Her Secret Fantasy

I’m trying my best to catch up with the Spice series by Gaelen Foley. I enjoyed the first book, Her Only Desire, and I was looking forward to reading, Her Secret Fantasy. Who can resist the Knight men?

Here’s the blurb:

Some say the aristocratic Balfour clan is cursed, a once-great family now in slow decline. Graceful Lily Balfour is her family’s last hope, and she has come to London with one goal—to marry a rich man. Her well-laid plans are balked, however, by the irresistible Major Derek Knight, a handsome highborn soldier and adventurer newly returned from India.Hardened by battles on India’s lawless frontiers, Derek is not just a fighter but a skilled and insatiable lover—a master of the Eastern arts of pleasure. Though Derek finds no shortage of willing women in London, it is the aloof, untouchable Lily who haunts him. After one stolen moment, he hungers for nights of sensual abandon to fulfill her fantasies and free her from her self-imposed prison. But he has come to England on a vital secret mission, and when Lily is betrothed to a wealthy man suspected of corruption, Derek must thwart the treachery that ensnares them both—for only then will ecstasy and the sweet promise of her heart be his to claim.

Dashing and sexy officer meets beautiful and secretive lady. They fall in love/lust at first kiss. Said officer finds out that beautiful lady is to be married to man he dislikes and which he is investigating for fraud. The lady has to marry the rich man to save ancestral home and family. But they cannot keep away from each other…Great formula!

I enjoyed every little morsel of it! Gaelen Foley has the ability to suck me right in and forget about what is happening around me. I lost track of time. I’m not complaining, it was great way to spend an afternoon.

The characters were amazing; you knew from the start that their feelings were deeper than either one of them imagined. Their willingness to help each other, and not fearing for their safety touched me. It was also nice to see familiar faces. And the new faces were quite an experience, there’s a mother from hell, a chaperone with a heart of gold, another mother that only wants the best for child, a young woman who has no problem in hurting people around her to get what/who she wants. Is there any wonder I lost myself in this book?

Her Secret Fantasy by Gaelen Foley (4.5/5) Historical Romance: Regency England; Published: Ballantine Books (2007); Series: # 2, Spice Trilogy; 100 + Reading Challenge (33); July Book Blowout (9); Library book;

Darcy's Confession

I’m a huge fan of Pride & Prejudice, and I’m addicted to reading any sequels or different versions written…I’ve read a few, and I’ve enjoyed them all. I was very happy to find The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy: A Novel by Mary Street waiting for me at the hold shelf at the library.

Here’s the blurb:

In Fiztwilliam Darcy, Jane Austen created perhaps the ultimate romantic hero. Yet Pride and Prejudice reveals little of Darcy’s innermost thoughts. In The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy, the true motives and mysteries of Elizabeth Bennet’s enigmatic lover are explored in a beguiling retelling of Jane Austen’s comic masterpiece of divine romance.

Through Darcy's eyes we discover the reality of his relationships with his sister Georgiana, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, the dastardly Wickham, his friend Bingley, and his formidable aunt, Lady Catherine. And of course, all his memorable encounters with Elizabeth, from that first view of her fine eyes to his disastrous proposal, and then to a pride and arrogance tempered by an unquenchable love.

Imagine this setting: Sitting on the deck enjoying the sun, a light summer breeze, listening to light jazz and reading a good book. That’s how I spent my afternoon.
This one was another one of those one sitting books. I was hooked right from the beginning. I couldn’t and wouldn’t put it down, until it was all read. It was a nice change, from the hectic week.

The book was wonderful! I loved reading Darcy’s perspective on the goings on of P&P. I loved his interaction with the Bingley’s, and his sister Georgiana. The book really gives a glimpse to Darcy, the way I imagined him… lol But what got to me was the struggle that he had with the growing feelings for Elizabeth. Wanting to take the so called advice that he “gave” Bingley, but not being able to so. Or the way he did all he could to fix the problems that he caused, just to make Elizabeth happy.

The Confession of Fiztwilliam Darcy: A Novel by Mary Street (4/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Robert Hale (1999) & Berkley (3/2008); 100 + Reading Challenge (32); July Book Blowout (8); Library book;

July Book Blowout - Where's Your Book Set Meme

Another mini challenge was posted on Sunday for July Book Blowout, I'm a little late...

Here’s the questions:

1. Title and author of the book I'm currently reading The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A.J. Jacobs

2. What year is the book set in? It's non-fiction book, but he started this quest in 2005.

3. What happened on this day in that year? Go to google and type in the date ie 13 July 1952 and see if you can find a news item for that day Here are some of the headlines for July 15th 2005:

- 7 Palestinians were killed by Israeli Air Force in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

- Chemist Maghdi al-Nashar was arrested by the British police with connection to the July 7th bombings.

- 5.0 Richter scale earthquake hits central Phillipines, no casulaties were reported.

- U.S. opens borders to Canadian live cattle.

4. Where is your book set? Mainly in New York City, the author mentions traveling within the States, so far he's been in Amish country, but he also mentioned a to trip to Israel.

5. Have you visited that place before? If yes tell us something about your trip. If no, look the location up on google and tell us an interesting fact about the city/country. I've always wanted to visit New York City, it's sounds like so much fun, with so much to do. Amish country would be nice too, considering I live within five minutes of Mennonite Country, it doesn't appeal to me as much. Click here if you want info about St. Jacobs.

Trusting Ryan

Tara Taylor Quinn is a hit or miss author for me. I’ve read some that were amazing and others that were so-so, and a few that I thought that the books were written by a different author. So, I took reading Trusting Ryan with trepidation.

Here’s the blurb:

A dedicated cop in the Special Victims Bureau, Ryan Mercedes has a trusted friend in lawyer-advocate Audrey Lincoln. Her compassion is the perfect counterpoint to his hard-driving fight for justice. And this good relationship only gets better the night they cross the line from friends to lovers.

But they're up against seemingly insurmountable obstacles that could divide them for good. Worse— now she and Ryan are on opposite sides of a controversial case. Can they trust enough to resolve their differences and find their way back to each other?

Let me make myself clear on something: I have no problem with age differences between women and men. In this case the heroine was older then the hero. My problem was the “maturity” of the hero. Mind you, he is very mature for his age, but it’s not believable. And that’s one of my complaints about the story, and the other is the heroine’s mother…what a manipulating witch, she needed to be kicked to the curb, but that’s just my opinion.

Otherwise it was an enjoyable read. I spent an afternoon with the book, and didn’t want to throw it against the wall…well, that’s something.

Trusting Ryan by Tara Taylor Quinn (2.5/5) Romance; Published: Harlequin (7/2008); Harlequin Super Romance # 1500; 100 + Reading Challenge (31); July Book Blowout (7);

Notorious Gentlemen - Part 1

With what happened to me with the previous book, I was a little doubtful with After The Kiss by Suzanne Enoch. You see, she’s a must buy author.

Also, the cover helped. I usually don’t go crazy about covers, but I love this one. It’s so sensual, that it gave me shivers. Loved it!

Here’s the blurb:

A Notorious Gentleman . . .

Sullivan Waring wants only two things: his rightful inheritance, and revenge against the man who stole it from him. By day, Sullivan is the most respected horse breeder in England; by night, he plunders the ton's most opulent homes to reclaim his late mother's beautiful paintings. His quest is going swimmingly . . . until the night he's discovered by Lady Isabel Chalsey. Clad only in a revealing nightdress, she's an entrancingly different kind of plunder, and how can a thief resist stealing a kiss?

A Curious Lady . . .

Surprised by a masked man in her own home, Isabel should be quaking with fear. Instead the sight of the sinfully handsome Sullivan makes her tremble with excitement. Who is this man, and why is he so set on this reckless pursuit? Lady Isabel loves a challenge, and she'll dare anything to uncover Sullivan's secret—but she may instead convince him that she is the greatest prize of all.

After The Kiss is the first book of the author’s new trilogy, The Notorious Gentlemen.

This is Sullivan’s story, he’s a sought after horse breeder, but he’s also the bastard son of a respectable Duke. Let’s say that Sullivan doesn’t get along with Dad and the rest of the family and wants revenge. In comes Isabel, she discovers his secret and wants to keep him close by, so she can keep an eye on him. Obviously they’re attracted to each other, but he feels that he’s beneath her station, and she doesn’t care…she wants him. But will that be enough for Sullivan?

I loved the book! Yeah, doing the Wandeca happy dance!

I didn’t want to put the book down, I carried it along with me where ever I went…good I have a huge tote purse. Loved the setting, Regency England. Loved the characters, both Sullivan and Isabel are wonderful, but also the others were great, I cannot wait to read Bram’s story. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was sizzling. It was HOT! I had to fan myself a couple of times.

Can’t until the next book comes out! Good thing I won’t have to wait too long…Before the Scandal comes out next month.

After The Kiss by Suzanne Enoch (5/5) Historical Romance; Regency England; Published: Avon (7/2008); Series: # 1, The Notorious Gentlemen; 100 + Reading Challenge (30); July Book Blowout (6); Favorite Reads 2008; Keeper Shelf;

Ten years...

I Do...Paul Brandt

Friday's Feast # 196

This week's Friday's Feast questions are:

Appetizer
When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?

A few months ago...which reminds me that I need to do it again.

Soup
Name one thing you miss about being a child.

Carefree, without a worry.

Salad
Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil.

I use them all. Butter, mostly for baking. Margarine, for toast and occasionally I use when cooking. But I mainly use olive oil, I love the taste of it.

Main Course
If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why?

Hmm, Italian. I would love to visit Italy, and be able to communicate without making an ass of myself.

Dessert
Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be…

Happy and healthy.

The Duchess

I’m not the biggest fan of the masquerade theme, but because it was an Eloisa James book, I bought the book anyway.

Here’s the blurb for Duchess By Night:

A Mischievous Charade . . .

Harriet, Duchess of Berrow, is tired of her title and the responsibilities that come along with it. Enough with proper tea parties and elegant balls; what Harriet really wants is to attend an outrageous soiree where she can unleash her wildest whims and desires. But to attend such an event—especially if the event in question is Lord Justinian Strange's rollicking fete, filled with noble rogues and rotters, risqué ladies and illicit lovers—would be certain scandal. That's why she must disguise
herself . .

Looking forward to a night of uninhibited pleasure, Lord Strange is shocked to discover that beneath the clothes of a no-good rake is the most beautiful woman in the room. Why is a woman like her risking her reputation at his notorious affair? And can he possibly entice her to stay . . . forever?

How do I say this delicately… I didn’t like it! The premises of the story was good, but I couldn’t into the main characters, I was more interested on what was going on with other storylines. It just wasn’t my thing…

I will keep with me longer and maybe I’ll try re-reading it in a few months. Not holding my breathe, though.

Duchess By Night by Eloisa James (2/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (7/2008); Series: # 3, Desperate Duchesses; 100 + Reading Challenge (29); July Book Blowout (5); try again later

Friday Fill-Ins # 80

Here are this week's Friday Fill-Ins questions:

1. Oh, I can't wait until I have a day to myself.

2. Milk is the first thing I see when I open my refrigerator.

3. I never leave home without my purse (I have my keys, cell phone, wallet, cheque book and a book).

4. If I were a condiment, I would be red pepper flakes because I like to spice things up.

5. Cell phones ringing during a movie is really high up on my list of pet peeves.

6. The last thing I thought of before I went to bed was I should have watered my plants.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to going out to dinner with my husband - it's date night, tomorrow my plans include S.' soccer tournament and Sunday, I want to nothing!

BTT - Doomsday

This week's Booking Through Thursday question is:

One of my favorite bookstores burned down last weekend, and while I only got to visit there while I was on vacation, it made me stop and think.

What would you do if, all of a sudden, your favorite source of books was unavailable?

Whether it’s a local book shop, your town library, or an internet shop … what would you do if, suddenly, they were out of business? Devastatingly, and with no warning? Where would you go for books instead? What would you do? If it was a local business you would try to help out the owners? Would you just calmly start buying from some other store? Visit the library in the next town instead? Would it be devastating? Or just a blip in your reading habit?

I tend to buy my books at one of our local Chapters/Indigo stores, and I also shop online at Amazon.ca and eHarlequin.

But most of the books I read come from the library. We have a great library. They have wonderful programs for both adults and children. And they're inter-library are very easy to do. If anything happened to the library, I would be devastated not only because of the books, but also the programs that they offer.

I probably would just have to buy more books online...I'm sure my husband would understand.

Debut Author

I love discovering new authors, so when I came across Olivia Parker‘s At The Bride Hunt Ball, with a Debut Author stamped on the cover, I couldn’t resist.

Here’s the blurb:

To Snare a Bride . . .

To Gabriel Devine, Duke of Wolverest, the bonds of marriage are nothing more than shackles. But if he's to remain a lifelong bachelor, that leaves only his younger brother to carry on the family name. Inviting the ton's most eligible ladies to an elegant ball, Gabriel is certain any one of them would be all too eager to become the next duchess and provide an heir—leaving Gabriel to continue his ecstatic pursuit of pleasure.

To Catch a Rogue . . .

Her social-climbing stepmother would give anything to have Madelyn Haywood betrothed to a future duke. But Madelyn believes the brothers Devine to be nothing more than heartless rogues—especially Gabriel, whose rakish reputation precedes him. He is nothing more than a slave to passion, and she will not be conquered by his caresses­—and yet his wicked ways tempt her so . . .

The first couple of thoughts that came to my head after I read the blurb was, it’s sounds so much like The Bachelor, and it’s different. And different it was…

Madelyn is a heroine after my own heart. Unconventional. She’s clumsy, doesn’t care for “social graces”, and cannot abide beautiful men. Especially the Devine men. Gabriel, is looking for a wife for his heir, his brother Tristan. He doesn’t want to marry, because he demands perfection and it’s ultimately impossible to find the perfect woman. There’s just one little glitch, Gabriel and Madelyn are attracted to each other, and the more the fight it, the more they end up in each others arms.

I loved the book. It was a great book to read during a sunny afternoon, on the deck with some iced tea. I was hooked from the first chapter, I didn’t want to put down the book. A little hard when I have two kids running around, but they kept themselves busy…They know not to bother mommy (unless it’s an emergency), when she’s so engrossed in a book. Plus, daddy was around…

Getting back to the book…I recommend it to anyone who is looking for something light, funny and sensual.

At The Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker (4/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (6/2008); Debut Author; 100 + Reading Challenge (28); July Book Blowout (4); Keeper shelf;

Will the real Duke please stand up?

I absolutely love Julia Quinn’s books, I have all the Bridgerton series and a few others of hers in my keeper shelf. It’s not a surprise that I’ve been looking forward to reading her latest, The Lost Duke of Wyndham.

Here’s the blurb:

Will the real Duke of Wyndham please stand up?

Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine... until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have...

I’ve had this book in my TBR for a while, yes I know that it’s a new release, but considering that I’ve waiting for the right time to read it…I’ve waited a long time…really I did.

As usual when we’re camping, I woke up early, and picked up a book…in this case it was The Lost Duke of Wyndham. I had a couple of hours of uninterrupted reading, and after I got the kids ready to go to the beach and I was able to finish it.

I enjoyed it! It’s one of those stories that just flow so easily. The characters were wonderful. I loved Jack’s sense humor, it was sly and witty. Jack and Grace’s love story was sweet and sensual, considering it was love at first sight/touch/smell…you get the idea. Thomas was likable and interesting (can’t wait until his book in September!). But the scene stealer in the book, was the Dowager Duchess, she was so mean and ornery, she was unbiased on who to annoy and ridicule.

Although I enjoyed the story, I can’t say that it was the author’s best work. But did it make me smile? Yes! Did it make me anticipate the next book? Yes!

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn (3.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (6/08); Series: # 1, Two Dukes of Wyndham; 100 + Reading Challenge (27); July Book Blowout(3); Keeper Shelf;