet while Jason is staying at the inn sparks fly but is it possible for anything else to happen?

Genre:  Romance

My Impression:  This was by far the most disappointing book of November.  I have loved the previous 3 books of this series and while the description didn't really grab me I had no hesitation about reading it.  Justine had been a fairly big character in books #2 and #3 and I had really liked her.  She was smart and a bit cynical while still retaining a sense of humor and was basically a nice person.  I don't know what happened to her because in book 4 she was oversensitive and spineless and spent most of her time blushing hotly.  Jason was extremely reserved and very very controlling.  He pretty much treated Justine like a helpless child from the beginning and she was okay with it.  There was a very strong 50 Shades of Grey feel to this book complete with an odd and out of character bondage scene.  It also contained one of my least favorite plot devices - the hidden agenda.  Kleypas's books are usually my favorites but this one I could hardly finish.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  Yes.  With the exception of this book Kleypas has been one of the most consistent authors I've read and I've loved the series up until now.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  No not at all.

A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn MacNamara

A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn MacNamara

Rating: 3 Stars

Description:  When her parents and the Earl of Clivesden plot to marry her off to said Earl Julia is lucky to have her childhood friend Benedict Revelstoke on her side.  Not only is the Earl of Clivesden not someone Julia wants to marry he is also the very man her older sister Sophia has been in love with for the last 5 years.  Then Sophia finds herself in a compromising situation with the Earl of Highgate and has to agree to his proposal.

Genre:  Historical Romance

My Impression:  This book wasn't quite what I expected.  It was definitely more of an ensemble cast than a leading couple than any other romance I've read in the past.  I spent quite awhile wanting to shake both of them.  Benedict is obviously in love with Julia and even though people tell her that it doesn't really seem like it occurs to her to do anything about it until she gets really and truly backed into a corner.  Highgate is obviously the perfect man for Sophia but she's so busy pining for Clivesden who not only has never really acknowledged her but also seems to be a truly awful person.  Her love for Clivesden seemed very adolescent crush and got a bit tiresome.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  Probably though the reviews and plot summary of the next one didn't really interest me.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes

Dream Lake by Lisa Kleyaps - Review

Dream Lake by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4 Stars

Description:  Alex Nolan is the youngest of the four Nolan siblings and also the most messed up.  With a failed marriage, a struggling business and a growing drinking problem the last thing he needs is to start seeing a ghost.  The ghost isn't exactly thrilled to be stuck watching Alex drink himself to death but since Alex is the only one who can see or hear him the ghost has to work with what he's got.
Zoe has lost a lot but still hopes to find that special someone to share her life with.  When she needs help renovating a cottage to move her grandmother into she is sent to Alex.  As the two of them sort through their lives and feelings for each other could they also be the link to helping the ghost figure out his past?

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  Ever since the first book in this series I was looking forward to Alex's story.  I loved Zoe when she showed up in book 2.  Throw in the ghost story and the renovation of old houses (which for some reason is a big thing for me) and I could barely wait to start this one.  This book didn't disappoint.  I loved Alex and the ghost and enjoyed their relationship.  Zoe was so sweet and so nice it's impossible not to root for her.  I liked how Alex's drinking problem was handled and I was glad it wasn't too easy.  I felt that their relationship built realistically and their happily ever after is believable.  Alex was drowning and Zoe was his rock but she needs him as much as he needs her.  The only reason this isn't a 5 star book for me is that the ending got a bit weird and felt to contrived like it was a way to wrap it up quickly.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:   Yes on both though I'm not quite as motivated to read the 4th book of this series.  Witchcraft and curses don't do quite as much for me as ghost stories and renovating old houses.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes.

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas - Review

Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 4 Stars

Description:  Lucy thinks her life is going pretty well.  She has a successful career that she loves as a glass artist and her relationship with live in boyfriend Kevin seems to be coasting along.  That is until Kevin comes in and announces that their relationship is over.  To make matters worse it's over because he has found someone else and to make things unbearable that someone else is Lucy's sister Alice.  Alice and Lucy's parents are furious at this betrayal and refuse to pay for a wedding until Alice makes peace with Lucy.  Kevin seeks out former highschool classmate Sam Nolan and convinces him to take Lucy out a time or two.

Genre: Romance

My Impression:  I adored the first book in the series but I was a little hesitant about starting this one because on the surface it looks like it uses one of my least favorite plot devices - the secret.  The way the secret usually works is two people are put together for some kind of contrived reason - spying, revenge, etc - then they actually get along and fall in love.  Then person who is having the secret kept from them discovers secret, usually from some kind of enemy.  After that is a big fight, sense of betrayal, tears and the inevitable breakup.  Things usually do work out in the end but I still don't like it.  However, when Sam was upfront with Lucy at the beginning I wanted to reach into the pages and kiss him.  I loved both Sam and Lucy.  They were honest with each other about who they were and what they wanted.  I loved that Lucy decided that she wasn't going to try to change him and stuck to it and even made plans for her future that didn't include him.  I loved the ending.  This is the story of two people with some past scars who love each other for who they truly are and don't want to change the other.  The only thing I didn't like about the book is the magic.  It seemed a bit random and completely unnecessary to the story.  I understand that there is a ghost in book 3 so maybe Kleypas wants to run a supernatural theme through the whole series but this book just didn't need it and to me it ended up being distracting.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  Without question.  Kleypas is one of my favorite historical romance authors and I have loved both books in this series.  I can't wait to read the 3rd.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes definitely.

Sacred Sins by Nora Roberts - Review

Sacred Sins by Nora Roberts

Rating: 3 Stars

Description:  A serial killer dressed as a priest is targeting 20 something blond women in Washington DC.  To help catch the killer before the body count grows higher the mayor sends in psychiatrist Tess Court who happens to be a blond 20 something woman.  The serial killer starts to focus on Tess as she and the lead detective start to develop a relationship.

Genre: Romance because of the author but it's really more of a mystery

My Impression:  This was one of the first Roberts books I read and definitely the only 1980s novel of hers that I enjoyed.  I probably didn't enjoy this as much this time as I remember liking it last time.  The crime part is pretty good with plenty of creepy details.  I really loved Tess.  She is smart, driven and has a sense of humor.  She is aware of the need to detach from her patients but is frequently unable to do so.  She is aware that she can come of as to cold or clinical but is afraid to really let her full emotions show.  My primary problem with this book was Ben.  I loved his partner but Ben was a jerk.  He had a valid reason for being leery of her profession but his complete lack of respect for her as a person was pretty jarring.  The fact that she held up okay at a crime scene was a complete turn off to him to the point he stopped calling her (a physical relationship had already started at this point) and began dating another woman.  Towards the end of the book he actually says something along the lines of he may at some point see her profession as having value.  To me this did not bode well for a long term relationship and I thought Tess deserved much better.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Definitely more by this author but probably not of this series.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  No

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas

Rating: 5 Stars

Description:  Mark Nolan is the oldest brother of an extremely dysfunctional family.  After his sister, Victoria, is killed in a car accident he finds himself the unlikely guardian of his niece, 6 year old Holly.  He and his brother do their best to give her as happy a childhood as they can but it isn't until they meet toy store owner Maggie that things really begin to improve.

Genre:  Romance

My Impression:  To be honest, the only reason I picked up this book is because of its length (211pg).  I needed another book to get me to my goal for this month and this one did the trick.  Once I started reading it, however, I loved it.  I'm not sure if I've ever read a contemporary Kleypas but I've always been a fan of her historicals.  Her ability to make memorable and likable characters carries over nicely.  I loved the Nolan family - even troubled Alex.  Maggie was one of favorite my Romance leads ever.  She's nice, she's quirky without being over the top, she's caring but she's a little damaged from her past.  My only complaint is that this is a very short book.  It's not quite a novella but it's definitely on the short side.  I would've been unhappy if I'd purchased it for full price.  Since I got it through paperbackswap.com it doesn't bother me too much.  My annoyance at not being able to spend much time with these characters is quickly put aside by the fact that this is book #1 in the series.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?:  Yes to both.  Very excited about this series and Kleypas is always a go-to author.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes even to people who don't read romance all that much.